Northern Valley NewsNN

Dece

mber

Bindoon • Bullsbrook • Calingiri • Chittering • Dandaragan • Gingin • Muchea • Moora • New Norcia • Wannamal • Watheroo

56

2015

bindoon $105,000

Amy McAuliffe 0400 298 884

47 Hibbertia Way

CHEAPEST IN TOWN!!!Great value for money, build your dream home or investment property close to town, medical centre and other amenities enjoy beautiful views. No time limit to build!

Amy McAuliffe 0400 298 884

bindoon $489,000

21 Lakeside GroveBring your horse to this beautiful property adjoining bridle track with good fencing and a beautiful character filled split level 4x2 home. Property also has air con, pot belly, verandas, workshop, orchard, chookpen, scheme water, cul-de-sac location.

Lot 106 Coonabidgee Rd

44 acres of cleared, level farmland, easy to build on and ideal for livestock, horses or quad bikes. Fresh water soak, steel yards, unequipped bore and power available. Great value rural lifestyle block only 50 minutes from Joondalup.

gingin $347,500

Craig Hyne 0448 825 833

48 Shaw Street• Elevated position with ocean views to die for• Opposite a nature reserve strip,• Ideal holiday home one hour north of Perth• within walking distance to the beach• Sounds of the ocean can heard from the front • Must be viewed to really appreciate

guilderton $480,000

Natasha Ramage 0402 178 401

Welcomemoora

Wishing everyone in the Northern Valleys a very merry christmas and a happy, safe and

prosperous year in 2016

Tamieka Preston

For most of us, a delicious glazed ham will be the centerpiece of our Christmas table – but where does our ham hail from? It’s certainly the season to find out.

Linley Valley Pork is Western Australia’s largest pork grower, operating four pig farms across the state including two in the Northern Valleys region. Collectively they produce 40 per cent of WA’s pork-meat, processing it at the company-owned abattoir in Wooroloo. The brand is just one belonging to family-owned agri-business giant, Craig Mostyn Group.

Andrew Mostyn, Executive Director of Craig Mostyn Group says the decision to go into live production was one of opportunity; “Having started up the Linley Valley abattoir in 1999 we needed pig numbers to be not only sustained but also grow. So when one particular farmer wanted out of the industry we stepped in and purchased our Gingin and Mogumber farms.”

The good news for consumers is that all fresh pork available on supermarket shelves is grown in WA, as fresh pork-meat cannot be imported into the state. However, buyers must beware when purchasing frozen meat, including Christmas hams.

“To ensure your ham is made from 100 per cent Australian pork, buy a bone-in ham or look for the pink PorkMark logo,” says Australian Pork Limited’s Mitch Edwards who is behind ‘Australian Ham Week’ which runs this week, finishing on 6 December.

At Mogumber, our very own home-grown hams are thriving under the careful supervision of farm manager Kevin Watts – a man who really knows his pigs.

Kevin has spent the last 36 years working with pigs, gaining his experience from farms in the UK, USA, Portugal and now Australia.

“It’s not a job, it’s a lifestyle, it’s 24/7 365 days a year. Your hours are dictated by the animals,” he says, “As a kid, I always

wanted to work with animals, and I just took a liking to pigs.”

His affection for his animals is no more evident than in the boar-house where the massive males grunt raucously as they rush to greet him, eager for a scratch. He has invested a lot of time in these boars, as the farm relies totally on artificial insemination for their breeding program – and even has their own lab where they can monitor the viability of each collection.

Using frozen semen from South Australia to improve genetics in their nucleus herd also means no live pigs have ever entered the property, just one of the stringent bio-security controls in place to protect this animal asset from disease. Kevin was farming in the UK when foot and mouth disease tragically hit, and he says its something he hopes he’ll never see again – the isolation of the farm at Mogumber offers huge security.

Australia’s disease-free status is one of the key strengths of the industry – coupled with an ever-increasing protein demand from our Asian neighbours, who are just an overnight air-freight delivery away.

The agriculture sector is evolving rapidly to meet increasing demand, streamlining systems like feed and water delivery which at Mogumber are completely computer controlled. Jep Tolentino, who has worked on the farm since emigrating from the Philippines in 2006, monitors daily rations as well as shed temperatures from the office. On big company-owned farms like this one the latest technology means cost efficiencies.

“We’re no longer throwing a rock at the silo to see how much feed is left” jokes Kevin.

Linley Valley Pork are also striving to lead the way in higher welfare, responding to consumer demand to change the way animals are raised. Although not yet required by legislation their farrowing houses use the ‘freedom crate’ system allowing the sow more room, as well as group housing for pregnant sows.

So when you’re shopping for your Christmas ham this year – buy local! You’ll be keeping your dollars in WA as well as enjoying a high quality, high welfare and an exceptionally tasty product.

Home-grown hams

Jep Tolentino and Kevin Watts with the young pigs at Linley Valley Pork’s Mogumber farm

It’s your news...

Northern Valleys News DECEMbEr 20152 www.nvnews.com.au

emergeNcy NumbersNon-emergency ambulance number 131 233

HealthDirect 1800 022 222

Fire Brigade 000

Police - Emergency 000

Police Attendance 131 444

Police (Gingin) 9575 5600

Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000

Police Headquarters 9222 1997

Poison 13 11 26

Chittering Ranger A/H 0427 699 701

Gingin Ranger 9575 2211

It’s your in the Northern Valleys

Northern Valleys News is a community newspaper available FREE at local newstands. Print run: 6000

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Welcome to the December issue of the Northern Valleys News. Not only is it Christmas, but this December we welcome our Northerly neighbours, Moora and Dandaragan into the Northern Valleys News – it’s surely shaping up to be a spectacular month!

Christmas parties are on their way along with the serious heat and the last vestiges of green fading from the valleys. In bindoon, we’ve already had a taste of firey fury – an early warning to prepare for the bush-fire season. There are quite a few articles this month which can help you get bush-fire ready, and also a few ways you can help those who suffered in the most recent onslaught.

I hope you’ll join us as we begin to uncover the talents and achievements of the towns now included in our region. I for one am excited to discover more about what lies north. In relation to disasters, Moora’s townsfolk are pros – their recovery from the Moora floods makes legendary history, reminding us of the pro’s of small country towns. Yes we face fires, droughts and painfully slow internet, but we also enjoy powerful kinship and strong community spirit.

To our new readers we hope you like this semi-rural local paper that is a blend of lifestyle and agricultural interests. It is a feel-good publication designed to uncover our community’s great secrets and treasures.

Many thanks to all our advertisers and contributors who make the Northern Valleys News possible. We appreciate your assistance and support enormously.

Tamieka Preston Editor

Northern Valleys News - helping to grow our regional community.

Deadlines for the January issue of

NVNews: Deadline for

advertising material is:

Monday, 28 December by 5pm.

Deadline for editorial and submissions is:

Tuesday, 29 December by 5pm.

Please endeavour to meet the deadlines - the sooner

you send it in - the better the chance we can include it, and

we do love to receive your local news stories!

Please send the copy exactly as you would like it to appear

in the paper, and attach a relevant photo.

Please send all submissions to Tamieka@nvnews.com.au

and phone 041 9902 904 if you have any queries.

Co-produced by Jackie Shervington and Tamieka Preston

Editor: Tamieka Preston Phone: 0419 902 904 Email: tamieka@nvnews.com.au

Advertising: Tamieka Preston Phone: 0419 902 904 Email: tamieka@nvnews.com.au

Published by Northern Valleys News PO Box 206, Bindoon, 6502

www.nvnews.com.au

Printed by Rural Press Printing 7 Rafferty Close Mandurah WA 6210

Your paper, your news. All attempts have been made to include accurate and full coverage across the region, but we are sure to have missed something. Please help us by emailing your feedback to the editor@nvnews.com.au or call on 0419 045 783 or post to NV News PO Box Bindoon 206

The ‘Northern Valleys’ region

G a l l e r y & G i f t S h o p

Bindoon

Chitterbug

Closed from Monday 21st December 2015 and reopening on

Friday the 15th January 2016.

Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday 9.00 - 4.30pm.

29 Binda Place, Bindoon Ph 045 666 7508

read the NVNews online

www.nvnews. com.au

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editor’snote

If you would like to promote your event

here, email to tamieka@nvnews.com.au

you can also post your local events on the

Northern Valleys events Promotion facbook page–

It’s free

Sunday 6 December

Christmas in the Park, Bindoon.

Monday 7 December

Christmas Carols – Bindoon Town Hall

7-9pm

Tuesday 8 December

Magic of Bush medicine workshop, Moora

Thursday 10 December

An afternoon with Rosemary. 1:30 PM ·

Wannamal Community Centre

Saturday 12 December

Christmas Twilight Market. 5pm - 8pm

Immaculate Heart College, 34 Santa

Gertrudis Drive, LOWER CHITTERING

Ph 9571 8135

Watheroo Xmas Tree Ph Denise 9651 1770

Wednesday 16 December

Moora Bed Race at 5:30pm.

Saturday 19 December

Wannamal Christmas gathering

Sunday 20 December

Carols by Candelight at the Sound Shell in

Granville Park, Gingin. See ad this page

Lower Chittering Christmas tree event

Chittering Farmers Markets,

Edmonds Place, BINDOON. 8.30am – 1pm

Wednesday 31 December

New Years Eve rodeo hosted by Mogumber

Outback Club . See back page

Monday 26 January

Australia Day Breakfasts will be held all

around the Northern Valleys region. More

information in the January issue.

Magic of Bush Medicine and Bush Foods workshopJoin Moore Catchment Council, Viv Hansen of binyaarns bush Medicine, and Steve McCabe of beyond Gardens for a hands-on and info packed day on 8th December 2015.

Where: Moora bowling Club, Gardiner Street, Moora, at 9:15am for 9:30am - 4pm.

rachel 9653 1355 / 0409 296 264 or mcc.nrmo@bigpond.com

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

James, Peter, Den, Neal and Mary-Anne and the Team at Bindoon IGA would like to wish all our customers a very Merry Christmas and a happy New

Year and all the best for 2016. We thank all our customers for their support throughout 2015 and continue looking forward to seeing you instore in 2016.

BINDOON IGA - OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 8AM - 7PM Fruit & Veg, Meat, Deli, Dairy, Freezer, Grocery & Variety.

Christmas Services in the New Norcia Abbey Church;

24 December - Midnight mass 10.30 pm

25 December, Christmas Day - Mass at 9am

1 January - Mass 7.30am

2 January - Ecumenical Carol service, tea in parlour from 4pm, service at 5 pm

Anglican ServicesSunday 13 December Moora – 10:30am

Wednesday 23 December. Moora – Time TbA.

25 December, Christmas Day Gingin – 8 am bindoon – 8 am Christmas Day

Services at New Norcia

Moora Annual Bed Race and Christmas festival

The ‘Northern Valleys’ region has been created to describe the very unique valleys that lie north of Swan Valley. This region offers a richly-diverse landscape of valleys, rivers and farmlands. It covers the shires of Chittering, Gingin, City of Swan, Victoria Plains and now, Moora and Dandaragan.

Here’s where we go

Bullsbrook pop-up play space The City of Swan is bringing pop-up play to brearley Park in bullsbrook from 25 Nov – 11 Dec.

For further information contact the rural Place Manager on 0409 619 971 or visit www.swan.wa.gov.au

If you’ve never seen hospital beds being raced at high speed down a street then you’re missing out. The Moora Annual bed race shuts down the main street in Moora with Christmas festivities, street food and markets and late night shopping. It’s a family-friendly event, sponsored by the Moora local drug action group and inspired by the Moora speedway.

Wednesday 16 December at 5:30pm.

GINGIN COMMUNITY CAROLS IN THE PARKSUNDAY, 20th DECEMBER, 2015, 4.30 pm - 9. 00 pmSound Shell, Granville Park, Gingin

With: Wanneroo Challenge Brass BandMajor Sponsors: Firm Construction, Bendigo Bank, Lion’s Club, Shire of GinginFREE SAUSAGE SIZZLE AND OTHER FAMILY FUN EVENTSEnquiries: 9575 3089

Gingin Christian Fellowship, Anglican and Uniting Churches

WELCOME

At the

Native flowers for your festive tableLocally crafted flower arrangements for your Christmas table, using locally grown wildflowers. From $35. Call Vivienne 0420 352 958

BindoonChristmas in Clune Park on Sunday December 6 is providing entertainment for the whole family. The kid’s activities will be starting at 4pm, Santa will be arriving to hand out presents at 5pm and a sausage sizzle will be starting shortly thereafter. Contact Nahrel Dallywater on 0407 114 544 for more information.

GinginChristmas in the Park, Sunday 20 December 2014, 4:30 - 9pm, Granville Park, Gingin. Free fun for kids includes face-painting, baby animal farm and craft activities. See ad below

ChitteringJoin us on Sunday 20 December at 4 - 8pm, for the Lower Chittering Christmas Party at Lower Chittering Hall

Live music, free kids entertainment, inflatable basketball, games and a visit from Santa. Twilight markets. NO bYO alcohol.

Sausage Sizzle (to support your local fire brigade

* bring a gift for your child/children, with their name on, for Santa to hand out. Maximum value $15.

Contact Julie on 0417 585 177 for more info.

christmas events in the Northern Valleys

WannamalTo celebrate the spirit of Christmas in Wannamal this year, trees around the Wannamal Hall will be wrapped and decorated. This exciting and engaging display will have a theme of “the twelve trees of Christmas”. If you are driving through Wannamal during December make sure you stop and take a closer look at this creative art-form!

The Wannamal Christmas Tree is being held on Saturday 19 December with Father Christmas arriving around 5.30pm.

WatherooThe Watheroo Community Christmas Party and Sundowner will be held Saturday 12 December at 5.00pm

Meet, greet, mingle and enjoy a night of fellowship with your community. Everyone welcome. ContactDenise 0427 517 142

MUNGALA ALPACA SHOP

Located at the Gingin Railway Station – Jones St, Gingin.

We now have a new summer range of West. Aust. designed Lifestyle Collection

garments. Soft, luxurious & easy wear fabrics, as well as lightweight alpaca/silk &

alpaca/cotton for summer conditions. Pearl jewellery and gift ideas.

Open 9.30am to 3.30pm Friday to Sunday, Public Holidays & by appointment.

Phone 0427 702324.

The Northern Valleys region

Gingin Uniting Church servicesSunday 13 DecemberCarol and Nativity Service at Gingin Uniting Church at 10 am.Thursday 24 DecemberChristmas Eve Service at Gingin Uniting Church at 7 pm, followed by supper.

out & about...NN

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out & about... NN

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Gingin Men’s shed official opening st John ambos celebrate 50 years

aggie’s cottage

15 Binda Place, Bindoon • Tel: 9576 0060 • Like us on Facebook for the latest specials and news!

Specialising in good old fashioned country service, a great range of quality products and hand-made award winning gourmet sausages.

Taking Christmas orders now

Bruce Watson and Her Excellency the Honourable Kerry Sanderson AO Governor of Western Australia

Irene Neville and Gill WheatleyWendy Harris, Rob Kestel and Linda Balcombe

Senior Branch Manager of Bendigo Bank Gingin, Stephen Fidge and State Manager of Bendigo Bank, Simone Ellul

Wan and Ian Gibb, Tom Cabassi and Tim Morris

Honorary Freeman, Norm Wallace, Shire President Cr David Roe, Frank Butler and Cr Robert Brodie-Hall

Bryan Hon Martin Aldridge MLC

Cr Wayne Fewster, Graham and Leonie Hastie and Lynley Fewster

June Wallace and Lana Collard

Max Fewster, Michael Doherty and Bruce Napier

Eric Regan and Dominic D’Annunzio

Cr Sam Collard and Mike O’Doherty

John and Phil Tremlet

Eddie, Glenys and Ben McQillan and Stephanie

On Saturday 7 November the Gingin Men’s Shed was declared officially open by Her Excellency the Honourable Kerry Sanderson AO Governor of Western Australia, in her role as Patron of Western Australian Men’s Shed Association.

Well over 200 members and guests gathered in the impressively large custom-built shed on it’s new premises at Dewar rd. Collaboratively supported by Shire of Gingin, bendigo Community bank, Lottery West and the local community, the Gingin Men’s shed, like many of those which are popping up around the Australia, and indeed the world, is testament to what can be achieved when community groups have an important goal.

borrowing the Governor’s own words - it represents ‘good old

fashioned mate-ship at its best.’

A notable achievement of the Gingin Men’s Shed is the restoration of the iconic Gingin Water Wheel, a landmark of the town. Frank butler, who rebuilt the wheel in 1978, was present at the opening.

“The sight of the wheel in the lovely green park was one I have always enjoyed when visiting Gingin, and the picnic facilities always make visitors feel welcome,” commented Her Excellency.

There are countless people who have contributed time and money to this valuable asset for the town, and the Gingin Men’s shed hope the facility will grow to welcome more men for years to come. “We’re hoping more younger men will join,” said Chair Jim Selkirk.

The setting was superb and the afternoon divine as the sun sparkled on the lake at Aggie’s cottage in Dandaragan for the annual Christmas pop-up shop. Shoppers chatted and sipped champagne while perusing the offerings from ‘city’ shops Panache in Guildford, Jude Taylors studio, Ollie rose and Scout Home and Soul. Local artisans included Natalie Tonkin with her popular hand-thrown pottery, Nyree-Jane Taylor with her large-scale covetable artworks and Jane roberts with her home-spun Christmas puddings. Jeanne d’Moore enticed with a fabulous selection from the Moora shop including beautiful vintage Christmas decorations. A tidy sum was raised towards the upkeep of Aggies cottage, and many an item ticked off Christmas lists.

Annette Howard took home this beautiful piece made by Natalie Tonkin. Annette, left with Karen van Beek

Jon Taylor, Julie Thiel and Pam Martin

Kathryn Court and Nyree-Jane Taylor

Richard Cooper and Tracey Cook

Muff Edmonds and Carol Johns

Sally Calder and Kylie Wedge

Lana and Shae with Northern Valleys Fruit Pops - Yum!

Sue Austin, Joan Cook, Kate Johnston, Margo Steadman and Jane McTaggart

On Sunday, 8 November Hall, 120 invited guests attended a celebration to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Chittering/Gingin Ambulance Service. Full story page 7

Above left: Darryl Butler, Ivor Evans, Phil Tremlett, Darryl Kemp and David Brisbane

Julian Smith St John Ambulance WA Country Service and Sally Gifford, current Chairperson of Chittering/Gingin Sub Centre Robyn Taylor, Vicki Humphry and

Josie O’Reilly catching up

Lesley Walker, Rob Hansen and Max Walker

Gina Kenny and Gwenda Whyatt

Anna, Rayana and Georgia

Above: Chittering/Gingin Chairpersons - Rick Choules, Sally Gifford, John Fewster, Darryl Kemp, Vee Cheriton and Bob Blizard

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recently the Department of Agriculture and Food WA released a suite of mobile phone apps, one of which will assist the community to report Stable Fly and other pest outbreaks. The new app, called MyPestGuide reporter, is available to download free of charge for both iPhone and Android smart phones. MyPestGuide reporter lets anyone reports pests and maps it online.

The second app, called MyPestGuide Crops is more often used for identifying and reporting specifically on pests in grain crops. It is suggested that this app is not downloaded unless you wish to search for information about crop pests.

To download the MyPestGuide reporter on your phone, open your preferred iPhone or Android (Play Store) app downloader, use the search mechanism for apps looking

for ‘MyPestGuide reporter’ and ask it to download. Follow the instructions to set it up. It is helpful if you register your contact details, so that we can contact you if necessary.

When using the MyPestGuide reporter app on your smart phone, you have the ability to take and

submit up to four photos. The app will automatically locate the observation site (if the phone’s GPS or location remains on), you can describe what you see and where, and then it will store the submitted information in a folder for you.

The report page walks you through attaching photographs, and you can see if the automatic location of the device is on or off. You are able to give an address or other location in the ‘Where’ text box instead, if your GPS is not turned on, or if you wish to report an outbreak in a different location to your current one.

One note in sending a report, in the box ‘Send report to….’ Please click on the arrow, and scroll down to ‘Stable fly reports’ as it will get to the Stable Fly Group much quicker.

Once you have sent the report to the Department of Agriculture and Food,

the information is verified by an expert, mapped online as per where the report was sent from based on the location, and discussed if necessary with local shires. (Which is why it’s important to leave the location turned on). Then the photos and information are securely stored on a DAFWA database allowing us to contact you, if required, as well as to send a message back to you on your device. To obtain the expert feedback the user needs to refresh or download reports in the main menu as this draws the information from the database onto your phone.

DAFWA can also use the information to respond to the report if an exotic pest is found, and to help gather all similar reports and map them together to highlight pest hotspots or pest outbreaks which might impact an industry.

You are able to ask for someone to ring you on your mobile as soon as they receive the report, and you can agree to or disallow your report to be shared with others publicly on the online map. Sharing allows the build up of useful information and affords DAFWA the opportunity to be able to accumulate a number of similar reports and make them available to the public, as necessary. For example, when representatives of other countries ask us if we are free from certain pests or disease, they can be supplied with up-to-date reports, thus helping to keep our markets open for trade.

You don’t have a mobile phone that can run an app, or you are not confident??, then you can use the same set-up on your computer by clicking on this link: https://mypestguide.agric.wa.gov.au. Here you can submit your own reports and view the community’s pest reports, too! The set up for your computer is similar to the mobile phone app.

Further questions? 1800 084 881 or mypestguide@agric.wa.gov.au

 

 

New app reports stable fly

Jane Ryan

Imagine if you can... The year is 1962, you’ve been involved in an accident and require transport to hospital. On arrival a Holden station wagon is the makeshift ambulance – and the stretcher is an old army stretcher that has had the handles cut down so it can fit in the back of the wagon. This was how the Volunteer Ambulance brigade made do to help those in the Chittering community who required urgent medical attention.

Moving along to 1965.... A public meeting was called as there was an obvious need for a purpose-built ambulance to service the area. With the backing and support of the community, fundraising went into overdrive to take possession of a Dodge ambulance.

Fast forward 50 years to today... You’re being transported to hospital in a European, purpose-built emergency vehicle, with new technology and advanced first aid

equipment. This is how the Volunteer Ambulance Officers in 2015 help those in the Chittering/Gingin community who require urgent medical attention.

There are two common factors with these scenarios – volunteers and helping the community for the service of humanity.

On Sunday, 8 November 2015 at bindoon Town Hall, 120 invited guests attended a celebration to mark this 50th Anniversary. Attendees from the first Ambulance brigade: drivers, Despatch operators, home nursing carers, trainers, ambulance officers, past and present committee members, community members who volunteer in varying capacities and representatives from St John Ambulance WA

joined together for a ‘High Tea’.

As well as a display of uniform and equipment memorabilia, friends were reacquainted and countless stories reminisced, which made for a cheerful occasion.

To quote a former volunteer ambulance officer and chairperson, “The period I spent with the sub-centre was one of the most rewarding times of my life. To be involved with such wonderful people who just wanted to be there to help save lives of others was a privilege.”

Thank you to all St John Ambulance volunteers. We applaud the important role you play in providing first aid services freely to the community, cultural and sporting events.

Members of the original committee who were instrumental in establishing an ambulance service, Norm Wallace, Ron Pollard, Margaret Vallentine, Bob Blizard and Murray Kay

Chittering/Gingin Ambulance Service celebrates 50th anniversary

Then and now - the ambulances on display

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A glorious restorationTamieka Preston

built in 1911, St James Anglican church in Moora is undergoing it’s first major renovation in 100 years and the building has become a source of great pride for the team of local tradies working on it.

A handsome bequest from former wheatbelt resident betty Kay has made the renovations possible. Planning and drawings for the project began over a year ago. Local parish members Peter and Caroline Nixon, who have had a long association with the church, are overseeing the restoration.

Under direction from the Anglican church council, they have enlisted the help of Moora-based builder

John brassington to take on the major works involved in restoring the church to it’s former glory. John has begun inside, re-plastering walls, painstakingly stripping back the timber work and re-varnishing using the original method of shellac. John used scaffolding to reach the soaring ceilings and has done all the work by hand. Already the interior is glowing and will be bathed in fresh light for the upcoming Christmas services.

Cabinet-maker Darren Gibson, who along with wife Alison owns and runs DG Cabinets, a local business specialising in custom built kitchens and furniture, has also been enlisted in the project. Darren was entrusted with the job of restoring the original pews as well designing

and constructing a set of grand entry doors.

The 100 year old pews were made with a glue which had deteriorated over time and many had to be strapped together as they were relocated to the DC Cabinets workshop to be reglued and varnished. They are now glossy and sturdy and back in their church home, ready for another 100 years of patronage.

Darren has also crafted a beautiful set of entry doors made from jarrah timber. He designed the doors from scratch, echoing the shape of the delicately arched clerestory windows.

Although he generally reserves his church visits for Christenings and funerals, Darren, like many of the tradespeople working on this renovation, can’t help but be inspired by this beautiful building – and Darren says it’s been a fantastic opportunity to work with the church council to deliver a project of such a high standard.

restorations are continuing on the church and are expected to be completed in time for an official re-consecration scheduled for February 2016.

Darren and Alison Gibson in front of the stunning new entry doorsSt James Anglican church, Moora Darren working on the pews

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It’s your news...

Research to improve resistance to costly wheat fungal diseaseresearch is underway that will pave the way for new, improved wheat varieties that are more resistant to a significant fungal disease that costs Western Australian growers $108 million each year.

Stagonospora nodorum blotch (SNb) is widespread across the Wheatbelt, especially the high rainfall zone, which results in shrivelled grain and average yield losses of 9 per cent.

Department of Agriculture and Food is using new genomic technology from its counterparts in Victoria to identify and track gene combinations that produce resistance to SNb, for future use in breeding new commercial wheat varieties.

The research is funded by the Grain research and Development Corporation’s (GrDC) Effective Genetic Control of SNb project, with wheat gene and DNA marker analysis from the State Agricultural biotechnology Centre at Murdoch University.

Department senior research officer Michael Francki said the project drew on previous GrDC funded research to identify the sources of resistance to SNb.

“We have searched for wheat lines from across Australia and overseas to source germplasm that will allow us to develop wheat plants with high levels of SNb resistance,” Dr Francki said.

“It is quite a complex process, as it is the accumulated effect of several genes that creates resistance to the fungal disease, but we have now targeted the genes to deploy into breeding wheat suitable for WA growing regions.”

The research has benefitted greatly from the recent sequencing of the wheat genome, effectively providing a DNA map of the structure and function of genes that provide resistance to SNb.

Dr Francki said it was important to test the new SNb resistant germplasm in field trials to evaluate its suitability for WA production environments.

“We need to find the best combination of genes from different sources that give a suitable level of resistance in varieties for WA,” he said.

“This will give crop breeding companies more confidence about the environmental influence on resistance levels when they choose germplasm and use DNA markers to select these genes in breeding.”

If the field trials are successful, suitable germplasm is expected to be made available to Australian wheat breeding companies in 2017, after which it will take at least five years to develop new commercial varieties.

Bindoon ablazeThe fire which started on Grey rd, bindoon in the early afternoon of Sunday 22 November burnt approximately 850 hectares. Unfortunately one house and at least two sheds were lost during the incident.

Under the circumstances (high temperature and winds) DFES felt that the outcome was a successful one and praised the community for their preparation prior to fire season.

According to Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Incident Controller, brad Miles, the cause of the fire was undetermined, but that the point of origin (bottom of Gray road) had been identified.

At a community meeting brad acknowledged communication challenges with no access to power and at times no phone coverage.

brad reminded residents that being prepared for many

situations was essential when living in country areas.

brad also shared information about “brAG”, bushfire ready Action Groups. Locals are encouraged to form something as simple as a telephone tree for their immediate area to assist with the sharing of information and in order for assistance to be offered within the group as required.

Many readers will have also seen that lifelong resident, George Ferguson, sustained burns to his legs whilst fighting the fire.

Sadly the Drummond Family, and Darleen Leeson and her children lost their homes in the fire. An appeal has been set up on gofundme.com or donations can be made at the bindoon IGA. The bindoon op shop is also offering support.

We join the community in thanking volunteers, DFES staff and career fire fighters for their efforts and the great result that was achieved under the circumstances.

Just a grassfire?Jackie Shervington

One thing I have been quite surprised by in the recent bushfires both here and Esperance is the speed of the grassfires.

A reminder that grassfires can be just as dangerous as bushfires. They can start and spread rapidly, travelling at speeds of up to 25 km per hour, quickly threatening lives and property.

Grass is a fine fuel and burns faster than bush or forests.

Grassfires tend to be less intense and produce fewer embers than bushfires, but still generate enormous amounts of radiant heat.

The taller and drier the grass, the more intensely it will burn.

The shorter the grass, the lower the flame height and the easier the fire will be to control. Short grass (under 10cm) is a much lower risk.

Grassfires can start earlier in the day

Thank you to all our wonderful

volunteer firefighters!

than bushfires because grass dries out more quickly when temperatures are high.

It’s no surprise that top of the list in all fire management plans is to cut grass around the home. reduce the height and proximity of grass to buildings and other assets by:

• Slashing or mowing (get yourself a ride-on mower or push mower)

• Grazing

• Spraying and using herbicide

by reducing the amount of grass and other fine fuels around your buildings and other assets you can create a defendable space – a space which limits the ability of a moving grassfire to ignite a building through direct flame contact or radiant heat. It’s important that you create and maintain a defendable space around all the assets you want to protect. It’s too late to begin spraying and slashing as the fire approaches. You must prepare before the fire season.

Photo: Charly Pietraszek

Theo Bekkers Photo: Charly Pietraszek

Main Roads Bill unacceptableWAFarmers condemns the Main roads Amendment bill 2015 which was introduced into State Parliament by Transport Minister Dean Nalder yesterday and was read for both the first and second time, without allowing for feedback.

The bill, if accepted, would amend the Main roads Act 1930 and the Environmental Protection Act 1986 to impose fees for heavy vehicle users on prescribed routes, increase penalty levels, enhance regulation making powers, impose the ability to clear native vegetation if urgently required without permits, and would allow for the Commissioner of Main roads to resume private land for environmental offsets and any other reason.

WAFarmers President Dale Park said the surprise bill could not possibly be expected to be passed without a fight from opposition, advocacy groups and individual property owners.

“Minister Nalder has not only introduced a bill that would give Main roads an irresponsible amount of power, but would see the legislation passed without going through the proper process and consultation to allow for comment,” Mr Park said.

“The ability of the Main roads Commissioner to easily acquire and dispose of property will be an attack on farmers’ property rights if the bill were passed.

“Additionally, the bill ‘s explanatory

memorandum clearly states that the bill would allow for roads unrelated to the Perth Freight Link to be included on the heavy vehicle charging scheme, which is completely unacceptable.”

Mr Park said that while WAFarmers were still reviewing the proposed legislation, their initial concerns were surrounding the erosion of property rights, the risk that any road in the state could have a toll imposed on it, and that it was without the checks and balances of Ministerial approval.

Given the lack of consultation before this bill was introduced, WAFarmers have difficulty believing that any consultation would take place before land was resumed or tolls imposed, if the bill was passed.

More volunteers are needed in local fire brigades!

Can you help?Local Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades welcome residents who are prepared to join and assist in fire prevention and firefighting. If you are interested in being a part of this important community service please contact your local Shire office.

Volunteer fire fighters learn to operate the wide array of equipment, vehicles and appliances used in fire suppression operations. Equipment used includes charged hose lines, portable pumps, tankers and communications. Induction training is available for all new volunteers.

You need not be an ‘active’ fire fighter but be part of the Incident Support Brigade which is of great assistance to our active fire fighters and support crews in areas such as headquarters operations, welfare, communications, recruitment and Bush Fire Ready Groups.

Left: Volunteer firefighters Craig Spencer Anne-Maree Hagge after the Bindoon fires. Craigs house was saved, but his garden and a studio perished.

Shire of Chittering Community Emergency Manager Jamie O’Neill says more volunteers are needed to build depth and experience in the brigade. He is also concerned about the number of volunteers available mid week.

Photo: DAFWA senior research officer Dr Michael Francki is leading research to identify the combination of genes that will increase resistance to the significant wheat fungal disease SNB.

Northern Valleys News DECEMbEr 201512 www.nvnews.com.au 13 www.nvnews.com.au

Northern Valleys News DECEMbEr 201514 www.nvnews.com.au

The Southern Cross

Keeping in TouchFrom The Team in the Pink shirts

Livestock

From the AuctioneerJim Sangalli – Elders Rural Services - Midland

Elders MidlandJim Sangalli: Branch Manager

0417 706 996

LivEStock 6350 3300

Don Morgan: Muchea/Stud Stock 0429 721 156

Preston clarke: Sales Gingin South 0429 111 797

Nigel Hunt: Sales Bindoon North 0437 970 006

chad Golding: Sales 0427 192 566

RuRaL BaNk 6350 3388

John Dingle: District Banking Manager

0419 792 620

Lisa Mann: Deposits 6350 3323

FaRM SuPPLiES 6350 3344

Brad thompson: Manager 0429 116 033

Bryan Burrell: Sales Representative 0428 591 208

Matthew Nalder: Sales Representative 0418 737 238

REaL EStatE 6350 3300 Jock Henry: Bullsbrook & Surrounds

0428 887 781 Sonya cuesta: Lancelin 0407 446 372

iNSuRaNcE 9294 6666

Jon Nelson: 0417 913 121

14 clayton Street, Bellevue

or visit elders.com.au/elders-midland

Muchea Sheep 1/12/15

Elders reports a total yarding of 9960 Sheep and Lambs at the Muchea Livestock Centre on Tuesday December 1.

With the majority of processors in operation the lamb market eased in value with best Poll Dorset cross lambs to a top of $122.

Ewe mutton numbers were approximately 2700 head to be down on last week with this market down $2-$3 on last sale. best July shorn ewes sold to a top of $67.50 per head.

Again wethers and rams were in short supply to remain equal to last sale with October shorn wether hoggets selling to $100.

Muchea Cattle 30/11/15

Today’s larger yarding contained solid numbers of local weaned young cattle but was again dominated by pastoral cattle. The 249 calves were also sold by open auction. Numbers were fairly evenly spread between bulls, cows heifers and steers. Quality was mixed with some well-finished drafts along with-lighter conditioned young cattle suitable for restockers and feeders. Prices were very strong, particularly for the better bred young cattle suitable for feeders, live exporters and to the trade. Older cattle to processors also saw moderate price increases with increased competition from a larger field of buyers.

Weaned young cattle sold strongly with steers from 280-327c, the heavier drafts averaging close to 320c/kg. Weaned heifers also sold from 260-304c/kg and were firm on last week. Yearling steers made 250-314c, firm to 15c dearer including better bred pastoral drafts which sold to a top of 290c/kg. Yearling heifers were mixed with better local drafts 230-283c and plain and pastoral heifers made from 140-209c/kg. Prices were from 15c cheaper for pastoral drafts to 15c/kg for better quality local drafts. Trade cattle sold well feeders competing for better lines. Trade steers made 272-322c, firm, with the trade heifers from 260-304c/kg and marginally dearer than last week.

Grown steer quality was mixed, the better local drafts making 250-280c and better pastoral sales 240-270c/kg, both equal on last week. Grown heifer supply improved with better pastoral sales easing in excess of 10c and making 180-240c, plain drafts sold from 150c/kg. Cow prices eased on supply, the light-weight cows making 120-188c/kg for the majority. The D2 cows to processors made 170-203c with the better conditioned and heavy-weight cows firm to 5c easier and making 170-232c/kg. bull prices lifted, particularly the better quality lighter weight drafts. Light-weight drafts suitable for export orders made 240-352c with the medium and heavier export bulls from 210-270c/kg. Heavy bulls to processors were slightly dearer making 170-205c/kg.

Northern ValleysNorthern ValleysProPerty

15 www.nvnews.com.auElders Midland Rural Ph 6350 3300

buLLSbrook18 Meadowbrook ramble $695,000

Fantastic Family Home - Price reduced 2.01 Ha 4.96 Ac • This 5 bedroom, 2 bathroom plus study

home will not disappoint!

• Includes Home Theatre / separate lounge and great country outlook

• Great location and adjoins the Bridal Trail, only 4 kms from Bullsbrook town centre, rural yet not remote.

• There is a good balance of pasture, trees, paddocks, animal, poultry yard, sheds.

• Easy keep gardens, fantastic outdoor “Aussie” BBQ area

• Property is on the school bus route

• Located at the entrance to the Iconic Chittering Valley

Make a call to view this serenity today

Ian ‘Jock’ Henry • 0428 887 781 • Web ID 6751598

buLLSbrook 4 Doochary Street

Why Build? Just Move In...507 m2 (approx)

• Well designed new 4 bedroom 2 bathroom Commodore home

• Air conditioned and in new area within Bullsbrook town site

• Nearby school (100 metres), medical centre, shops and sporting facilities

• Modern design - landscaping completed

• Fully fenced, solar hot water system and solar panels so no more electricity bill shock

• Priced to sell - bargain buy - no extras

Give Jock a call for a private inspection

buLLSbrook2395 Great Northern Highway $865,000

opportunity knocks

2751 m2

• Location Location

• Currently leased with 3 years remaining

• Solid tenants with excellent reputation and good returns

• Option to expand with main road frontage - the worlds your oyster here!

• Be part of New North’s huge expansion

• Phenomenal growth happening now!

MucHEA1242 Almeria Parade $419,000

West Bullsbrook best buy 1012 m2rural Views Forever

• Tidy 3 x 1 air conditioned double brick home with easy keep gardens

• Bore, large rear shed / workshop / poultry yard

• Quiet street with easy access to Ellenbrook only 10 minutes away and Joondalup 20 minutes

• On school bus route with a true rural feel• Rear garden faces pasture grown land

with cattle and horses abound• This property would suit a tradesman with

vehicles (rural access), retiree or first home buyers

• All the hard work is done

Value buying here and priced to sell!

Ian ‘Jock’ Henry • 0428 887 781 • Web ID 8759054

Ian ‘Jock’ Henry • 0428 887 781 • Web ID 8158857

Ian ‘Jock’ Henry • 0428 887 781 • Web ID 8533372

Shady hills eclectic rural gem

87 Gibbard Place, BULLSBROOK.

From $ 1,200,000

Ian ‘Jock’ Henry 0428 887 781 Web ID 8995066

Feature Property

“Fara Kumba”5 plus secluded acres with uninterrupted views to National Park.

New ultra-modern minimalistic contemporary 6 bedroom, 3 bathroom, plus study, architecturally designed home with space to live in.

Many unique aspects here… open plan areas, high ceilings, eco rural design, low maintenance with all the bells and whistles - totally unique!

$435,000

Massive rainwater tank, year-round soak, automatic irrigation to garden and troughs.

Quality abode awaiting that special owner.

Private, rural, yet not in the least remote being just minutes from facilities and school bus route etc.

For further information or a private viewing of this spectacular property, please give ‘Jock’ a call.

Livestock production in the MidwestJennifer Bairstow, West Midlands Group

Dennis and robyn Martin are one of the most progressive and successful livestock producers in the badgingarra region.

The Martins run 2600 merino ewes, 2200 cross breeds and 280 breeding cows on two properties totalling 3,660 ha, 44 km north of badgingarra. They crop oats, lupin and barley. A proportion of the grain is sent to a milling company to produce stockfeed and the remainder is stored on farm for their livestock.

Mixed farming suits the Martin’s undulating landscape and its variations in productive capacity. The soils range from gravel on the breakaway hills to sand in the valleys.

The three top priorities Dennis believes for a successful livestock business in the mid-west region are:

• Stock feed all year round;

• reliable clean water; and

• Workable sheep/cattle yards that reduce time and labour.

Traditionally, the Martins grew a range of annual pastures such as sub-clover, and yellow and pink serradella. However there were issues with these pastures including:

• Serradella’s susceptibility to native budworm; and

• Patchy pasture germination due to variable rainfall and non-wetting soils.

After looking over the neighbour’s fence in 2010, Dennis decided to plant 20 ha of sub-tropical perennial pastures: rhodes, gatton panic and

lucerne with a disc seeder.

Dennis said, “One of the major benefits of growing perennials is when weaning calves, the bottom 10 per cent can be moved into the perennial paddock. This allows the calves to have a boost of vitamin E which aids digestion and enables them to self-medicate.”

“If there is no summer rain, you have the option of feeding livestock on dry grass. If you do get summer rain, this reduces the nutritional value of dry grass. However, the perennials will thrive and more than compensate for the loss of dry grass.”

In September 2015, another 20ha was clayed and spaded prior to planting perennials. This system helps overcome the non-wetting soils and the soil acidity issues. To date, there has been a 60- 70 percent germination.

This farming system will be adopted again next year where another 20-40 ha will be planted to perennials.

Dennis said, “One of the best advantages of being a West Midlands Group (WMG) member and being a part of the Livestock r&D Committee is having access to local research and development at your fingertips and being able to network with industry and research partners. You can read about different topics, however it’s more valuable when you meet people to share ideas and see firsthand how they operate their business and how you might be able to improve your own. The two research priorities that the group focuses on are soils (non-wetting soils and soil acidity) and feed. I encourage everyone who wishes to address these issues to become a WMG member and take full advantage of what there is to offer.”

West Midlands Group members, Dennis and Robyn Martin are utilising the rainfall available by diversifying feed for livestock and improving their paddocks.

17 www.nvnews.com.au

Northern Valleys Property and Land... NN

www.nvnews.com.au Northern Valleys News DECEMbEr 201516 www.nvnews.com.au

NN Northern Valleys Property and Land...

20 & 22 bottLebRuSH pLACe 2000m2

Invest + Renovate = prosper

Two blocks in convenient town site location, one with a 4 x 1 house in need of TLC, pool & shed, the other a vacant block with fruit trees. Savvy investor wanted!

Amy McAuliffe 0400 298 884

bINdooN $399,000 WANeRIe $395,000

GINGIN $465,000 bAMbuN $795, 000

9 FeWSteR St

Modern 4 x 2 in a quiet cul-de-sac. Big kitchen with stainless steel appliances. Large open plan dining/living room. Walking distance to Gingin District High School and all of Gingin’s local amenities. Large enclosed yard, big outdoor paved entertaining area. Fully enclosed 8 x 6m shed with power. Would suit investor or a young family just starting out.

tom Cabassi 0429 095 864

Lot 801 teLepHoNe Rd

private Location

40 hectares mainly bush block.Wildflowers abound, connected to Western Power.

Own your own peace of paradise in a very quiet location, only 40 minutes to Joondalup and 15 minutes to Two Rocks.

tom Cabassi 0429 095 864

2531 brand Hwy

best value for money

176 hectares (435 acres) Brand Highway frontage 5km south west of Gingin. Mostly cleared, with a good balance of soil types. A very good sized holding, close to the Muchea Livestock Selling Centre and the metro area. Very good fencing and stock yards.

tom Cabassi 0429 095 864

Fracking inquiry findings welcomedMember for Moore Shane Love has welcomed the findings of a fracking inquiry tabled in the Legislative Council today. The Standing Committee on Environment and Public Affairs tabled its 251 page report on Hydraulic Fracturing for Unconventional Gas, the culmination of two years’ work.

With a particular emphasis on environmental considerations, the Committee’s investigation on fracking detailed 51 findings and 12 recommendations, intended to assist decision makers to deliver the necessary safeguards in the regulation of hydraulic fracturing in WA.

Mr Love said the committee findings had confirmed that land access and the rights of resource companies to enter private land was one of the main areas of concern raised by the community.

“Of the 12 recommendations made, two related to landholder rights in negotiating with petroleum companies and mirrored suggestions I and my National Party colleagues have been advocating for some time now,” Mr Love said.

“recommendation five calls for the establishment of a statutory body such as Queensland’s GasFields Commission to act as an independent arbiter for landholders and gas companies.”

Mr Love said recommendation six suggested a statutory framework for land access agreements, including provision for compensation and mandatory access conditions.

“The Committee suggests modelling this

framework on Queensland’s Land Access Code, something I have been pushing for, for some time now,” Mr Love said.

“This framework could build on the concept of the Farm Land Access Agreement template announced two weeks ago in WA and developed by the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA), WA Farmers Federation, the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and Vegetables WA.

“The Nationals WA believe adherence to the Land Access Code should be mandatory.”

With respect to chemicals used, Mr Love strongly supported the Committee recommendation that the Government ban the use of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene during any hydraulic fracturing operations undertaken in WA.

Other areas of concern investigated by the committee included:

- how much water is used and alternatives to taking water from aquifers and

- the legacy of hydraulic fracturing on land and on communities.

The committee found that while there is significant concern amongst the community about the risks associated with hydraulic fracturing, at the same time there is a level of misinformation present in the public domain that can cause confusion and mistrust.

Mr Love called on the State Government to accept the Committee findings and act on its recommendations.

GINGIN/ CullullaThis architecturally-designed homestead is of rammed-earth construction with generous glazing filling the enormous living spaces with natural light. The home is grand by any measure; 1200sqm under

roof. Extensive outdoor entertaining areas.Commercial size 120 ft size shed and tool shed. Abundant water, solar bore, tanks, satellite and more. A formal dining room which separated by a lengthy gallery creating many different living spaces in the home.

Virgin bush covers 2/3 of the property with back third cleared, with two paddocks (around 300-400 acres) of gently undulating light soils.

825 Acres Offers

Rural Lifestyle Properties

Kris Teakle 0409 686 626

Perfect hobby farm or lifestyle property in great location. Flawless 5 year old large country home complete with all the mod-cons and the rural lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of.

The home holds commanding views over the immaculate gardens, paddocks, orchard, dam and winding driveway complete with it’s own bridge and welcoming plum blossoms.

Double door entry, big functioning kitchen, separate lounge and study are next to the impressive master suite. At the other end of the house you find 4 double bedrooms and an activity room. Finished off tastefully and in neutral tones the home

also has air conditioning, large wood heater (also connected to HWS), low maintenance tiles and carpets to the bedrooms. Leading off the open plan living is the impressive alfresco/bar area complete with sink and pizza oven. A backdrop of a beautiful tiered garden also holds a swimming pool, numerous plants and aviaries and leads to a separate spa room complete with shower and HWS.

The shed is just as impressive as the homestead, featuring a good sized granny flat completely set up (inc aircon and wood heater) attached to an 18m x 9m shed with mezzanine floor and a 6x6m lean-to.

There are so many features to this property, couldn’t possibly list them all! Come and inspect to appreciate the value in this beautiful rural retreat.

See it to believe it!!18 Brindle Close, Chittering. 12.35 acres. $849,000

Ph: Amy McAuliffe 0400 298 884

Feature Property

Help for private owners to protect heritage buildings Properties near bindoon, New Norcia and Walebing are among 27 Western Australian heritage projects to share funding under the State Government’s 2015-16 Heritage Grants Program.

Enderslea, near bindoon is to receive funding of $19,165, Glentromie, near New Norcia is to receive $7,175 and the Shire of Moora will receive $51,300 for a project at Walebing under the latest heritage grants program.

Announcing the grants today, Member for Moore Shane Love MLA said the funding helped private owners to conserve and revitalise a range of State registered heritage places across the State.

“In 2012, the Liberal National Government increased funding for the

Heritage Grants Program by committing an extra $1.046 million over four years,” Mr Love said.

“This year, 16 regional and 11 metropolitan places will receive funding, illustrating the importance the State Government places on supporting custodians of our heritage.

“The grants, when combined with owners’ contributions, will generate $2.72 million in conservation works around the State.”

Since the program’s inception in 1997, 717 heritage projects had received grants totalling nearly $17.1 million.

The grants program, overseen by the Heritage Council of WA, offers dollar-for-dollar funding to private owners for urgent conservation works or documentation to help plan future works.

It is one of the few grant programs in Australia to assist private owners with the costs associated with maintaining their heritage places.

Enderslea Farm

upper ChItterING 119ac (48 ha) For Sale eOI

5462 Great Northern Highway• Spectacular views of Lake Chittering.

• 3x2 brick and iron homestead with bull-nose verandahs. Country style kitchen with the wonderful views of Lake Chittering through the large bay window.

• Sheds – 30’x20’ fully enclosed workshop/

garage. Concrete floor and power and 75’x40’ fully enclosed with power and concrete floor.

• Divided into three paddocks with excellent soil type, the property is presently running cattle and cropping.

NN Northern Valleys Property and Land...

Northern Valleys News DECEMbEr 201518 www.nvnews.com.au www.nvnews.com.au 19 www.nvnews.com.au

NorTHerN VaLLeys garDeNINgwith Linsey Riddle – Northern Valleys Gardening on Facebook

“Dirty hands, iced tea, garden fragrances thick in the air and a blanket of colour before me, who could ask for more?” - bev Adams

When we think of summer we think of days at the beach, swimming in the pool, time in the garden and stunning sunsets – it is also, unfortunately, the season for bushfires.

One of the things we can do is to reduce the fuel load around our properties by pruning native shrubs, keeping the area clear of garden litter, including dry weeds, dead leaves and branches. Also remember to clean out gutters.

Another good idea is, if you are going to plant trees close to your home, to plant fire retardant trees. Some fire retardant trees may act as a green shield – a physical heat barrier. Some examples are; fruit trees and nearly all deciduous trees, including Fejoa, Gleditzia, Lilypily, Mulberry, Magnolia Little Gem, Prunus. Examples of fire retardant shrubs include: Coprosma, Oleander, Strelitzia and Viburnum Tinus. Fire retardant ground covers include: brachyscome, Carpobrotus (pigface), Dampiera and most succulents.

My top tips for this month:

• remember to leave out some water for the birds in a birdbath or some other shallow dish.

• Check on your reticulation to ensure all sprinklers, nozzles and drippers are working. It doesn’t take much for them to get blocked by sand or chewed by man’s best friend.

• Keep potted plants cool by adding mulch to the tops of them and standing them in saucers filled with moist sand.

• Strike semi-hardwood, softwood or tip cuttings by dipping the bottom into rooting hormone, honey or Vegemite then bury the bottoms in potting mix. Keep out of direct sun in a well-lit spot and water approximately once a week or when dry.

• Vegetables to plant include beetroot, capsicum, celery, eggplant, lettuce, pumpkin, tomatoes and zucchini.

• Flowers to plant include begonias, impatiens, marigolds, petunias, salvias and verbenas.

• remember to stop, sit back, smell the roses, have a drink and enjoy your hard work!

For more inspirational gardening ideas and advice from locals join my Facebook group. Get local updates, sell, swap or share plants, cuttings and seeds.

MErrY CHrISTMAS – Happy gardening and stay safe.

Northern Valleys gardening

Nature notes Chittering Landcare

The warm weather has brought with it the beginning of the summer weeds. One to watch for is Afghan Thistle. There are two species commonly referred to as Afghan Thistle. They are Solanum hoplopetalum, which may also be called Thorny Solanum, and Solanum hystrix. They are very similar plants with the difference between them being S. hystrix has few or no hairs on its leaves while S hoplopetalum has hairy leaves. S. hystrix is native to South Australia and is known only from a couple of locations in WA. S. hoplopetalum is more widespread. It is native to the Wheatbelt and Goldfields in WA but has spread beyond its natural range to become a weed of farmland and along roads and railways. It is also considered an agricultural weed within its range. It is a spiny herb to 0.3m high with pale blue or white flowers in the warmer months of the year. It produces seeds enclosed within berries which turn from green to brown or black as they ripen but most of the spread of the plant seems to be by vegetative means from extension of the underground stems or by the movement of broken fragments during cultivation activities. Above ground parts of the plant may die down during the cooler months of the year. Control is best achieved by a combination of herbicide use and cultivation to exhaust the rootstock taking care to avoid spreading fragments to clean areas.

Other summer weeds to watch for are Stinkwort which is a yellow flowered member of the daisy family, Afghan or Pie Melon and Prickly Paddy Melon with smaller spiny fruit. Narrowleaf Cottonbush is also now flowering so be on the alert and deal with it before it can set seed.

On a more positive note there are some summer flowering wildflowers which create a spectacular display in December. One of these is the Morrison’s Featherflower (Verticordia nitens) which occurs in large stands in sandy soils with the Gravity Discovery Centre in Gingin and along Wannamal West rd being good places to see it. It can also be seen in the bush on the western edge of the Muchea townsite. Verticordia nitens is pollinated by just one species of insect which relies solely on this plant for food so the continuing existence of each is dependent on the other.

Also seen in sandy soils is the Summer Smokebush (Conospermum crassinervium) with its white umbrella like flower heads. And of course WA’s own Christmas Tree Nuytsia floribunda which is a very large mistletoe. The bull banksia (Banksia grandis), Holly-leaved banksia (Banksia ilicifolia) and Slender banksia (banksia attenuata) all provide food for nectar feeding animals over the summer period.

Wishing all a safe and enjoyable Christmas and New Year.

The Chittering Landcare Team.

NN Northern Valleys Property and Land... NNAre you prepared to “defend”?Jackie Shervington

If you have decided to stay and defend your home, it is important that you prepare yourself mentally and picture yourself in the middle of a bushfire. I know I couldn’t do it – what about you?

Fires happen in the hottest weather. Think about how hard it is to be outside doing physical activity in summer. Now think about the additional heat of a bushfire.

Imagine if the weather has been hot for days leading up to the fire. You may be exhausted before the fire even starts.

before the main fire reaches you, your home may be surrounded by showers of sparks and embers. This can happen for several hours. Embers will collect in corners around your house or enter your home through gaps and will need to be put out.

It is likely there will be strong winds and as the fire gets closer, burning leaves and bark will begin to land around your home. Thick, heavy smoke will make it dark and you may not be able to see. breathing may become difficult. Your eyes will water, and may become red and sore.

It will be extremely hot and you will need to wear protective clothing such as long pants, a long sleeved shirt and strong leather boots. Clothes should be loose fitting and made from natural fibres. Do not wear synthetic clothing.

The fire will make a very loud roaring noise that you may find scary. The burning, crackling and roaring of the fire will be in addition to howling strong winds and sirens from fire trucks.

It is likely you will lose power, telephone and water services. Do you have the right equipment and resources to actively defend? (eg. sufficient independent water supply of at least 20,000 litres and a petrol, diesel, or generator powered pump capable of pumping 400 litres per minute). remember, if you lose power during a bushfire, you will not be able to use cordless phones or remote controlled garage doors to access vehicles and you may lose water if your supply relies on a pump. If you are planning to defend, you will need to invest in the proper tanks, pumps and equipment – and build a dedicated unit.

The fire front will normally take five to fifteen minutes to pass your house. This is when radiant heat given off by the fire will be at its highest. At this time you will need to shelter while regularly checking inside your house for spot fires.

Defending your home during a bushfire will take several hours. This includes the time needed to do all the hard preparation tasks before the fire front reaches your home and continually watching for spot fires.

Think about any medical conditions that may be an issue because of stress and smoke, for example heart conditions, asthma and other respiratory conditions. These may affect your ability to defend your home.

Fires can be very frightening, and may make it hard to think clearly or make good decisions. It is important to agree on your plan to actively defend – don’t make the decision in the heat of the moment.

Juliet Grist, on behalf of Northern Valleys Agribusiness

My own farm was impacted by the recent bindoon bush fires and even though I have worked with farmers before in a professional capacity following bush fires, I found I had no knowledge on what do to about my pasture and plants.

I’m guessing that I might not be the only person in this position.

A quick search of the Department of Agriculture and Food website https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/search?search_api_views_fulltext=bush%20fire brings up a number of useful articles, one of which is reproduced below:

bush and revegetation recovery after bushfireStrong fires will cause significant damage to bush on farms and may devastate revegetation areas.

Patches of bush in good condition will generally regenerate, although there are many factors that prevent recovery to the previous condition.

These factors require extra management to reduce their impact.

revegetation areas are much more susceptible to fire, and recovery is largely dependent on the age of the revegetation and after-fire management.

Factors affecting recoverySize and condition of the bush patch

Smaller patches have fewer species to recover, and lower seed reserves. They are also more susceptible to weed and nutrient invasion because of the large edge to area ratio.

Grazing pressure on fresh regrowth

Farm, native and feral animals find fresh regrowth attractive and accessible.

Intensity of the fireLight fires can help release seed from damaged plants, provide smoke to increase germination on many

species, and provide small ash beds with conditions suitable for germination. Intense fires can kill and remove mature plants, destroy seed reserves, and open the area to invasive weeds.

age and composition of revegetation areasrevegetation that has not yet started seed production is likely to be killed. If the kill is patchy, it is hard to replant seedlings successfully due to competition.

management• reduce grazing

pressure by fencing to exclude livestock.

• Control vermin. rabbits can destroy considerable amounts of fresh growth. Controlling rabbits is easier while ground cover is removed and warrens are exposed and accessible, and rabbit numbers are lower.

• Control rabbits outside the affected area also.

• Control native grazers where possible. Kangaroos and wallabies can cause considerable damage to fresh growth.

• Leave trash and ash beds to provide niches for natural regeneration

• Only remove burnt material that is a health and safety hazard. For example, dead trees that could fall and threaten people’s safety, buildings and fencelines.

• burnt trash and undisturbed ash beds provide some protection from wind and water erosion following fires, and also provide better conditions for germination and early regrowth.

• In some areas fallen trees will

still provide shelter for wildlife and will replace burnt habitat logs.

• Fallen trees should not be pushed up into bush areas or around standing trees as this will increase the risk of damage from future fires.

• Develop a long term plan to manage bush and revegetation patches

revegetation• The extent of total loss should

be assessed in the spring - summer following the fire. replanting may be necessary where large areas have been destroyed.

• regeneration of revegetation plantings is largely dependent upon the age of the planting and species.

Recovery after a bushfire

WAFarmers calls for enquiries and country assistance serviceWith the Esperance fires now extinguished and the recovery effort in full swing, WAFarmers urges authorities to launch an enquiry into the response to the fires, and to introduce a country-based firefighting body.

Following the fires, concerns have been raised regarding the availability of meteorological information prior to and during the early stages of the fires, the question of responsibility given the fires began on Crown land, the lack of back-up in the early firefighting stages, the threat to local crop-dusting pilots about losing their licences if they flew near the blaze and, finally, telecommunications problems.

WAFarmers President Dale Park said despite actions during the last five years to improve firefighting services in Western Australia, they had not been enough to prevent widespread devastation in Esperance.

“Over the last five or so years, two full scale enquiries were launched into Western Australia’s firefighting processes, there was a complete clean-out at the top of FESA, and it was changed from an authority into a government department,” Mr Park said.

Mr Park said WAFarmers recognised that firefighting efforts undertaken by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services representatives, locals and other volunteers had eventually brought the flames under control, but explained that a country fire authority would be better placed to manage rural fire emergencies.

“As Senator Chris buck explained to the Senate in Federal Parliament last week, we should not confuse volunteerism with amateurism, because properly trained and resourced volunteers are more than equal when it comes to their work on fire grounds,” Mr Park said.

“Local volunteers, who often have experience in fire brigades, provide expertise in property knowledge and firefighting skills, and their abilities should not be underestimated because they are not paid.

“The establishment of a Western Australian country firefighting authority would be a much better option for regional centres.

“It would have the ability to allocate resources towards mitigation, which is currently the responsibility of the under-resourced Department of Parks and Wildlife, in addition to greater firefighting and training capabilities, allowing for the faster distribution of assistance as needed.

“We hope the government seriously considers the advantages of such a system and quickly puts the idea into practice.”

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Weeping MulberryJuliet Grist’s house on Cammeray Close, Bindoon after the fire. Below: An aerial photo taken by Channel 7 helicopter.

NN It’s your news...

Northern Valleys News DECEMbEr 201520 www.nvnews.com.au

NNIt’s your community...

21 www.nvnews.com.au

My Christmas

Gluten-free fruit mince piesAnne-Marie Hagge, Bindoon Bakehaus

Red velvet mille crepe cake

Lyn Glasfurd and Marie Williamson, Jeanne d’Moore

Salmon fillet with fresh asparagus and citrus butter

David Stott, Stingybark RestaurantRecipe for 6 people

6 x 200g fresh salmon fillets

24 x asparagus spears

3 x lemons (2 for garnish)

3 x limes (2 for garnish)

200g salted butter

Sea salt flakes

Cracked black pepper

Flat leaf parsley to garnish

Method

1. Season your salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides

2. Trim your asparagus and set aside

3. Heat a non-stick frying pan with vegetable oil until very hot

4. Place salmon flesh side down and cook for approx. 5 minutes

5. Turn over and cook skin side for approx. 5 minutes

6. Remove and keep warm

7. Steam asparagus until tender

8. Place salmon fillets on plates

9. Return frying pan to heat

10. Add butter

11. Squeeze 1 lemon and 1 lime

12. Season with salt and pepper

13. Place asparagus on top of salmon

14. Drizzle with butter sauce and serve to your guests

**Or book a table at Stringybark and let chef David cook it for you ! Ph 95718069

Chocolate cup with Cointreau mascarpone cream, berry compoteRecipe for 6 people

6 x chocolate cups (Woolworths stock them)

300g mascarpone cheese

100g whipped cream

Powdered icing sugar

Cointreau

6 x strawberries cut into quarters

500g mixed berries

Mint to garnish

Method

1. Place mascarpone cheese in a stainless steel bowl

2. Add whipped cream

3. 2 x tablespoons of icing sugar

4. Add Cointreau to taste

5. Set aside in fridge

6. Place mixed berries in bowl add some icing sugar until sweet

7. Set aside

8. Place chocolate cup on plates

9. Fill with Cointreau cream

10. Top with strawberries

11. Garnish with mint leaves

12. Serve with the berry compote, sit back and enjoy.

Roast rolled pork seasoned with fig and pistachio **Available at Bindoon Fresh Meats at $14.99 per kg. Ph 9576 0060

Craig and Rita Herbert, Bindoon Fresh MeatsRecipe for perfect crackle

Your first step is to choose a great quality pork rolled roast prepared and scored from your local country butcher.

Prepare your roast the day before by drying the pork skin with kitchen paper and then rubbing salt into the scored skin.

Retrieve from the fridge the next day, carefully brush all the damp salt off and dry the skin again with paper.

Rub the skin with some gorgeous local Bindoon olive oil to ensure a golden crackle.

Turn the oven to at least 230C and blast your roast with heat for about 30 minutes or until the skin starts to bubble and turns a nice golden brown. Cook the rolled roast for 45 minutes per kg at 180C.

If all else fails just peel the crackle off after cooking and place it skin side up under the grill, keeping a watch to make sure it doesn’t burn. Remove when the skin is puffy and golden.

Culinary artists from the Northern Valleys region share their favourite Christmas recipes with us ... what will you be cooking to celebrate Christmas?

Gluten free pastry 225g (8oz) gluten free white plain flour blend

1 pinch salt

1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum

112g (4oz) margarine or softened butter

56g (2oz) caster sugar

1 egg yolk

2 tablespoons cold water, or as needed

Makes about 24 little tarts

Blend butter and sugar & add egg yolk, then add dry ingredients until mixed into a dough.

Keep wrapped and cool until 30 minutes before use.

To assemble: roll pastry out into 5mm thickness. Cut out circles which will fit into your tart cases. Fill with fruit mince and then decorate with a pastry lid, a star or strips.

Bake at 160 degrees for 20-25 minutes until pastry is golden.

Sprinkle caster sugar on top whilst hot from oven.

Gluten-free minceApples –chopped finely 500g

Mixed dried fruit 375g

Cinnamon 5g

Nutmeg 5g

Ginger 2.5g

Orange puree 40g

Apple juice 150g

Sugar 150g

Vanilla 20g

Dried apricots diced 100g

Water 180g

Chop diced fresh apples (kind already diced) into smaller bits

Cook all ingredients for an hour until it reduces and the apples cook out. Cool and use

Crepes

4 cups plain flour

6 eggs

6 cups milk

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon sugar

4 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa

4 tablespoon red food colouring

4 tablespoon melted butter

1. Place ingredients in a food processor .

2. Blend until smooth, then strain into a jug. Cover and set aside to rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.

3. Dip a piece of paper towel in some melted butter and use to brush base of a 22cm non-stick crepe pan or frypan over medium heat. When hot, pour in just enough batter to cover the base. Tilt pan so batter covers base in a thin film and pour any excess back into the jug. Cook crepe for about 1 minute until underside is cooked, then use a metal spatula to flip. Cook other side for just under a minute .

4. Transfer to a plate. Repeat for remaining crepe mixture and set aside. This will make 25 – 30 crepes depending on thickness.

5. Spread crepe with custard and whipped cream stacking one on top of the other. When finished cover with a layer of cream cheese frosting.

** If its all too hard - order one from Jeanne D’Moore! Ph 0497 857 975

Uncooked Turducken - $119 each at Bullsbrook Meat and Gourmet. Ph 9571 1224

Deboned chicken, duck and turkey all rolled into one delicious roast. Stuffed with Bullsbrook Meat and Gourmet’s house-made stuffing. Sure to be a talking point at your Christmas function. Between 4.5kg/5kg

Cooking Instructions

Season and oil skin.

Place in baking dish and into a moderate oven for 3 hours.

Allow 30 minutes resting time.

Remove netting and carve accordingly.

Turducken (Chicken inside a duck inside a turkey)

Nathan Robb, Bullsbrook Meat and Gourmet

(This is half of a batch- should make you one decent size pud & a little tester😋)

Ready – it’s big!

In a bowl put all of the following.

550g currants

50g almonds

550g mixed fruit (or a sultana/raisin mix)

100g chopped prunes

100g chopped dates

100g SR flour

1 packet Tandaco Suet mix

200g homemade bread crumbs (NOT bought)

450g dark brown sugar

2.5tsp nutmeg

2.5tsp cinnamon

3/4 tsp ginger

300ml Guinness

4tbl brandy

4 eggs

2 peeled & grated apples

Mix well.

Put into a pudding basin lined with glad wrap ( hang same amount down over the top).

Fill to 1/2 inch from the top. Fold glad wrap over the top of the pudding.

Place in fridge at least overnight.

Then steam for 5hrs. Smaller ones 2hrs.

Allow to cool in pot. Then remove from basin and take off glad wrap, sit in bench for a few days to “dry”. Wrap up again and keep in cool dark place.

Reheat on Christmas – either microwave or steam for 1hr.

**Jane’s puddings are available from Aggie’s Cottage in Dandaragan, but be quick before they are sold out! Try this recipe, or order one early for next year.

Christmas puddingJane Roberts, Aggies Cottage

** Also available from the Bindoon Bakehaus for the baking-challenged

23 www.nvnews.com.au22 www.nvnews.com.au Northern Valleys News DECEMbEr 2015

Keeping Healthy & HappyNN

Keep a check on diabetesDiabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when there is too much glucose in the blood. This happens if the body is not producing insulin or not using insulin properly. Insulin is required to enable glucose to enter the body’s cells and be converted to energy.

Glucose is a particular type of sugar – it is needed to provide energy for the body. Insulin is the hormone or chemical messenger that controls how the muscles, liver and fat tissues use glucose.

There are a number of different types of diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is a condition in which the pancreas does not produce insulin. This type represents 10–15%of all cases of diabetes and is one of the most common chronic childhood diseases in developed nations. Type 1 diabetes is not caused by lifestyle factors, yet its incidence is increasing at a rate of about 3% a year.

Most people with diabetes, around 85%, have type 2 diabetes. They still produce insulin but it does not work as well. It usually affects mature adults, but younger people, even children, are now getting type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is more common in people who have low levels of physical activity or are overweight or obese, but it also occurs in people who have a family history of it.

Less well known is gestational diabetes – a form of diabetes that occurs in pregnancy and mostly disappears after the birth. This type may be caused by the woman’s body not being able to make enough insulin or not being able to use it correctly during pregnancy. It is usually found by having a blood test between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.

Pre-diabetes is a condition where blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Left untreated it may develop into type 2 diabetes within 5 to 10 years.

A balanced diet and regular physical activity are key elements of preventing and managing diabetes. being overweight or obese increases the chance of getting diabetes. While the underlying causes

of obesity are complex, the resulting problems are well known; type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease, osteoarthritis and sleep apnoea are some of these problems.

It is important to take a balanced view with regard to nutrition, drawing on a range of foods rather than focusing on single nutrients as ‘good’ or ‘bad’. No single food is responsible for weight gain or loss, but our total kilojoule (or calorie) intake from all food is what can cause problems.

Visit your local pharmacy at bindoon or Gingin to learn more about diabetes and how it can be managed. If you have any of the risk factors for diabetes such as excess weight or smoking, now is the perfect time to ask your pharmacist about lifestyle changes.

The staff at bindoon & Gingin Pharmacy can offer a range of resources and support for diabetes including advice or review of diabetes medicines and weight management, sales and advice on blood glucose monitoring devices, supply of blood glucose test strips as part of the National Diabetes Services Scheme as well as Self Care Fact Cards include blood Glucose Monitoring, Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes plus Weight and Health.

During December, NVN readers can purchase an Accuchek Performa blood Glucose Testing Machine for just $69.95 (Normally $99.95) simply by mentioning this article.

Article courtesy of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia.

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CHITTERING HEALTH SERVICE 62 Great Northern Highway, Bindoon, WA 6502 Email: reception@chitteringhealth.com.au

Meet your local medical teamJulie Booth, Dr Edward Soloman, Dr Naguib Youssef and nurse Mary Angus

Be mentally healthy this ChristmasThe silly season is just around the corner and while Christmas is often a time of year to celebrate the year’s successes, enjoy delicious Christmas treats and spend quality time with loved ones, it can also be a stressful and emotional time for many people.

Mentally Healthy WA is encouraging all West Aussies to boost their mental wellbeing over the Christmas period by participating in the Act-belong-Commit Christmas Challenge.

“The aim of the challenge is to get people to think about how they can incorporate Christmas activities in a way that will boost their mental health” says Act-belong-Commit Project Officer Marissa Yeo.

The four week challenge, beginning Tuesday 1 December, encourages people to do at least one activity a week over four weeks during the Christmas period to boost their mental health during this potentially stressful time of year.

“It can be something small like leaving a Christmas treat out for

a neighbour, saying Merry Christmas to a stranger or spending 15-minutes learning about the origins of Christmas” says Marissa.

“If you want a bigger challenge you can organise a Christmas charity collection at your workplace or join in a local carolling group.”

People are encouraged to showcase their mentally healthy Christmas activities by posting photos on social media with the hashtag #mentallyhealthyXmas to help spread the mentally healthy message.

Each person who shares something on social media will receive a free Act-belong-Commit drink bottle.

Simply download the weekly tips from the Act-belong-Commit website or Facebook page on the Tuesday of each week in December.

“You can do just one tip per week, or challenge yourself to a daily activity” says Marissa.

Tamieka Preston

The sparkling new Chittering Health Centre was officially opened on Friday 6 November 2015 by Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for regional Development, Shane Love and Senator Linda reynolds. However the new doctors took up residence in the state of the art facility on 1 October. So who are they? And when can we see them?

Dr Solomon is co-founder of Jupiter Health and Medical service who have the contract to provide doctors for the General Practice at bindoon. The company recruits doctors from all over the world, and provides services to 16 medical centers.

Dr Solomon is currently available to see patients on Wednesdays until late – he believes availability is a crucial element of being a good doctor! He has been working hard to find enough doctors for Chittering Health such that same-day appointments are always available and walk-in appointments for all emergency care are always possible during open hours.

Dr Solomon recruited Egyptian-born Dr Youssef as the full-time GP for Chittering Health. Originally from Cairo, Dr Youssef emigrated to WA a year ago with his wife (a dentist) and young children. The family have made Landsdale their home, and Dr Youssef is commuting each weekday to bindoon. Having practised medicine for over 20 years he is an experienced physician and is a trained paediatrician and neo-natal care

specialist. You can book an appointment with Dr Youssef Monday to Friday.

A third doctor, Dr Mahmood will also be available at Chittering Health on Tuesdays and Thursdays and two female doctors, Dr Kaddour and Dr Gazalah will join the practice early next year. It is anticipated that Saturday morning appointments will be available in the new year too.

Two nurses, senior nurse Mary Angus (Mary the fairy as she’s fondly known) and junior nurse Naomi Carr, share the days to make sure a nurse is always present at the practise for blood tests, taking blood pressure and assisting doctors.

When you book an appointment by phone you will speak to Julie or Karen, both Chittering residents. Julie says the practice bulk bills patients over 65, all pension card holders, those with health cards and children under 16 as well as recall and follow-up appointments. They can now also offer a direct rebate via EFTPOS to those who are full fee paying clients.

The General practice provided by Jupiter Health is complemented by allied health services provided by WA Country Health Services where a child health nurse, respite care and a physiotherapy room are available just down the hall, in the same building. A bright air-conditioned waiting room services both areas.

It’s fantastic to see this new facility up and running to meet the demands of our growing community – make sure you use it!

Supporting good mental health during pregnancy in the WheatbeltUp to one in ten women experience antenatal anxiety and antenatal depression in Australia, while postnatal depression can affect up to one in seven women.

Perinatal Depression & Anxiety Awareness Week is an annual event held across Australia from 15-21 November to promote awareness of mental health and wellbeing in the antenatal and perinatal periods.

Local WA Country Health Service community midwives Lorissa Phillis and Tracy Ashworth said the week is aimed at encouraging new and expectant parents to seek help early if they believe they may have depression or anxiety.

“Pregnancy is both an exciting and challenging time. Your body is changing and the additional hormones can mean changes to your emotions and general mood. It can be difficult to know what is part of pregnancy and what might be the start of depression or anxiety,” Ms Phillis said.

“As a community midwife, I meet clients regularly to check how they are feeling emotionally, as well as monitoring the physical wellbeing of both mother and baby. Where necessary, I provide advice or liaise with their obstetrician or GP, or the mental health team to arrange treatment.

“Early detection and treatment of possible issues during pregnancy leads to better outcomes for both mothers and their babies.”

The community midwifery service is being delivered by the

WA Country Health Service under the Southern Inland Health Initiative, which is contributing to safer pregnancies and births, and better outcomes for babies and their mothers.

The half a billion dollar Southern Inland Health Initiative is funded by the State Government’s royalties for regions program and is the single biggest investment in regional health care in WA history.

Symptoms of antenatal depression and anxiety might include feeling sad and low for no obvious reason, persistent worry about the health and wellbeing of their baby, abrupt mood swings or panic attacks.

New parents should also be aware of postnatal depression (PND) and anxiety, which is even more common.

“PND isn’t just the ‘baby blues’, which usually pass within a few days. Postnatal depression and anxiety are more prolonged and usually need treatment,” Ms Ashworth said.

“Fathers and partners can also experience mental health problems around this time.”

If a new mother or her partner suspects they may have postnatal depression or anxiety, they can contact a midwife for an assessment on 9690 1320.

For 24-hour support and advice, contact beyond blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Warriors Wellbeing

Work/life balance – strike it right!Wheatbelt Men’s Health (Inc.) Phone: 08 9690 2277 Email: menshealth@4blokes.com.au www regionalmenshealth.com.au

How many times have we heard the phrase “getting the balance right”? What does this mean to you? If we look up the word “balance” in the dictionary (yes I still have the book version) we will find 18 definitions, depending of course on the context in which the word is to be used.

The context of a work/life balance also depends on individual circumstances and attitude; whether we are single or married, studying, self-employed, contracting, FIFO, caring for someone or raising a family.

Ask yourself, “Do I have my work/life in balance?” To assess this firstly identify the prominence of work in your situation. Does it challenge/drive you? Is it enjoyment, a sense of satisfaction and/or purpose or is it just a means to an end (that is if we don’t work we don’t get paid, if we don’t get paid we can’t live the life we want or do the things we enjoy)? Is it a mix of both?

The “life” side of things for most of us is enjoying some form of interaction with other people. This can happen through our hobbies, sport, children, family, religious congregation, social/community groups, or by volunteering (ironically work can also be one of these).

The definition which (I think) is the best fit when considering “work/life balance” is to have these two areas “well-proportioned and harmonious”.

Our work/life balance can be disrupted when we are under pressure, feeling distressed or even embarrassed by an event and as blokes we may then disengage from others and try to solve problems and deal with stressors alone. Unfortunately by doing this we remove ourselves from valuable support systems, which in turn creates and exacerbates feelings of loneliness and isolation.

remember to maintain and re-engage with social opportunities as this is a significant part of positive mental health, coping and overall wellbeing. Something as simple as taking time out, communicating (remember it’s part of the problem-solving process), having a laugh with others (this may expose us to different ways of thinking of doing things) and even in busy times scheduling time to have that game of bowls, timeout with the kids or partner, is essential.

Having a busy life may lead us to feel that there is more to do than what seems reasonable in any given day. We all get equal measures of time, there are 24 hours in a day for everyone. Why then is it that for some of us 24 hours never seems enough, while others seem to have plenty of time? Perhaps we need to ask ourselves “is time the problem, or is it our ability to manage our time”? How much we have on our plate varies throughout the year, so we need to be aware to continually monitor our time to ensure that for the majority of the year we have a well-proportioned and harmonious work/life balance.

Terry and the Team

The regional Men’s Health Initiative

delivered by Wheatbelt Men’s Health

Chittering Health Centre declared openbindoon’s new Chittering Health Centre will offer the local community a one-stop centre with a broader range of primary health care services on offer.

The $2.68 million centre boasts five treatment rooms, two consulting rooms, a child health room, facilities for a physiotherapist and

Shane Love MLA, Steve Vallance, Shire of Chittering President and Senator Linda Reynolds cut the ribbon. Photo: Tuarn Brown

Judy Dennis, Jeff Moffet, CEO Country Health Services and Shane Love MLA. Photo: Tuarn Brown

dietitian, training and meeting facilities as well as office space.

Officially opened by Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for regional Development, Shane Love and Senator Linda reynolds, the centre is the realisation of a 15 year goal held by the Shire of Chittering.

State Government funding of $1.44 million from the royalties for regions funded Southern Inland Health Initiative and Country Local Government Fund was almost matched with $1.23 million from the Chittering Shire.

The Federal Government contributed $450,000 through the regional Australia Fund.

Member for Moore Shane Love MLA said in addition to face to face services, the centre was equipped to offer a range of services via telehealth including diabetes telehealth assistance.

“A community midwife service will support expectant women locally, a primary care nurse practitioner will hold clinics for those suffering chronic conditions and a diabetes educator will visit bindoon twice weekly,” he added.

“Other services on offer include physiotherapy, speech pathology, social work,

child and school health and health promotion services.

Mr Love said investment in health infrastructure and services were fundamental in supporting the development of a strong and sustainable regional Western Australia.

Sam Young, Liz Choules, Mary Angus and Helen Mildwaters. Photo: Tuarn Brown

WearablesI have previously written about activity trackers, devices which you can use to track your fitness and general activity. The market has now moved on to integrate this technology into wearables. These are traditionally watch like devices that have technology embedded in them to communicate with your smart phone. The Apple Watch was released in April this year and has set the trend for fashionable wearable technology. The touch screen face is in a rectangular shape and there is a button and rotary knob on the side. There are many choices of bands to suit your style and these are easily interchanged. In terms of functionality, the Apple Watch can provide all your smartphone notifications to your wrist, which is convenient as long as you customise the settings so you are not constantly bombarded with irrelevant email notifications. You can also read your messages and emails on your the device. as well as take phone calls Dick Tracy style as the Watch includes speakers and a microphone. You will need to be in bluetooth range of your phone for this functionality to work though. The Apple Watch retails from $799 to over $1600 depending on the model and accessories chosen.

Samsung have released their second iteration of smart watches with the Gear S2. This has a more traditional round watch face which I prefer the look of. It is probably suited to a male wearer as it is sizeable, equivalent to a sports watch. I had a look at one of these when I was passing through Singapore recently. I really liked the way the screen could be flipped though using the rotating bezel on the outside of the watch face. It is an elegant design feature. The screen is also touch operated and shows the usual notifications, much like the Apple Watch. Unlike the Apple Watch the Gear S2 is not able to make or take calls directly but it can notify you who is calling and allow you to reject the call or send a preset text message. The device is IP68 certified which means it is dust and water resistant up to 1.5m, but I would not be taking it for a swim any time soon. Integration with the Samsung fitness app provides a wealth of fitness metrics too. The device charges on a wireless dock which is a neat feature. The Gear S2 retails from $499.

If you want a wearable that is not brand specific you can look at the Android Wear, which is compatible with all Android phones. Traditional watch brands like Tag Heuer are realising that they need to adapt to the changing market and have started to develop smart watches too. There are also a number of cheaper wearables on the market but features will vary along with the price and these may leave a bad impression due to their limitations.

http://www.apple.com/au/watch/

http://www.samsung.com/au/gear-s2/

https://www.android.com/intl/en_au/wear/

NNNNbusiness...

25 www.nvnews.com.au Northern Valleys News DECEMbEr 201524 www.nvnews.com.au

TechTalkwith Daryl du Plessis blog.chitteringit.com

Did you know you can post and find local jobs at

www.nvnews.com.au/jobs?

NN business...

Moora Chamber of Commerce supports “Tis the Season to Shop Local Campaign”The Moora Chamber of Commerce recently tasted the wares of the Junction Hotel, on the corner of berkshire Valley road and Gardiner St, Moora. Chamber members enjoyed food and fun at the most recent sundowner in the Sportman’s bar. Owners Nicky and Wayne Stephens provided nibbles from the new menu and showed off the renovated rooms. Nicky introduced “Drive Through Pizza”, a quick and easy option for busy families, where pizza is available to pick up at the drive through. Nicky also outlined plans for the future and Vice Chairman David Stribley reminded members to actively participate in and promote the “Tis the Season to Shop Local Campaign”.

During November and December

the Moora Chamber of Commerce is again sponsoring a campaign to encourage “Locals to Shop Locally”. This is your opportunity to win $500 in “Chamber Cheques” to spend in Moora businesses. Just spend $20 or more in one transaction in a Chamber Member’s business during the promotional period. This campaign will run from Monday 9th November until COb Christmas Eve or as close to Christmas as individual businesses are open.

For more information please contact the Moora Community resource Centre on: 9653 1053 or moora@crc.net.au

Contact Nicole reichelt 9653 1053 or Petr Van der Ende (secretary) on 0437 029 489.

Farm assets cut from means testFrom January 1 next year, the Family Assets Test and the Family Actual Means Test will be removed from the Youth Allowance parental means test arrangements.

The welfare support changes were announced in this year’s federal budget and associated legislation passed through federal parliament last week with bipartisan support.

The Family Assets Test is based on how much money a family would receive from selling their primary assets, minus any debts or mortgages they owe.

Currently, the family home is excluded from that test; while a 75 per cent discount is applied to business and farm assets. Applicants are ineligible for the $426.80 maximum fortnightly Youth Allowance payment if their family’s assets exceed a $661,250 threshold

removing the Family Assets Test for Youth Allowance will allow around 4100 additional dependent Youth Allowance claimants to qualify for the first time, accessing average annual payments of more than $7000 a year. removing the Family Actual Means Test will also mean around 1200 more people receiving Youth Allowance for the first time, while increasing payments for around 4860 existing students by approximately $2000 a year.

Introducing Ellenbrook LegalMeet Jacinta O’Connor from Ellenbrook Legal, a firm which services the Northern Valleys area.

I am an experienced lawyer and started in the legal industry as an office junior on St Georges Terrace. After taking on differing support roles in law firms in Perth I made the decision to study law at Murdoch University. After completing my degree I commenced my new career as a junior lawyer at a firm in bunbury. This provided me with a broad knowledge base and a very different view of practising law in a regional centre. Although I relocated back to Perth, I have always been keen to provide legal services to outer areas and regional communities.

In 2015 I established Ellenbrook Legal and I also made bullsbrook my new home. I have clients in the Ellenbrook, bullsbrook and Northern Valleys region and I am the Secretary for the Chittering Chamber of Commerce. I am a member of the Law Society of WA, Women’s Law Association of WA and Family Law Practitioners Association of WA.

I am passionate about supporting regional and local businesses and helping people who reside in regional areas access services. Community legal centres are

vital in this regard and I also provide volunteer services to Citizens Advice bureau.

My firm is a general practice firm with a focus on wills and estates, personal injuries and family law. I want to provide the community with legal advice that is accessible, personal and solution orientated. To achieve this I offer home visits, phone appointments and after hour appointments if required.

I very much understand that costs are always a priority and challenge for people needing assistance and my aim is to offer alternatives such as fixed fees, pension concessions and payment arrangements. People should not be disadvantaged in accessing the correct legal advice because of fees.

If you would like assistance please contact 9297 1537 or email jacinta@ellenbrooklegal.com.au.

Jacinta O’Connor

Moora Chamber of Commerce members at the Sundowner at the Junction Hotel.

Chittering Chamber of Commerce sundowner

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• Reputation Building - you will be seen as an important business player in the region.

• Bonus extras - we work with our advertisers to help you achieve more.

• Readership and shelf life - the NVNews is read from cover to cover.

• Positive environment - people want to see your ads. Get out of their junk mail and into their favourite newspaper.

• Support your region and its growing community

Why advertise in the Northern Valleys News?

The Northern Valleys region

Expanding the Northern

Valleys News

We are very excited by the opportunity to expand the region covered by NVNews and

embrace our northerly communities.

Including the Shires of Moora and Dandaragan will bring more of the Wheatbelt region into the Northern

Valleys, as well as larger farming enterprises, and facilities like the hospital and racetrack.

We believe this expansion will add interest and diversity to the content of the Northern Valleys News

and the increased advertising revenue will allow us to grow into a bigger, better regional newspaper.

The ‘Northern Valleys’ region was created to describe the very unique valleys that lie north of Swan Valley. This region offers a richly-diverse landscape of valleys, rivers and farmlands. It covers the shires of Chittering, Gingin, City of Swan, Victoria Plains and now Moora & Dandaragan.

North of Perth, the Northern Valleys is

a veritable food basket growing just about everything you can imagine from beef, chicken and lamb to horticultural and grain crops. Not only is there an abundance of food produced in the region, but vast areas also remain untouched and are blessed with wildflowers and native wildlife begging to be discovered.

Our adverting rates and sizes are online at www.nvews.com.au/ /rate-card/

Business for sale DoG GRooMiNG

Be your own boss..

No franchise fees!. Work your own hours!. Includes everything you will need. 8x5 tandem trailer with canvas cover…Only 9

months old.

Rear ramp with spring for easy lifting.

Training is avail. By qualified groomer if

required.

This business is currently loc. In Moora with existing customer base, however,

has the advantage that can be easily established in any

location.

Price $18,000.00 neg. Ph: Lorraine 0427 936 086

Martin Aldridge MLC and Rob Anspach

Trish Murrell (President of Chittering Chamber of Commerce) Jacinta O’Connor (CCC secretary)and Steve Vallance, Shire President, Shire of Chittering

Chris Evans, Mark and Deb Coonan

Barni Norton and Angela Anspach

Trish Murrell President, Chittering Chamber of Commerce

Chittering Chamber of Commerce held Christmas Drinks n Nibbles at the Scottalian Hotel bindoon on Friday 20 November. It was a lively event with plenty of new and old faces busily networking. Thanks again to Amy McAuliffe from Country Values real Estate for providing the door prize and the Scottalian Hotel for providing great food and venue.

We would like to wish everyone a fantastic festive season and look forward to many networking opportunities in 2016. Look out for details of upcoming events on our Facebook page.

Job opportunity for a graphic Designer

The Northern Valleys News is seeking expressions of interest from locally

based persons proficient in Indesign and Photoshop to assist with the monthly

production of the newspaper.

Call Tamieka on 041 9902 904 or email your resume to tamieka@nvnews.com.au

NN

www.nvnews.com.au

• Termites• Pre-Purchase Reports

• Timber Pest Inspections• Pre Treatments• Rodent Control

• All Household Pests• Total Weed Management

Jason & Lynette Prendergastchitteringpestandweed@

westnet.com.au

0400 979 000

SAfe effeCTIve

SoluTIonS

& MAnAgeMenT

PHD Lic: 1566

spiritual guidence

Wendy & her realmsVibrational healing /

reiki, tarot/palmistry,vibrational healing & more

Tarot / psychic readings and morePlease phone Wendy

on 04007 515 46

sheds

Shed sales and installations by

experienced shed-builders

Ph terry on 0427 072 454 or email sales@

shedalliancewangara.com.au

www.shedalliancewangara.com.au

Onsite & Offsite fabricating, welding

repairs.Very good rates and

quality service.Please call Murray on

0427 013 420.

BullsBrook Water Carriers

Drinking Water OnlyProfessional, Prompt, Reliable

Approved Carrier for Water Corp

Health Dept CompliantKevin BAiley

9571 2726 (All Hours)

Water services

BullsBROOK WAteR seRviCesWater Tank Supply & Installation

Tank roofs & LinersTank RefurbishmentsStorm water piping

Irrigated Fire Prevention systems

Phone: 95714600 or 0417958804

COO-eeCOuRieRs & tRAnsPORt

Bullsbrook, Chittering, Muchea, Gingin & Bindoon.

Daily parcel pickup & delivery service to and from anywhere, to the Metro area.

Taxi Truck service also available.Mobile 0400 210 274

Bus Ph 9571 2551

Transport

MIgWICH TRAnSPoRT SeRvICeS

• TilT Tray & Small FreighT SpecialiSTS

• OlD carS remOVeDJohn & gail milnermobile 0427 875 447Tel 9655 0020

Stud Wiltshire Horn red tag rams, 2014

drop. asking $200 includes GSt. obligation-free inspection

welcome. Ph John Williams Mob: 0439 937 829

tRaNSPoRt SERvicES General, Oversize, Hay, Bricks,

Limestone Blocks, Single to Road Train.

Based in Muchea 20 Yrs Exp. Phone Mick In A Mack

0428 191171

Piano teacherAMEB exams if required

Singing tutoring available0439 672 750- Mrs Harris

27

Red Dragon trainingFoRkLiFt couRSES

our place or yourscontact : alison

reddragontraining@live.com.au

0439 850 435

Training

Pest control

TraVIs & KeLLyProfessional

shooters for all your roo & fox control

Mob: 0427 774 158 fax: 9575 2167

Fully Licensed and experienced Vertebrate Pest TechnicianRabbits, Foxes, Cats, Wild Dog, Pigs, Goats and birds. Possums and Kangaroos. Currently seeking Properties for Kangaroo control.

Email: daniel@aussieferalpests.com.au Mobile: 0429 523504

steelwork

• All Plumbing and Gas • New Housing and Renovations

• ATU Septic Systems • Solar Hot Water

Chris and Michelle Ellyard 0414 922 456 or 0418 933 198

www.ishouldbeyourplumber.com.au

Plumbing

• Free Quoting• 24hr service• Blocked drains • New houses • Maintenance

Noel Russell

Ph: 043 996 6449 or 9576 1687

Local TradersNN

Trade ads $120 for 6 months

email tamieka@nvnews.com.au

SHEPPARD STEEL CONTRACTING

Specialising in: Custom Patios • Fencing • Wood Decking • Guard

railing • Steel • Aluminium • Stainless Steel • Fabrication and installation

Andrew Sheppard Mob: 0439 820 568

www.sheppardsteelcontracting.com.au

accounting

AnSPACh AGC o n t r A C t i n G

• Transport• Agricultural services

• Earthmoving• Plant Hire

Phone: 9655 7074Rob: 0427 770 365

Angela: 0419 043 960Email: office@anspachag.com.au

Web: www.anspachag.com.au

building & renovation

agricultural

taxatioNFor local assistance with

all your tax needs, contact chris oversby on

0400 440 277

or Juanita White cPa 0402 609 500

West coast Business Solutions

h a i r , b e a u t y a n d s k i n c l i n i c

9575 2759suite 8, 14 brockman st,

GinGin

Agents for Electric Pumps, Tanks, Troughs etcVariety of pumps designed to meet your

requirements

Ross Poultney 0427 454 226run by farmers for farmers

SolAr WAter PuMPS SAleS & ServiCe

Phill & vicki Humphry 460 Hart Drive, chittering 6084

Ph 9576 1050Mob 0427 761 050

RuRaL FENciNG

Fencing

Painter

Professional House & Commercial Painting

Interior & exterior Contact for free Quote

We use qualified tradesmen reg 5330

Call 9525 4111or email pickero@eftel.net.au

eftpos/credit card facilities available

www.carduppainting.com.au

BINDOONpainter

Local Traders

26 www.nvnews.com.au

earthworks

BaRRoN coNtRactiNG

95762012 Bulldozing and general

earthmoving. all ag work, damsinking specialist,

40 yrs exp. Dozer, it loader and float hire.

Ring Wayne 042 796 8215

BARnI noRTonRemedial Therapist& Personal Trainer

Massage in BindoonRehabilitation &

Renewed movementRelieve your pain today

Functional Fascial Taping*Heath fund provider

Ph 0419 964 909 or 9576 1978

antennas

Hydraulic

ElEctrical· New Houses, renovations, PowerPoint’s,

lights, connections & Emergency repairsair coNditioNiNg· design & install· Service & repairSEcurity· cctV, alarm Systems,commuNicatioN· Phone points, Home data Networks, digital

tVuNdErgrouNd SErVicES· trenching, cable locating & Scanning

coNtact: 9571 0022office@ace-electrical. net.au Lot 1 Brand Highway, MucheaLic N0: EC: 008014 AU: 32857

All types of electrical installation work

Diesel generators service and repairBruce Pannell

Mob: 0419047742www.genspark.com.au

beauticianTeena Leuba

Beautician

• Waxing/Tinting • Manicure/Pedicure • Facials/Peel • Special Occasion

Make-up• MISMO Skin Care Range available

Ph: 9576 0170 for an appointment.

Teena Leuba Bowen Therapist

Injury, Pain & Stress ReliefPh: 9576 0170 for an appointment.

Open Wednesdays & Thursdays

computingelectrician

• Ducted Reverse Cycle• Split Systems• Evaporative

Scott Davidson Mob: 0457 003 685 Email: scott@precisionacs.com.auABN: 92 523 679 640 ARCTICK NO: AU33951

air con. & appliances

Reidy’s Fence, Deck & Landscaping

-Domestic & Rural Fencing –Decking –Paving

-Reticulation –Landscaping

James Reid 043 897 6898

glazier

Jalins Hair artistry

Mobile Hairdresser

Jalin Cottrill 0423 522 359

Chittering Glass • All Glass Repairs

• Machinery Glazing• Insurance Work

•Minesite CompliantAll Rural Areas

Phone Peter: 0459 511 122Trade Qualified, Quality Assured

stan’s mowingLawn-mowing & Handyman

jobs in the Bindoon-chittering area.

Ring Stan 0429 154 600

garden & property

massage

exIt weedS• Fire Breaks

(Sprayed, Slash or Plough)• Domestic Lawns • Boom Spraying

• Site Levels and Driveways• All types of Tractor Work

• Property Clean Ups • Slashing

peter BradFIeld Lic # 2017

Mobile: 0407 713 066

Northern appliance Repairs

www.northernappliance.com.au

Repairs to Fridges-Freezers-ovens-Washing Machines-

Dishwashers

tel: 0419918331

Rock and Roll contracting

For all your gravel crushing and gravel reef

removal needs

call Geoff 0427636039 or Grant 0428816701

project & Contracts managementPlanning & SchedulingTenders & Contract PreparationRise & Fall Claims prepared and resolvedKerry thomlennard management0419 945 215mtking@bigpond.com

contracts management

For all your bookkeeping needs

Nicola Ward 0419985371 or

n.ward27@iinet.net.au Limestone retaining walls

book keeping

Rockside BookkeepingBullsbrook

Jo Manning

BAS Agent Registration: 86821015

0419 910 069

jo@rockside.com.au

Hairdressing

building & renovation

read your local NeWs oNLINewww.nvnews.com.au

Specialising in Paving, Decking and Artificial Grass.

Free quotes. Fully insured. Ph: Andy 0448660991

obtiuaryAll types of

carpentry and handyman service

based in Muchea

Call Jeff0425 741 201

Pest control

earthworks

Dog grooming

Professional dog clipping &

groomingBy certified pet stylist

Bindoon

Ph Tammi on 0448 777 170

isa Brown chooks for sale $10 each

Buy 10 get one free

Call now to register your interest for

Bindoon delivery around 21st December

contact Maurice on 0407 381 114

In memory of Yomah WilliamsJohn Bate-Williams, Stepson

Yomah Williams, died on 15 November at the age of 95. She had lived and farmed with her late husband Mike Willliams at Goldmead in Wells Glover road from 1967 until 1990, when they retired to Wootra brook in Owen road.

Mike Williams died in 1999, and Yomah stayed on at Wootra brook

until November 2013, when a fall led to her admission to hospital. She was then offered a place in the rAAFA care home at Merriwa, where she spent the last 18 months of her life. Although she had been very reluctant to leave the farm, she was made very welcome and safe by the wonderful staff in Tuart Lodge, and (to her surprise!) she entered into all the activities with great enthusiasm!

Yomah’s family would like to thank those in and around bindoon who supported (and put up with) her, especially in the years since Mike’s death.

CLP Photography specialises in capturing your legacy from Maternity, Newborn to Family

Portraits.

CLP will create beautiful wall art or heirloom albums for you to pass

through the generations.

For more information visit www.clpphotos.com or call 0422 512 891

Photography

Piano lessons

Bindoon and Districts agricultural Society

Notice of aGMThe AGM for the Bindoon and

Districts Agricultural Society Inc. will be held on Monday the 15th February 2016 at 7.30 pm at the

Agriculture Society office, Bindoon

The positions for :

President, Secretary, Treasurer & Schedule secretary

will be declared vacant

Nominations for the above will be asked for and voted on by eligible members, including financial, life

and honorary members.

All members are encouraged to attend.

President Bob Blizzard Secretary Peter Brooks Mobile 0457 103 033

email enquiry@bindoonshow.com

In memory of Jim AshmanSascha Yates, Granddaughter

born in 1925 at bakers Hill, Jim Ashman moved with his father James, mother Marageret and sister Maureen to barn rd, Mooliabeenee at around the age of 5. He walked, cycled or rode his horse to the local school of Mooliabeenee until the age of 12. He purchased the abandoned farm “rangers Valley” at the end of Ashman rd which was named after him, in his early 20’s for the sum of 1000 pounds with savings from working on his father’s farm.

His father served at Gallipoli and Pozieres during World War I, and his mother moved to Australia from England aged 8.

The farm life was tough, but Jim persevered. He taught himself to build his own 3x1 home and lived off the land, growing fat lambs and breeding and training champion sheep dogs. Jim married and had two children. He has two grandchildren, both still living in the area.

He lived for his hobbies of cricket (as both a player and coach) and fishing. His favourite holiday destination was Walpole where his mother owned a home. He was also a keen footballer and enjoyed being involved in the community. He was in his element doing anything

outdoors, although he did have some unlikely passions of Mercedes cars, opera and art.

He farmed to the age of 75 then moved to Walpole in 2000, where he was known as ‘Groper Jim’. He made his last of 100’s of treks over 2kms of dunes, rocks and cliff paths to his favourite blue Groper fishing hole aged 85. His last 5 years were spent enjoying gardening and bushwalking. He returned to bindoon a few times each year to visit family and friends and catch up on the latest bindoon Cricket results.

He died at home on November 5th 2015, at almost 90. A private funeral was held on the 23rd of November at the Walpole Cemetery. His yarns of the old days and tough but youthful spirit will be greatly missed.

For sale community Notices

29 www.nvnews.com.au

NN community snippets... NNcHurcH NoTIces

ANGLICAN CHURCH (Marion Bird 9576 2054, John Broad 9576 0311)

Bindoon 2nd and 4th Sundays of month at 9.30am

Gingin 1st Sunday of month 8 am 3rd Sunday of month 9.30 am

UNITING CHURCH (Marian Crew, 9575 1357)

Worship 2nd and 4th Sunday 10amSEVENTH DAy ADVENTIST

(9576 0085)Bible Study 9.30am to 10.30am,

Divine Service 11am to 12 noon every Saturday, Bindoon

BENEDICTINE MONASTERy New Norcia 9654 8018

Parish Priest: Abbot John Herbert OSB Weekend Mass times: Sunday 9am

CATHOLIC CHURCH (Fr Paul Fox ph 9571 8068)

Sat Vigil: St Catherine’s Gingin 6pm Sunday: St Anne’s Bindoon 7.30am Bullsbrook Shrine-Church 9.30am

Immaculate Heart College, 34 Santa Gertrudis Drive, Lower Chittering

Sunday 5pm Mass.MUCHEA – BULLSBROOk CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

Lowery Park Hall,End of Parklands Rd., Bullsbrook. 9576 1326

Worship Service every Sunday 10amCHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP NON-DENOMINATIONAL WORSHIP.

(Jac 0412873447)GINGIN CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

Cnr. Brockman & Robinson Streets, Gingin.

Meeting: Every Sunday - 10 am Sunday School available

Ph: Barry & Alison - 9575 3089 or Judy - 9577 2938ANGLICAN PARISH

WONGAN HILLSKathy Barrett-Lennard kathybl@bordernet.com.au

St Peters Anglican Church Wongan Hills weekly Sun and Tuesdays 9am

BuDDHA MANDALA MONASTERY

8 Lewis Road ChitteringFor enquiries, Ph: 9571 8286

between 12.00 noon to 1pm, or email: bmmoffice8@gmail.com

Solutions to last month’s sudoku

NN It’s your community...

PONDERINGSBy Alex Douglas

It doesn’t seem so long ago that we were all simply people, or perhaps folk. Most of us were happy enough in the role. Those who aspired to stand out from the crowd could endeavour to become a Person; perhaps a Person of Note, a Very Important Person or a Personality; maybe even a Personage; but hopefully not a Person of Interest in the eyes of the constabulary. One way or another, we were happy to remain a person or, collectively, people. The Twentieth Century, however, was a time of massive change. We became so much more than just people.

To politicians we became many things, depending on the use they are putting us to. The words used are a clue as to what’s in their mind. At or around election time we become voters, electors or the electorate. On other occasions we are the Public. When espousing some suitably high profile cause, they speak for the Public; whether for or against, they’re all speaking for us, the great Australian Public - even when they are promoting diametrically opposed points of view! Apparently we have trouble making our minds up!

Most importantly, we’re taxpayers. The term is most commonly used to score points off opponents. For instance, when money is spent on something that gains the approval of a majority, it is said to be Government-funded; yet another example of the largesse of our warm and wonderful leaders! However, if there is doubt about the practicality, value or even honesty of the expenditure, we are suddenly talking about “taxpayers’ money”! It’s always taxpayers’ (or occasionally “ratepayers”) money that is lost through incompetence on the part of pollies or, worse yet, bureaucrats; not to mention taxpayers money wasted on taxpayer-funded helicopter hire,

overseas junkets and/or expense accounts. (say “taxpayers” as often as possible if you really want to hurt your rivals!) Taxpayers don’t build schools, hospitals or anything useful; they don’t pay teachers, nurses or policemen. It’s the Governments that are responsible for that good stuff. The ugly fact is that, whatever it’s expended upon, it’s never really taxpayers’ money. You pay tax and it becomes the government’s money from then on. If you doubt that, try saying that you don’t approve of something they are doing “so please can I have my money back”?

The private sector is perhaps a little more honest. To them, we have also ceased being just people; we are now consumers. We are probably a bit more important to them than we are to governments, after all, they can’t make laws to compel us to give them money; they have to persuade us! In a way, we have to be farmed! We have to be led into producing their income by advertising and marketing – in other words, liberal applications of fertilizer! While I find the term “consumer” only slightly less irritating than “taxpayer”, “elector” etc. At least it brings with it a higher degree of liberty. After all, in the end, we can all choose; to consume or not to consume; it’s up to us - and we usually elect to be consumers!

Thanks for your time!

WORDLINESS by XIV

I’ve noticed while working online that a few people seem to have trouble distinguishing between similar sounding words when it comes to writing or typing them. A classic example is the frequent confusing of the words “sight” and “site”. Just remember that “site” can be used instead of “location”; building site, demolition site etc. A website is a specific location on the internet. Site can also be a verb. Something can be “sited” wherever it’s located. “Sight” always relate to vision; eye-sight, short sight,

a beautiful sight, sight for sore eyes, etc. It, too, can be used as a verb, as in “sighted land”. Of course, nothing is ever quite that simple. In military circles, confusion could arise from the addition of the same prefix to either word. For instance, a gunsight is a component of any gun, essential for aiming accurately. However, a gun site is a position in which artillery pieces are located. Likewise, a bomb sight is also an aiming device. It is an integral part of any aircraft used for dropping bombs. A bomb site, however, is very different. It is an area of destruction left by the arrival of the bomber’s load.

rAINFALL DATA recorded at 150 bindoon-Moora road, bindoon

2014/2015

This month 32 years Ave

Rainfall

Progressive total

Rain days mm Rain days mm

Month This mth

Last year

This month

Last year

This year

Last year

This year

Last year

December 1 1 0.2 2.5 11.2 86 91 564.3 582.3

January 0 2 0.0 0.9 14.3 0 2 0 0.9

February 3 1 31.1 0.5 13.4 3 3 31.1 1.4

March 7 1 23.3 3.5 15.6 10 4 54.4 4.9

April 7 5 35 49.2 22.5 17 9 89.4 54.1

May 5 16 62.8 107.4 77 22 25 152.2 161.5

June 9 8 56.8 97.6 92.1 31 33 209.0 259.1

July 16 18 115.4 128.9 113.5 47 51 324.4 388

August 15 9 66.0 56.0 86.6 62 60 390.4 444.0

September 6 12 27.0 65.0 61.7 68 72 417.4 509.0

October 7 8 7.4 39.3 30.6 75 80 424.8 548.3

November 3 5 16.7 15.8 19.4 78 85 441.5 564.1

561.5mm annual average rainfall for 31 years 1984 to 2014

HOLY TRINITY PARISH NEW NORCIA

Contact: Sr.Therese Denny: 0427600526 mob. Email: tdenny@goodsams.org.au

Sunday 6th December 10.00a.m. Parish Council Meeting 11.30a.m.

Annual Parish Luncheon.

We welcome your local

news and events!Please email to tamieka@nvnews.

com.au or Phone: 0419 902 904

Thought for the monthTony Webb former editor Chittering Times.

Ephesians 4:26 (KJVA) Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrathMy late father-in-law, who was not a Church going man, gave me one simple piece of advice. A man of few words, he was a listener not a talker, he said “do not let the sun set on your sorrows”. Later in life we contemplate on the many times we have not heeded those words of wisdom.

As we leave matters unresolved until tomorrow, it then becomes next week, next month and then into years. Often we forget what the original issue was all about, but the sore has festered with time .The tangled web of he said and she said becomes hard to unravel with the mix of the mists of time and selective memories.

I am a believer that it is good to record your memoirs, if only to re-discover yourself. As you search your memory incidents from the past appear, confrontations that were not resolved at sunset now surface

in the twilight of our lives. Today family research is the fastest growing pastime. As we delve into the obscure corners of our lives it is guaranteed that a conflict will be found that was minor at the time, but the years have escalated the differences.

So the bottom line is what do we do? Dig up the past? I know my family would prefer that I left things under the carpet. Why do you have to know? My penance for seeking the truth has closed the door on some of my relationships. I say I need to know! I need to understand, resolve and make amends, while I can. The reaction from many is ‘let the past be left in the past’.

Inner contentment and relief can be made by airing those issues. Apologies or compromises can be offered in the spirit of reconciliation. In the final analysis you have to be true to yourself.

I would like to think that I never let the sunset on every situation but there is still work for me to do.

Luncheon supports ambos A bIG THANKYOU to all who came to the Melbourne Cup Luncheon held at the Upper Chittering Fire Station in Hart Drive.

A special thankyou to bindoon bakehaus and the bindoon Fresh Meats for their kind donations. The ladies of our local craft group donated their time, service and catering skills for the meal. Theresa Leete made a champagne cake that went

down well. Special mention to Jean for the lovely note books she made for door prizes and for sale.

brenda and Sue made hobby horses which were used in a step race. Gee some of the jockeys had big steps! Trophies were awarded.

A great time was had by all and the best part was being able to donate $1000.00 to the Volunteer Ambulance Centre.

Once again a bIG THANKYOU.

Share the dignity this ChristmasEach year St Andrews Medical practice in Midland chooses a way to give to the community and this year they have chosen the “Share the Dignity” project.

It’s about grabbing a disused handbag from home and filling it with hygiene products: soap, toothpaste, tissues, shampoo, brushes, chapstick etc – all those sorts of things you have in your hand bags. These handbags will be distributed to charities and refuges that take care of women at Christmas. Women at risk and homeless who have limited means go out of their way to support their children and go without themselves.

St Andrews Medical Group is a collection point and bags need to be collected by 11/12/15.

Although it’s not in the Northern Valleys region, many of us will pop down to Midland for Christmas shopping and it’s a really great idea to support!

More information is available at www.sharethedignity.com.au

Tuarn Brown

Kylie Jones rallied the bindoon community to join in baked relief WA. Now a battalion of 270 gingerbread men and 125 choc chip cookies are on their way to Esperance.

Thanks go to local volunteers from bindoon WA with donations of ingredients from community members

and the help and support of our fantastic local businesses bindoon bakehouse, IGA and ADrA Op Shop bindoon.

Involved in the project...

Kylie Jones, Jasmine Caldwell, Laurel Caldwell, brooke Taylor, Kate Taylor, Debbie Coonan, Mark Coonan, Cathy brown and Jodie Junk and taste quality control officer – Patrick.

Annette Howard

Koorunga members of the Country Women’s Association thank all members of the community for their support throughout the year and wish everyone a safe and happy festive season.

A project for over 20 years, Koorunga members package boxes of homemade goodies in the weeks leading up to Christmas and distribute them to those living alone, the long term patients in the Moora Hospital and the Moora Frail Aged Lodge. Members of the branch are always on the lookout for areas where they can assist. In recent times, a prize of a family voucher to The Maze at bullsbrook was given to the family with the most entries in the bindoon & Districts Agricultural Show, plus monetary support for the annual award presentation to Catholic Agricultural College, bindoon and Gingin District High School. Over 220 pancakes were made and greatly enjoyed as members supported the breakfast Club at Gingin District High School, and then happily sewed and filled 80 brightly painted cushions from the Year 1-3 art classes.

Our final activity for the year is an afternoon with rosemary. rosemary Sayer, author of More to the Story, will be visiting Wannamal on Thursday 10 December from 1.30 – 3.30pm. rosemary’s interview, conducted over several years, with former refugees and asylum seekers from burma, Afghanistan and South Sudan have uncovered powerful, moving stories of persecution, violence and starvation. families separated for a time, or forever; the desperation of thousands in refugee camps, awaiting relocation under humanitarian programs; the perilous journeys by boat of those for whom waiting would have meant death; life in

Bullsbrook CWA raises a cash donation for the Esperance fire appealbullsbrook CWA ladies also baked up a storm to aid the Esperance bushfire appeal. CWA bullsbrook and Districts branch President, Anne Gething was happy to help. “Thanks to members’ baking and the fantastic support of the bullsbrook community, $1469.95 was raised at a recent cake stall held to support communities affected by the Esperance fires,” she said.

Photograph Left to Right – CWA members Kylie Stephens, Yvonne Henning and Christine Ingram

Fletcher Howard enjoyed helping his grandmothers sew the brightly coloured cushions at GGDHS

mandatory detention; and the challenges of starting over in Australia. None of them chose to be refugees; all of them chose survival.

rosemary is an International business Communications consultant and author. Her hope is that by reading this book it will make a difference in national conversation about refugees and asylum seekers in this country.

Koorunga is an aboriginal word for four. When the branch first started in 1982, members came from four different areas – Wannamal, Mogumber, Gillingarra and New Norcia. Today members are spread across three different shires – Gingin, Chittering and Victoria Plains. If you would like to know more about Koorunga CWA contact Annette 9655 7007.

Koorunga CWA catchupBaked relief

Wannamal Art ExhibitionThe second Wannamal Art exhibition held at the Wannamal Community Centre was an outstanding success. Much of the art work on display was produced by members of the Wannamal Art Group, who use a broad range of techniques that included some outstanding drawings in water colour and black and white. The enthusiastic crowd appreciated and enjoyed the talented works on display.

Organizer of the event and local art teacher, Pam Myers, was ecstatic that nine pieces of art were sold over the two day exhibition.

Crafts, plants, photos, local produce, books, sewing, woodwork, biscuits and delicious home-made scones added to the great atmosphere. This was a great opportunity for local craft people to display and sell their works. Along with donations and a much sought after selection of gourmet jams, pickles and chutneys, over $1000.00 was raised for the royal Flying Doctor Service.

True to the recipe names, some of the more unusual items sold were bloody Mary relish, crunchy pickle celery, 1885 Marmalade, Orange Supreme and Shiraz Jelly . A significant sum of money from door entry and Devonshire teas was given to the Wannamal Community Centre.

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Northern Valleys News DECEMbEr 201530 www.nvnews.com.au

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Julie Collins

In 2015 junior rodeo in WA stepped up to the plate. Junior competitors who travelled from as far north as Newman, as far south as Esperance and from NSW, got the opportunity to compete in 8 junior rodeos this year. Most were held at Mogumber Oval arena and two at Oversby’s arena in bindoon.

We had many new events with the Lead Line barrel race, Western bending race and also the under 6 Dummy roping, where the kids throw a lasso at a steer head from the ground. The parents were just as keen as the kids in these events, leading the ponies around the course against other parents; then coming up to how fast they’ve run the course!

WA Junior rodeo titles were decided during the last rodeo which was held Sunday, 22 November. Muchea cowboy Trey Gallacher came out with second place in the breakaway roping, with a time of 4.18 seconds to pip bullsbrook boy Dylan ruff for the WA Junior breakaway roping title. Other titles decided were, Steer riding, U11 Levi Metcalf, U14 Jack Collins, U18 Trey Gallacher. barrel racing; U11 Samantha Collins, U14 Hunta Gallacher and U18 Mickaela Mongoo. Many of these kids also finished in the top ten in Australia for their age events.

This last rodeo of the year nearly didn’t go ahead, as the arena was in York for the open rodeo held the weekend prior. The Mogumber Outback Club came to our rescue and was able to arrange to have the arena brought back. With help from some junior rodeo families, the arena was erected just in time. After tirelessly fighting all year for the arena to stay at Mogumber for the junior rodeos, the MOG now face the uphill task of keeping their annual New Years rodeo at the grounds.

The extreme heat didn’t keep anyone away and we had a large number of entries. All competitors were treated to a free drink and icy pole, including the lead

liners, who also received a medallion for their efforts.

We had many prizes donated to our juniors for the end of year celebrations. Our sponsors rhinestone rodeo donated 6 gift bags along with 6 trophies from WA Junior rodeo as “encouragement awards”. One of our regular volunteers picked 6 kids, a boy and girl from each division, for these prizes.

Winners were U11, Samantha Collins and Levi Metcalf; U14 rachel Oakes and Joel ruff; U18 rebecca Young and ben Kinney. Sharna Dugan donated ropes as prizes for our Dummy roping Event. 2 ropes for each division given out as a prize in a “rope off”.

Winners for these were U11 rachael Tarry and Madison Kinney; U14 Joel ruff and Courtney reinke and U18 3-way-tie, Chloe Dawe, Trey Gallacher and Dylan ruff.

It’s been another great year – thanks to the generous support of our volunteers. Without them we would not be able to hold these rodeos. Also thanks to our sponsors, those who have donated prizes throughout the year and the parents who help out every rodeo. Juniors are the future of our sport of rodeo and I am so proud of each and every competitor. To see the progress of these kids is overwhelming. Good luck to all for next year!!

Junior rodeo wrap

Many thanks to their parents and family members for their continued support during this additional program

the cFJc committee would like to take this opportunity to wish the chittering community and all its members a very Safe,

Merry christmas & Happy New year.

We look forward to seeing you all in 2016

cHittERiNG JuNioR FootBaLL cLuB

FootBaLL REGiStRatioNS NoW oPEN FoR 2016

Register your kids for the 2016 season online now, at:www.chitteringjfc.sportingpulse.netor Google - chittering FootballRegister & pay by 31st December 2015 for a chance to get your hands on our early bird prize!the 2016 Season’s fees:Junior (yr’s 3*, 4, 5, & 6): $130youth (yr 7+): $170auSkick registrations will be held at a later date.*Please Note: as of 2016, yr 3’s will

be playing in full competition (i.e. against other clubs).We look forward to seeing everyone registered with the chittering Broncos for the new season!any queries, please contact our Registrar, Belynda coles.Email: cjfcregistrar@hotmail.comcongratulates to the year 4 cJFc players who have been competing in the Progress cup series 2015 at Baskerville. it’s great to see that the young players are eager to continue playing a sport of passion.

We want to hear from you!Please send in your news articles, photos, events and results -

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Cricket report Deb Glover

Unlike previous years where bindoon and Lower Chittering dominated in the South Midlands Cricket Association, often remaining undefeated during the season until they played each other, this season is proving to be much more interesting.

With bottom of the ladder bindi-Miling defeating bindoon a few weeks ago (Miling’s first win for the season ) and Lower Chittering notching up their third loss in a row in as many weeks been defeated by Gingin, the Moora Knights last week and bindi - Miling this week, no-ones position on the ladder is safe from week to week.

Last week saw Dandaragan and bindi-Miling both keen to stay off the bottom of the ladder with Dandy finishing victors with 10/ 183 runs defeating bindi-Miling all out on 134 runs. With Miling playing with a couple players short it could have been a much closer game.

It was a pretty good tussle between bindoon and Gingin with Gingin bowling bindoon all out for 175. Gingin were in a good position at 1/86 in the 23rd over but the match was abandoned and ended in a draw due to the fires in bindoon.

The Moora Knights played Lower Chittering at Lower and even though the Knights didn’t bowl Lower all out (Lower finishing on 5 for 16 ) the Knights won the game comfortably in the end, only losing two wickets and reaching 201 in the 41st over. Phill Hayman on 92no and Captain Jayden Glover on 72 batted well for the Knights with Lower’s Captain rory bennett finishing on 73no and Mitch Pringle 29 runs for Lower. Kaleb John Furnace was the only double wicket taker for the game with 2/15 off his 9 overs.

In other games this week bindi Miling 8/124 defeated Lower Chittering all out for 78 runs with no other results available at time of print. bindoon defeated

Dandaragan in a high scoring game bindoon batted first finishing on 7/295 and were too good for Dandy who also batted well but were all out for 234 runs. With only bindoon’s results entered, Clayton Smith made 103 runs and Jason bulpitt finished with a very respectable 76 runs. brad Pietraszek claimed the honours with the ball finishing with 4/37 off 8 overs.

The game between Moora and Gingin was always going to be hotly contested as Moora is fighting to hold onto their position at the top of the ladder and Gingin needing the win to advance up the ladder. With Gingin winning the toss they sent the Knights into bat. The Knights finished their innings on 6/164 with the top run scorer for the Knights being Dekan John Furnace finishing on 72 ( unlucky being bowled out on the last ball of the innings ), his dad Joe Furnace on 33 runs and Jayden Glover scored 19 runs. Gingin got off to a good start losing their first wicket in the 7th over with their score on 24 when T Tourney was caught by Simon Willmott off Kaleb John Furnace’s bowling. Gingin suffered a mini collapse losing 3 quick wickets. Kris George and Chucky richards clean bowled by Jayden Glover, with Will roe departing for only one run after been caught and bowled by Kody Glover.

Experienced player Steve balcombe joined his Captain Jake Edwards in the middle to build a partnership of 46 runs before balcombe ( on 14 runs ) was caught out by the brother combo of Jayden and bowler Jordan Glover. Once again Gingin suffered another mini collapse with Jordan bowling b Treloar out two balls later and with his Dad Dave taking a ripper of a catch in his next over to remove Scott Williams with the score on 80.

brad Groves, looking pretty determined, gave his team a glimmer of hope but after his Captain on 34 runs (the highest run scorer for Gingin) was bowled out by Kody Glover it all went down hill pretty fast. Gingin only added 3 more runs to their total finishing all out for 102 after Dave Glover took a diving catch to remove Groves (on

15 runs) off Stewart Horton’s bowling and Craig Maughan really didn’t stand a chance against Kody Glover’s pace bowling.

Kody finished with the best bowling figures taking 3/10 off his 4.5 overs followed closely by his brothers Jordan 3/6 off 4 overs and Jayden 2/20 off 7 overs. For Gingin

the only double wicket taker was spin-king Craig Maughan 2/30 off his 9 overs.

Next week will be the top of the table clash between Moora and bindoon. Gingin take on bindi-Miling and Lower Chittering will play Dandaragan.

results ladder

Jayden Glover batting for the Knights

Jack Collins in the Steer Ride

Aliyah Jacklin in the Under 6 Roping

Northern Valleys News DECEMbEr 201532 www.nvnews.com.au

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See in the New Year at MogumberThe town of Mogumber will be abuzz this December 31st as the third annual Mogumber Outback Club New Years Eve Rodeo takes place. Mogumber is quickly becoming the rodeo capital of the Northern Valleys region, and the townsfolk have gathered to prepare for the annual event.

Around 2000 people are expected to attend, travelling from far and wide to soak up the action watching the fast-paced barrel races, skillful roping and of

course the death-defying bucking broncos and bullrides.

A full range of family-friendly entertainment and food will be on offer, and a free campground means no-one has to risk a late drive home. There will be a free shuttle bus from the camp-ground to the rodeo arena provided by the Bindoon Mens Shed.

Gates open 2pm and the preliminary competition and junior rodeo events will run throughout the afternoon. The main

event is from 7pm. Get in early to get grandstand seats or bring a chair.

An additional event has been added to the program this year – the Novice Barrel Race. All event entries are taken through the ABCRA Central Entry system from Dec 14th-16th only; phone 1800 028 992

This event is made possible through the hard work of the Mogumber Outback Club committee and the many locals who volunteer to help. The MOC would also like the thank their generous sponsors,

many of whom put up cash prizes.

Profits from this event go towards the Mogumber Outback Club Inc, an incorporated not for profit association, who’s goal is to improve social and sporting facilities within this little town.

You can purchase tickets through Trybooking http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=170552, Or pay with cash at the gate on the day.

Gingin cowgirl Stacy McCarthy competing in the Barrell race in Mullewa earlier in the year. Photo: Richard Hathaway.