FREO StreetWise ’s independent street magazine Issue 13 - December 2019

Now available at www.streetwisemedia.com.au

Booze City Sand King Page 3 Page 19

Cossack Crossroads Mr Magic Page 10-17 Page 33 StreetWise Media Holiday Blessings Publisher WELCOME to the fifth anniversary Carmelo Amalfi year issue of Fremantle’s only independent magazine - Freo Designer StreetWise. Beau G’Froerer This Christmas/New Year edition Freo StreetWise is a free celebrates art, film, history, magic, independent publication produced superheroes and the best of local in Fremantle. business in print and online at www.streetwisemedia.com.au. Supported by local businesses and community groups, the magazine StreetWise reports on local concerns launched in 2015 is distributed in over the proliferation of small bars cafes, bars, hotels, restaurants, in the port city. We talk to newly libraries and select sites in elected South Ward councillor Cockburn and Melville. Marija Vujcic about her first days in council and pay homage to one of To share your story or advertise in Fremantle’s much-loved horse racing StreetWise: legends.

Contact: StreetWise commemorates the Carmelo Amalfi 0468608503 90th anniversary of the State www.streetwisemedia.com.au email: [email protected] or at Kings Park and, visit our Facebook page. for the first time, publishes rare INDEPENDENT publisher StreetWise StreetWise readers can explore family images from the Japanese Media was launched in December hundreds of stories and images Mailing address: occupation following WW2. 2015 to showcase the unique and, for the first time, share their 18 Norfolk Street, Fremantle We feature the life and death stories and images of Western feedback, comments, images and WA 6160 struggle of ‘Miracle Girl’, WA’s Australia’s much-loved port city. videos at its new online business address. All content/images (Copyright 2020) Magician of the Year and the ‘hero’ Thousands of print and online All rights reserved. Amalfi Publishing inside all of us. readers have joined the growing StreetWise acknowledges Pty Ltd (ABN 65 151 624 378). Readers are invited to submit StreetWise community since the the support of sponsors and Reproduction in whole or part comments, stories and images. launch of its flagship magazine supporters SCOOP Property without permission is prohibited. Digital copies of previous StreetWise and Finance, FreeDB Car Stereo, Freo StreetWise. magazine issues are available at Homestyle Salads, Portorosa Every effort is made to ensure www.streetwisemedia.com.au. StreetWise builds on its publishing Fremantle, the Hair and Barber content including prices, offers and information is accurate at the time success with the launch this year Room, Warren’s Menswear and A safe and happy Christmas and of publication. of its own dedicated web space at Menu Magazine. New Year to our readers and online www.streetwisemedia.com.au. followers and supporters. Print and online advertisers can The publisher reserves the right The StreetWise Facebook page contact [email protected] to change editorial content and Enjoy. launched in 2016 serves as a or call 0468608503 for rates and advertisements. gateway to the new site. promotional summer packages. Carmelo Amalfi

- 1 - BOOZE CITY BULLOCKS FREIGHTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL

Your local partner worldwide CLINICAL psychologist Rachael boutique bars and restaurants, to O’Byrne was one of the people who ‘neighbourhood bars’ on Queen stood up in Fremantle council last Victoria Street and gin distilleries in Celebrating 38 years of business 1981 - 2019 year to speak against the J-Shed the CBD and South Fremantle. tavern proposal. The says The High Street clinician said while anecdotal evidence shows well the port city’s status as an arts managed small bars, restaurants BULLOCKS FREIGHTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL’S and entertainment and alfresco areas INTEGRATED SERVICES INCLUDE: destination may “Activation seems enhance the image explain high rates and amenity of the of alcohol abuse, “it synonymous with city; encourage • Customs Brokerage most certainly doesn’t small bars.” more families to justify them”. walk the streets at night; and, “improve • Import and Export Air and Sea Freight Forwarding Dr O’Byrne told StreetWise problem drinking and drug abuse are serious behaviour in Fremantle due to the • Warehousing and Distribution public health issues in Fremantle, positive peer pressure exerted by an overwhelming number of well- • Project Management which experiences the highest rates of alcohol-related harm in WA - five behaved people in the CBD”. • Logistics Management times the State average. Dr O’Byrne said the council needs to • State-of-the-art Cargo tracking “Activation seems synonymous with take more seriously the public health • Local and Interstate transportation small bars,” according to the owner issues. of the biggest team of mental health Approving tavern licenses in the professionals in Fremantle. hope they’ll run as small bars is The sixth generation Freo resident irresponsible. whose family arrived in WA in 1856, said the rejection of the J-Shed She said it is unwise to support proposal was only a temporary win. inappropriate applications for liquor outlets when, “to do so will not only increase harm but concurrently Phone 61 8 9431 9000 Since its rejection, small bars and ANTHONY PARATORE breweries have popped up all over threaten and erode the ‘liveability’ of Fax 61 8 9431 9088 FREIGHT FORWARDING MANAGER ‘Booze City’. this city”. W ebsite www.bullocks.net.au [email protected] Fremantle, , 6160 From Australia’s ‘first’ ocean Additional details at bar at Bathers Beach and new www.streetwisemedia.com.au.

- 3 - MARIJA VUJCIC

WINNING South Ward brought councillors who have accepted that mixed emotions. The win produced a a certain attitude and approach has high and a low when reality kicked in arrived and is seated at the table. at the inaugural ceremony. Sixty days on, this South Ward There is a considerable workload Councillor is confident she will be getting to know not just issues in able to navigate the potholes to South Ward but all issues facing the effectively represent the residents. City of Fremantle. Thank you South Ward.

Navigating local government *** policies and procedures is going to Marija Vujcic first dipped her toes be a long learning curve. into local politics in 2017. She ran as an independent I am getting used and lost, her to the whirlwind “Sixty days on, this campaign of meetings and South Ward Councillor sabotaged by emails that criss- a Hamilton Hill cross between is confident she will be candidate the the City executive able to navigate the Court of Disputed and elected potholes to effectively Returns found was members over ineligible to run in a multitude of represent the residents.” Fremantle. issues, concerns and invitations from residents and Undeterred, the tenacious Freo interested parties. businesswoman ran again in the I am learning on the job, asking lots 2019 elections - and won. Marija was of questions and being a pain in the sworn in on October 23. proverbial to experienced councillors She told StreetWise her priorities and the executive. included the removal of speed I cannot praise the executive and humps on South Terrace; priority staff enough for their friendly, parking for residents; support for gentle and often wise approach in local businesses; extension of the supporting me as a new councillor. CAT bus serve north of Hampton Road; review of loud music events at Credit needs to be given to the South Beach; and zero rate increase Mayor, Deputy Mayor and fellow in 2020-2021.

- 4 - - 5 - CRUIZIN FOR CHARITY

CAR lovers are invited to Western Australia’s biggest bog lap in Fremantle on February 16, 2020.

StreetWise Media, in conjunction with Beardie’s Bucket, will raise money for the Cancer Council.

Owners of classic and vintage cars and bikes are welcome to the free event, the fifth since the first StreetWise Charity Car Cruise was held on Valentine’s Day 2016.

Drivers and admirers are asked to muster at Captain Munchies car park on Beach Road from 10am.

At midday, the metallic spectacle will proceed into the CBD to showcase some of the best wheels in the state. Please give generously to our volunteers.

- 6 - - 7 - 50 YEARS ‘HARD YAKKA’

KARRATHA was gazetted on August 8, 1969. In 50 YEARS OF 2014, the former mining town was declared a city of the Pilbara.

BOOM, BUST & StreetWise Media celebrated the 50th anniversary of its gazettal with a RED DOG commemorative booklet supported by the City of Karratha, Woodside, SCOOP Property and Finance and Merenda Galleries.

WA Premier Mark McGowan described Karratha as a vibrant and attractive urban centre, home to nearly 16,000 people including residents THE LIFE & living and working in Wickham, Point Samson, Roebourne and Dampier. TIMES OF “As more families choose Karratha as their home, the next 50 years look incredibly bright,” he said in the foreword to the booklet. KARRATHA ’50 Years of Boom, Bust & Red Dog - The Life & Times of Karratha City’ is a chronological journey from Dreamtime rock etchings on the World Heritage List-nominated Burrup CITY Peninsula to the first iron ore shipments from the Pilbara, ‘powerhouse of the nation’.

The publication showcases Karratha’s first 50 with local stories and images of the city’s formative years including the role unions played in improving work conditions across the Pilbara.

The special edition also includes a rare b/w photograph (opposite) of Lars Peter Hedlund, after whom Port Hedland is named.

Limited copies of ‘50 Years’ are available at Brought to you by StreetWise Media [email protected] and www.streetwisemedia.com.au.

www.streetwisemedia.com.au - 9 - “It is for the preservation of this kind of family history that we are so passionate in seeing this town succeed.” COSSACK LIMBO - Cossack landowners

LANDOWNERS at Cossack remain in limbo decades after local and state governments promised to ‘reactivate’ the historic ghost town 1500km north of .

The freehold owners, some descended from the State’s first ratepayers, say authorities have used red tape and delaying tactics to block their dreams to develop their coastal properties overlooking Butcher Inlet.

As reported by StreetWise Media in October, WA Planning Minister Rita Saffioti rejected a town planning scheme amendment to allow temporary, small-scale developments such as chalets, caravans and glamping sites.

The latest setback has left owners angry; old, ill, but they say not yet defeated.

They claim lies, incompetence and lack of political will have stalled turning Cossack into a residential and tourist village.

In the next few pages, StreetWise explores the reasons for keeping heritage-listed Cossack in chains. Sunrise over Picard Island

Tein Tsin lookout Galbraith’s store Customs House - 10 - - 11 - A ‘LIVING’ HERITAGE

PEOPLE stopped living and working Stonehouse Thompson arrived in the at Cossack after WW2. 1870s in a pearling boat he built in Fremantle. Established in 1863, the ‘gateway’ to WA’s North West was abandoned by His third eldest son Christopher, who the start of the 20th century. helped his father repair boats here, maintained contact for the rest of Between 1902 and 1904, a jetty was his life. In the 1930s, he made trips in constructed at nearby Point Samson, winter and stayed at the Weld and taking the wind out of Cossack, the White Horse hotel sites. municipality dissolved in 1910. Mr Patterson owns the block next to In the 1920s, Japanese businessman the Weld. By the 1950s and 1960s, Sakutaro Muramats, and sons Jiro landowners raised concerns over the and Tsunetaro, ran a store here. government wanting to resume their land. One of their lots is owned by South Fremantle stables owner Terry Christopher always believed it would Patterson and Point Samson local be a thriving historical tourist town: Leigh McNab, whose great great “Like the descendants of the Hall grandfather Peter Lars Hedlund family, it is for the preservation of sailed into Butcher Inlet in 1863. His this kind of family history that we ship Mystery is said to have sunk just are so passionate in seeing this town off their coastal property near the succeed. existing fishing jetty at Cossack. “In our minds, what better way of Mr Patterson said people have lived continuing this history than to open and worked on and off at Cossack an accommodation establishment for the past 70 years. in great granddad’s footsteps where they ran a boarding house more Geoff Van Waardenberg’s great than a century ago - ‘Thompson’s great grandfather Andrew House, B&B’.”

- 12 - - 13 - JARMAN ISLAND

DESCENDANTS

THE McNabs, Leigh, Shannon and named, the Swedish captain having Karl are ‘residents in waiting’. sailed into Cossack in 1863.

The Pilbara family live and breathe Leigh says she is livid over the latest Cossack. council setback to ‘reactivate’ the historic town, contrary to what she Fishing, swimming, watching nature, says is State Labor policy to boost their undeveloped blocks overlook local tourism, notably at Cossack. Butcher Inlet at the mouth of the Harding River. Presently, a caretaker keeps an eye Pre-fabricated Jarman Locals want tours on the old town site. “We just wish we could build here,” Island lighthouse was resumed to the Leigh told StreetWise. “We pay our During a trip to Jarman Island, Leigh shipped from England lighthouse and rates and fees, but we can’t develop told StreetWise that landowners are in 1888 with the tools caretaker’s house, here.” running out of time, and patience. to build it and the and outdoor loo, last paint to protect it. restored in 2003. Leigh is descended from Peter Lars Additional details at Hedlund, after whom Port Hedland is www.streetwisemedia.com.au.

- 14 - - 15 - PROMISES, LIES ... AND MORE PROMISES

COSSACK’S connection to Australia’s the City of Karratha left to rot the FORMER Karratha CEO David Pentz colonial past is reflected in a small piping and cabling bought under said the City wanted to acquire group of private landowners who for a $1.3 million State grant, of which Cossack until the WAPC stepped in years have fought tooth and nail to $935,000 was returned to Treasury. and complicated matters. develop their coastal properties. Diagnosed with prostate cancer, Mr He said the situation could have Though old, ill and dying, they have Patterson said: “We have got owners been resolved when WAPC chairman decided to fight for their rights as who have died, who have gone Eric Lumsden travelled to Karratha freehold land owners, bankrupt and lost in 2012 to try and resolve the calling on State everything because landowners’ issues. authorities to remove the City of Karratha “We believe their “We could have resolved it at that and WA Government existing impediments tactic is to stop moment,” he said. “Some people to developing the cannot agree on the bought, speculated and over paid for historic townsite. the sale of blocks future of Cossack. the land. Those who paid a higher There are 22 blocks to new owners, “We believe their price were not prepared to sign up and got others to stop, and the privately held by to burn us out tactic is to stop the whole thing stopped there.” 10 owners. The through death sale of blocks to new Government owns most owners, to burn us Landowners were offered options Terry Patterson of the lots at Cossack and compulsory out through death including swapping lots for land (more than 200) as resumption.” and compulsory outside the storm surge zone. vacant Crown land. resumption.” Mr Gajcic said freehold land cannot Former City planner Joel Gajcic be compulsorily acquired, “you can’t Terry Patterson is the biggest private Planning Minister Rita Saffioti has told StreetWise: “We had a situation force people, you can offer them a land owner, with seven blocks, rejected the City’s proposed town where the planning scheme said value greater than what it’s worth followed by the Shakespeare Hall planning scheme amendment basically if you haven’t already got but all that will do is give hope to family, with four blocks. to allow low-key developments something there you can’t build people that if they hang on long at Cossack. The City said it was anything else. Essentially there was a enough they will get a windfall”. From 2000 to 2005, 10 private lots disappointed, but offered no moratorium on development. changed hands for prices ranging solutions to resolve the impasse. After the 2017 closure of Cossack from $4000 to $57,000 per lot. In “Promises were made to put in a Adventure Cruises, Port Hedland 2005, three lots changed hands “Either the City is incompetent or the development plan to see where they in August ($195,000); September Government is motivated by political could build. The problem is you have commissioner Fred Riebeling ($225,000); and October ($150,000). reasons not to allow the remaining multiple owners. You have people labelled all levels of government a landowners to develop their freehold that have money and people who ‘disgrace’: “The Heritage Council, After promises of connecting power, properties,” Mr Patterson said. don’t. There are people who can Water Corporation, Roebourne Shire water and waste disposal, prices invest and people who are prepared and the State Government have all dived and offers torn up when “This situation is disgusting.” to ride it out. Others don’t care.” let these people down,”

- 16 - - 17 - SAND CASTLES PILBARA ‘SAND KING’

SAND plays a crucial role in KIM North is the salt of the earth. “Since then, the council has shown society. Yet iron ore and gold Having lived and worked in the a consistent behaviour of bias and get most of the limelight as a Pilbara most of his life, the 61-year- victimisation, not just against me but valuable resource. old ‘Sand King’ started out in his a number of businesses in Karratha father’s civil earthmoving business in who don’t tow the council line. A key ingredient in concrete, Wickham. bricks, plaster, glass and “State Government agencies such as microchips, high quality sand is Today, ‘Northie’ is the biggest private Mines, DOLA and Water Corporation mined across the Pilbara. Ports, mining lease holder in the Pilbara, his are complicit in this, senior staff use roads, groynes, house and office family-run business Norwest Sand their positions to disadvantage me pads all need sand. and Gravel managing leases around at nearly every turn.” Karratha and Port Hedland. Sand is defined not by what it Northie said this abuse of power had is made of, but by the size of its The father of two was born in cost the company millions of dollars grains, which are smaller than Pinjarra and moved to the Pilbara in in delays, rate increases, court gravel and larger than silt. 1971. actions, fines, forfeitures and stress.

Desert sand generally is not Northie says the biggest Delays on just five of his leases in construction grade. impediment to businesses in Karratha and Wickham total more Karratha is council red tape and than 50 years, the Sam’s Creek Sand provides excellent political influence. leases held up for 12 years. drainage in garden beds and decorative landscaping. Former council staff have Sand is used in moulding, filters, confirmed fertiliser fillers, golf courses, Northie’s volleyball courts and sandboxes relationship with in playgrounds. the City went Sand also is used to make south after the elastics in clothing and an council objected ingredient in silicone breast to the WA Mines implants. Department having approved Sand also can form from his mining leases weathering of shells and fossils. at Sam’s Creek People who collect sand as a near Point Samson hobby are known as arenophiles. in 1999.

- 18 - - 19 - STARLIGHT

PERTH Astrophotographers is a public group of starlight chasers sharing their knowledge and techniques to capture the beauty of the night sky.

Members range from amateur to professional photographers who contribute many hours of travel in search of dark skies and stunning landscapes.

You can share their photographs, memories, locations, tips and tricks, “and anything else that helps spread knowledge and information about the night sky, on the Perth Astrophotographers Facebook page.”.

Images courtesy of Graeme Phillips, Barister’s Note, Pamela Jennings. The top image is a CSIRO radio snap of the centre of the Milky Way.

Light from the galactic centre takes 25,000 light years to reach Earth.

- 20 - - 21 - SACRED GROUND ‘WE WILL REMEMBER THEM’

THE Fremantle war memorial on Mitchell was not interested, but Monument Hill was unveiled the year his successor Philip Collier was, before the State war memorial was having declared he preferred the unveiled at Kings Park in 1929. port city to King’s Park as a site for a WA war memorial. Collier even At one point, the port was suggested Fremantle might become considered a potential site of the the national memorial. A 3500 pound tender was accepted to build State war memorial as it was the the Kings Park war memorial in a departure point for thousands of commanding position facing Perth. WW1 soldiers. On November 24, 1929, the 18m WA Premier James Mitchell was keen cenotaph was unveiled and placed to proceed with the construction in the care of the WA Returned and of a memorial in Perth, but he was Services League. not in favour of building the State The foundation stone was laid THE State war memorial was StreetWise Media celebrated the memorial in Fremantle. on Armistice Day, the monument unveiled on November 24, 1929 - 90th anniversary of Monument unveiled on 1929. the centenary year of the founding Hill in a special commemorative Mayor Frank Gibson was more of WA. It was a solemn event and edition published in the lead up ambitious and wanted the memorial The obelisk overlooks the city of despite the bad weather attended by to Remembrance Day 2018 and to, “rise in consequence to be the Perth with views of the Swan and more than 20,000 people. republished on Anzac Day 2019. State’s own memorial”. Canning rivers and Darling Ranges. The crowd witnessed the planting and dedication of 404 trees to honour servicemen and women who enlisted and died overseas.

The trees were planted in unison as a single gunshot signalled the coordinated plantings enjoyed nearly a century later by those who visit to contemplate and remember.

Construction of the cenotaph began in 1928, the same year the war memorial at Monument Hill was unveiled on November 11.

- 22 - - 23 - OCCUPIED

IMAGES of Japan captured by a He copped three days field Fremantle sapper during the Allied punishment for, ‘disobedience of occupation following WW2 have orders’, having a loaded rifle in the surfaced for the first time in nearly support trench and a dirty rifle. 75 years. Walter died in 1958, aged 64.

The snapshots belong to Army radio Ms McNab said before the war her operator Douglas Walter McNab who father built boats with his father and was stationed at Exmouth before he sailed them to . joined the occupation forces in Japan. Douglas died of kidney disease The surrender of Imperial Japan in 1971, aged 47. His wife Norma was announced by Emperor Lorraine Rundin died in 1967, aged Hirohito on August 15, 1945. Signed 71. Ms McNab’s mother’s father John on September 2, and after several Henry Rundin was the manager of days of secret negotiations, Hirohito the WA Wheat Board. Mum used recorded a radio address in which to drive around in a Rolls Royce he announced the surrender. because she was the private secretary of the Board. The surrender ceremony was held on board USS Missouri.

Douglas’ daughter Leigh McNab told StreetWise her father grew up on Scott Street in Fremantle.

“I was 12 when dad died,” she said. “Mum died when I was 25. She died of a broken heart.”

Her grandfather Walter McNab fought at Gallipoli in WW1, his unit having embarked from Fremantle on board HMAT A63 Karoola on June 25, 1915.

The 11th Battalion, 7th Reinforcement private was 21 when he enlisted.

- 24 - - 25 - NANCY WATSON 1928 - 2019

LEGEND trainer Nancy Watson was on her knees weeding the horse box when StreetWise first visited her stables in East Fremantle in 2016. She was a sprightly 89.

On August 13 this year, the icon of WA harness racing passed away, aged 91.

Born at the former Wellard Hospital on October 3, 1927, Nancy was a Bulldogs fan (with a soft spot for the Dockers), loved cats and enjoyed fishing and gardening. The Freo couple met at trackwork at Her father Victor (Reginald) Wilkinson Richmond Raceway. and wife Blanche migrated to WA in 1923. Reg was exposed to poison gas Nancy’s younger sister Margaret told in WW1 and was advised to find a StreetWise Nancy and Doug enjoyed warmer climate for his family. training horses at the heritage-listed horse exercise beach in Cockburn. Nancy attended Hazel Orme, Freo’s oldest kindergarten; South Terrace When Doug died in 1980, his ashes primary school; and Princess May scattered on the track where the high school. couple first met, Nancy took out a trainers licence for trotting, only the At her funeral service, family and second woman to receive one in WA. friends were told: “Nancy had only one ambition and that was to be After she retired, suffering glaucoma with horses.” and heart problems, Nancy took up leather work repairing horse rugs Nancy’s first job was at the Howard and racing gear. Porter stables in Osborne Road and Mills & Wares biscuit factory. Nancy’s ashes were scattered at CY O’Connor Beach where she trained On July 7, 1960, she married Doug and swam horses. Watson at Wesley Church where she was christened and attended Additional details at Sunday school. www.streetwisemedia.com.au.

- 26 - - 27 - MIRACLE GIRL

LIFE seemed great in 1998. I was 23 appointments to the best of my and working three part-time jobs as ability even though I was not feeling I couldn’t find full time work. 100 per cent.

I worked in a mobile phone shop in It was lunchtime and I went with my Subiaco selling mobile phones, and manager to a place called ‘Tastings’. on weekends at The Newport Hotel They have the best food. All of a in Fremantle. I was enthusiastic and sudden I collapsed on the floor at outgoing and enjoyed interacting my manager’s feet. with people. The doctor During this time, “I remained in a coma couldn’t figure I also suffered out what was migraines. They for seven months … wrong, and wrote were constant, People asked me, a referral to have my head a CT scan the throbbed and ‘Could you see anything next day. the pain was when you were in a excruciating. The next morning coma, as in Heaven? my mum took I ended up in Sir Charles Gardiner and go for a while. I had to learn to Though I wasn’t Could you hear me to Fremantle Hospital where I remained in a walk and talk and feed myself again. feeling the best, hospital to have coma for seven months. It was touch I had to go to anything?’” my CT scan and and go and my parents and family The doctors wanted to send me into work. they found that were called many times to say that a nursing home. My parents and my brain was suffocating in fluid, I I wasn’t going to make it. I wasn’t family pleaded with the doctors to I was alone in the house. In the needed to be operated on urgently. going to survive. give me six weeks’ chance and then, shower I got dizzy and felt like I was miraculously, I started to move my going to collapse. I had to grab hold The doctor told my parents I was People asked me, “Could you see fingers and it developed from there, of the wall and managed to call my lucky I fell in front of my manager. If anything when you were in a coma, slowly but surely. mum. there had been no one around when as in Heaven? Could you hear I collapsed, that would have been anything?” I remember all these I was finally transferred to Royal Previously, I had taken a few days off it, I would’ve remained a vegetable. people kept coming in and out to Perth Hospital Shenton Park Ward work as I was very unwell and I had They used a shunt to drain the fluid. visit. One, which was the brain injury only been in my job for a very short ward. This is where I learnt to talk period of time. Everything was going well and I came out of the coma. I contracted and feed myself again. This is my the shunt was working fine until I meningitis in hospital and I was ill story and that is why I was called I was going about my daily became very ill again and this time I with a high fever and had two fans by doctors, nurses and family and tasks, phoning clients, making was admitted to hospital. going to keep me cool. It was touch friends, ‘MIRACLE GIRL’.

- 28 - - 29 - LOVE YOU TENDER LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!

A Moment of Soft and Tender AFTER a long year of film work campaign will be launched at the and a successful premiere in Perth, start of 2020. I watch the way your father softly kisses your mother goodnight. ‘Frozen Moments’ is ready to start “Night, dear.” Lips smack together for a soft peck, fundraising for its first festival run. “Look for ‘Frozen Moments’ on our and your mother smiles, and I smile too. Facebook page and join us on the Directed by Curtin University journey.” Because in their affection I recognise screen arts student Baeley Amalfi the gentle way love lives within you. and written and produced by Alexa Congratulations to all students Teixeira, the short film follows a Beyond Diagnosis whose films screened at Curtin young Jack as he explores the magic Razor 2019. Eight short films were When talking about of ‘old’ film photography. featured, with the award for best mental illness or injuries, do not forget about Baeley said film students are production going to, ‘Kia Kaha’, a the souls attached to them, excited to get their creative works documentary story of ‘Haka for life’’ do not talk about into national and international founder Leon Ruri who tackles male the house that is broken into, film festivals: “A crowdsourcing suicide and depression. and forget about the person living there. Delicate warmth I watched your jaw tighten as we drove around in circles all in vain for the next half hour, but not once did I question if I loved you. When we finally made it out of your car, the rain had started to fall lightly and you grabbed my hand, and raced with me to make the traffic light. And there I was, a stranger in a strange street she had never known, laughing at the absurdity of it all, hand in hand with the boy she loved most.

- 30 - - 31 - “I WILL RAISE YOU...” MR MAGIC

IN the 2010 film Smokin’ Aces 2, Tom explains, “if you add up the pips on Berenger tells his FBI protectors that every card of the deck it totals 365 playing cards is, “cerebral”, pointing the number of days in the year”. My out the mid-15th century origins of uncle is also religious, his dedication tarot cards. “You don’t really buy reflected in, ‘The Perpetual Almanac into that old world gypsy bullshit or the Soldier’s Prayer Book’, do you?” Berenger: “Karl published in 1681. Yung had a different term for it. Synchronicity. The It told of a soldier caught idea being that all nature in church playing cards. is interconnected in a way Hauled before the that the past, the present, authorities, he said cards the human mind through were a soldier’s prayer: “The an act of random sampling, ace reminds me of the one if you will, can predict the true God. The two and three course of future actions.” are the Son and the Holy Ghost. The four are the four My elderly Sicilian uncle apostles Matthew, Mark, applies his ‘winning’ Luke and John.” synchronicity each time he plays cards, often with Underplayed is the potential friends. Each time we play cards have in helping young THE WA Society of Magicians has Having watched him on several Sicily’s popular 40-card minds, not to mention older voted James Diamond, aka James occasions, Diamond offers audiences briscola, played in two halves, the ones, enjoy maths through addition, De Sousa, 2019 Magician of the a unique experience, juggling wit and winner needing the highest score subtraction and division. In this Year. humour - and impeccable card skills. out of 120, he says, “You will not get mathematical duel is the ability, more than 30 points”. particularly when playing in teams, By day, the 36-year-old ‘wizard’ WASM is one of the oldest magical to outwit opponents using ‘secret’ societies in the world, its first His photographic memory and works as marketing manager at signals. meeting held on January 26, 1922. ability to remember cards of every SCOOP Property and Finance. By suit, kings, queens and aces, is no In briscola, the first round is played night, he dabbles in the kindred arts. If you want to make a wedding, match for me. He also knows there without speaking or signalling, after Cards mostly. party or special event a magical are four suits for the four seasons which players can signal partners: occasion, contact James on (hearts, clubs, spades, diamonds); Sworn to a Magician Code of 0414690484. Or email 52 cards for the weeks in the year, 13 Ace - stretch lips over teeth or purse Ethics, James describes himself as [email protected] cards in each suit for the 13 phases lips. King - glance upwards or raise a ‘Close Up Comedy Magician and and of the lunar cycle and, as Berenger eyebrows. Knight - shrug shoulder. Entertainer’. facebook.com/JamesDiamondMagic.

- 32 - - 33 - KINGDOMS, QUEENS & JOKER

THE first playing cards were made during the T’ang Dynasty about 800AD. By the time playing cards left China around 900AD, they were divided into four suits.

About this time, people began playing cards in Iran and India, where players preferred circular cards. Cards were introduced into Italy and Spain around 1370, most likely from Egypt, and possibly having originated from the Indian card game of Ganjifa played in 16C Persia.

The Tarot deck was invented in Italy around 1440. America’s only contribution to playing cards is having introduced the Joker in the late 19C.

Modiano and Dal Negro are well known names associated with playing cards. Dal Negro is an Italian company that produces playing cards, tarot cards, divination cards, chess, backgammon, roulette wheels, and toys for children. Its origins date back to 1756 when it was owned by an Austrian in the city of Treviso. Dal Negro was bought in 1928 by the Dal Negro family.

Founded before 1884, Modiano was established by founder Saul Modiano in Trieste. Most parts of Italy have their own card patterns. Some are reproduced here.

- 34 - - 35 - STUDENT SNAPPERS

NORTH Regional TAFE students Melissa Kuhlmann, Suellyn Bennett, Jordan Cleary, Aimee Williams and Brett Lawrence captured these images as part of a four-week short course on photography run by StreetWise Media.

Using their knowledge of shutter speed, aperture and ISO, they snapped a number of images of Karratha city; the Moon staircase at Heirisson Cove; and sunset and sunrise.

- 36 - - 37 - HERO

Based on the 1977 pulp fiction ‘Superfolks’ by American journalist Robert Mayer, a timeless satire and tribute to unsung heroes everywhere. An adaptation by comic book nerd Carmelo Amalfi.

THERE were no more heroes. Using his secret identity, Norm left his life of crimefighting and slipped The Dynamic Duo were dead, killed into the ‘burbs where he married his in a high speed bat chase through childhood sweetheart Bella to raise Gotham. Wonder Woman, aka Diana three kids and their blind dog Cato. Prince, returned to Paradise Island, having pawned for charity her boots Working as a casual weather and bullet-proof wristbands and lie- reporter on the local rag (if Clark detecting lasso. Kent could) Norm no longer shot out of cafe booths to rescue a school The CIA picked up her invisible jet, bus plunging off a bridge or space cheap. Superman, the Man of Steel shuttle hurtling helplessly to Earth. and public relations dream in tights, He was super retired. was still missing, presumed dead following a mysterious kryptonite Or so he thought. shower over Metropolis. The Flash, Fantastic Four, Atom, Hulk, Green Arrow and most of the X-Men were gone, killed in action or retired, received disability pensions, died of cancer or declared clinically insane (Joker is still on the run).

In this fading pantheon of mighty men, women, children, and pets, the last to hang up his cape was also the greatest superhero of all. Faster than the speed of light. Stronger than spider silk. Able to move mountains with one arm. But those days were long gone, his extraordinary abilities having faded mysteriously during a cliffhanging duel with Dr Chernobyl.

- 38 - - 39 - MASS panic broke out after the UN - Don’t play games Norm, not now. Happy happy thoughts, his body Thousands of kilometres away in announced the incredible news You are the only contact we have for hurtling like a fiery comet towards Moscow, special service agents toast at a press conference in Geneva, him on Earth. the spiky buffalo grass. to a shaky world peace and a rapidly Switzerland. expanding arms race. - I haven’t seen him in ages. He was Norm pulled up to rooftop level, A 100km-wide chunk of ice-encased injured, retired I think ... over the blow-up pools and webers. - Has he shown up yet? iron, dislodged from the Kuiper Belt Over the trees, power lines and - No beyond Pluto, was on a collision - Find him Norm. Find him fast. playgrounds. Then down, darting , only reports, a few sightings. casually around corners, nothing course with Earth. Dubbed ‘Santa’s - We are interested only in results. - What if he’s dead? fancy at first. This was a test flight. Anvil’, it was due to strike the third No disarmament treaty is possible After a few minutes, nausea gave rock from the Sun at Christmas. - Then so are we… until he is taken care of. We don’t way to confidence, a familiar want heroes. That’s why we have The rogue rock had extinction strength refilled his lungs and limbs. Bella’s 4WD roared into the drive gone to all this trouble creating His mind and spirit soared. He was written all over it. Armageddon. just as Norm untangled his son’s Armageddon. He has to be Goblin Glider from the kitchen back! Norm was light years away. His eliminated, or the deal is off. blinds. The family reunion was noisy, He could hear the faint voices below. world was about to end unless the To be continued …. house was spotless by the time his incomprehensible father-in-law Bella and the kids returned from the knocking off the malt whisky he’d - Look. It’s a pterodactyl. won in the Christmas raffle at work. airport with his in-laws from Malta. - No, it’s a drone. He wished he could draw on his He felt drained, his former career as a crimefighter packed away in a Norm pulled himself up and away, inner strength to blow dry the pissed off at being compared to a dusty shoebox in the back shed. lounge room. But the promise of his dinosaur. As he cursed himself, he childhood, his immortality, was a It looked good after all these failed to see his future smack him distant memory. years. Fine, silky smooth though in the face. Collapsing stars and tight in the crotch, the fabric spun galactic question marks orbited Grey and heavy, beyond his legal his bruised brow, his outline in the flying weight, his knees and fingers by a now extinct spider from Colombia. Avoiding the redback aluminium pole resembling Mr ached. His senses unreliable. Magoo. The street went dark. Any squatting in his broken mower, faster he would have taken out the The idea of soaring through the sky Norm appeared from the cobwebs suburb. Norm’s muscles turned to gave him nausea. He sat down. The ready for action. Did he dare take a jelly and his ears picked up local telephone ... running jump into his former work FM. As the constellations cleared, space or should he just go to bed - Norman? Is that you? Norm limped home where he before people got hurt or caught stuffed his uniform back into its box - Who is this? him on a smart phone crashing into and retired for the night, sore but a car or pot plant? exhilarated. - Thank goodness it’s you. It’s Sax the Accordion Player. We met at Norm had to know. It was now or Norm learnt of Earth’s fate on Spiderman’s funeral. I need to know never. Climbing up to the top of his the morning news. Sax was right. Norm, do you still keep in touch with son’s cubby, he straightened up, Earth, the home that had nurtured him? pulled the atmosphere into his lungs his abilities since childhood, was and took the leap he’d replayed in doomed. He faced the greatest fear - Who? his mind so many times… of his adoption. Himself. Hero.

- 40 - - 41 - BUY, SELL, RENT: 9432 7555 18 Norfolk Street, Fremantle LEND: 9432 7500 www.ScoopProperty.com.au