as posted here
THE family of a man bashed by a group of youths in Gosnells say their hearts have been "smashed to smithereens'' as he lays hopelessly in a coma.
The man's parents and his wife of one year say they don't know if 34-year-old Matthew, who has a 15-year-old daughter, will survive or suffer permanent injuries.
"Our hearts have been smashed to smithereenes,'' father Barry told the media today in the hope the public can help police catch those responsible.
"We are crushed, shattered. This is happening to our son, to a husband and father.
"No one expects any human being to do this to another human being."
Matthew's wife, Karlene, his childhood sweetheart, said: "He’s been my life and it’s been taken away.''
The family's lives changed forever four weeks ago when, at a friend's party, Matthew confronted a group seen hanging around cars outside the home about 12.30pm.
A fight spilled into a nearby park and Matthew was bashed with a starpicket and left to die.
His family desperately want the culprits found.
"The victim was at a private party on Walter Street in Gosnells on August 2 when a group of juveniles were seen loitering around the vehicles parked out the front at around 12:30am,'' a police spokesman said.
"A verbal altercation started between the victim and members of the group, which became physical and resulted in the victim sustaining a life-threatening head injury at the nearby Chale Street Reserve. He was taken to Royal Perth Hospital where he remains in an unconscious state. ''
Police today arrested a 15-year-old boy in relation to the assault, but police still need
public assistance to identify others involved.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
as posted here
Monday 31 August 2009
Boy charged over Gosnells attack
as posted here
Police have charged a 15-year-old boy over a bashing which has left a 33-year-old man in hospital for the last month.
The man confronted a group of youths for causing a disturbance outside a house party in Gosnells on August the 2nd.
It's alleged the youths kicked and punched the man who was taken to Royal Perth Hospital with life-threatening injuries.
He remains in a stable condition but it's believed he suffered a significant brain injury.
The teenager has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm and police are still looking for the other youths involved in the attack.
as posted here
Police have charged a 15-year-old boy over a bashing which has left a 33-year-old man in hospital for the last month.
The man confronted a group of youths for causing a disturbance outside a house party in Gosnells on August the 2nd.
It's alleged the youths kicked and punched the man who was taken to Royal Perth Hospital with life-threatening injuries.
He remains in a stable condition but it's believed he suffered a significant brain injury.
The teenager has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm and police are still looking for the other youths involved in the attack.
as posted here
Friday 28 August 2009
Maddington households to receive underground power
as posted here
More than 1,100 households in Maddington will receive underground power by late next year as part of a $10.8 million project.
WA Energy Minister Peter Collier said underground power lines were a vital way of improving the standard of electricity supply to consumers.
"The Maddington Underground Power Project will provide residents with a more reliable medium of electrical supply while ensuring improved safety and attractive streetscapes for the community," Mr Collier said.
The City of Gosnells is the latest local government to sign up for round four of the State Underground Power Program
Residents in the area have been granted a 15 per cent subsidy, designed to encourage participation by low socio-economic areas.
The underground power program was established in 1996 to help improve the electricity distribution network throughout WA.
as posted here
More than 1,100 households in Maddington will receive underground power by late next year as part of a $10.8 million project.
WA Energy Minister Peter Collier said underground power lines were a vital way of improving the standard of electricity supply to consumers.
"The Maddington Underground Power Project will provide residents with a more reliable medium of electrical supply while ensuring improved safety and attractive streetscapes for the community," Mr Collier said.
The City of Gosnells is the latest local government to sign up for round four of the State Underground Power Program
Residents in the area have been granted a 15 per cent subsidy, designed to encourage participation by low socio-economic areas.
The underground power program was established in 1996 to help improve the electricity distribution network throughout WA.
as posted here
Boy, 6, dies but woman saved in house fire
as posted here
Six-year-old Zachary Ryan died in a fire at his Gosnells home yesterday morning but his grandmother survived after two men smashed through the front door and dragged her to safety.
Police arson squad investigators were unable to determine the cause of the blaze, which started in a bedroom at the Corfield Street house, but said it was not suspicious.
Firefighters made the grim discovery of the boy's body in a bedroom after being alerted to the fire by a man and his son, who stopped to help when they saw smoke while driving past about 8.45am.
Maddington fire station officer Keith Van Den Bergh said that the men's quick actions saved the woman's life.
"They didn't see anybody so they smashed a few windows and then they saw the grandmother lying at the front door," Mr Van Den Bergh said. "They've broken the front door down . . . (and) dragged the grandmother on to the front driveway."
One of the men then sprayed a hose into the bedroom to douse the flames.
When firefighters arrived they rushed in to save the trapped boy but he was dead when they found him.
"The heat in the room where we found him was quite intense and he wouldn't have had a chance," Mr Van Den Bergh said.
The boy's grandmother was taken to hospital suffering smoke inhalation and burns.
She had tried desperately to rescue her grandson but was forced back by the heat and smoke.
Last night she was in Royal Perth Hospital in a serious but stable condition.
The pair were the only people in the four-bedroom house when the fire started.
Police told the boy's mother the devastating news when she returned from taking her daughter to school.
Mr Van Den Bergh said the death was a tragedy but without the heroic efforts of the two men who stopped to help, it could have been worse. "It was a fantastic job that they've done," he said. "We could have had two casualties instead of one."
Zachary's uncle, Michael Cawse, told Seven News he was grateful to the men who had helped.
Mr Van Den Bergh said there had not been any smoke alarms fitted in the home.
as posted here
Six-year-old Zachary Ryan died in a fire at his Gosnells home yesterday morning but his grandmother survived after two men smashed through the front door and dragged her to safety.
Police arson squad investigators were unable to determine the cause of the blaze, which started in a bedroom at the Corfield Street house, but said it was not suspicious.
Firefighters made the grim discovery of the boy's body in a bedroom after being alerted to the fire by a man and his son, who stopped to help when they saw smoke while driving past about 8.45am.
Maddington fire station officer Keith Van Den Bergh said that the men's quick actions saved the woman's life.
"They didn't see anybody so they smashed a few windows and then they saw the grandmother lying at the front door," Mr Van Den Bergh said. "They've broken the front door down . . . (and) dragged the grandmother on to the front driveway."
One of the men then sprayed a hose into the bedroom to douse the flames.
When firefighters arrived they rushed in to save the trapped boy but he was dead when they found him.
"The heat in the room where we found him was quite intense and he wouldn't have had a chance," Mr Van Den Bergh said.
The boy's grandmother was taken to hospital suffering smoke inhalation and burns.
She had tried desperately to rescue her grandson but was forced back by the heat and smoke.
Last night she was in Royal Perth Hospital in a serious but stable condition.
The pair were the only people in the four-bedroom house when the fire started.
Police told the boy's mother the devastating news when she returned from taking her daughter to school.
Mr Van Den Bergh said the death was a tragedy but without the heroic efforts of the two men who stopped to help, it could have been worse. "It was a fantastic job that they've done," he said. "We could have had two casualties instead of one."
Zachary's uncle, Michael Cawse, told Seven News he was grateful to the men who had helped.
Mr Van Den Bergh said there had not been any smoke alarms fitted in the home.
as posted here
Thursday 27 August 2009
Child killed in Perth house fire
as posted here
A five-year-old boy has died in a house fire in the Perth suburb of Gosnells.
Emergency services were called to the property on Corfield Street just after 9:00am.
The Fire and Emergency Service (FESA) says the boy died in the blaze. The child's grandmother has been taken to Royal Perth Hospital.
FESA spokesman Keith Vandenbergh says the home was not equipped with smoke alarms.
"I think early warning with a smoke alarm might have saved the child," he said.
A neighbour Karen says she heard a commotion and looked over her back fence.
"I saw black smoke coming over the fence and a woman and two men trying to put it out, struggling with hoses, and I heard the woman call out someone's name," she said.
The two men helping the woman were Good Samaritans who were driving past the house.
She says the fire is devastating news.
"Makes me feel pretty sad and reinforces getting smoke alarms in your house to save your children," she said.
Fire investigators are trying to determine the cause of the blaze.
as posted here
A five-year-old boy has died in a house fire in the Perth suburb of Gosnells.
Emergency services were called to the property on Corfield Street just after 9:00am.
The Fire and Emergency Service (FESA) says the boy died in the blaze. The child's grandmother has been taken to Royal Perth Hospital.
FESA spokesman Keith Vandenbergh says the home was not equipped with smoke alarms.
"I think early warning with a smoke alarm might have saved the child," he said.
A neighbour Karen says she heard a commotion and looked over her back fence.
"I saw black smoke coming over the fence and a woman and two men trying to put it out, struggling with hoses, and I heard the woman call out someone's name," she said.
The two men helping the woman were Good Samaritans who were driving past the house.
She says the fire is devastating news.
"Makes me feel pretty sad and reinforces getting smoke alarms in your house to save your children," she said.
Fire investigators are trying to determine the cause of the blaze.
as posted here
Wednesday 26 August 2009
Eyes to stay on street
as posted here
THE Eyes on the Street program is not under threat, despite a query by Gosnells MLA Chris Tallentire that it was in danger of being cut.
East Metropolitan Region MLC Helen Morton said the program was successful and would continue.
Eyes on the Street is an intelligence gathering program which encourages State Government agencies, councils and businesses to identify and record suspicious behaviour and report it to police.
“There is no danger that the Eyes on the Street program is going to be cut,” Mrs Morton said.
“It is an excellent program that has had considerable success in the City of Gosnells.”
Mrs Morton said Office of Crime Protection director Wendy Murray and Eyes on the Street project coordinator Mat Jovanou had both confirmed the project was safe.
“Mr Tallentire was told in Parliament that there were no plans to discontinue the program.”
Mr Tallentire had raised the issue with Police Minister Rob Johnson in Parliament.
as posted here
THE Eyes on the Street program is not under threat, despite a query by Gosnells MLA Chris Tallentire that it was in danger of being cut.
East Metropolitan Region MLC Helen Morton said the program was successful and would continue.
Eyes on the Street is an intelligence gathering program which encourages State Government agencies, councils and businesses to identify and record suspicious behaviour and report it to police.
“There is no danger that the Eyes on the Street program is going to be cut,” Mrs Morton said.
“It is an excellent program that has had considerable success in the City of Gosnells.”
Mrs Morton said Office of Crime Protection director Wendy Murray and Eyes on the Street project coordinator Mat Jovanou had both confirmed the project was safe.
“Mr Tallentire was told in Parliament that there were no plans to discontinue the program.”
Mr Tallentire had raised the issue with Police Minister Rob Johnson in Parliament.
as posted here
City seeks your views
as posted here
THE City of Gosnells is urging residents to have their say on the future of the historic Maddington Homestead, with the Heritage Council of WA set to issue a protection order for it.
If put in the place, the order would prohibit the demolition, damage or alteration of the place or any portion of the place, or any building or structure on the place and the carrying out of any activity that may detrimentally affect the cultural heritage characteristics of the place, including the removal of any object or artefact from the place.
The historic homestead dates back to the 1830s and was built for Major William Nairn, but has recently fallen into disrepair, with vandals starting a fire in 2004 that caused extensive damage.
City of Gosnells Planning and Infrastructure acting director Simon O’Sullivan has urged locals to have their say.
“This building is an integral part of the City’s proud history and people should make their opinions known about its future.”
The public can send written submissions in relation to the proposed Conservation Order, to The Director, Heritage Council of Western Australia, 108 Adelaide Terrace, East Perth, WA 6004.
Submissions must be received by 4pm on Monday, August 31.
as posted here
Keynote thanks
as posted here
GOSNELLS music lover Rodger Crossman and his wife Joan are organising a concert next month featuring about 12 local musicians and a dance group to help raise funds for the Heart Foundation.
The concert, to be held at the All Saints Hall on September 19, is in gratitude for the support Mr Crossman (68) received from staff at the Mount Hospital after recovering from two major heart operations in the past 16 months.
“I had heart failure and a valve replacement done which required full open heart surgery,” he said.
“But four months into the recovery from that it all went bad so they had to do it again and start from scratch.”
Mr Crossman’s love of music, which started when he learned to play the piano as an eight-year-old, has helped him in his rehabilitation.
“My mind has been going all the time and even now I’ve got that many music projects ahead and I’m coming up with new ideas all the time,” he said.
Mrs Crossman came up with the concert idea about six months ago as a way of thanking the cardiac health and rehabilitation medical staff.
“Joan is a major force in everything so this concert project has developed out of the last year during my rehabilitation,” he said.
Mr Crossman plays keyboard, piano and piano accordion.
The concert starts at 7.30pm.
Tickets are $15 adults, $5 children. Further details, bookings call 9490 9063 or email joanrodger1@bigpond.com.
as posted here
Monday 24 August 2009
Two men charged over Burswood star picket attack
as posted here
POLICE have charged two youths over a star picket attack on a 39-year-old man at a Gull Service Station on Great Eastern Hwy in Burswood early this morning.
The man was hit in the face with the metal picket and knocked unconscious after parking at the service station at about 1.10am.
It is alleged the pair, aged 20 and 16, took the man's car keys and drove off in his Hyundai Tiburon, which was later found abandoned in Gosnells.
Officers from the police major incident group arrested the youths a short time later.
They have both been charged with armed robbery and will appear in court today.
The injured man received serious facial fractures.
as posted here
POLICE have charged two youths over a star picket attack on a 39-year-old man at a Gull Service Station on Great Eastern Hwy in Burswood early this morning.
The man was hit in the face with the metal picket and knocked unconscious after parking at the service station at about 1.10am.
It is alleged the pair, aged 20 and 16, took the man's car keys and drove off in his Hyundai Tiburon, which was later found abandoned in Gosnells.
Officers from the police major incident group arrested the youths a short time later.
They have both been charged with armed robbery and will appear in court today.
The injured man received serious facial fractures.
as posted here
Thursday 20 August 2009
postie down in Thornlie
as posted here
Hi Guys,
I just saw a postie down on the cnr of yale and spencer in thornlie.
ambulance and cops are there.
posties lying on the rd, doesnt look to good.
bags of mail on the road, and a banged up postie bike aswell.
I know theres a few posties on here, perhaps we can hear about what happened.
Hope the guy heals fast.
Matt
...
Ok I just rang my boss, I know her.
From what I can gather, A car ran a red light and hit her, she went up across the windscreen.
She has a broken leg and taken to RPH
Teedow
as posted here
Hi Guys,
I just saw a postie down on the cnr of yale and spencer in thornlie.
ambulance and cops are there.
posties lying on the rd, doesnt look to good.
bags of mail on the road, and a banged up postie bike aswell.
I know theres a few posties on here, perhaps we can hear about what happened.
Hope the guy heals fast.
Matt
...
Ok I just rang my boss, I know her.
From what I can gather, A car ran a red light and hit her, she went up across the windscreen.
She has a broken leg and taken to RPH
Teedow
as posted here
Share in the beauty
as posted here
BARRY McNamara and Craig Kirkcaldy will answer the question “how green does your garden grow?” with the open garden at their Gosnells property this weekend.
Camellia Glades at 89 Corfield Street will be open to the public on August 22 and 23 from 10am to 4.30pm as part of Australia’s Open Garden Scheme.
The property boasts one of WA’s finest camellia collections, including rare and special species such as sasanquas, japonicas and reticulates.
Complementing them are roses, bulbs, citrus trees and wisteria.
WA Camellia Society President Jean Evans talks at 11am and 2pm each day and there are also grafting demonstrations on growing and propagating the plant.
Parking is opposite the property at the corner of King and Corfield streets. Entry is $6 per adult and under 18s free. Money raised goes to charities and community garden projects.
as posted here
Turned the corner
as posted here
TEACHERS and educationalists from New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia visited Yule Brook College in Maddington last week to see first-hand the success the school has had as part of the Big Picture program.
The Year 8 to 10 school has undergone a teaching revolution since it was categorised as “hard to staff” when it was founded in 2000.
Deputy principal Eric Radice said numerous strategies were employed to develop a nurturing and caring learning environment.
“Yet high absenteeism and poor behaviour continued to plague the school,” he said.
In 2006 there were almost 300 student suspensions.
But in 2007 attendance was nudging 83 per cent and there were fewer than 50 suspensions. “The figures were so astonishing, it was assumed Yule Brook’s data system had malfunctioned, but they had not,” he said.
It was also the year that the school became inspired by the Big Picture education program that originated in Rhode Island, USA.
“Jaws dropped further last year when the school’s National Assessment Program literacy and numeracy scores reached benchmark or better.”
Two years on, the school is a hotbed of creativity and industry.
Plans to extend studies to Year 12 are well under way and the focus is firmly on higher education and careers.
“We now have students who never used ‘uni’ in a sentence, checking out entrance requirements for tertiary courses,” Mr Radice said.
“We are beginning to see a change of culture, not just among students and staff, but in the whole community.”
He said parental involvement had increased dramatically and the school’s internship program had proved enormously successful
as posted here
TEACHERS and educationalists from New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia visited Yule Brook College in Maddington last week to see first-hand the success the school has had as part of the Big Picture program.
The Year 8 to 10 school has undergone a teaching revolution since it was categorised as “hard to staff” when it was founded in 2000.
Deputy principal Eric Radice said numerous strategies were employed to develop a nurturing and caring learning environment.
“Yet high absenteeism and poor behaviour continued to plague the school,” he said.
In 2006 there were almost 300 student suspensions.
But in 2007 attendance was nudging 83 per cent and there were fewer than 50 suspensions. “The figures were so astonishing, it was assumed Yule Brook’s data system had malfunctioned, but they had not,” he said.
It was also the year that the school became inspired by the Big Picture education program that originated in Rhode Island, USA.
“Jaws dropped further last year when the school’s National Assessment Program literacy and numeracy scores reached benchmark or better.”
Two years on, the school is a hotbed of creativity and industry.
Plans to extend studies to Year 12 are well under way and the focus is firmly on higher education and careers.
“We now have students who never used ‘uni’ in a sentence, checking out entrance requirements for tertiary courses,” Mr Radice said.
“We are beginning to see a change of culture, not just among students and staff, but in the whole community.”
He said parental involvement had increased dramatically and the school’s internship program had proved enormously successful
as posted here
Change voted in
as posted here
THE first-past-the-post voting system will be used at council elections on October 17 after legislation was passed by the State Government last week.
Local Government Minister John Castrilli said the system would replace the previous preferential voting system and would make the electoral process easier to understand.
Mr Castrilli said it would also protect councils from the influence of main political parties and the rise of political factions within councils.
“First-past-the-post voting not only removes the potential for political or other tickets to be run, but the system will also mean results known in a very timely manner.”
The City of Gosnells applauded the move, Mayor Olwen Searle saying it believed first past the post was simpler and cheaper to administer than proportional preferential voting in use for the last council election.
“We are glad to see the State Government has reinstated a simple, cost-effective voting system,” she said.
“The City is committed to local democracy and public participation. First past the post is the easiest way for people to cast their votes. It also saves ratepayers’ money.”
The City is running a publicity campaign to help lift voting numbers at the election. Unlike State and Federal polls, voting is not compulsory.
Mayor Searle urged people to make sure they had their say at election time. “The decisions made by councillors affect every-day life in your own city – make sure you have a say in who is chosen for this vital role.”
Information on why voting is important and how easy it is, especially by post, is available from the City.
Gosnells has 12 councillors, each of whom serves a four-year term. The terms are staggered so half the council is elected at a time, resulting in elections every two years.
The council voted to recommend the end of the ward system, which means people will vote for candidates across the City, not in smaller areas.
as posted here
THE first-past-the-post voting system will be used at council elections on October 17 after legislation was passed by the State Government last week.
Local Government Minister John Castrilli said the system would replace the previous preferential voting system and would make the electoral process easier to understand.
Mr Castrilli said it would also protect councils from the influence of main political parties and the rise of political factions within councils.
“First-past-the-post voting not only removes the potential for political or other tickets to be run, but the system will also mean results known in a very timely manner.”
The City of Gosnells applauded the move, Mayor Olwen Searle saying it believed first past the post was simpler and cheaper to administer than proportional preferential voting in use for the last council election.
“We are glad to see the State Government has reinstated a simple, cost-effective voting system,” she said.
“The City is committed to local democracy and public participation. First past the post is the easiest way for people to cast their votes. It also saves ratepayers’ money.”
The City is running a publicity campaign to help lift voting numbers at the election. Unlike State and Federal polls, voting is not compulsory.
Mayor Searle urged people to make sure they had their say at election time. “The decisions made by councillors affect every-day life in your own city – make sure you have a say in who is chosen for this vital role.”
Information on why voting is important and how easy it is, especially by post, is available from the City.
Gosnells has 12 councillors, each of whom serves a four-year term. The terms are staggered so half the council is elected at a time, resulting in elections every two years.
The council voted to recommend the end of the ward system, which means people will vote for candidates across the City, not in smaller areas.
as posted here
Tuesday 18 August 2009
Police raid alleged Kenwick drug lab (The West Australian)
Police raid alleged Kenwick drug lab (The West Australian): "Police have arrested a Kenwick man for allegedly operating a clandestine drug lab in Perth's southern suburbs."
Yet another Email the to the Member re: Toilets
School Toilets? Third World Standard!
Having received the letter from the sitting member, I must say that I am not assured that he has grasped the importance of this issue (lack of soap and adequate drying facilities in school toilets), I realise that as a sitting member he does have contact with schools, I guess that he may of asked various Principals if their toilets adequately cater for the students needs in this area, but I assure him that they do not, if he was to inspect them himself (without warning) he will be appalled by the lack of soap and facilities provided to the children. Thornlie Primary School is currently trying to sell some hand dryers that were purchased several years ago but were never installed, the parents at that school saw the need and stepped up and purchased this equipment, but of course the dryers could not be installed due to a poor power supply (even though they spent 50K on optical fibre for their Intranet), my eleven year old that attends this primary school will not use these toilets, my older daughter who attends Thornlie High School assures me that there is never any soap (prob rarely) and that she has to hunt for toilet paper. Both of my daughters attending school at the moment tell me that their teachers are constantly telling them to wash their hands regularly, but I must ask how can they whilst at school (the usual standard reply is "they should bring their own"). If you were to ask the principal or staff they will prob reply that of course there is soap, and they will handball the problem to the cleaners, and if you question the cleaners they will tell you that they do supply some, but that the kids waste it, I know that there is no specific budget to cater for this expense (time spent on P&C and School Council) so I must ask you "are schools provided with a specific budget item that caters for these supplies and if so why is it not used? I again ask you to please take the time to inspect these facilities for yourself, why provide public toilets if they can not be used for the specific task they are designed for?"
Peter Evans
Thornlie
Having received the letter from the sitting member, I must say that I am not assured that he has grasped the importance of this issue (lack of soap and adequate drying facilities in school toilets), I realise that as a sitting member he does have contact with schools, I guess that he may of asked various Principals if their toilets adequately cater for the students needs in this area, but I assure him that they do not, if he was to inspect them himself (without warning) he will be appalled by the lack of soap and facilities provided to the children. Thornlie Primary School is currently trying to sell some hand dryers that were purchased several years ago but were never installed, the parents at that school saw the need and stepped up and purchased this equipment, but of course the dryers could not be installed due to a poor power supply (even though they spent 50K on optical fibre for their Intranet), my eleven year old that attends this primary school will not use these toilets, my older daughter who attends Thornlie High School assures me that there is never any soap (prob rarely) and that she has to hunt for toilet paper. Both of my daughters attending school at the moment tell me that their teachers are constantly telling them to wash their hands regularly, but I must ask how can they whilst at school (the usual standard reply is "they should bring their own"). If you were to ask the principal or staff they will prob reply that of course there is soap, and they will handball the problem to the cleaners, and if you question the cleaners they will tell you that they do supply some, but that the kids waste it, I know that there is no specific budget to cater for this expense (time spent on P&C and School Council) so I must ask you "are schools provided with a specific budget item that caters for these supplies and if so why is it not used? I again ask you to please take the time to inspect these facilities for yourself, why provide public toilets if they can not be used for the specific task they are designed for?"
Peter Evans
Thornlie
New eye offers hope after bus attack
as posted here
The bus driver who lost an eye after a vicious attack was overjoyed at getting an artificial replacement yesterday, but says the incident has left him with ongoing nightmares and a heightened fear for his safety.
Gerard Sin, of Thornlie, said he was pleased with the life-like appearance of the prosthesis after it was fitted yesterday.
But while the physical scars are healing, Mr Sin said he was still having nightmares that started immediately after the rock attack. "On my first night I dreamt a group of people were pounding on me," Mr Sin, 59, said.
"They were jumping on to me and I got so scared I tried to kick them. My wife woke me up and I was delirious. I even asked my wife to make sure the door was locked."
Mr Sin was driving along Church Avenue, Armadale, on July 31 when he was hit in the face with a rock after refusing to let a group of men get on the bus. Doctors removed his left eye five days later.
Mr Sin reiterated yesterday that it was unlikely he would return to the job because he feared his mononuclear vision would put passengers at risk.
The father of two was also reluctant to put his wife Camilla through more anguish after she had long begged him to give up the dangerous work. The devout Christian said he might do some part-time work for his Presbyterian Church and was considering a request from his wife to become a "househusband".
He said he hoped to have counselling one day to cope with the trauma, but in the meantime, was managing to maintain his sense of humour.
Ocularist Jenny Geelen, from West Perth's Artificial Eye Services, said muscles around the eye socket had grown around an implant which was installed when the eyeball was removed. This allowed his artificial eye to move at the same time and in the same direction as his right eye.
The Christmas Islander and Friends Association is taking donations for Mr Sin at any Westpac branch. A morning tea fundraiser will be held at 9.30am on Friday at Westpac's Armadale branch.
as posted here
The bus driver who lost an eye after a vicious attack was overjoyed at getting an artificial replacement yesterday, but says the incident has left him with ongoing nightmares and a heightened fear for his safety.
Gerard Sin, of Thornlie, said he was pleased with the life-like appearance of the prosthesis after it was fitted yesterday.
But while the physical scars are healing, Mr Sin said he was still having nightmares that started immediately after the rock attack. "On my first night I dreamt a group of people were pounding on me," Mr Sin, 59, said.
"They were jumping on to me and I got so scared I tried to kick them. My wife woke me up and I was delirious. I even asked my wife to make sure the door was locked."
Mr Sin was driving along Church Avenue, Armadale, on July 31 when he was hit in the face with a rock after refusing to let a group of men get on the bus. Doctors removed his left eye five days later.
Mr Sin reiterated yesterday that it was unlikely he would return to the job because he feared his mononuclear vision would put passengers at risk.
The father of two was also reluctant to put his wife Camilla through more anguish after she had long begged him to give up the dangerous work. The devout Christian said he might do some part-time work for his Presbyterian Church and was considering a request from his wife to become a "househusband".
He said he hoped to have counselling one day to cope with the trauma, but in the meantime, was managing to maintain his sense of humour.
Ocularist Jenny Geelen, from West Perth's Artificial Eye Services, said muscles around the eye socket had grown around an implant which was installed when the eyeball was removed. This allowed his artificial eye to move at the same time and in the same direction as his right eye.
The Christmas Islander and Friends Association is taking donations for Mr Sin at any Westpac branch. A morning tea fundraiser will be held at 9.30am on Friday at Westpac's Armadale branch.
as posted here
Monday 17 August 2009
Damp Perth robbed of daylight
Damp Perth robbed of daylight: "PERTH is in the grip of the longest wet spell in two years - with 10 consecutive days of rain and wet weather forecast for the rest of the week."
Saturday 15 August 2009
Wild weather damages 37 homes across Perth
as posted here
Nearly 40 homes in the Perth metropolitan area were damaged in severe storms overnight.
Emergency services volunteers were called out to 37 homes across Perth to help repair damaged and leaking roofs caused by falling trees and destructive winds.
The weather bureau said a wind gust of 93 km/h was recorded at Jandakot at 2am this morning.
Most of the damage caused by last night's storm was minor, FESA said.
Today, the weather bureau cancelled the severe weather warning it issued yesterday saying the worst of the storm had passed.
Showers and isolated thunderstorms and possible hail is forecast for the city today.
Temperatures are expected to reach a maximum of 15C in Perth today, warming up slightly tomorrow when the mercury is expected to reach a high of 18C
as posted here
Nearly 40 homes in the Perth metropolitan area were damaged in severe storms overnight.
Emergency services volunteers were called out to 37 homes across Perth to help repair damaged and leaking roofs caused by falling trees and destructive winds.
The weather bureau said a wind gust of 93 km/h was recorded at Jandakot at 2am this morning.
Most of the damage caused by last night's storm was minor, FESA said.
Today, the weather bureau cancelled the severe weather warning it issued yesterday saying the worst of the storm had passed.
Showers and isolated thunderstorms and possible hail is forecast for the city today.
Temperatures are expected to reach a maximum of 15C in Perth today, warming up slightly tomorrow when the mercury is expected to reach a high of 18C
as posted here
Man runs in to burning house to offer help
as posted here
A 19-year-old Perth man has risked injury to run into a burning house in Langford to save another man.
Paul Yokoju was visiting a house in Osten Drive last night when he heard cries for help.
He ran outside and saw the neighbour trying to control the blaze with a garden hose.
The man then ran inside the house which was well ablaze.
Mr Yokoju says he knew he might have been injured, but followed the man inside.
The house was badly damaged by the fire.
The cause of the blaze is not yet known
as posted here
A 19-year-old Perth man has risked injury to run into a burning house in Langford to save another man.
Paul Yokoju was visiting a house in Osten Drive last night when he heard cries for help.
He ran outside and saw the neighbour trying to control the blaze with a garden hose.
The man then ran inside the house which was well ablaze.
Mr Yokoju says he knew he might have been injured, but followed the man inside.
The house was badly damaged by the fire.
The cause of the blaze is not yet known
as posted here
Langford home gutted by car fire
as posted here
AN elderly couple's Langford home was partially destroyed by a fire that started in a garaged car about 9.30pm last night.
The 68-year-old husband, the only occupant at the time, went back into the blazing Osten Dve house after attempting to put out the fire with a garden hose, neighbour Paul Yokoju, 19, said.
Mr Kokoju followed to get the man out.
``There was smoke everywhere. When I asked him if there was anyone else he said `no','' Mr Yokoju said.
The fire destroyed the garaged small hatchback, the lounge room, a bedroom and the brick and tile bungalow's kitchen
Losses included family items from Cambodia which the couple left before arriving in Australia in the early 1980s, the couple's daughter Latine Leng said
``They've lost a lots of things. Everything in there,'' she said.
Welshpool and Canning Vale firefighters took 15 minutes to extinguish the fire before hosing hot spots.
Canning Vale FESA station officer Syd Davies said the fire was throught to have started in the car.
Damage to the house and car was initially estimated at $150,000.
Family is now housing the couple, it is understood.
as posted here
Friday 14 August 2009
Cannabis set up found
as posted here
Police seized more than 100 cannabis plants from a southern suburbs home yesterday morning.
East metropolitan tactical investigation group officers executed a search warrant at a Storey Road home in Thornlie where they allegedly found hydroponic cannabis set ups in two bedrooms and a backyard shed.
One bedroom allegedly contained more than 50 plants.
Police also seized hydroponic equipment worth more than $20,000.
A 26-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman have been charged with drug offences.
as posted here
Police seized more than 100 cannabis plants from a southern suburbs home yesterday morning.
East metropolitan tactical investigation group officers executed a search warrant at a Storey Road home in Thornlie where they allegedly found hydroponic cannabis set ups in two bedrooms and a backyard shed.
One bedroom allegedly contained more than 50 plants.
Police also seized hydroponic equipment worth more than $20,000.
A 26-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman have been charged with drug offences.
as posted here
New cat laws to force desexing
as posted here
WA's 184,000 cat owners will have to sterilise and microchip their pets by the time they are six months old under laws expected to be drafted by year's end.
Jandakot MLA Joe Francis, who is working on the Bill for the Government, said yesterday he hoped the move would ensure that in 10 years, every cat in WA would be on a national database and the epidemic of thousands of unwanted, healthy kittens being euthanased each year would end.
Mr Francis said he would report to Premier Colin Barnett on his consultations with vets and animal welfare groups.
"I hope it will be a fairly simple, short Bill that will basically address the issue of mandatory desexing of all kittens by a certain age and the compulsory microchipping of all cats by a certain age," he said.
Mr Francis said the most effective and safest age limit in both cases would be six months.
Animal welfare groups, which have long campaigned for tougher rules on cat ownership, welcomed the moves.
Mr Francis said his research showed 14,000 healthy cats were put down in WA last year.
No official data exists on WA cat ownership but national estimates show 23 per cent of households have a cat, making the figure about 184,000 WA homes.
The Local Government Act allows WA's 139 local councils to introduce cat control regulations, but Mr Francis said only 13 had done so.
RSPCA national president Lynne Bradshaw said State cat laws were long overdue but she also wanted a "dusk to dawn" curfew for all cats.
"We're keen for this to be taken up as quickly as possible," she said. "That leaves fewer cats to be bred and fewer cats to be euthanased for no good reason."
A parliamentary committee headed by Mr Francis has asked Joondalup City Council to scrap several key elements of its proposed local cat laws, including compulsory sterilisation.
Mr Francis said Joondalup council was not legally empowered to enforce the laws it had proposed.
"It's one of the reasons why we need a Statewide Act," he said.
Cat Haven operations manager Roz Robinson said until the State laws were drafted, the committee should back Joondalup.
She said compulsory sterilisation was essential. At peak breeding season over summer, the haven had to euthanase up to 100 kittens a day.
Joondalup mayor Troy Pickard said while the city was comfortable with most of the Government committee's suggestions, it would strive to convince MPs to allow the local laws
as posted here
WA's 184,000 cat owners will have to sterilise and microchip their pets by the time they are six months old under laws expected to be drafted by year's end.
Jandakot MLA Joe Francis, who is working on the Bill for the Government, said yesterday he hoped the move would ensure that in 10 years, every cat in WA would be on a national database and the epidemic of thousands of unwanted, healthy kittens being euthanased each year would end.
Mr Francis said he would report to Premier Colin Barnett on his consultations with vets and animal welfare groups.
"I hope it will be a fairly simple, short Bill that will basically address the issue of mandatory desexing of all kittens by a certain age and the compulsory microchipping of all cats by a certain age," he said.
Mr Francis said the most effective and safest age limit in both cases would be six months.
Animal welfare groups, which have long campaigned for tougher rules on cat ownership, welcomed the moves.
Mr Francis said his research showed 14,000 healthy cats were put down in WA last year.
No official data exists on WA cat ownership but national estimates show 23 per cent of households have a cat, making the figure about 184,000 WA homes.
The Local Government Act allows WA's 139 local councils to introduce cat control regulations, but Mr Francis said only 13 had done so.
RSPCA national president Lynne Bradshaw said State cat laws were long overdue but she also wanted a "dusk to dawn" curfew for all cats.
"We're keen for this to be taken up as quickly as possible," she said. "That leaves fewer cats to be bred and fewer cats to be euthanased for no good reason."
A parliamentary committee headed by Mr Francis has asked Joondalup City Council to scrap several key elements of its proposed local cat laws, including compulsory sterilisation.
Mr Francis said Joondalup council was not legally empowered to enforce the laws it had proposed.
"It's one of the reasons why we need a Statewide Act," he said.
Cat Haven operations manager Roz Robinson said until the State laws were drafted, the committee should back Joondalup.
She said compulsory sterilisation was essential. At peak breeding season over summer, the haven had to euthanase up to 100 kittens a day.
Joondalup mayor Troy Pickard said while the city was comfortable with most of the Government committee's suggestions, it would strive to convince MPs to allow the local laws
as posted here
MPs recommend WA schools focus on grammar
as posted here
BIG changes to the way children are taught reading and writing in schools have been recommended by a WA parliamentary committee.
The committee’s recommendations also include making the Baby Bonus dependent on parents attending post-natal classes, making pre-primary compulsory and ensuring all child care workers have a TAFE qualification.
Committee chairwoman Alannah MacTiernan said the most important proposal was for children to be taught reading and writing the old-fashioned way – by focusing on grammar and phonetics.
The committee found literacy levels were inadequate in WA and many children were not prepared when starting primary school.
“We found many children were presenting at school with a large number of developmental vulnerabilities, and it seems that these numbers were getting worse,” Ms MacTiernan said.
She said many parents’ basic knowledge about how to help babies develop had been lost.
“We need to strengthen parents’ understanding of child development because they’re the best people to deal with it, so that means creating better programs for parents.
“Instead of just handing a book to new parents, it should be perhaps a more exciting DVD - a medium that more people will want to look at - that explains what’s really important.”
“One of the things we’ve suggested is that the Government consider using as leverage the baby bonus to get parents attending a few post natal classes so they engage with certain issues.
"People might think parents instinctively know this stuff but what we’re seeing is that parents often don’t," Mrs MacTiernan said.
Other recommendations included introducing more school-based playgroups for children from 0-3 years and boosting the number of child health nurses.
“I had my kids 25 years ago or so and I could go to the child health nurse as often as I liked, but they haven’t increased the number of child health nurses for decades so the service has become highly rationed and there’s not enough support for parents who need it,” Mrs MacTiernan said
as posted here
BIG changes to the way children are taught reading and writing in schools have been recommended by a WA parliamentary committee.
The committee’s recommendations also include making the Baby Bonus dependent on parents attending post-natal classes, making pre-primary compulsory and ensuring all child care workers have a TAFE qualification.
Committee chairwoman Alannah MacTiernan said the most important proposal was for children to be taught reading and writing the old-fashioned way – by focusing on grammar and phonetics.
The committee found literacy levels were inadequate in WA and many children were not prepared when starting primary school.
“We found many children were presenting at school with a large number of developmental vulnerabilities, and it seems that these numbers were getting worse,” Ms MacTiernan said.
She said many parents’ basic knowledge about how to help babies develop had been lost.
“We need to strengthen parents’ understanding of child development because they’re the best people to deal with it, so that means creating better programs for parents.
“Instead of just handing a book to new parents, it should be perhaps a more exciting DVD - a medium that more people will want to look at - that explains what’s really important.”
“One of the things we’ve suggested is that the Government consider using as leverage the baby bonus to get parents attending a few post natal classes so they engage with certain issues.
"People might think parents instinctively know this stuff but what we’re seeing is that parents often don’t," Mrs MacTiernan said.
Other recommendations included introducing more school-based playgroups for children from 0-3 years and boosting the number of child health nurses.
“I had my kids 25 years ago or so and I could go to the child health nurse as often as I liked, but they haven’t increased the number of child health nurses for decades so the service has become highly rationed and there’s not enough support for parents who need it,” Mrs MacTiernan said
as posted here
Thursday 13 August 2009
Two more WA deaths linked to swine flu
as posted here
WA health authorities have today confirmed two more deaths linked to swine influenza, both occurring in the past two days.
A 78-year-old man died at Royal Perth Hospital on Monday and a 39-year-old woman died at Armadale Kelmscott Memorial Hospital today. Both had significant underlying medical conditions.
WA has now recorded 12 deaths related to human swine influenza, A/H1N1.
Nationally 29,000 people have tested positive to the virus.
as posted here
WA health authorities have today confirmed two more deaths linked to swine influenza, both occurring in the past two days.
A 78-year-old man died at Royal Perth Hospital on Monday and a 39-year-old woman died at Armadale Kelmscott Memorial Hospital today. Both had significant underlying medical conditions.
WA has now recorded 12 deaths related to human swine influenza, A/H1N1.
Nationally 29,000 people have tested positive to the virus.
as posted here
Pollies miss pay rise but get allowance boost
as posted here
WA's politicians look set to miss out on a pay rise next year, although they could get an increase in their electoral allowances after Labor revealed it had backed a boost in the payments in its submission to the Salaries and Allowances Tribunal
The independent tribunal, which takes into account submissions from the public and political parties, will announce its wage determination on Friday for the next financial year.
In its submission, the Barnett Government called for a freeze on both wages and electoral allowances because of the tough economic times.
Politicians' wages rose 4.2 per cent last year, taking a backbencher's salary to about $129,000 a year - slightly above the nation's other parliaments.
They received a similar increase in their electoral allowance, which helps them to manage expenses such as offices, to about $50,000 a year.
With other stipends such as car and travel allowances, the average backbencher collects more than $200,000 a year.
A Labor spokeswoman said a rise in the electoral allowance was warranted by the increasing technology and training costs facing local MPs.
Nationals leader Brendon Grylls said he supported freezing MPs salaries because the Government had asked the public service to "tighten its belt" and politicians should take the lead in these matters, but it had not made a submission.
as posted here
WA's politicians look set to miss out on a pay rise next year, although they could get an increase in their electoral allowances after Labor revealed it had backed a boost in the payments in its submission to the Salaries and Allowances Tribunal
The independent tribunal, which takes into account submissions from the public and political parties, will announce its wage determination on Friday for the next financial year.
In its submission, the Barnett Government called for a freeze on both wages and electoral allowances because of the tough economic times.
Politicians' wages rose 4.2 per cent last year, taking a backbencher's salary to about $129,000 a year - slightly above the nation's other parliaments.
They received a similar increase in their electoral allowance, which helps them to manage expenses such as offices, to about $50,000 a year.
With other stipends such as car and travel allowances, the average backbencher collects more than $200,000 a year.
A Labor spokeswoman said a rise in the electoral allowance was warranted by the increasing technology and training costs facing local MPs.
Nationals leader Brendon Grylls said he supported freezing MPs salaries because the Government had asked the public service to "tighten its belt" and politicians should take the lead in these matters, but it had not made a submission.
as posted here
First past the post for council elections
as posted here
WA's local government elections in October will be carried out using the first-past-the-post voting system after State Parliament last night voted for the amendment, two years after Labor scrapped it.
Proportional preferential voting was introduced in 2007 despite criticism from WALGA, which said it was not consulted and the system was too complicated.
Local Government Minister John Castrilli introduced an amendment to return to the old system and called on Parliament to expedite the Bill for the October council elections.
"This important amendment has the capacity to deliver a simpler, less factional-driven electoral process to the local government sector," he said earlier this year.
WALGA has said the first-past-the-post was simpler, it stopped candidates running as a ticket and it helped stop factionalism.
WA Local Government Association President Cr Bill Mitchell today applauded the Government for pushing through the change.
"There was very little time and significant resistance from the various government departments to have this change made in time for the October elections but the Minister has pushed through all that," Mr Mitchell said.
"Given that the legislation had lapsed previously and that the timeframe was down to just two days, the Association was preparing the sector to accept that the change would not be made in time."
Mr Mitchell said under the first-past-the-post system candidates needed only to win the support of their local community whereas under the PPV system there was a greater focus on running mates and back room deals that mostly suit the organised, larger political parties.
"The move back to first-past-the-post returns control of Council elections to the community and lessens the influence and potential manipulation by the major political parties," he said.
The elections will be held on October 17.
as posted here
WA's local government elections in October will be carried out using the first-past-the-post voting system after State Parliament last night voted for the amendment, two years after Labor scrapped it.
Proportional preferential voting was introduced in 2007 despite criticism from WALGA, which said it was not consulted and the system was too complicated.
Local Government Minister John Castrilli introduced an amendment to return to the old system and called on Parliament to expedite the Bill for the October council elections.
"This important amendment has the capacity to deliver a simpler, less factional-driven electoral process to the local government sector," he said earlier this year.
WALGA has said the first-past-the-post was simpler, it stopped candidates running as a ticket and it helped stop factionalism.
WA Local Government Association President Cr Bill Mitchell today applauded the Government for pushing through the change.
"There was very little time and significant resistance from the various government departments to have this change made in time for the October elections but the Minister has pushed through all that," Mr Mitchell said.
"Given that the legislation had lapsed previously and that the timeframe was down to just two days, the Association was preparing the sector to accept that the change would not be made in time."
Mr Mitchell said under the first-past-the-post system candidates needed only to win the support of their local community whereas under the PPV system there was a greater focus on running mates and back room deals that mostly suit the organised, larger political parties.
"The move back to first-past-the-post returns control of Council elections to the community and lessens the influence and potential manipulation by the major political parties," he said.
The elections will be held on October 17.
as posted here
Mild earthquake rocks Wheatbelt
Troy Buswell to demand a bigger share of GST for WA
as posted here
TREASURER Troy Buswell says WA has been cheated on its share of the GST and will demand a bigger cut for the state at a showdown in Canberra today.
The heads of state treasury departments are preparing for a confrontation on the division of GST revenues today, with resource states WA and Queensland claiming the tax should be used to help build their infrastructure.
Changes to the formula for distributing GST that have been proposed by the Commonwealth Grants Commission have been the subject of heated debate among the states.
The commission has accepted arguments from Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory that their rapidly growing populations are putting strains on infrastructure for which they need compensation.
Queensland argued that over the past decade, its population had grown by 22.5 per cent, compared with 10 per cent in New South Wales and 12.6 per cent in Victoria. This meant it had to spend more on transport, water, power, schools, hospitals, police stations and prisons.
NSW, Victoria, Tasmania and the ACT argued that the fair division of GST required only that it should enable all states to deliver equivalent quality services on an annual basis.
But the commission accepted the argument of the resource states in its draft recommendation. It said the division of grants was not just about the annual budget bottom line, but about the financial net worth of states.
A joint statement by Mr Buswell and Queensland Treasurer Andrew Fraser said they were being cheated by the existing formula.
"Queensland and Western Australia were Australia’s economic engine rooms leading into the global recession, and we are best-placed to lead the nation out of it," they said.
"Both have outpaced the national rate of economic growth over the last dozen years, and both have had lower unemployment rates than the national average.
"However, Queensland and Western Australia are both donor States.
"On a per capita basis, Queensland and Western Australia will both receive a GST allocation well below the average per capita GST distribution.
"And despite the protests of the southern States, Queensland and Western Australia will both receive a lower GST per capita than both NSW and Victoria.
"Presently Western Australia receives around $910million less than its per capita share while Queensland misses out on $700million.
"The current formula recognises the provision of services - but common sense would suggest that the provision of services requires not just people, but buildings and other infrastructure too."
WA and Queensland receive lower GST per capita because their resource richness gives those states greater taxing power than other states, for which they are penalised by the commission.
However, NSW and Victoria have argued that the commission's proposed changes would greatly damage their ability to provide services
as posted here
TREASURER Troy Buswell says WA has been cheated on its share of the GST and will demand a bigger cut for the state at a showdown in Canberra today.
The heads of state treasury departments are preparing for a confrontation on the division of GST revenues today, with resource states WA and Queensland claiming the tax should be used to help build their infrastructure.
Changes to the formula for distributing GST that have been proposed by the Commonwealth Grants Commission have been the subject of heated debate among the states.
The commission has accepted arguments from Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory that their rapidly growing populations are putting strains on infrastructure for which they need compensation.
Queensland argued that over the past decade, its population had grown by 22.5 per cent, compared with 10 per cent in New South Wales and 12.6 per cent in Victoria. This meant it had to spend more on transport, water, power, schools, hospitals, police stations and prisons.
NSW, Victoria, Tasmania and the ACT argued that the fair division of GST required only that it should enable all states to deliver equivalent quality services on an annual basis.
But the commission accepted the argument of the resource states in its draft recommendation. It said the division of grants was not just about the annual budget bottom line, but about the financial net worth of states.
A joint statement by Mr Buswell and Queensland Treasurer Andrew Fraser said they were being cheated by the existing formula.
"Queensland and Western Australia were Australia’s economic engine rooms leading into the global recession, and we are best-placed to lead the nation out of it," they said.
"Both have outpaced the national rate of economic growth over the last dozen years, and both have had lower unemployment rates than the national average.
"However, Queensland and Western Australia are both donor States.
"On a per capita basis, Queensland and Western Australia will both receive a GST allocation well below the average per capita GST distribution.
"And despite the protests of the southern States, Queensland and Western Australia will both receive a lower GST per capita than both NSW and Victoria.
"Presently Western Australia receives around $910million less than its per capita share while Queensland misses out on $700million.
"The current formula recognises the provision of services - but common sense would suggest that the provision of services requires not just people, but buildings and other infrastructure too."
WA and Queensland receive lower GST per capita because their resource richness gives those states greater taxing power than other states, for which they are penalised by the commission.
However, NSW and Victoria have argued that the commission's proposed changes would greatly damage their ability to provide services
as posted here
All making an effort
as posted here
LOCAL councils are all doing their bit to protect the environment, particularly in waste and water management, according to a new survey published last week by an eco-watchdog group.
The Serpentine Jarrahdale Shire excelled in natural resource management scoring 100 per cent in survey responses while Gosnells and Armadale scored highly for waste management with 9/10 and 8/10, respectively.
The survey, published by HowGreen Is My Council, assessed the performance of metropolitan councils in a range of categories including access to information, climate change and sustainable transport, environmental sustainability and natural resource, waste and water management.
HowGreen spokeswoman Brenda Conochie said councils have “enormous potential” to affect the planet’s air, soil, water, biodiversity and climate at the local level.
In the access of information category S-J received four stars out of four, followed by Armadale with three and Gosnells none.
But Gosnells received six out of 12 stars in the climate change and sustainable transport, followed by Armadale (4) and SJ (3).
None offset their vehicle fleets’ carbon emissions, publish energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions or have addressed peak oil risks and vulnerabilities.
They have all purchased green power and participated in the Cities for Climate Change program.
Ms Conochie said the survey, which was online at www.howgreen.net.au was a “user-friendly” tool for residents, councillors and staff of Perth’s metropolitan councils.
“Our site recognises local governments’ efforts to protect the environment, while also drawing attention to gaps and, we hope, raising the bar to encourage further innovation and best practice,” she said.
There are plans to extend the service for country councils.
More detailed responses from the surveys are on the website.
as posted here
LOCAL councils are all doing their bit to protect the environment, particularly in waste and water management, according to a new survey published last week by an eco-watchdog group.
The Serpentine Jarrahdale Shire excelled in natural resource management scoring 100 per cent in survey responses while Gosnells and Armadale scored highly for waste management with 9/10 and 8/10, respectively.
The survey, published by HowGreen Is My Council, assessed the performance of metropolitan councils in a range of categories including access to information, climate change and sustainable transport, environmental sustainability and natural resource, waste and water management.
HowGreen spokeswoman Brenda Conochie said councils have “enormous potential” to affect the planet’s air, soil, water, biodiversity and climate at the local level.
In the access of information category S-J received four stars out of four, followed by Armadale with three and Gosnells none.
But Gosnells received six out of 12 stars in the climate change and sustainable transport, followed by Armadale (4) and SJ (3).
None offset their vehicle fleets’ carbon emissions, publish energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions or have addressed peak oil risks and vulnerabilities.
They have all purchased green power and participated in the Cities for Climate Change program.
Ms Conochie said the survey, which was online at www.howgreen.net.au was a “user-friendly” tool for residents, councillors and staff of Perth’s metropolitan councils.
“Our site recognises local governments’ efforts to protect the environment, while also drawing attention to gaps and, we hope, raising the bar to encourage further innovation and best practice,” she said.
There are plans to extend the service for country councils.
More detailed responses from the surveys are on the website.
as posted here
Central area plans proceed
as posted here
A PLAN to revitalise Maddington moved a step closer with the Central Maddington Outline Development Plan and an associated town planning scheme amendment being approved by the City of Gosnells.
The approvals came after public consultation through which 129 submissions were made regarding the plan to subdivide and develop about 150ha of land near Maddington railway station.
Matters raised in the submissions related to proposed increased residential density, new roads and areas of public parkland.
Mayor Olwen Searle said the approved plan reflected a series of modifications to the plan that was advertised for public comment, with many of the changes made in response to landowner submissions.
“Approval of the proposals has paved the way for further work to be undertaken to establish detailed design guidelines for the area,” she said.
“The City will now prepare a development contribution plan, which is needed to fund infrastructure works such as new roads and land acquisition for new parkland to facilitate the proposed redevelopment.
“This will be a challenging aspect of the planning for the Central Maddington area given there are approximately 550 individual properties and 470 landowners affected.”
Cr Searle said the proposals would now go to the WA Planning Commission for consideration and adoption.
Landowners could comment on the changes made to the plan adopted by the council. Such comments would be forwarded to the commission.
“While the approval by council is an important milestone there are still several steps to be taken before approval of applications for subdivision and development in the area can occur,” Cr Searle said.
“A positive decision of the commission as well as the required development contribution plan are critical requirements to allow this to occur.”
as posted here
A PLAN to revitalise Maddington moved a step closer with the Central Maddington Outline Development Plan and an associated town planning scheme amendment being approved by the City of Gosnells.
The approvals came after public consultation through which 129 submissions were made regarding the plan to subdivide and develop about 150ha of land near Maddington railway station.
Matters raised in the submissions related to proposed increased residential density, new roads and areas of public parkland.
Mayor Olwen Searle said the approved plan reflected a series of modifications to the plan that was advertised for public comment, with many of the changes made in response to landowner submissions.
“Approval of the proposals has paved the way for further work to be undertaken to establish detailed design guidelines for the area,” she said.
“The City will now prepare a development contribution plan, which is needed to fund infrastructure works such as new roads and land acquisition for new parkland to facilitate the proposed redevelopment.
“This will be a challenging aspect of the planning for the Central Maddington area given there are approximately 550 individual properties and 470 landowners affected.”
Cr Searle said the proposals would now go to the WA Planning Commission for consideration and adoption.
Landowners could comment on the changes made to the plan adopted by the council. Such comments would be forwarded to the commission.
“While the approval by council is an important milestone there are still several steps to be taken before approval of applications for subdivision and development in the area can occur,” Cr Searle said.
“A positive decision of the commission as well as the required development contribution plan are critical requirements to allow this to occur.”
as posted here
Trial sparks change in electricity use
as posted here
HOMEOWNERS in Thornlie and Canning Vale are being invited to take part in an Australian-first trial by energy retailer Synergy, aimed at helping change electricity use in the home.
Synergy managing director Jim Mitchell said the Advanced Metering Proof of Concept study aimed to revolutionise the way households consumed energy and monitored their energy use.
“This will be the first study in Australia by an energy retailer delivering such a comprehensive customer experience, as we test and measure the effectiveness of innovative technology, alternative time-of-use pricing and customer support,” he said.
Mr Mitchell said the study involved communicating with customers, including through an In-Home Display, an interactive website, email and SMS, to encourage behavioural change.
“The advanced meters, with the associated communications support, are a new technology which give householders the power to control their energy use and see the cost of their energy consumption in real-time,” he said.
“Using these, households can make positive changes to the way they use energy.”
Synergy will test three different technologies – advanced meters enabling more detailed and up-to-date information on electricity consumption, in-home display units providing instant information on energy use and costs, and the Power to Change website, which provides a detailed and personalised energy analysis.
Gosnells Mayor Olwen Searle said the study was an exciting development in WA’s energy market and encouraged residents to participate and be the first in WA to use technology.
Synergy will invite 500 residents to participate in the study, which is by invitation only. Thornlie and Canning Vale were chosen for the trial because of the demographics of the area.
as posted here
HOMEOWNERS in Thornlie and Canning Vale are being invited to take part in an Australian-first trial by energy retailer Synergy, aimed at helping change electricity use in the home.
Synergy managing director Jim Mitchell said the Advanced Metering Proof of Concept study aimed to revolutionise the way households consumed energy and monitored their energy use.
“This will be the first study in Australia by an energy retailer delivering such a comprehensive customer experience, as we test and measure the effectiveness of innovative technology, alternative time-of-use pricing and customer support,” he said.
Mr Mitchell said the study involved communicating with customers, including through an In-Home Display, an interactive website, email and SMS, to encourage behavioural change.
“The advanced meters, with the associated communications support, are a new technology which give householders the power to control their energy use and see the cost of their energy consumption in real-time,” he said.
“Using these, households can make positive changes to the way they use energy.”
Synergy will test three different technologies – advanced meters enabling more detailed and up-to-date information on electricity consumption, in-home display units providing instant information on energy use and costs, and the Power to Change website, which provides a detailed and personalised energy analysis.
Gosnells Mayor Olwen Searle said the study was an exciting development in WA’s energy market and encouraged residents to participate and be the first in WA to use technology.
Synergy will invite 500 residents to participate in the study, which is by invitation only. Thornlie and Canning Vale were chosen for the trial because of the demographics of the area.
as posted here
Wednesday 12 August 2009
Two more swine flu patients die
as posted here
The WA Health Department has today confirmed two more deaths linked to human swine influenza.
A 62-year-old man with significant underlying medical conditions died at St John of God Hospital, in Murdoch, on August 8.
A 37-year-old woman with no underlying medical conditions died at Royal Perth Hospital a day later.
The deaths bring the number of people with swine flu to die in WA to 10.
The number of confirmed cases in the state has now passed 3000. Of those, 43 sufferers are being treated in hospital, including 11 who are in intensive care units.
as posted here
The WA Health Department has today confirmed two more deaths linked to human swine influenza.
A 62-year-old man with significant underlying medical conditions died at St John of God Hospital, in Murdoch, on August 8.
A 37-year-old woman with no underlying medical conditions died at Royal Perth Hospital a day later.
The deaths bring the number of people with swine flu to die in WA to 10.
The number of confirmed cases in the state has now passed 3000. Of those, 43 sufferers are being treated in hospital, including 11 who are in intensive care units.
as posted here
More spent on home-brand foods
as posted here
The number of Australian households buying cheaper home-brand groceries has grown in the wake of the global economic downturn, according to the latest Nielsen survey.
They now account for almost one-quarter of all grocery sales.
The average household spent a record $172.80 on home-brand products in the past quarter — a jump of 5 per cent or $8 compared with the same quarter last year.
The increasing popularity of the products across all the major chains has been driven in part by their appeal as a cheaper alternative in the global financial crisis, Nielsen said.
In the online survey, done in June, 57 per cent of consumers said they had switched to cheaper grocery brands to save money in the past year and more than one-third said they would continue to buy cheaper grocery brands even when economic conditions improved.
An earlier Nielsen survey found that 60 per cent of households believed private-label products now were much better than five years ago and that young families spent the highest proportion of their grocery money on home brands.
Mother-of-six Rachelle Dickson, who was doing a quick shop at Woolworths Subiaco Square yesterday, said she tried to buy home-brand products as much as possible.
“It is often the cheapest and I have got a big family,” she said.
PHILIPPA PERRY
as posted here
The number of Australian households buying cheaper home-brand groceries has grown in the wake of the global economic downturn, according to the latest Nielsen survey.
They now account for almost one-quarter of all grocery sales.
The average household spent a record $172.80 on home-brand products in the past quarter — a jump of 5 per cent or $8 compared with the same quarter last year.
The increasing popularity of the products across all the major chains has been driven in part by their appeal as a cheaper alternative in the global financial crisis, Nielsen said.
In the online survey, done in June, 57 per cent of consumers said they had switched to cheaper grocery brands to save money in the past year and more than one-third said they would continue to buy cheaper grocery brands even when economic conditions improved.
An earlier Nielsen survey found that 60 per cent of households believed private-label products now were much better than five years ago and that young families spent the highest proportion of their grocery money on home brands.
Mother-of-six Rachelle Dickson, who was doing a quick shop at Woolworths Subiaco Square yesterday, said she tried to buy home-brand products as much as possible.
“It is often the cheapest and I have got a big family,” she said.
PHILIPPA PERRY
as posted here
Six-car Kwinana crash delays morning run
as posted here
A six-car crash south bound on the Kwinana Freeway is causing delays for motorists this morning.
The crash is near the off ramp to Roe Highway and the right lane is blocked.
Tow trucks are at the scene and motorists are advised to take care through the area.
A crash citybound on Shepperton Road near Miller Street and a set of blacked out traffic lights at Mounts Bay Road and Spring Street in the city are also causing delays for motorists this morning.
Heading into the city, traffic is very slow on the Mitchell Freeway between Ocean Reef Road and Scarborough Beach Road while the Kwinana Freeway is building from Berrigan Drive all the way into Perth.
The Northbridge Tunnel is slow west bound but is moving well east bound.
Busy spots include Loftus Street through Leederville, Shepperton Road onto the Causeway, Wanneroo Road at Reid Highway, Tonkin Highway at Roe Highway, Tonkin Highway at Horrie Millar Drive and Kewdale Road, Tonkin Highway at Collier Road and Karrinyup Road at Marmion Avenue.
PERTH
JAYNE RICKARD
as posted here
A six-car crash south bound on the Kwinana Freeway is causing delays for motorists this morning.
The crash is near the off ramp to Roe Highway and the right lane is blocked.
Tow trucks are at the scene and motorists are advised to take care through the area.
A crash citybound on Shepperton Road near Miller Street and a set of blacked out traffic lights at Mounts Bay Road and Spring Street in the city are also causing delays for motorists this morning.
Heading into the city, traffic is very slow on the Mitchell Freeway between Ocean Reef Road and Scarborough Beach Road while the Kwinana Freeway is building from Berrigan Drive all the way into Perth.
The Northbridge Tunnel is slow west bound but is moving well east bound.
Busy spots include Loftus Street through Leederville, Shepperton Road onto the Causeway, Wanneroo Road at Reid Highway, Tonkin Highway at Roe Highway, Tonkin Highway at Horrie Millar Drive and Kewdale Road, Tonkin Highway at Collier Road and Karrinyup Road at Marmion Avenue.
PERTH
JAYNE RICKARD
as posted here
Man jailed for machete hold-up at petrol station
as posted here
A 20-year old man who threatened to kill a Huntingdale BP petrol station customer with a machete if the attendant did not hand over cash was jailed for two years in the District Court yesterday.
The court was told Alexander Phillip Walsh grabbed a customer at the petrol station on April 17 last year, holding a machete to his neck. He threatened to kill the customer if the attendant did not hand over money.
The attendant refused to comply and fled into a back room, locking himself in. The hostage managed to free himself as Walsh attempted to force his way behind the counter, but eventually gave up and left.
GIORDANO STOLLEY
as posted here
A 20-year old man who threatened to kill a Huntingdale BP petrol station customer with a machete if the attendant did not hand over cash was jailed for two years in the District Court yesterday.
The court was told Alexander Phillip Walsh grabbed a customer at the petrol station on April 17 last year, holding a machete to his neck. He threatened to kill the customer if the attendant did not hand over money.
The attendant refused to comply and fled into a back room, locking himself in. The hostage managed to free himself as Walsh attempted to force his way behind the counter, but eventually gave up and left.
GIORDANO STOLLEY
as posted here
Monday 10 August 2009
Mobility scooter deaths 'alarming
as posted here
Mobility scooter drivers have been warned to be extremely careful when using their vehicles, with the consumer watchdog alarmed at 71 scooter-related deaths in the past nine years.
Consumer Affairs Minister Craig Emerson has taken the step of issuing an official warning about the scooters, with concerns their increasing popularity is putting vulnerable lives at risk.
He says not enough attention has been given to the safe use of the vehicles, which have a top legal speed of 10 kilometres per hour.
"Tragically there have been 26 deaths in Victoria alone and more than 150 people have received hospital treatment," he said.
"While mobility scooters allow people with limited ability to maintain active, independent lifestyles, these injury statistics are alarming."
He says the deaths include on-road and off-road accidents and they highlight the potential dangers of the scooters.
"Obviously some of the people who use them aren't the fittest people on Earth, that's the whole reason for their existence," he said.
"I don't want to see anything severe happen in this space, but I do think we have an obligation to warn people of the dangers of using these scooters, particularly at dusk when they're not so easily seen."
Former scooter driver John, from Maleny on Queensland's Sunshine Coast hinterland, says he found it difficult to use his scooter because there was not enough road-space.
"I had a mobility scooter for two years when I had leg problems. I had it registered and insured but I stopped using it because the width of the bicycleways and footpaths at the side of the road wasn't wide enough," he told ABC Local Radio.
"When you've got big b-double trailers going past you and when you're going at 10 kilometres an hour on the main road out of Maleny, they blew me away so I had to give the scooter away instead of risking the heavier traffic."
The warning notice has a number of recommendations for scooter drivers, including ensuring the scooter is highly visible, avoiding very steep hills, taking footpaths or quiet roads when possible and wearing a helmet.
Mr Emerson says it is also very important for people to be aware of any effects that medication may have on their driving ability and to avoid drinking too much alcohol before driving.
In a statement, the managing director of Mobility Aids Australia, Andrew Gannan, says the statistics used in the warning need to be put into context.
"Scooters users are generally part of an elderly demographic, who already have the highest mortality rate, so we need to establish in what sense the scooters are deemed responsible for the level of deaths or injury," he said.
"The medical condition of the user when they purchase the scooter may be vastly different from their condition in six months' time.
"We need to establish whether there is a suggestion that the scooters themselves are 'unsafe', whether it is the people using them or even if motorists are failing to follow safe driving practices around scooter users, similar to the current debate about cyclists and motorists sharing roads."
Mr Gannan says Mobility Aids Australia only sells scooters that meet Australian standards and are approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
The ACCC will form a working group to come up with possible recommendations on the safe use of scooters.
as posted here
Mobility scooter drivers have been warned to be extremely careful when using their vehicles, with the consumer watchdog alarmed at 71 scooter-related deaths in the past nine years.
Consumer Affairs Minister Craig Emerson has taken the step of issuing an official warning about the scooters, with concerns their increasing popularity is putting vulnerable lives at risk.
He says not enough attention has been given to the safe use of the vehicles, which have a top legal speed of 10 kilometres per hour.
"Tragically there have been 26 deaths in Victoria alone and more than 150 people have received hospital treatment," he said.
"While mobility scooters allow people with limited ability to maintain active, independent lifestyles, these injury statistics are alarming."
He says the deaths include on-road and off-road accidents and they highlight the potential dangers of the scooters.
"Obviously some of the people who use them aren't the fittest people on Earth, that's the whole reason for their existence," he said.
"I don't want to see anything severe happen in this space, but I do think we have an obligation to warn people of the dangers of using these scooters, particularly at dusk when they're not so easily seen."
Former scooter driver John, from Maleny on Queensland's Sunshine Coast hinterland, says he found it difficult to use his scooter because there was not enough road-space.
"I had a mobility scooter for two years when I had leg problems. I had it registered and insured but I stopped using it because the width of the bicycleways and footpaths at the side of the road wasn't wide enough," he told ABC Local Radio.
"When you've got big b-double trailers going past you and when you're going at 10 kilometres an hour on the main road out of Maleny, they blew me away so I had to give the scooter away instead of risking the heavier traffic."
The warning notice has a number of recommendations for scooter drivers, including ensuring the scooter is highly visible, avoiding very steep hills, taking footpaths or quiet roads when possible and wearing a helmet.
Mr Emerson says it is also very important for people to be aware of any effects that medication may have on their driving ability and to avoid drinking too much alcohol before driving.
In a statement, the managing director of Mobility Aids Australia, Andrew Gannan, says the statistics used in the warning need to be put into context.
"Scooters users are generally part of an elderly demographic, who already have the highest mortality rate, so we need to establish in what sense the scooters are deemed responsible for the level of deaths or injury," he said.
"The medical condition of the user when they purchase the scooter may be vastly different from their condition in six months' time.
"We need to establish whether there is a suggestion that the scooters themselves are 'unsafe', whether it is the people using them or even if motorists are failing to follow safe driving practices around scooter users, similar to the current debate about cyclists and motorists sharing roads."
Mr Gannan says Mobility Aids Australia only sells scooters that meet Australian standards and are approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
The ACCC will form a working group to come up with possible recommendations on the safe use of scooters.
as posted here
Teen in court over attack on bus driver
as posted here
A 17-YEAR-OLD Langford youth has appeared in Armadale Children's Court today after being charged over the attack which left a Perth bus driver blind in one eye.
Bus driver Gerard Sin was allegedly attacked by a group of youths who were refused permission to get on the vehicle in Armadale.
The Transperth bus was travelling along Church Avenue, Armadale, and as it approached the intersection of Sixth Road a group of youths slapped on the bus to gain the driver’s attention.
Police alleged that when the bus driver opened the door, he was struck with a piece of concrete and kicked, sustaining severe injuries to his face and eye.
The teenager , who cannot be identified because he is a juvenile, was charged with causing unlawful grievous bodily harm and $2000 worth of damage to a bus.
He was not required to plead to the charges and was released on bail to seek legal advice before his next court appearance on August 24.
as posted here
WA only state to increase amount of litter
as posted here
WESTERN Australia is the country's most littered state - and the only state to have actually increased the amount of rubbish we throw away.
The National Litter Index 2009 report by Keep Australia Beautiful, released today, showed that while the volume of litter in WA was slightly down, there was in increase in the average number of items.
Cigarette butts were again the most common item dumped, with the number of butts littered increasing by 41 per cent since 2005.
Littering of plastic has increased 54.5 per cent over the last four years with paper/paperboard increasing by 60 per cent.
Keep Australia Beautiful Council WA chair Mel Hay said the figures were disappointing.
“Since the surveys started in 2005, there has been an overall trend of increasing amounts of litter and, based on number of items, WA is the most littered State in Australia,” Mr Hay said
as posted here
WESTERN Australia is the country's most littered state - and the only state to have actually increased the amount of rubbish we throw away.
The National Litter Index 2009 report by Keep Australia Beautiful, released today, showed that while the volume of litter in WA was slightly down, there was in increase in the average number of items.
Cigarette butts were again the most common item dumped, with the number of butts littered increasing by 41 per cent since 2005.
Littering of plastic has increased 54.5 per cent over the last four years with paper/paperboard increasing by 60 per cent.
Keep Australia Beautiful Council WA chair Mel Hay said the figures were disappointing.
“Since the surveys started in 2005, there has been an overall trend of increasing amounts of litter and, based on number of items, WA is the most littered State in Australia,” Mr Hay said
as posted here
School fees left unpaid in rich suburbs
as posted here
Many parents who send their children to State high schools in wealthy suburbs are refusing to pay voluntary contributions.
Figures released by the Education Department reveal that some schools in high socioeconomic areas collect less than half the total voluntary amount requested from parents.
The average collection rate of voluntary contributions at schools across WA last year was just 60 per cent. The department said the data showed that schools in lower socioeconomic areas were more likely to have lower collection rates of voluntary payments.
Lesmurdie Senior High School, which is not in a low socioeconomic area, collected just 28 per cent of contributions. Principal Keith Svendsen said many parents might have cut back on voluntary payments to ensure they could pay compulsory fees charged for some subjects, because of economic conditions.
“We understand that, but we also have to continue to fund our programs and we are reliant on any and all monies that are paid either through the grants we get from the department and the charges and contributions we get from parents,” he said.
Mt Lawley Senior High School, which draws students from high socioeconomic areas such as Mt Lawley, Coolbinia and Inglewood, collected just 50 per cent of voluntary contributions. Melville SHS had the most voluntary contributions paid with 98 per cent. Thornlie SHS had the least with 19 per cent.
Education Department spokesman John Leaf said voluntary contributions met some of the costs of providing textbooks, stationery and other materials. “Schools can also collect money from parents for non-compulsory aspects of schooling which may include optional courses, excursions and swimming lessons,” he said.
Mr Leaf said schools in poorer areas with low collection rates could apply for supplementary funding through the Secondary Assistance Scheme.
Schools can request up to $235 a year in voluntary payments for Year 8 to 10 students. Many principals are worried schools will suffer next year under State Government plans to scrap a $100-a-student subsidy paid directly to high schools.
Unless they have a health care card, parents will be asked to pay the full contribution.
BETHANY HIATT
as posted here
Many parents who send their children to State high schools in wealthy suburbs are refusing to pay voluntary contributions.
Figures released by the Education Department reveal that some schools in high socioeconomic areas collect less than half the total voluntary amount requested from parents.
The average collection rate of voluntary contributions at schools across WA last year was just 60 per cent. The department said the data showed that schools in lower socioeconomic areas were more likely to have lower collection rates of voluntary payments.
Lesmurdie Senior High School, which is not in a low socioeconomic area, collected just 28 per cent of contributions. Principal Keith Svendsen said many parents might have cut back on voluntary payments to ensure they could pay compulsory fees charged for some subjects, because of economic conditions.
“We understand that, but we also have to continue to fund our programs and we are reliant on any and all monies that are paid either through the grants we get from the department and the charges and contributions we get from parents,” he said.
Mt Lawley Senior High School, which draws students from high socioeconomic areas such as Mt Lawley, Coolbinia and Inglewood, collected just 50 per cent of voluntary contributions. Melville SHS had the most voluntary contributions paid with 98 per cent. Thornlie SHS had the least with 19 per cent.
Education Department spokesman John Leaf said voluntary contributions met some of the costs of providing textbooks, stationery and other materials. “Schools can also collect money from parents for non-compulsory aspects of schooling which may include optional courses, excursions and swimming lessons,” he said.
Mr Leaf said schools in poorer areas with low collection rates could apply for supplementary funding through the Secondary Assistance Scheme.
Schools can request up to $235 a year in voluntary payments for Year 8 to 10 students. Many principals are worried schools will suffer next year under State Government plans to scrap a $100-a-student subsidy paid directly to high schools.
Unless they have a health care card, parents will be asked to pay the full contribution.
BETHANY HIATT
as posted here
Local Government Elections
as posted here
The City of Gosnells district is represented by 12 elected members, known as Councillors. The term of office for a Councillor is four years and elections are held every second year on the third Saturday in October.
The next Election Day will be on Saturday, 17 October 2009. At each election, half of the Council positions are declared vacant and a poll is conducted to determine the incoming Councillors.
Elections
The City of Gosnells holds postal elections, which are conducted on the City’s behalf by the Western Australian Electoral Commission.
What’s New?
The City has recently completed a review of Ward Boundaries and Councillor Representation, which resulted in a decision to remove ward boundaries and establish the district of Gosnells as a single ‘ward’. This means that all Councillors are now elected by electors from the whole district.
Voting in Elections
Voting papers are mailed to every person appearing on either the Residents Roll or the Owners and Occupiers Roll approximately four weeks prior to the Election Day.
Nominate to be a Councillor
To stand for election as a Councillor, you must:
be 18 years of age or older;
be an elector of the district (if you are only an elector because you are a nominee of a company then you are not eligible to stand);
(if you are a current Council member), have a term that ends on Election Day.
as posted here
The City of Gosnells district is represented by 12 elected members, known as Councillors. The term of office for a Councillor is four years and elections are held every second year on the third Saturday in October.
The next Election Day will be on Saturday, 17 October 2009. At each election, half of the Council positions are declared vacant and a poll is conducted to determine the incoming Councillors.
Elections
The City of Gosnells holds postal elections, which are conducted on the City’s behalf by the Western Australian Electoral Commission.
What’s New?
The City has recently completed a review of Ward Boundaries and Councillor Representation, which resulted in a decision to remove ward boundaries and establish the district of Gosnells as a single ‘ward’. This means that all Councillors are now elected by electors from the whole district.
Voting in Elections
Voting papers are mailed to every person appearing on either the Residents Roll or the Owners and Occupiers Roll approximately four weeks prior to the Election Day.
Nominate to be a Councillor
To stand for election as a Councillor, you must:
be 18 years of age or older;
be an elector of the district (if you are only an elector because you are a nominee of a company then you are not eligible to stand);
(if you are a current Council member), have a term that ends on Election Day.
as posted here
Friday 7 August 2009
Another home drug lab found
as posted here
Police have shut down yet another clandestine drug lab – this time in the southern suburb of Huntingdale.
Armed with a misuse of drugs search warrant, police raided a home on Redfox Crescent about 10am yesterday and allegedly discovered a crude laboratory where it appeared methamphetamine was being produced.
Officers from the Organised Crime Unit and WA Chemistry Centre experts were called out to the house to dismantle the equipment.
They found several items and chemical liquids commonly used to manufacture “ice” or “speed”.
Police arrested a 41-year-old woman on charges of attempting to manufacture a prohibited substance.
She will appear in the Armadale Magistrate’s Court today.
Nearly 80 clandestine drug labs have been discovered this year alone, a huge jump from the 28 busts last year.
Police have previously blamed the economic downturn for driving ice and speed users to “cook” their own drugs.
PERTH
LEE RONDGANGER
as posted here
Police have shut down yet another clandestine drug lab – this time in the southern suburb of Huntingdale.
Armed with a misuse of drugs search warrant, police raided a home on Redfox Crescent about 10am yesterday and allegedly discovered a crude laboratory where it appeared methamphetamine was being produced.
Officers from the Organised Crime Unit and WA Chemistry Centre experts were called out to the house to dismantle the equipment.
They found several items and chemical liquids commonly used to manufacture “ice” or “speed”.
Police arrested a 41-year-old woman on charges of attempting to manufacture a prohibited substance.
She will appear in the Armadale Magistrate’s Court today.
Nearly 80 clandestine drug labs have been discovered this year alone, a huge jump from the 28 busts last year.
Police have previously blamed the economic downturn for driving ice and speed users to “cook” their own drugs.
PERTH
LEE RONDGANGER
as posted here
Tuesday 4 August 2009
Cold case rapist jailed for 10 years
as posted here
A 28-year-old Perth man has been sentenced to 10 years' jail for raping a woman on two separate occasions in her own home.
Lawrence Henry Quartermaine was charged after police held a cold case review of the rapes, which happened in 2003.
Quartermaine broke into the woman's home in Maddington and sexually assaulted her while her eight-year-old daughter slept beside her.
He returned three weeks later and committed the same offences.
Quartermaine originally pleaded not guilty to the offences, but changed his pleas after his victim testified in court.
Today, District Court judge Richard Keen described the crimes as "every woman's worst nightmare", and said Quartermaine had shown no remorse or empathy for his victim.
He said Quartermaine had targeted the woman, who had been unable to escape from him because her daughter and her three other children would have been left alone in the house.
Quartermaine will have to serve eight years before he can be considered for release.
as posted here
A 28-year-old Perth man has been sentenced to 10 years' jail for raping a woman on two separate occasions in her own home.
Lawrence Henry Quartermaine was charged after police held a cold case review of the rapes, which happened in 2003.
Quartermaine broke into the woman's home in Maddington and sexually assaulted her while her eight-year-old daughter slept beside her.
He returned three weeks later and committed the same offences.
Quartermaine originally pleaded not guilty to the offences, but changed his pleas after his victim testified in court.
Today, District Court judge Richard Keen described the crimes as "every woman's worst nightmare", and said Quartermaine had shown no remorse or empathy for his victim.
He said Quartermaine had targeted the woman, who had been unable to escape from him because her daughter and her three other children would have been left alone in the house.
Quartermaine will have to serve eight years before he can be considered for release.
as posted here
Man critical after attack outside home
as posted here
A man is in a critical condition in hospital after being bashed in front of his home in the Perth suburb of Gosnells.
The attack happened early this morning.
A 33-year-old man had left a party he was hosting to try to break up a disturbance outside his Walter Street home when he was set upon.
He was punched and kicked, before collapsing and being taken to Royal Perth Hospital.
Police have questioned two men and a woman over the incident.
No charges have been laid at this stage.
as posted here
A man is in a critical condition in hospital after being bashed in front of his home in the Perth suburb of Gosnells.
The attack happened early this morning.
A 33-year-old man had left a party he was hosting to try to break up a disturbance outside his Walter Street home when he was set upon.
He was punched and kicked, before collapsing and being taken to Royal Perth Hospital.
Police have questioned two men and a woman over the incident.
No charges have been laid at this stage.
as posted here
Three-car crash delays continue through Martin
as posted here
A crash involving three cars on Tonkin Highway is causing major delays for motorists this afternoon.
The crash occurred near the intersection of Gosnells Road West in Martin just before 3.30pm.
Heading out of the city, the Mitchell Freeway is busy north bound at Vincent Street and again from Warwick Road to Hepburn Avenue.
Travelling south on the Kwinana Freeway, traffic is slow from the city to Mill Point Road and towards Leach Highway.
The Northbridge Tunnel is flowing well in both directions.
Busy spots include Tonkin Highway at Kewdale Road in both directions, Hay Street and Thomas Street in West Perth and Wellington Street and Barrack Street in Perth.
From mid-morning tomorrow, Main Roads advises it will be trialling Variable Speed Zone (VSZ) on Beaufort Street, from Walcott Street to Lincoln Street, in an attempt to protect pedestrians.
With the VSZ, electronic sign would slow traffic from 60kmh to 40kmh from 7.30am to 10pm Sunday to Thursday and to 1am on Friday and Saturday.
PERTH
as posted here
A crash involving three cars on Tonkin Highway is causing major delays for motorists this afternoon.
The crash occurred near the intersection of Gosnells Road West in Martin just before 3.30pm.
Heading out of the city, the Mitchell Freeway is busy north bound at Vincent Street and again from Warwick Road to Hepburn Avenue.
Travelling south on the Kwinana Freeway, traffic is slow from the city to Mill Point Road and towards Leach Highway.
The Northbridge Tunnel is flowing well in both directions.
Busy spots include Tonkin Highway at Kewdale Road in both directions, Hay Street and Thomas Street in West Perth and Wellington Street and Barrack Street in Perth.
From mid-morning tomorrow, Main Roads advises it will be trialling Variable Speed Zone (VSZ) on Beaufort Street, from Walcott Street to Lincoln Street, in an attempt to protect pedestrians.
With the VSZ, electronic sign would slow traffic from 60kmh to 40kmh from 7.30am to 10pm Sunday to Thursday and to 1am on Friday and Saturday.
PERTH
as posted here
Monday 3 August 2009
Councils have their sights set on taggers
as posted here
3rd August 2009, 6:00 WST
Taggers beware — Big Brother is watching you.
In response to soaring incidents of graffiti and a clean-up bill running into the millions, fed-up local councils are targeting the taggers with increasingly sophisticated measures.
The City of Joondalup was by far the worst hit with graffiti last year, spending $988,128 on its removal, almost double that in 2007. In response, 14 cameras were installed in April at a cost of $393,681.
The City of Stirling spent $750,000 to remove 15,152 incidents of graffiti last year. About $110,000 from the Office of Crime Prevention has been spent on initiatives such as CCTV, anti-graffiti marketing and removal.
In the City of Belmont, 15,295 incidents of graffiti were reported, up from 9955 the previous year, at a clean-up cost of $212,779. Mayor Glenys Godfrey said the State Government had funded a CCTV system which could film in extremely low light from more than 200m away. Other systems being tested responded directly to events as they occurred, with no need for operators.
“When an event is triggered, (the software) will notify our Neighbourhood Watch security guards by SMS, email the last few minutes of footage to our security control room, while also allowing police and security to log directly into the triggered camera,” she said.
Removing graffiti in the City of Perth cost $381,869, including two graffiti removal vans and free removal service. A third van was expected to be operational by next month. A permanent network of CCTV cameras cost the city about $1.2 million a year.
Rockingham mayor Barry Sammels said $350,000 would be spent on fighting graffiti in the city in the coming year. “Graffiti is an eyesore,” he said. “No matter what neighbourhood you live in, you should not have to tolerate this urban blight.”
In the City of Fremantle, ratepayers footed a $130,000 clean-up bill, up from $95,000. Chief executive Graeme Mackenzie said a $240,000 network of 11 CCTV cameras installed in 2007 was already paying dividends, with 535 incidents of antisocial behaviour recorded, leading to 124 on-the-spot arrests.
Graffiti clean-up cost the Town of Vincent $145,000, $673,948.00 in the City of Swan, $270,000 in the City of Cockburn and $326,838 — an increase of 16 per cent — in the City of Wanneroo, which plans to install a new CCTV network.
The City of Gosnells plans to spend $305,204 on fighting graffiti this year. Volunteers have also “adopted” 52 bus shelters in the past five months, scrubbing out tags almost as soon as they appear.
The only localities which reported a downturn in incidents, including the cities of Nedlands, Subiaco and Melville, were those which commissioned urban art projects and gave young taggers a chance to practise their skills.
About 170 reports a week were made to the Office of Crime Prevention’s “goodbye graffiti” hotline and website in the past year, but just five rewards were handed out to those leading to a conviction.
The State Government’s revamped Graffiti Taskforce held its first forum in June, with a program aimed to make juvenile offenders accountable for their actions due to be piloted this year.
FLIP PRIOR
as posted here
3rd August 2009, 6:00 WST
Taggers beware — Big Brother is watching you.
In response to soaring incidents of graffiti and a clean-up bill running into the millions, fed-up local councils are targeting the taggers with increasingly sophisticated measures.
The City of Joondalup was by far the worst hit with graffiti last year, spending $988,128 on its removal, almost double that in 2007. In response, 14 cameras were installed in April at a cost of $393,681.
The City of Stirling spent $750,000 to remove 15,152 incidents of graffiti last year. About $110,000 from the Office of Crime Prevention has been spent on initiatives such as CCTV, anti-graffiti marketing and removal.
In the City of Belmont, 15,295 incidents of graffiti were reported, up from 9955 the previous year, at a clean-up cost of $212,779. Mayor Glenys Godfrey said the State Government had funded a CCTV system which could film in extremely low light from more than 200m away. Other systems being tested responded directly to events as they occurred, with no need for operators.
“When an event is triggered, (the software) will notify our Neighbourhood Watch security guards by SMS, email the last few minutes of footage to our security control room, while also allowing police and security to log directly into the triggered camera,” she said.
Removing graffiti in the City of Perth cost $381,869, including two graffiti removal vans and free removal service. A third van was expected to be operational by next month. A permanent network of CCTV cameras cost the city about $1.2 million a year.
Rockingham mayor Barry Sammels said $350,000 would be spent on fighting graffiti in the city in the coming year. “Graffiti is an eyesore,” he said. “No matter what neighbourhood you live in, you should not have to tolerate this urban blight.”
In the City of Fremantle, ratepayers footed a $130,000 clean-up bill, up from $95,000. Chief executive Graeme Mackenzie said a $240,000 network of 11 CCTV cameras installed in 2007 was already paying dividends, with 535 incidents of antisocial behaviour recorded, leading to 124 on-the-spot arrests.
Graffiti clean-up cost the Town of Vincent $145,000, $673,948.00 in the City of Swan, $270,000 in the City of Cockburn and $326,838 — an increase of 16 per cent — in the City of Wanneroo, which plans to install a new CCTV network.
The City of Gosnells plans to spend $305,204 on fighting graffiti this year. Volunteers have also “adopted” 52 bus shelters in the past five months, scrubbing out tags almost as soon as they appear.
The only localities which reported a downturn in incidents, including the cities of Nedlands, Subiaco and Melville, were those which commissioned urban art projects and gave young taggers a chance to practise their skills.
About 170 reports a week were made to the Office of Crime Prevention’s “goodbye graffiti” hotline and website in the past year, but just five rewards were handed out to those leading to a conviction.
The State Government’s revamped Graffiti Taskforce held its first forum in June, with a program aimed to make juvenile offenders accountable for their actions due to be piloted this year.
FLIP PRIOR
as posted here
Sunday 2 August 2009
Man, 33, fights for life after assault outside party
as posted here
A 33-year-old man is fighting for his life in hospital after he was assaulted in a fight in Gosnells early this morning.
It is believed the man had been at a friend’s 30th birthday party at a Walter Street house.
Witnesses reported that youths were causing a disturbance in the street and a fight started when party-goers told them to leave the area.
Armadale Det-Sgt Craig Collins said several men and women attending the party had been injured in the altercation in the street.
He said some of them had received medical treatment for their injuries but none except the 33-year-old had been admitted to hospital.
Police were called to the scene in Walter Street about 1am. Det-Sgt Collins said the first police to arrive saw people fighting but they quickly dispersed.
The 33-year-old was found injured in a nearby park.
Police are questioning several people over the incident but are also appealing for witnesses.
“We are calling on witnesses, either those involved in the incident or those who may be able to provide information to the investigation to come forward,” he said.
Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
PERTH
GABRIELLE KNOWLES
as posted here
A 33-year-old man is fighting for his life in hospital after he was assaulted in a fight in Gosnells early this morning.
It is believed the man had been at a friend’s 30th birthday party at a Walter Street house.
Witnesses reported that youths were causing a disturbance in the street and a fight started when party-goers told them to leave the area.
Armadale Det-Sgt Craig Collins said several men and women attending the party had been injured in the altercation in the street.
He said some of them had received medical treatment for their injuries but none except the 33-year-old had been admitted to hospital.
Police were called to the scene in Walter Street about 1am. Det-Sgt Collins said the first police to arrive saw people fighting but they quickly dispersed.
The 33-year-old was found injured in a nearby park.
Police are questioning several people over the incident but are also appealing for witnesses.
“We are calling on witnesses, either those involved in the incident or those who may be able to provide information to the investigation to come forward,” he said.
Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
PERTH
GABRIELLE KNOWLES
as posted here
Saturday 1 August 2009
Gosnells Bicycle User Group (GO BUG)
as posted here
Description:
The GO BUG is made up of cyclists working towards increasing cycling within the boundaries of City of Gosnells. Members regularly cycle for errands, shopping, commuting, social activities, fitness, recreation and sport. We are serious about cycling as transport. We aim to get more people on bikes more often - making cycling more visible and making the City of Gosnells a safer and more convenient place to ride.
Region: WA - Capital - East
When we meet: Saturdays, .
Where we meet: Bailey's Coffee & Cream, Agonis, Gosnells, 6110
Fees: n/a
as posted here
Description:
The GO BUG is made up of cyclists working towards increasing cycling within the boundaries of City of Gosnells. Members regularly cycle for errands, shopping, commuting, social activities, fitness, recreation and sport. We are serious about cycling as transport. We aim to get more people on bikes more often - making cycling more visible and making the City of Gosnells a safer and more convenient place to ride.
Region: WA - Capital - East
When we meet: Saturdays, .
Where we meet: Bailey's Coffee & Cream, Agonis, Gosnells, 6110
Fees: n/a
as posted here
Bus driver hospitalised after cowardly thugs attack
as posted here
Nicole Cox, Nick Taylor and Glenn Cordingley
August 01, 2009 05:00pm
ANGRY bus drivers said ``enough is enough'' and voted to take immediate industrial action after a spate of violent attacks.
Driver Gerard Sin may lose an eye after a vicious assault on Friday night. He was punched and pelted with a chunk of concrete after refusing to allow three men to board.
He saw his attacker ``eye to eye'' before he lost consciousness.
Drivers have now refused to travel on a route where serious violent incidents have occurred. A mass stopwork meeting will be held this week.
Transport Workers Union delegates ordered all drivers to refuse to travel on a route where serious violent incidents have occurred and urged members not to drive buses that do not have security screens.
A mass stop-work meeting will be held on Wednesday or Thursday to demand driver safety screens on every bus, more mobile security patrols, on-the-spot fines, banning lawbreakers from public transport and tougher powers for guards.
The industrial action came as doctors yesterday fought to save a bus driver's eye after he was left with shocking facial injuries during a vicious assault in Armadale on Friday night.
The 59-year-old Thornlie man, Gerard Sin, was punched, kicked and pelted with a chunk of concrete after he refused to allow a group of men to board the bus at 6.40pm.
Police say the attack -- the latest in a spate against bus drivers -- is one of the most violent and brazen in recent times.
Mr Sin, an employee of Swan Transit, was driving on the No.250 route when he was hailed down by a group of up to eight men.
It is believed the men wanted to board the bus at the intersection of Church Ave and Sixth Rd, but it is not a designated bus stop.
``He's opened the doors, there's been a verbal altercation. He's closed the doors, but they've been forced open again by one of the males who's got on the bus and kicked him,'' said Det-Sen-Constable Rob Jamieson.
One of the men attacked the driver, hitting him with a large chunk of concrete before he was kicked in the left side of his torso.
He was then dragged away, but returned with the block of concrete, which he threw at Mr Sin, smashing him in the left side of the face.
``There's been a continual verbal altercation while he's assaulted the bus driver,'' Det-Sen-Con Jamieson said.
``There was no apparent motivation for the attack. It's just a vicious, cowardly attack.''
Police said that as the assault took place, other members of the group catapulted another piece of concrete through the windscreen of the bus before fleeing.
Mr Sin was taken to Armadale Hospital and transferred to Fremantle Hospital where he underwent surgery to his face and eye yesterday.
Transport Workers Union bus industry organiser Kevin Starr said officials would call a mass stop-work meeting this week to discuss the safety concerns. ``We have to stop this,'' Mr Starr said.
``Drivers have simply had enough, had enough.
``We are bus drivers. Why the hell does anyone want to bash a bus driver? Because we are an easy target.
``Until such time as we have a mass meeting of all members, we are going to ban driving after dark without a cage bus.
``If there are any incidents that happen over the next few days as we will quite simply ban the routes.
Mr Starr apologised for any inconvenience to passengers, but said: ``My responsibility is to the drivers.''
Public Transport Authority chief executive Reece Waldock said the PTA would consider banning or restricting some routes during problem times.
``It may be a short-term response, but I am not sure that it meets the needs of those communities that most need the services,'' Mr Waldock said.
He said the cost of putting security guards on every bus, combined with the logistics would prove difficult and was not being considered. Mr Waldock said about 30 per cent of Transperth buses had security cabs protecting drivers.
Police are asking for the public's help to identify the culprits. The group are described as being dark skinned, with the main offender is described as being aged between 19 and 22.
He was clean shaven, wearing a dark zip-up hoodie jumper, light coloured jeans and light coloured shoes.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
as posted here
Nicole Cox, Nick Taylor and Glenn Cordingley
August 01, 2009 05:00pm
ANGRY bus drivers said ``enough is enough'' and voted to take immediate industrial action after a spate of violent attacks.
Driver Gerard Sin may lose an eye after a vicious assault on Friday night. He was punched and pelted with a chunk of concrete after refusing to allow three men to board.
He saw his attacker ``eye to eye'' before he lost consciousness.
Drivers have now refused to travel on a route where serious violent incidents have occurred. A mass stopwork meeting will be held this week.
Transport Workers Union delegates ordered all drivers to refuse to travel on a route where serious violent incidents have occurred and urged members not to drive buses that do not have security screens.
A mass stop-work meeting will be held on Wednesday or Thursday to demand driver safety screens on every bus, more mobile security patrols, on-the-spot fines, banning lawbreakers from public transport and tougher powers for guards.
The industrial action came as doctors yesterday fought to save a bus driver's eye after he was left with shocking facial injuries during a vicious assault in Armadale on Friday night.
The 59-year-old Thornlie man, Gerard Sin, was punched, kicked and pelted with a chunk of concrete after he refused to allow a group of men to board the bus at 6.40pm.
Police say the attack -- the latest in a spate against bus drivers -- is one of the most violent and brazen in recent times.
Mr Sin, an employee of Swan Transit, was driving on the No.250 route when he was hailed down by a group of up to eight men.
It is believed the men wanted to board the bus at the intersection of Church Ave and Sixth Rd, but it is not a designated bus stop.
``He's opened the doors, there's been a verbal altercation. He's closed the doors, but they've been forced open again by one of the males who's got on the bus and kicked him,'' said Det-Sen-Constable Rob Jamieson.
One of the men attacked the driver, hitting him with a large chunk of concrete before he was kicked in the left side of his torso.
He was then dragged away, but returned with the block of concrete, which he threw at Mr Sin, smashing him in the left side of the face.
``There's been a continual verbal altercation while he's assaulted the bus driver,'' Det-Sen-Con Jamieson said.
``There was no apparent motivation for the attack. It's just a vicious, cowardly attack.''
Police said that as the assault took place, other members of the group catapulted another piece of concrete through the windscreen of the bus before fleeing.
Mr Sin was taken to Armadale Hospital and transferred to Fremantle Hospital where he underwent surgery to his face and eye yesterday.
Transport Workers Union bus industry organiser Kevin Starr said officials would call a mass stop-work meeting this week to discuss the safety concerns. ``We have to stop this,'' Mr Starr said.
``Drivers have simply had enough, had enough.
``We are bus drivers. Why the hell does anyone want to bash a bus driver? Because we are an easy target.
``Until such time as we have a mass meeting of all members, we are going to ban driving after dark without a cage bus.
``If there are any incidents that happen over the next few days as we will quite simply ban the routes.
Mr Starr apologised for any inconvenience to passengers, but said: ``My responsibility is to the drivers.''
Public Transport Authority chief executive Reece Waldock said the PTA would consider banning or restricting some routes during problem times.
``It may be a short-term response, but I am not sure that it meets the needs of those communities that most need the services,'' Mr Waldock said.
He said the cost of putting security guards on every bus, combined with the logistics would prove difficult and was not being considered. Mr Waldock said about 30 per cent of Transperth buses had security cabs protecting drivers.
Police are asking for the public's help to identify the culprits. The group are described as being dark skinned, with the main offender is described as being aged between 19 and 22.
He was clean shaven, wearing a dark zip-up hoodie jumper, light coloured jeans and light coloured shoes.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
as posted here
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