as posted here
After our bye last week most of the boys were itching to get back onto the park and make a show, especially for Cliff Bennison’s last game before he deserts us for US….. Back to the pitch. As usual there were some who rocked up early and slept in the carpark (Rowley), and some who rocked up late but still got a run (Jimmy). Some pre-game exercises and a quick chat to the Ref preceeds the kick-off.
Game on and much of the first 10 minutes was played out in the midfield followed by a defensive clearance of some description. The wings weren’t be used too well by either team and play only resulted in easily saved shots on goal or turnovers.
As the game progressed we started to utilise the wide ball, with Cliff and Al Mac working overtime onto through balls and beating their respective men. Team intensity picked up for the Laterals but nothing resulted. Some great opportunities arose but a lack of decision making in front of goals meant we where taking too long and couldn’t get a shot off quick enough.
Man of the match Dan Vivian was having a great game in defence winning numerous headers and contesting every ball. Never giving the Gosnell’s lackluster forward line any chance of getting a decent shot on target. Ryan, Kev, Bernie, Hiroto and backline fill-in Brad all played well together preventing the opposition from getting into the box.
The first half played out at nil all. We felt pretty confident in our fitness going into the second half and some tactics talk from our esteemed leader Mark gave us some good ideas moving into the second period.
Immediately we picked up our game and created several chances in the first few minutes. Unfortunately the grounds were not as good as ye old Macgilvray oval and the ball kept bobbling all over the place. Once again Al Mac on the left wing producing some fine work and Rowley working well with the strikers creating great opportunities. The subs kept rolling and the defence kept defending, moving the ball up around the outside of the corridor. Our speed and fitness proving to be too much to handle for the GCFC players.
Jimmy provided the usual good work on the right wing and the Parks brothers were alternating great plays going forward. Kenny had a couple of chances and a few shots were fired from outside the box by the midfield. After one particular cross from Jimmy Lim the ball goes over Brandy’s head just inside the top of the box only for Mark to get a good shoe in. In true Laterals style he leaps up and executes a fantastic scissor kick, too bad he missed the ball.
The team kept the intensity high and it eventually paid dividends. From a throw-in Jarrad gets the ball outside the box and to the right of goals. Kenny makes a great run and JP plays and excellent through ball. Kenny fires and the keeper parries, only for Al Mac, our saviour once again, to come in and clean up the crums putting the ball cleanly into the back of the net from 4 yards out.
No more goals eventuated but we did continue to keep up the game-play until the final whistle. Kevin was nicely annoying the shit out of the opposition strikers as they tried to do the same to Pitty on corners. All went well and Pitty kept the teams first clean sheet for the season. Great game by all and hopefully more will come in the coming weeks.
This entry was posted on Sunday, May 31st, 2009 at 5:33 pm and is filed under Home, News, Results, Social, UWA Laterals. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
as posted here
Sunday 31 May 2009
Thursday 28 May 2009
Will your town lay down and die?
as posted here
With amalgamations looming, will your local council fight or unite with its neighbour? Perth's metropolitan mayors discuss survival tactics with Chris Thomson.
Only six of metropolitan Perth's 29 mayors say they will consider merging with neighbouring councils when the Barnett Government forces them to nominate efficiency measures later this year.
Local Government Minister John Castrilli has set an August 31 deadline for WA's 139 councils to decide if they want to merge, take land from their neighbours, or otherwise become lean and mean.
On Monday, WAtoday.com.au revealed how sparsely populated shires in WA's Wheatbelt and Midwest regions were charging up to 10 times more rates per person than their city cousins.
Now, a straw poll of metropolitan mayors and shire presidents reveals 16 oppose mergers, six support, and two are undecided.
Three months out from Mr Castrilli's deadline, Perth region mayors vote 'YES', 'NO' or 'MAYBE' to local council mergers ...
Armadale mayor Linton Reynolds - NO
"The good thing about this process is it's caused everybody to stop and think."
. Opposes amalgamations with neighbouring Gosnells and Serpentine-Jarrahdale on grounds that main financial weakness of all three councils is that their rate base is too suburban;
. opposes amalgamations with Cockburn or Kwinana, both separated from Armadale by Kwinana Freeway, as he sees no common community of interest;
. says number of Armadale councillors should be culled from 14, to between six and nine.
Bassendean mayor Tina Klein - NO
"There's no need for us to amalgamate with anyone, because we're sustainable."
. Opposes amalgamation;
. prefers 'squaring off' boundaries with neighbours along main roads, sharing regional services, and reducing number of councillors.
Bayswater mayor Lou Magro - YES
"My personal preference would be for metropolitan councils of 100,000 people or above."
. Supports council amalgamations so that each Perth council would have no fewer than 100,000 people;
. supports 'squaring off' of council boundaries.
Belmont mayor Glenys Godfrey - NO
"It's putting the cart before the horse because the WA Local Government Association had already entered into a reform process."
. opposes amalgamation;
. supports greater sharing of services among eastern suburbs councils.
Cambridge mayor Simon Withers - NO
"I think there should be a lot of amalgamations in the Wheatbelt councils. All the urban councils are sustainable for as long as they want, basically."
. opposes amalgamation with neighbouring councils;
. supports squaring off the town's boundaries.
Canning mayor Joe Delle Donne - NIL RESPONSE
Claremont acting mayor Paul Kelly - MAYBE
"It's certainly worth considering because there's economies of scale and substantial efficiencies that can be gained."
. open minded toward merging with the City of Nedlands, and instituting an electoral system where both Claremont and Nedlands would retain ward status;
. says that regardless of outcome, current boundaries need to be squared up.
Cockburn mayor Logan Howlett - YES
"We see the main way of moving forward as an amalgamation with a neighbouring local government."
. supports amalgamation with either City of Fremantle or Town of Kwinana;
. looking at squaring up boundaries;
. supports regional service sharing;
. has reservations about reducing current number of councillors down from 10.
Cottesloe mayor Kevin Morgan - YES
"Peppermint Grove is an integral part of any merger involving Cottesloe."
. open-minded to mergers, especially with tiny Peppermint Grove, though doesn't expect there would be great financial benefits;
. prefers number of Cottesloe councillors be slashed from current 11 to a "lean, mean council" of five, but worries about increased councillor burden;
. supports regional service sharing.
East Fremantle mayor Alan Ferris - NO
"I think that we've been a long term (takeover) target of everyone. We're a small council, we understand that (but) we don't agree with it."
. opposes amalgamation with neighbouring Fremantle;
. supports greater service sharing, in finance and human resources services with neighbouring councils;
. says his ratepayers should decide whether the town is amalgamated or not.
Fremantle mayor Peter Tagliaferri - YES
. Vigorously opposes Cockburn mayor Logan Howlett's mooted merger with smaller Fremantle, but is a long-term advocate of merging with the even smaller Town of East Fremantle;
. supports squaring up boundaries;
. supports greater sharing of services, particularly information technology where he sees potential economies of scale.
Gosnells mayor Olwen Searle - NIL RESPONSE
Joondalup mayor Troy Pickard - NO
"We're 160,000 people, and if you get any bigger than that you expose yourself to the potential of losing touch with your community."
. Opposes amalgamation with Joondalup's neighbours;
. supports larger councils such as Joondalup contracting out expertise (such as urban planning) to smaller councils in remote areas.
Kalamunda shire president Donald McKechnie - YES
"We could do with a bit more industrial and (annexing) that Hazelmere area (from the City of Swan) would make us very sustainable because that's where the heavy industry is going."
. Says annexing Hazelmere from City of Swan would broaden Kalamunda's largely residential and rural rates base;
. supports slashing current councillor numbers from 12 to 9;
. says amalgamation spotlight should be on smaller country and western Perth councils, not on larger Kalamunda;
. supports squaring up boundaries.
Kwinana mayor Carol Adams - NIL RESPONSE
Melville mayor Russell Aubrey - NO
"The reform process, it's a bit confusing for us all without a firm idea of what the minister is hoping to achieve."
. Opposes amalgamations, because he sees his city's size of 100,000 as optimum;
. supports squaring up boundaries;
. says current number of 13 councillors is fine.
Mosman Park mayor Ron Norris - MAYBE
"Divide and conquer is the only intelligent strategy I can attribute to the manner in which the minister is conducting this matter."
. If residents of North Fremantle came to him, and wanted to move from City of Fremantle to Mosman Park he'd welcome it;
. likewise with the tiny shire of Peppermint Grove, but he won't be initiating annexure for fear of falling into Mr Castrilli's divide and conquer "trap".
Mundaring shire president Helen Dullard - NO
"We are currently looking at why we would do that and what gains there would be for our communities."
. Lukewarm on need for mergers with neighbouring councils of Swan, Northam or Kalamunda, saying she does not want to pre-empt an imminent council decision on the matter;
. supports boundary 'tidy ups'
Nedlands mayor Sheryl Froese - YES
"If (amalgamating with neighbour Claremont) is done in a good way and brings the community with you, that might be something that might work."
. Supports a merger with adjacent Claremont, but not a mooted super western suburbs council;
. supports boundary square offs.
Peppermint Grove shire president Brian Kavanagh - NO
"We're financially well off, viable, and deliver services people want and they're prepared to pay for it, so why would we want to change?"
. Opposes amalgamations;
. actually wants more councillors - up from current seven to nine to ensure there's a quorum at meetings;
. supports squaring of boundaries.
Perth mayor Lisa Scaffidi - NO
"I believe that amalgamation is a question mark of a word."
. Advocates "redrawing the local government map" to encourage greater efficiency;
. says there is scope for Perth to extend north into Northbridge and southwest toward the University of Western Australia to enhance its capital city role;
. says a recent media report saying Perth wanted to annexe the Burswood entertainment precinct and residential areas of Northbridge was incorrect.
Rockingham mayor Barry Sammels - NO
"Our boundaries are pretty well defined."
. Opposes Cockburn's amalgamation overtures, as he believes Kwinana is already sustainable, and growing all the time;
. opposes any reduction in the town's current number of 10 councillors;
. says squaring of boundaries is unwarranted, because the current ones work well.
South Perth mayor James Best - NO
"South Perth is incredibly sustainable."
. opposes amalgamation with neighbouring councils;
. supports slashing current number of councillors from 13 to 9;
. supports expanding existing service sharing with adjoining Victoria Park to joint procurement of equipment, employment of back-office staff, and mowing along the river foreshore.
. supports squaring up of boundaries.
as posted here
With amalgamations looming, will your local council fight or unite with its neighbour? Perth's metropolitan mayors discuss survival tactics with Chris Thomson.
Only six of metropolitan Perth's 29 mayors say they will consider merging with neighbouring councils when the Barnett Government forces them to nominate efficiency measures later this year.
Local Government Minister John Castrilli has set an August 31 deadline for WA's 139 councils to decide if they want to merge, take land from their neighbours, or otherwise become lean and mean.
On Monday, WAtoday.com.au revealed how sparsely populated shires in WA's Wheatbelt and Midwest regions were charging up to 10 times more rates per person than their city cousins.
Now, a straw poll of metropolitan mayors and shire presidents reveals 16 oppose mergers, six support, and two are undecided.
Three months out from Mr Castrilli's deadline, Perth region mayors vote 'YES', 'NO' or 'MAYBE' to local council mergers ...
Armadale mayor Linton Reynolds - NO
"The good thing about this process is it's caused everybody to stop and think."
. Opposes amalgamations with neighbouring Gosnells and Serpentine-Jarrahdale on grounds that main financial weakness of all three councils is that their rate base is too suburban;
. opposes amalgamations with Cockburn or Kwinana, both separated from Armadale by Kwinana Freeway, as he sees no common community of interest;
. says number of Armadale councillors should be culled from 14, to between six and nine.
Bassendean mayor Tina Klein - NO
"There's no need for us to amalgamate with anyone, because we're sustainable."
. Opposes amalgamation;
. prefers 'squaring off' boundaries with neighbours along main roads, sharing regional services, and reducing number of councillors.
Bayswater mayor Lou Magro - YES
"My personal preference would be for metropolitan councils of 100,000 people or above."
. Supports council amalgamations so that each Perth council would have no fewer than 100,000 people;
. supports 'squaring off' of council boundaries.
Belmont mayor Glenys Godfrey - NO
"It's putting the cart before the horse because the WA Local Government Association had already entered into a reform process."
. opposes amalgamation;
. supports greater sharing of services among eastern suburbs councils.
Cambridge mayor Simon Withers - NO
"I think there should be a lot of amalgamations in the Wheatbelt councils. All the urban councils are sustainable for as long as they want, basically."
. opposes amalgamation with neighbouring councils;
. supports squaring off the town's boundaries.
Canning mayor Joe Delle Donne - NIL RESPONSE
Claremont acting mayor Paul Kelly - MAYBE
"It's certainly worth considering because there's economies of scale and substantial efficiencies that can be gained."
. open minded toward merging with the City of Nedlands, and instituting an electoral system where both Claremont and Nedlands would retain ward status;
. says that regardless of outcome, current boundaries need to be squared up.
Cockburn mayor Logan Howlett - YES
"We see the main way of moving forward as an amalgamation with a neighbouring local government."
. supports amalgamation with either City of Fremantle or Town of Kwinana;
. looking at squaring up boundaries;
. supports regional service sharing;
. has reservations about reducing current number of councillors down from 10.
Cottesloe mayor Kevin Morgan - YES
"Peppermint Grove is an integral part of any merger involving Cottesloe."
. open-minded to mergers, especially with tiny Peppermint Grove, though doesn't expect there would be great financial benefits;
. prefers number of Cottesloe councillors be slashed from current 11 to a "lean, mean council" of five, but worries about increased councillor burden;
. supports regional service sharing.
East Fremantle mayor Alan Ferris - NO
"I think that we've been a long term (takeover) target of everyone. We're a small council, we understand that (but) we don't agree with it."
. opposes amalgamation with neighbouring Fremantle;
. supports greater service sharing, in finance and human resources services with neighbouring councils;
. says his ratepayers should decide whether the town is amalgamated or not.
Fremantle mayor Peter Tagliaferri - YES
. Vigorously opposes Cockburn mayor Logan Howlett's mooted merger with smaller Fremantle, but is a long-term advocate of merging with the even smaller Town of East Fremantle;
. supports squaring up boundaries;
. supports greater sharing of services, particularly information technology where he sees potential economies of scale.
Gosnells mayor Olwen Searle - NIL RESPONSE
Joondalup mayor Troy Pickard - NO
"We're 160,000 people, and if you get any bigger than that you expose yourself to the potential of losing touch with your community."
. Opposes amalgamation with Joondalup's neighbours;
. supports larger councils such as Joondalup contracting out expertise (such as urban planning) to smaller councils in remote areas.
Kalamunda shire president Donald McKechnie - YES
"We could do with a bit more industrial and (annexing) that Hazelmere area (from the City of Swan) would make us very sustainable because that's where the heavy industry is going."
. Says annexing Hazelmere from City of Swan would broaden Kalamunda's largely residential and rural rates base;
. supports slashing current councillor numbers from 12 to 9;
. says amalgamation spotlight should be on smaller country and western Perth councils, not on larger Kalamunda;
. supports squaring up boundaries.
Kwinana mayor Carol Adams - NIL RESPONSE
Melville mayor Russell Aubrey - NO
"The reform process, it's a bit confusing for us all without a firm idea of what the minister is hoping to achieve."
. Opposes amalgamations, because he sees his city's size of 100,000 as optimum;
. supports squaring up boundaries;
. says current number of 13 councillors is fine.
Mosman Park mayor Ron Norris - MAYBE
"Divide and conquer is the only intelligent strategy I can attribute to the manner in which the minister is conducting this matter."
. If residents of North Fremantle came to him, and wanted to move from City of Fremantle to Mosman Park he'd welcome it;
. likewise with the tiny shire of Peppermint Grove, but he won't be initiating annexure for fear of falling into Mr Castrilli's divide and conquer "trap".
Mundaring shire president Helen Dullard - NO
"We are currently looking at why we would do that and what gains there would be for our communities."
. Lukewarm on need for mergers with neighbouring councils of Swan, Northam or Kalamunda, saying she does not want to pre-empt an imminent council decision on the matter;
. supports boundary 'tidy ups'
Nedlands mayor Sheryl Froese - YES
"If (amalgamating with neighbour Claremont) is done in a good way and brings the community with you, that might be something that might work."
. Supports a merger with adjacent Claremont, but not a mooted super western suburbs council;
. supports boundary square offs.
Peppermint Grove shire president Brian Kavanagh - NO
"We're financially well off, viable, and deliver services people want and they're prepared to pay for it, so why would we want to change?"
. Opposes amalgamations;
. actually wants more councillors - up from current seven to nine to ensure there's a quorum at meetings;
. supports squaring of boundaries.
Perth mayor Lisa Scaffidi - NO
"I believe that amalgamation is a question mark of a word."
. Advocates "redrawing the local government map" to encourage greater efficiency;
. says there is scope for Perth to extend north into Northbridge and southwest toward the University of Western Australia to enhance its capital city role;
. says a recent media report saying Perth wanted to annexe the Burswood entertainment precinct and residential areas of Northbridge was incorrect.
Rockingham mayor Barry Sammels - NO
"Our boundaries are pretty well defined."
. Opposes Cockburn's amalgamation overtures, as he believes Kwinana is already sustainable, and growing all the time;
. opposes any reduction in the town's current number of 10 councillors;
. says squaring of boundaries is unwarranted, because the current ones work well.
South Perth mayor James Best - NO
"South Perth is incredibly sustainable."
. opposes amalgamation with neighbouring councils;
. supports slashing current number of councillors from 13 to 9;
. supports expanding existing service sharing with adjoining Victoria Park to joint procurement of equipment, employment of back-office staff, and mowing along the river foreshore.
. supports squaring up of boundaries.
as posted here
Tuesday 26 May 2009
How does your council rate?
as posted here
Council rates takes per resident 2007-08:
City of Albany $532
City of Armadale $388
Shire of Ashburton $771
Shire of Augusta-Margaret River $947
Town of Bassendean $489
City of Bayswater $405
City of Belmont $722
Shire of Beverley $1024
Shire of Boddington $884
Shire of Boyup Brook $1000
Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes $567
Shire of Brookton $998
Shire of Broome $681
Shire of Broomehill-Tambellup $1250
Shire of Bruce Rock $872
City of Bunbury $607
Shire of Busselton $781
Town of Cambridge $499
City of Canning $386
Shire of Capel $371
Shire of Carnamah $1314
Shire of Carnarvon $438
Shire of Chapman Valley $1236
Shire of Chittering $757
Town of Claremont $663
City of Cockburn $338
Shire of Collie $364
Shire of Coolgardie $890
Shire of Coorow $1520
Shire of Corrigin $1032
Town of Cottesloe $711
Shire of Cranbrook $1058
Shire of Cuballing $726
Shire of Cue $2905
Shire of Cunderdin $915
Shire of Dalwallinu $1362
Shire of Dandaragan $1139
Shire of Dardanup $403
Shire of Denmark $627
Shire of Derby-West Kimberley $446
Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup $444
Shire of Dowerin $917
Shire of Dumbleyung $1421
Shire of Dundas $1084
Town of East Fremantle $572
Shire of East Pilbara $594
Shire of Esperance $607
Shire of Exmouth $781
City of Fremantle $800
City of Geraldton-Greenough $519
Shire of Gingin $802
Shire of Gnowangerup $1525
City of Gosnells $348
Shire of Halls Creek $346
Shire of Harvey $463
Shire of Irwin $726
Shire of Jerramungup $1741
City of Joondalup $354
Shire of Kalamunda $301
City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder $470
Shire of Katanning $455
Shire of Kellerberrin $739
Shire of Kent $2245
Shire of Kojonup $1119
Shire of Kondinin $1577
Shire of Koorda $1300
Shire of Kulin $1286
Town of Kwinana $539
Shire of Lake Grace $1801
Shire of Laverton $2149
Shire of Leonora $1832
City of Mandurah $625
Shire of Manjimup $607
Shire of Meekatharra $1399
City of Melville $369
Shire of Menzies $4666
Shire of Merredin $625
Shire of Mingenew $1854
Shire of Moora $1031
Shire of Morawa $998
Town of Mosman Park $599
Shire of Mount Magnet $1220
Shire of Mount Marshall $1361
Shire of Mukinbudin $1145
Shire of Mullewa $1530
Shire of Mundaring $404
Shire of Murchison $1000
Shire of Murray $497
Shire of Nannup $637
Shire of Narembeen $1257
Shire of Narrogin $594
Town of Narrogin $474
City of Nedlands $577
Shire of Ngaanyatjarraku $138
Shire of Northam $406
Shire of Northampton $690
Shire of Nungarin $1281
as posted here
Council rates takes per resident 2007-08:
City of Albany $532
City of Armadale $388
Shire of Ashburton $771
Shire of Augusta-Margaret River $947
Town of Bassendean $489
City of Bayswater $405
City of Belmont $722
Shire of Beverley $1024
Shire of Boddington $884
Shire of Boyup Brook $1000
Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes $567
Shire of Brookton $998
Shire of Broome $681
Shire of Broomehill-Tambellup $1250
Shire of Bruce Rock $872
City of Bunbury $607
Shire of Busselton $781
Town of Cambridge $499
City of Canning $386
Shire of Capel $371
Shire of Carnamah $1314
Shire of Carnarvon $438
Shire of Chapman Valley $1236
Shire of Chittering $757
Town of Claremont $663
City of Cockburn $338
Shire of Collie $364
Shire of Coolgardie $890
Shire of Coorow $1520
Shire of Corrigin $1032
Town of Cottesloe $711
Shire of Cranbrook $1058
Shire of Cuballing $726
Shire of Cue $2905
Shire of Cunderdin $915
Shire of Dalwallinu $1362
Shire of Dandaragan $1139
Shire of Dardanup $403
Shire of Denmark $627
Shire of Derby-West Kimberley $446
Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup $444
Shire of Dowerin $917
Shire of Dumbleyung $1421
Shire of Dundas $1084
Town of East Fremantle $572
Shire of East Pilbara $594
Shire of Esperance $607
Shire of Exmouth $781
City of Fremantle $800
City of Geraldton-Greenough $519
Shire of Gingin $802
Shire of Gnowangerup $1525
City of Gosnells $348
Shire of Halls Creek $346
Shire of Harvey $463
Shire of Irwin $726
Shire of Jerramungup $1741
City of Joondalup $354
Shire of Kalamunda $301
City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder $470
Shire of Katanning $455
Shire of Kellerberrin $739
Shire of Kent $2245
Shire of Kojonup $1119
Shire of Kondinin $1577
Shire of Koorda $1300
Shire of Kulin $1286
Town of Kwinana $539
Shire of Lake Grace $1801
Shire of Laverton $2149
Shire of Leonora $1832
City of Mandurah $625
Shire of Manjimup $607
Shire of Meekatharra $1399
City of Melville $369
Shire of Menzies $4666
Shire of Merredin $625
Shire of Mingenew $1854
Shire of Moora $1031
Shire of Morawa $998
Town of Mosman Park $599
Shire of Mount Magnet $1220
Shire of Mount Marshall $1361
Shire of Mukinbudin $1145
Shire of Mullewa $1530
Shire of Mundaring $404
Shire of Murchison $1000
Shire of Murray $497
Shire of Nannup $637
Shire of Narembeen $1257
Shire of Narrogin $594
Town of Narrogin $474
City of Nedlands $577
Shire of Ngaanyatjarraku $138
Shire of Northam $406
Shire of Northampton $690
Shire of Nungarin $1281
as posted here
First home least affordable in WA
as posted here
26th May 2009, 7:15 WST
WA is the most unaffordable place for first-homebuyers in Australia, with the State’s young couples taking more than four years to save a deposit, according to BankWest research.
Though the property boom is over, the research shows it is still a struggle to get into the first-home market, which has been buoyed by Government grants worth $14,000 to $21,000.
The boost grant will return to normal levels by the end of the year, potentially making it even more difficult for first-homebuyers to get on the property ladder.
The research to be released today shows it takes 4.3 years for couples to save a conservative deposit worth a fifth of the cost of a WA home, which is more than $90,000.
This is based on savings worth 20 per cent of the average pre-tax income for a WA couple aged between 25 to 34, as well as the Government grant.
It compares with a national average saving period of 3.7 years for a home and about three years for a unit.
The Perth area, excluding the regions, is only slightly more affordable than the State as a whole, with couples taking 4.2 years to save a deposit for a home and 3.3 years for a unit.
This is slightly less time than needed to save for deposits for homes in the cities of Sydney (5.2 years) and Melbourne (4.6 years).
BankWest retail head of strategy and products Selina Duncalf said the survey showed homes were now less affordable than they were five years ago.
“Even with the higher level of the first-homeowner grant, it is taking first-time buyers in Western Australia longer to save a home deposit than five years ago,” Ms Duncalf said.
“The fact remains that many young people face years of renting before they can climb on to the property ladder.”
Single first-homebuyers in Perth have an even harder task getting their foot on the property ladder. The research showed it would take 6 1 /2 years for a single person to save a deposit for a unit on their own.
Regional areas were more affordable than the metropolitan area, with 42 per cent of the local government areas in regional WA included in the survey requiring less than two years savings time for a home.
The research showed that couples would have to save the least amount of time to buy a unit in Kwinana (1.4 years), followed by Armadale (1.9 years), Rockingham (2.1 years), Gosnells (2.2 years), Swan (2.5 years), Cambridge (2.5 years) and Wanneroo (2.7 years). The longest savings schedule was needed for units in Cottesloe (9.2 years), Claremont (7 years), Nedlands (5.8 years), East Fremantle (5 years), Subiaco (4.8 years), South Perth (4.4 years) and Melville (4.3 years).
KIM MACDONALD
as posted here
26th May 2009, 7:15 WST
WA is the most unaffordable place for first-homebuyers in Australia, with the State’s young couples taking more than four years to save a deposit, according to BankWest research.
Though the property boom is over, the research shows it is still a struggle to get into the first-home market, which has been buoyed by Government grants worth $14,000 to $21,000.
The boost grant will return to normal levels by the end of the year, potentially making it even more difficult for first-homebuyers to get on the property ladder.
The research to be released today shows it takes 4.3 years for couples to save a conservative deposit worth a fifth of the cost of a WA home, which is more than $90,000.
This is based on savings worth 20 per cent of the average pre-tax income for a WA couple aged between 25 to 34, as well as the Government grant.
It compares with a national average saving period of 3.7 years for a home and about three years for a unit.
The Perth area, excluding the regions, is only slightly more affordable than the State as a whole, with couples taking 4.2 years to save a deposit for a home and 3.3 years for a unit.
This is slightly less time than needed to save for deposits for homes in the cities of Sydney (5.2 years) and Melbourne (4.6 years).
BankWest retail head of strategy and products Selina Duncalf said the survey showed homes were now less affordable than they were five years ago.
“Even with the higher level of the first-homeowner grant, it is taking first-time buyers in Western Australia longer to save a home deposit than five years ago,” Ms Duncalf said.
“The fact remains that many young people face years of renting before they can climb on to the property ladder.”
Single first-homebuyers in Perth have an even harder task getting their foot on the property ladder. The research showed it would take 6 1 /2 years for a single person to save a deposit for a unit on their own.
Regional areas were more affordable than the metropolitan area, with 42 per cent of the local government areas in regional WA included in the survey requiring less than two years savings time for a home.
The research showed that couples would have to save the least amount of time to buy a unit in Kwinana (1.4 years), followed by Armadale (1.9 years), Rockingham (2.1 years), Gosnells (2.2 years), Swan (2.5 years), Cambridge (2.5 years) and Wanneroo (2.7 years). The longest savings schedule was needed for units in Cottesloe (9.2 years), Claremont (7 years), Nedlands (5.8 years), East Fremantle (5 years), Subiaco (4.8 years), South Perth (4.4 years) and Melville (4.3 years).
KIM MACDONALD
as posted here
Sunday 24 May 2009
More than 1000 homes still without power after storms
as posted here
23rd May 2009, 16:15 WST
Western Power crews have restored power to more than 1000 homes today as part of their efforts to repair powerlines damaged by the recent storms.
But more than 1000 homes across the metropolitan area remain without power this afternoon.
The power outages are widespread across Perth but some suburbs including Leederville, Rockingham, Tuart Hill and Shoalwater have fared worse than others.
A spokeswoman said most of the 1110 homes would have power restored later today.
An estimated 50 homes, where power outages have been affected by damage to a single electricity line, are expected to remain without power tonight.
Meanwhile, State Emergency Service crews attended to homes with leaking roofs in Gosnells, Melville, Stirling and Belmont overnight and this morning.
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast showers will ease this afternoon with possible early showers Sunday morning followed by fine weather conditions.
PERTH
LISA CALAUTTI
as posted here
23rd May 2009, 16:15 WST
Western Power crews have restored power to more than 1000 homes today as part of their efforts to repair powerlines damaged by the recent storms.
But more than 1000 homes across the metropolitan area remain without power this afternoon.
The power outages are widespread across Perth but some suburbs including Leederville, Rockingham, Tuart Hill and Shoalwater have fared worse than others.
A spokeswoman said most of the 1110 homes would have power restored later today.
An estimated 50 homes, where power outages have been affected by damage to a single electricity line, are expected to remain without power tonight.
Meanwhile, State Emergency Service crews attended to homes with leaking roofs in Gosnells, Melville, Stirling and Belmont overnight and this morning.
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast showers will ease this afternoon with possible early showers Sunday morning followed by fine weather conditions.
PERTH
LISA CALAUTTI
as posted here
Friday 22 May 2009
40 per cent spike in house sales
as posted here
Chalpat Sonti
May 22, 2009 - 2:19PM
WA's residential property market has experienced its best sales period in more than 18 months, with the average price for Perth houses jumping $10,000.
Real Estate Institute of WA figures show the number of sales in the state surged 40 per cent in the three months to March 31, driving up house prices everywhere.
The average house price in Perth is now $430,000, while unit prices in the city rose 2 per cent, to $348,500.
Residential land blocks also rose $10,000, to $230,000, driven by builders of first homes.
The average house price in regional areas rose 2.9 per cent, to $350,000, while unit prices jumped 7 per cent to $310,000 and land prices rose $2000 to $155,000.
There were 15,000 properties for sale during the period, with an average selling time of 76 days, similar to the previous three months.
"However, it is a patchy market and some areas such as Armadale, Gosnells and Wanneroo South have seen selling days come down quite a bit," REIWA president Rob Druitt said.
Much of the house price rise in Perth occurred in the "middle ring" and coastal areas.
Wanneroo South prices rose 7.6 per cent, while other healthy gains were posted in Waneroo North West (5 per cent), Stirling West (4 per cent), Gosnells (3.6 per cent), Cockburn (3.3 per cent), Bayswater-Bassendean (1.9 per cent).
However, western suburbs prices were down 12.5 per cent, Vincent fell 3.1 per cent and Armadale-Serpentine dropped 2.1 per cent.
The number of homes for sale in Perth stood at 14,300 at the end of April, down 3200 in about a year.
Meanwhile, the rental vacancy rate in the city was up slightly, at 2.9 per cent, with the average rent of $360 a week also showing little movement on the previous three months.
as posted here
Chalpat Sonti
May 22, 2009 - 2:19PM
WA's residential property market has experienced its best sales period in more than 18 months, with the average price for Perth houses jumping $10,000.
Real Estate Institute of WA figures show the number of sales in the state surged 40 per cent in the three months to March 31, driving up house prices everywhere.
The average house price in Perth is now $430,000, while unit prices in the city rose 2 per cent, to $348,500.
Residential land blocks also rose $10,000, to $230,000, driven by builders of first homes.
The average house price in regional areas rose 2.9 per cent, to $350,000, while unit prices jumped 7 per cent to $310,000 and land prices rose $2000 to $155,000.
There were 15,000 properties for sale during the period, with an average selling time of 76 days, similar to the previous three months.
"However, it is a patchy market and some areas such as Armadale, Gosnells and Wanneroo South have seen selling days come down quite a bit," REIWA president Rob Druitt said.
Much of the house price rise in Perth occurred in the "middle ring" and coastal areas.
Wanneroo South prices rose 7.6 per cent, while other healthy gains were posted in Waneroo North West (5 per cent), Stirling West (4 per cent), Gosnells (3.6 per cent), Cockburn (3.3 per cent), Bayswater-Bassendean (1.9 per cent).
However, western suburbs prices were down 12.5 per cent, Vincent fell 3.1 per cent and Armadale-Serpentine dropped 2.1 per cent.
The number of homes for sale in Perth stood at 14,300 at the end of April, down 3200 in about a year.
Meanwhile, the rental vacancy rate in the city was up slightly, at 2.9 per cent, with the average rent of $360 a week also showing little movement on the previous three months.
as posted here
Evicted Perth chef plans to keep on cooking
as posted here
Masterchef evictee Josh Catalano has accepted his demise from the Network Ten reality television show in the trademark laidback manner he became renowned, and often criticised for, during his stint on the show.
The Thornlie resident and fishmonger told thewest.com.au while he was obviously disappointed to leave the show, he was looking forward to the future.
His family have welcomed him back with open arms to the family business Catalano’s Seafood in Bassendean where Catalano will help set-up the company’s four new stores at Karrinyup Shopping Centre, Centro Galleria, Garden City and Joondalup IGA’s store.
He also plans to host cooking demonstrations at the Bassendean store and is open to whatever career opportunities come his way.
“Anything is possible …but for now I will definitely stay in Perth and see what happens,” Catalano said.
He has his housemate to thank for his time in the spotlight, who convinced him to audition for the show after seeing the advert on television.
“I never thought from 7500 (people) I would get into the top 20,” he said.
In his Masterchef biogrpahy, Catalano stated he did not want to be a single man for much longer and it seems he may have got his wish.
During his time on the show, Catalano became close with fellow Masterchef contestant Kate Rodrigues, who also hails from WA.
However, he remained coy when questioned about what the future held for him and Kate.
“We are really good friends at this stage…we are pretty close,” he said.
“You’ve got no one else there (in the competition), if you are feeling down it’s a good feeling (to have) someone close to you.”
A highlight for Catalano was being told by judge and renowned food critic Matt Preston that he would pay money for his food.
He said it was an amazing compliment and confirmed to him he could actually cook.
However, he said he criticism from the judges that he was too laidback for the competition did not affect him.
“That’s just me …I’m not going to run around the kitchen in a panic,” he said.
With a big Italian family, Catalano said he wasn’t really into cooking Italian food and was instead “all about the seafood”.
“Seafood is a huge part …obviously (I’ve) got that fresh produce,” he said.
“With me it’s about stripping back the flavours and letting the natural flavours of seafood come out – that’s what I am about.”
Catalano tipped Victorian resident Sam to take out the Masterchef title because of his passion for food.
PERTH
LISA CALAUTTI
as posted here
Masterchef evictee Josh Catalano has accepted his demise from the Network Ten reality television show in the trademark laidback manner he became renowned, and often criticised for, during his stint on the show.
The Thornlie resident and fishmonger told thewest.com.au while he was obviously disappointed to leave the show, he was looking forward to the future.
His family have welcomed him back with open arms to the family business Catalano’s Seafood in Bassendean where Catalano will help set-up the company’s four new stores at Karrinyup Shopping Centre, Centro Galleria, Garden City and Joondalup IGA’s store.
He also plans to host cooking demonstrations at the Bassendean store and is open to whatever career opportunities come his way.
“Anything is possible …but for now I will definitely stay in Perth and see what happens,” Catalano said.
He has his housemate to thank for his time in the spotlight, who convinced him to audition for the show after seeing the advert on television.
“I never thought from 7500 (people) I would get into the top 20,” he said.
In his Masterchef biogrpahy, Catalano stated he did not want to be a single man for much longer and it seems he may have got his wish.
During his time on the show, Catalano became close with fellow Masterchef contestant Kate Rodrigues, who also hails from WA.
However, he remained coy when questioned about what the future held for him and Kate.
“We are really good friends at this stage…we are pretty close,” he said.
“You’ve got no one else there (in the competition), if you are feeling down it’s a good feeling (to have) someone close to you.”
A highlight for Catalano was being told by judge and renowned food critic Matt Preston that he would pay money for his food.
He said it was an amazing compliment and confirmed to him he could actually cook.
However, he said he criticism from the judges that he was too laidback for the competition did not affect him.
“That’s just me …I’m not going to run around the kitchen in a panic,” he said.
With a big Italian family, Catalano said he wasn’t really into cooking Italian food and was instead “all about the seafood”.
“Seafood is a huge part …obviously (I’ve) got that fresh produce,” he said.
“With me it’s about stripping back the flavours and letting the natural flavours of seafood come out – that’s what I am about.”
Catalano tipped Victorian resident Sam to take out the Masterchef title because of his passion for food.
PERTH
LISA CALAUTTI
as posted here
Two lucky to escape after heavy seas swamp boat in storm
as posted here
Two people were lucky to escape after their dinghy overturned in heavy seas off Rockingham during last night’s storm.
The couple, a 20 year-old man and a 23 year-old woman were on their way to check on their yacht in Mangles Bay when their dinghy was swamped in the rough conditions about 6.30pm.
The pair managed to swim to their yacht and clamber aboard but were unable to return to the shore.
Water Police and the Rockingham Volunteer Sea Rescue Group later rescued the pair after friends, concerned for their welfare, raised the alarm just after 9.30pm.
Water police said the rescue served as a timely reminder for people to have safety equipment such as life jackets, flares and EPIRB’s on board when out on the water.
“It is also important to have some form of communication equipment, such as a marine radio or a mobile phone, to alert authorities to emergency situations quickly,” a police spokesperson said.
The historic pylon at Cottesloe Beach was knocked down overnight, with onlookers today describing conditions at the popular beach as fierce. High seas mean water is lapping at the surf club, and the beach has disappeared under the water.
Meanwhile more than 4000 homes are still without electricity today as Western Power battles to repair powerlines damaged by the storm.
The worst affected areas are in Canning Vale and Huntingdale where 2500 homes are without power.
Western Power spokeswoman Marisa Chapman said engineers were also facing issues at Mt Helena and Parkerville where trees knocked over powerlines.
“We still got a lot of work to do and there is a potential that people maybe without power for the rest of the day. It all depends on the weather and the amount of work. By lunch time we should have an idea on what the situation would be,” she said.
Since yesterday, SES volunteers have dealt with about 260 call outs and this morning are still dealing with hazards in Cockburn, Gosnells, Kalamunda and Swan.
Perth Metro SES operations manager Glenn Hall said most of the call outs related to localised flooding and trees falling over roads.
“We don’t expect the storm to be as bad as yesterday but people should still take precautions,” Mr Hall said.
Most of the hazards have been in Perth where 35 calls for help were made followed by Rockingham, 32, and Stirling, 28.
The Weather Bureau has this morning issued yet another alert, warning of possible widespread damaging winds, destructive gusts and abnormally high tides.
Wind speeds are expected to reach 125kmh while there is also a possibility of hail with the chance of a thunderstorm.
Rain is expected to continue for much of the day with temperatures reaching a maximum of 17C.
The State Emergency Service advises people to put away or weigh down loose objects, move vehicles under cover then stay inside away from windows when strong winds develop.
Boat owners should ensure boats are securely moored.
If caught outside find shelter away from trees, powerlines, storm water drains and streams.
If driving through heavy rain slow down and turn your lights on or if visibility becomes low, pull over and park.
For SES assistance call 132 500.
PERTH
LEE RONDGAGER
as posted here
Two people were lucky to escape after their dinghy overturned in heavy seas off Rockingham during last night’s storm.
The couple, a 20 year-old man and a 23 year-old woman were on their way to check on their yacht in Mangles Bay when their dinghy was swamped in the rough conditions about 6.30pm.
The pair managed to swim to their yacht and clamber aboard but were unable to return to the shore.
Water Police and the Rockingham Volunteer Sea Rescue Group later rescued the pair after friends, concerned for their welfare, raised the alarm just after 9.30pm.
Water police said the rescue served as a timely reminder for people to have safety equipment such as life jackets, flares and EPIRB’s on board when out on the water.
“It is also important to have some form of communication equipment, such as a marine radio or a mobile phone, to alert authorities to emergency situations quickly,” a police spokesperson said.
The historic pylon at Cottesloe Beach was knocked down overnight, with onlookers today describing conditions at the popular beach as fierce. High seas mean water is lapping at the surf club, and the beach has disappeared under the water.
Meanwhile more than 4000 homes are still without electricity today as Western Power battles to repair powerlines damaged by the storm.
The worst affected areas are in Canning Vale and Huntingdale where 2500 homes are without power.
Western Power spokeswoman Marisa Chapman said engineers were also facing issues at Mt Helena and Parkerville where trees knocked over powerlines.
“We still got a lot of work to do and there is a potential that people maybe without power for the rest of the day. It all depends on the weather and the amount of work. By lunch time we should have an idea on what the situation would be,” she said.
Since yesterday, SES volunteers have dealt with about 260 call outs and this morning are still dealing with hazards in Cockburn, Gosnells, Kalamunda and Swan.
Perth Metro SES operations manager Glenn Hall said most of the call outs related to localised flooding and trees falling over roads.
“We don’t expect the storm to be as bad as yesterday but people should still take precautions,” Mr Hall said.
Most of the hazards have been in Perth where 35 calls for help were made followed by Rockingham, 32, and Stirling, 28.
The Weather Bureau has this morning issued yet another alert, warning of possible widespread damaging winds, destructive gusts and abnormally high tides.
Wind speeds are expected to reach 125kmh while there is also a possibility of hail with the chance of a thunderstorm.
Rain is expected to continue for much of the day with temperatures reaching a maximum of 17C.
The State Emergency Service advises people to put away or weigh down loose objects, move vehicles under cover then stay inside away from windows when strong winds develop.
Boat owners should ensure boats are securely moored.
If caught outside find shelter away from trees, powerlines, storm water drains and streams.
If driving through heavy rain slow down and turn your lights on or if visibility becomes low, pull over and park.
For SES assistance call 132 500.
PERTH
LEE RONDGAGER
as posted here
REIWA claims Perth property market comeback
as posted here
DESPITE slumping house prices across the country, the Real Estate Institute of WA claims the Perth market has made a strong comeback in the March quarter.
According to REIWA, Perth’s median house price jumped by $10,000 since December last year, lifting the current median price to $430,000, with sales volumes returning to a 15 year average.
REIWA President Rob Druitt said WA’s property market experienced its strongest turnover since September 2007 with the number of sales increasing by more than 40 per cent since December.
“While the Federal Government’s first homebuyer boost has been a major reason behind this renewed activity, there is also evidence that trade-up buyers are returning to the market,” Mr Druitt said.
Perth also recorded an increase in unit prices, lifting by just under two per cent to a median of $348,500.
Blocks of residential land also saw growth in the March quarter, increasing by 4.5 per cent, or $10,000, to a median of $230,000, largely driven by first home builders.
Mr Druitt said there was a turnaround in house sales during the quarter, with evidence suggesting the number of sales for the month of March were 85 per cent above December last year.
“This increase in sales was experienced across all market sectors, particularly the coastal region from Scarborough to Butler and in the South East corridor in the Canning and Gosnells local government areas.
“Much of the increase in the overall median was driven by price growth in the middle ring and coastal markets such as Wanneroo North West (5 per cent), Wanneroo South (7.6 per cent), Stirling West (4 per cent), Bayswater-Bassendean (1.9 per cent), Gosnells (3.6 per cent), and Cockburn (3.3 per cent).”
“In contrast, some inner markets saw a fall in prices, including the Western Suburbs (-12.5 per cent) and Vincent (-3.1 per cent), while Armadale-Serpentine on Perth’s outer fringe also fell by 2.1 per cent,” Mr Druitt said.
The number of homes for sale in Perth had been progressively falling from the over-supply of March 2008. The figure had dropped from 17,500 dwellings in March last year to 14,300 at the end of April this year.
“This slide in the number of listings suggests that the excess stock built by speculators during the boom is likely to evaporate by the middle of this year, and probably triggering fresh construction,” Mr Druitt said.
Perth’s rental vacancy rate had eased to 2.9 percent, a figure that was historically normal for the city.
This had reduced the pressure on rents which had remained stable for the last six months, resting at a median price of $360 per week spread across both units and houses.
Mr Druitt said it was a similar positive story in regional WA, where house prices had also jumped by $10,000, or 2.9 per cent, in the quarter.
“A typical house in regional WA will now cost you $350,000, while units in the regions have jumped by almost 7 per
cent, or $20,000, to a new median of $310,000.
“However, unlike the city, land prices have remained quite stable, lifting by around $2,000 to a median block price of
$155,000,” Mr Druitt said.
According to REIWA there were about 15,000 properties on the market during the March quarter, down from around
16,000 in December.
“The number of selling days is steady at 76, meaning it’s taking about two and half months to sell a property in the
current climate. This is 5 days more than the same time last year.
“However, it is a patchy market and some areas such as Armadale, Gosnells and Wanneroo South have seen selling days come down quite a bit,” Mr Druitt said.
Mr Druitt said it was very hard to predict how the June quarter might fare, as the winter months were traditionally very quiet for the sector.
“The Rudd Government’s extension of the first homebuyer boost through to 30 September will have an impact, as will rates of unemployment and general overall consumer sentiment.
“Although it must be said that currently the market is looking pretty robust with keen buyers finding lots of opportunities to keep them motivated,” Mr Druitt said.
as posted here
DESPITE slumping house prices across the country, the Real Estate Institute of WA claims the Perth market has made a strong comeback in the March quarter.
According to REIWA, Perth’s median house price jumped by $10,000 since December last year, lifting the current median price to $430,000, with sales volumes returning to a 15 year average.
REIWA President Rob Druitt said WA’s property market experienced its strongest turnover since September 2007 with the number of sales increasing by more than 40 per cent since December.
“While the Federal Government’s first homebuyer boost has been a major reason behind this renewed activity, there is also evidence that trade-up buyers are returning to the market,” Mr Druitt said.
Perth also recorded an increase in unit prices, lifting by just under two per cent to a median of $348,500.
Blocks of residential land also saw growth in the March quarter, increasing by 4.5 per cent, or $10,000, to a median of $230,000, largely driven by first home builders.
Mr Druitt said there was a turnaround in house sales during the quarter, with evidence suggesting the number of sales for the month of March were 85 per cent above December last year.
“This increase in sales was experienced across all market sectors, particularly the coastal region from Scarborough to Butler and in the South East corridor in the Canning and Gosnells local government areas.
“Much of the increase in the overall median was driven by price growth in the middle ring and coastal markets such as Wanneroo North West (5 per cent), Wanneroo South (7.6 per cent), Stirling West (4 per cent), Bayswater-Bassendean (1.9 per cent), Gosnells (3.6 per cent), and Cockburn (3.3 per cent).”
“In contrast, some inner markets saw a fall in prices, including the Western Suburbs (-12.5 per cent) and Vincent (-3.1 per cent), while Armadale-Serpentine on Perth’s outer fringe also fell by 2.1 per cent,” Mr Druitt said.
The number of homes for sale in Perth had been progressively falling from the over-supply of March 2008. The figure had dropped from 17,500 dwellings in March last year to 14,300 at the end of April this year.
“This slide in the number of listings suggests that the excess stock built by speculators during the boom is likely to evaporate by the middle of this year, and probably triggering fresh construction,” Mr Druitt said.
Perth’s rental vacancy rate had eased to 2.9 percent, a figure that was historically normal for the city.
This had reduced the pressure on rents which had remained stable for the last six months, resting at a median price of $360 per week spread across both units and houses.
Mr Druitt said it was a similar positive story in regional WA, where house prices had also jumped by $10,000, or 2.9 per cent, in the quarter.
“A typical house in regional WA will now cost you $350,000, while units in the regions have jumped by almost 7 per
cent, or $20,000, to a new median of $310,000.
“However, unlike the city, land prices have remained quite stable, lifting by around $2,000 to a median block price of
$155,000,” Mr Druitt said.
According to REIWA there were about 15,000 properties on the market during the March quarter, down from around
16,000 in December.
“The number of selling days is steady at 76, meaning it’s taking about two and half months to sell a property in the
current climate. This is 5 days more than the same time last year.
“However, it is a patchy market and some areas such as Armadale, Gosnells and Wanneroo South have seen selling days come down quite a bit,” Mr Druitt said.
Mr Druitt said it was very hard to predict how the June quarter might fare, as the winter months were traditionally very quiet for the sector.
“The Rudd Government’s extension of the first homebuyer boost through to 30 September will have an impact, as will rates of unemployment and general overall consumer sentiment.
“Although it must be said that currently the market is looking pretty robust with keen buyers finding lots of opportunities to keep them motivated,” Mr Druitt said.
as posted here
Thornlie cook deemed weakest link
as posted here
Helen Ganska, tv editor
May 22, 2009 05:27am
THORNLIE fishmonger Joshua Catalano has been evicted from Channel 10's reality series MasterChef, but today he's cooking up a storm on Perth radio.
This morning he will be taking up a challenge from Nova radio station personalities Nathan and Nat to whip up a meal from the contents of the radio station's fridge.
From 8.30am Catalano will be on-air talking about his shock elimination from the highly-rating reality show last night and thinking what to do with Nova's employees lunches and leftovers.
The three judges, chefs and restaurateurs Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris and food critic Matt Wilson, often felt that Catalano was too laid back in his approach in the fiercely competitive competition, but his dish rated highly with the judges.
However the red team lost and he was deemed by his fellow contestants to be the weakest link.
"We had a team challenge and I was pretty much tactically chosen by the red team to break up the so-called 'kiddie mafia' group with Kate and Sam and I," he said.
"It is really strange as my dish in that challenge was the highest scored dish out of our team and yet Chris serves up raw chicken and stays in the competition."
He was voted off by the red team but was lost for words as to why they eliminated him from the competition.
"They cited my food knowledge as the reason for voting me off - it had nothing to do with my cooking abilities," he said.
"When the red team went to vote I don't think I was the weakest link, but I was still voted off.
"I have come to terms with their decision now - it is a competition and these things happen in reality TV and maybe people vote tactically too."
The "kiddie mafia" group, named by outed competitor Brent, and discussed in the media is dismissed by Catalano who said the three of them are just close friends.
"We never sat there and plotted anything - we are just close friends," he explained.
"In the house we spent a lot of time together together.
"In fact Sam and I became really close and talked about things that we probably haven't shared with anybody else.
"You become really close to people when you spend every day cooking with them and sharing a house with them too."
Catalano was stoked to have made it into the top 50 competitors let alone into the final 20 - and has no regrets.
"Those Masterclasses with George and Gary were invaluable - I had to think what you would pay to listen to their advice," he said.
"This competition has really focused me - especially fuelled when Matt Preston said that he would pay money in a restaurant for my dish.
"I know I have a talent and I have to pursue it.
"I still dream of opening a seafood restaurant - but I had to put everything on hold while I went into the competition and now I have come back to bills that need to be paid and I still have a job to do.
"We have just opened out fourth retail store in Karrinyup and so as a start plan to do cooking demonstrations.
"The other retails stores are Garden City, Morley Galleria and in IGA in Joondalup - and I will also look at some cooking demonstrations at the Catalano operation in Collier Road on Saturday mornings."
Catalano thought that Nedlands-born Julia, who beat celebrity chef Peter Evans in the head-to-head challenge on Tuesday, will be in the final up against Sam and Chris - but said that Chris will take out the first Australian MasterChef title.
as posted here
Helen Ganska, tv editor
May 22, 2009 05:27am
THORNLIE fishmonger Joshua Catalano has been evicted from Channel 10's reality series MasterChef, but today he's cooking up a storm on Perth radio.
This morning he will be taking up a challenge from Nova radio station personalities Nathan and Nat to whip up a meal from the contents of the radio station's fridge.
From 8.30am Catalano will be on-air talking about his shock elimination from the highly-rating reality show last night and thinking what to do with Nova's employees lunches and leftovers.
The three judges, chefs and restaurateurs Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris and food critic Matt Wilson, often felt that Catalano was too laid back in his approach in the fiercely competitive competition, but his dish rated highly with the judges.
However the red team lost and he was deemed by his fellow contestants to be the weakest link.
"We had a team challenge and I was pretty much tactically chosen by the red team to break up the so-called 'kiddie mafia' group with Kate and Sam and I," he said.
"It is really strange as my dish in that challenge was the highest scored dish out of our team and yet Chris serves up raw chicken and stays in the competition."
He was voted off by the red team but was lost for words as to why they eliminated him from the competition.
"They cited my food knowledge as the reason for voting me off - it had nothing to do with my cooking abilities," he said.
"When the red team went to vote I don't think I was the weakest link, but I was still voted off.
"I have come to terms with their decision now - it is a competition and these things happen in reality TV and maybe people vote tactically too."
The "kiddie mafia" group, named by outed competitor Brent, and discussed in the media is dismissed by Catalano who said the three of them are just close friends.
"We never sat there and plotted anything - we are just close friends," he explained.
"In the house we spent a lot of time together together.
"In fact Sam and I became really close and talked about things that we probably haven't shared with anybody else.
"You become really close to people when you spend every day cooking with them and sharing a house with them too."
Catalano was stoked to have made it into the top 50 competitors let alone into the final 20 - and has no regrets.
"Those Masterclasses with George and Gary were invaluable - I had to think what you would pay to listen to their advice," he said.
"This competition has really focused me - especially fuelled when Matt Preston said that he would pay money in a restaurant for my dish.
"I know I have a talent and I have to pursue it.
"I still dream of opening a seafood restaurant - but I had to put everything on hold while I went into the competition and now I have come back to bills that need to be paid and I still have a job to do.
"We have just opened out fourth retail store in Karrinyup and so as a start plan to do cooking demonstrations.
"The other retails stores are Garden City, Morley Galleria and in IGA in Joondalup - and I will also look at some cooking demonstrations at the Catalano operation in Collier Road on Saturday mornings."
Catalano thought that Nedlands-born Julia, who beat celebrity chef Peter Evans in the head-to-head challenge on Tuesday, will be in the final up against Sam and Chris - but said that Chris will take out the first Australian MasterChef title.
as posted here
Damaging storm hits WA
as posted here
Strong winds and heavy rain have lashed the Perth metropolitan area causing widespread damage and power cuts.
A storm which hit Perth early this afternoon carried winds up to 110 kilometres an hour.
The Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) says fallen trees are blocking roads in Rockingham to the south of Perth, Canning and Hilton and about 60,000 homes are without power, including 3000 in the South West.
Allen Gale from FESA says the storm has also damaged properties.
"That's resulted in iron being lifted off some roofs, quite a few trees down," he said.
We're also aware of garden sheds, pergolas that have been flipped as well and in the city there's problems alongside the freeway because of unusually high tides and the wind action is causing water spray to come up over the freeway."
The Weather Bureau says more heavy rain is expected .
Grant Pipe from the State Emergency Service says calls for help are coming from all over the metropolitan area.
"It's widespread so it all the way from Wanneroo in the north and right down to Rockingham in the south and eastern suburbs as well both Armadale and Gosnells," he said.
Passenger train services on a number of lines in Perth were also disrupted due to electrical problems related to the storm.
Replacement buses were brought in to service the Fremantle line from 1.00pm.
Services on all Perth train lines have since returned to normal.
- ABC
as posted here
Strong winds and heavy rain have lashed the Perth metropolitan area causing widespread damage and power cuts.
A storm which hit Perth early this afternoon carried winds up to 110 kilometres an hour.
The Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) says fallen trees are blocking roads in Rockingham to the south of Perth, Canning and Hilton and about 60,000 homes are without power, including 3000 in the South West.
Allen Gale from FESA says the storm has also damaged properties.
"That's resulted in iron being lifted off some roofs, quite a few trees down," he said.
We're also aware of garden sheds, pergolas that have been flipped as well and in the city there's problems alongside the freeway because of unusually high tides and the wind action is causing water spray to come up over the freeway."
The Weather Bureau says more heavy rain is expected .
Grant Pipe from the State Emergency Service says calls for help are coming from all over the metropolitan area.
"It's widespread so it all the way from Wanneroo in the north and right down to Rockingham in the south and eastern suburbs as well both Armadale and Gosnells," he said.
Passenger train services on a number of lines in Perth were also disrupted due to electrical problems related to the storm.
Replacement buses were brought in to service the Fremantle line from 1.00pm.
Services on all Perth train lines have since returned to normal.
- ABC
as posted here
Thursday 21 May 2009
Cold front zaps 52,000 homes in metro area
as posted here
More than 50,000 homes in the Perth metropolitan area are now without power following the strong cold front that crossed the coast earlier today.
In the largest single interruption, power has been cut to a major transformer in the Riverton substation, affecting about 10,000 customers.
Western Power says the main cause of faults today was related to the storm. Debris, including household material, had blown into powerlines causing damage and in some cases bringing down the powerlines.
The other major power interruptions currently affecting the metro area includes Wanneroo (9000 properties), Amhurst (6000), Southern River (7000), Gosnells (3500), Padfields (2500), Arkana (2500), Yangebup (2500), Myaree (2500), Landsdale (2000), Parkwood (1700), Wilson, Forrestfield, Middle Swan and High Wycombe (all 1000) and Kalamunda (800).
There are a number of reports of powerlines down. Western Power has urged people to take care and stay clear of any downed or damaged powerlines.
Western Power said crews would attend to hazards in the first instance to ensure the safety of the general public and would then attend to faults and restore power. More than 120 hazards have been reported to Western Power so far today.
At 1pm, the Perth radar showed a strong cold front to the east of the city and is expected near Geraldton to Albany mid-afternoon before reaching Esperance this evening.
Widespread damaging winds up to 110kmh are expected to extend throughout the warning area during the day as the front moves east.
In isolated areas locally destructive gusts in excess of 125kmh may cause significant damage or destruction of property.
Today, Rottnest Island recorded a wind gust of 115kmh at 11.31am and Perth Airport 107kmh at 12.31pm.
Brunswick Junction has recorded 96.2mm of rain in the 24 hours to 9am.
Meanwhile, a second front is expected near the south west corner on Friday and severe winds are likely to continue in southern areas.
Heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms may result in flash flooding mainly about the south-west district and adjacent lower-west and south-coastal districts today.
The State Emergency Service is advising people to put away or weigh down loose objects, move vehicles under cover and stay inside away from windows and boat owners should ensure boats are securely moored.
as posted here
More than 50,000 homes in the Perth metropolitan area are now without power following the strong cold front that crossed the coast earlier today.
In the largest single interruption, power has been cut to a major transformer in the Riverton substation, affecting about 10,000 customers.
Western Power says the main cause of faults today was related to the storm. Debris, including household material, had blown into powerlines causing damage and in some cases bringing down the powerlines.
The other major power interruptions currently affecting the metro area includes Wanneroo (9000 properties), Amhurst (6000), Southern River (7000), Gosnells (3500), Padfields (2500), Arkana (2500), Yangebup (2500), Myaree (2500), Landsdale (2000), Parkwood (1700), Wilson, Forrestfield, Middle Swan and High Wycombe (all 1000) and Kalamunda (800).
There are a number of reports of powerlines down. Western Power has urged people to take care and stay clear of any downed or damaged powerlines.
Western Power said crews would attend to hazards in the first instance to ensure the safety of the general public and would then attend to faults and restore power. More than 120 hazards have been reported to Western Power so far today.
At 1pm, the Perth radar showed a strong cold front to the east of the city and is expected near Geraldton to Albany mid-afternoon before reaching Esperance this evening.
Widespread damaging winds up to 110kmh are expected to extend throughout the warning area during the day as the front moves east.
In isolated areas locally destructive gusts in excess of 125kmh may cause significant damage or destruction of property.
Today, Rottnest Island recorded a wind gust of 115kmh at 11.31am and Perth Airport 107kmh at 12.31pm.
Brunswick Junction has recorded 96.2mm of rain in the 24 hours to 9am.
Meanwhile, a second front is expected near the south west corner on Friday and severe winds are likely to continue in southern areas.
Heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms may result in flash flooding mainly about the south-west district and adjacent lower-west and south-coastal districts today.
The State Emergency Service is advising people to put away or weigh down loose objects, move vehicles under cover and stay inside away from windows and boat owners should ensure boats are securely moored.
as posted here
Sunday 17 May 2009
Petrol tanker blast investigation continues
as posted here
Posted Fri May 15, 2009 5:08pm AEST
Updated Sat May 16, 2009 10:58am AEST
Police evacuate parts of Maddington as petrol tanker explodes (Ben White)
Authorities are investigating the cause of a petrol tanker fire in the Perth suburb of Maddington.
A rupture in a compartment of the tanker sparked a blaze which burnt through about 15,000 litres of fuel.
The fire spread to a nearby petrol station and shop on Albany Highway, forcing the evacuation of people within 500 metres of the blaze.
Local roads were closed for up to 10 hours during the clean up.
That involved transferring the remaining fuel to a second tanker, pumping fuel out of drains which lead to the Canning River, and mopping up.
20 Fire and Emergency Service firefighters remained at the scene overnight.
FESA spokesman Alan Gale says the blaze caused a significant amount of damage.
"The damage certainly to the rear of the tanker itself is fairly substantial, but probably more so to the building," he said.
"All the front driveway and canopy is extensively damaged."
Mark Brunt works opposite the petrol station and saw the explosion.
"I went and got a bit closer and could see everyone was bailing out of the servo and some guy was yelling 'Get out, get out' and yeah, this fire was just taking off," he said.
as posted here
Daylight saving 'dead and buried' in WA
as posted here
Western Australia will not get daylight saving after voters rejected the idea in the fourth referendum on the issue, electoral commissioner Warwick Gately has declared.
When polls closed with 71 per cent of the vote counted, the "No" vote has maintained a 55.5 per cent to 44.5 cent lead over the "Yes" vote - a lead which could translate into the biggest "No" result in WA history.
Daylight saving campaigner Matt Birney declared the concept of daylight saving in WA "dead and buried".
The "No" vote has registered about 532,000 votes to 426,000 for "Yes".
The "No" vote fared strongly in regional areas and the outer suburbs of Perth, including Armadale, Swan Hills, Gosnells, Geraldton, Dawesville, Darling Range, Central Wheatbelt and Albany.
Perth's northern electorates such as Hillarys, Churchlands, Midarie and Carine flew the flag for daylight saving in what was ultimately a losing race.
WA Premier Colin Barnett said the result was clear.
"West Australians don't like daylight saving,'' he told ABC radio.
Nationals WA president Colin Holt, one of the leading campaigners for the "No" vote, was understandably thrilled with the result.
"We're very pleased with the result of course," he said. "But we were a little surprised by how strong the ("No") vote was in some of the city electorates."
He expected the regional areas to vote against daylight saving, and they delivered with flying colours.
"If you were away from the coast, people didn't like it," Mr Holt said.
"There were (only) three or four electorates away from the coast who were in favour (of daylight saving).
"Some of the big ones who were against it were Darling Range, Armadale and Forrestfield."
He said most of the people who lived well away from the coast thought daylight saving would not improve their lifestyle, considering they "could not go to the beach" after a day's work.
Earlier today, Mr Birney told WAtoday: "It seems we are a little bit ahead in metro Perth and a whole lot behind in the country and that's not really sustainable unfortunately.
"... We're encouraged by so many people voting yes, but the great shame is that it doesn't appear to be enough at this stage."
More than 1.3 million West Australians today flooded their local school or sports centre to cast their vote on daylight saving.
In the weeks leading up to today's vote, WA was gripped with debate in the workplace, on talkback radio, on trains and even inside households. But now the people have finally had their say on the issue that has split the state in half.
Three times already the push for daylight saving in WA has failed.
The first vote on daylight saving in 1975 saw 53.7 per cent of the population vote against it.
The WA Electoral Commission has had its hands full to cater for the masses today with the Fremantle by-election also taking place today following the retirement of stalwart Labor MP Jim McGinty.
In that battle, Labor candidate and former Fremantle mayor Peter Tagliaferri has locked horns with Adele Carles of the Greens for the seat vacated by former Labor Health Minister Jim McGinty.
Before today, about 72,000 electors have already had their say on the daylight saving vote via postal and early in-person voting.
"The daylight saving debate has been of high interest to the people of Western Australia in recent weeks ... ," Mr Gately said.
The Commission set up about 800 polling places across the state and recruited 5000 casual staff for the day.
Almost 1.8 million ballot papers for the referendum and 62,000 for the Fremantle by-election have been produced during the campaigns.
- with AAP
as posted here
Western Australia will not get daylight saving after voters rejected the idea in the fourth referendum on the issue, electoral commissioner Warwick Gately has declared.
When polls closed with 71 per cent of the vote counted, the "No" vote has maintained a 55.5 per cent to 44.5 cent lead over the "Yes" vote - a lead which could translate into the biggest "No" result in WA history.
Daylight saving campaigner Matt Birney declared the concept of daylight saving in WA "dead and buried".
The "No" vote has registered about 532,000 votes to 426,000 for "Yes".
The "No" vote fared strongly in regional areas and the outer suburbs of Perth, including Armadale, Swan Hills, Gosnells, Geraldton, Dawesville, Darling Range, Central Wheatbelt and Albany.
Perth's northern electorates such as Hillarys, Churchlands, Midarie and Carine flew the flag for daylight saving in what was ultimately a losing race.
WA Premier Colin Barnett said the result was clear.
"West Australians don't like daylight saving,'' he told ABC radio.
Nationals WA president Colin Holt, one of the leading campaigners for the "No" vote, was understandably thrilled with the result.
"We're very pleased with the result of course," he said. "But we were a little surprised by how strong the ("No") vote was in some of the city electorates."
He expected the regional areas to vote against daylight saving, and they delivered with flying colours.
"If you were away from the coast, people didn't like it," Mr Holt said.
"There were (only) three or four electorates away from the coast who were in favour (of daylight saving).
"Some of the big ones who were against it were Darling Range, Armadale and Forrestfield."
He said most of the people who lived well away from the coast thought daylight saving would not improve their lifestyle, considering they "could not go to the beach" after a day's work.
Earlier today, Mr Birney told WAtoday: "It seems we are a little bit ahead in metro Perth and a whole lot behind in the country and that's not really sustainable unfortunately.
"... We're encouraged by so many people voting yes, but the great shame is that it doesn't appear to be enough at this stage."
More than 1.3 million West Australians today flooded their local school or sports centre to cast their vote on daylight saving.
In the weeks leading up to today's vote, WA was gripped with debate in the workplace, on talkback radio, on trains and even inside households. But now the people have finally had their say on the issue that has split the state in half.
Three times already the push for daylight saving in WA has failed.
The first vote on daylight saving in 1975 saw 53.7 per cent of the population vote against it.
The WA Electoral Commission has had its hands full to cater for the masses today with the Fremantle by-election also taking place today following the retirement of stalwart Labor MP Jim McGinty.
In that battle, Labor candidate and former Fremantle mayor Peter Tagliaferri has locked horns with Adele Carles of the Greens for the seat vacated by former Labor Health Minister Jim McGinty.
Before today, about 72,000 electors have already had their say on the daylight saving vote via postal and early in-person voting.
"The daylight saving debate has been of high interest to the people of Western Australia in recent weeks ... ," Mr Gately said.
The Commission set up about 800 polling places across the state and recruited 5000 casual staff for the day.
Almost 1.8 million ballot papers for the referendum and 62,000 for the Fremantle by-election have been produced during the campaigns.
- with AAP
as posted here
Friday 15 May 2009
Rehab for centre to aid addicts
as posted here
A Gosnells drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre run by the Salvation Army is to be expanded to accommodate a rapidly growing queue of desperate addicts.
The Harry Hunter centre is supposed to be able to cater for 45 clients at a time, but its capacity has been reduced because a house neighbouring the main accommodation block is in such a poor state of disrepair.
An agreement struck between the Salvos and builder Dale Alcock Homes has paved the way for the old house to be demolished and replaced with three units at a discounted rate. The centre will then accommodate 52 people and have separate sections for men and women for the first time.
Service manager Ken Smith said there were currently around 70 people waiting to be assessed and they faced a wait of up to two months to get into the centre.
“The longer the wait, the greater the risk of relapse and of moving back to their old environment and circle of influences,” he said.
The announcement of the project comes as the Salvation Army prepares for the start of its annual Red Shield doorknock appeal on May 18, for which Dale Alcock will be the major partner in WA.
To register as a volunteer or make a donation, phone 13 72 58 (13Salvos) or go online at www.salvation army.org.au
Donations can also be made at any Westpac or Bendigo Bank branch.
DAWN GIBSON
as posted here
A Gosnells drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre run by the Salvation Army is to be expanded to accommodate a rapidly growing queue of desperate addicts.
The Harry Hunter centre is supposed to be able to cater for 45 clients at a time, but its capacity has been reduced because a house neighbouring the main accommodation block is in such a poor state of disrepair.
An agreement struck between the Salvos and builder Dale Alcock Homes has paved the way for the old house to be demolished and replaced with three units at a discounted rate. The centre will then accommodate 52 people and have separate sections for men and women for the first time.
Service manager Ken Smith said there were currently around 70 people waiting to be assessed and they faced a wait of up to two months to get into the centre.
“The longer the wait, the greater the risk of relapse and of moving back to their old environment and circle of influences,” he said.
The announcement of the project comes as the Salvation Army prepares for the start of its annual Red Shield doorknock appeal on May 18, for which Dale Alcock will be the major partner in WA.
To register as a volunteer or make a donation, phone 13 72 58 (13Salvos) or go online at www.salvation army.org.au
Donations can also be made at any Westpac or Bendigo Bank branch.
DAWN GIBSON
as posted here
Thursday 14 May 2009
Thank you to fire and SES volunteers
as posted here
Volunteers with the City of Gosnells Bush Fire Brigade and State Emergency Service (SES) were treated to a night off last Saturday night with a special thank you event.
Hosted by the City, the family sundowner at Orange Grove Oval acknowledged their great work.
It was also an opportunity for City of Gosnells Mayor Olwen Searle to honour some of the region’s longest-serving volunteers.
SES volunteer Joe Taylor was presented with the Clasp to the National Medal for his 25 years service while Gerry McCourt (SES) received the National Medal for 15 years’ service.
Recipients of the 10-year service medals were SES volunteers Shannon Taylor, Sonia Fixter and Mark Geary.
The Bush Fire Brigade’s Wayne Wendt was also awarded a 10-year service medal and Michael Battrick, Janet Battrick, and Allan Webster each received medals for five years of service.
Among the guests were Mayor Searle and several Councillors, the SES District Manager, Assistant Chief Operations Officer Metropolitan, Fire Services District Manager and Regional Director.
“It was very pleasing to see so many volunteers honoured for their years of dedicated service – it is vital that they know how much our community values their efforts,” the Mayor said.
For information about volunteering in fire or emergency services, contact the City’s
Risk and Emergency Management Coordinator and Chief Bush Fire Control Officer on 9391 3353 or email rwallington@gosnells.wa.gov.au.
Ends
as posted here
Volunteers with the City of Gosnells Bush Fire Brigade and State Emergency Service (SES) were treated to a night off last Saturday night with a special thank you event.
Hosted by the City, the family sundowner at Orange Grove Oval acknowledged their great work.
It was also an opportunity for City of Gosnells Mayor Olwen Searle to honour some of the region’s longest-serving volunteers.
SES volunteer Joe Taylor was presented with the Clasp to the National Medal for his 25 years service while Gerry McCourt (SES) received the National Medal for 15 years’ service.
Recipients of the 10-year service medals were SES volunteers Shannon Taylor, Sonia Fixter and Mark Geary.
The Bush Fire Brigade’s Wayne Wendt was also awarded a 10-year service medal and Michael Battrick, Janet Battrick, and Allan Webster each received medals for five years of service.
Among the guests were Mayor Searle and several Councillors, the SES District Manager, Assistant Chief Operations Officer Metropolitan, Fire Services District Manager and Regional Director.
“It was very pleasing to see so many volunteers honoured for their years of dedicated service – it is vital that they know how much our community values their efforts,” the Mayor said.
For information about volunteering in fire or emergency services, contact the City’s
Risk and Emergency Management Coordinator and Chief Bush Fire Control Officer on 9391 3353 or email rwallington@gosnells.wa.gov.au.
Ends
as posted here
Road construction projects – May 2009
as posted here
Road construction and rehabilitation, drainage works and path construction are among the main works in the City of Gosnells during May. Specific jobs include:
Canning Vale
Ranford Road – road and drainage works
Comrie Road Basin – installation of drainage
Gosnells
Gerald Street (from Astley Street to Albany Highway) – path construction
Hotham Way ( Fortescue Bend to existing) – path construction
Kenwick
Victoria Road and Bickley Road intersection – road rehabilitation
Maddington
Alcock Street and Flax Street – roundabout construction
Rayne Street (Westfield Street to Hilton Crescent) – path construction and kerb replacement
Burslem Drive (Albany Highway to Olga Road) – road rehabilitation on hold
Southern River
Warton Road – Stage 1 of dual carriageway between Nolan Way and Ranford
Road
Thornlie
Walter Padbury parking – landscaping and paths
Tom Bateman Reserve – landscaping and paths
Lakeside Drive – drainage installation by contractors
Hunt Street (Thornlie Avenue to Berehaven Avenue) – road rehabilitation
Ovens Road and Murdoch Drive intersection – road rehabilitation
Miscellaneous works by contractors
Garden Street – minor works and streetlighting
Amherst Road and Daniel Drive – linemarking
Spencer Road (service road) – minor works and linemarking
Ends
as posted here
Road construction and rehabilitation, drainage works and path construction are among the main works in the City of Gosnells during May. Specific jobs include:
Canning Vale
Ranford Road – road and drainage works
Comrie Road Basin – installation of drainage
Gosnells
Gerald Street (from Astley Street to Albany Highway) – path construction
Hotham Way ( Fortescue Bend to existing) – path construction
Kenwick
Victoria Road and Bickley Road intersection – road rehabilitation
Maddington
Alcock Street and Flax Street – roundabout construction
Rayne Street (Westfield Street to Hilton Crescent) – path construction and kerb replacement
Burslem Drive (Albany Highway to Olga Road) – road rehabilitation on hold
Southern River
Warton Road – Stage 1 of dual carriageway between Nolan Way and Ranford
Road
Thornlie
Walter Padbury parking – landscaping and paths
Tom Bateman Reserve – landscaping and paths
Lakeside Drive – drainage installation by contractors
Hunt Street (Thornlie Avenue to Berehaven Avenue) – road rehabilitation
Ovens Road and Murdoch Drive intersection – road rehabilitation
Miscellaneous works by contractors
Garden Street – minor works and streetlighting
Amherst Road and Daniel Drive – linemarking
Spencer Road (service road) – minor works and linemarking
Ends
as posted here
Monday 11 May 2009
Wards set to go
as posted here
Wards in the City of Gosnells are set to be abolished - bringing an end to the old system where voters elected councillors in a particular ward - Bickley, Canning Vale or Gosnells.
If the Local Government Advisory Board accepts a Council proposal, voters will now select candidates on a City-wide basis at the next election.
Under the old system, candidates stood for available seats in one of the three wards, with two councillors in each area up for re-election every two years. The two winners in each ward were elected to Council.
Under the new system, half-a-dozen seats will be contested City-wide every two years and the top six in the poll will be elected, regardless of which area they come from within the City.
The decision to abolish wards was based on recommendations from independent consultants engaged by the City to assist with a mandatory review of wards and councillor numbers.
Chief Executive Officer Ian Cowie said that if adopted, the new system would help avoid costly by-elections and would avoid the need for ongoing ward boundary reviews, as the City grows rapidly.
“The City has had three extraordinary elections since 2001 under the ward system and this is a costly exercise. Under the new system, an extraordinary election will not be required so long as 80 per cent of positions on Council remain filled,” Mr Cowie said.
“There is also a complete misconception at times that councillors represent their wards, when in fact they work extremely hard for all ratepayers in the City. The removal of ward boundaries helps to reinforce that their efforts are on behalf of all residents.
“It gives people access to a dozen hard working local representatives working for the betterment of the City as a whole.”
Elected Members voted to retain 12 positions on Council.
as posted here
Wards in the City of Gosnells are set to be abolished - bringing an end to the old system where voters elected councillors in a particular ward - Bickley, Canning Vale or Gosnells.
If the Local Government Advisory Board accepts a Council proposal, voters will now select candidates on a City-wide basis at the next election.
Under the old system, candidates stood for available seats in one of the three wards, with two councillors in each area up for re-election every two years. The two winners in each ward were elected to Council.
Under the new system, half-a-dozen seats will be contested City-wide every two years and the top six in the poll will be elected, regardless of which area they come from within the City.
The decision to abolish wards was based on recommendations from independent consultants engaged by the City to assist with a mandatory review of wards and councillor numbers.
Chief Executive Officer Ian Cowie said that if adopted, the new system would help avoid costly by-elections and would avoid the need for ongoing ward boundary reviews, as the City grows rapidly.
“The City has had three extraordinary elections since 2001 under the ward system and this is a costly exercise. Under the new system, an extraordinary election will not be required so long as 80 per cent of positions on Council remain filled,” Mr Cowie said.
“There is also a complete misconception at times that councillors represent their wards, when in fact they work extremely hard for all ratepayers in the City. The removal of ward boundaries helps to reinforce that their efforts are on behalf of all residents.
“It gives people access to a dozen hard working local representatives working for the betterment of the City as a whole.”
Elected Members voted to retain 12 positions on Council.
as posted here
Sunday 3 May 2009
Four WA chefs have made the Masterchef final 20
as posted here
EIGHT Perth contestants have whipped, chopped, sliced, diced and cooked their way into the final 50 of Channel 10's new reality series, Masterchef.
The WA contestants have come from thousands of applications which flooded in from across the country from students, mums, professional sportsmen, solicitors, nurses and cleaners.
On Friday six budding Perth chefs were revealed in the top 32 and tonight four of them will make it into the top 20 when they will really feel the heat in the kitchen.
Gallery: More pictures from Masterchef
The six Perth contestants are fishmonger Joshua Catalano who runs the production team at the Catalano Seafood factory, 25, from Thornlie; hotel hand Robert Forde, 18, from North Fremantle; navy submariner Trevor Forster, 36, from Medina; law student Kate Rodrigues, 21, from Mt Lawley; mum and project manager Hannah Sforcina, 27, from Karrinyup and marketing executive Julia Jenkins, 23, from Nedlands who recently moved to Melbourne.
Masterchef is hosted by Sarah Wilson, former editor of Australian Cosmopolitan and with three judges, chefs and restaurateurs Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris and food critic Matt Wilson.
Mr Catalano said he was taking a break from the family business in a bid to realise his dream to own a seafood restaurant and to teach people the simplicity of cooking good seafood.
For his first audition in Perth he whipped up a meat dish and steered away from his favourite fish dishes.
“With an Italian family I can’t remember not going to work at the factory and being part of seafood,” Mr Catalano said.
“I wanted to show the judges that I was versatile and I knew everyone was expecting me to cook fish – but I wanted to wow them with my lamb cutlets with a dukkah crust.”
He has been seen on the show for a week and is learning to cook under pressure.
“The challenges are thrown at you and you are thrown in the deep end and you learn not to panic, to stay calm and cook the food you want to from the heart,” he said.
“One challenge was to open a box and there were ingredients such as chocolate, pork and cabbage and you have 30 people there who have the same ingredients and you cook something the judges haven’t seen before – it is pretty daunting.
“I like to let my food do the talking.”
Watch tonight to see which four Perth contestants make it to the final 20.
Masterchef is on tonight at 7.30pm and weeknights at 7pm on Channel 10.
as posted here
EIGHT Perth contestants have whipped, chopped, sliced, diced and cooked their way into the final 50 of Channel 10's new reality series, Masterchef.
The WA contestants have come from thousands of applications which flooded in from across the country from students, mums, professional sportsmen, solicitors, nurses and cleaners.
On Friday six budding Perth chefs were revealed in the top 32 and tonight four of them will make it into the top 20 when they will really feel the heat in the kitchen.
Gallery: More pictures from Masterchef
The six Perth contestants are fishmonger Joshua Catalano who runs the production team at the Catalano Seafood factory, 25, from Thornlie; hotel hand Robert Forde, 18, from North Fremantle; navy submariner Trevor Forster, 36, from Medina; law student Kate Rodrigues, 21, from Mt Lawley; mum and project manager Hannah Sforcina, 27, from Karrinyup and marketing executive Julia Jenkins, 23, from Nedlands who recently moved to Melbourne.
Masterchef is hosted by Sarah Wilson, former editor of Australian Cosmopolitan and with three judges, chefs and restaurateurs Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris and food critic Matt Wilson.
Mr Catalano said he was taking a break from the family business in a bid to realise his dream to own a seafood restaurant and to teach people the simplicity of cooking good seafood.
For his first audition in Perth he whipped up a meat dish and steered away from his favourite fish dishes.
“With an Italian family I can’t remember not going to work at the factory and being part of seafood,” Mr Catalano said.
“I wanted to show the judges that I was versatile and I knew everyone was expecting me to cook fish – but I wanted to wow them with my lamb cutlets with a dukkah crust.”
He has been seen on the show for a week and is learning to cook under pressure.
“The challenges are thrown at you and you are thrown in the deep end and you learn not to panic, to stay calm and cook the food you want to from the heart,” he said.
“One challenge was to open a box and there were ingredients such as chocolate, pork and cabbage and you have 30 people there who have the same ingredients and you cook something the judges haven’t seen before – it is pretty daunting.
“I like to let my food do the talking.”
Watch tonight to see which four Perth contestants make it to the final 20.
Masterchef is on tonight at 7.30pm and weeknights at 7pm on Channel 10.
as posted here
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