WINTER 2014

INSIDE My Adventure winners report back after the North West trip of a lifetime. P10-11 PLUS Eastern Goldfi elds High School marks 100 years. P20–21

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Joining forces You don’t have to give up your day job to make a diff erence — or improve your life. Three West Australians share their passion for the Army Reserve.

TIMES HAVE CERTAINLY CHANGED in the Army your part-time job, which really isn’t a part-time back to their civilian job for a little while and then Reserve since Steve Coggin joined up three decades job: it’s a part-time position but it’s actually a full- they come back and do their Army job. But the ago but his enthusiasm for the job has not waned. time job.” competency-based training that the Defence Force As the Commander of the 13th Brigade, the Steve describes himself as a career Reservist. puts people through is the same as the regular major Army Reserve formation in WA, Steve takes “Having said that, I’ve done periods of full-time Army. pride in giving something back to his country. service. I deployed overseas, I commanded Steve says his soldiers participate in a three-year “I love the challenge that every day something Australian, New Zealand, Papua New Guinean training cycle, with the third year known as a “ready new happens. I get up and I go to work, and then and Tongan soldiers in the Solomon Islands, and year”, during which his 13th Brigade supports the something will happen Army-wise and I’m thrown we had the biggest deployment of 3rd Brigade in Townsville. “So if they (the 3rd into that world,” he says. “It’s absolutely rewarding Reservists since World War II,” he says. Brigade) deploy, my soldiers may go with them,” he because I know that I am doing something that’s The 50-year-old, who is in his final year of a says. worthwhile. I know this sounds like ‘put your three-year posting (after which he will move to “And that’s the difference between the Reserves I hand on your heart and sing the national anthem’ “standby Reserve”), says the Reserves have come joined 31 years ago, and where it is now. Every three but I’m actually doing something for my country, a long way since he started 31 years ago. “When years soldiers from this Brigade have to be ready which is really important to me.” I first joined it was ‘Come along on a Tuesday to drop everything and go and do whatever their His brigade has 1300 soldiers — 150 full-time night and one weekend a month and a two-week regular Army counterparts have been asked to do. soldiers of various ranks, about another 100 public exercise’,” he says. “I’ve seen that change so that We’re part of that total force and that’s exciting.” servants, and the rest are Reservists. “We’ve had now the Reserves I command in WA are part of the Coaching, mentoring and encouragement are soldiers in the Solomon Islands, in Afghanistan . . . total Army. important in the Army, Steve says, as a way of basically all over the world. We’ve also got soldiers “The Army’s been deployed for the last 15 years explaining why people need not fear joining the on Operation Sovereign Borders, so we’ve always in East Timor, Afghanistan, Iraq and the Solomon Reserves. got soldiers somewhere, doing something,” says Islands and probably 80 per cent of the soldiers in “People think you join the Army and someone Steve, who works as a school administrator in his my Brigade have deployed overseas on one of those tells you to jump and you say how high. That’s civilian job. operations.” not true. It’s all about people, it’s all about leading As a senior Army Reserve Officer in WA, Steve Steve says all training for officers and soldiers people, it’s all about showing them the vision and is on call 24/7. When the government calls on is centralised, so a Reserve soldier does the same where the endpoint is and encouraging them to get the Army Reserve to help in difficult times, such competency-based training as a full-time soldier. there,” he says. “That sense of achievement is worth as natural disasters including bushfires and “The difference is in experience, so the soldier its weight in gold.” floods, Steve may be the person called on to set in, say, the 3rd Brigade in Townsville, goes off and Steve says balance in life is important, up “local headquarters” in WA. “(Similarly) if the does their recruit training and does their initial particularly in the Reserves. It’s like a three-legged West Australian Government asks for Defence employment training, then they go back and they stool: “One leg being you and your part-time career, assistance,” he says. “It’s a pretty full-on role and do that job seven days a week,” he explains. “My the other leg being your full-time career (your it’s pretty hard to explain to people what you do in soldiers do those courses, and then they might go civilian job) and the third leg being your family.”

WORDS GRACE MILLIMACI » PICTURES THE AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE 2 REGIONAL LIFESTYLE WINTER 2014 James Canning FOR PRIVATE JAMES CANNING, one of the best aspects of life in the Army Reserve comes down Advertising feature to the people he meets. “For me (the best thing) is probably the mateship I get out of it,” he said. “When we get out on the exercises you get to meet other guys in other squadrons.” James has been part of the Army Reserve for The Army Reserve is about five years. made up of everyday Living in Newman and working at a nearby people who help local mine site, he is part of the Pilbara Regiment and communities around said his defence force life worked well with his and abroad. civilian life. Reservists, who are the James said his employer was very additional offi cers and accommodating when it came to time off to go on soldiers needed by the exercises with the Regiment and understood his Army, have provided commitment to the Army. support for tsunami and For those thinking about joining the Army earthquake victims and Reserve, James said a highlight was the activities helped with overseas reservists took part in. peacekeeping efforts. Field exercises and training on the water with the West Australian Police are among the highlights of life in the regiment, as is an increased understanding of the varied terrain of the Pilbara region. Deployments are voluntary, so if you choose to stay in your community, there are many ways to make a difference close to home.

Physical training is a big part of Army life but people have different levels of fi tness, so each course is designed to help increase core strength and endurance at an achievable pace. You will undergo physical training Elsa Alston and basic weapons LANCE CORPORAL ELSA combat training. ALSTON’S path to life in the Army Reserve was clear from a young age, as many of her family members had a background in the military. “It’s something I grew up with and Keep your day job while I always wanted to do it,” she said. serving your nation. First joining the Reserve in 1997, As civilians, Reservists Elsa said she had spent the better continue their career part of 18 years with the Army. or education while training Based in Carnarvon, Elsa parades with the Army. with E-Troop and said she had always been able to manage defence and civilian life well. Working with the Department of Health when she first joined, Reservists are required Elsa is now self-employed and said to work a minimum of 20 the Army had support schemes in days a year in the Army, place that helped made it easier for so employers are eligible employers to cope when reservists to be subsidised by the were called away. Army to compensate for However, Elsa said she was always workers’ absence. happy to take time off for the Army. “I tend to do it because I enjoy the work,” she said. Elsa described work in the Reserve as “rewarding” and encourage those Reservists receive thinking about joining to go ahead. tax-free pay. For “I think the skills you learn you can more information, see defencejobs.com.au/ apply in civilian life as well,” she said. army/reserve Whether you’re looking to expand your business or build a new home, we have hundreds of lots available across regional WA with a range of sizes and towns to choose from. It’s just one way we’re working hard to provide quality developments in the region, through the State Government’s Regional Development Assistance Program (RDAP). Residential land for sale Town No. of lots Size Price WA’s Signature Dish is Green Head 18 from 586sqm from $139,650 crowned in P8-9 Morawa 9 from 675sqm from $40,000 Williams 11 from 675sqm from $83,000

Light industrial land for sale A boab tree by the Road. Town No. of lots Size Price Picture: Stephen Scourfield Kalbarri 5 from 2,023sqm from $147,000 Hyden 6 from 4,000sqm from $46,500 Wagin 2 from 2,023sqm from $20,000 Regions play For a full list of available lots call 1300 730 435 or visit landcorp.com.au Pilbara adventurers tell their travel tale P10-11 important role REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM BUILDING REGIONAL COMMUNITIES egional WA has so much to offer, whether you are there for work or

LAND4357SS for play. R The vital role of the regions can be seen at events like the WA Signature Dish grand finale, which was held — Students gain skills for fittingly, I might add — on WA Day earlier the P24 this month. It was great to see the best produce our People P5 State had to offer on display and even ...... better to see crowds rushing to taste it all. Taste P8-9 ...... There is certainly plenty our regions Experience P10-12 have to offer...... And, as our education feature in this History P13 ...... edition shows, regional areas certainly Visit P14-17 aren’t being left behind when it comes to ...... schooling. Education P18-26 It’s amazing to see the history of the Cover image Eastern Goldfields High School and South West Development especially interesting to read about Council chairman Don Punch, CinefestOz chief executive students visiting Perth to study at officer Melinda Nixon and university. Explore over 12,000 kms of Western chairman David Barton. From the southern parts of WA to as far Picture: Becky north as Kununurra, children across the Australia’s coastline in just one day Acting editor State are being given the best opportunity Cameron Myles to learn and this is something I hope to Design see grow even further in the future. ‡ Australia’s largest aquarium and underwater tunnel Dijana Jovanovic Giant sharks, stingrays and turtles Production ‡ Rebecca Holland ‡ Beautiful living coral reefs Advertising ‡ Interactive fun Contact West Regional Sales westregionalsales@ ‡ Licensed café and exclusive giftshop wanews.com.au ‡ Phone: (08) 9482 9700 Join AQWA Adventures to Dive or Snorkel with This magazine is published by Sharks, or become an AQWA Reefwalker! The West Australian Regional Newspapers.

Hillarys Boat Harbour Open Daily 10am -5pm www.aqwa.com.au 9447 7500 Point Samson. Picture: Peter de Kruijff 4 • REGIONAL LIFESTYLE WINTER 2014 Visit Perth. PEOPLE Stay in the Country! Broome’s Mark Coles Smith starred in 2013 movie Around the Block, which also featured Christina Ricci. Roles roll in for rising acting star Actor Mark Coles Smith’s rise began in the Kimberley. He tells Gareth McKnight of his latest movie project.

rom children’s television was the catalyst for a shows in Broome, it has been domino-effect of acting jobs.” % a whirlwind journey for He relocated to Victoria to study 25 off! Factor Mark Coles Smith to audio production and sound become a star on the silver screen. design but was forced to defer his Conditions apply. Valid for Vineyard Villa, Vineyard An active imagination took a education due to the influx of young Coles Smith into the arts, acting work. Motel, Poolside Family Cabin and Poolside Studio. where humble beginnings have led This has included television Valid to 31 July 2014. to him acting in acclaimed feature series such as The Gods of Wheat films and television shows. Street and Hard Rock Medical, and He is filming a new Australian a number of feature films, movie called The Last Cab to including Beneath Hill 60 and Darwin alongside Australian Around the Block. greats Michael Caton and Jacki “Beneath Hill 60 was my first Weaver in June. feature — an Australian war film Coles Smith also had a cameo in shot in Townsville,” Coles Smith cult American television comedy said. Modern Family this year, “It was a lot of fun being in an something he relished. action flick and I also had a “It was absolutely awesome to be dramatic death scene, which was When planning your next trip to Perth on set with the Modern Family very exciting.” actors,” he said. After his “heavy, dark character” There was stay with us at Perth Vineyards Holiday “Just to be on set with people in Around the Block, The Last Cab Park in the beautiful Swan Valley. like this is still bizarre. to Darwin is his next role. “Most of my scenes were with “It is a very sincere piece about a never an Offering a relaxed environment away Rico Rodriguez and Nolan Gould. taxi driver diagnosed with cancer epiphany “It was a lot of fun to film and we who wants to take advantage of from the hustle and bustle of the city, got on like a house on fire.” euthanasia laws in Darwin at that that I was our new villas with modern interiors and Coles Smith’s path to acting time,” he said. started in the Kimberley, where he “He sets off on a lonesome road going to be facilities provide everything you need for lived on a cattle station for three trip and picks up a drifter along an enjoyable stay. years with his family. the way, played by yours truly. an actor; it’s “I became very imaginative as a “Other than saying that, I think I reflex to pass the time and was might maintain an air of mystery.” never been able to transition that into my first Multi-talented Coles Smith that way gig,” he said. hopes to release an album in the At 14, Coles Smith was cast in next six months. for me. children’s show Ocean Star. It will be made up of electronic Actor BOOK NOW on 1800 679 992 After auditioning for a fringe dance music, which he describes Mark Coles Smith role, he landed one of the main as “funky and leftfield”. and quote RGLIFE14a. parts and “was thrown in at the Coles Smith admits that he is deep end”. due back home in Broome — his He has also had other roles in last visit was in December 2012 — Blue Heelers, Dirt Game and The and hopes to get back this year. Circuit. “It’s feeling like it’s been too “There was never an epiphany long since I’ve been on the red soil; that I was going to be an actor; it’s I’m itching to get back,” he said. never been that way for me,” Coles “That’s where my first aspenparks.com.au Smith said. opportunities came from, from “When I permanently moved to Broome, and people recognising Melbourne at the start of 2012, it what a special place it is.”

AW1728 Big things, big impact The State’s oversized creations have been built to celebrate industries and put out-of-the-way towns on the map, Lisa Morrison reports. s Australia’s biggest state, to Wyndham local Rhian Arthur. wheelbarrow at Wedgefield is a motorists can catch two big things WA boasts its fair share of “Heaps of people stop and take local icon and one all residents are in Carnarvon, about 365km further the country’s estimated 150 photos with it,” she said. very proud of,” he said. south along the North West A“big things”. “In the tourist season they are A similarly super-sized tribute to Coastal Highway. From the big crocodile in there every day … they climb on local industry is often snapped The 6m-long big banana on Wyndham to the big whale in its back and even in its mouth. It is almost 800kms down the coast in Robinson Street has been around Eucla and an astounding array of definitely one of the things they Exmouth — the big prawn. for more than a decade but has novelty architecture scattered in come to see.” Previously situated at the MC advertised banana growers between, giant models of About 1600km south along the Kailis Gulf Fisheries factory 20km Sweeter Banana Carnarvon for the everything from fruit to fauna Great Northern Highway, Port south of town, the 7m-tall, 200kg past five. have sprung up in regional Hedland’s light industrial hub fibreglass and steel model king Manager Doriana Mangili said towns keen to put themselves on Wedgefield boasts the big prawn was laid to rest last year despite being behind a fence and the map. wheelbarrow. after prawn processing operations on the side of the road with no In some places they are An eye-catching bright yellow ceased at the site, but was parking, people flocked to it dismissed as kitschy tourist traps, work-in-progress by the resurrected last month by the daily. while in others locals enthuse Wedgefield Association and Town Shire. Once they about the opportunity being the council since 1999, a 35-tonne Built in 2005 by resident Brian are home of a “big thing” offers their Haulpak forms the barrow and a Paskins, the big prawn was community to capitalise on 2m-high wheel from earthmoving installed next to the town’s visitor travellers who detour to pose for equipment the wheel. centre and is expected to attract photographs with the extravagant Town of Port Hedland chief many of the centre’s 100,000 structures. executive Mal Osborne said visitors each year. Welcoming visitors to WA’s the whopping wheelbarrow was Shire of Exmouth president northernmost town, Wyndham, well photographed by world Turk Shales said the big prawn since 1987 are the smiling jaws of travellers and also acted as an was symbolic of the region’s long the big croc. Created by artist orientation point. fishing history and the importance Andrew Hickson and Wyndham “The giant of the Exmouth Gulf to the TAFE students, the industry. 18m-long, “It is more than just a photo 3m-tall statue opportunity,” he said. of a salty is a From the big popular prawn, attraction, according

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FOR A PROMPT APPOINTMENT OR FURTHER INFORMATION Please call 9366 1844 O done at the big banana, tourists a pole they can mount their WA’s N 1 can head to the big Humpty camera to, set the self-timer and Dumpty on North River Road. take the picture themselves,” he Tony Leca purchased the said. POLE HOME humungous Humpty Dumpty from Happy snappers can enjoy the the Boston family, who created it in view from inside Harvey’s big SPECIALISTS the 1980s out of an old steel water orange, 275km further south. tank and used it to promote their The 2m-diameter fruit is located Emerald Egg company. at Harvey River Estate winery, Resident Paquita Boston, whose perched atop a 10m tower husband Chris and son Markham overlooking an orange grove. created the sculpture, said the For a gold coin donation, visitors town had grown so fond of Humpty can learn the history of Harvey over the years, the council spruced and Harvey Fresh. him up about three years ago and About 220km north of Denmark, kept him around. visitors to Wagin have been “He is very popular not only for greeted by Baart the big ram since photographs but also for 1985. directions,” she said. Shire of Wagin community QUEENSLANDER SERIES FROM $183,014 The most innovative photo services manager Carolyn Webster opportunity of WA’s big things is at said that while Baart was the Meckering’s big camera, 130km second largest ram in the southern east of Perth along Great Eastern hemisphere, he was the only one Highway. true to scale at a 1:9 ratio. The only museum totally “He is a tribute to Wagin’s wool dedicated to photography in the industry and probably our biggest State, the building is shaped like a tourist icon,” she said. giant 35mm camera and is a labour Completing the circuit of WA’s of love for 71-year-old Charles big things is the big whale, just “Chic” Wadley since it opened in before to border to SA. 1995. Inside the lens doorway of the The 10m-long, 3m-tall Leeuwin big camera, more than 1200 Way Whale weighs an estimated From left to right: cameras are on display. four tonnes and was originally Tourism Australia’s WA ROOFLINE SERIES FROM $152,221 He said he had so many people constructed as a community Taste Master Rich Keam come into the museum and ask project by Albany residents. with Carnarvon’s big him to take their photograph that It has been beached in the car banana; Exmouth’s king he rigged up a “selfie” system. park of the Eucla Motor Hotel for prawn; Humpty “I made a bracket on as long as manager Amanda Dumpty in Carnarvon; Ellison can remember. Kalgoorlie-Boulder has “It seems like it has the world’s tallest bin; been there forever,” the whale shark statue she said. in Exmouth; Baart, Wagin’s big ram. Pictures: Debbie Thompson, Doriana Mangili, Roge Kemp, Liv Gaunt, Mary Mills TOWN & COUNTRY SERIES FROM $177,136

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WINTER2014 REGIONAL LIFESTYLE • 7 [email protected] www.totalhomeframes.com.au TASTE Chefs serve up culinary gold WA’s Signature Dish was crowned as part of WA Day celebrations earlier this month. Cameron Myles was

at the grand finale of the cooking extravaganza. Winning dish: Rhiannon Birch with her mentor, Chris Taylor.

he search is over and reminded me how special WA (is) hosted the event, talking the crowd Dorper lamb with a crust of and how important WA is to the through the process, dishing out lupin and za’atar has been food industry in Australia,” he food trivia and consulting the Tawarded the title of WA’s said. judges as the meals were prepared. Signature Dish. “Every dish was world-class, so Ms Birch faced tough Rhiannon Birch, representing for me there shouldn’t be one competition, with Paul Kelly Perth and surrounds, cooked the winner, but we needed to pick one. representing the region rack of lamb with a side of sweet “The lamb won because I think with a seafood tasting plate, Alana potato and lupin salad in front of a the balance was just perfect and Starkie, from the Southern large crowd during the the execution was really, really Forests, serving up Blue Ridge competition’s grand finale at the good.” marron and Clare King, from the start of the month. The event, held as part of WA Great Southern, preparing Ms Birch’s dish stole the hearts Day celebrations at the Perth Butterfield beef with a and tastebuds of judges Guillaume Cultural Centre, included Thai-inspired sauce. Brahimi, Crown Perth executive exhibitions of some of the finest Shocked at the announcement chef Ralf Vogt and The West produce from across WA’s regions. she had won the competition, Ms Australian’s food critic Rob Visitors were invited to taste-test Birch said the eight-week culinary Broadfield. different foods as the four chefs, experience had been great. It was the end result of weeks of representing the Gascoyne, Great “It’s a real surprise (to win) but competition and creative cooking Southern, Southern Forests and it was a lot of fun and I’m really Crown Perth executive chef Ralf Vogt, in different regions around WA. Perth and surrounds regions, proud,” she said. Bistro Guillaume owner and celebrity Chief judge and restaurateur cooked their dishes live on stage Ms Birch said she chose lupin chef Guillaume Brahimi and The West Brahimi said he felt the big winner with fresh WA produce. because of her country Australian food critic Rob Broadfield was Western Australian produce. Celebrity chef Don Hancey and upbringing. judge the dishes. Pictures: Sharon Smith “The produce today really television personality Anna Gare Her father grew the crop, Regional contestants Clare King, Paul Kelly, Alana Starkie and Rhiannon Birch before the cook-off. Perth and surrounds chef Rhiannon Birch. however she said it was only Ms Birch’s prize for her efforts Chris Taylor, who helped her of lupins and (the winning recipe) recently she had started to see included a two-day mentorship decide on the winning dish and its is another extension,” he said. other ways to use it in recipes. at Bistro Guillaume at Crown ingredients. Mr Clarke said the reaction from “It’s just come to my attention in Perth to help hone her cooking Department of Agriculture and the public had been a highlight of the last couple of years the skills. Food WA food and agribusiness the Signature Dish journey. amazing nutritional qualities of The amateur cooks had been development director Stuart He said the next step would be to lupin,” she said. “I was inspired to mentored throughout the Clarke elaborated on the crumb’s extend the competition, based on use it as a crumb because it works competition by renowned chefs, main ingredient and said about 85 this year’s success. really, really well … it’s golden, it’s who helped them refine their per cent of the world’s edible “We had four regions crunchy, it’s light, and it’s a great dishes and select a recipe for the lupins were grown in Western represented, we had great support gluten-free alternative (to other finale and Ms Birch found herself Australia. from Celebrate WA and other crumbs) as well.” under the guidance of WA chef “We’ve been extending the use sponsors,” he said. 84 %PA 4VARIABLE RATE 29 %PA 5COMPARISON RATE EXPERIENCE

A Pilbara Alison and Justin explore Handrail Pool, Karijini. adventure of a lifetime Lucky competition winner Alison Byers and

a friend took a tour they will never forget. Martumili Artist Kumbaya with Alison and Justin.

y Pilbara Adventure and experiences during their trip. Circular Pool for a picnic lunch. winner Alison Byers could The water at Circular Pool was not believe her luck when DAY ONE crystal clear and surrounded by Mshe was told she had won a Alison and Justin made the small waterfalls. dream holiday. two-hour flight from Perth to Port That evening, they dined on a The mother-of-three, embarked on Hedland. The pair explored the range of native delicacies — a 12-day tour of the Pilbara with West End Markets: Cruise Ship crocodile, emu and kangaroo. friend Justin Huggins in tow earlier Edition buying crafts, then took a this year. seat at the Silver Star Cafe. DAY SIX The competition was launched by A tour of BHP’s port operations The travellers awoke to the sound the Pilbara Development was the highlight of the day. of native birds and animals in the Commission. bush nearby. Ms Byers was particularly DAY TWO They stopped at the Karijini enamoured with the prospect of The pair took a private tour of the Visitor Centre, which is modern visiting Karijini National Park. Port Hedland Courthouse Gallery. and filled with an impressive Alison and Justin set off from Perth on More than 750 holiday hopefuls They then set off for Marble Bar, amount of historical and cultural the adventure of a lifetime. from around WA entered the known as Australia’s hottest town, information. competition, documented by a enjoying a spot of jasper Kalamina Gorge was the next professional photographer. fossicking. stop, which provided another Ms Byers entered the competition They cooled off with a swim in breathtaking moment for the Perth online last year after picking up a Marble Bar pool. travellers. brochure at the Shire of Next on the itinerary was Oxer Roebourne’s Guest Town exhibit at DAY THREE Lookout and Weano Gorge for Perth Royal Show. Day three began with a trip to the more spectacular views. Below are excerpts from the travel water tower lookout for a Alison admits she could easily blog detailing the pair’s adventures spectacular view. spend a week exploring Karijini They got back on the road to and states every gorge she sees is Newman, and stopped in at better than the one before. Ophthalmia Dam. 457 & EMPLOYER SPONSORED They arrived in Newman and DAY SEVEN VISA OPTIONS looked through the visitor centre. Alison and Justin woke with excitement, ready for the West Oz DAY FOUR Active Red Gorge tour. We have the experience and knowledge to A tour of BHP’s Mt Whaleback After a safety briefing they determine the best visa solution to suit your More than 25 mine site and operations was on headed to Knox Gorge and into the individual circumstances. years Immigration the itinerary. restricted class six area where Specialising in: experience! The pair stopped in at travellers must be accompanied by • 457 Temporary Business Martumili Art to view works by a guide. • Employer Nomination (ENS) local artists. They abseiled down a narrow • Regional Sponsored Kalgan Pool was the destination waterfall and then slid down a Migration (RSMS) for the afternoon, where Alison natural rockslide into a deep water • Partner Visas and Justin admired the pool. • Julie Teshome spectacular view and cooled off They climbed over more rocks BSc (Psych) BSW with another swim. before reaching a large waterhole Registered Australian Migration Agent where they sat on inflated rubber (marn 0741622) DAY FIVE tubes and drifted into Red Gorge. An early start got the touring Then they reached Junction Pool Contact us now 9375 3295 group to Karijini by early where four gorges meet. Email: [email protected] www.aussievisasolutions.com afternoon, with the first stop at The group then headed into 2314156-1 ϖ SLLM170314 Dale’s Gorge and down to Hancock Gorge and hiked through Alison meets a joey in Marble Bar.

Alison Byers and Justin Huggins on the Red Gorge tour in Karijini. Pictures: Travis Hayto Alison and Justin explore the markets.

Regan’s Pool. Alison said it was an They jumped on board a bus for Centre, which had a lot of ’s Island, where they learnt awesome day. a tour of Roebourne, and information about the Karratha about Sam Ostojich, the inhabitant “Not just a highlight of My finally to Rio Tinto’s port gas plant. of the island who handmade a Pilbara Adventure, but a highlight operations. Next stop was Parker Point to castle where he lived for more than of my life, ” she said. “I was surprised how much I see the loading and unloading of 40 years. enjoyed Roebourne and Cossack, I iron ore onto ships. Brad took them to Pirate Cove DAY EIGHT love all the old stone buildings and Then they drove to East on East Lewis Island where Alison The group left Karijini early, the history of them,” Alison said. Intercourse Island to a hilltop and Justin cooled off with a swim. bound for Point Samson. They stopped in at Yinjaa-Barni known as the Queen’s Lookout for They drove for hours on a gravel Art studio and met some local a 360-degree view of the town of DAY TWELVE road which led them to the artists in Roebourne, before Dampier and the port facilities, as On the last day of the adventure, picturesque Millstream Chichester heading to Karratha. well as the nearby islands. Alison had mixed feelings about National Park and stopped at Deep The pair enjoyed tapas and a After a few hours rest, the group leaving. Reach Pool for a picnic lunch. drink at Blanche Bar before headed to Withnell Bay on the “All good things must come to an Next stop was Python Pool, a turning in for a well-earned rest at Burrup Peninsula to go night end, and it will be great to go home waterhole surrounded by a huge Velocity Village. fishing with local fisherman Jed and see my kids,” she said. rock wall. Teague. The Pilbara Development They made it to the North West DAY TEN Commission hosted a breakfast Coastal Highway and found Day 10 started with a delicious DAY ELEVEN at the beach to farewell the accommodation at Point Samson breakfast, then it was onto the The travellers ventured out to travellers. Resort. Karratha Visitor Centre for an Dampier and enjoyed a morning Alison and Justin had a quick industry tour. tea under the palm trees. look at rock art near Hearsons DAY NINE They got a look at the Dampier Skipper Brad Beaumont from Cove and then made their way to After breakfast, Alison and Justin Salt mining operations, the largest Discovery Sailing took them on a Karratha Leisureplex for a game of headed to the Roebourne Visitor in the Pilbara, and then arrived at boat tour of the Dampier glow-in-the-dark golf and tour of Centre and Old Gaol Museum. the North West Shelf Visitor Archipelago. The first stop was the facility.

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It was the first meeting of “the dirt” gallops season at Carnarvon, so if anything was to go wrong, it would. Record Flood — and if the rain was to continue in coming months as it had started in recent weeks, the Gascoyne-Pilbara could be on track for a record flood — wouldn’t go in the stalls for the first. He won the mind game, got his way, and was sent home without Geraldton trainer Alan Hughes. having to burst his boiler. A late scratching. Leonora, Port Hedland, Broome, All but two of the 12 steeds to Roebourne, Mount Magnet, jump in the first race had female Meekatharra, Landor, Yalgoo and hoops aboard. Marble Bar. “It’s a sign of the times,” And more. Dirt racing is much broadcaster David Wrensted said. more than that. “The doctor must’ve arrived on It’s an institution with many. course as jockeys are mounting “It’s the heart of racing, the and making their way to the heart,” John Biggs said. “This start.” type of racing is a social event for Over in the betting ring, the outback towns. People come from tote machines were as moody as everywhere for these races.” Record Flood. Kalgoorlie-born Mr Biggs was a “They’ll be up and running part-time steward on the soon,” a TAB attendant said as Goldfields for a 25 years before there was no action with health problems forced him to television screens. take a more relaxed seat. Nobody knew the starting But not for one minute did he prices. Nobody knew if there think of getting out of the would even be a start, as the first industry. race was delayed. Few, if any, know racing in the But this is racing in the dirt in bush better than he. Mr Biggs is the backblocks, and the punters the secretary-treasurer of the are more accepting of things not Country Racing Association, of going to plan than their city which there are 25 clubs in WA. cousins are. Lots of people go to these Dr Anh Nguyen Later, more nerves are tested. meetings, which are probably the MBBS (HONS) FRACS (PLASTIC SURGERY) The power decides to strike — biggest event of the year in these Female Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon and the tractor pulling the places. starting barriers gets stuck in the It’s all about community. mud on the far side of the course. Scenarios and stories like this For more Carnarvon dirt 9370 9917 or 9271 8624 will happen again and again and [email protected] again over the coming months, as racing pictures, see the horses hit “the dirt” in towns thewest.com.au/regional or visit like Carnarvon, Leinster, monalisatouchperth.com.au | femaleplasticsurgeon.com.au | DrAnh.com.au 12 • REGIONAL LIFESTYLE WINTER 2014 Part 4 in a series that looks at the rich history of Clearing the land LOST WA .

Farming boomed as SALINITY PROBLEM RISES Clearing so much land dramatically land was opened changed the WA landscape. When deep- rooted native vegetation is replaced for settlement. with crops, the water table rises, bringing dissolved mineral salts. This ith the increasing causes salinity. High salt levels in the soil population of the Swan make it impossible to grow crops. Since River settlement, there the 1960s and 1970s, many farmers Wwas a need for suitable have adopted better land practices in an land for growing crops and grazing attempt to reverse the damage of livestock to feed the colony. salinity, land erosion and other issues The fertile Avon Valley was York: Ploughing with horses. Mingenew: Wheat transported by rail. brought on by agriculture. thrown open for selection, with the first settlers arriving in the Yilgarn (1899), had been opened to With the completion of the WHEAT RAILWAYS district in 1831. York, the oldest settlement by farmers. Goldfields water supply scheme in Vast tracts of land opened up through inland town in WA, 97km east of The first part of the 20th century 1903, water began to be supplied to government land grants and the Perth, was settled soon after. saw a boom in farming as the area Wheatbelt areas along the route of introduction of railways made wheat By 1850, the small population of land under cultivation rapidly the pipeline from Northam to farming possible. By 1935, the WA had settled around the coast at expanded through a range of Merredin and beyond. Whole new Government Railways network in the Perth and Fremantle, Bunbury, land-clearing programs. areas were opened for clearing. Wheatbelt ensured a railway line was Augusta and Albany. In 1890, 50,000ha was cleared. After 1905, the Wheatbelt had within 50km of the harvest location. When WA became a State in the That figure increased tenfold to expanded further to include areas Most railway lines carried passengers as new Federation in 1901, it had 490,000ha by 1900. Horse-drawn without permanent streams and well, but these services declined in the already enjoyed a decade of rapid scrub rollers were used to uproot surface water. 1950s when buses took over. Now, expansion in farming. trees and plants. Most newly Between 1900 and 1910 the total Wheatbelt railway lines are linked to the New agricultural cleared land was put to use in the area of land cleared for farming in extensive network of grain storage areas, such as cultivation of wheat and other WA rapidly rose again from locations serviced by the CBH Group. Meckering (1889) and cereal crops. 490,000ha to 2.1 million hectares.

Coorow 1924: Horses pull rollers to break down scrub. #14W2458833-3-16/6

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tanding on a beautiful hill with “M 360-degree ocean views, you 20 y CONCERNED ABOUT breathe in … and hope you don’t agei Shave to again for a while. “T It’s a sunny Tuesday morning in supp Shark Bay, and a delegation is futu HAIR LOSS? traipsing behind Tourism Minister A Liza Harvey as she is shown the deve features of a $6.4 million acco state-of-the-art waste water treatment cam plant designed to service the needs of the Speak to our the Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort and M its 600-person accommodation. whi The smell isn’t in any way 2015 professionals about the detectable from the resort, which is a acco long way from the site, and it also peop TM isn’t from the new system, which is, Ab Martinick Technique , according to Permeate Partners cate technical manager Peter Gordon, one H a leading treatment of the experts who helped design it, look almost entirely pong-free. Rather, the even smell comes from the old storage win in modern hair tanks, illustrating just how needed Tourism Minister Liza Harvey onboard the “A this upgrade was. Shotover at Monkey Mia. Picture: Will Russell will As well as giving the resort’s said transplantation. owner-operator Aspen Parks and and type of technology to use.” “A Resorts the ability to expand the Aspen general manager operations and famous property’s accommodation, Dean Massie is clearly delighted with plan the treatment plant, which also the result of that hard work, as well as gree houses a new potable water bore and with the outcome of a $1.8 million “W power generation facilities, was refurbishment and upgrade of the here Over 4000 successful procedures designed to be better for the resort’s Boughshed restaurant. By environment. “It has been a lot of work, but this deve Permanent, Natural & Undetectable “We’ve been working on this project will enable the next stage of com for three or four years now,” Mr development,” he said. $12 a Gordon said. “There was a lot of “(Shark Bay) is a sensitive area and M conceptual work to get the right, what we have done is try to make sure Bou For an obligation free consultation affordable solution for (Aspen). we’ve got the best services and Mem CALL TODAY “We did a lot of to-ing and fro-ing, facilities we can get, but have done it Cata 1800 689 939 Suite 1/21 Stirling Hwy [email protected] trying to work out the best location carefully. wate Nedlands WA 6009 www.martinickhair.com.au • #14WRS2350262-116/6 14 REGIONAL LIFESTYLE WINTER 2014 Tourism Minister Free $30 Room Credit Liza Harvey feeds Book a weekend stay in Perth in a Superior the dolphins at Aspen Parks and Studio from just $145 per night & get a free $30 Resorts’ Monkey room credit towards meals in the restaurant, Mia Dolphin Resort. drinks in the bar or a late checkout Picture: Will Russell to 12 noon!

fFree Wi-Fi internet & Foxtel f24-hour reception, hairdresser, beauty salon fFree car parking Guests enjoy a sail on the Shotover captained by Harvey Raven. Picture: Will Russell (subject to availability) ‘It’s not just Ph: 9492 7777 www.goodearthhotel.com.au about being green for the Bonus Breakfast, sake of it. Sparkling Wine & Chocolates We know Escape to Perth in an Executive Suite for $195 per night on any Friday, Saturday or Sunday & the people get free full buffet breakfast for 2 people, plus a free bottle who come of sparkling wine & here want chocolates on arrival. us to be fFree Wi-Fi sustainable.’ internet & Foxtel 24-hour Dean Massie, Aspen f reception, The Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort. Picture: Aspen Resorts gym, sauna Car parking “Monkey Mia has been in place for Mr Catania said the plant — 1km f 20 years and the infrastructure was away from the centre of the resort available for $12 ageing as the property grew. itself — removed the noise of pumps overnight “These new facilities will be able to and power generation from the resort support the property now and into the as a by-product of its placement was a Ph: 9325 1455 future.” great investment in the local region. Aspen hopes to extend the resort by “There’s 360 degrees of natural www.ambassadorhotel.com.au developing further family beauty here and this plant ensures accommodation and caravan and (Aspen) can protect that beauty by camping spots using a 2ha site next to being in a safe and secure Early Bird Offers the current campground. environment, but also allowing for the Mr Massie said the expansion, on water to be reused,” he said. Stay in Albany in a Standard Room & save when which he hoped work could begin in Ms Harvey praised the commitment you book in advance… The earlier you book, the 2015, would potentially offer to the region it demonstrated, more you save! Deal includes free continental accommodation for an extra 250 securing local jobs and boosting the breakfast daily for a limited time only. people. Shark Bay economy, andsingled out About 600 people are currently the excellent relationship between Book 14 days in advance & save 10%, from $77 catered for at the resort each night. Aspen and Traditional Owners, the per night. He also said the firm would be Malgana people of the Yadgalah looking to increase its eco-credentials Community. Book 21 days in advance & save even further with solar panels and Benny Bellottie, who attended the 15%, from $73 per night. wind-power generation. opening of the Boughshed on behalf of rd the “As we put more buildings up, they Yadgalah to offer a Welcome to fIndoor heated pool & l Russell will have solar panels,” Mr Massie Country, said he was extremely spa said. pleased to see the level of development “And we will hopefully add solar at the resort. fBBQs, tennis court, ations and wind generation to the treatment “Since the start, Dean Massie has tour desk d with plant site. It’s not just about being been there to talk us through what well as green for the sake of it. would happen,” he said. fFree car parking on “We know the people who come “(Dean) even held my hand on the he here want us to be sustainable.” plane to Perth when we went to go and Ph: 9841 7399 By the time it finishes the talk about the plans, and as a result of www.sleepwellmotel.com.au this development, Mr Massie said the their help we’ve been able to build our company would have spent between own place in town. They have $12 and $15 million. communicated really well with us.” ea and Ms Harvey officially opened the For full terms & conditions ke sure Boughshed restaurant in April, while call or visit our websites. Member for North West Central Vince The writer was a guest of Aspen Parks and one it Catania did the honours for the waste Resorts at Monkey Mia. water treatment plant. VISIT Little film fest grows up fast

rench-Australian film authorities together with film- CinefestOz is festival CinefestOZ is makers. It was very much about quickly becoming notching up milestones, opening up the conversation about Fbecoming Australia’s most what makes it easier to come into geographically vast and, this year, the region and make films.” one of the country’s offering the country’s richest film The project led to the prize as the South West opens itself development of a film-friendly leading film festivals up to the filmmaking industry. website, “a one-stop shop” for CinefestOZ chief executive filmmakers and a web-based and a career Malinda Nixon said the $100,000 register of creatives. prize money would be awarded to In its second year, CinefestOZ launching pad. an Australian feature film or was opened by Jerome Palliard, feature-length documentary at this the executive director Marche du Kim Kirkman year’s festival. Film, Cannes Film Festival, In 2013 the festival, which is underlining burgeoning links reports. based in but between Busselton, Cannes and St encompasses Dunsborough and Tropez, which hosts the cinema of Margaret River, extended the antipodes and celebrations of screenings to Bunbury and Australian and New Zealand film. Augusta, becoming the country’s Festival president Bernard largest film festival, Bories was integral in helping Brown, Jack Thompson, Emma geographically. stage the first CinefestOZ film Booth and filmmaker Fred CinefestOZ was established in festival in 2008 and all films shown Schepisi to Busselton’s seaside 2008 to introduce audiences to at CinefestOZ have either an locales. Australian film and provide Australian or a French link by way Australian films Kill Me Three cultural options beyond of the filmmaker, production or Times and crime thriller Son of a mainstream movies, as well as scriptwriting. Gun were filmed recently in the provide a platform for talent — the Ms Nixon said the link was built South West and Ms Nixon said filmmakers, the cast and the on existing connections, both in organisers hoped to continue people involved in the festival. geographical similarities, being attracting Australia’s best “We want to support and grow seaside tourist towns, and those filmmakers to the region and the filmmaking industry by forged by early French explorers provide a platform for important bringing local and national like Baudin, Mentelle and development and funding heavyweights to the South West to Freycinet whose names endure think-tanks. do business,” Ms Nixon said. along WA’s South West coast. “Pulling these threads together,” “At last year’s festival we did a Over the course of its existence, she said. Jack Thompson at the CinefestOZ film-friendly workshop that CinefestOZ has attracted film “Providing regional benefits, director’s lunch. Picture: Tim Swallow brought the local government luminaries David Wenham, Bryan taking steps to being recognised as

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Jack Thompson and Joseph Pedley. Pictures: Becky Felstead a film-friendly region and working feature films and events in the Above: CinefestOz with the South West Development region’s cinemas, wineries, small patron David Commission on projects that bars and galleries. Wenham on the support creative industry in the The 2013 festival featured 68 red carpet in South West.” ticketed screenings, 40 ticketed Busselton. State screen body ScreenWest events, seven screen industry collaborates with CinefestOZ each workshops held in conjunction year to bring workshops to the with ScreenWest, Screen Australia South West. and the SWDC, and 104 free Last year a short film community screenings. Left: South West competition for under-18s as part The seventh annual CinefestOZ Development of Cine-Snaps Schools Program will be held this year from August Council chairman resulted in seven finalists’ films 20-24, premiering an array of short Don Punch, being judged by a panel of national films, documentaries and CinefestOz chief filmmakers and watched by an community screenings, and executive Melinda audience of more than 200. bringing together a strong field of Nixon and Held over five days in August filmmakers, film stars and film chairman David each year, CinfestOZ premieres lovers. Barton.

On display Not on display On display

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Margaret River and hospitality training. The Education Margaret River campus was built to capitalise on Campus. the growth of the Margaret River Education Campus wine industry, which Curtin University lecturer Dave Kelly is a leading said was an integral part of student training. winemaking training “We have really good interaction with industry and a hub, Warren number of research projects over the years have been Hateley reports. industry-funded and involved,” he said. perators hope a solid “Our lecturers are all Margaret River foundation of courses will winemakers and viticulturists.” student Sam cement the Margaret Mr Kelly said well-known and Palmer at work at ORiver Education Campus respected industry professionals the campus. as the region’s premier wine, were regularly involved in the tourism and hospitality training course, and establishments like centre. Leeuwin Estate came in to Apply Established in 2004, the campus provide masterclasses and is best known for the viticulture specialist lectures during the year. and oenology course run by Students also had the best of Curtin University, but the centre hands-on experience, tastings and is a joint operation with the South interactions with those public West Institute of Technology and figures to set them on the road in minor partners Edith Cowan their wine education. University. Mr Kelly said the connection The campus offers a range of between the campus and units from winemaking to arts neighbouring vineyards gave the and design, horticulture, tourism course an authentic edge reflected

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Course viticulturalist David Kelly, lecturer Charlotte Newton, managing director Duncan Anderson and campus administrator Judith Reynolds.

ZZZFVXHGXDX ZZZF\RFZDHGXDX ZZZFVXHGXDXFRQWDFWVHQTXLU\ ($JULEXVLQHVVLQIR#F\RFZDHGXDX )UHHFDOO )UHHFDOO 18 • REGIONAL LIFESTYLE WINTER 2014 It means we can access people in the industry by being in Margaret River. Curtin University lecturer Dave Kelly

Kelly said allowed professional people with degrees in other areas to “value add”. SWIT general manager Duncan Anderson said increasing links with the industry was part of his vision for the future of the campus. SWIT was looking at other ways to draw the community into the life of the campus, which included a plan to host the town’s wandering farmer’s market, as well as establish a business Margaret River incubation centre at the MREC Education Campus meeting rooms. student Alex Cilliers. Mr Anderson said it was all part Duncan Anderson: Increasing links with Pictures: Becky Felstead of adding value to the region. industry is part of vision for the future. Other industry figures had the campus earmarked for possible in the qualification. “It means we the region as their training slowly allow them to do that.” Students growth as the providers worked to can access people in the industry transformed into a career. studied a range of disciplines make sure the centre remained by being in Margaret River,” he “It tends to turn a three-year involved in winemaking, with viable into the future. said. degree into longer because it units now extending to brewing to Ideas bandied about include a One of the happy side effects of becomes more and more cater to the growing interest in greater focus on nurturing the basing the bulk of the course in part-time,” Mr Kelly said. beer and micro-breweries. creative sector with a hub for the Margaret River was the tendency “It’d be pretty rare to find Although student numbers have “creative industries”, while a for students to find work in nearby someone who was doing the study been rocky at times following a multi-million proposal to establish wineries during their course. who wasn’t involved in the slowdown in the wine industry a cooking school linked to the The interactive nature of the industry some way and we insist Australia-wide, the wine course famed Cordon Bleu academy in qualification meant many students on them doing vintage, and we was seeing growth in its France is also seeking seed ended up extending their stay in delay the start of third year to post-graduate diploma, which Mr funding.

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Eastern Goldfields College today. Goldfields high school

he rich and extensive history accommodated 200 students, was from her time at EGHS. Staff and students of Eastern Goldfields High originally built on Federal Road “Every August holidays, we were reflect on Eastern School is being celebrated to after the isolation ward of the involved in interschool carnivals Tcommemorate the school’s Government Hospital was moved in Perth, ” Mrs Woods said. 100th year. to another location. “They were great times, which Goldfields High Hundreds of former students and That site is now the base of the always culminated with a big staff members travelled to Goldfields District Education interschool dance at Perth Modern School’s rich Kalgoorlie-Boulder to mark the Office and the Goldfields Camp School.” milestone of one of WA’s oldest high School. Mrs Woods, who travelled to heritage, Andrew schools. Just four months later, on May Kalgoorlie-Boulder with two other EGSHS was the second public 28, EGHS officially opened to the former pupils, said she was Brosnan reports. high school to open in WA and has public. looking forward to exploring the undergone dramatic changes in its As the student cohort outgrew modern structure and perusing long and prosperous lifetime. the school in subsequent years, the old archives. Although it is still unified, the more classrooms and two sheds New developments continued school operates on two campuses — were added to the campus and the over the decades at the Federal Eastern Goldfields College on playground was enlarged. Road campus until the 1970s, when Cassidy Street and Kalgoorlie- History was made when a work on a long-sought new high Boulder Community High School on severe cyclone lifted one of those school began. Boomerang Crescent. sheds from the ground and shifted Progress was slow. Work began on the school in it to its new position, closer to the The first section of the school January 1914, after H. Blomfield school. was opened on March 14, 1974, but accepted the construction tender of Former student and head girl the final block was not completed £3680. The campus, which Fay Woods began attending EGHS until 1978. in 1946 and graduated with about Once completed, the new school 30 other students in 1950, a — the campus of which is now the different time both culturally and home of Kalgoorlie-Boulder structurally. Community High School — was SEPTICS SORTED, “In those days, the first years at renamed Eastern Goldfields high school, we were called Senior High School. SMELLS DESTROYED ‘spits’,” she recalled. Change continued in the “It was a great era, really, following years, with a new house Ecocare Activator solves septic and treatment because it was at the end of the system implemented in the war. mid-1980s. system problems fast. “By the time I left in 1950, we All of the students were placed No fuss. No mess. No expensive plumbing were all quite happy, particularly in one of the four houses — Irvine, the senior years. O’Connor, Hannan and Bailey. bills! “They were great days and you A historic moment took place in Made here in WA, Ecocare Activator is safe, made some great friendships.” 1987 when EGSHS appointed its During her school years, EGHS first female principal, Meredyth environmentally friendly, completely non-toxic was still one of a handful of Crossing. and is delivered straight to your door! Government schools in the State. The new millennium brought Travelling to Perth to compete further change. Freecall 1800 633 866 or in sporting competitions against Many Kalgoorlie-Boulder turn to the last page to discover how we the other public schools were residents will recall the day when can swap your septic smells for smiles! some of her favourite memories EGSHS was split across two www.insightenvironmental.com.au #14C2358219-17/3 20 • REGIONAL LIFESTYLE WINTER 2014 Construction work on the Eastern Goldfields High School.

Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community High School principal Vicki Bogensperger Eastern Goldfields High School and Eastern Goldfields College principal has a proud history. The 1915 Eastern Goldfields College football team. Dan McCormack. Picture: Louise White marks 100 years campuses. A decision was made school, but I don’t think the budget sense of humour and his sanity, I by the State Government to was sufficient, ” he said. “In the do not know, but he did a terrific relocate the senior pupils, so meantime, Curtin University had job.” students in Years 11 and 12 were under-utilised space. Mr McCormack and KBCHS moved to Eastern Goldfields “So the decision was made by principal Vicki Bogensperger College. the Government, I think correctly, worked diligently to ensure the Eastern Goldfields College students The older students at EGC that the senior campus be centenary celebrations were a Jenelle Miles and Anthony Spooner, would move to the underused established on (Curtin memorable occasion. both 17. Picture: Louise White campus of Curtin University, University’s) campus. “I think it is an exciting thing while Years 8, 9 and 10 would “The senior campus worked because it’s not very often the remain at the old grounds. extremely well … as I understand place you work at has a link to 100 John Mortimer, principal at it, the senior high school is going years ago, ” Mr McCormack said. EGSHS from 1997 to 2005, oversaw in leaps and bounds.” “It’s a big occasion for a the “incredibly busy” period of the Incumbent principal Dan community. school’s restructuring. McCormack, a deputy principal “It’s (brought) a lot of people Dr Mortimer, who also attended during the restructuring, was back to Kalgoorlie-Boulder. the centenary celebrations, was praised by Dr Mortimer for his “I actually say all the time I feel initially opposed to the efforts during the change. privileged to be the principal at restructuring and pushed for new “As the builders went into a EGC, not only in the centenary but developments to the campus block and took over classrooms, any year. rather than splitting the students. Dan would shift the classes around “I think I’m very fortunate to be “Originally, I argued for keeping and rearrange the time slot and here, because we have a very good the school together, building a everything else, ” he said. school and we’ve had a very good senior campus on the existing “How he did that and kept his school in the past.” A school basketball team in 1984.

Applications for the 2014 Western Australian Regional Small Business Awards open shortly. The Awards recognise the best of the best – the winners of local accolades. For your chance to be crowned WA Regional Small Business of the Year be sure to enter your local business awards.

Minister for Small Business Hon Joe Francis, MLA with Cameron Syme from Great Southern Distilling Company, 2013 WA Regional Small Business of the Year.

For information visit smallbusiness.wa.gov.au/awards EDUCATION Kindy marks milestone A unique school in Albany has serviced the community for 50 years, Shannon Hampton reports.

enerations of Albany Noongar children have kick-started their Geducation at the Coolangarras Barmah Aboriginal pre-school since its humble beginning 50 years ago. Although there is no written history of the kindergarten, it is understood a small group of non-indigenous women realised the need for a specialised school in 1964, before there were Historical photographs show the government pre-schools and history of the pre-school. private schools were too expensive. Coolangarras Volunteer teachers would drive passion for fostering the education Barmah teacher- their own cars to the local of young indigenous children is in-charge Liane reserves, collect the local children still the same. Nelson with Jaeda for the school day and deliver them Last March, Coolangarras Keremete, 4. safely back to their parents. Barmah, a Noongar phrase for Right: A school Former teacher-in-charge “children’s meeting place”, was diary. Pictures: Lynette Highman spent 25 years threatened by the Department of Laurie Benson teaching at the kindergarten from Education with closure because of 1980 to 2005 and witnessed the the 17 students enrolled at the kindergarten move from location pre-school, just two students were to location across the city, using four-years-old — the recognised the buildings available — some kindergarten age. more suitable than others — to After uproar from the local Lynette Highman, continue the work of the Noongar community the below, started kindergarten’s founders. department decided to continue teaching at the “In the 1980s we took on renting with funding and the school lived kindergarten in a building from the council and we on to see its 50th anniversary in 1980 and stayed were sharing it with the darts M a y. for 25 years. ladies,” she said. It was an occasion worth “They didn’t want to come in celebrating, according to Ms and have kids tables everywhere, Highman, who said there was a so we would push them back every noticeable difference in academic day — one assistant would do the performance between the children rounds in the bus and the other who started their education at would come in early and get the Coolangarras Barmah and those tables organised.” who hadn’t. The kindergarten was then “The Coolangarras kids were moved to an old school building on settling in really well and were Aberdeen Street, a building Ms able to cope with formal Highman said by today’s standards schooling,” she said. would be condemned. Today Liane Nelson, who is in “There was rising damp in the charge of the 21 children on the building, so we would have to come role, said the students thrived on in early every morning and scrub having a tailored program with all the mould off the walls,” she Aboriginal education officers from said. their own community and access Today the school is located to a bus. within the grounds of Spencer “The people they are seeing are Park Primary School under the from their own culture, the kids Department of Education but the are comfortable here,” she said.

22 • REGIONAL LIFESTYLE WINTER 2014 ‘In the 1980s we took on renting a building from the council and we were sharing it with the darts ladies.’ Former teacher-in-charge Lynette Highman

The school diary from years gone past.

Left: Four-year-olds Peyton Ward, Pippa Williams and Jaeda Keremete with former long-term teacher- in-charge Lynette Highman. EDUCATION Baristas bring relief to cyclists

•Cally Dupe

An Italian espresso machine on the back of a four-wheel-drive trundled along the Kimberley’s roughest road in May, providing a wake-up to Gibb Challenge cyclists. Budding baristas from Yiyili Aboriginal Community School, 110km west of Halls Creek, manned the machine using skills mastered through running their own cafe at school as part of the Bush to Belly program, a food preparation initiative. A film crew captured the students’ journey along the Gibb River Road. The students followed Gibb Challenge participants, who cycled the 700km from Derby to El Questro to raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Yiyili teacher Anthony Collins said Bush to Belly was launched Justina Howard, 16, Andrew Rethus, 18, Tahi Morton, 18, three years ago by former teacher Jeremy Wood, 17, and Bianca Cox, 17. Picture: Cally Dupe Sarah Blazeley. Ms Blazeley soon collaborated with Anthony McGillivray, a restaurateur and hospitality teacher at Hamilton District Skills Centre in Victoria. Program helps put Mr McGillivray, who visits the school about three times a year, helped students set up a cafe at the school’s art gallery, where busloads of tourists can have students on track coffee. Mr Collins, who took over the program this year, travelled with management, as well as a 370km north of Kununurra, at the baristas along the Gibb River Kimberley certificate II in agriculture — Gibb River Station. Road this month. achieved through outdoor Even the most petite students Gibb Challenge event organiser Education for Life is education classes and practical saddle up and help muster cattle, Simon Rimmer said for some of camps at Gibb River Station. repair fences and assist with the cyclists, waking up to a fresh preparing students But KEFL co-ordinator Tarryn day-to-day duties for up to a week. coffee was like “heaven”. Audas said the program gave The program’s origin lies with “They were wonderful for the workforce, students much more than a solid YeeHaa Trail Rides owner Kris ambassadors for indigenous youth, education — it gave them “life Thomas who, while working as a and they made some great coffee,” Cally Dupe reports. experience” and the chance to teacher at the school, developed he said. “develop the maturity needed to be the program and took it to the “It’s good-quality coffee and all tudents are kicking goals work-ready”. Education Department in the the funds go back to the Yiyili through a specialised KEFL students are put through a mid-2000s. program — it’s self-funding, which training program in the panel interview in Year 10 to apply KEFL launched in 2007 and Ms I think is why the partnership is so SKimberley — incorporating for the program. Audas is determined to see it efficient.” classroom lessons with practical “They are given a list of progress. skills and workplace learning. questions the night before; we ask In May, it was named runner-up Kimberley Education for Life, them what their career and in Australia’s National Group which runs at Kununurra District educational goals are and they Training Awards, for its unique High School, is a two-year program really do have to be on the ball partnership with Kimberley Group where the participants’ school with what they want,” Ms Audas Training. week is made up of two days in the said. “The idea here is that most of classroom, one day at Kimberley She said the program was the kids learn by hands-on Training Institute and two days at simply a “hybrid” of Vocational experience … through this a chosen workplace. Education and Australian Tertiary program, they have to be By the time they finish Year 12, Admission Rank, and aimed to organised and develop leadership the students have earned their take students out of their comfort skills and maturity,” Ms Audas certificate II in automotive, zone and into a workplace. said. Yayili student Cameron Wallaby, with engineering, business, community Students also take part in four The program is a partnership the Bush to Belly coffee machine. services or conservation and land leadership camps a year, about between KGT, KDHS and KTI. Picture: Cally Dupe

24 • REGIONAL LIFESTYLE WINTER 2014 EDUCATION

SCHOOL DAYS REMEMBERED I became a permanent cadet journalist Schools with the Geraldton Guardian earlier this year, on the same day one of my favourite mentors died. Sister Monica Glass — like all “quiet” nuns — was strong of heart and head. She loved God, often talking about as good him, and she loved talking to kids, sometimes favourably, sometimes firmly, but always warmly. Life was daunting enough when I started at St Lawrence’s Primary School, Bluff Point in 2002, but I had only been as city’s Lewis Freer in Australia a couple of months. There were challenges, as you can imagine, but I loved my primary years. Many students feel they must head to a city to complete their Sister Marie Townsend, a close friend of Sister Monica, was principal. education, but Lewis Freer says that isn’t necessarily the case. She, too, loved God and was an independent woman who had a strong vision for education. have lived and learnt in I recall heading to Fitzgerald Hall regional WA for 18 years and I every Friday, singing all manner of songs, count myself lucky. from Put Oil In My Lamp to those I Why? Because when it comes honouring the saint whom the school to education, Geraldton is spoilt. was named after. What is on offer here is every bit The music was composed by Julie as good as what is showcased in Hart, who is still the music teacher at Perth. the school. Geraldton, the capital of the Mid Also, many of the staff there when I West, boasts amazing educational started school are still there, like Mr facilities — so good, in fact, one Boyle, Mrs Quadrio, Mrs Rigby, Mrs Voss, doesn’t have to leave here to be Mrs O’Malley, Mrs Cooper and the front educated, from the first day of office lady Mrs Condo, aka Maria. kindergarten to the last day of They all showed commitment and university. dedication to education. So that avoids a massive When 2009 came, we were once headache, and heartbreak, for again the little fishes in a big pond, many families. Geraldton Guardian journalist Lewis Lewis holds certificates after his Year 7 reliving the stress of a new school — I After finishing at one of the 12 Freer at his high school graduation. graduation. Picture: Lewis Freer was off to Nagle Catholic College. public or four private primary This was an exciting time in my schools, students can choose University in New South Wales, affectionately dubbed The education. One memory I will never between three private or one the Central Queensland University Shortbread Man. forget in my final year of secondary public secondary school — and and the University of Western The Hollomby Foundation has school is when we went to a retreat at another, John Willcock College, Australia. raised $250,000 since its launch in New Norcia. which offers two years. GUC offers courses in 2010 and awarded $100,000 in We were two days into the retreat Strathalbyn Christian College, accounting, communications, scholarships. when we were called in a courtyard. Nagle Catholic College, Geraldton education, engineering, In addition to the $100,000 Everyone was handed an envelope. Grammar School and Geraldton psychology and nursing. already allocated, the foundation is Inside was a letter from our parents. Senior High School are highly Nearly 200 students have offering more than $10,000 in After a few minutes all that could be rated secondary colleges. graduated from GUC since its scholarships to nursing students heard was the sounds of sobbing, young Many former students have gone inception in 2002. in a new University of Southern ‘uns moved to tears at what they’d read. on to bigger and better things. Most of these have been in Queensland program in the second Former WA premier Geoff teaching and nursing, going on to semester. Gallop was a product of Geraldton be employed mostly in regional It is also underwriting travel to Senior High School and his photo WA. Queensland for up to 15 students hangs in the foyer. Seventy students have achieved for a nursing residential school. When the senior studies are university entrance since STEPS Geraldton may be 425km from done and dusted, Geraldton, unlike began in 2012, with another 15 on the capital city, but there are many many other places, has a track to complete this semester. in the Mid West who believe when university. A foundation named after a man it comes to education, it is on a par For those who have a gap year, who was murdered in Geraldton in with Perth. the Geraldton university offers a 2008 has been a big contributor to As they say, you never know free government STEPS program GUC. what’s in your backyard until you which builds young people’s Joe Hollomby raised $1.3 million start looking. confidence and their abilities to for charities by making succeed at university. shortbread. The Mid West has the Geraldton When he was killed by a home Lewis Freer is a journalist at the Universities Centre, which has intruder, a foundation was named Geraldton Guardian. The late Sister Monica Glass. partnerships with Charles Sturt in honour of a person Picture: St Lawrence’s Primary School

WINTER 2014 REGIONAL LIFESTYLE • 25 EDUCATION

Brianna Ozies, Robyn Shrosbree and Caroline Browner are enjoying university life. Picture: Catinca Hozoc Uni life worth the move

oving away from home is “I always wanted to continue to friends plays a crucial role in Three regional one of the biggest uni,” she said. leaving their past behind them. students swap the moments in a young Brianna Ozies, 19, is from Derby, “You’re doing all these things Madult’s life. a small western Kimberley town that you really like and because Leaving behind their friends with a population of just over 4500 you are doing them together, it’s country life for the and families to journey to a new people and is halfway though her just a lot of fun,” Caroline said. city, it is the first time many Bachelor of Science degree. One of the many challenges hustle and bustle of youngsters get a taste of the real “There are a lot more faced by all students is keeping in world. opportunities in Perth in touch with their nearest and the city, all in the For some, it may be because of comparison to back home,” dearest — some are separated from an incredible job opportunity — she said. their families by more than name of education. for others, the spirit of adventure As well as the independence all 2000km. calls them far from home. three say they have gained from However, with the help of their Catinca Hozoc However, for three regional moving away and Ms Ozies said it friends and a good deal of texting it students, it was the prospect of was the negativity she experienced doesn’t seem like such a burden. is doing work expanding their education and while growing up in her home There is another side of college making new friends that seduced town that made her leave. life, one the girls all agree is experience at them from their home towns. “I had to realise that you’re here important. First year student Caroline for you, not for anyone else, so you Their education is top priority The West Australian Browner, 17, hails from Kalgoorlie- need to do what makes you happy, and with end-of-semester exams Boulder, and said she left home to and don’t worry about anyone looming, the girls are busily and talks to her pursue higher education. else,” she said. studying, never forgetting the “All the subjects I wanted to do All three girls agree the importance of seeing friends and fellow UWA are down here,” she said. opportunity to leave home and having fun. An only child, Caroline was one attend university is “everything College provides a good balance students. of just 31 students to receive an and more”. of both. assured entry into medicine Leaving behind family and “You’re getting that quality pathway invitation, guaranteeing friends is a sad consequence of education as well as adding to your her a place in the highly relocating. social life and your networks,” competitive medical degree at the All new scholars are bound to Brianna said. University of Western Australia. feel some moments of Their advice for prospective Second year student Robyn homesickness, especially at the regional students thinking about Shrosbree, 19, from Karratha, is beginning of their stay. university study is simple. studying a Bachelor of Science However, the girls say the “It’s never how you think it will with a double major in science communal feeling of depending on be, but it will be really good,” Ms communications and chemistry. themselves and their newly made Shrosbree said.

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