by Kendall O’Connor
Osama bin Laden is dead.
But the news of bin Laden’s death did not stop there, each day details his of life are being unveiled to the public.
And to everyone’s surprise, it wasn’t exactly what you would expect from the leader of a militant Islamist group.
Living in a mansion in an affluent Pakistani suburb with a collection of pornography is not what you would expect from a man who prides himself on his strict devotion to Islam.
Since bin Laden’s death it seems the groups he affiliated himself with have further distanced themselves from their oppressive beliefs.
The Taliban, which has strong ties with Al Qaeda, has also utilised Twitter, in order to spread propaganda and attract followers.
So far they have been tweeting not only in Pashto (used in Afghanistan and Pakistan) but also in English, which could suggest they are looking beyond the Middle East for support.
But this is highly hypocritical, as it comes from a group that once shunned technology due to their fundamentalist beliefs.
How can they gather more followers if they keeps ignoring their own core beliefs?
There is also the question of how relevant bin Laden was on the international scene before his death.
The occasional video decrying the actions of the West has lost its punch due to repetition and the fact that so few attacks have happened on Western soil.
Also, as seen in Tunisia and Egypt, people living under oppressive regimes need not turn to violent terrorist groups to initiate change, they have utilised the power of non-violent protests.
Bin Laden and his violent followers have no place in a world that is turning to social media to affect change- Peaceful Revolution? ‘Like.’
Thursday, 19 May 2011
Money and Votes
by Kendall O’Connor
It has long been known that money equals votes and there is no other country that shows this quite like America.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Michael Bloomberg and Barack Obama are classic examples of the fact that money can wield power and influence when it comes to polling time.
With President Obama planning to spend approximately one billion dollars on his 2012 campaign, this indicates that electoral spending shows no sign of decreasing.
But is all this extreme spending really worth it in the end?
It is highly likely that Arnie, Bloomberg and Obama would have succeeded in their campaigns if they spent a fraction amount of the money they had.
It is just as plausible that the personality traits we saw in speeches, interviews, public meetings and debates gave them the advantage over their opponents.
A study conducted by acclaimed economist Stephen Levitt shows two interesting facts.
First, that no matter how much money a highly unpopular candidate raises, they will inevitably still lose.
Secondly, front-runners can still win by spending less, and even if they have accumulated a significant amount of wealth for the campaign, they only use it when threatened by another candidate.
Looking back at the 2010 mid term elections, businesswoman Meg Whitman spent a record amount of her own personal wealth ($163 million) to gain a republican seat in the state of California.
However, she lost to Democrat Jerry Brown, who spent less than half of what Whitman spent. Approximately $25 million was utilised to support his campaign, while over $31 million was contributed by independent groups.
Furthermore, there is now the gift of social media and other networking platforms. This allows politicians to have their views presented at a minimal cost to a large audience, particularly among the younger voters.
At the end of the day, it is the personality of a candidate that wins the election, and this is something that money cannot buy.
It has long been known that money equals votes and there is no other country that shows this quite like America.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Michael Bloomberg and Barack Obama are classic examples of the fact that money can wield power and influence when it comes to polling time.
With President Obama planning to spend approximately one billion dollars on his 2012 campaign, this indicates that electoral spending shows no sign of decreasing.
But is all this extreme spending really worth it in the end?
It is highly likely that Arnie, Bloomberg and Obama would have succeeded in their campaigns if they spent a fraction amount of the money they had.
It is just as plausible that the personality traits we saw in speeches, interviews, public meetings and debates gave them the advantage over their opponents.
A study conducted by acclaimed economist Stephen Levitt shows two interesting facts.
First, that no matter how much money a highly unpopular candidate raises, they will inevitably still lose.
Secondly, front-runners can still win by spending less, and even if they have accumulated a significant amount of wealth for the campaign, they only use it when threatened by another candidate.
Looking back at the 2010 mid term elections, businesswoman Meg Whitman spent a record amount of her own personal wealth ($163 million) to gain a republican seat in the state of California.
However, she lost to Democrat Jerry Brown, who spent less than half of what Whitman spent. Approximately $25 million was utilised to support his campaign, while over $31 million was contributed by independent groups.
Furthermore, there is now the gift of social media and other networking platforms. This allows politicians to have their views presented at a minimal cost to a large audience, particularly among the younger voters.
At the end of the day, it is the personality of a candidate that wins the election, and this is something that money cannot buy.
Concern for Carnaby Cockatoos
by Ellen O'Brien 24 March, 2011
The City of Stirling is starting a conservation project that aims to raise the population of the Carnaby Cockatoo.
Jess Bridge, Environmental Officer, initiated the project in February and is calling on local volunteers to help her collect data in the Stirling Area.
Miss Bridge already has regional data from Birds Australia and The WA Museum, but says she needs to hone in on specific sites.
Volunteers need to record the time of the sighting, the location and the activity of the birds, all of which will help Miss Bridge carry out improvements to foraging and breeding habitats.
“I’m trying to fill in the gaps by getting the community involved and getting their observations.
"Once I get all the data back from this, I’ll be prioritising sites based on Carnaby behaviour,” said Miss Bridge.
Miss Bridge needs the data to be as specific as possible.
“It’s no good someone telling me ‘I saw a Carnaby in the reserve'. Where in the reserve? I need to know what the vegetation type was, what the tree species was, down to that sort of detail,” said Miss Bridge.
Miss Bridge will be collecting data until the end of April, when the Carnaby Cockatoos return to the wheat belt region to breed.
“This is prime time- when they’re feeding in the Perth area,” said Miss Bridge.
The decline of the Carnaby Cockatoo is largely due to loss of habitat, and in the Perth area lots of vegetation is being lost to residential development.
“That’s going to result in more decline in the species, but we are hoping to maintain what we have, and maybe boost numbers over time,” said Miss Bridge.
Clearing in the wheat belt region has made it difficult for Carnaby Cockatoos to reproduce.
“Carnabys are special- they need to have suitable foraging habitat within one kilometre of where they breed.
“Obviously that is not the case in the wheat belt, so we are noticing the population declining as a result of no younger individuals coming through,” said Miss Bridge.
Ted Hardey, a North Beach resident for more than 70 years, has noticed a marked decline in Carnaby numbers.
“When we first moved out here there weren’t many houses, behind us there was only bush and dairy farms.
“They’d come in droves, and you could hear them squawking their heads off down in Star Swamp.
“The only place you see them now is up at Yanchep, and very occasionally I see one or two fly across the intersection of North Beach Road and Marmion Avenue.”
“There are historical records of the birds being in flocks that cover the sun,” said Miss Bridge.
Since those days the population has plummeted.
“The numbers are going down big time,” said Miss Bridge.
“To be considered an endangered population the numbers need to have declined by 50 per cent in 49 years.
"Now you only see flocks of 50 to 100, and sometimes you just see the three flying together,” said Miss Bridge.
The City of Stirling is starting a conservation project that aims to raise the population of the Carnaby Cockatoo.
Jess Bridge, Environmental Officer, initiated the project in February and is calling on local volunteers to help her collect data in the Stirling Area.
Miss Bridge already has regional data from Birds Australia and The WA Museum, but says she needs to hone in on specific sites.
Volunteers need to record the time of the sighting, the location and the activity of the birds, all of which will help Miss Bridge carry out improvements to foraging and breeding habitats.
“I’m trying to fill in the gaps by getting the community involved and getting their observations.
"Once I get all the data back from this, I’ll be prioritising sites based on Carnaby behaviour,” said Miss Bridge.
Miss Bridge needs the data to be as specific as possible.
“It’s no good someone telling me ‘I saw a Carnaby in the reserve'. Where in the reserve? I need to know what the vegetation type was, what the tree species was, down to that sort of detail,” said Miss Bridge.
Miss Bridge will be collecting data until the end of April, when the Carnaby Cockatoos return to the wheat belt region to breed.
“This is prime time- when they’re feeding in the Perth area,” said Miss Bridge.
The decline of the Carnaby Cockatoo is largely due to loss of habitat, and in the Perth area lots of vegetation is being lost to residential development.
“That’s going to result in more decline in the species, but we are hoping to maintain what we have, and maybe boost numbers over time,” said Miss Bridge.
Clearing in the wheat belt region has made it difficult for Carnaby Cockatoos to reproduce.
“Carnabys are special- they need to have suitable foraging habitat within one kilometre of where they breed.
“Obviously that is not the case in the wheat belt, so we are noticing the population declining as a result of no younger individuals coming through,” said Miss Bridge.
Ted Hardey, a North Beach resident for more than 70 years, has noticed a marked decline in Carnaby numbers.
“When we first moved out here there weren’t many houses, behind us there was only bush and dairy farms.
“They’d come in droves, and you could hear them squawking their heads off down in Star Swamp.
“The only place you see them now is up at Yanchep, and very occasionally I see one or two fly across the intersection of North Beach Road and Marmion Avenue.”
“There are historical records of the birds being in flocks that cover the sun,” said Miss Bridge.
Since those days the population has plummeted.
“The numbers are going down big time,” said Miss Bridge.
“To be considered an endangered population the numbers need to have declined by 50 per cent in 49 years.
"Now you only see flocks of 50 to 100, and sometimes you just see the three flying together,” said Miss Bridge.
Sass and Bide swap teams
by Amy Altamura: 7 May, 2011
The department store Myer, has signed a new partnership with Sass & Bide designers’, Sarah-Jane Clarke and Heidi Middleton, for $42.25 million bidding higher than rival department store, David Jones.
The deal gives Myer a significant 65 percent stake in the label, allowing them to claim exclusive rights.
Fashion Team Leader at Myer Garden City, Kirsten Dyson, said that a dramatic increase in fashion sales and a new look with ‘exclusive stand-alone’ brands, are just some of many predicted benefits to come from Sass & Bide.
“Myer hopes to gain more market share in the industry by including Sass & Bide in their regular markdown sales,” said Mrs. Dyson.
Myer customer, Kelly Thomson, said that although regular customers will continue to shop at Myer, this move would also attract a crowd with a different sense of style then that of the usual Myer customer.
“Sass & Bide has a certain ‘cult status’, which draws people in,” she said.
Over the past two years Sass & Bide sales grew by 50 percent, reaching $37 million last year.
“This will definitely make Myer a more challenging competitor, although David Jones says the brand will be replaced, regular Sass & Bide customers will now purchase from our store if they cannot easily access it at David Jones,” said Mrs. Dyson.
Miss. Thomson, who does not like online shopping due to the high chance of wrong fit and sizing, said she used to shop at David Jones for Sass & Bide clothing.
“I am happy that I can now gain more ‘Myer One’ points and receive better customer service on the brand I love, in comparison to David Jones,” she said.
Other brands acquired by Myer, such as Charlie Brown, hope to relish in the Sass & Bide success of attracting more loyal customers.
“At Charlie Brown we have discovered that ‘loyal Myer One customers’ will always come back for more, which is a very positive attraction for a brand to join Myer,” said Charlie Brown Manager at Myer Garden City, Lara Parry.
The department store Myer, has signed a new partnership with Sass & Bide designers’, Sarah-Jane Clarke and Heidi Middleton, for $42.25 million bidding higher than rival department store, David Jones.
The deal gives Myer a significant 65 percent stake in the label, allowing them to claim exclusive rights.
Fashion Team Leader at Myer Garden City, Kirsten Dyson, said that a dramatic increase in fashion sales and a new look with ‘exclusive stand-alone’ brands, are just some of many predicted benefits to come from Sass & Bide.
“Myer hopes to gain more market share in the industry by including Sass & Bide in their regular markdown sales,” said Mrs. Dyson.
Myer customer, Kelly Thomson, said that although regular customers will continue to shop at Myer, this move would also attract a crowd with a different sense of style then that of the usual Myer customer.
“Sass & Bide has a certain ‘cult status’, which draws people in,” she said.
Over the past two years Sass & Bide sales grew by 50 percent, reaching $37 million last year.
“This will definitely make Myer a more challenging competitor, although David Jones says the brand will be replaced, regular Sass & Bide customers will now purchase from our store if they cannot easily access it at David Jones,” said Mrs. Dyson.
Miss. Thomson, who does not like online shopping due to the high chance of wrong fit and sizing, said she used to shop at David Jones for Sass & Bide clothing.
“I am happy that I can now gain more ‘Myer One’ points and receive better customer service on the brand I love, in comparison to David Jones,” she said.
Other brands acquired by Myer, such as Charlie Brown, hope to relish in the Sass & Bide success of attracting more loyal customers.
“At Charlie Brown we have discovered that ‘loyal Myer One customers’ will always come back for more, which is a very positive attraction for a brand to join Myer,” said Charlie Brown Manager at Myer Garden City, Lara Parry.
72-string player wins DJ contest
by Jayden McDonald 13 May, 2011
A 23-year-old Iranian university student has won the first Murdoch Electronic Music Society Disc Jockey competition using a traditional Iranian instrument.
Sobhan Esfahani used a Santur during his 45 minute set last Friday at Murdoch Tavern.
Santur, which means 100 strings in Persian, is a 72-string hammered instrument.
Three judges chose Mr Esfahani as the winner out of the final five contestants.
The three judges consisted of two disc jockeys from the popular radio website, Sub.FM and a local event organiser who has experience working with many international acts.
Mr Esfahani was taught the Santur by his father who also played the Santur when he was young.
“Besides the Santur, I’ve been disc jockeying for four years now and interested in music since my father taught me how to play the Santur,” he said.
Event organiser, Patrick Hay, a Murdoch university student, said he was very impressed with how smoothly the event ran and did not have to deal with any issues throughout the day.
“The Murdoch Electronic Music Society Disc Jockey competition’s first place prize includes a DJ set at a Northbridge nightclub which matches their genre,” said Mr Hay.
“Murdoch Electronic Music Society is in the process of arranging a suitable club night, we will do our best to connect him with a night that suits him and he will obviously have the choice to play or not play.”
“I have not really thought much about it but I want to play at Ambar nightclub in Perth,” said Mr Esfahani.
Ambar nightclub is considered one of Australia’s best nightclubs after being the only Australian nightclub in DJMag’s Top 100 Clubs.
Mr Hay said the Murdoch Electronic Music Society has more events planned for the second semester of this year.
“We are planning to host another one next semester and more than likely it will become a second semester event as the National Campus Disc Jockey Competition is held then so we would like to enter Sobhan into that.”
The National Campus Disc Jockey Competition involves over 40 universities and TAFE student unions throughout Australia.
Disc jockeys will be given 10 minutes to perform during this competition, which takes place in September.
The winner of the competition will be given a $500 voucher from DJ Warehouse.
A 23-year-old Iranian university student has won the first Murdoch Electronic Music Society Disc Jockey competition using a traditional Iranian instrument.
Sobhan Esfahani used a Santur during his 45 minute set last Friday at Murdoch Tavern.
Santur, which means 100 strings in Persian, is a 72-string hammered instrument.
Three judges chose Mr Esfahani as the winner out of the final five contestants.
The three judges consisted of two disc jockeys from the popular radio website, Sub.FM and a local event organiser who has experience working with many international acts.
Mr Esfahani was taught the Santur by his father who also played the Santur when he was young.
“Besides the Santur, I’ve been disc jockeying for four years now and interested in music since my father taught me how to play the Santur,” he said.
Event organiser, Patrick Hay, a Murdoch university student, said he was very impressed with how smoothly the event ran and did not have to deal with any issues throughout the day.
“The Murdoch Electronic Music Society Disc Jockey competition’s first place prize includes a DJ set at a Northbridge nightclub which matches their genre,” said Mr Hay.
“Murdoch Electronic Music Society is in the process of arranging a suitable club night, we will do our best to connect him with a night that suits him and he will obviously have the choice to play or not play.”
“I have not really thought much about it but I want to play at Ambar nightclub in Perth,” said Mr Esfahani.
Ambar nightclub is considered one of Australia’s best nightclubs after being the only Australian nightclub in DJMag’s Top 100 Clubs.
Mr Hay said the Murdoch Electronic Music Society has more events planned for the second semester of this year.
“We are planning to host another one next semester and more than likely it will become a second semester event as the National Campus Disc Jockey Competition is held then so we would like to enter Sobhan into that.”
The National Campus Disc Jockey Competition involves over 40 universities and TAFE student unions throughout Australia.
Disc jockeys will be given 10 minutes to perform during this competition, which takes place in September.
The winner of the competition will be given a $500 voucher from DJ Warehouse.
'Fathers and sons' night draws praise
by Chau Ho 16 April, 2011
Seventy-five dads and their children from Holy Rosary Primary School, Woodlands, spent a night camping on the playing field of the school last night.
The principal, Darryl Winsor, said that this event named “Dads and Kids Camp Out” encouraged dads’ involvement in their children’s education.
“We all gather together, spend time with the children, play a little bit of football or cricket or whatever they want, then set up the tents, and share dinner,” Mr Winsor said.
"We then put on movies for the kids, and when that is over, the children go to beds, dads can sit around and talk for a while,” he said.
Mothers didn’t take part in this event.
“Traditionally, dads are not as involved as moms in school from day to day with their children’s education.
“It’s a way to get dads involved and to build the community.
“They enjoy each others’ company, too,” said the principal.
Mr Winsor said that the event last night was unique to his school.
“It was unique to my last school.
“I brought the idea here. Now there are two schools doing it.
“And I have spoken to another principal who ran it for the first time last year as well,” said Mr Winsor.
Simon Dima, father of four-year-Joseph, said the evening was fantastic.
"The idea is to become socialised, to have a night away from home and to help kids become more independent as they are growing up,” Mr Dima said.
Another father, John Della, said the event is not for mothers because during the week mothers come to a lot of school functions, to attend assembles and so on.
“The camping night is held at the weekend so that the fathers can come, see the school and see all the other fathers as well.
“It’s good for kids to have fun and to meet up with friends outside school time,” Mr Della said.
“We’ve been playing a game, Zombie, and we’re trying to get the Zombie," said Joseph.
“But then Lucas went out and Zombie goes into the zoo, but then there is a word and it says ‘Eat!’, so the Zombie is eating the house,” Joseph said.
This event has been an annual activity for three years since Mr Winsor came to the school.
Seventy-five dads and their children from Holy Rosary Primary School, Woodlands, spent a night camping on the playing field of the school last night.
The principal, Darryl Winsor, said that this event named “Dads and Kids Camp Out” encouraged dads’ involvement in their children’s education.
“We all gather together, spend time with the children, play a little bit of football or cricket or whatever they want, then set up the tents, and share dinner,” Mr Winsor said.
"We then put on movies for the kids, and when that is over, the children go to beds, dads can sit around and talk for a while,” he said.
Mothers didn’t take part in this event.
“Traditionally, dads are not as involved as moms in school from day to day with their children’s education.
“It’s a way to get dads involved and to build the community.
“They enjoy each others’ company, too,” said the principal.
Mr Winsor said that the event last night was unique to his school.
“It was unique to my last school.
“I brought the idea here. Now there are two schools doing it.
“And I have spoken to another principal who ran it for the first time last year as well,” said Mr Winsor.
Simon Dima, father of four-year-Joseph, said the evening was fantastic.
"The idea is to become socialised, to have a night away from home and to help kids become more independent as they are growing up,” Mr Dima said.
Another father, John Della, said the event is not for mothers because during the week mothers come to a lot of school functions, to attend assembles and so on.
“The camping night is held at the weekend so that the fathers can come, see the school and see all the other fathers as well.
“It’s good for kids to have fun and to meet up with friends outside school time,” Mr Della said.
“We’ve been playing a game, Zombie, and we’re trying to get the Zombie," said Joseph.
“But then Lucas went out and Zombie goes into the zoo, but then there is a word and it says ‘Eat!’, so the Zombie is eating the house,” Joseph said.
This event has been an annual activity for three years since Mr Winsor came to the school.
Big Blue Army pushes for marine conservation promise
by Bridget Thwaites 5 May, 2011
The 20,000-strong Big Blue Army is challenging the federal government to fulfill a 2010 election promises to conserve Western Australia’s southwest marine life.
The purpose of the Big Blue Army is to make sure the government carries out its promise to designate areas for bioregional marine planning in coastal regions across Australia.
The Big Blue Army’s campaign has been running for three years and is supported by Save Our Marine Life, an alliance of Australian and international conservation groups that have come together to seek the establishment of large marine sanctuaries.
“We should see some drafts for new marine sanctuaries in a few weeks time,” said Tim Nicol from The Conservation Council of Western Australia.
Currently less than one percent of W.A.’s marine life is protected.
The southwest region extends from the Eucla to Kalbarri with up to 90 percent of species unique to Western Australia.
“We are aiming to get a network of marine sanctuaries over about 1.4 million square kilometres which recognises the level of unique marine life in the area and shows that the southwest region is just as important as more well known sites such as Ningaloo or the Great Barrier Reef,” said Mr. Nicol.
Not everyone agrees with the proposal for marine sanctuaries.
“I think that fishing is becoming harder to enjoy with so many restrictions in place and a marine sanctuary would just be another issue for fishermen like me to deal with,” said recreational fisherman Mark Westlake.
“This is great, the more marine sanctuaries the better because they will help with the preservation of our precious marine life as well encourage tourism in the southwest region,” said supporter Isabella Borshoff.
A report released in 2009 by Save Our Marine Life, showed that 75 per cent of West Australians thought that a lack of conservation and marine sanctuaries could lead to local fish populations becoming endangered.
Tony Burke, the federal Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communications, proposed bioregional planning for five marine regions around Australia in the 2010 elections.
The marine regions include the southeast region, southwest region, northwest region and the north region.
The 20,000-strong Big Blue Army is challenging the federal government to fulfill a 2010 election promises to conserve Western Australia’s southwest marine life.
The purpose of the Big Blue Army is to make sure the government carries out its promise to designate areas for bioregional marine planning in coastal regions across Australia.
The Big Blue Army’s campaign has been running for three years and is supported by Save Our Marine Life, an alliance of Australian and international conservation groups that have come together to seek the establishment of large marine sanctuaries.
“We should see some drafts for new marine sanctuaries in a few weeks time,” said Tim Nicol from The Conservation Council of Western Australia.
Currently less than one percent of W.A.’s marine life is protected.
The southwest region extends from the Eucla to Kalbarri with up to 90 percent of species unique to Western Australia.
“We are aiming to get a network of marine sanctuaries over about 1.4 million square kilometres which recognises the level of unique marine life in the area and shows that the southwest region is just as important as more well known sites such as Ningaloo or the Great Barrier Reef,” said Mr. Nicol.
Not everyone agrees with the proposal for marine sanctuaries.
“I think that fishing is becoming harder to enjoy with so many restrictions in place and a marine sanctuary would just be another issue for fishermen like me to deal with,” said recreational fisherman Mark Westlake.
“This is great, the more marine sanctuaries the better because they will help with the preservation of our precious marine life as well encourage tourism in the southwest region,” said supporter Isabella Borshoff.
A report released in 2009 by Save Our Marine Life, showed that 75 per cent of West Australians thought that a lack of conservation and marine sanctuaries could lead to local fish populations becoming endangered.
Tony Burke, the federal Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communications, proposed bioregional planning for five marine regions around Australia in the 2010 elections.
The marine regions include the southeast region, southwest region, northwest region and the north region.
East Fremantle sacks head coach David Johnson
by Craig Smith 11, May 2011
David Johnson has been sacked as head coach at Fremantle CBC Football club.
The move comes after a winless opening month for the club’s top side, and rumours of an apparent rift between the senior playing group and the coach.
The decision to move Mr Johnson on, was made following the side’s 72 point loss to University Football club on Saturday.
The news was to be made official to the playing group before Tuesday’s training session.
However the information was leaked and posted on a popular football gossip website putting the club in an embarrassing position.
“It was pretty ugly, the way that it was handled," said vice-captain Aiden Vinci.
“You never like to see anybody go through something like that. (Mr Johnson) was pretty shattered.
"At the end of the day we are ready to move forward as a club and looking forward to the game on Saturday," he said.
“The playing group supports the committee’s decision to move the coach on," said Vinci.
“Whether there was or wasn’t a rift between us, the decision has been made and now we move on from here."
Luke Preston, a committee member of Fremantle CBC, declined to comment on the sacking of Mr Johnson.
Life member, former player and favourite son, Clint Testa has been appointed as the new senior coach.
“He knows a lot about the game, connects well with his players, and is one of the most passionate people you will ever meet," said former East Fremantle player, Sean Holland.
“He has coached the Colts to three grand finals in six years, a record which speaks for itself," said Mr Holland.
Fremantle CBC is currently sitting last on the premiership ladder with no wins.
The club faces the prospect of being demoted to B grade next year, unless they can pull themselves out of the bottom two positions.
They take on the ninth placed Wesley Curtin this Saturday at Morris Buzzacott Oval.
David Johnson has been sacked as head coach at Fremantle CBC Football club.
The move comes after a winless opening month for the club’s top side, and rumours of an apparent rift between the senior playing group and the coach.
The decision to move Mr Johnson on, was made following the side’s 72 point loss to University Football club on Saturday.
The news was to be made official to the playing group before Tuesday’s training session.
However the information was leaked and posted on a popular football gossip website putting the club in an embarrassing position.
“It was pretty ugly, the way that it was handled," said vice-captain Aiden Vinci.
“You never like to see anybody go through something like that. (Mr Johnson) was pretty shattered.
"At the end of the day we are ready to move forward as a club and looking forward to the game on Saturday," he said.
“The playing group supports the committee’s decision to move the coach on," said Vinci.
“Whether there was or wasn’t a rift between us, the decision has been made and now we move on from here."
Luke Preston, a committee member of Fremantle CBC, declined to comment on the sacking of Mr Johnson.
Life member, former player and favourite son, Clint Testa has been appointed as the new senior coach.
“He knows a lot about the game, connects well with his players, and is one of the most passionate people you will ever meet," said former East Fremantle player, Sean Holland.
“He has coached the Colts to three grand finals in six years, a record which speaks for itself," said Mr Holland.
Fremantle CBC is currently sitting last on the premiership ladder with no wins.
The club faces the prospect of being demoted to B grade next year, unless they can pull themselves out of the bottom two positions.
They take on the ninth placed Wesley Curtin this Saturday at Morris Buzzacott Oval.
'Local' Royal wedding raises $50,000
by Jacqueline Alliss 11 May, 2011
Breast Cancer Care of Western Australia raised $50,000 at Perth’s Biggest Royal Wedding event on Friday 29th April.
Over 400 guests had the best of both worlds at the Government House Ballroom, watching the Royal Wedding and the AFL game on two large screens.
Organiser of the event, Karen Wardrop, said she wanted to raise funds to make a difference to the lives of women in Western Australia going through breast cancer treatment.
“This event will go hand in hand with our co-organiser, Sherree Blackley, who will be walking the Kokoda Trail on June six with 12 other Perth women, like Ten newsreader Narelda Jacobs where they will be raising funds for the Breast Cancer Care of WA,” said Mrs Wardrop.
“I am a double breast cancer survivor, I enjoy fundraising so this was the perfect opportunity to put it all together,” she said.
The Governor of Western Australia, Ken Michael, opened the doors at the beginning of the evening to greet all guests.
Guests included Ten newsreader Narelda Jacobs, My Kitchen Rules contestants Daniel Pirone and Stefania Muscara and Nine presenter Pip O’Connell.
Guests also watched a performance by Sally Spectacular, a live auction and a fashion parade.
“The entertainment provided by this organisation and the viewing of the Royal Wedding were up to exceptional standards,” said guest Mrs Bianca Tabbakh.
“It almost felt as though we were at a real wedding,” she said.
“It was fantastic to see so many people and sponsors come together to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Care campaign.
“The night was really popular with the ladies but the organisers did well by catering for those who did not want to miss out on the AFL so they screen the footy live.
“My husband was thrilled that they screened the AFL game,” she said.
“The night was a great success as we had plenty of sponsors who were committed to assisting us, we also ensured that we had the best possible caterers, security and responsibly served alcohol,” said Mrs Wardrop.
The “success” of the night was raising just over $50,000 for Breast Cancer Care WA.
The organisers were “over the moon” as their fundraising goal was $20,000.
Breast Cancer Care of Western Australia raised $50,000 at Perth’s Biggest Royal Wedding event on Friday 29th April.
Over 400 guests had the best of both worlds at the Government House Ballroom, watching the Royal Wedding and the AFL game on two large screens.
Organiser of the event, Karen Wardrop, said she wanted to raise funds to make a difference to the lives of women in Western Australia going through breast cancer treatment.
“This event will go hand in hand with our co-organiser, Sherree Blackley, who will be walking the Kokoda Trail on June six with 12 other Perth women, like Ten newsreader Narelda Jacobs where they will be raising funds for the Breast Cancer Care of WA,” said Mrs Wardrop.
“I am a double breast cancer survivor, I enjoy fundraising so this was the perfect opportunity to put it all together,” she said.
The Governor of Western Australia, Ken Michael, opened the doors at the beginning of the evening to greet all guests.
Guests included Ten newsreader Narelda Jacobs, My Kitchen Rules contestants Daniel Pirone and Stefania Muscara and Nine presenter Pip O’Connell.
Guests also watched a performance by Sally Spectacular, a live auction and a fashion parade.
“The entertainment provided by this organisation and the viewing of the Royal Wedding were up to exceptional standards,” said guest Mrs Bianca Tabbakh.
“It almost felt as though we were at a real wedding,” she said.
“It was fantastic to see so many people and sponsors come together to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Care campaign.
“The night was really popular with the ladies but the organisers did well by catering for those who did not want to miss out on the AFL so they screen the footy live.
“My husband was thrilled that they screened the AFL game,” she said.
“The night was a great success as we had plenty of sponsors who were committed to assisting us, we also ensured that we had the best possible caterers, security and responsibly served alcohol,” said Mrs Wardrop.
The “success” of the night was raising just over $50,000 for Breast Cancer Care WA.
The organisers were “over the moon” as their fundraising goal was $20,000.
Dicky knee ends Graham's South Freo playing year
by Joel Agland 6 May, 2011
A severe knee injury sustained by South Fremantle Football Club captain Jaymie Graham, has ended his 2011 season and has the potential to end his career.
Graham was involved in a front on collision with Subiaco player Danny Hughes, which resulted in Graham’s kneecap dislocating from the weight of the impact, causing his ensuing ligaments around his knee to be damaged.
He was stretchered from the ground, before being taken to Fremantle Hospital for treatment by ambulance.
Graham has played 105 games for South Fremantle and enjoyed a three year period in the AFL for the West Coast Eagles, from 2005-2008, playing 37 games and kicking 13 goals.
Graham relinquished his AFL career by quitting the Eagles in 2009 to dedicate more time to looking after his younger sister Candy, who at the time was in foster care.
“The severity of Jaymie’s knee injury is going to have a major impact on every aspect of his life from work, uni, footy and of course his family life," said close friend and South Fremantle teammate Mathew Leece.
Graham was released from Fremantle hospital on Tuesday and will undergo a full knee reconstruction on Friday.
“We’ve been told Jaymie will be out for a minimum of 18 months and won’t be able to begin his recovery for a couple of weeks until the swelling goes down, but he wants to return footy again and also wants to lead the club next year,” said Leece.
Graham will stay involved with the South Fremantle Football Club by helping out in a coaching role after he begins his recovery.
Hi knee injury was broadcast on Channel One on the program The Fifth Quarter, with host Andrew Maher describing the injury as the worst he has seen on a football field.
“When it happened I didn’t think too much of it, but when I saw the replays after the game, I was horrified and devastated for him” said Subiaco midfielder Jason Bristow.
“I spoke to Danny about it after and he didn’t realise how bad it was until after as well, it’s just one of those things you hate to see in football,” said Bristow
The South Fremantle Football Club is keeping friends, teammates and fans updated with the latest news on Jaymie Graham’s injury on their website.
A severe knee injury sustained by South Fremantle Football Club captain Jaymie Graham, has ended his 2011 season and has the potential to end his career.
Graham was involved in a front on collision with Subiaco player Danny Hughes, which resulted in Graham’s kneecap dislocating from the weight of the impact, causing his ensuing ligaments around his knee to be damaged.
He was stretchered from the ground, before being taken to Fremantle Hospital for treatment by ambulance.
Graham has played 105 games for South Fremantle and enjoyed a three year period in the AFL for the West Coast Eagles, from 2005-2008, playing 37 games and kicking 13 goals.
Graham relinquished his AFL career by quitting the Eagles in 2009 to dedicate more time to looking after his younger sister Candy, who at the time was in foster care.
“The severity of Jaymie’s knee injury is going to have a major impact on every aspect of his life from work, uni, footy and of course his family life," said close friend and South Fremantle teammate Mathew Leece.
Graham was released from Fremantle hospital on Tuesday and will undergo a full knee reconstruction on Friday.
“We’ve been told Jaymie will be out for a minimum of 18 months and won’t be able to begin his recovery for a couple of weeks until the swelling goes down, but he wants to return footy again and also wants to lead the club next year,” said Leece.
Graham will stay involved with the South Fremantle Football Club by helping out in a coaching role after he begins his recovery.
Hi knee injury was broadcast on Channel One on the program The Fifth Quarter, with host Andrew Maher describing the injury as the worst he has seen on a football field.
“When it happened I didn’t think too much of it, but when I saw the replays after the game, I was horrified and devastated for him” said Subiaco midfielder Jason Bristow.
“I spoke to Danny about it after and he didn’t realise how bad it was until after as well, it’s just one of those things you hate to see in football,” said Bristow
The South Fremantle Football Club is keeping friends, teammates and fans updated with the latest news on Jaymie Graham’s injury on their website.
Pub powerless despite $5m rebuild
by Julie Newman 12 May 2011
The Byford Tavern south east of Perth, has been told that their power allocation is no longer available after spending $5 million to rebuild damage caused by an electrical fire 10 months ago.
“We could not have the same power allocation as it has been used up by new development and the area now needs a new transformer,” said owner Trevor Holgate.
“Half of our power is provided by a generator which kept cutting out and it has caused us problems.
“I don’t know how long we have to wait for a transformer. Western Power will not give a date,” said Mr Holgate.
Western Power failed to provide a response by the time of going to print.
The July, 2010 fire was caused by an electrical fault in the TAB bar and completed gutted the building.
Valuable sporting memorabilia displays and personal jewellery were also lost in the fire.
The Byford Tavern is now fully operational but faulty power only adds to the expected problems of new equipment, new staff and new menus.
“Basically it is going well, but some people are very unforgiving.
“They think it should all be the way it was, but it doesn’t work like that straight away,” said Mr Holgate.
The faulty generator has been replaced but the power cuts caused problems for the staff when lights and refrigeration kept cutting out.
“It seems unfair that the power company allocated our share of power to the new developments in the area when they knew we would need it,” said manager, Kira Hall.
Ms Hall was enthusiastic about the first week of trading as there was concern that it would take time to rebuild clientele.
Ms Hall explained that the new facility is working well but said it was not without teething problems.
After the fire, staff were left without employment and most found long term employment elsewhere.
“Only five of us could come back and we need to see if the staff we have trained up will cut it,” said Ms Hall.
“We are really surprised how busy we are so soon and it is a big ask for new staff,” said Ms Hall.
Locals have missed the facilities offered of three bars, bottle shop, restaurant, dining room, al-fresco dining room, function room and TAB.
Local identity, Bill Evans was devastated when he heard his local had burnt down as it was his “second home”.
“It was a big shock, just terrible.
“It’s great to be back with my mates but they seem to have got death adders in their pockets,” said Mr Evans referring to who should be shouting the next round.
The Byford Tavern south east of Perth, has been told that their power allocation is no longer available after spending $5 million to rebuild damage caused by an electrical fire 10 months ago.
“We could not have the same power allocation as it has been used up by new development and the area now needs a new transformer,” said owner Trevor Holgate.
“Half of our power is provided by a generator which kept cutting out and it has caused us problems.
“I don’t know how long we have to wait for a transformer. Western Power will not give a date,” said Mr Holgate.
Western Power failed to provide a response by the time of going to print.
The July, 2010 fire was caused by an electrical fault in the TAB bar and completed gutted the building.
Valuable sporting memorabilia displays and personal jewellery were also lost in the fire.
The Byford Tavern is now fully operational but faulty power only adds to the expected problems of new equipment, new staff and new menus.
“Basically it is going well, but some people are very unforgiving.
“They think it should all be the way it was, but it doesn’t work like that straight away,” said Mr Holgate.
The faulty generator has been replaced but the power cuts caused problems for the staff when lights and refrigeration kept cutting out.
“It seems unfair that the power company allocated our share of power to the new developments in the area when they knew we would need it,” said manager, Kira Hall.
Ms Hall was enthusiastic about the first week of trading as there was concern that it would take time to rebuild clientele.
Ms Hall explained that the new facility is working well but said it was not without teething problems.
After the fire, staff were left without employment and most found long term employment elsewhere.
“Only five of us could come back and we need to see if the staff we have trained up will cut it,” said Ms Hall.
“We are really surprised how busy we are so soon and it is a big ask for new staff,” said Ms Hall.
Locals have missed the facilities offered of three bars, bottle shop, restaurant, dining room, al-fresco dining room, function room and TAB.
Local identity, Bill Evans was devastated when he heard his local had burnt down as it was his “second home”.
“It was a big shock, just terrible.
“It’s great to be back with my mates but they seem to have got death adders in their pockets,” said Mr Evans referring to who should be shouting the next round.
Carers await fair pay case decision
by Liam Pack, 10 May 2011
The Australian Service Union (ASU) along with four other unions, have wrapped up their submissions to Fair Work Australia regarding pay equity and are now awaiting a decision.
The hearings were for carers in the social, community and disability sectors.
ASU branch secretary, Pat Branson sayss if the case is won it will result in a pay increase of 17 to 37 percent for Western Australia (WA) carers.
“The pay rise will be funded by the government and hopefully provide a huge boost to carer retention in WA,” she said.
The case relies on provisions under the Fair Work Act and is the first case to run under the new industrial relations laws.
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry claimed the pay rise will cost Australia eight billion dollars annually, creating less jobs and leading to “uneatable leap frogging”.
Ms Branson hit back at the claims.
“They’re probably right,” she said.
“However it just proves that carers have been underpaid for so long.
“What they do not say is who is going to provide these services if we don’t,” Ms Branson said.
Under the Western Australia Minimum Conditions Act 1993, full time carers can be placed on a minimum of $15.45 per hour and are not entitled to overtime.
Perth aged carer, Emma Depane, was shocked to hear how low some carers are getting paid in WA.
“Right now I am on $17 an hour and feel lucky that I am on that much.
“If the hearing is successful the extra money will help carers combat Western Australia’s continued rise in cost of living,” she said.
The Australian Treasury Department highlighted the problem of a booming resource sector, leading to a two speed economy and contributing to Western Australia’s high cost of living.
“The government have to realise that not everyone in this state work on the mines,” Ms Depane said.
Ms Branson has no doubt that the union will win its case with Fair Work but continues to be frustrated by the lack of support shown by the state government.
“The government will only do something if they think it is electorally sexy, or if they are forced to do it,” she said.
“Our state government seems to think there are wonderful women who will do this for little money.
“However, being kind doesn’t pay your mortgage,” she said.
FWA will announce the case findings and their decision on June 30 this year.
The Australian Service Union (ASU) along with four other unions, have wrapped up their submissions to Fair Work Australia regarding pay equity and are now awaiting a decision.
The hearings were for carers in the social, community and disability sectors.
ASU branch secretary, Pat Branson sayss if the case is won it will result in a pay increase of 17 to 37 percent for Western Australia (WA) carers.
“The pay rise will be funded by the government and hopefully provide a huge boost to carer retention in WA,” she said.
The case relies on provisions under the Fair Work Act and is the first case to run under the new industrial relations laws.
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry claimed the pay rise will cost Australia eight billion dollars annually, creating less jobs and leading to “uneatable leap frogging”.
Ms Branson hit back at the claims.
“They’re probably right,” she said.
“However it just proves that carers have been underpaid for so long.
“What they do not say is who is going to provide these services if we don’t,” Ms Branson said.
Under the Western Australia Minimum Conditions Act 1993, full time carers can be placed on a minimum of $15.45 per hour and are not entitled to overtime.
Perth aged carer, Emma Depane, was shocked to hear how low some carers are getting paid in WA.
“Right now I am on $17 an hour and feel lucky that I am on that much.
“If the hearing is successful the extra money will help carers combat Western Australia’s continued rise in cost of living,” she said.
The Australian Treasury Department highlighted the problem of a booming resource sector, leading to a two speed economy and contributing to Western Australia’s high cost of living.
“The government have to realise that not everyone in this state work on the mines,” Ms Depane said.
Ms Branson has no doubt that the union will win its case with Fair Work but continues to be frustrated by the lack of support shown by the state government.
“The government will only do something if they think it is electorally sexy, or if they are forced to do it,” she said.
“Our state government seems to think there are wonderful women who will do this for little money.
“However, being kind doesn’t pay your mortgage,” she said.
FWA will announce the case findings and their decision on June 30 this year.
Late Night Safety Concerns when hospital hub opens
by Kate Hughes, 13 May 2011
Nurses and supporting staff at Saint John of God Murdoch are concerned for their safety and access to the workplace once the largest southern hospital hub opens in 2014.
Fiona Stanley Hospital, located adjacent to major private hospital Saint John of God, is the largest building infrastructure project ever undertaken by the state that will offer public health care services to communities south of the river and across the state.
Along with the building of Fiona Stanley, Saint John of God will undergo redevelopment later this year, increasing traffic within the immediate area and in turn place more stress on parking and public transport.
“It’s hard to get a car park now, let alone what is likely to happen after next door opens with the influx of people movement in this area,” says Mary Murray, a registered nurse at Saint John of God.
“Despite the fact there is good access to the railway station, the problem with many shift workers is the safety concern moving to and from train stations at both ends.
“There aren’t as many trains running on Saturday and Sunday and nurses don’t want to finish a late shift to then have to walk alone and wait around stations so it’s a question of whether the public transport can accommodate our needs.”
Both hospital developments will vastly increase the amount of people in the area, attracting thousands more staff, patients, visitors and delivery services that raise concern over security risks.
“Public hospitals bring a slightly different cliental which brings its own inherent risks such as security for staff,” says Saint John of God Occupational Health and Safety Co-ordinator, Shauna Howarth.
“Saint John of God is a very open campus and has no isolation boundaries allowing anyone to walk onto site so this is probably going to have to change in the near future.
“It’s very likely that a fence will be put up surrounding the hospital, there will need to be security activated boom gates, more lighting and an extensive staff of security officers to add to the security around Murdoch once this area becomes one of the busiest in Perth.”
Saint John of God Occupational Health and Safety have employed an external consultant to review the security of the campus which involves a risk assessment of the environment and a detailed list of actions that work towards eliminating security risks.
Nurses and supporting staff at Saint John of God Murdoch are concerned for their safety and access to the workplace once the largest southern hospital hub opens in 2014.
Fiona Stanley Hospital, located adjacent to major private hospital Saint John of God, is the largest building infrastructure project ever undertaken by the state that will offer public health care services to communities south of the river and across the state.
Along with the building of Fiona Stanley, Saint John of God will undergo redevelopment later this year, increasing traffic within the immediate area and in turn place more stress on parking and public transport.
“It’s hard to get a car park now, let alone what is likely to happen after next door opens with the influx of people movement in this area,” says Mary Murray, a registered nurse at Saint John of God.
“Despite the fact there is good access to the railway station, the problem with many shift workers is the safety concern moving to and from train stations at both ends.
“There aren’t as many trains running on Saturday and Sunday and nurses don’t want to finish a late shift to then have to walk alone and wait around stations so it’s a question of whether the public transport can accommodate our needs.”
Both hospital developments will vastly increase the amount of people in the area, attracting thousands more staff, patients, visitors and delivery services that raise concern over security risks.
“Public hospitals bring a slightly different cliental which brings its own inherent risks such as security for staff,” says Saint John of God Occupational Health and Safety Co-ordinator, Shauna Howarth.
“Saint John of God is a very open campus and has no isolation boundaries allowing anyone to walk onto site so this is probably going to have to change in the near future.
“It’s very likely that a fence will be put up surrounding the hospital, there will need to be security activated boom gates, more lighting and an extensive staff of security officers to add to the security around Murdoch once this area becomes one of the busiest in Perth.”
Saint John of God Occupational Health and Safety have employed an external consultant to review the security of the campus which involves a risk assessment of the environment and a detailed list of actions that work towards eliminating security risks.
Freo nightclubs face $100k street cleaning bill
by Melanie Stirling, 25 April 2011
A proposed rate hike could see Fremnatle nightclubs paying an extra $100,000 annually for street cleaning.
Fremantle Corporate Services Director Glen Dougall says the proposed differential rate was introduced to reflect the cost of cleaning and security surveillance needed in the Fremantle CBD late on weekends.
“The general rate being proposed by council for the 2011-12 budget is for an increase of five per cent,” Mr Dougall said.
Fremantle Corporate Services Director acknowledges that there has been much debate on the impact that the late night venues have on the Fremantle community.
“This debate will consider the position of the level nightclubs contribute to this, and the proportion that they may provide towards the management of these issues,” he said.
Fremantle council has released figures that indicate an annual cost of $800,000 and an addition $180,000 for CCVTV monitoring is attributed to the nightclubs. The City proposes that the late night venues pay a proportion of this cost.
“Present estimates are that the Nightclub Differential Rate will gain an additional $100,000 in revenue. It costs the City over $850,000 per annum to clean the paths of CBD currently so this is 12 per cent of current costs,” Mr Dougall said.
The owners of the three Fremantle nightclubs that will be affected by the hike have declined to comment at this stage.
The Strategic and General Services committee resolved to announce the proposed differential rate at a City of Fremantle community meeting in early April 2011.
Other businesses in the Fremantle CBD that are contributing to these cleanup costs, could be hit with a rate hike in the near future.
“Other issues may be raised by the community and council we will be more than willing to consider the community feedback on this issue,” Mr Dougal said.
The City of Fremantle intends to advertise the proposed rate hikes in early May and give the community a 21 day period to comment.
“This advertising will commence in early May and council is providing good notice of this issue so it may be properly debated before it considers its final decision with the adoption of the Budget in late June,” Mr Dougall said.
A proposed rate hike could see Fremnatle nightclubs paying an extra $100,000 annually for street cleaning.
Fremantle Corporate Services Director Glen Dougall says the proposed differential rate was introduced to reflect the cost of cleaning and security surveillance needed in the Fremantle CBD late on weekends.
“The general rate being proposed by council for the 2011-12 budget is for an increase of five per cent,” Mr Dougall said.
Fremantle Corporate Services Director acknowledges that there has been much debate on the impact that the late night venues have on the Fremantle community.
“This debate will consider the position of the level nightclubs contribute to this, and the proportion that they may provide towards the management of these issues,” he said.
Fremantle council has released figures that indicate an annual cost of $800,000 and an addition $180,000 for CCVTV monitoring is attributed to the nightclubs. The City proposes that the late night venues pay a proportion of this cost.
“Present estimates are that the Nightclub Differential Rate will gain an additional $100,000 in revenue. It costs the City over $850,000 per annum to clean the paths of CBD currently so this is 12 per cent of current costs,” Mr Dougall said.
The owners of the three Fremantle nightclubs that will be affected by the hike have declined to comment at this stage.
The Strategic and General Services committee resolved to announce the proposed differential rate at a City of Fremantle community meeting in early April 2011.
Other businesses in the Fremantle CBD that are contributing to these cleanup costs, could be hit with a rate hike in the near future.
“Other issues may be raised by the community and council we will be more than willing to consider the community feedback on this issue,” Mr Dougal said.
The City of Fremantle intends to advertise the proposed rate hikes in early May and give the community a 21 day period to comment.
“This advertising will commence in early May and council is providing good notice of this issue so it may be properly debated before it considers its final decision with the adoption of the Budget in late June,” Mr Dougall said.
Historic Presbytery Needs Urgent Restoration
by Mitchell Sutton
The historic St Patrick’s Presbytery in Fremantle is in dire need of restoration and the parish will need to raise at least one million dollars worth of donations if the work is to be completed.
The restoration, estimated at $1.5 million, is a major cost for the parish, which recently carried out a $2 million refurbishment on the main Basilica building.
“If it wasn’t on the heritage list, then the restoration would only cost $500,000 ," Trevor Gorey, Chairman of the Parish Finance Committee, said, “but because of heritage restrictions about what kind of materials we can use, roughly a million dollars will be added to the cost.”
Mr Gorey described the damage to the building as “extensive”, likening the conditions of the concrete to a cancer.
According to State Heritage Council Executive Director, Graeme Gammie, the St Patrick’s site is “held in high regard by the Roman Catholic migrant communities in Fremantle” and heritage grants and incentives are available to the parish.
“St Patrick’s Basilica has previously received a grant from the State Government for $600,000, which went towards the cost of restoring the 109-year-old State heritage-listed church,” Mr Gammie added.
The Presbytery, built in 1916 to house the Oblate priests who minister to the area, has been inhabited by the priests continuously since then.
Rare for a building of its age, the presbytery has remained virtually unmodified by its owners, remaining mostly in original condition, a factor which gives it significant heritage value.
Both the basilica and the presbytery are permanent entries on the state register of historic places, with the presbytery described as a “landmark” making a “strong visual statement”.
Heritage has recently become a priority for the state government, with the recent passing of the Heritage and Planning Legislation Amendment 2010.
This legislation increased the penalties for neglecting or illegally developing heritage buildings to a maximum fine of $50,000 dollars a day and $1 million in the case of illegal stop work orders.
“Current penalties for illegal works on heritage-listed places are extremely low and offer little deterrence to deliberate destruction," according to Heritage Minister John Castrilli.
“With this legislation, properties which have been recognised for their heritage value through entry on the State Register of Heritage Places will be assured meaningful protection for current and future generations.”
The historic St Patrick’s Presbytery in Fremantle is in dire need of restoration and the parish will need to raise at least one million dollars worth of donations if the work is to be completed.
The restoration, estimated at $1.5 million, is a major cost for the parish, which recently carried out a $2 million refurbishment on the main Basilica building.
“If it wasn’t on the heritage list, then the restoration would only cost $500,000 ," Trevor Gorey, Chairman of the Parish Finance Committee, said, “but because of heritage restrictions about what kind of materials we can use, roughly a million dollars will be added to the cost.”
Mr Gorey described the damage to the building as “extensive”, likening the conditions of the concrete to a cancer.
According to State Heritage Council Executive Director, Graeme Gammie, the St Patrick’s site is “held in high regard by the Roman Catholic migrant communities in Fremantle” and heritage grants and incentives are available to the parish.
“St Patrick’s Basilica has previously received a grant from the State Government for $600,000, which went towards the cost of restoring the 109-year-old State heritage-listed church,” Mr Gammie added.
The Presbytery, built in 1916 to house the Oblate priests who minister to the area, has been inhabited by the priests continuously since then.
Rare for a building of its age, the presbytery has remained virtually unmodified by its owners, remaining mostly in original condition, a factor which gives it significant heritage value.
Both the basilica and the presbytery are permanent entries on the state register of historic places, with the presbytery described as a “landmark” making a “strong visual statement”.
Heritage has recently become a priority for the state government, with the recent passing of the Heritage and Planning Legislation Amendment 2010.
This legislation increased the penalties for neglecting or illegally developing heritage buildings to a maximum fine of $50,000 dollars a day and $1 million in the case of illegal stop work orders.
“Current penalties for illegal works on heritage-listed places are extremely low and offer little deterrence to deliberate destruction," according to Heritage Minister John Castrilli.
“With this legislation, properties which have been recognised for their heritage value through entry on the State Register of Heritage Places will be assured meaningful protection for current and future generations.”
Wednesday, 18 May 2011
Keep in same font size as the rest of your story.
Fremantle Corporate Services Director Glen Dougall SAYS the proposed differential rate was introduced to contribute to the cost of cleaning and security surveillance needed in the Fremantle CBD late on weekends.
“The general rate being proposed by council for the 2011-12 budget is for an increase of 5 PER CENT,” Mr Dougall said.
Fremantle Corporate Services Director acknowledges that there has been much debate on the impact that the late night venues have on the Fremantle community.
“This debate will consider the position of the level nightclubs contribute to this, and the proportion that they may provide towards the management of these issues,” he said.
Fremantle council has released figures that indicate an annual cost of $800,000 and an addition $180,000 for CCVTV monitoring is attributed to the nightclubs. The City proposes that the late night venues pay a proportion of this cost.
“Present estimates are that the Nightclub Differential Rate will gain an additional $100,000 in revenue. It costs the City over $850,000 per annum to clean the paths of CBD currently so this is 12 PER CENT of current costs,” Mr Dougall said.
The owners of the three Fremantle nightclubs that will be affected by the hike WHY A COMMA??? have declined to comment at this stage.
The Strategic and General Services committee resolved to announce the proposed differential rate at a City of Fremantle community meeting in early April 2011.
Other businesses in the Fremantle CBD that are contributing to these cleanup costs, could be hit with a rate hike in the near future.
“Other issues may be raised by the community and council we will be more than willing to consider the community feedback on this issue,” Mr Dougal said.
The City of Fremantle intends to advertise the proposed rate hikes in early May and give the community a 21 day period to comment.
“This advertising will commence in early May and council is providing good notice of this issue so it may be properly debated before it considers its final decision with the adoption of the Budget in late June,” Mr Dougall said.
Top Indian singer coming to Perth
by Amrita Sembi
Udit Narayan, a popular playback singer in commercial Indian cinema, will be performing at Perth Concert Hall i mid-May.
Narayan is being brought to tour Australia by Futuristiq Entertainment with supporting cast performers including Madhushree, another leading Bollywood playback singer.
Dhaval Patani, director of Futuristiq Entertainment who is bringing the Udit Narayan to Perth, said he expects the outcome to be huge for Udit who he describes as a “living legend”.
“The show will consist of duet and solo performances from both Udit Narayan and Madhushree, a live band from Mumbai, Bollywood dancers and a few surprise acts,” he said.
“The night will be magical, melodious and very romantic, just what we expect from Udit Narayan; people will definitely get their every dollar's worth, ” Patani claimed.
The Hindu Newspaper has quoted Narayan as an artist WHOSE music goes beyond language and knows no bounds, his singing ranging from soulful to romantic, and fast-paced to pop.
Tilak Patel, a local musician who has performed for Udit Narayan on a previous occasion in Australia, will be a part of the opening classical music act playing the tabla: a pair of drums used in Indian music.
“His extensive musical knowledge, dedication and hard work pays off when he leaves both the audience and performers spellbound,” he said.
Mr Patel said that what differentiates this Bollywood playback singer as a performer is the fact that he improvises as well as interacts a lot with the crowd, making him exciting to watch.
The popular Indian singer has a repertoire of well over 15,000 songs in 26 languages and over 3000 shows in the world arena.
He is known for his unique voice which is a preferred playback voice for more than a few top actors in Bollywood.
Mr Narayan was awarded the prestigious civilian award: the Padma Bhushan by the Indian Government in 2009 after national awards for his music.
Udit Narayan, a popular playback singer in commercial Indian cinema, will be performing at Perth Concert Hall i mid-May.
Narayan is being brought to tour Australia by Futuristiq Entertainment with supporting cast performers including Madhushree, another leading Bollywood playback singer.
Dhaval Patani, director of Futuristiq Entertainment who is bringing the Udit Narayan to Perth, said he expects the outcome to be huge for Udit who he describes as a “living legend”.
“The show will consist of duet and solo performances from both Udit Narayan and Madhushree, a live band from Mumbai, Bollywood dancers and a few surprise acts,” he said.
“The night will be magical, melodious and very romantic, just what we expect from Udit Narayan; people will definitely get their every dollar's worth, ” Patani claimed.
The Hindu Newspaper has quoted Narayan as an artist WHOSE music goes beyond language and knows no bounds, his singing ranging from soulful to romantic, and fast-paced to pop.
Tilak Patel, a local musician who has performed for Udit Narayan on a previous occasion in Australia, will be a part of the opening classical music act playing the tabla: a pair of drums used in Indian music.
“His extensive musical knowledge, dedication and hard work pays off when he leaves both the audience and performers spellbound,” he said.
Mr Patel said that what differentiates this Bollywood playback singer as a performer is the fact that he improvises as well as interacts a lot with the crowd, making him exciting to watch.
The popular Indian singer has a repertoire of well over 15,000 songs in 26 languages and over 3000 shows in the world arena.
He is known for his unique voice which is a preferred playback voice for more than a few top actors in Bollywood.
Mr Narayan was awarded the prestigious civilian award: the Padma Bhushan by the Indian Government in 2009 after national awards for his music.
A bad end to Easter Sunday
By Maddy Shellabear
On Easter Sunday, the 24th of April, two cars were involved in an almost head on collision on Osmington Road in Margaret River. This reads like a feature story not a news story!
At approximately 6:30pm, four teenagers were travelling along Osmington road on the way back to their farm where they were staying, when an on coming car hit them.
“It was dusk so I had the headlights on when I saw this car heading towards us at a very fast speed, so I automatically slowed down and veered off the side of the road, but the car came straight for us going at about 90km an hour and hit us,” said George who was the driver of a Jeep carrying the four teenagers.
“I got straight out of the car to check on the passengers in my car who were all ok, so then I went over to check the people in the other car and they were in much worse condition”.
The police say if it had not been for George slowing down and veering off the road, it could have been a head on collision, which could have meant serious injury for both parties and possibly fatality.
“It a miracle the teenagers didn’t suffer any injuries worse than whiplash,” said one of the policeman on the scene.
“The passengers in the Toyota corolla that hit the teenagers weren’t so lucky, but that is because none of them were wearing seatbelts, I think had they been wearing them it would have been a much better outcome.”
Chris Shellabear, the father of one of the teenagers, was at the scene moments after the crash happened and began assessing the patients and their injuries.
“The injuries in the other car were very severe
“There was a broken leg, a broken arm, a broken pelvis and they were all very frightened,” he said.
“Its just so lucky that our kids were ok because they were hit with such a force and the corolla came all the way over to the other side of the road so it was clear who was at fault.”
Mr Shellabear said it took approximately half an hour for the police and ambulance to arrive and they took the injured patients to the Busselton hospital where they were treated accordingly.
The driver of the corolla has been charged with reckless driving and the passengers in the car have all been charged for not wearing seatbelts.
Cockburn Cougars win premiership
by Kate Harrison
Kaia Hammond from the Cockburn Cougars has LED her team to a premiership win, and scored herself a position in the Australian Youth National Basketball team.
“There were three thousand people in the crowd, and 20 seconds left on the clock, we were only one point down and it was up to me not to mess it up,” recalls Kaia.
Kaia felt as though her future came down to this one moment.
“With 20 seconds left Kaia she was pushed to the floor and given two free shots,” Anna added.
The coach was gripped with anxiety, sweat was dripping down her face and the crowd was dead silent.
“Everything went dead silent and all eyes were on me,” said Kaia.
As she prepared for the first shot someone from the crowd yelled out ‘miss it!’
“Life moved in slow motion as I watched that ball bounce off the inner rim and drop to the ground.
“I could have killed that boy who screamed ‘miss it!’ right before she took the shot,” Kaia’s mum added.
Luckily, the second shot went straight through the hoop and before Kaia could hear the sound of the ball bounce on the ground, the stadium was on the feet yelling and screaming in disbelief.
“I had won the game and was selected for the National Youth Team,” said Kaia.
The Cockburn Cougars had a bad start to the season with three consecutive losses in the first three matches.
With several key players injured early on they were not seen as favourites to win the premiership.
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
‘Jaws’, The Movie, Encouraged Passion for Sharks
by Rosie Johnson
Meet Matt, a Diver Master with a passion for sharks.
Matt describes himself as the kind of kid who used to run around the back yard being fascinated by creepy-crawlies.
Matt’s interest in sharks started when he saw the film ‘Jaws’ in the late 1980’s.
He began to seriously doubt that sharks could do what ‘Jaws’ was doing on the big screen.
This was the beginning of his research into sharks and what would later become his passion in life.
Matt’s interest in sharks lead him to work on shark documentaries and conducting swims with tour groups and sharks.
Matt describes sharks as animals that ‘draw you in’.
When working on shark dive tours off the coast of South Africa he experienced many different people passing through.
‘People on the boat are usually sponsored by other friends to dive with the sharks, and they begin the tour as pasty white, terror stricken humans,' he explains.
During the tour something changes in the relationship between the person and shark.
By the end of most tours the person has faced their fear and are now calm, content human beings.
This is what Matt loves most about his job, the fact that someone can experience a shark as a beautiful animal, and not a human killing machine.
The thing that annoys him the most is the way sharks are portrayed in the media.
He acknowledges that sharks do attack, but he likes to look at shark attacks from a different view.
According to Matt, realistically there should be more shark attacks each year.
Why?
Because every day there are more people exploring, and using, the ocean.
More people in the ocean should result in more attacks.
Thankfully this is not the case.
Matt describes humans as ‘not enjoyable food’ for a shark’s palate.
‘We are too skinny, our blood isn’t oily enough and we have too many bones,’ Matt says.
Matt is committed to two things: changing society’s view about sharks, and encouraging as much Eco-tourism as possible.
Spending a huge amount of his time in the ocean Matt experiences some saddening sights.
In many dive spots around the world there has been damage from dynamite fishing.
Through his commitment to the environment Matt has assisted with a rehabilitation program for a popular dive spot off the coast of Fiji.
The team believe that through simple techniques and practices within a tourism company it can sustain and completely change the way an environment thrives.
The coast of Fiji and the dive spot is now recognised as an Eco-tourism sustainable environment.
Results like this encourage Matt to continue swimming and working with sharks, and never give up.
Meet Matt, a Diver Master with a passion for sharks.
Matt describes himself as the kind of kid who used to run around the back yard being fascinated by creepy-crawlies.
Matt’s interest in sharks started when he saw the film ‘Jaws’ in the late 1980’s.
He began to seriously doubt that sharks could do what ‘Jaws’ was doing on the big screen.
This was the beginning of his research into sharks and what would later become his passion in life.
Matt’s interest in sharks lead him to work on shark documentaries and conducting swims with tour groups and sharks.
Matt describes sharks as animals that ‘draw you in’.
When working on shark dive tours off the coast of South Africa he experienced many different people passing through.
‘People on the boat are usually sponsored by other friends to dive with the sharks, and they begin the tour as pasty white, terror stricken humans,' he explains.
During the tour something changes in the relationship between the person and shark.
By the end of most tours the person has faced their fear and are now calm, content human beings.
This is what Matt loves most about his job, the fact that someone can experience a shark as a beautiful animal, and not a human killing machine.
The thing that annoys him the most is the way sharks are portrayed in the media.
He acknowledges that sharks do attack, but he likes to look at shark attacks from a different view.
According to Matt, realistically there should be more shark attacks each year.
Why?
Because every day there are more people exploring, and using, the ocean.
More people in the ocean should result in more attacks.
Thankfully this is not the case.
Matt describes humans as ‘not enjoyable food’ for a shark’s palate.
‘We are too skinny, our blood isn’t oily enough and we have too many bones,’ Matt says.
Matt is committed to two things: changing society’s view about sharks, and encouraging as much Eco-tourism as possible.
Spending a huge amount of his time in the ocean Matt experiences some saddening sights.
In many dive spots around the world there has been damage from dynamite fishing.
Through his commitment to the environment Matt has assisted with a rehabilitation program for a popular dive spot off the coast of Fiji.
The team believe that through simple techniques and practices within a tourism company it can sustain and completely change the way an environment thrives.
The coast of Fiji and the dive spot is now recognised as an Eco-tourism sustainable environment.
Results like this encourage Matt to continue swimming and working with sharks, and never give up.
Wednesday, 11 May 2011
Editorial Guidelines
ONLINE EDITORIAL GUIDELINES
_______________________________________________________________
1. INTRODUCTION
The School of Arts & Sciences, Fremantle is responsible for the operation and management of the Quasimodo Online website (Quasi Online).
These Online Editorial Guidelines (Guidelines) apply to Notre Dame Staff and Students intending to produce content whether in film, radio, television, photography and other emerging media platforms for publication on Quasi Online.
Students have an overriding obligation to ensure that all online editorial content produced and intended for publication on Quasi Online is consistent with the Objects of the University.
The continued operation of the Quasi Online website is at the discretion of the Vice Chancellor. The Vice Chancellor may order the immediate withdrawal of content from Quasi Online or may terminate the operation of the website at any time and for any reason.
All online material intended to be published on Quasi is subject to the approval of the University. The approval and posting of content on Quasi Online must be in accordance with the procedure set out in these Guidelines.
The Quasi Online website must be identified clearly to the public as a Notre Dame Students’ website. Quasi Online may only be used for the purposes of posting content produced by Notre Dame Students’ in the course of their studies at Notre Dame.
2. GENERAL CONTENT -GUIDELINES
Students must ensure that all content selected reflects the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and respect. The use of language, sounds or images that is offensive to any individual or any group of individuals is not acceptable.
Students must comply with the following guidelines in relation to the specific areas of subject matter outlined below:
2.1 Violence. There will be times when it may be necessary to use violent images and sounds to adequately illustrate a story. Particular care must be taken in the presentation or portrayal of violence. The decision to use such images or sounds should be based on editorial judgement, together with regard for the reasonable susceptibilities of audiences to the detail of what is broadcast or published. Such content should not put undue emphasis on the violent images or sounds, and where appropriate it should be preceded by a warning.
2.2 Language. Variations of language favoured by different groups of Australians are valid and have their place in our content. On occasions, the language of one group may be distasteful to another. Use of such language may be permitted provided it is not used gratuitously and can be justified in the context in which it is used.
2.3 Intrusion into Grief. Sensitivity should be exercised in presenting images of, or interviews with, bereaved relatives and survivors or witnesses of traumatic events. Except in special circumstances, children who have recently been victims of, or eyewitnesses to, a tragedy or traumatic experience should not be interviewed or featured.
2.4 Religious Content. Religious content includes coverage of worship and devotion, explanation, analysis, debate and reports. This content may include major religious traditions, indigenous religions and new spiritual movements, as well as secular perspectives on religious issues. Content must reflect the principle of religious freedom and mutual respect for different religions. Students intending to include religious content must ensure that the content is portrayed in a manner that is respectful of the religion. Students should not seek to portray religious content without consultation with the relevant religious group or denomination.
Guidance http://www.omi.wa.gov.au/omi_guidelines.cfm
2.5 Indigenous Australian Content. Significant cultural practices of Indigenous Australians should be observed in content and reporting. Students must verify content with recognised indigenous groups or community bodies. Indigenous content may incorporate issues such as acknowledgement and/or permission of indigenous ownership of materials, content of secret or sacred nature, consideration of cultural matters such as the inclusion of names, images of deceased peoples, awareness of different languages, cultural groups, beliefs and traditions. Students must ensure content has been checked and conforms with current cultural protocols for Indigenous reporting. There are various websites available for guidance:
http://reconciliaction.org.au/nsw/education-kit/protocols/#abc
2.6 Sex and Sexuality. Provided it is handled with integrity, any of the following treatments of sex and sexuality may be appropriate and necessary:
2.7 Discrimination and Stereotypes. To avoid discrimination and stereotyping, content should not use language or images which:
The above requirements are not intended to prevent content which is factual or the expression of genuinely-held opinion, or content presented in the legitimate context of a humorous, satirical or dramatic work.
2.8 Opinion. Any content which expresses an opinion of the student must comply with the specific guidelines on Opinion outlined below.
2.9 Privacy. The rights to privacy of individuals should be respected in all content.
Where content is approved but the content is of a nature that could disturb or offend some members of the public students must ensure that advance notice and warning of the content is given to the audience.
3. NEWS AND CURRENT AFFAIRS CONTENT
3.1 Every reasonable effort, in the circumstances, must be made to ensure that the factual content of news and current affairs is accurate and in context.
3.2 Content will be impartial. Editorial judgements will be based on news values. One perspective will not be unduly favoured over others.
3.4 Balance will be sought. If balance is not achieved within a single publication, it will be achieved as soon as reasonably practicable and in an appropriate manner. It is not necessarily essential to give all sides equal time to ensure balance. As far as possible, principal relevant views on matters of importance will be presented.
3.5 Content will aim to serve the public interest by investigating issues affecting society and individuals.
3.6 Re-enactments of events will be clearly identified as such and presented in a way which will not mislead audiences.
3.7 In keeping with industry practice, content prepared for news and current affairs, opinion, topical and factual or performance programs do not require the approval of content by interviewees or other interested parties prior to publication.
3.8 In keeping with industry practice, questions to be asked of interviewees do not need to be approved by interviewees before interviews are carried out.
4. OPINION CONTENT
This section applies to content categorised as opinion content including, but not limited to, blogs, opinion pieces, reviews and commentaries.
Opinion content is content which expresses a view or judgement formed by the student or some other person about something which is not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.
4.1 Content must be clearly signposted to audiences as opinion in advance.
4.2 If students intend to publish material which is based on opinion or includes content which is opinion by nature students must ensure they take reasonable steps to ensure factual content is accurate, reflects the honestly held views of the writer and that content does not misrepresent other viewpoints.
4.3 Students who wish to publish opinion content must ensure the audience is clearly advised prior to the publication that the opinion is the opinion of the student and does not reflect or represent the opinion of the University.
4.4 In obtaining approval students must identify to the unit coordinator any part of the content which relies on opinion content or may be perceived as inconsistent with the Objects and values of the University.
5. APPROVAL
All content produced by students and intended for publication on Quasi Online must be approved by the Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences (or delegate). The Dean has delegated the day to day approval and posting responsibilities under these Guidelines to a designated team of Communications and Media lecturers within the School of Arts & Sciences, Fremantle, which includes the unit coordinator of Convergence Journalism (CO306). The membership of this team will be reviewed and approved by the Dean on a needs basis.
Students have access to Quasi Online for the purposes of uploading content for peer review. Students do not have access nor are students permitted to post content on to Quasi Online. The procedure for approval of content is as follows:
5.1 Prior to online publication students must submit their content to the unit coordinator for approval. Students will create their content in their own workspace and upload it onto the Quasi website where it may be peer reviewed.
5.2 Once content is uploaded the designated lecturer must review the content and assess whether the material conforms to these Guidelines and is appropriate for publication. If the designated lecturer forms the view that the material is appropriate the designated lecturer will post the content on Quasi Online.
5.3 If the designated lecturer forms the view the content is not appropriate for publication he/she must advise the students of his/her concerns and request the content be revised and resubmitted for approval.
5.3 When re-submitted, designated lecturer will review and where the unit coordinator is of the view the concerns identified have not been addressed will refuse to approve the content.
5.4 Where any designated lecturer is unsure about the appropriateness of any content he/she must refer the content to the Dean of School who may refer the content to the Legal Office for advice.
6 ADDITIONAL REFERENCE MATERIAL
Students are also expected to abide by the Media, Arts and Entertainment Alliance (MEAA) Code of Ethics. A copy of the Code can be found at http://researchjournalism.wordpress.com/ethics/meaa-code-of-ethics/ .
_______________________________________________________________
1. INTRODUCTION
The School of Arts & Sciences, Fremantle is responsible for the operation and management of the Quasimodo Online website (Quasi Online).
These Online Editorial Guidelines (Guidelines) apply to Notre Dame Staff and Students intending to produce content whether in film, radio, television, photography and other emerging media platforms for publication on Quasi Online.
Students have an overriding obligation to ensure that all online editorial content produced and intended for publication on Quasi Online is consistent with the Objects of the University.
The continued operation of the Quasi Online website is at the discretion of the Vice Chancellor. The Vice Chancellor may order the immediate withdrawal of content from Quasi Online or may terminate the operation of the website at any time and for any reason.
All online material intended to be published on Quasi is subject to the approval of the University. The approval and posting of content on Quasi Online must be in accordance with the procedure set out in these Guidelines.
The Quasi Online website must be identified clearly to the public as a Notre Dame Students’ website. Quasi Online may only be used for the purposes of posting content produced by Notre Dame Students’ in the course of their studies at Notre Dame.
2. GENERAL CONTENT -GUIDELINES
Students must ensure that all content selected reflects the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and respect. The use of language, sounds or images that is offensive to any individual or any group of individuals is not acceptable.
Students must comply with the following guidelines in relation to the specific areas of subject matter outlined below:
2.1 Violence. There will be times when it may be necessary to use violent images and sounds to adequately illustrate a story. Particular care must be taken in the presentation or portrayal of violence. The decision to use such images or sounds should be based on editorial judgement, together with regard for the reasonable susceptibilities of audiences to the detail of what is broadcast or published. Such content should not put undue emphasis on the violent images or sounds, and where appropriate it should be preceded by a warning.
2.2 Language. Variations of language favoured by different groups of Australians are valid and have their place in our content. On occasions, the language of one group may be distasteful to another. Use of such language may be permitted provided it is not used gratuitously and can be justified in the context in which it is used.
2.3 Intrusion into Grief. Sensitivity should be exercised in presenting images of, or interviews with, bereaved relatives and survivors or witnesses of traumatic events. Except in special circumstances, children who have recently been victims of, or eyewitnesses to, a tragedy or traumatic experience should not be interviewed or featured.
2.4 Religious Content. Religious content includes coverage of worship and devotion, explanation, analysis, debate and reports. This content may include major religious traditions, indigenous religions and new spiritual movements, as well as secular perspectives on religious issues. Content must reflect the principle of religious freedom and mutual respect for different religions. Students intending to include religious content must ensure that the content is portrayed in a manner that is respectful of the religion. Students should not seek to portray religious content without consultation with the relevant religious group or denomination.
Guidance http://www.omi.wa.gov.au/omi_guidelines.cfm
2.5 Indigenous Australian Content. Significant cultural practices of Indigenous Australians should be observed in content and reporting. Students must verify content with recognised indigenous groups or community bodies. Indigenous content may incorporate issues such as acknowledgement and/or permission of indigenous ownership of materials, content of secret or sacred nature, consideration of cultural matters such as the inclusion of names, images of deceased peoples, awareness of different languages, cultural groups, beliefs and traditions. Students must ensure content has been checked and conforms with current cultural protocols for Indigenous reporting. There are various websites available for guidance:
http://reconciliaction.org.au/nsw/education-kit/protocols/#abc
2.6 Sex and Sexuality. Provided it is handled with integrity, any of the following treatments of sex and sexuality may be appropriate and necessary:
- it can be discussed and reported in the context of news, current affairs, information or documentary programs
- it can be referred to in drama, comedy, lyrics or fictional programs
- it can be depicted or implied.
2.7 Discrimination and Stereotypes. To avoid discrimination and stereotyping, content should not use language or images which:
- disparage or discriminate against any person or group on grounds such as race, ethnicity, nationality, sex, age, disability or sexual preference; marital, parental, social or occupational status; religious, cultural or political belief or activity:
- are not representative and reinforce stereotypes, or convey stereotypic assumptions convey prejudice
- make demeaning or gratuitous references; for example to, people’s physical characteristics, cultural practices or religious beliefs.
The above requirements are not intended to prevent content which is factual or the expression of genuinely-held opinion, or content presented in the legitimate context of a humorous, satirical or dramatic work.
2.8 Opinion. Any content which expresses an opinion of the student must comply with the specific guidelines on Opinion outlined below.
2.9 Privacy. The rights to privacy of individuals should be respected in all content.
Where content is approved but the content is of a nature that could disturb or offend some members of the public students must ensure that advance notice and warning of the content is given to the audience.
3. NEWS AND CURRENT AFFAIRS CONTENT
3.1 Every reasonable effort, in the circumstances, must be made to ensure that the factual content of news and current affairs is accurate and in context.
3.2 Content will be impartial. Editorial judgements will be based on news values. One perspective will not be unduly favoured over others.
3.4 Balance will be sought. If balance is not achieved within a single publication, it will be achieved as soon as reasonably practicable and in an appropriate manner. It is not necessarily essential to give all sides equal time to ensure balance. As far as possible, principal relevant views on matters of importance will be presented.
3.5 Content will aim to serve the public interest by investigating issues affecting society and individuals.
3.6 Re-enactments of events will be clearly identified as such and presented in a way which will not mislead audiences.
3.7 In keeping with industry practice, content prepared for news and current affairs, opinion, topical and factual or performance programs do not require the approval of content by interviewees or other interested parties prior to publication.
3.8 In keeping with industry practice, questions to be asked of interviewees do not need to be approved by interviewees before interviews are carried out.
4. OPINION CONTENT
This section applies to content categorised as opinion content including, but not limited to, blogs, opinion pieces, reviews and commentaries.
Opinion content is content which expresses a view or judgement formed by the student or some other person about something which is not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.
4.1 Content must be clearly signposted to audiences as opinion in advance.
4.2 If students intend to publish material which is based on opinion or includes content which is opinion by nature students must ensure they take reasonable steps to ensure factual content is accurate, reflects the honestly held views of the writer and that content does not misrepresent other viewpoints.
4.3 Students who wish to publish opinion content must ensure the audience is clearly advised prior to the publication that the opinion is the opinion of the student and does not reflect or represent the opinion of the University.
4.4 In obtaining approval students must identify to the unit coordinator any part of the content which relies on opinion content or may be perceived as inconsistent with the Objects and values of the University.
5. APPROVAL
All content produced by students and intended for publication on Quasi Online must be approved by the Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences (or delegate). The Dean has delegated the day to day approval and posting responsibilities under these Guidelines to a designated team of Communications and Media lecturers within the School of Arts & Sciences, Fremantle, which includes the unit coordinator of Convergence Journalism (CO306). The membership of this team will be reviewed and approved by the Dean on a needs basis.
Students have access to Quasi Online for the purposes of uploading content for peer review. Students do not have access nor are students permitted to post content on to Quasi Online. The procedure for approval of content is as follows:
5.1 Prior to online publication students must submit their content to the unit coordinator for approval. Students will create their content in their own workspace and upload it onto the Quasi website where it may be peer reviewed.
5.2 Once content is uploaded the designated lecturer must review the content and assess whether the material conforms to these Guidelines and is appropriate for publication. If the designated lecturer forms the view that the material is appropriate the designated lecturer will post the content on Quasi Online.
5.3 If the designated lecturer forms the view the content is not appropriate for publication he/she must advise the students of his/her concerns and request the content be revised and resubmitted for approval.
5.3 When re-submitted, designated lecturer will review and where the unit coordinator is of the view the concerns identified have not been addressed will refuse to approve the content.
5.4 Where any designated lecturer is unsure about the appropriateness of any content he/she must refer the content to the Dean of School who may refer the content to the Legal Office for advice.
6 ADDITIONAL REFERENCE MATERIAL
Students are also expected to abide by the Media, Arts and Entertainment Alliance (MEAA) Code of Ethics. A copy of the Code can be found at http://researchjournalism.wordpress.com/ethics/meaa-code-of-ethics/ .
WA police move into social media
by Kate Francis 10 April, 2011
West Australian police have introduced social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter in hope to connect with the community.
Social media will be a way of “reaching out” to the youth and its users, according to Media Liaison Officer, Sergeant Gerard Cassidy.
The W.A. police currently have a Twitter account, a website and are in the process of creating an effective Facebook page.
“We are constantly trying to keep on top of the new developments…technology is getting ahead of us, faster than we can come up with laws and rules,” Mr Cassidy said.
The W.A. police force need for social media sites is “strictly outgoing” and the sites are being used as a source of information for the community rather than keeping tabs on its users.
Other states are following the United Kingdom, which already uses the media sites to post images of fugitives on the run and as a means for issuing warnings to the community.
"W.A. has a resourcing issue when it comes to social media networking.”
There is only a team of three in charge of advancing the social media networks in Western Australia.
Queensland and Tasmania already have Facebook and Twitter sites running with 24-hour teams managing them.
“I am not speaking on behalf of the Australian government but free speech… is never going away,” Mr Cassidy said.
“Australians would never put up with it.”
Police make it clear that emergencies must go through either 000 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Social networks cannot be used to put across vital information.
West Australian police have introduced social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter in hope to connect with the community.
Social media will be a way of “reaching out” to the youth and its users, according to Media Liaison Officer, Sergeant Gerard Cassidy.
The W.A. police currently have a Twitter account, a website and are in the process of creating an effective Facebook page.
“We are constantly trying to keep on top of the new developments…technology is getting ahead of us, faster than we can come up with laws and rules,” Mr Cassidy said.
The W.A. police force need for social media sites is “strictly outgoing” and the sites are being used as a source of information for the community rather than keeping tabs on its users.
Other states are following the United Kingdom, which already uses the media sites to post images of fugitives on the run and as a means for issuing warnings to the community.
"W.A. has a resourcing issue when it comes to social media networking.”
There is only a team of three in charge of advancing the social media networks in Western Australia.
Queensland and Tasmania already have Facebook and Twitter sites running with 24-hour teams managing them.
“I am not speaking on behalf of the Australian government but free speech… is never going away,” Mr Cassidy said.
“Australians would never put up with it.”
Police make it clear that emergencies must go through either 000 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Social networks cannot be used to put across vital information.
Drug dealing vs University degree
by Laura Newey
Kamil* is a slim, handsome 23 year old British drug dealer.
He recently graduated from Leeds University with a master’s degree, in civil engineering.
He is now living in Manchester with his 27 year old, drug lord boss and close friend Jamal*.
Kamil was born in Britain, but his parents are migrants from Lebanon and Iraq, his dark, Middle Eastern features portray this background.
He belongs to a very wealthy family who own a large construction business in the U.K.
At first, Kamil is very open in discussing his new profession.
He appears very calm, as he speaks via Skype,
‘’I don’t want to depend on this as a real job.
‘’ I wouldn’t even call it a job it’s more of a bridging gap for me, until I can get something that involves my degree.”
‘It’s too risky to stay in this business too long.
‘’I was so lucky this summer, ’ Kamil declares with a smirk on his face.
‘’I left Ibiza two days before the raids.
“Loads of guys and girls we know are still over there, waiting for their hearings. It won’t be good for them.’’
Kamil is referring to the recent raids, by Spanish and British police forces, on the Balearic island, Ibiza.
Four kilograms of cocaine and 38,000 ecstasy pills were confiscated by the police, along with 56,000 Euros, which is roughly 79,000 Australian dollars.
‘’I could have quite easily been one of the kids that the papers are talking about,” Kamil says.
The British newspaper, The Guardian, describes the raids as a crack down on dismantling British gangs which are over running the island each year.
Britain’s Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) believes the trade of the class A drugs are being networked, via two rival gangs based in Manchester and Liverpool.
The gang leaders from each city send armies of drug dealers to Ibiza, so they are able to supply the island’s holiday makers with narcotics.
This occurs throughout the summer months, which run from June to September.
Kamil is distracted by his boss and roommate, Jamal, who has just entered the apartment.
Jamal approaches the computer screen with a vacant look upon his face.
He is standing next to Kamil wearing a black hooded jacket, with a designer shirt visible underneath.
The jacket is zipped down to his chest, revealing not only his shirt but a large gold, Star of David hanging from a thick chain.
The chain is on full view and is a striking symbol of his identity.
Jamal begins to boast about his ability to get international flights for a quarter of their actual price, and when asked how he achieves this he arrogantly replies: ‘’You’re on a need to know basis, doll”.
Jamal seems to be playing a game with his well prepared answers.
He is very defensive and not as bold as Kamil.
Jamal is excessively proud about the career he has invested many years, of his youth, building.
‘’I’m a full time International drug dealer,” Jamal confidently over emphasises.
The apartment, where Kamil and Jamal live exudes wealth and style, overlooking the Old Trafford football grounds and the soon to be BBC studios.
It is elegantly furnished with expensive, tasteful paintings on the walls.
There is a transparent glass table in the middle of the small but elegant living room.
Jamal is now kneeling next to this table, scraping into place with his credit card, neatly perfected lines of cocaine, and snorting them vigorously.
Kamil is intensely staring at his computer screen, asking Jamal to explain who has paid their debts this week. In between his lines of cocaine, Jamal recites people’s names and figures to Kamil.
Kamil then looks back to the camera on his computer, after a long pause, he continues to engage in the memoir of his summer spent as a drug runner in Ibiza.
‘’No I actually hate it there man, can’t go back now, well don’t think I can, it’s too dodgy for us really.’’
Kamil pauses and in a lower tone utters,
‘’But I guess I would if I got asked.’’
Kamil’s reluctance to revisit Ibiza is due to this year’s raids being the biggest since a crackdown last September, in which Spanish police captured the ring leaders of a drug cartel originating from Liverpool.
Ibiza has been known amongst the thrill seeking tourists, for too long, as a spot which tolerates the use of drugs and the crime which inevitably follows.
With the combination of the Spanish National Guard, and Britain’s Serious Organized Crime Agency, Ibiza has sought to reduce the import of narcotic substances.
They believe that with tighter customs boundaries, and harsher consequences for the dealers and ring leaders, Ibiza’s crime rate will decrease.
‘’I don’t take them myself, never have, and never will, it’s not my kind of thing.’’
Kamil says this very convincingly, as he reaches for his cigarettes and pulls one from the pack.
In between long inhales of nicotine he describes the reasoning for this choice of career.
‘’The money is too good, I can’t get a job doing what I’ve studied and I’d be making this kind of money anyway, but with twice the amount of hours and effort.
‘’My dad’s business is doing ok, but he’d have to cut staff to find me a job, and I’m just bridging a gap right now, so it wouldn’t be worth the loss of another employer for him.
‘’ I want to get a decent post grad offer, one of the big time companies will do,” Kamil laughs.
This situation isn’t just a problem for Kamil.
Thousands of graduates are facing similar problems, with the high unemployment rates in Britain.
The job market, according to Britain’s Recruitment and Employment Confederation, has hit an all time low.
The past 14 months, leading up to October has seen the lowest rate of employment.
Fewer vacancies are made available due to companies, wishing to increase salaries for existing staff, rather than recruiting new staff.
This is making it impossible for students, just graduating to get a job in their subject matter.
Britain, with the current coalition government, is failing millions of graduates by having a chronic shortage of skilled jobs.
Dr Simon Stevens is a politics and history lecturer at the University of Notre Dame, with a particular interest in British politics.
‘’The global financial crisis has hit Britain really hard, and with the government’s subsequent spending cuts, poverty will inevitably increase.
‘’Millions of people are already poor, and millions more will join them.
‘’ I don’t know that we can really compare then and now, but the Great Depression gives some idea of the scale of the problem.
‘’It amazes me how so many people are blind to the link between poverty and crime.
‘’When poverty increases, so does crime.
‘’The financial crisis that precipitated the rise in poverty came about because banks and other financial institutions were not properly regulated.
‘’Poverty is not a natural phenomenon,” Dr Stevens says.
This link between poverty and crime is certainly evident on the streets of Britain.
It is not a coincidence that the majority of Brits arrested this summer in Ibiza were students and graduates.
Crime is being used, by recently graduated students, as a route to fix the financial crises which has hit Britain, but has also hit them.
Students usually graduate with several thousand dollars of debt and although this isn’t repayable until the graduate is working and earning a certain amount of money, it may create a feeling of anxiety and disillusionment amongst them.
The goal of a well paying interesting career just isn’t available to them.
Society makes stereotypical judgements which lead to categorisations of what criminals are or ought to be.
A new generation of well educated, graduates are taking over a big area of criminal activity, this being the drug scene.
It needs to be understood what is leading graduates into carrying out crime.
Britain’s graduates need job opportunities not prison sentences.
Finally, Dr Stevens sums up with a prediction of what lies ahead for Britain:
‘’ Unemployment and poverty are about to hit Britain hard.
‘’Unstable times lie ahead.’’
*The names of the two drug dealers have been changed.
Kamil* is a slim, handsome 23 year old British drug dealer.
He recently graduated from Leeds University with a master’s degree, in civil engineering.
He is now living in Manchester with his 27 year old, drug lord boss and close friend Jamal*.
Kamil was born in Britain, but his parents are migrants from Lebanon and Iraq, his dark, Middle Eastern features portray this background.
He belongs to a very wealthy family who own a large construction business in the U.K.
At first, Kamil is very open in discussing his new profession.
He appears very calm, as he speaks via Skype,
‘’I don’t want to depend on this as a real job.
‘’ I wouldn’t even call it a job it’s more of a bridging gap for me, until I can get something that involves my degree.”
‘It’s too risky to stay in this business too long.
‘’I was so lucky this summer, ’ Kamil declares with a smirk on his face.
‘’I left Ibiza two days before the raids.
“Loads of guys and girls we know are still over there, waiting for their hearings. It won’t be good for them.’’
Kamil is referring to the recent raids, by Spanish and British police forces, on the Balearic island, Ibiza.
Four kilograms of cocaine and 38,000 ecstasy pills were confiscated by the police, along with 56,000 Euros, which is roughly 79,000 Australian dollars.
‘’I could have quite easily been one of the kids that the papers are talking about,” Kamil says.
The British newspaper, The Guardian, describes the raids as a crack down on dismantling British gangs which are over running the island each year.
Britain’s Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) believes the trade of the class A drugs are being networked, via two rival gangs based in Manchester and Liverpool.
The gang leaders from each city send armies of drug dealers to Ibiza, so they are able to supply the island’s holiday makers with narcotics.
This occurs throughout the summer months, which run from June to September.
Kamil is distracted by his boss and roommate, Jamal, who has just entered the apartment.
Jamal approaches the computer screen with a vacant look upon his face.
He is standing next to Kamil wearing a black hooded jacket, with a designer shirt visible underneath.
The jacket is zipped down to his chest, revealing not only his shirt but a large gold, Star of David hanging from a thick chain.
The chain is on full view and is a striking symbol of his identity.
Jamal begins to boast about his ability to get international flights for a quarter of their actual price, and when asked how he achieves this he arrogantly replies: ‘’You’re on a need to know basis, doll”.
Jamal seems to be playing a game with his well prepared answers.
He is very defensive and not as bold as Kamil.
Jamal is excessively proud about the career he has invested many years, of his youth, building.
‘’I’m a full time International drug dealer,” Jamal confidently over emphasises.
The apartment, where Kamil and Jamal live exudes wealth and style, overlooking the Old Trafford football grounds and the soon to be BBC studios.
It is elegantly furnished with expensive, tasteful paintings on the walls.
There is a transparent glass table in the middle of the small but elegant living room.
Jamal is now kneeling next to this table, scraping into place with his credit card, neatly perfected lines of cocaine, and snorting them vigorously.
Kamil is intensely staring at his computer screen, asking Jamal to explain who has paid their debts this week. In between his lines of cocaine, Jamal recites people’s names and figures to Kamil.
Kamil then looks back to the camera on his computer, after a long pause, he continues to engage in the memoir of his summer spent as a drug runner in Ibiza.
‘’No I actually hate it there man, can’t go back now, well don’t think I can, it’s too dodgy for us really.’’
Kamil pauses and in a lower tone utters,
‘’But I guess I would if I got asked.’’
Kamil’s reluctance to revisit Ibiza is due to this year’s raids being the biggest since a crackdown last September, in which Spanish police captured the ring leaders of a drug cartel originating from Liverpool.
Ibiza has been known amongst the thrill seeking tourists, for too long, as a spot which tolerates the use of drugs and the crime which inevitably follows.
With the combination of the Spanish National Guard, and Britain’s Serious Organized Crime Agency, Ibiza has sought to reduce the import of narcotic substances.
They believe that with tighter customs boundaries, and harsher consequences for the dealers and ring leaders, Ibiza’s crime rate will decrease.
‘’I don’t take them myself, never have, and never will, it’s not my kind of thing.’’
Kamil says this very convincingly, as he reaches for his cigarettes and pulls one from the pack.
In between long inhales of nicotine he describes the reasoning for this choice of career.
‘’The money is too good, I can’t get a job doing what I’ve studied and I’d be making this kind of money anyway, but with twice the amount of hours and effort.
‘’My dad’s business is doing ok, but he’d have to cut staff to find me a job, and I’m just bridging a gap right now, so it wouldn’t be worth the loss of another employer for him.
‘’ I want to get a decent post grad offer, one of the big time companies will do,” Kamil laughs.
This situation isn’t just a problem for Kamil.
Thousands of graduates are facing similar problems, with the high unemployment rates in Britain.
The job market, according to Britain’s Recruitment and Employment Confederation, has hit an all time low.
The past 14 months, leading up to October has seen the lowest rate of employment.
Fewer vacancies are made available due to companies, wishing to increase salaries for existing staff, rather than recruiting new staff.
This is making it impossible for students, just graduating to get a job in their subject matter.
Britain, with the current coalition government, is failing millions of graduates by having a chronic shortage of skilled jobs.
Dr Simon Stevens is a politics and history lecturer at the University of Notre Dame, with a particular interest in British politics.
‘’The global financial crisis has hit Britain really hard, and with the government’s subsequent spending cuts, poverty will inevitably increase.
‘’Millions of people are already poor, and millions more will join them.
‘’ I don’t know that we can really compare then and now, but the Great Depression gives some idea of the scale of the problem.
‘’It amazes me how so many people are blind to the link between poverty and crime.
‘’When poverty increases, so does crime.
‘’The financial crisis that precipitated the rise in poverty came about because banks and other financial institutions were not properly regulated.
‘’Poverty is not a natural phenomenon,” Dr Stevens says.
This link between poverty and crime is certainly evident on the streets of Britain.
It is not a coincidence that the majority of Brits arrested this summer in Ibiza were students and graduates.
Crime is being used, by recently graduated students, as a route to fix the financial crises which has hit Britain, but has also hit them.
Students usually graduate with several thousand dollars of debt and although this isn’t repayable until the graduate is working and earning a certain amount of money, it may create a feeling of anxiety and disillusionment amongst them.
The goal of a well paying interesting career just isn’t available to them.
Society makes stereotypical judgements which lead to categorisations of what criminals are or ought to be.
A new generation of well educated, graduates are taking over a big area of criminal activity, this being the drug scene.
It needs to be understood what is leading graduates into carrying out crime.
Britain’s graduates need job opportunities not prison sentences.
Finally, Dr Stevens sums up with a prediction of what lies ahead for Britain:
‘’ Unemployment and poverty are about to hit Britain hard.
‘’Unstable times lie ahead.’’
*The names of the two drug dealers have been changed.
Drinking, but not Drowning
by Melanie Dunn
Picture this: you have had a very rough week at work, it’s the weekend and your best friend has decided to hit the town for her birthday. How does your night pan out?
Situations like this can often result in binge drinking and this has become a big problem for today’s youth and the people who have to deal with it.
Although everyone is capable of binge drinking, it is mostly the 16-25 age group that we should be concerned about.
The serious health issues associated with this practice are not enough to put people off bingeing, and these days we are hearing too many stories of people of all ages binge drinking, so we have to question why this is.
People may feel the need to binge because they don’t drink during the week, so they think that they are making up for lost time.
Special occasions like birthdays or New Year can also bring out the worst in peoples’ drinking habits - they think that because it’s a special occasion they have to drink and peer pressure may be involved too.
Another reason people may binge is because of funds – these days, it is more or less expected that you have pre-drinks first so that you a) aren’t sober when you get to the club, or b) don’t have to spend your money on overpriced drinks when you’re out.
A sad, but common reason for excessive drinking is because you need to drown your sorrows, which I think is the worst reason for bingeing because it only makes you forget your situation for the night but the problems are still there the next morning.
I really don’t see the appeal in getting so hammered that you can’t remember what happened the previous night, let alone feeling so terrible the next morning.
It doesn’t say much about your self-control or how much you respect your body if you are tripping over your feet or having to rush to the toilet to bring up your last cocktail.
I think that this is the thing we should be teaching youths – how to control their intake, not stop it all together because otherwise we would be fighting a losing battle.
All In the Name of the Game
by Melanie Dunn
For sports-lovers, the most devastating thing that could happen is that their favourite athlete gets injured and is out of action for weeks.
As upsetting as this may be for both the viewer and the player, it is a risk that comes with the territory and the athletes have chosen to accept this risk and play anyway.
With high contact sports like AFL, the inevitable injuries that take place and the athletes’ acceptance of serious injuries this is something I do not understand.
When Fremantle Docker Michael Barlow broke his leg in two places last year, it really made me question why the players willingly put themselves in such a situation.
Similarly, a friend of mine recently got concussed during his footy match and did not fully recover for two days. Bbut he took it all in his stride, claiming it is part and parcel of the game.
Yes, in most sports injuries are to be expected, and though there are preventative measures put in place (such as mouthguards and cups), there are circumstances where you can not anticipate what is going to happen, such as the Michael Barlow case.
I do not think that I would play a sport like AFL if I knew how high the injury rate was. That said, I play netball and although I haven’t had many serious injuries, I accept that there is a chance I might end up with a broken bone.
Sports-related injuries are definitely a risk to our health but there is a risk in everything we do, from walking across the street to eating a foreign food.
I don’t think we should stop playing because we are fearful of being hurt because it is part of the game, but we should definitely take more preventative measures and try to anticipate situations where an odd injury could occur.
For sports-lovers, the most devastating thing that could happen is that their favourite athlete gets injured and is out of action for weeks.
As upsetting as this may be for both the viewer and the player, it is a risk that comes with the territory and the athletes have chosen to accept this risk and play anyway.
With high contact sports like AFL, the inevitable injuries that take place and the athletes’ acceptance of serious injuries this is something I do not understand.
When Fremantle Docker Michael Barlow broke his leg in two places last year, it really made me question why the players willingly put themselves in such a situation.
Similarly, a friend of mine recently got concussed during his footy match and did not fully recover for two days. Bbut he took it all in his stride, claiming it is part and parcel of the game.
Yes, in most sports injuries are to be expected, and though there are preventative measures put in place (such as mouthguards and cups), there are circumstances where you can not anticipate what is going to happen, such as the Michael Barlow case.
I do not think that I would play a sport like AFL if I knew how high the injury rate was. That said, I play netball and although I haven’t had many serious injuries, I accept that there is a chance I might end up with a broken bone.
Sports-related injuries are definitely a risk to our health but there is a risk in everything we do, from walking across the street to eating a foreign food.
I don’t think we should stop playing because we are fearful of being hurt because it is part of the game, but we should definitely take more preventative measures and try to anticipate situations where an odd injury could occur.
Body Image: Being Proud of Reality
by Melanie Dunn
One of the highest concerns for young people today is body image and how we are expected to conform to a particular shape.
From around the mid 1990s it was fashionable to be super-skinny. However the negative impact of these expectations on youth in particular has initiated a body image war.
Young people were, and still are, developing illnesses such as anorexia and bulimia in an effort to conform to societal expectations and to look like the models in magazines.
As recently as last century, it was considered a good thing to be curvaceous; celebrities such as Marilyn Munroe and Elizabeth Taylor were considered sex symbols and an inspiration for curvier women everywhere.
So what happened to society to make them believe that being excessively skinny is healthy, and that developing an eating disorder is the only way to achieve it?
Supermodels like Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss were large influences in the wafer-thin look and since the introduction of airbrush technology, photographs have been edited to get rid of their ‘wobbly bits’ and to make models appear skeletal.
For example, a recent image for Calvin Klein has sparked outrage. It depicts Megan Fox, who was once envied for her natural curves, in the branded underwear looking skeletal and painfully thin.
The introduction of the 2010 Voluntary Industry Code of Conduct on Body Image has had a positive impact on society’s idea of ‘beautiful’, beginning with disclosing when images have been digitally manipulated.
Ex-Victoria’s Secret Angel Miranda Kerr bucked the trend of being super-skinny by appearing on the catwalk while pregnant, and while the Australia’s Next Top Model 2009 winner, Tahnee Atkinson, was slammed for her size ten frame, I believe her to be a great role model for young women as she has embraced her body and has not conformed to the expectations of the modelling industry to become a size 6.
I realise that it is not healthy to be overweight or obese, but neither is it healthy to look like a skeleton, so I encourage women (and men) everywhere to be proud of their body as everyone is unique and it is one of the things that make you who you are.
One of the highest concerns for young people today is body image and how we are expected to conform to a particular shape.
From around the mid 1990s it was fashionable to be super-skinny. However the negative impact of these expectations on youth in particular has initiated a body image war.
Young people were, and still are, developing illnesses such as anorexia and bulimia in an effort to conform to societal expectations and to look like the models in magazines.
As recently as last century, it was considered a good thing to be curvaceous; celebrities such as Marilyn Munroe and Elizabeth Taylor were considered sex symbols and an inspiration for curvier women everywhere.
So what happened to society to make them believe that being excessively skinny is healthy, and that developing an eating disorder is the only way to achieve it?
Supermodels like Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss were large influences in the wafer-thin look and since the introduction of airbrush technology, photographs have been edited to get rid of their ‘wobbly bits’ and to make models appear skeletal.
For example, a recent image for Calvin Klein has sparked outrage. It depicts Megan Fox, who was once envied for her natural curves, in the branded underwear looking skeletal and painfully thin.
The introduction of the 2010 Voluntary Industry Code of Conduct on Body Image has had a positive impact on society’s idea of ‘beautiful’, beginning with disclosing when images have been digitally manipulated.
Ex-Victoria’s Secret Angel Miranda Kerr bucked the trend of being super-skinny by appearing on the catwalk while pregnant, and while the Australia’s Next Top Model 2009 winner, Tahnee Atkinson, was slammed for her size ten frame, I believe her to be a great role model for young women as she has embraced her body and has not conformed to the expectations of the modelling industry to become a size 6.
I realise that it is not healthy to be overweight or obese, but neither is it healthy to look like a skeleton, so I encourage women (and men) everywhere to be proud of their body as everyone is unique and it is one of the things that make you who you are.
Do Pills Really Solve our Problems?
By Melanie Dunn
The summer flu season is definitely here and I was unfortunate enough to get a particularly bad case of it, resulting in a horrible throat infection which has only just subsided.
In my desperation not to become sick I had ingested all sorts of medicines, prescribed, over-the-counter and natural, and it begs the question: Why do people feel the need to pump themselves with drugs at the first sign of illness?
Should we not let nature takes its course and build up a natural immunity?
I admit that at the first sign of illness I will do anything to prevent it, but I know that it was all a bit excessive this time.
A good friend of mine swears by gargling hot salty water to kill the germs so I tried her method but it only seemed to make me feel better for about an hour and then I returned to my grumpy, self-pitying state.
The issue about whether or not to let nature do its work is even more questionable when it comes to common, short-lived ailments such as a cold.
Are we fearful of what we will miss out on if we’re ill, whether it be work, university or social events, or are we scared we will pass it on to our loved ones?
Either way, nobody enjoys being sick so perhaps we feel that the easiest way to attack it head on - with medicines.
It is also a convenience issue: The drugs are there waiting to be bought, so why shouldn’t I buy them?
The fact of the matter is, if you want to get well quickly, it is likely that buying medicine will help you, but you must wonder whether it is good for you to attack your body at such a concentrated rate and whether it will have any negative effects on your body in the long run.
It’s clear that I am not opposed to using medicines to get over an illness.
This is because it is convenient and they usually work wonderfully for me, but I admittedly went overboard this time around, so I will definitely think twice about pumping myself with drugs next time I am ill and consider more natural methods.
The summer flu season is definitely here and I was unfortunate enough to get a particularly bad case of it, resulting in a horrible throat infection which has only just subsided.
In my desperation not to become sick I had ingested all sorts of medicines, prescribed, over-the-counter and natural, and it begs the question: Why do people feel the need to pump themselves with drugs at the first sign of illness?
Should we not let nature takes its course and build up a natural immunity?
I admit that at the first sign of illness I will do anything to prevent it, but I know that it was all a bit excessive this time.
A good friend of mine swears by gargling hot salty water to kill the germs so I tried her method but it only seemed to make me feel better for about an hour and then I returned to my grumpy, self-pitying state.
The issue about whether or not to let nature do its work is even more questionable when it comes to common, short-lived ailments such as a cold.
Are we fearful of what we will miss out on if we’re ill, whether it be work, university or social events, or are we scared we will pass it on to our loved ones?
Either way, nobody enjoys being sick so perhaps we feel that the easiest way to attack it head on - with medicines.
It is also a convenience issue: The drugs are there waiting to be bought, so why shouldn’t I buy them?
The fact of the matter is, if you want to get well quickly, it is likely that buying medicine will help you, but you must wonder whether it is good for you to attack your body at such a concentrated rate and whether it will have any negative effects on your body in the long run.
It’s clear that I am not opposed to using medicines to get over an illness.
This is because it is convenient and they usually work wonderfully for me, but I admittedly went overboard this time around, so I will definitely think twice about pumping myself with drugs next time I am ill and consider more natural methods.
Monday, 2 May 2011
Unwanted neighbours evicted from Carlisle
By Patrick Heenan, 3 May 2011
Neighbours pleas for help were finally answered after tenants at a Homes West property in Carlisle were evicted last week for antisocial behaviour.Local media reports state that time and time again, neighbours of unruly Homeswest tenants have had their calls go unanswered.
In an attempt to answer neighbours' pleas, the Minister for Housing, Troy Buswell, has strengthened policies targeting anti-social behaviour by Homeswest tenants.
This comes following the explosion of a clandestine drug lab on March 20 at a Homes West property in Carlisle.
Neighbour to the Carlisle property, Stacee Parkinson, made multiple complaints to police and to State Housing over the last three years with no follow up from either department.
“I felt like a whinger every time I contacted the Department of Housing.”
“Regardless of the amount of times I called, I was continually fobbed off,” she said.
Prior to the explosion, Ms Parkinson’s father had gone to ask the tenants at the Homes West property to turn down their music, only to be threatened with a .22 rifle.
Homes West tenants killed the son of James Richardson of Melville three and a half years ago in Yangebup.
Mr Richardson is skeptical the new policies will make a difference.
“At the moment it appears that action only takes place when someone is killed or is seriously injured,” he said.
The policies outlined by Mr Buswell include immediate eviction for violence towards neighbours, one warning for vandalism with re-offences within twelve months meaning eviction and three strikes for minor incidences, including noise.
Mr Buswell has made observations that the old system and policies were not effective and that they had not been consistently applied.
“Under the renewed policies, there will be a big jump in the amount of evictions and much sooner,” said Mr Buswell.
Department spokesman Greg Cash said his department is working on implementation of the new measures announced by the Minister.
“The strategy seeks to safeguard the community. Stronger action is taken for repeated instances, including eviction of tenants,” said Mr Cash.
“Mr Buswell is doing a lot of talking and not following through on his policies,” said shadow housing minister, Mark McGowan.
Mr McGowan said he would work closely with tenants before bad behaviour gets out of hand and he remains skeptical the new policies will work.
“Any improvement as a result of this policy is yet to be seen,” Mr McGowan said.
Neighbours pleas for help were finally answered after tenants at a Homes West property in Carlisle were evicted last week for antisocial behaviour.Local media reports state that time and time again, neighbours of unruly Homeswest tenants have had their calls go unanswered.
In an attempt to answer neighbours' pleas, the Minister for Housing, Troy Buswell, has strengthened policies targeting anti-social behaviour by Homeswest tenants.
This comes following the explosion of a clandestine drug lab on March 20 at a Homes West property in Carlisle.
Neighbour to the Carlisle property, Stacee Parkinson, made multiple complaints to police and to State Housing over the last three years with no follow up from either department.
“I felt like a whinger every time I contacted the Department of Housing.”
“Regardless of the amount of times I called, I was continually fobbed off,” she said.
Prior to the explosion, Ms Parkinson’s father had gone to ask the tenants at the Homes West property to turn down their music, only to be threatened with a .22 rifle.
Homes West tenants killed the son of James Richardson of Melville three and a half years ago in Yangebup.
Mr Richardson is skeptical the new policies will make a difference.
“At the moment it appears that action only takes place when someone is killed or is seriously injured,” he said.
The policies outlined by Mr Buswell include immediate eviction for violence towards neighbours, one warning for vandalism with re-offences within twelve months meaning eviction and three strikes for minor incidences, including noise.
Mr Buswell has made observations that the old system and policies were not effective and that they had not been consistently applied.
“Under the renewed policies, there will be a big jump in the amount of evictions and much sooner,” said Mr Buswell.
Department spokesman Greg Cash said his department is working on implementation of the new measures announced by the Minister.
“The strategy seeks to safeguard the community. Stronger action is taken for repeated instances, including eviction of tenants,” said Mr Cash.
“Mr Buswell is doing a lot of talking and not following through on his policies,” said shadow housing minister, Mark McGowan.
Mr McGowan said he would work closely with tenants before bad behaviour gets out of hand and he remains skeptical the new policies will work.
“Any improvement as a result of this policy is yet to be seen,” Mr McGowan said.
Cottesloe consider legal action against high-rise plans
By Ella Benzie, 5 April 2011
Cottesloe locals claims their opinions are being ignored, despite a successful meeting organised by protest groups against the government’s five to eight-storey development proposal along Cottesloe beach almost a month ago.
The meeting, organised by Keep Cott Low and S.O.S. Cottesloe, held on the 16th of March, produced a Vote of No Confidence in Planning Minister John Day, but the proposal has not been withdrawn or altered.
Keep Cott Low will consider all options if the development goes ahead, including asking the Cottesloe Council to intervene and do what they can, addressing local member Colin Barnett, and even legal action, said President John Hammond last Thursday.
A petition signed by over 8000 local and international people has indicated that 90 per cent of locals are against the proposal, as they will lose their views, and the developments will increase traffic levels and create a shadow over the beach, he said.
“Cottesloe is a popular low-scale development, part of its appeal being that the pine trees dominate the landscape, not the buildings,” said the former mayor.
“If the developments go ahead, Cottesloe will turn into a mini Gold Coast, which we do not want or need.”
Environmental planning and architectural consultant Garry Baverstock’s opinion that the development plan is not sustainable in terms of global warming, has caused even more concern from locals.
“Already many places around the world say that it is not sustainable to build along the beach, so what makes Cottesloe any different,” said Mr Hammond.
Locals will support whatever actions protest groups like Keep Cott Low suggest to stop the developments, as they are tired of feeling that the government is not paying enough attention to the local community’s values, said resident Elliott Kaye.
“Our opinions are being ignored, when we are the ones who have to live with the developments if they go ahead, and we will be predominately affected by any environmental damage,” said Mr Kaye last Saturday.
“There is definitely room for development in regards to tourism along Cottesloe beach, but not on such a large and extreme scale.”
If the plans are to go ahead unaltered, the state government has been assured by the Cottesloe community that it will face further protests, and that the community, “will not give up without a fight,” said Mr Kaye.
Cottesloe locals claims their opinions are being ignored, despite a successful meeting organised by protest groups against the government’s five to eight-storey development proposal along Cottesloe beach almost a month ago.
The meeting, organised by Keep Cott Low and S.O.S. Cottesloe, held on the 16th of March, produced a Vote of No Confidence in Planning Minister John Day, but the proposal has not been withdrawn or altered.
Keep Cott Low will consider all options if the development goes ahead, including asking the Cottesloe Council to intervene and do what they can, addressing local member Colin Barnett, and even legal action, said President John Hammond last Thursday.
A petition signed by over 8000 local and international people has indicated that 90 per cent of locals are against the proposal, as they will lose their views, and the developments will increase traffic levels and create a shadow over the beach, he said.
“Cottesloe is a popular low-scale development, part of its appeal being that the pine trees dominate the landscape, not the buildings,” said the former mayor.
“If the developments go ahead, Cottesloe will turn into a mini Gold Coast, which we do not want or need.”
Environmental planning and architectural consultant Garry Baverstock’s opinion that the development plan is not sustainable in terms of global warming, has caused even more concern from locals.
“Already many places around the world say that it is not sustainable to build along the beach, so what makes Cottesloe any different,” said Mr Hammond.
Locals will support whatever actions protest groups like Keep Cott Low suggest to stop the developments, as they are tired of feeling that the government is not paying enough attention to the local community’s values, said resident Elliott Kaye.
“Our opinions are being ignored, when we are the ones who have to live with the developments if they go ahead, and we will be predominately affected by any environmental damage,” said Mr Kaye last Saturday.
“There is definitely room for development in regards to tourism along Cottesloe beach, but not on such a large and extreme scale.”
If the plans are to go ahead unaltered, the state government has been assured by the Cottesloe community that it will face further protests, and that the community, “will not give up without a fight,” said Mr Kaye.
South Perth may get more small bars
By Lacey Holtfreter, 1 May 2011
The City of South Perth Council changed the land usage of a potential small bar site on Angelo Street from retail to cafe/restaurant yesterday, paving the way for more small wine bars.
This follows the decision by Council members to support a 300-strong petition in relation to small bar licences by an overwhelming 11-0 vote on the 22nd of March.
The petition from Angelo Street business owners called for the Council to be “proactive” when supporting small bar licenses and the move to change the usage is a clear indication of that.
South Perth City Council Planning Officer, Cameron Howell, said he has relayed to the site leaseholder that they have received the petition and hope they consider a small licensed venue.
“The petition shows that a large amount of the community clearly thinks it would be a good idea.
“They don’t want a standard cafe because there are enough of them on Angelo Street already,” Mr Howell said.
Angelo Street business owner and petition co-ordinator, Shona Reid, was very happy with the outcome of the town meeting and the subsequent change of usage.
Ms Reid said that she felt Angelo Street was being left behind in comparison to other shopping precincts such as Beaufort Street in Mt Lawley.
“I think it will keep the strip alive later into the day, it dies here in the evening.
“There is a couple of cafe and restaurants open but they don’t have any buzz or life about them,” said Ms Reid.
Kensington Police Sergeant Nicholas Harris said from a community policing point of view the size of the bar is the most important element that they need to consider.
“As it will be a small establishment it won’t attract huge crowds and be open late into the night, so it should not be a big issue,” Sergeant Harris said.
Some South Perth residents oppose the idea of a small licensed venue on Angelo Street as they fear it will not add vibrancy to the street but rather attract anti-social behaviour.
Peter Pagoda, a resident for 13 years, said he did not sign the petition because he was concerned it could bring an undesirable element to the community.
“Angelo Street is a quiet residential area and a licensed venue may ruin that environment and impact on the safety of the residents,” Mr Pagoda said.
Farmers market planned for City Beach school site
By James Pearson, 18 April 2011
The State Planning Commission will hear plans for a farmers market in city beach.
A public hearing was held on the 15th of March to discuss Kapinara Primary School’s plans to hold a community run farmers market on Saturday mornings.
Many residents objected to the proposed plan stating that it would cause traffic issues, safety issues and it would disturb the quiet weekend mornings.
A petition with signatures of 156 residents objected the proposed plan.
The Council committee rejected the plans, but made recommendations to the school.
The committee suggested that approval be limited to 12 months, they give the council an access traffic plan and parking on the school oval be free of charge instead of a gold coin donation.
But the Council of Cambridge does not have the power to approve a farmers market at Kapinara Primary School.
As the farmers market is planned to be held at a public school, it comes under the jurisdiction of the State Planning Commission.
“The Cambridge Council is a mediator between the two parties,” the Manager of Governance for Cambridge City Council, Neil Costello, said.
“It makes recommendations to Kapinara Primary school and to the State Planning Commission.
“The Planning Commission handles it because the school is public property and it has to be handled by a public authority,” he said.
A flood of complaints has hit the Council due to its inability to stop the market.
Kapinara Primary School’s P and C has assured residents it will comply with all of the council’s recommendations.
“The request has gone to the State Planning Commission and it is being processed,” P and C member Ellie Munt said.
“We have taken the Council’s recommendations and have put them in our plan.”
Mr Costello assured residents if the Planning Commission does approve the farmers market, the council will try to make it less of an impact on residents.
“We will have rangers patrolling on Saturday mornings, and parking restrictions on street parking.”
DNA beef plan ‘no threat’
By Luke Cranswick, 17 April, 2011
A project of taking African breed cattle DNA and fusing it with Australian cattle, will not threaten the local beef market, but strengthen it, according to proponents.
“It will help it because it adds more genetic diversity, and produces hybrid vigour,” said the main behind the project, Stewart Cranswick.
He says the main drive behind this project is to introduce a new breed and sell it into existing beef farms so they can introduce the positive genetics into their herd like hardiness for other types of climate, good meat conversion ratios.
Mr Cranswick said there was some recorded success, already.
“We currently have 330 cows and 140 bulls,” he said.
“The aim was to get them to cross breed which at thing point in time they currently are so that is successful, the result is the next stage we hope will succeed.
“In summary the Bonsmara DNA has all the toughness of a tropical breed but can produce beef and can cross well with all types.”
He said there were some difficulties faced when conducting the project, like avoiding certain diseases like foot and mouth disease.
“Because of the diseases in Africa, they can only be introduced as embryos which are so very fragile, another is that we only had a 30% survival rate due to some of the cattle not accept the embryo,” said Mr Cranswick.
By transporting them as embryos they are too small to carry diseases so the chance of them passing on any diseases it almost non-existent.
The project involves Bonsmara cattle embryos being transported from South Africa and implanting them inside the cows.
The cattle were first bred by a man named John Bons some 70 years ago, the Bonsmara cattle are currently being farmed in Louis Trichardt, South Africa, by Gavin Bristow.
Both Mr Bristow and Mr Cranswick say they have received no ethical objection from members of the public on the matter and say the transporting of the embryos is done in a humane way.
“The cows are injected with hormones to make them super ovulate. Other than these injections, their lives go on as normal,” said Mr Bristow.
A project of taking African breed cattle DNA and fusing it with Australian cattle, will not threaten the local beef market, but strengthen it, according to proponents.
“It will help it because it adds more genetic diversity, and produces hybrid vigour,” said the main behind the project, Stewart Cranswick.
He says the main drive behind this project is to introduce a new breed and sell it into existing beef farms so they can introduce the positive genetics into their herd like hardiness for other types of climate, good meat conversion ratios.
Mr Cranswick said there was some recorded success, already.
“We currently have 330 cows and 140 bulls,” he said.
“The aim was to get them to cross breed which at thing point in time they currently are so that is successful, the result is the next stage we hope will succeed.
“In summary the Bonsmara DNA has all the toughness of a tropical breed but can produce beef and can cross well with all types.”
He said there were some difficulties faced when conducting the project, like avoiding certain diseases like foot and mouth disease.
“Because of the diseases in Africa, they can only be introduced as embryos which are so very fragile, another is that we only had a 30% survival rate due to some of the cattle not accept the embryo,” said Mr Cranswick.
By transporting them as embryos they are too small to carry diseases so the chance of them passing on any diseases it almost non-existent.
The project involves Bonsmara cattle embryos being transported from South Africa and implanting them inside the cows.
The cattle were first bred by a man named John Bons some 70 years ago, the Bonsmara cattle are currently being farmed in Louis Trichardt, South Africa, by Gavin Bristow.
Both Mr Bristow and Mr Cranswick say they have received no ethical objection from members of the public on the matter and say the transporting of the embryos is done in a humane way.
“The cows are injected with hormones to make them super ovulate. Other than these injections, their lives go on as normal,” said Mr Bristow.
Algae bloom strangling Swan
By Tom Iffla, 16 April, 2011
The Swan River Trust has found that the Swan River and its life forms are currently suffering from algae blooms, Tributyltin (Boat paints) and lack of oxygen.
Scientific reports from The Swan River Trust website, stated that it would be foolish to think that all natural self-rejuvenating water blisses go un-harmed due to human induced chemicals and toxins.
The website claimed that high amounts of nutrients in certain areas are the major cause of algae blooms.
The website also stated that the blue-green algae are the most hazardous and can potentially be life-threatening if digested into the human body system.
Rachael Cochrane, the Media Relation’s Manager for the Swan River Trust said there is much cause for concern.
“Some algae are known to produce toxins and these species can pose a threat to human health,” Miss Cochrane said.
Miss Cochrane said it is known to cause skin irritation upon human contact and can cause serious injury or death to underwater life forms.
“They appear to be becoming larger and more frequent on a global scale and that this has been linked to human activity increasing nutrient levels in the water bodies,” she said.
She said the environment does not clean up after its self and people must globally take precautions to secure the lakes and rivers for our future.
The Swan River Trust built oxygen pumps in 1991 to insert oxygen into areas with low oxygen levels.
According to the Swan River Trust website there have been different areas with low levels of oxygen popping up in every annual report since 2001.
These areas include Peppermint Grove, Claremont and White beach.
Miss Cochrane claimed that low water movement and algae blooms are the cause of low oxygen levels within the Swan River.
“Oxygen levels at the bottom of the water column in the vicinity of Middle Swan Bridge are quite low at the moment,” she said.
Miss Cochrane also claimed that there are currently two oxygen pumps that work to re-oxygenate areas that are low with oxygen, but says that this is not enough.
She said that lack of oxygen causes fish and other life forms to asphyxiate.
The Swan River Trust has found that the Swan River and its life forms are currently suffering from algae blooms, Tributyltin (Boat paints) and lack of oxygen.
Scientific reports from The Swan River Trust website, stated that it would be foolish to think that all natural self-rejuvenating water blisses go un-harmed due to human induced chemicals and toxins.
The website claimed that high amounts of nutrients in certain areas are the major cause of algae blooms.
The website also stated that the blue-green algae are the most hazardous and can potentially be life-threatening if digested into the human body system.
Rachael Cochrane, the Media Relation’s Manager for the Swan River Trust said there is much cause for concern.
“Some algae are known to produce toxins and these species can pose a threat to human health,” Miss Cochrane said.
Miss Cochrane said it is known to cause skin irritation upon human contact and can cause serious injury or death to underwater life forms.
“They appear to be becoming larger and more frequent on a global scale and that this has been linked to human activity increasing nutrient levels in the water bodies,” she said.
She said the environment does not clean up after its self and people must globally take precautions to secure the lakes and rivers for our future.
The Swan River Trust built oxygen pumps in 1991 to insert oxygen into areas with low oxygen levels.
According to the Swan River Trust website there have been different areas with low levels of oxygen popping up in every annual report since 2001.
These areas include Peppermint Grove, Claremont and White beach.
Miss Cochrane claimed that low water movement and algae blooms are the cause of low oxygen levels within the Swan River.
“Oxygen levels at the bottom of the water column in the vicinity of Middle Swan Bridge are quite low at the moment,” she said.
Miss Cochrane also claimed that there are currently two oxygen pumps that work to re-oxygenate areas that are low with oxygen, but says that this is not enough.
She said that lack of oxygen causes fish and other life forms to asphyxiate.
Fencing fallout in Fremantle
by Marcel Teschendorff, 15 April 2011
A Fremantle homeowner is contemplating legal action against the Department of Housing as extended negotiations involving a collapsed fence come to a standoff.
Talks between homeowner Kevin Carter and the Department of Housing (DOH) came to a halt when both parties failed to agree over who is responsible for the costs of rebuilding the collapsed fence and retaining wall that forms the boundary between the properties.
The front section of the fence collapsed in August 2009 when an unknown driver crashed into the wall following an altercation with a tenant living at the DOH property, leading to the eventual collapse of additional parts of the fence and retaining wall.
An engineering group was hired by the DOH to conduct a survey of the fence and retaining wall in order to identify who was responsible for the cost of repairing damage.
“It is considered that the addition of the brick retaining wall above the original limestone retaining wall has caused a surcharge loading and slowly caused the existing retaining wall to move away from the vertical point,” said the engineer from Structerre Engineering Group.
“Given the current state of this retaining wall it is suggested that it has come to the end of its economic and serviceable life and warrants demolition.”
The report states that the “addition of the brick wall,” by the DOH caused the failure in the retaining wall, although the DOH does not see the situation this way.
“The Department has now reviewed its position regarding repair of the boundary fence,” wrote Beryl Matheson to Mr Carter.
“The Department is not responsible for repair or replacement of the retaining wall,” continued Ms Matheson.
The Executive Director of the DOH Trevor Gregory stated in a letter to Mr Carter that because the limestone wall upon which both the dividing fence and retaining wall are built was already there when the DOH purchased the property, they are not responsible.
"The apartments at 32 Bellevue Tce, Fremantle were constructed in 1968 and purchased by the Department in 1988.
“The Department does not accept responsibility for the cost of remedial work to the retaining wall,” wrote Mr Gregory.
Mr Carter purchased his property in 2008,however, the house and original surrounding walls were built in 1910, before Mr Carter took ownership.
Mr Gregory also stated in the letter to Mr Carter that while the retaining wall was built to support the surface of the land on DOH property, because it was constructed on Mr Carter’s property it is his responsibility.
“The retaining wall and the fence built on top of the wall were constructed within the boundaries of your property,” he wrote.
However, while Mr Gregory stated the retaining wall was constructed within Mr Carter’s property, he failed to acknowledge that the retaining wall covered at least 125mm of the DOH property compared to only 75mm of Mr Carter’s.
Residents of Bellevue Tce recently initiated a petition requesting the Minister for Housing to resolve the matter as soon as possible.
A Fremantle homeowner is contemplating legal action against the Department of Housing as extended negotiations involving a collapsed fence come to a standoff.
Talks between homeowner Kevin Carter and the Department of Housing (DOH) came to a halt when both parties failed to agree over who is responsible for the costs of rebuilding the collapsed fence and retaining wall that forms the boundary between the properties.
The front section of the fence collapsed in August 2009 when an unknown driver crashed into the wall following an altercation with a tenant living at the DOH property, leading to the eventual collapse of additional parts of the fence and retaining wall.
An engineering group was hired by the DOH to conduct a survey of the fence and retaining wall in order to identify who was responsible for the cost of repairing damage.
“It is considered that the addition of the brick retaining wall above the original limestone retaining wall has caused a surcharge loading and slowly caused the existing retaining wall to move away from the vertical point,” said the engineer from Structerre Engineering Group.
“Given the current state of this retaining wall it is suggested that it has come to the end of its economic and serviceable life and warrants demolition.”
The report states that the “addition of the brick wall,” by the DOH caused the failure in the retaining wall, although the DOH does not see the situation this way.
“The Department has now reviewed its position regarding repair of the boundary fence,” wrote Beryl Matheson to Mr Carter.
“The Department is not responsible for repair or replacement of the retaining wall,” continued Ms Matheson.
The Executive Director of the DOH Trevor Gregory stated in a letter to Mr Carter that because the limestone wall upon which both the dividing fence and retaining wall are built was already there when the DOH purchased the property, they are not responsible.
"The apartments at 32 Bellevue Tce, Fremantle were constructed in 1968 and purchased by the Department in 1988.
“The Department does not accept responsibility for the cost of remedial work to the retaining wall,” wrote Mr Gregory.
Mr Carter purchased his property in 2008,however, the house and original surrounding walls were built in 1910, before Mr Carter took ownership.
Mr Gregory also stated in the letter to Mr Carter that while the retaining wall was built to support the surface of the land on DOH property, because it was constructed on Mr Carter’s property it is his responsibility.
“The retaining wall and the fence built on top of the wall were constructed within the boundaries of your property,” he wrote.
However, while Mr Gregory stated the retaining wall was constructed within Mr Carter’s property, he failed to acknowledge that the retaining wall covered at least 125mm of the DOH property compared to only 75mm of Mr Carter’s.
Residents of Bellevue Tce recently initiated a petition requesting the Minister for Housing to resolve the matter as soon as possible.
Grads challenge audiences with Shakespearean twist
By Cassandra Flanagan, 15 April 2011
The University of Western Australia’s Graduate Dramatic Society (GRADS) has surprised its audiences with a novel twist on Shakespeare's classic, 'Twelfth Night'.
“GRADS set out to challenge their audiences to experience Shakespeare in an unconventional manner,” said Cassandra Vagliviello, a member of the cast.
"We didn't want to present a traditional telling of Twelfth Night, but rather one where the audience had an insight into the characters from a different perspective other than merely watching a person onstage,” said Miss Vagliviello.
“The idea came from within the creative team, which was led by our director, Peter Clark,” she said.
“Peter really wanted to prove to the audiences that not every Shakespearean drama can be told the same way, and that perhaps a bit of creativity and interpretation is needed to find the true hidden meaning in Shakespeare’s works.
“As an actor, I had to incorporate Peter’s vision into my performance, portraying the main character of Olivia as Betty Boop.
“This proved to be a lot harder than I had originally imagined, as I had to interpret the script and Olivia’s emotions and motivations whilst also incorporating a 1930’s ‘seductress’ character into my performance,” she said.
“Personally, I thought this was a unique idea, and although it was challenging at first, the rehearsal process allowed me to delve into my character and find what I wanted to bring to the stage through my interpretation of Olivia,” said Miss Vagliviello.
Notre Dame Theatre Studies graduate Therese Cruise viewed Twelfth Night, and found herself captured by Peter Clark’s interpretation of this classic comedy.
“I thought it was a really fantastic idea to costume all the characters as recognisable children's characters,” said Miss Cruise.
“It brought a whole new meaning to a play I've seen and read quite a few times, one which I hadn’t previously considered and was a surprise when I went to see the play.
“As the characters where recognizable, it gave me as an audience member new insights into the traits and personalities of the characters.
“I thought the direction was brilliant, and I really enjoyed the show the whole way through,” said Miss Cruise.
“Olivia as ‘Betty Boop’ was particularly funny, being quite a ditzy character that everyone but Viola loves.”
“One of my favourite moments was Viola and Sebastian discovering each other and the ‘big reveal’, which was very interesting as the two siblings were dressed as clowns,” said Miss Cruise.
“Although Peter Clark’s interpretation was a test for me as an actor, I really enjoyed pushing myself to meet the challenge, and I would definitely work with Peter again,” said Miss Vagliviello.
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