Mayor’s Message

www.armadale.wa.gov.au

VOLUME 14FEBRUARY 2008

City Views

FEATURES IN THIS ISSUE:

Apprenticeship Program succeedsAustralia Day

Concerts in the ParkOrganic educator recognised

Australia Day celebrations

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NEWS FROM THE C ITY OF ARMADALE

Children who have been participating in the ‘Respect Yourself, Respect Your Culture’ Aboriginal drama workshops gave a spirited performance of the dreamtime story “How Norn The Snake Got His Poison” at the City of Armadale recently.

The children practised their play and gained valuable skills in performance, dance, costume and set design during a series of 20 weekly workshops run by Yirra Yaakin, a West Australian indigenous theatre company.

The City of Armadale funded program, sponsored by Healthway and supported by Ab-Link, has been extremely successful since it began in July 2007, according to Armadale Mayor Linton Reynolds.

“The local indigenous children participating in this excellent program have not only learnt about drama and performance, but they have increased their self-esteem and confidence,” Cr Reynolds said.

“Having the opportunity to showcase their new skills and Aboriginal culture for the Armadale community is an added bonus.”

The children’s dreamtime story performance was attended by members of the Indigenous Reference Group and Council, City of Armadale Councillors Keith Lethbridge and John Knezevich and the children’s families.

The play was followed by a didgeridoo and dance workshop led by Derek Nannup from Yirra Yaakin.

Aboriginal drama performance a cultural showcase

Apprenticeship Program succeedsYoung City of Armadale horticulture apprentices Jaxon Wood and Declan Simons have a constant reminder where their studies could take them in fellow Parks Department colleague, Alex Pass.

Alex completed a four year horticulture apprenticeship with the City last December and then successfully applied for a permanent position as an Irrigation Fitter.

Local resident Alex joined the City’s newly established Apprenticeship Program in 2003 as a 17 year old because he “loved being out in the garden”.

“I used to earn money for the Royal Show by collecting buckets of weeds for my mother at 50 cents a pop,” he said. “Now I maintain sprinklers and check pumps and tanks at City of Armadale ovals and reserves to make sure everything keeps running at a high standard. I love it.”

Seville Grove local Jaxon, 16 and Declan, 15, from Mt Nasura, are enthusiastically following in Alex’s footsteps.

Both new apprentices enjoy working outside weeding and lawn mowing. Over the next four years they will also learn skills such as plant pruning, propagation, spraying, tool and machinery safety and equipment maintenance. Some of their studies will be conducted at a trade school.

Armadale CEO Ray Tame said that by employing apprentices, the City was leading by example in the local business community.

“The appointment of apprentices is also an important step forward towards building a City strong in opportunity,” Mr Tame said.

“Creating employment for young people in the City of Armadale benefits the entire community.”

Since the inception of this newsletter I have avoided giving publicity to the odd example of poor behaviour in our district. However, it seems that the summer holiday period has brought out not only the best, but also the worst in some people. We saw the best when around 40,000 residents benefited from the hard work of our staff and many volunteer helpers by gathering in Minnawarra Park on Australia Day to listen to the music and watch the fireworks. In doing so they celebrated all the wonderful things about being Australians. The park was left in pristine condition after the crowd had gone home.

The other extreme is increasingly being demonstrated by several groups of local young people who have absolutely no respect for anyone else’s property. They vandalise and tag both public and private property without any care for the owner’s feelings; his or her ability to make good, or the impact on the rest of our community.The identity of these selfish individuals will become known to us in time and we will be seeking much stronger action from the judicial panels that they face.

On a more positive note we were pleased as part of Australia Day festivities to acknowledge and celebrate the voluntary work done over many years by both Alex Glasgow at the Kelmscott Swimming Club, and the 52nd Australian Army Cadet Unit. I am sure that as a result of their efforts the young people passing through their hands are leading more rewarding and satisfying lives.

Cr Linton Reynolds, AM JP City of Armadale Mayor

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Heritage CouncilCity of Armadale Councillor Henry Zelones was one of five people recently appointed to the Heritage Council of Western Australia.

The other new appointments announced by Heritage Minister Michelle Roberts were Jeff Carr, Norman Etherington, Martine White and Anne Arnold.

Mrs Roberts congratulated the new Councillors, whose role includes representing the community on heritage issues.

“Together, they bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Council and will be responsible for setting the strategic direction of heritage in WA,” Mrs Roberts said.

“Working with the community, they will renew and reinvigorate the Council and, most importantly, ensure the State’s cultural heritage is appropriately conserved and protected.”

Cr Zelones said he was honoured by his appointment and was looking forward to working with the Heritage Council. “History has long been one of my favourite subjects and our heritage is our history in a tangible form,” he said.

Armadale Mayor Linton Reynolds described Cr Zelones’ new role as recognition for his long association with heritage research within the City.

“Cr Zelones oversaw the City’s first Municipal Heritage List and has been involved in projects such as Migrant Park in Kelmscott,” Cr Reynolds said. “Armadale Council is very pleased to have one of our own recognised in this way.”

The Minister said the Heritage Council would also be providing government with advice on major redevelopments in 2008, as well as developing a new strategic plan, including a new vision.

The new-look Heritage Council, chaired by long-standing Councillor Gerry Gauntlett, met for the first time on 8 February.

Water WalkersWhile many of us are still sleeping, a dedicated band of over 55s keep fit and socialise water walking at Armadale Aquatic Centre.

The Armadale Water Walkers meet twice a week between 6am and 8am and enjoy low impact exercise while striding thousands of kilometres through the pool each summer season.

Coordinator Ian Sutherland logs every kilometre walked by group members and sets challenging goals such as ‘walking to Broome’ to keep long term motivation up. After each session, the friendly Water Walkers chat over tea, coffee and biscuits.

The Water Walkers Program, supported by the City of Armadale, recently received funding thanks to the City’s 2008 Community Grants Scheme. The grant will be used for specially printed polo shirts, bearing the City’s distinctive logo, for members to wear while water walking.

If you would like to join the Armadale Water Walkers simply pop down to the Armadale Aquatic Centre in Champion Drive on Monday and Thursday between 6am and 9am. For more information contact Ian Sutherland on 9399 8562.

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COmmUNIty

An estimated 40,000 people flocked to Minnawarra Park on Saturday 26 January for the City of Armadale’s 15th annual Australia Day fireworks spectacular.

The City’s largest and most popular community event lived up to its reputation with a kaleidoscopic display of pyrotechnics lighting up the sky, synchronised to a largely Australian soundtrack.

Families and spectators celebrated their national day with a relaxing picnic dinner and entertainment from Beatles tribute band Fab4, plus Jumping Jack Flash and Calling of Levi, before settling down to watch the fireworks.

Australia DayArmadale Mayor Linton Reynolds described the Australia Day event as “a relaxing night out for local residents and their families”.

“The City’s fireworks show is a yearly highlight for many people in the area and judging by comments I heard on the night, it has once again been a huge success,” Cr Reynolds said.

Official Australia Day Ambassador and high profile Perth lawyer, Patti Chong, joined the celebrations in Armadale and performed the offical countdown to the fireworks.

Earlier in the day, Ms Chong attended the City’s Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony, and addressed guests.

Winners of the 2008 Premier’s Active Citizenship Awards were also honoured at the Ceremony. Long serving Kelmscott swim coach Alex Glasgow and the Armadale based 52nd Army Cadet Unit received awards for their volunteer contributions to the community from the Mayor.

“Mr Glasgow and the 52nd Cadet Unit are to be heartily congratulated for their dedication to the community over many years,” Cr Reynolds said.

Ethnie Barclay helps Jayke Lazenby with a puzzle

Meditation for people living with cancerAre you or someone you care about living with cancer?

The Cancer Council WA will be holding meditation and relaxation sessions in the City of Armadale for people with cancer, their carers and family.

Over six sessions participants will be guided through simple techniques designed to assist in relaxing the body and calming the mind.

There is no need for any special skills or prior experience to participate and benefit from these sessions.

Where: Armadale Lotteries House, Cnr Forrest Road and Townley Street, Armadale

When: Starting Friday 7 March 2008

Time: 10am - 11am

A gold coin donation is appreciated.

To register, or for more information, call The Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.

The Generations Connect Playgroup aims to strengthen bonding between children and older members of the community.

This innovative Playgroup is for children aged zero to five, their families and seniors of all ages.

It provides wonderful opportunities for older and younger generations to connect by playing, reading, singing and enjoying fun activities together.

The Generations Connect Playgroup, which began in May last year, will restart for 2008 on Wednesday 20 February.

Come along, share your skills, knowledge and friendship.

Generations Connect Playgroup

For more information or to register your interest, contact the City’s Community Development Officer – Families and Children, Ruth Aspinall on 9399 0638.

Armadale Mayor Linton Reynolds congratulated Kelmscott swim coach Alex Glasgow

Did you know that over 20,000 people visit one of the City’s three libraries every month? In addition to the thousands of books, CDs, DVDs and magazines on offer the libraries also boast a jam-packed Calendar of Events. Check out these exciting activities for starters.

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Your Local Libraries

Armadale Library 7 Orchard Avenue, Armadale Tel: 9399 0125

Kelmscott Library 2800 Albany Highway, Kelmscott Tel: 9390 5506

Westfield Library 76 Champion Drive, Seville Grove Tel: 9497 2622

COMING EVENtS

Baby Rhyme Time10.30am – 11am Friday 14 March 2008 Westfield Library

Come along and join in the clapping, tapping, jiggling and wiggling that takes place at the City’s Baby Rhyme Time sessions. Reading to babies and young children can give them a head start in learning to read and write. So pop down and join the sing along.

Author visit10am onwards Thursday 20 March 2008 Armadale Library

Jack Thorpe will speak about his autobiography ‘Bloody Lucky’ and his experience as a Japanese prisoner in WWII.

Kite-making3pm onwards Wednesday 16 April 2008 Westfield Library

Primary school aged children can learn about the history of kites and have a go at making their own.

Minnawarra Art Award Thursday 27 March to Sunday 6 April, 11am – 4pm The Minnawarra Art Award exhibition is your chance to admire – and purchase – the latest works of some of WA’s leading artists.

Armadale’s premier art exhibition is in its 12th year and continues to maintain its standing as a highlight of the City’s cultural program.

Held in conjunction with the Minnawarra Festival, the Art Award attracts entries locally and from around the State, with artists vying for a share in $16,000 worth of cash and acquisition prizes.

Around 160 individual pieces of art from 120 artists have already been entered in this year’s Minnawarra Art Award. All of the distinctive artworks, ranging from paintings to photography, sculpture, jewellery, glasswork, furniture and other media, are for sale.

A panel of three expert judges will be appointed and the winners announced at a special, invitation only, opening night function on Wednesday 26 March.

Members of the public are invited to view this exciting exhibition at the City of Armadale’s Administration Centre, 1st Floor, 7 Orchard Avenue, Armadale, from Thursday 27 March until Sunday 6 April.

The conclusion of the exhibition coincides with the Minnawarra Festival – Armadale’s prestigious annual art and crafts event, held on the weekend of 5 and 6 April in Minnawarra Park. Now in its 16th year and attracting thousands of visitors, the Festival brings together visual arts, craft stalls, community displays, animal displays, multicultural cuisine, Aboriginal culture, children’s activities, dance, music and family entertainment.

Concerts in the ParkSunday 2 March, 6pm – 9pm Minnawarra Park, Armadale Sunday 16 March, 6pm – 8pm Rushton Park, Kelmscott Saturday 5 April, 4pm – 6pm Minnawarra Park, ArmadaleRelax on a balmy autumn evening outdoors and listen to superb music from some of Perth’s best performers at the City of Armadale’s Concerts in the Park.

The Minnawarra Blues Concert held at Minnawarra Park on Sunday 2 March will be a night to remember for all local blues fans. Featuring original boogie and blues covers by band On the Level and blues, funk and soul hits by Stingray.

On Sunday 16 March at Kelmscott’s beautiful Rushton Park, the seven-piece B Movie Heroes band will provide a rock orchestra sound and compelling melodies for an appreciative audience. B Movie Heroes are regular festival performers, winning WA Music Industry Association Awards for their folk and roots, acoustic and world music acts.

The final concert on Saturday 5 April at Minnawarra Park takes a different path, with Perth tenor Jay Weston performing. Capable of a wide variety of styles, including opera, classical, musical theatre and contemporary, Jay is also an accomplished pianist.

� CITY V IEWS NEWS FROM THE C ITY OF ARMADALE

ENVIrONmENt

Environmental volunteersCity of Armadale residents have demonstrated their concern for the environment by volunteering a record number of hours at local reserves and river foreshores in 2006/07.

Throughout the year, 175 environmental volunteers from 15 groups contributed 6,300 hours; while a further 725 volunteers recruited by the Armadale Gosnells Landcare Group contributed 1,396 hours.

This dedication to conserving and improving the local environment, through weed control and planting programs, equates to more than $152,000 per annum (based on $20/hr calculation).

“These figures indicate that City of Armadale residents are passionate about the area they live in and the need to preserve our bushland and reserves,” said Armadale Mayor Linton Reynolds.

“Our environmental volunteers are to be heartily congratulated for doing such a magnificent job and we hope their efforts continue.”

Additionally, $126,000 in environmental grants funding was attracted by volunteer groups during the year, up $27,000 on 2005/06.

Thanks to these grants, almost 110,000 plants were planted by volunteers in the region during 2006/07.

A thank you barbecue was held at Rushton Park for the City’s environmental volunteers in December and Cr Reynolds presented each volunteer with a gift and certificate to recognise their contribution.

Serious about recyclingReducing waste is an important issue in the City of Armadale.

The City, in partnership with the South East Metropolitan Regional Council (SEMRC), is investigating ways of reusing and recycling household rubbish through an Alternative Waste Treatment (AWT) facility.

A facility of this kind, located within a resource recovery park, would be able to extract organic material from waste and convert it into useful products such as compost or soil conditioner.

It is estimated an AWT could recover and recycle 70 per cent of the region’s 100,000 tonnes of annual household waste. Currently, only 24

per cent is recycled and the rest becomes landfill, which is not economically or environmentally sustainable.

The search is now on for a suitable facility site and to establish the optimum waste treatment technology.

The SEMRC is launching a campaign to promote the AWT and its push towards zero waste using cartoon-style characters Tilly and Zack. Look out for a brochure in your letterbox soon.

To find out more about AWT visit www.semrc.wa.gov.au

Organic educator recognisedA quest for better health through organic gardening has led Bedfordale’s Caralyn Lagrange to win a WA Environment Award.

Ms Lagrange, who established a 1.17 hectare organic garden on her property in 2004, won the 2007 Community Achievement – Individual Award for her commitment and excellence in environmental protection and conservation.

Her garden utilises water wise initiatives such as organic mulches and grey water recycling, is completely pesticide free and produces a huge range of certified organic vegetables, herbs and fruits through sustainable growing methods.

After battling cancer and depression in 2001, Ms Lagrange said she was now in good health and was able to share her organic gardening experiences through her role as an environmental educator.

“Winning this award is an acknowledgement that organic gardening is environmentally friendly, water wise and is great for your health,” Ms Lagrange said. “I hope now that more people will find out what I’m doing and apply it to their own gardening.

“I would also like to express my appreciation to the City of Armadale for supporting my endeavours and the establishment of my garden.”

Individuals and groups can visit Ms Lagrange’s property – which is split into distinct areas representing courtyard, backyard and farmyard gardens – and learn about organic growing. She runs regular tours and workshops from March through to November and is a participant in the Open Gardens Scheme.

Phone Caralyn Lagrange on 9498 1555 for more information.

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Councillor Contact List Heron Ward

Cr Linton Reynolds AM JP, Mayor Tel: 9390 7433

Cr Jim Stewart Tel: 9497 9524

Jarrah Ward Cr Pat HartTel: 9496 1634

Cr Laurie ScidoneTel: 9496 0445 Fax: 9496 3445

Lake WardCr Jeff Munn JP CMC Deputy Mayor Tel: 9390 6018

Cr June MacDonaldTel/Fax: 9399 1738

Minnawarra WardCr Keith LethbridgeTel: 9399 5270

Cr John KnezevichTel/Fax: 9497 1638

Neerigen WardCr Guenter BestTel: 9399 4371 Fax: 9497 3985

Cr Bob TizardTel/Fax: 9497 3469

Palomino WardCr Jim EvertsTel: 9399 6327 Fax: 9399 6833

Cr Wayne MaugerTel: 9399 4798

River WardCr Ruth ButterfieldTel/Fax: 9390 1459

Cr Henry Zelones JPTel: 9495 4073 Fax: 9495 4838

City of Armadale 7 Orchard Ave, Armadale Tel: 9399 0111 Fax: 9399 0184 www.armadale.wa.gov.au

COMMUNItY NEWS

City of Armadale Administration Centre Tel: 9399 0111 Fax: 9399 0184Email: info@armadale.wa.gov.au Address: 7 Orchard Avenue,

Armadale WA 6112Opening hours: Monday to Friday

8.15am to 4.45pm

Useful Council Numbers

City of Armadale newsletterThe City Views provides residents with information about Council policies, services, activities and community events. We welcome your articles and suggestions.

Next deadline: 7 March 2008 Email: Catherine Halsall at chalsall@armadale.wa.gov.au

Tel: 9399 0634 Fax: 9399 0184

Published by the Armadale City Council, Locked Bag 2, Armadale WA 6992

This newsletter is printed on environmentally friendly paper

Councillor profile – Wayne Mauger

New Councillor Wayne Mauger doesn’t do anything by halves, which will no doubt delight his constituents in the Palomino Ward.

A City of Armadale resident for 29 years, Cr Mauger has volunteered in the community at virtually every level – from parent helper, coach, committee member and club president at Little Athletics to the State Emergency Service as a volunteer, team leader, instructor and then unit coordinator.

A one time labourer and truck driver at the City’s depot and currently a crane driver with Tenix Alliance, Cr Mauger has also found time to study Occupational Health and Safety at university.

He volunteered with Police Rangers and became chief instructor before resigning from the post after four years. He remains a committee member and vice president of the Armadale PCYC.

A self described “average person”, Cr Mauger emphasises that any City of Armadale resident can contribute in the community and make a difference.

“I would encourage all other people to get involved in their community. You don’t have to be anyone special to volunteer your time at an organisation,” Cr Mauger said.

Elected to Council in October 2007, it has been a whirlwind few months for the 52 year old Armadale father of four.

“It has been very busy and I would like to thank all the other Councillors for their offers of assistance and for welcoming me to the team,” Cr Mauger said.

“I also want to say that my wife Sharon has always been supportive of my endeavours and I couldn’t do this without her.”

“I am looking forward to the year ahead and to working with the team at the City, both elected and staff.”

Last call for volunteersSeize the opportunity to be part of the fun and frivolity of dragon boat racing as over 1,000 paddlers compete in the National Dragon Boat Championships at Champion Lakes from 9 to 12 April 2008.

Event hosts, Dragon Boat WA are seeking volunteers to undertake a myriad of tasks including timekeeping, marshalling and assisting with boats.

To be part of the action contact Pauline Franklin at the City’s Volunteer Resource Centre on 9399 0629 or email volunteering@armadale.wa.gov.au

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City of Armadale Council and Committee MeetingsFebruary, March and April meeting cycles are displayed below. All meetings are held in the City of Armadale’s Administration Centre, 7 Orchard Avenue, Armadale and are open to the public.

February 2008

Mon 18 Feb 7pm City Strategy Committee

Tues 19 Feb 7pm Development Services Committee

Mon 25 Feb 7pm Council Meeting

March 2008

Tues 4 March 7pm Community Services Committee

Wed 5 March 7pm Technical Services Committee

Mon 10 March 7pm Council Meeting

Mon 17 March 7pm City Strategy Committee

Tues 18 March 7pm Development Services Committee

Tues 25 March 7pm Council Meeting

April 2008

Mon 7 April 7pm Technical Services Committee

Tues 8 April 7pm Community Services Committee

Mon 14 April 7pm Council Meeting

Mon 21 April 7pm City Strategy Committee

Tues 22 April 7pm Development Services Committee

Mon 28 April 7pm Council Meeting

The next South East Metropolitan Regional Council (SEMRC) Meeting will be held at the City of South Perth Civic Centre, Corner of Sandgate Street and South Terrace, South Perth at 6pm on 17 April 2008.

Recycle old phonesWith the scheduled closing down of the CDMA mobile phone network on 28 April, no doubt many City of Armadale residents have old phones and accessories lying around at home.

Now you can easily and safely dispose of them – by taking old mobile phone handsets, batteries, chargers and accessories to Armadale Library for recycling.

The library is a designated drop-off point for MobileMuster, the official recycling program of the mobile phone industry, which turns recovered materials into products such as plastic fence posts and jewellery.

Armadale Mayor Linton Reynolds advised residents not to throw their old mobiles into the rubbish bin. “Mobile phones, batteries, chargers and accessories are not biodegradable, so take all these items to Armadale Library, where they will be collected and recycled and won’t end up in landfill, polluting our environment,” Cr Reynolds said.

New play equipment for Gwynne Park A giant rope ‘spider web’ for climbing and games is the centrepiece of new play equipment recently installed at Gwynne Park in Seventh Road, Armadale.

The innovative equipment is sure to delight energetic local youngsters, along with new swings and ride-ons in the playground.

The equipment has been installed by the City of Armadale following a successful grant application to the Department of Local Government and Regional Development’s Outer Metropolitan Community Fund. Gwynne Park is the latest reserve to receive new play facilities, as part of the City’s ongoing upgrade of playgrounds in the region.

Garbage and recycling over EasterThere will be no garbage collections in the City of Armadale on Good Friday, 21 March – bins will be collected on Saturday 22 March instead.

The Armadale Landfill & Recycling Facility and Roleystone Greenwaste Site are also closed on Good Friday.

All other garbage collections will operate normally throughout the Easter period. For more information contact Waste Services on 9399 0124.