Local news in and around the City of Gosnells, Perth Western Australia (Now on Facebook, GosnellsNewsOnline)
Thursday 29 October 2009
Police investigate suspected drug lab
Police investigate suspected drug lab: "Police investigating a suspected clandestine drug laboratory in the Perth suburb of Huntingdale say an ammonia leak at the property poses no immediate danger to local residents."
Wednesday 28 October 2009
Science Is Sexy: How Do Vaccines Work and Are They Dangerous?
as posted here
By Jimmy Rogers (@me)
Contributing Writer, [GAS]
Aha, “Science Is Sexy” is back from its long hiatus to help you get through this year’s flu season! Why the hiatus? Well, in short, grad school is HARD!
About a week ago, my mother (who is a nurse) asked me, “What can I tell my patients to make them understand why a live virus vaccine isn’t scary just because it’s alive?” I answered her question to the best of my knowledge, but it got me thinking about how little the average person knows in regards to vaccines.
To the layman, a vaccine is essentially some kind of representation of a disease that allows the immune system to get a head start on protecting you. In fact some people probably don’t even know that! While the above is not wrong, I think making an informed decision is always preferable to blindly trusting the magic of science. Read on if you agree!
Keep in mind that this is an enormous oversimplification of the process. Most pathogens are prevented from even gaining a foothold by your innate immune system, which uses non-specific measure like your skin and mucus membranes. Only once your innate side has essentially lost ground does your adaptive immune system become activated and being to tune itself to specific antigens.
Another benefit to the vaccine method is an idea called “herd immunity.” If you vaccinate 80 percent of a herd of cows against a disease, you will be preventing most of them from becoming infected and consequently spreading the disease. As an added bonus, the 20 percent without the vaccine are much less likely to run into it either. This is because many diseases are spread from individual to individual and by breaking the links in the infection chain, the disease will spread much slower in a population. This works as well as in cows as it does in people!
The first and simplest way to trigger a protective response is to give a patient a dose of either a weakened or killed bacterium (or virus). Weakening, also known as attenuating, can be accomplished by growing the pathogen in either a strange environment, such as an abnormally low temperature, or in a non-human host, such as a rabbit or a guinea pig. Killing is usually done with either a chemical or a temperature that is lethal to the pathogen. One downside to the latter approach is that the all-important antigen recognition sites on that pathogen (called “epitopes” by immunologists) can change and misinform the immune system, leading to an ineffective vaccine.
Most of the vaccines you take during your life will fall into the above categories: live attenuated or killed. Some, though, go about things differently. Subunit vaccines, for instance, use only the parts of the pathogen most easily recognized by the immune system. While this may seem like a much smarter idea, these vaccines are not as common because they can be complicated to produce effectively and they expose the immune system to far fewer antigens than whole cells.
One vaccine you may have taken that does not use whole cells is the tetanus vaccine. The bacterium that causes tetanus, Clostridium tetani, is relatively harmless to humans. It produces a toxin, though, that can result in lockjaw. The vaccine uses inactivated forms of the tetanus toxin, instead of the bacteria itself, to help your body recognize and neutralize the functional toxin before it can do any damage.
For more info on the different types of vaccines, I suggest the NIAID/NIH page.
First and foremost, live vaccines can, in rare instances, “revert” into a virulent form of the disease. The Sabin polio vaccine (a live attenuated vaccine) has been known to do this and is, for that reason, only used in high risk areas. It is much more effective than the Salk killed virus vaccine, so in some parts of the world the benefits outweigh the risks.
Also, some people have negative reactions to the ingredients in some vaccine. Whether it’s a high sensitivity to the antigens themselves or an overreaction to the adjuvants (immunization enhancers required for many vaccines to function), there will always be a small number of patients with adverse side effects. If you want to know more about a specific vaccine, ask for an information sheet from the clinic or hospital detailing the type of vaccine and any prominent risks. Just don’t expect technical specs like it’s a piece of software.
In the end, you have to weigh your options just like anything else. The odds are relatively low that you’ll get more than a little sore in the arm from your flu shot. The FDA (which sets the standard in most of the world for vaccine oversight) keeps a very close eye on new vaccines and requires that any with abnormally high instances of side effects be recalled and reviewed. As a relatively well educated microbiology student, I feel safe and comfortable taking vaccines to protect me from anything I might be at risk of contracting.
What do you think? Are you planning to get your flu shot(s)? Have you already done so? Any other questions about vaccines? If so, please post them in the comments and I’ll try to answer your questions. Also, you can @ me on Twitter!
as posted here
By Jimmy Rogers (@me)
Contributing Writer, [GAS]
Aha, “Science Is Sexy” is back from its long hiatus to help you get through this year’s flu season! Why the hiatus? Well, in short, grad school is HARD!
About a week ago, my mother (who is a nurse) asked me, “What can I tell my patients to make them understand why a live virus vaccine isn’t scary just because it’s alive?” I answered her question to the best of my knowledge, but it got me thinking about how little the average person knows in regards to vaccines.
To the layman, a vaccine is essentially some kind of representation of a disease that allows the immune system to get a head start on protecting you. In fact some people probably don’t even know that! While the above is not wrong, I think making an informed decision is always preferable to blindly trusting the magic of science. Read on if you agree!
Who Are We Dealing With?
The first step in understanding vaccines is understanding the players involved. On the “them” side are the pathogens, generally bacteria or viruses that cause diseases. On the “you” side is your immune system, which tries to ward off infections and keep you healthy. Normally when the adaptive immune system (made up primarily of cells that can recognize very specific parts of pathogens) “sees” a foreign object or organism for the first time, it works not only to clear your body of that invader, but also creates a large number of memory cells that are specifically tuned to react to it. If you become infected again with that same invader (the recognized piece of the invader is called an “antigen”), the immune system will be able to immediately recognize it and clear it much faster because those special memory cells are already in place.Keep in mind that this is an enormous oversimplification of the process. Most pathogens are prevented from even gaining a foothold by your innate immune system, which uses non-specific measure like your skin and mucus membranes. Only once your innate side has essentially lost ground does your adaptive immune system become activated and being to tune itself to specific antigens.
Intro to Vaccines
Where do vaccines come into all of this? Well, scientists have determined that the second, faster response to an antigen can be primed by fooling the immune system a little bit. If it’s flu season, for instance, it’s a good bet that a lot of people will contract a certain kind of influenza. Vaccine makers can add examples of the strain(s) of influenza they expect to that season’s flu vaccine and distribute it to a large number of people. The people who get the shot will have a very mild response to the vaccine flu (because the immune system easily defeats it) and their bodies will now be prepared in the event of a “real” infection out in the wild.Another benefit to the vaccine method is an idea called “herd immunity.” If you vaccinate 80 percent of a herd of cows against a disease, you will be preventing most of them from becoming infected and consequently spreading the disease. As an added bonus, the 20 percent without the vaccine are much less likely to run into it either. This is because many diseases are spread from individual to individual and by breaking the links in the infection chain, the disease will spread much slower in a population. This works as well as in cows as it does in people!
Types of Vaccines
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty for a few minutes. What exactly is inside this mysterious vaccine? As I said before, the vaccine serves as an example to your immune system of what a particular invader “looks like.” What does that really mean? Well, immune cells have receptors that bind very specifically to certain biological elements like proteins. When they bind to our cells, they sense “like” or “self” and ignore them. When they bind to something foreign, they activate the adaptive immune response. There are several ways for us to artificially replicate this process.The first and simplest way to trigger a protective response is to give a patient a dose of either a weakened or killed bacterium (or virus). Weakening, also known as attenuating, can be accomplished by growing the pathogen in either a strange environment, such as an abnormally low temperature, or in a non-human host, such as a rabbit or a guinea pig. Killing is usually done with either a chemical or a temperature that is lethal to the pathogen. One downside to the latter approach is that the all-important antigen recognition sites on that pathogen (called “epitopes” by immunologists) can change and misinform the immune system, leading to an ineffective vaccine.
Most of the vaccines you take during your life will fall into the above categories: live attenuated or killed. Some, though, go about things differently. Subunit vaccines, for instance, use only the parts of the pathogen most easily recognized by the immune system. While this may seem like a much smarter idea, these vaccines are not as common because they can be complicated to produce effectively and they expose the immune system to far fewer antigens than whole cells.
One vaccine you may have taken that does not use whole cells is the tetanus vaccine. The bacterium that causes tetanus, Clostridium tetani, is relatively harmless to humans. It produces a toxin, though, that can result in lockjaw. The vaccine uses inactivated forms of the tetanus toxin, instead of the bacteria itself, to help your body recognize and neutralize the functional toxin before it can do any damage.
For more info on the different types of vaccines, I suggest the NIAID/NIH page.
Potential Danger of Vaccines
Those are the primary types of vaccines you will probably encounter today. There are a number of new strategies being developed, but for the sake of time, I’ll finish up with a word of caution. Vaccines, by and large, are a very safe technology. Billions of people have used them for many many years now and there is a great deal of oversight in their creation. That being said, there are ALWAYS risks with any medicine and vaccines are no exception.First and foremost, live vaccines can, in rare instances, “revert” into a virulent form of the disease. The Sabin polio vaccine (a live attenuated vaccine) has been known to do this and is, for that reason, only used in high risk areas. It is much more effective than the Salk killed virus vaccine, so in some parts of the world the benefits outweigh the risks.
Also, some people have negative reactions to the ingredients in some vaccine. Whether it’s a high sensitivity to the antigens themselves or an overreaction to the adjuvants (immunization enhancers required for many vaccines to function), there will always be a small number of patients with adverse side effects. If you want to know more about a specific vaccine, ask for an information sheet from the clinic or hospital detailing the type of vaccine and any prominent risks. Just don’t expect technical specs like it’s a piece of software.
In the end, you have to weigh your options just like anything else. The odds are relatively low that you’ll get more than a little sore in the arm from your flu shot. The FDA (which sets the standard in most of the world for vaccine oversight) keeps a very close eye on new vaccines and requires that any with abnormally high instances of side effects be recalled and reviewed. As a relatively well educated microbiology student, I feel safe and comfortable taking vaccines to protect me from anything I might be at risk of contracting.
What do you think? Are you planning to get your flu shot(s)? Have you already done so? Any other questions about vaccines? If so, please post them in the comments and I’ll try to answer your questions. Also, you can @ me on Twitter!
as posted here
Tuesday 27 October 2009
Cat traps are laid
as posted here
as posted here
THERE are cats in my local area of Beckenham, the whole area from Ladywell Street to Rochester Avenue to be precise.
I am laying traps for the cats that frequently come into my yard and use it as their toilet and hunt for the birds that I feed.
I will be using traps hired from the council and when I catch the offenders I will be taking them to the pound.
I am so fed up with chasing them off my property and picking up what they leave behind, which smells atrocious.
If I wanted to pick that up, I would have had a cat of my own.
Lately, there have been four cats: a large black and white fluffy one, a tortoiseshell patterned one, a large grey fluffy one and a black one; so not just the occasional one.
If your recognise any of these as your cat I suggest you keep it in your yard or, if it goes missing, this will mean it’s at the pound.
You probably say you love these cats, but you allow them to go to other people’s yard to mess, dig up the garden and kill birds that we feed. If you love them so much, then keep them at home.
Gosnells council has no cat laws. All it could offer me was the traps to hire at my expense to rid myself of these cats.
Irresponsible owners just let their cats roam where they want to.
But don’t say you were not warned. I have put up with this for years now and no more.
as posted here
Saturday 24 October 2009
Man charged with wounding toddler, 3, when chair thrown in Gosnells tavern brawl
as posted here
POLICE have charged a man with hitting a girl, 3, with a chair during a fight at a Gosnells tavern last night.
The incident at Ogden's Bar & Grill on Albany Highway occurred about 11pm when the girl's parents were watching live entertainment with their daughter asleep alongside in a pram.
Police will allege that as a result of a verbal altercation, a male patron at the hotel picked up and threw a chair towards the girl's father.
The chair missed the father but struck the child in the head, police say.
She was taken to Princess Margaret Hospital for emergency treatment and stitching of a deep cut to her forehead.
Other members of the audience attacked the man, who broke free and fled.
Today the girl was undergoing surgery to determine the extent of her injuries, police said.
Armadale Detectives have charged a 34-year-old Gosnells man with aggravated unlawful wounding. He is due to appear in Armadale Magistrate's Court today.
Police are still asking anyone who witnessed the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
as posted here
POLICE have charged a man with hitting a girl, 3, with a chair during a fight at a Gosnells tavern last night.
The incident at Ogden's Bar & Grill on Albany Highway occurred about 11pm when the girl's parents were watching live entertainment with their daughter asleep alongside in a pram.
Police will allege that as a result of a verbal altercation, a male patron at the hotel picked up and threw a chair towards the girl's father.
The chair missed the father but struck the child in the head, police say.
She was taken to Princess Margaret Hospital for emergency treatment and stitching of a deep cut to her forehead.
Other members of the audience attacked the man, who broke free and fled.
Today the girl was undergoing surgery to determine the extent of her injuries, police said.
Armadale Detectives have charged a 34-year-old Gosnells man with aggravated unlawful wounding. He is due to appear in Armadale Magistrate's Court today.
Police are still asking anyone who witnessed the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
as posted here
Thursday 22 October 2009
Perth Heat seraching for third straight title
as posted here
The Heat won 12 of their 16 games last season, before defeating the New South Wales Patriots two games to one in the Championship Series.
Former Heat pitcher and Baseball WA Events Manager Shane Tonkin has been promoted to the new position of Barbagallo Perth Heat General Manager and is looking forward to what promises to be an exciting summer of baseball action.
“The Barbagallo Perth Heat have an incredible opportunity to win three consecutive national championships for the first time in franchise history," he said.
"All the local-based players have been working hard with their respective clubs, and our US based players have returned ready to play following their 142-game Minor League seasons.
"Both on and off the field, the Barbagallo Perth HEAT staff and players are very much looking forward to another successful season.”
The Heat’s roster has remained largely intact from last season, with Canberra-based outfielder Nick Kimpton returning to the side and looking to replicate the form that won him last season’s Helms Award, for the competition’s Most Valuable Player.
Also returning is infielder and Morley local Luke Hughes, who is aiming for a spot on the Minnesota Twins roster for the opening of the 2010 Major League Baseball season.
The Heat's season begins this Thursday, when they take on South Australia in Kalgoorlie, before returning to Perth for games on Friday and Saturday at Baseball Park, Thornlie.
as posted here
THE Barbagallo Perth Heat will be seeking a third consecutive Claxton Shield championship when the 2010 Claxton Shield season begins in November.
As a new national league edges closer, the Claxton Shield schedule has once again been expanded, with each of the five teams playing 24 regular season games, up from last season’s 16.The Heat won 12 of their 16 games last season, before defeating the New South Wales Patriots two games to one in the Championship Series.
Former Heat pitcher and Baseball WA Events Manager Shane Tonkin has been promoted to the new position of Barbagallo Perth Heat General Manager and is looking forward to what promises to be an exciting summer of baseball action.
“The Barbagallo Perth Heat have an incredible opportunity to win three consecutive national championships for the first time in franchise history," he said.
"All the local-based players have been working hard with their respective clubs, and our US based players have returned ready to play following their 142-game Minor League seasons.
"Both on and off the field, the Barbagallo Perth HEAT staff and players are very much looking forward to another successful season.”
The Heat’s roster has remained largely intact from last season, with Canberra-based outfielder Nick Kimpton returning to the side and looking to replicate the form that won him last season’s Helms Award, for the competition’s Most Valuable Player.
Also returning is infielder and Morley local Luke Hughes, who is aiming for a spot on the Minnesota Twins roster for the opening of the 2010 Major League Baseball season.
The Heat's season begins this Thursday, when they take on South Australia in Kalgoorlie, before returning to Perth for games on Friday and Saturday at Baseball Park, Thornlie.
as posted here
Same Mayor, New Deputy
as posted here
as posted here
Name
Cr Olwen Searle JP (Mrs) (Mayor)
Phone
9455 1951
Fax
9455 1951
Street
6 Malaleuca Court, Canning Vale WA 6155
Office
Postal Address: 32 Edinbridge Road, Kenwick WA 6107
Comments
Term expires 19 October 2013
Name
Cr Bill Wiffen JP (Mr) (Deputy Mayor)
Phone
9398 9776
Fax
9490 1904
Street
58 Prince Street, Gosnells
Comments
Term expires 16 October 2011
as posted here
Boy, 2, dies after running into car's path
Wednesday 21 October 2009
God's Garbage MC associate on assault charge
as posted here
When the victim refused to pay, the accused allegedly repeatedly punched and kicked him, causing him to suffer numerous cuts, abrasions and bruising which required medical attention.
Police will also allege that some weeks before Sunday's assault, the accused first attended the victim’s address and demanded money to repair his damaged motorcycle, which was involved in a traffic accident with the 49-year-old victim’s son.
The man allegedly made threats to the complainant and his family, telling the family of his bikie association.
The man is due to appear in the Armadale Magistrates Court on Friday to face charges of assault occasioning bodily harm and threats with intent to influence.
as posted here
AN associate of the God's Garbage outlaw motorcycle gang has been charged over a violent attack during a dispute about motorcycle repairs.
Police alleged that on Sunday the 24-year-old Armadale man attended the victim’s address in Maddington and demanded the victim pay for his motorbike repairs after an accident some weeks earlier.When the victim refused to pay, the accused allegedly repeatedly punched and kicked him, causing him to suffer numerous cuts, abrasions and bruising which required medical attention.
Police will also allege that some weeks before Sunday's assault, the accused first attended the victim’s address and demanded money to repair his damaged motorcycle, which was involved in a traffic accident with the 49-year-old victim’s son.
The man allegedly made threats to the complainant and his family, telling the family of his bikie association.
The man is due to appear in the Armadale Magistrates Court on Friday to face charges of assault occasioning bodily harm and threats with intent to influence.
as posted here
Tuesday 20 October 2009
First-homebuyers flock to Canning Vale
as posted here
The boost, coupled with the State Government's existing First Home Owners Grant of $7000, brought government assistance to $21,000 for new dwellings and $14,000 for established.
The FHOB boost was slashed by half at the end of September and will end completely on December 30.
More than 20,0000 WA first-homebuyers were able to step onto the property ladder thanks to the Federal Government's First Home Owners Boost.
The second most popular area for first-home buyers was Baldivis, at 157.
Ellenbrook was also a hot spot, with 116 first-home buyers choosing to use the FHOB in the north-eastern suburb.
“During the September quarter we saw a pick-up in those receiving the First Home Owners Grant,” Urban
Development Institute of Australia chief executive Debra Goostrey said.
“This is a reflection of the final grab for the full Boost that was available until September 30.”
“The number of buyers receiving the grant had dipped in August, most likely due to the delay in the government announcing whether the Boost would continue,” Ms Goostrey said.
“We then see the obvious pick-up into September as people scramble to make the most of the extra cash available.”
Other suburbs popular with the first-homebuyers included Butler, Aubin Grove, Gosnells and Banksia Grove.
“The common theme among these areas is they are all relatively outer suburbs of Perth,” Ms Goostrey said.
“Maylands is the only inner-city suburb featuring in the Top 10.”
“This means buyers are seeing value in the outer areas of Perth where they can purchase a larger home at a more affordable price,” Ms Goostrey said.
She said UDIA expected there would be a lull in first-homebuyer activity during October/ November and possibly a slight pick-up in December before the last of the boost is cut.
as posted here
Raquel de Brito
October 20, 2009 12:00pm
|
CANNING Vale has proven the most popular suburb for first-homebuyers taking advantage of the Federal Government's First Home Owners Boost.
The latest statistics from the Department of Treasury and Finance show 183 first-homebuyers equipped with the FHOB bought in the southern suburb during the September quarter.The boost, coupled with the State Government's existing First Home Owners Grant of $7000, brought government assistance to $21,000 for new dwellings and $14,000 for established.
The FHOB boost was slashed by half at the end of September and will end completely on December 30.
More than 20,0000 WA first-homebuyers were able to step onto the property ladder thanks to the Federal Government's First Home Owners Boost.
The second most popular area for first-home buyers was Baldivis, at 157.
Ellenbrook was also a hot spot, with 116 first-home buyers choosing to use the FHOB in the north-eastern suburb.
“During the September quarter we saw a pick-up in those receiving the First Home Owners Grant,” Urban
Development Institute of Australia chief executive Debra Goostrey said.
“This is a reflection of the final grab for the full Boost that was available until September 30.”
“The number of buyers receiving the grant had dipped in August, most likely due to the delay in the government announcing whether the Boost would continue,” Ms Goostrey said.
“We then see the obvious pick-up into September as people scramble to make the most of the extra cash available.”
Other suburbs popular with the first-homebuyers included Butler, Aubin Grove, Gosnells and Banksia Grove.
“The common theme among these areas is they are all relatively outer suburbs of Perth,” Ms Goostrey said.
“Maylands is the only inner-city suburb featuring in the Top 10.”
“This means buyers are seeing value in the outer areas of Perth where they can purchase a larger home at a more affordable price,” Ms Goostrey said.
She said UDIA expected there would be a lull in first-homebuyer activity during October/ November and possibly a slight pick-up in December before the last of the boost is cut.
as posted here
Profile of Karen Jayne Jones - Our Newest Councillor
30 Currawong Way
Thornlie WA 6108
Ph: (08) 9458 5347
Mob: 0400 686 851
I work part-time as a Cardiac Technician at St John of God Murdoch Hospital and have lived in Thornlie
for the past 18 years. Having emigrated from a small village in England in 1968 I am passionate about
family, community values and equality of opportunity for all. I am also a committed volunteer within the
community and whether volunteering at the Animal Protection Society in Gosnells or giving my time to
local charities I am reliable, compassionate and supportive. Educated at Applecross Senior High School I
have worked in local hospitals for over 20 years, combining high level technical skills with hard work,
patient rapport and a keen sense of humour. My interests include sport, theatre, the environment and
swimming. A good listener; my goal is to ensure that local government action fully reflects the needs of
the community and to improve facilities for all age groups throughout the electorate.
Thornlie WA 6108
Ph: (08) 9458 5347
Mob: 0400 686 851
I work part-time as a Cardiac Technician at St John of God Murdoch Hospital and have lived in Thornlie
for the past 18 years. Having emigrated from a small village in England in 1968 I am passionate about
family, community values and equality of opportunity for all. I am also a committed volunteer within the
community and whether volunteering at the Animal Protection Society in Gosnells or giving my time to
local charities I am reliable, compassionate and supportive. Educated at Applecross Senior High School I
have worked in local hospitals for over 20 years, combining high level technical skills with hard work,
patient rapport and a keen sense of humour. My interests include sport, theatre, the environment and
swimming. A good listener; my goal is to ensure that local government action fully reflects the needs of
the community and to improve facilities for all age groups throughout the electorate.
Monday 19 October 2009
State MPs to face Pay TV coverage
as posted here
as posted here
October 16, 2009
AAP
Australia's state MPs will come under a new level of scrutiny with the launch of Sky News services in the mainland capitals.
Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan on Friday joined with Foxtel chief executive Kim Williams and Sky News chief executive Angelos Frangopoulos to launch Sky News Brisbane in the Queensland capital.
Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and Perth channels will go live on November 15, dedicating 24 hours a day to local news, politics, business, sport and weather.
Subscribers will also be able to access live broadcasts of state parliaments.
Mr Swan, who already faces such scrutiny in Canberra, said he looked forward to seeing how his state colleagues fared.
"It's certainly going to put the wood on our state colleagues," he said.
"They will go through a new experience as a consequence of this innovation."
Mr Williams said Brisbane was the "most cabled" city in Australia, with 40 per cent of the city's residents receiving pay TV.
He said Foxtel had expanded from 19 cable channels in 1995 to 180 today, including HD and interactive services, with an estimated eight million viewers.
He said despite globalisation it still remained the case that "all politics is local".
as posted here
Sunday 18 October 2009
Local Election Results
as posted here
as posted here
No real surprises here, turnout down to less than 25%, one retired councilor, hence one new position opens up, all other councilors have kept their positions, good luck to Karen Jayne Jones as she enters the fold, now we wait to see who they vote in as Mayor and Deputy, again I believe we need an overall, good to see that we have moved away from the Ward system, but we need compulsory voting and we need to elect the office bearers, you need more voter participation in the system to get a true indication and for democracy to work, and with Local Council elections at least the two party system is hidden in the background, but Politics is a big part of Local Council also, (many of the candidates and councilors are members of a Political party) the minor parties have latched on to this as can be seen in the Fremantle area with the Greens slowly moving in ...
GOSNELLS WARD | |
---|---|
Vacancies | (6) Councillors |
Expiry of term | 19 October 2013 |
Total electors | 60,854 |
Turnout rate | 24.31% |
Candidates | Votes | Percentage | Expiry of Term |
---|---|---|---|
DREW, Roger | 4,267 | 6.16% | |
BROWN, Terry | 5,995 | 8.65% | 19 October 2013 |
SEARLE, Olwen | 8,878 | 12.81% | 19 October 2013 |
HOFFMAN, Ron | 8,306 | 11.98% | 19 October 2013 |
NAPOLITANO, Jennifer | 4,754 | 6.86% | |
IWANYK, Susan | 7,769 | 11.21% | 19 October 2013 |
YOUSSEF, Salim | 3,664 | 5.29% | |
BROWN, Julie | 9,682 | 13.97% | 19 October 2013 |
TARNAWSKYJ, Simon | 3,008 | 4.34% | |
JONES, Karen Jayne | 4,915 | 7.09% | 19 October 2013 |
FRETZ, Frank | 3,725 | 5.37% | |
STEVENS, Daniel | 4,344 | 6.27% | |
Total valid votes | 69,307 | 100% |
as posted here
No real surprises here, turnout down to less than 25%, one retired councilor, hence one new position opens up, all other councilors have kept their positions, good luck to Karen Jayne Jones as she enters the fold, now we wait to see who they vote in as Mayor and Deputy, again I believe we need an overall, good to see that we have moved away from the Ward system, but we need compulsory voting and we need to elect the office bearers, you need more voter participation in the system to get a true indication and for democracy to work, and with Local Council elections at least the two party system is hidden in the background, but Politics is a big part of Local Council also, (many of the candidates and councilors are members of a Political party) the minor parties have latched on to this as can be seen in the Fremantle area with the Greens slowly moving in ...
Saturday 17 October 2009
Voter apathy in local government polls
as posted here
as posted here
The WA Local Government Association says the poor participation rate in this weekend's elections could reignite debate over compulsory voting.
Only about 25 per cent of people have returned their postal votes for the 101 council elections being held this weekend.
Voters have until until 6:00pm to lodge their ballot papers.
The president of the association Bill Mitchell says normally the voter participation rate is around 40 per cent.
Mr Mitchell says the apparent disinterest could be put down to apathy or the fact people are tired of discussions about local government reform.
He says it could be time to introduce compulsory voting.
"It's probably a legitimate call, all other, well the other two tiers of government are on a compulsory basis and therefore why shouldn't local government," he said.
as posted here
Friday 16 October 2009
South-East growth “underestimated”
as posted here
THE State Government’s new planning blueprint has “dangerously underestimated” growth in Armadale, Serpentine-Jarrahdale and Gosnells, according to Armadale MLA Alannah MacTiernan.
“The Directions 2031 document has allowed for only 58,000 additional population but a proper analysis of urban zoned land and developer intention shows the real figure is 142,300,” Ms MacTiernan said.
This is spread across the region, with Armadale’s expected population increase 65,000, Serpentine-Jarrahdale 47,300 and Gosnells 30,000.
“The Government’s wrong estimates will also affect the bureaucracies planning schools, hospitals and community services and will mean our area will be short-changed in these facilities,” Ms MacTiernan said.
She said unless the error was recognised and amended, the south-east corridor would no longer attract high priority for infrastructure and job creation.
“It is going back to the bad old days of the Court Government which plunged Armadale and Gosnells into a black hole with its massive expansion of Carousel Shopping Centre in Cannington,” Ms MacTiernan said.
“We must work together to get this draft plan modified and the region’s status as a high-growth area recognised.”
as posted here
16/Oct/2009
By Tim Slater, Comment News
“The Directions 2031 document has allowed for only 58,000 additional population but a proper analysis of urban zoned land and developer intention shows the real figure is 142,300,” Ms MacTiernan said.
This is spread across the region, with Armadale’s expected population increase 65,000, Serpentine-Jarrahdale 47,300 and Gosnells 30,000.
“The Government’s wrong estimates will also affect the bureaucracies planning schools, hospitals and community services and will mean our area will be short-changed in these facilities,” Ms MacTiernan said.
She said unless the error was recognised and amended, the south-east corridor would no longer attract high priority for infrastructure and job creation.
“It is going back to the bad old days of the Court Government which plunged Armadale and Gosnells into a black hole with its massive expansion of Carousel Shopping Centre in Cannington,” Ms MacTiernan said.
“We must work together to get this draft plan modified and the region’s status as a high-growth area recognised.”
as posted here
Thursday 15 October 2009
Washing hands with soap can prevent disease and save lives, stress UN experts
as posted here
She noted that washing hands with soap “at critical moments, especially after defecating, before handling food, and after coughing and sneezing,” is crucial for the prevention of disease, adding that promoting this life-saving activity is part of a State’s human rights obligations.
Anand Grover, the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to health, emphasized that children face the greatest risks from bad hygiene, which can lead to potentially fatal diseases.
Good hand washing practices are said to be the single most effective way to avoid contracting diseases, such as acute respiratory illnesses and diarrhoea-related diseases like cholera and dysentery, he noted in a news release. These diseases cause 3.5 million deaths among children under five each year and they are preventable.
In addition, hand washing with soap will be a crucial way to prevent the spread of the H1N1 flu virus.
“Large sums of money are being spent as we speak on awareness-raising to prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus – with similar prioritization, handwashing could reduce the spread of not only H1N1 virus, but many other equally dangerous communicable diseases. In fact, handwashing with soap could halve the number of children dying each year from diarrhoea,” said Mr. Grover.
“The school environment is a crucial place for hygiene promotion, since children will often take these lessons home, and it will influence other family members,” according to Mr.
Vernor Muñoz, the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to education, highlighted the fact that schools are crucial place for promoting good hygiene, since children can take these lessons home and influence family members.
“We have observed various projects which are based on this premise and are very successful. However, it is crucial that the school environment also provides adequate sanitation facilities,” he said.
The three experts stressed that promoting handwashing with soap must be a priority at the national level, and that States are obliged to ensure that public places, including public hospitals, schools and prisons, have appropriate facilities for good hygiene.
“Hygiene is a central part of the human rights obligations related to water, sanitation and health, and we call upon all States to comply with these obligations,” they stated.
The worldwide observance of Global Handwashing Day began in 2008 – which was also the UN International Year of Sanitation – and was spearheaded by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The Day is an initiative of the Public Private Partnership for Handwashing which brings together multilateral organizations, local community groups and the private sector.
as posted here
Washing hands with soap can prevent disease and save lives, stress UN experts
15 October 2009 – The simple act of washing hands with soap can drastically reduce deaths from preventable diseases, which are killing thousands of people everyday, a group of United Nations human rights experts stressed as they marked Global Handwashing Day.“While access to water and sanitation are critical to the protection of human health, we must remember that these are only effective when combined with good hygiene,” emphasized Ms. Catarina de Albuquerque, the UN Independent Expert on human rights, water and sanitation.
She noted that washing hands with soap “at critical moments, especially after defecating, before handling food, and after coughing and sneezing,” is crucial for the prevention of disease, adding that promoting this life-saving activity is part of a State’s human rights obligations.
Anand Grover, the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to health, emphasized that children face the greatest risks from bad hygiene, which can lead to potentially fatal diseases.
Good hand washing practices are said to be the single most effective way to avoid contracting diseases, such as acute respiratory illnesses and diarrhoea-related diseases like cholera and dysentery, he noted in a news release. These diseases cause 3.5 million deaths among children under five each year and they are preventable.
In addition, hand washing with soap will be a crucial way to prevent the spread of the H1N1 flu virus.
“Large sums of money are being spent as we speak on awareness-raising to prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus – with similar prioritization, handwashing could reduce the spread of not only H1N1 virus, but many other equally dangerous communicable diseases. In fact, handwashing with soap could halve the number of children dying each year from diarrhoea,” said Mr. Grover.
“The school environment is a crucial place for hygiene promotion, since children will often take these lessons home, and it will influence other family members,” according to Mr.
Vernor Muñoz, the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to education, highlighted the fact that schools are crucial place for promoting good hygiene, since children can take these lessons home and influence family members.
“We have observed various projects which are based on this premise and are very successful. However, it is crucial that the school environment also provides adequate sanitation facilities,” he said.
The three experts stressed that promoting handwashing with soap must be a priority at the national level, and that States are obliged to ensure that public places, including public hospitals, schools and prisons, have appropriate facilities for good hygiene.
“Hygiene is a central part of the human rights obligations related to water, sanitation and health, and we call upon all States to comply with these obligations,” they stated.
The worldwide observance of Global Handwashing Day began in 2008 – which was also the UN International Year of Sanitation – and was spearheaded by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The Day is an initiative of the Public Private Partnership for Handwashing which brings together multilateral organizations, local community groups and the private sector.
as posted here
Tuesday 13 October 2009
School flu risk alert
as posted here
FORMER Gosnells Primary School P&C president Peter Evans has urged parents to check if their children have access to hand cleaning supplies at public schools following the swine flu pandemic.
“It seems like a question you should not have to ask your kids, but you may be surprised by the answer you receive,” Mr Evans said.
“We teach our kids to wash their hands when they go to the toilet at home but they don’t have soap available at school.
“Now, with swine flu around, people are getting quite worried that their kids aren’t protected when they are at school.”
Mr Evans said a public high school that his daughter attended did not even have soap dispensers installed.
A Department of Health spokeswoman said hand washing was a primary defence against the spread of infectious disease and should be available in every toilet.
“The subject of school hand hygiene has been discussed at many health forums of late, particularly in regard to reducing the spread of the H1N1 pandemic flu, as well as other contagious illnesses.”
She said the department had been aware of the problem for some time.
“However, a solution is yet to be found, not only in WA, but the whole of Australia, and it requires funds, resources and the backing of politicians.”
The spokeswoman said the Health Act 1911 was not binding on government.
“So our legislation cannot be used to force government schools to provide soap, toilet paper and hand drying facilities in student toilets.”
She said hand hygiene was managed by school principals.
“Unfortunately… paper towels and soap are often the first to go under budget cuts, and as toilets are often subject to vandalism, their loss can be justified.”
She said research was under way for a hand washing system which may solve many hygiene concerns in schools.
as posted here
FORMER Gosnells Primary School P&C president Peter Evans has urged parents to check if their children have access to hand cleaning supplies at public schools following the swine flu pandemic.
“It seems like a question you should not have to ask your kids, but you may be surprised by the answer you receive,” Mr Evans said.
“We teach our kids to wash their hands when they go to the toilet at home but they don’t have soap available at school.
“Now, with swine flu around, people are getting quite worried that their kids aren’t protected when they are at school.”
Mr Evans said a public high school that his daughter attended did not even have soap dispensers installed.
A Department of Health spokeswoman said hand washing was a primary defence against the spread of infectious disease and should be available in every toilet.
“The subject of school hand hygiene has been discussed at many health forums of late, particularly in regard to reducing the spread of the H1N1 pandemic flu, as well as other contagious illnesses.”
She said the department had been aware of the problem for some time.
“However, a solution is yet to be found, not only in WA, but the whole of Australia, and it requires funds, resources and the backing of politicians.”
The spokeswoman said the Health Act 1911 was not binding on government.
“So our legislation cannot be used to force government schools to provide soap, toilet paper and hand drying facilities in student toilets.”
She said hand hygiene was managed by school principals.
“Unfortunately… paper towels and soap are often the first to go under budget cuts, and as toilets are often subject to vandalism, their loss can be justified.”
She said research was under way for a hand washing system which may solve many hygiene concerns in schools.
as posted here
Monday 12 October 2009
Pomersbach's journey off limits with Moody
as posted here
Tim Clarke
October 12, 2009 - 1:43PM
Understandably happy with an opening day-night win in the one day game, Warriors coach Tom Moody also sees green shoots of recovery in Luke Pomersbach's return to cricket over the weekend - although how he got there was off limits.
Following WA's nail-biting two-wicket win over Queensland in the Ford Ranger Cup yesterday, the Warriors will go into tomorrow's four-day clash with the Bulls in good spirits.
While Ashley Noffke's debut form was the highlight of the weekend, Pomersbach's 75 for club side Gosnells was another bright note after his nightmare off season saw him banned from driving and playing after a drunken night of madness.
Moody said today he was pleased to see his enfant terrible getting back on track - despite the controversy over his being handed an extraordinary driving licence last week after telling a court he was unable to use public transport.
"Luke is doing exceptionally well, he is working very hard outside the group and it was good to see him get amongst the runs at the weekend," Moody said.
"I am sure he is looking to build on that and get a few three figures on the board."
Asked whether he was relieved Pomersbach's issues with Transperth had not affected his form, Moody walked away.
With Luke Towers to come into the Warriors squad for Theo Doropoulos, Steve Magoffin comes into the 12 and likely to replace either Brad Knowles or Michael Hogan in the line-up
While Noffke's performance with bat and ball steered WA home, Moody was not backing away from the early brittle signs from the WA batsmen which dogged their season in all forms last year.
"It is nice to win in any circumstance, in a way an ugly win like that is nice to get under your belt," Moody said
"We knew very well we can play a lot better than that - I think we bowled and fielded very well, our batting is something we can improve on.
"I hope the top six or top seven players today can take more responsibility as the season goes forward. We need our senior players to stand up."
Queensland ruled out all-rounder James Hopes for the clash, after he missed Sunday's Ford Ranger Cup loss to the Warriors due to a glute injury.
He will sit out the four-day fixture in order to regain full fitness ahead of Australia's one-day tour of India.
The Bulls have recalled left-arm quick Scott Walter into the 12-man squad, with the 20-year-old almost certain to be named in the XI for what would be just his second first-class fixture.
Walter made his first-class debut against WA last year but managed just eight overs before succumbing to a hamstring injury.
Queensland are expected to unleash a four-pronged pace attack of Walter, Ben Laughlin, Ben Cutting and Grant Sullivan to complement spinner Chris Simpson.
Leg-spinner Daniel Doran was omitted from the original 13-man squad.
Batsmen Glen Batticciotto and Wade Townsend remain in contention to make their first-class debuts for the Bulls.
Queensland squad: Chris Simpson (capt), Glen Batticciotto, Ryan Broad, Lee Carseldine, Ben Cutting, Chris Hartley, Nick Kruger, Ben Laughlin, Nathan Reardon, Grant Sullivan, Wade Townsend, Scott Walter (12th man to be named).
WA squad: Marcus North (capt), David Bandy, Brett Dorey, Michael Hogan, Brad Knowles, Steve Magoffin, Shaun Marsh, Ashley Noffke, Wes Robinson, Luke Ronchi, Luke Towers, Adam Voges. (12th Man to be named).
with AAP
as posted here
Tim Clarke
October 12, 2009 - 1:43PM
Understandably happy with an opening day-night win in the one day game, Warriors coach Tom Moody also sees green shoots of recovery in Luke Pomersbach's return to cricket over the weekend - although how he got there was off limits.
Following WA's nail-biting two-wicket win over Queensland in the Ford Ranger Cup yesterday, the Warriors will go into tomorrow's four-day clash with the Bulls in good spirits.
While Ashley Noffke's debut form was the highlight of the weekend, Pomersbach's 75 for club side Gosnells was another bright note after his nightmare off season saw him banned from driving and playing after a drunken night of madness.
Moody said today he was pleased to see his enfant terrible getting back on track - despite the controversy over his being handed an extraordinary driving licence last week after telling a court he was unable to use public transport.
"Luke is doing exceptionally well, he is working very hard outside the group and it was good to see him get amongst the runs at the weekend," Moody said.
"I am sure he is looking to build on that and get a few three figures on the board."
Asked whether he was relieved Pomersbach's issues with Transperth had not affected his form, Moody walked away.
With Luke Towers to come into the Warriors squad for Theo Doropoulos, Steve Magoffin comes into the 12 and likely to replace either Brad Knowles or Michael Hogan in the line-up
While Noffke's performance with bat and ball steered WA home, Moody was not backing away from the early brittle signs from the WA batsmen which dogged their season in all forms last year.
"It is nice to win in any circumstance, in a way an ugly win like that is nice to get under your belt," Moody said
"We knew very well we can play a lot better than that - I think we bowled and fielded very well, our batting is something we can improve on.
"I hope the top six or top seven players today can take more responsibility as the season goes forward. We need our senior players to stand up."
Queensland ruled out all-rounder James Hopes for the clash, after he missed Sunday's Ford Ranger Cup loss to the Warriors due to a glute injury.
He will sit out the four-day fixture in order to regain full fitness ahead of Australia's one-day tour of India.
The Bulls have recalled left-arm quick Scott Walter into the 12-man squad, with the 20-year-old almost certain to be named in the XI for what would be just his second first-class fixture.
Walter made his first-class debut against WA last year but managed just eight overs before succumbing to a hamstring injury.
Queensland are expected to unleash a four-pronged pace attack of Walter, Ben Laughlin, Ben Cutting and Grant Sullivan to complement spinner Chris Simpson.
Leg-spinner Daniel Doran was omitted from the original 13-man squad.
Batsmen Glen Batticciotto and Wade Townsend remain in contention to make their first-class debuts for the Bulls.
Queensland squad: Chris Simpson (capt), Glen Batticciotto, Ryan Broad, Lee Carseldine, Ben Cutting, Chris Hartley, Nick Kruger, Ben Laughlin, Nathan Reardon, Grant Sullivan, Wade Townsend, Scott Walter (12th man to be named).
WA squad: Marcus North (capt), David Bandy, Brett Dorey, Michael Hogan, Brad Knowles, Steve Magoffin, Shaun Marsh, Ashley Noffke, Wes Robinson, Luke Ronchi, Luke Towers, Adam Voges. (12th Man to be named).
with AAP
as posted here
Saturday 10 October 2009
Perth vigil for tsunami victims
as posted here
CHALPAT SONTI
October 9, 2009
Perth's Samoan community was supposed to celebrate this weekend. Instead they will mourn.
In the wake of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that killed about 170 people in their homeland last month, Samoans based in WA will get together on Sunday to remember the victims, who include members of their own families.
And they hope the wider WA community joins them.
Sunday is traditionally called "White Sunday" in Samoa, an annual event celebrating young people.
But this year, it would be "tainted with sadness", said Reverend Konelio Tali, of the Samoan Congregational Church of Perth.
"Many villages in Samoa will not be celebrating White Sunday because of the tsunami," he said.
"This is because many children have been killed while many are still unaccounted for, while at the same time many parents who have lost their children will not be celebrating White Sunday due to their own loss."
Reverend Tali's Gosnells-based church will hold a tribute to the memory of the children who lost their lives, with a collection to aid villages affected by the disaster.
The service will take place at the Uniting Gosnells Church, Hicks St, from 11am.
as posted here
CHALPAT SONTI
October 9, 2009
Perth's Samoan community was supposed to celebrate this weekend. Instead they will mourn.
In the wake of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that killed about 170 people in their homeland last month, Samoans based in WA will get together on Sunday to remember the victims, who include members of their own families.
And they hope the wider WA community joins them.
Sunday is traditionally called "White Sunday" in Samoa, an annual event celebrating young people.
But this year, it would be "tainted with sadness", said Reverend Konelio Tali, of the Samoan Congregational Church of Perth.
"Many villages in Samoa will not be celebrating White Sunday because of the tsunami," he said.
"This is because many children have been killed while many are still unaccounted for, while at the same time many parents who have lost their children will not be celebrating White Sunday due to their own loss."
Reverend Tali's Gosnells-based church will hold a tribute to the memory of the children who lost their lives, with a collection to aid villages affected by the disaster.
The service will take place at the Uniting Gosnells Church, Hicks St, from 11am.
as posted here
72-year-old woman bashed for nothing
as posted here
POLICE are searching for the culprit of a vicious attack on a 72-year-old woman at Kenwick Train Station on Thursday night.
The woman was asked for a cigarette before being pushed backwards.
The robber then searched the fallen woman and repeatedly struck her over the head when he couldn’t find anything of value.
He took off in a northerly direction while the victim sought refuge at a nearby home.
The woman has suffered bruising to her face and jaw, and a fracture to her left shoulder as a result of the attack.
The offender is described as being between 18 and 25 years of age, around 180 cm tall with a tanned complexion and short wavy black hair.
He was wearing a white long-sleeve shirt.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
as posted here
POLICE are searching for the culprit of a vicious attack on a 72-year-old woman at Kenwick Train Station on Thursday night.
The woman was asked for a cigarette before being pushed backwards.
The robber then searched the fallen woman and repeatedly struck her over the head when he couldn’t find anything of value.
He took off in a northerly direction while the victim sought refuge at a nearby home.
The woman has suffered bruising to her face and jaw, and a fracture to her left shoulder as a result of the attack.
The offender is described as being between 18 and 25 years of age, around 180 cm tall with a tanned complexion and short wavy black hair.
He was wearing a white long-sleeve shirt.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
as posted here
Ghost walks get underway on Halloween night
as posted here
The City of Gosnells begins its annual Ghost Walk season on Halloween night, Saturday October 31.
Trained guides will lead groups of people along a 5.5km bush track under the moonlight in search of the spirits of our old pioneers.
In the 1860s the Mason and Bird timber mill company employed more than 100 men to create a thriving community in the Orange Grove hills. Those men and their families come alive on the City’s ghost walks as volunteers assume the role of our early pioneers to provide a glimpse of the past.
Come along and meet Joe Dart – an English convict who became the best teamster in the company. He was buried in Kenwick Cemetery and his descendants still live in the area.
Ghost Walks are held from October to March and the cost is $15 per adult, $9.50 per child or $41 for a family of two adults and two children.
Cost includes a delicious supper at the end of the Ghost Walk.
This event is suitable for family groups and bookings are essential.
For more information or to make a booking, please call Leisure Services on 9452 9901.
as posted here
The City of Gosnells begins its annual Ghost Walk season on Halloween night, Saturday October 31.
Trained guides will lead groups of people along a 5.5km bush track under the moonlight in search of the spirits of our old pioneers.
In the 1860s the Mason and Bird timber mill company employed more than 100 men to create a thriving community in the Orange Grove hills. Those men and their families come alive on the City’s ghost walks as volunteers assume the role of our early pioneers to provide a glimpse of the past.
Come along and meet Joe Dart – an English convict who became the best teamster in the company. He was buried in Kenwick Cemetery and his descendants still live in the area.
Ghost Walks are held from October to March and the cost is $15 per adult, $9.50 per child or $41 for a family of two adults and two children.
Cost includes a delicious supper at the end of the Ghost Walk.
This event is suitable for family groups and bookings are essential.
For more information or to make a booking, please call Leisure Services on 9452 9901.
as posted here
Thursday 8 October 2009
Bikies unite to fight anti-association laws
as posted here
The Attorney General, Christian Porter, says he is not concerned by plans to establish a council of bikie gangs in Western Australia.
Seven bikie gangs in Perth and the Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club are expected to join forces next week as part of the United Motorcycle Club of WA.
The council is similar to those set up in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia, and will be used to fight the State Government's proposed anti-association laws.
Mr Porter says the Government will push ahead with the legislation.
"These organisations can meet as often as they like, and make whatever arguments or noises they feel fit," he said.
"But this Government won't be reversing its position, which is to bring in legislation which will allow these organisations to be declared unlawful.
"I've got no surprise whatsoever that they're going to do whatever they can to oppose it, because it's bad news for bikie gangs, But that won't stop us. That's why we're doing it, we will progress this legislation."
as posted here
The Attorney General, Christian Porter, says he is not concerned by plans to establish a council of bikie gangs in Western Australia.
Seven bikie gangs in Perth and the Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club are expected to join forces next week as part of the United Motorcycle Club of WA.
The council is similar to those set up in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia, and will be used to fight the State Government's proposed anti-association laws.
Mr Porter says the Government will push ahead with the legislation.
"These organisations can meet as often as they like, and make whatever arguments or noises they feel fit," he said.
"But this Government won't be reversing its position, which is to bring in legislation which will allow these organisations to be declared unlawful.
"I've got no surprise whatsoever that they're going to do whatever they can to oppose it, because it's bad news for bikie gangs, But that won't stop us. That's why we're doing it, we will progress this legislation."
as posted here
Pomersbach shouldn't be on the roads
as posted here
Luke Pomersbach is a privileged young man. He’s also a dill.
They are the only conclusions we can draw from yesterday’s court case, where the WA and international cricketer was granted an extraordinary driver’s licence after losing his regular licence for drunken driving.
Pomersbach was arrested in August after crashing a four-wheel-drive vehicle into a skip bin and a pergola in City Beach, and then pushing a police officer through a window.
He was subsequently fined $3500 by the court and $10,000 by the Western Australian Cricket Association, which also barred him from representing his State until 2010, dependent on his response to counselling. He was allowed to continue playing with his club Gosnells.
This week Pomersbach turned up in court again to apply for an extraordinary licence to allow him to travel from his home in Scarborough to training and games with the club.
He claimed he’d been forced to catch taxis when his father couldn’t drive him.
Questioned by the magistrate why he didn’t use public transport the elite sportsman claimed it was inconvenient waiting for buses in Gosnells.
Anyway, he reckoned he did not know how to catch public transport, having not used it since school.
Given that every day tens of thousands of Perth commuters use trains and buses to travel to and from their destinations and that Scarborough and Gosnells are on main routes, Pomersbach’s case had little credibility.
The court should also have taken into account his mammoth earnings from his contracts with Australian cricket and the Indian Premier League that would have easily covered taxi fares.
The decision that has allowed this irresponsible young man back on the road confirms there are different rules for the rich and famous.
as posted here
Luke Pomersbach is a privileged young man. He’s also a dill.
They are the only conclusions we can draw from yesterday’s court case, where the WA and international cricketer was granted an extraordinary driver’s licence after losing his regular licence for drunken driving.
Pomersbach was arrested in August after crashing a four-wheel-drive vehicle into a skip bin and a pergola in City Beach, and then pushing a police officer through a window.
He was subsequently fined $3500 by the court and $10,000 by the Western Australian Cricket Association, which also barred him from representing his State until 2010, dependent on his response to counselling. He was allowed to continue playing with his club Gosnells.
This week Pomersbach turned up in court again to apply for an extraordinary licence to allow him to travel from his home in Scarborough to training and games with the club.
He claimed he’d been forced to catch taxis when his father couldn’t drive him.
Questioned by the magistrate why he didn’t use public transport the elite sportsman claimed it was inconvenient waiting for buses in Gosnells.
Anyway, he reckoned he did not know how to catch public transport, having not used it since school.
Given that every day tens of thousands of Perth commuters use trains and buses to travel to and from their destinations and that Scarborough and Gosnells are on main routes, Pomersbach’s case had little credibility.
The court should also have taken into account his mammoth earnings from his contracts with Australian cricket and the Indian Premier League that would have easily covered taxi fares.
The decision that has allowed this irresponsible young man back on the road confirms there are different rules for the rich and famous.
as posted here
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Day one ..
the following reply was given ...
Thankyou for your enquiry. Council meetings are conducted under the provisions of the City of Gosnells Standing Orders Local Law 2003, a co...
-
as posted here Armadale, Thornlie trains cancelled this weekend STAFF REPORTER January 4, 2010 - 11:28AM All passenger services on the Ar...
-
was originally posted on West but has been removed .. A 31-year-old high school teacher pleaded guilty in Perth Magistrates Court today t...
-
as posted here Two Gypsy Joker bikies have been jailed for bashing a man outside a Gosnells nightclub. Dean Alan Adams and Peter Floyd Ro...