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peelPROGRESSIVE | PROSPEROUS | DYNAMIC
SPRING/SUMMER 2016 | VOL 2.4
Looking at ways our community cultures are celebrated, embraced and
connected to the broader community
Feature focus: Strong and Resilient Communities; developing vision for a strong and vibrant region
PROGRESSIVE | PROSPEROUS | DYNAMIC
Peel Development Commission Staff Andrew Ward Chief Executive Officer
David Arkwright Principal Program Officer, Transform Peel E [email protected]
Kelvin Barr Principal Officer, Economic and Regional Development E [email protected]
Kathleen Butler Finance and Administration Officer E [email protected]
Linda Cunningham Program Director, Transform Peel E [email protected]
Janine Hatch Principal Officer, Economic and Regional Development E [email protected]
Simone Hutton Grants and Projects Officer E [email protected]
Pip Kirby Principal Officer, Economic and Regional Development E [email protected]
Mia Lacy Corporate Communications Co-ordinator E [email protected]
Adrian Parker Director Economic and Regional Development E [email protected]
Carolina Renyut Customer Service Officer E [email protected]
Victor Smith Corporate Services Manager E [email protected]
Larissa Stacy Finance and Administration Officer E [email protected]
Kristie Tonkin Principal Officer Industry, Skills and Regional Capability E [email protected]
Kylie Wilson Executive Officer to CEO E [email protected]
PublisherPeel Development Commission
Editor Melissa Worthington | Cork and Cheese marketing + public relations
Graphic Designer Josephine Eynaud | Redtail Graphic Design
Disclaimer The Western Australian Government is committed to quality services to its customers and makes every attempt to ensure accuracy, currency and reliability of the data contained in these documents. However, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may affect the quality of this information. Confirmation of the information may be sought from originating bodies or departments providing the information.
In this issue
Peel Development Commission is a statutory authority established in 1993 by the Western Australian State Government under the Regional Development Commissions Act 1993. The Commission is one of nine regional development commissions across the State, each established and operating under the same legislation.
Peel Development Commission45 Mandurah Terrace (PO Box 543) Mandurah Western Australia 6210
Phone: (08) 9535 4140 Fax: (08) 9535 2119 Email: [email protected]
www.peel.wa.gov.au
www.facebook.com/peeldevelopmentcommission
https://twitter.com/peeldc
Peel Development Commission Board Mr Paul Fitzpatrick (Chairman)Dr Sue Fyfe (Deputy Chair)Mr John ErrenCr Christine GermainMs Maree Gooch
Dr Peter HickMr David NapoliProf Andrew TaggartMayor Marina Vergone
3 STRONG & RESILIENT COMMUNITIES 32 THRIVING
INDUSTRY
14 CAPABLE PEOPLE 42 AGRICULTURE
& FOOD INNOVATION
22 TOURISM EXCELLENCE 52 RECIPES
Chairman’s Welcome 1
CEO’s Management Report 2
Strong and Resilient Communities 3
Regional profile: Serpentine-Jarrahdale 22
Board Q&A 49
Staff profile Q&A 50
Page 44 of this edition looks at how the introduction of a trademark blue tick will ensure seafood caught from the estuary has been done so using sustainable fishing practices according to the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standard. Cover image courtesy of the MSC.
1Spring/Summer 2016 | PEEL
PROGRESSIVE | PROSPEROUS | DYNAMICPEEL Development Commission
WELCOME
Peel Development Commission Staff Andrew Ward Chief Executive Officer
David Arkwright Principal Program Officer, Transform Peel E [email protected]
Kelvin Barr Principal Officer, Economic and Regional Development E [email protected]
Kathleen Butler Finance and Administration Officer E [email protected]
Linda Cunningham Program Director, Transform Peel E [email protected]
Janine Hatch Principal Officer, Economic and Regional Development E [email protected]
Simone Hutton Grants and Projects Officer E [email protected]
Pip Kirby Principal Officer, Economic and Regional Development E [email protected]
Mia Lacy Corporate Communications Co-ordinator E [email protected]
Adrian Parker Director Economic and Regional Development E [email protected]
Carolina Renyut Customer Service Officer E [email protected]
Victor Smith Corporate Services Manager E [email protected]
Larissa Stacy Finance and Administration Officer E [email protected]
Kristie Tonkin Principal Officer Industry, Skills and Regional Capability E [email protected]
Kylie Wilson Executive Officer to CEO E [email protected]
PublisherPeel Development Commission
Editor Melissa Worthington | Cork and Cheese marketing + public relations
Graphic Designer Josephine Eynaud | Redtail Graphic Design
Welcome to Summer (at last!) and this issue of Peel Magazine. I would like to extend a special welcome to a new member of our Peel community — our Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Ward. With metropolitan and regional senior management experience in the local government environment, Andrew previously held the position of Director at the City of Karratha. He has over 20 years’ experience in community services and administration management and brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role.
Our theme for this Spring/Summer 2016 issue is Strong and Resilient Communities — one of the five pillars of our Peel Regional Economic Blueprint. As defined in the Blueprint, our vision for the Peel is a progressive, prosperous and dynamic region with a culture of care.
Our Blueprint articulates five key targets for building a strong and resilient community: secure housing, age friendly communities, targeted services, sport and recreation and arts and culture. The Peel Development Commission is engaged in developing programs and business cases which will:
∙ Invest in social capital and infrastructure that enables community engagement and workforce participation;
∙ Drive strategies aimed at attracting and retaining support service professionals to the Peel;
∙ Establish community inclusion programs that increase opportunities for those at risk of disengaging from the community and workforce;
Chairman’s Welcome
∙ Improve knowledge and understanding of the contribution of arts and culture to the health, well-being and economic development of the Peel; and
∙ Deliver strategic wrap around support services and outreach programs that address the needs of people at risk of not participating in the workforce.
The multi-million dollar Transform Peel project will be a hub for employment and innovation, providing an integrated approach to building regional resilience. We have been progressing and activating elements to initiate the project since its official start date of 1 July 2016. Governance arrangements have been finalised and we have completed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Regional Development to secure the financial structure required for this multiple partner project to progress.
Our key partners, including LandCorp, Department of Water and Department of Agriculture and Food WA, have worked closely with us on their MOUs and these are now with the Department of Regional Development for authorisation. We have been successful in the recruitment of a Program Director for Transform Peel, it’s our pleasure to welcome Linda Cunningham into this key role.
Linda has commenced her tenure and is joined by Program Officer David Arkwright who will be familiar to many.
We are working with the Transform Peel Strategic Advisory Committee to finalise a program timeline with our partners, and an interim investment prospectus is being developed. Stage 1 of Transform Peel is about the ‘activation’ of the program over the next four to five years, and facilitating this to the point where private sector investment can drive the program into the future when it will deliver 33,000 local jobs across diverse sectors, and achieve $16.2 billion per annum economic output by 2050. Along with its vast economic opportunities within the Peel Business Park, the Peel Food Zone and Integrated Water Initiative will provide sustainable food and water supplies for the entire community for generations.
Join us in this issue as we celebrate the strong and resilient communities of the Peel.
Paul Fitzpatrick
Chairman Peel Development Commission
Chairman Paul Fitzpatrick and Chief Executive Officer Andrew Ward.
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PEEL Development Commission
PEEL | Spring/Summer 2016
PROGRESSIVE | PROSPEROUS | DYNAMIC
MANAGEMENT REPORT
It is indeed a pleasure for me to welcome readers to this issue of the Peel Magazine as the Commission’s new Chief Executive Officer. In just a few short weeks since arriving, I’ve been extremely impressed with the capacity of the Peel’s infrastructure, the range of entities I have visited and the stakeholders I have had the pleasure of meeting. I appreciate the strong sense of community here, and my family and I are already enjoying the lifestyle and connections we have made in the region.
Together with the Commission’s chairman, Paul Fitzpatrick, I recently had the opportunity to see the excellent improvements created by the volunteers at the Mandurah Community Gardens who are setting a wonderful example of our strong and resilient community which is celebrated in this issue of Peel Magazine.
CEO’s Management Report
I’d like to share with you an insight into what our team here is currently engaged in. We are working on business cases for Peel Secure Housing and Employment Support Services, ‘Riverside’ Residential Aged Care Development, Peel Hospitality, Tourism and Personal Services Training Centre and the Dwellingup Trails Hub and Network.
Specifically, our Economic and Regional Development team are preparing concept briefs for Peel Youth Medical Services (PYMS) Health Hub, the Pinjarra Town Centre Redevelopment Project, Graceford Aged Care Upgrade, the Northern Peel Integrated Development Program; and investigating a possible group brief comprising peri-urban Food Industry Development, Peel Water Initiative, Research Facility, and both a common user cold storage and an export packing facility.
The Commission recently commenced a workforce and skills analysis of the Transform Peel program.
Paul Fitzpatrick, Commission Chair; Marina Vergone, Board Member and Mayor of the City of Mandurah; Foodbank WA CEO Greg Hebble and Commission CEO Andrew Ward at the Mandurah Community Gardens.
The need for this initiative was identified through the feasibility study into the establishment of a dedicated tourism and hospitality training centre in the Peel, as it became clear that we need a greater understanding of the industries and skill requirements for the expected 33,000 jobs to be created by the Transform Peel program. This information is critical to enable future planning of integrated training and research infrastructure, career guidance for our future workforce and to ensure a local capable workforce into the future.
The analysis is being overseen by the Peel Workforce Development Alliance with an outcome expected by June 2017.The 2017 Regional Grants Scheme and Community Chest Funds rounds were officially opened by the Minister on 1 August 2016 for funding available from 1 July 2017. We are currently processing and assessing 50 plus applications received from around the region.
The Commission will continue to explore future projects and opportunities that will benefit our region. For a comprehensive review, I’d encourage you to read our recently completed Annual Report on our website. As the year comes to a close, on behalf of us all at the Commission I extend to you our best wishes for a safe and festive holiday season.
Andrew Ward
Chief Executive Officer Peel Development Commission
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PROGRESSIVE | PROSPEROUS | DYNAMIC
3
Strong and Resilient Communities
WORDS | Kristie Tonkin, Peel Development Commission
IMAGES | Peel Regional Investment Blueprint
The fifth pillar of focus in the Peel Regional Investment Blueprint (Blueprint) is perhaps one theme that resonates with so many across the Peel region as we seek to create strong and resilient communities.
OUR GOAL TO 2050
The Peel will be a strong, vibrant and resilient community underpinned by best practice social services and infrastructure.
OUR OBJECTIVES• Secure housing and employment support services are available to
enable increased community and workforce participation
• A diverse range of ‘active ageing’ plans are developed and implemented across the region
• Targeted early childhood and social services support are available to meet the growing demands of the community
• A range of sport and leisure plans are developed and implemented that encourage participation and promotion of our unique natural assets
• A range of arts, entertainment and cultural events and facilities are developed that promotes the diversity of the region and encourages increased community participation
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PROGRESSIVE | PROSPEROUS | DYNAMICSTRONG & RESILIENT COMMUNITIES
PEEL Development Commission
The Peel population is on a trajectory for strong growth in the first half of the century. As the population expands we need to give greater consideration to ensuring that our social infrastructure and services are strong and well-coordinated to support the population as it continues to grow.
The Western Australian Planning Commission State Planning Strategy 2050 indicates six essential elements for consideration in planning for social infrastructure. These include the local economy, identity, connectivity, liveability, inclusion and diversity.
While social infrastructure needs are a high priority in the Peel, community priorities place safety, health and environmental preservation as paramount, as indicated in Living in the Regions 20131.
As indicated in research reported in Peel Away the Mask II2, each constituent local government
1 Living in the Regions 2013: a survey of attitudes and perceptions about living in regional Western Australia2 Peel Away the Mask II, PCDG 20123 2011 Census4 2011 Census
authority in the region registers significant diversity in terms of the proportion of aged residents, cultural and linguistic diversity and people with relative high levels of socio-economic disadvantage.
For example, the region has a relatively small Aboriginal population of 1.9% compared to the State average of 3.1%3. A feature of local Aboriginal communities is the significantly higher proportion of youth in the population and the lower numbers of seniors, making it the inverse of the non-Aboriginal population demographic.
In the Peel, the predominant migrant groups are from the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Netherlands and the Philippines. Waroona also has a strong Italian heritage.
The number of persons in the Peel who were born overseas has gradually increased from 19.7% in 2001 to 20.9% in 2006 and to 23.6% in 20114. For
Mandurah, the number of persons born overseas has almost doubled since 2001. Proportionately, there has also been a substantial increase in the number of persons in Serpentine-Jarrahdale and Boddington who were born overseas. The proportion of Waroona’s population, who were born overseas, has remained steady.
Recreation is an important factor in meeting the needs of a diverse community, and each of the local government authorities has made provision for a variety of sporting and social activities to suit the lifestyle of residents. The smaller ‘rural’ areas have provided recreational facilities in the central population area, with access distances at a minimum for most of their populations.
Figure 1 Relationship between our vision and themes
VISIONThe Peel is a
progressive, prosperous and dynamic region
with a culture of care.
1.0 THRIVING INDUSTRY
2.0 AGRICULTURE
& FOOD INNOVATION
3.0TOURISM
EXCELLENCE
5.0STRONG & RESILIENT
COMMUNITIES
4.0 CAPABLE PEOPLE
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PEEL Development Commission
Sports grounds and public open space in Mandurah, the only city within the region and the most densely populated, is the central point for many of the major activities and provides infrastructure to cater for the dominant football codes (Australian Rules and soccer), cricket, golf, field hockey, basketball, netball and tennis. Increasingly there are shared use arrangements between schools and local government authorities within the region. Sports grounds and public open spaces are provided in several of the city’s locations and the major facilities (swimming pool and recreation centre) are located within the central area, as are service providers.
In Living in the Regions 2013, the Peel was characterised by lifestyle, happiness and general well-being, the cleanliness of its environment, access to quality shopping, retail opportunities and high quality communications and internet access. Peel respondents to the survey rated their ability to maintain relationships with family and friends as contributing to their intention to reside in the region long-term.
The Peel has an older age demographic requiring access to affordable and appropriate accommodation and a young profile group requiring support to achieve their desired outcomes of engagement with the workforce, affordable living and a healthy lifestyle. These
requirements coupled with the needs of individuals requiring specialised resources and support creates a high level need for understanding and compassion to maintain a strong and resilient community.
Our Blueprint recognises that we must address the needs of a growing population. We want people to experience our region’s array of activities and to meet, play and relax in streets and public spaces that are safe, clean, inviting and alive.
To this end our goals and strategies include providing relevant and affordable services, advocacy and community infrastructure. We will promote and encourage healthy people and active ageing communities and want to ensure that our community cultures are celebrated, embraced and connected to the broader community.
There is a unified desire to build strong, vibrant and resilient communities in the Peel and a genuine commitment to continue to build on the goals and strategies of our Blueprint to create a common understanding of our region, and a shared, holistic view of its future.
The Strong and Resilient Communities theme identifies five key areas of focus for the region that together will
assist with sustaining our communities and ensure that our industries thrive and our people are supported in their endeavours to participate in the workforce. The key focus areas for Strong and Resilient Communities are:
1. Secure housing and employment support services
2. Targeted services
3. Age friendly communities
4. Sport and recreation
5. Arts and Culture
A range of local initiatives which support the objectives of the Strong and Resilient Communities theme are showcased in this edition of the Peel Magazine.
MORE INFORMATIONFor further information please contact the Peel Development Commission on (08) 9535 4140 or email [email protected]
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PROGRESSIVE | PROSPEROUS | DYNAMICSTRONG & RESILIENT COMMUNITIES
PEEL Development Commission
SMYL Community Services is a not-for-profit organisation that has been providing a range of amenities to Peel residents for 15 years, and is an example of an organisation with a number of service locations providing tailored facilities unique to local needs.
In collaboration with local communities SMYL contributes to the Peel Regional Investment Blueprint objectives of capable people and strong and resilient communities.
The following article provides an overview of SMYL Community Services and their impact.
Peel Jobs FairIn June 2016 the Department of Employment, SMYL Community Services and the Peel Development Commission combined forces to host the 2016 Peel Jobs Fair at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, with 46 participating exhibitors it’s estimated 2000 people attended the event. Companies including Alcoa took the opportunity to announce their recruitment campaign and Crown targeted Indigenous job seekers as part of their recruitment strategy, whilst WA Police promoted their Indigenous Cadets program.
Workshops for jobseekers focused on:
∙ The local labour market; identifying current employment opportunities and those projected for the future,
∙ Understanding the support structures and organisations that operate locally; and
∙ Networking opportunities for training, community and employment service provided on the day.
Feedback has been positive with many participants looking forward to a similar event next year.
SMYL Community Services WORDS | Julie Mitchell, SMYL
IMAGES | SMYL
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STRONG & RESILIENT COMMUNITIES
PEEL Development Commission
SMYL Community Services
PROGRESSIVE | PROSPEROUS | DYNAMIC
Aboriginal Employment and Training The Aboriginal Employment and Training (AET) program is primarily tasked to contribute to economic growth and job creation in communities and at its core has always focused on supporting individuals and communities to identify and connect to employment, education and training opportunities.
Local AET co-ordinator Ash Garlett has hosted a series of ‘Spotlight’ community forums and workshops across the Peel to identify employment pathways, local employment opportunities, skills
shortages and strategies to upskill local people to meet the needs and barriers faced by Nyoongar people when applying for jobs and the limited access to work programs in the regional areas.
From 1 July 2016 the program has changed focus, specifically targeting Aboriginal youth and post-school transition to employment, training (Certificate III or above) or higher education. ATE services will be delivered through schools, actively engaging Aboriginal youth in Years 10–12 to build aspiration through role models, career information and career transition planning. Students will continue to be mentored and supported past the end of Year 12.
Skills for Education and EmploymentLanguage, literacy and numeracy (LLN) skills are fundamental for learning and impact on a person’s ability to participate in society.
They provide the foundation upon which skills needed in the labour market are built.SMYL provides a range of vocational training with a focus on improving language, literacy and numeracy skill to prepare Peel residents to participate more effectively in training or in the labour force, leading to long-term gains for the economy and the community.
Demand has seen class numbers increase beyond our original expectations with vocational courses offered in retail, general education,
ABOVE: Peel Jobs Fair manikins.
TOP RIGHT: SMYL Trainees address Peel Jobs Fair attendees.
ABOVE: Keiresha Morrison from Coodanup Community College.
Pinjarra ‘Spotlight’ community forum.
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PROGRESSIVE | PROSPEROUS | DYNAMICSTRONG & RESILIENT COMMUNITIES
PEEL Development Commission
information technology and leadership. This program is funded by the Department of Education and Training under the Skills for Education and Training banner.
Group Training OrganisationGroup Training (GTO), is an arrangement where trainees are employed by the GTO and hired out to other businesses (host employers) while they undertake their training. Most of SMYL’s trainees are school based, that is they are currently enrolled and attending a senior secondary school as a full time student. This arrangement allows the student to start a traineeship and be employed part-time whilst completing the WA Certificate of Education. In 2016, 61 students participated from local schools including Coodanup, Halls Head, John Tonkin, Mandurah Catholic, Living Waters, Pinjarra and Waroona. Trainees are enrolled in Certificate II qualifications in business, community services, retail, hospitality, sport and recreation.
Waroona local Stirling Winmar, has been successfully participating in a school based traineeship with the Water Corporation in the Perth CBD. Stirling is an inspiration to local residents showing resilience in managing school, work and travel whilst living independently from his family.
Curriculum and Re-engagement SchoolSMYL has been operating a Curriculum and Re-engagement (CaRE) School (SMYL Community College) in Rockingham since 2011 and has recently extended registration to include Years 8 and 9 students for 2017.
SMYL Community College is a ‘Big Picture Inspired’ school. The key to achievement lies in fostering the student's individual interests, encouraging their active participation in the learning process, and developing their ability to
apply knowledge and skills to real life. It is a personalised approach that involves family, friends and the community, especially in the development of projects, ‘exhibitions’ and mentoring. Students benefit from: Personal Learning Plans that combine personal learning with WACE and VET outcomes; being responsible for managing their time and meeting learning outcomes; learning responsibility and gaining employability skills from a mentor in a practical real-life context; embedding of numeracy, literacy and WACE subjects within the student's projects; use of Educational Assistants in team teaching to allow intensive literacy and numeracy support as
required; and offering a VET pathway to employment including paid traineeships. SMYL surrounds the students with other professionals such as counsellor, youth worker and VET co-ordinator.
A round of community forums and consultations identified a lack of alternative education options for young people in the City of Mandurah. On the basis of recommendations from this group, SMYL sought registration for a campus in Mandurah, which was granted approval in June 2016 and anticipates students commencing in 2018.
MORE INFORMATIONFor more information on SMYL Community Services or to enquire as to eligibility for the above programs phone (08) 9586 1517 or visit 98 Mandurah Terrace, Mandurah.
TOP: Youth Employment Program at the 2016 Pinjarra Community Service day.
ABOVE: Stirling Winmar (centre) with Water Corporation colleagues.
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The Peel Development Commission recently awarded Regional Grant Scheme funding to Quambie Park to establish a Social Inclusion Centre for the aged residents of Waroona.Recognising the increasing age and decreasing health of people receiving aged care services, the Social Inclusion Centre will enable residents who are unable to leave the aged care facility, due to limited mobility, to engage with family and friends in the Centre.
“The Social Inclusion Centre will mean a great deal to the residents of Pam Corker House,” said Edie Elms, long-term resident of Quambie Park.
“Quambie Park is our home and we want our families and friends to feel welcome to come and spend quality time with us in our home.”
“The communal entertainment, dining and social activity areas that are purpose built and designed to accommodate the needs of the aged will enable this to happen,” she said.
Quambie Park has been caring for Waroona’s elderly residents for more than 30 years offering residents a vibrant community with aged care services and support at their fingertips. No matter what stage in the retirement journey, Quambie Park offers a continuum of aged care services to a range of lifestyles. Residents can decide on extra assistance around the home, community living in the retirement village or individualised care at the aged care facility.
Quambie Park’s rich heritage and strong country values enable Waroona residents to remain close to friends and family as they age and continue to be a much valued part of our community.Quambie Park recognises that not everyone is ready to move out of the family home, even if they require some assistance. Home care packages can help elderly residents to remain living in their own home by tailoring a specific package of support services to meet individual needs.
Quambie Park’s retirement village is where country values and community care come together offering a relaxed lifestyle in a secure environment with support provided to make life easier.
For those requiring the highest level of care, Pam Corker House offers comfortable single rooms with
Waroona welcomes Social Inclusion Centre
WORDS | Pip Kirby, Peel Development Commission
IMAGES | Quambie Park Inc
ensuite bathrooms and access to 24/7 nursing services within a residential setting (including a secure wing for people with dementia or other mental illnesses).
Quambie Park is continually looking for innovative ways to improve the services available to support the regions aged community.
In addition to the upgrades at Pam Corker House, Quambie Park is planning an expansion of their facilities that will see the construction of an additional nine purpose built accommodation units for older people and a community hub. The units will be specifically designed to accommodate older person’s needs enabling people to remain living in a home like setting for much longer, delaying the need for them to enter residential care. The community hub will become a ‘one-stop shop’ for older members of the community to access home care services and other health, personal and support services. Through the delivery of a calendar of social engagements the hub will become the place to be. Quambie Park has completed an extensive amount of planning for this new development and is currently seeking financial assistance to make this dream a reality.
MORE INFORMATIONFor further information visit www.quambiepark.com.au
STRONG & RESILIENT COMMUNITIES
PEEL Development Commission
The Peel community has been concerned for many years about the rising levels of family and domestic violence in the region. Police incident report figures for the region are high and research reports and data from service providers in the region paint a similar picture, domestic violence is a serious issue in the Peel and the effects on the community are broad ranging.
The consistent high incidence of violence in Peel has led to higher pressure on crisis support services, many of which are only able to accommodate the high risk clients, leaving those women and children of lower risk (but still traumatised)
without support for a period of time. The high levels of violence also impact related services such as financial and legal services who are reporting high numbers of clients escaping situations of domestic violence.
The Peel Says No To Violence project has been developed based on the identified needs within the Peel community and with direct input from many of the key service providers impacted by the prevalence of family and domestic violence in Peel.
Peel Community Development Group in collaboration with a consortium of local service providers including Peel Community Legal Services, Allambee Counselling, Pat Thomas House and Peel Youth Services were successful in attracting Building Safe Communities for Women funding from the Department of Social Services to undertake the project.
The focus of the initiative is to establish a Peel Says No To Violence Regional Alliance and develop and trial a community education campaign to promote current services and key messages through community and business ambassadors.
Peel says “no” to violence
WORDS & IMAGES | Kristie Tonkin, Peel Development Commission
Consortium meeting with Sen. Michaelia Cash and Andrew Hastie MP.
Peel Says No To Violence Alliance Forum.
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PROGRESSIVE | PROSPEROUS | DYNAMICSTRONG & RESILIENT COMMUNITIES
PEEL Development Commission
To initiate the Alliance a forum was held on the 23 August 2016 to engage with service providers and community members seeking their views on the structure of the Alliance and the education campaign. Over 65 people were in attendance and provided their feedback on the proposed Alliance structure which will involve three levels of membership:
∙ Core partners — direct participation in the Alliance and the campaign development
∙ Organisational supporter — promoter of the key message and supporter of the Alliance
∙ Individual supporters — promoter of the key message and supporter of the Alliance
Through the cooperation of the consortium and local service providers, interviews are currently being conducted with women who have a lived experience of family and domestic violence. This knowledge will be paired with core research and data to inform the key messages of the campaign. It will also be collated into a report which the Alliance will use to identify possible service improvements.
The campaign is expected to be launched in early 2017 and local organisations and individuals can get involved by becoming supporters and circulating the key messages to their peers and groups. The campaign will involve some key materials and messages which will assist to not only raise awareness of the issues but also provide information as to the actions people can take to help those in need.
This initiative is a great example of how organisations and individuals in the Peel can pull together to make a difference to our community. If you would like to get involved connect through the Facebook page below.
MORE INFORMATIONFor more information go to: www.facebook.com/PeelSaysNoToViolence
The Peel Development Commission office will be closed from Thursday 22 December, reopening Tuesday 3 January.
PROGRESSIVE | PROSPEROUS | DYNAMIC
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PROGRESSIVE | PROSPEROUS | DYNAMICSTRONG & RESILIENT COMMUNITIES
PEEL Development Commission
Perth Transport PlanThe Commission prepared a submission to State Government during the public comment period for the Perth Transport Plan @ 3.5 Million. The submission highlighted aspects of the Plan the Commission believe requires further focus, including more emphasis on the Peel region’s public transport and freight infrastructure needs and East/West road linkages in particular. The plan focuses on issues within the Perth transport network but fails to adequately address the needs of the Peel; the title of the document and the vision do not include an identity for Peel.
The Commission recommended further consultation and collaboration with key regional stakeholders to develop solutions to these pertinent issues, including considering rescheduling proposed road developments such as the Tonkin Highway extension to 2030 to ensure connectivity of residents to services and employment in strategic activity centres.
MORE INFORMATIONContact the Peel Development Commission on (08) 9535 4140 or [email protected]
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PROGRESSIVE | PROSPEROUS | DYNAMICSTRONG & RESILIENT COMMUNITIES
PEEL Development Commission
Following the launch of the Peel Secure Housing and Employment Support Strategy in February 2016 work has continued to develop phase one of the strategy being the development of a Mandurah Hub. The proposed Hub comprises two co-located buildings in the Mandurah Inner City Precinct incorporating:
∙ Youth accommodation facility — a dedicated youth accommodation, training pathway and support complex offering 30 studio units.
∙ Family accommodation facility — a dedicated family accommodation and support complex (for singles or couples with one or more children) that offers 30 two and three bedroom apartments.
∙ Commercial office space for rent by social enterprises, not-for-profits and other entities which are compatible with the intent of the facility. This will assist with provision of support and employment opportunities for young people and families living in the complex.
The proposed facilities are designed to provide supported transitional accommodation to cohorts of 30 young people and 30 families with children, who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness as demonstrated in Figure 1.
The facility would notably provide support to assist the households to gain educational and/or training skills to yield employment outcomes for participants of the project.
Peel Secure Housing and Employment Strategy Update
WORDS & IMAGES | Kristie Tonkin, Peel Development Commission
Consultation Workshop.
The proposed facilities are designed to
provide supported transitional
accommodation.
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STRONG & RESILIENT COMMUNITIES
PEEL Development Commission PROGRESSIVE | PROSPEROUS | DYNAMIC
The supported transitional accommodation aspect of the model will be based on the international Foyer model. This model is traditionally a supported accommodation complex offering participants (usually young people) a subsidised rental placement with access to intensive support services for a set period. Support services assist participants to address underlying social, job training and employment issues. A requirement of the model is for participants to engage in study and/or employment and agreed remedial services, assisting them to transition to mainstream employment and housing opportunities, and hence independence.
Figure 1 Conceptual modelSource: Shelter WA
The proposal for Peel expands upon the model offered by other Foyers throughout Australia, to include both young people and adult families, a centralised hub with future provisions for scattered accommodation, and coordinated service delivery through a web of existing service providers.
This project, designed to explore issues and solutions around homelessness in the Peel, was initiated by the Peel Homelessness Network and Peel Community Development Group in 2014 with a number of community stakeholder workshops being held throughout the development process. The consultative process enabled existing providers to have input into
the development of the model and suggestions to how it might operate. Key stakeholders were also engaged through an Advisory Committee who oversaw the developmental process.
Through community discussions and site option analysis UnitingCare West have been identified as proponents for the project. UnitingCare West is a community services agency of the Uniting Church that touches the lives of thousands of families and individuals each year through services spanning the areas of community and family services, disability and youth, mental health, independent living and accommodation services.
UnitingCare West have committed to consulting with local organisations in the design and delivery of the project moving forward.A Royalties for Regions business case for the proposal has recently been finalised and is currently progressing through the funding process with an expected outcome mid-2017. In the interim, the Commission will continue to work with UnitingCare West on securing the land and gaining further leveraged funds for the project.
This project is a key initiative of the Peel Regional Investment Blueprint in supporting the objective of:
Secure housing and employment support services are available to enable increased community and workforce participation.
MORE INFORMATIONThe Peel Secure Housing and Employment Strategy can be viewed on the Peel Development Commission website. Visit www.peel.wa.gov.au, call (08) 9535 4140 or email [email protected]
WEB OF EXISTING SERVICE PROVIDERS
WEB OF EXISTING SERVICE PROVIDERS
!
Education and training
Other
Support networks
Mentors and advisors
Remedial support
Job pathways
Other scattered transitional housing(mixed locations, mixed options)
Assistance agreement
(with mutual obligations)
MANDURAH HUB
Management services• Web based case management
• Core support services• Research and evaluation
• Social enterprises• Office rentals
• ~30-unit family facility• ~30-bed youth facility
Indigenous programs
Government services
REGIONAL OUTREACHPotential
Boddington
Murray
Waroona
Serpentine/Jarrahdale
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PEEL Development Commission
The beautiful rammed earth building that is home to Dwellingup’s Forest Heritage Centre is the perfect setting in which to build high quality, individually handcrafted heirloom rocking horses.
It’s here, local craftsman Grant Flanegan does just that with each and every horse made to his own design specifications. After years of creating plans and tweaking others he has sourced, Grant now works to a design that is uniquely his own and continually changing as his skill level grows and clients request specific stances.
Grant qualified with a trade certificate in carpentry and joinery in 1983, completing his apprenticeship in Paraburdoo. He spent about five years working in his own business until a car accident in 1989 left him unable to undertake manual work.
He went on to work in sales for a number of years until he regained his strength. He then worked in a number of other jobs including maintenance worker and workshop manager.
Building his first rocking horse in 2007 as a way of filling in some spare time sparked Grant’s interest in and passion for crafting rocking horses. He sold that horse through a local shop in Rockingham, and upon reflection he says he found the work relaxing and rewarding. As he was not under pressure from a manager or working to someone else’s time frame it also allowed him to express his creativity.
Our region. Our people.
WORDS | Shani Holster, Forest Heritage Centre
IMAGES | Forest Heritage Centre
As this edition’s theme centres around the Peel Development Commission’s Blueprint approach to Strong and Resilient Communities we look at two capable people who call the region home, working in occupations that honour skill, craftsmanship and the joy of sharing their talent with others.
Keeping skills and traditions aliveAs a sole manufacturer Grant produces an average of two horses per month. Now that he is working from the Forest Heritage Centre, which provides him with access to more space and machinery, he is aiming to increase his volume of production. He is currently training a couple of volunteers who are going to help him while his business grows to a point where he can employ staff. “In the next five years I’m aiming to manufacture a larger variety of horses and other children’s toys as well as develop a range of furniture pieces and hopefully be in the position to train and employ a number of workshop assistants,” Grant says.
Grant also intends to diversify his range of ‘rocking ride-on’s’. Once he has completed his current horse he will manufacture a rocking motorbike. He also has plans to build horses in a wider range of stances and sizes, along with other rocking animals including zebras, giraffes and kangaroos.
He explains his plan to develop a range of affordable hand crafted furniture items, “I’m concerned by the volume of cheap, mass produced, flatpack furniture that I see people spending money on, only to have it break and end up as land fill.
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I acknowledge that not everyone’s budget can extend to purchasing high-end bespoke pieces, but I believe that it is possible, and important, to produce furniture items that are affordable and that will last several lifetimes. Pieces that can be passed on through families over generations.”
Grant would love to see his business grow to the point where he is able to take on young trainees in order to give them a foot in the door of the timber craft industry. With the current growth in the region’s population and the number of visitors to the region he hopes that this won’t be too far off.
Grant believes there is a large international market that he will be able to capture, although at the moment he is focusing on the Australian market. With the increase in internet purchasing, Grant can see an opportunity for his rocking horse sales to go worldwide, observing that access to online sales has helped other niche market businesses to find a larger market than currently exists in their own backyard.
The trend towards online business transactions is also allowing Grant to source some of his supplies from overseas businesses, “This enables me to access the most competitive pricing for hardware and the like,” he explains.
Grant has enjoyed spending most of his adult life in the Peel region seeing the growth and changes to the region. “I enjoyed my time in Mandurah,” he says, “but I decided to move to Dwellingup so I could access the facilities at the Forest Heritage Centre and be closer to my much-needed timber supplies.”
Grant also loves to read and through the books he’s read on business and personal success he has developed the following goals; “Stay focused on your plan, persist when things are getting tough, and be a lifelong learner.”
Asked how he likes to spend his downtime he says, “reading and fishing but mostly spending time in the workshop. That’s the bonus of doing what you love — you don’t feel the need to get away.”
MORE INFORMATIONIf you are looking for a memorable Christmas gift, Grant builds his rocking horses at the Forest Heritage Centre workshop in Dwellingup. He is there most days between 10am – 3pm and is happy to talk to people about his work. You can phone Grant on 0407 117 972, or just drop in for a chat. The Forest Heritage Centre is located at 1 Acacia Street Dwellingup or visit www.forestheritagecentre.com.au
Like to learn how?If you are interested in helping Grant out as a volunteer please call the Forest Heritage Centre during business hours on (08) 9538 1395.
With the trend for internet purchases Grant Flanegan can see the opportunity for his rocking horse sales going worldwide.
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PEEL Development Commission
WORDS | Kristie Tonkin, Peel Development Commission
IMAGES | Kim Stanton, South Metropolitan TAFE
Kim Stanton always knew she wanted to be a Chef, “my Dad was into cooking and from the age of around ten I wanted to be a Chef.
In my early twenties I moved to Geraldton and started a front of house course and then found a Chef apprenticeship so then I travelled the mid-west cooking in small restaurants throughout my apprenticeship.” When Kim completed her training she went on to own a casual dining restaurant in Geraldton with her husband for ten years before traveling again and settling in Mandurah, spending 11 years working in local restaurants.
“A colleague suggested I try training and I loved it. I transitioned into training full time, completed a teaching degree at university and found my passion, inspiring others to do better. I still love being a Chef but love being a trainer more.”
Kim is an advanced skills commercial cookery lecturer at South Metropolitan TAFE, the highest level possible without transitioning into management. “My role involves mentoring other lecturers, developing programs to suit the local area, undertaking paperwork at both campuses and taking a leadership role within the hospitality team. I also am a leader in volunteering roles within my industry through mentoring, judging and organising competitions.”
Commenting on observations in hospitality and cookery trends and how this shapes training delivery and assessment, Kim said “I’ve recently returned from Melbourne and I have found that going to other States and seeing how others train is of great benefit. Currently there is a big push nationally for local produce to ensure food sustainability and reduce the carbon footprint.
The establishment of a Food Zone in Peel and an expected increase in food production is an exciting development for local restaurants. “Industry in Mandurah would welcome the opportunity to promote more locally sourced food. To see this gap closed through a paddock to plate philosophy will be beneficial for local industry and can be reflected through the training cycle.”
Another trend Kim noted that has been building across the UK and US markets is food trucks, a trend now being reflected in the local market.
“The proposed Peel Hospitality and Personal Services Training Centre that South Metropolitan TAFE, Department of Training and Development and Peel Development Commission have been working on will have a positive impact on the training delivery occurring
in the region. It will open up more opportunities for students, improve their skills ready for industry and enable live works training for front of house students,” said Kim.
She also believes the Centre will benefit local restaurants through involving their staff in guest Chef nights to broaden their knowledge and skills, with the range of courses currently delivered expanding and enabling students who currently live in the region and commute via train into Fremantle to be able to study locally.
Reflecting on her ten years of training and what makes a difference Kim comments, “At the beginning I was concerned that people weren’t living up to the expectation that I had for them. I learnt over time to let that expectation be more about them than me. I had an epiphany about training and what people want to get out of a course is different for everyone, and as long as I am helping them to live up to their own expectations I am doing a good job.”
“People often come to a course to learn new skills, not necessarily have a new career and it’s ok if they don’t want to be the best Chef, it’s about getting the best out of each student to the best of their own ability. I have taught international students, locals,
It’s a Chef’s world
Our region. Our people.
Kim Stanton is an advanced skills commercial cookery lecturer at South Metropolitan TAFE.
I love being a Chef but love being
a trainer more.Kim Stanton.
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people with a disability, mature aged students and they are all different. Some of my students have gone on to do great things and work in Melbourne and Sydney, won major competitions and it is all driven by their own internal aspirations. I encourage students to enter competitions and push beyond the day-to-day chores of the class to bring their own ideas to the fore.”
Finding someone inspiring every semester (she has a keen eye for talent) I asked Kim if there had been any particular students that have inspired her as a trainer.“There are so many different students that have inspired me. Probably the biggest inspiration is the student who I trained that has just won World Skills National Gold and is now going on to international competition at Abu Dhabi. He is a Pinjarra local who came to the campus four years ago to listen to a talk I was doing about the industry with Future Now, he was so inspired by listening to me and a guest Chef about where you could go with this career that he sought an apprenticeship. Throughout his apprentice training we worked together to enter competitions and build his skills and when he graduated he went to Sydney.”
“Then there are other students who have never done well at school but can come here and succeed, just to complete an assessment on time and within the requirements is inspiring as well and I find others seeking a career change and taking a risk to do so is also inspiring.”
Observations about the local industry in relation to other campuses in regional locations, Kim feels the Peel region is a well-kept secret “in that we are doing a great job within limited resources. Peel has so much to offer, the fishing, the beach, tourism opportunities but also our more relaxed country town with a city vibe. The city is close but we have a relaxed feeling. There are some
great restaurants and cafés and the opportunities for tourism are growing. This will expand as the Food Zone is established.
More advertising and promotion of the region is required to help the tourism and hospitality industries grow as well as improve the reputation of the sector and retain workers locally. Even local promotion of events and activities is not great which limits people knowing what is on offer,” said Kim.
Moving forward Kim would like to see some more fine dining in the region but acknowledges demand from residents is required for this to happen, “local industry find it hard to retain quality Chefs due to higher wages in Perth and a more prestigious restaurant scene. It would be good to see the image of working in a country town improved.”
“The seasonality of hospitality limits the ability for businesses to be sustainable, the creation of more events and attractions during winter to attract visitation would be ideal. It is a shame to see local businesses close during winter, we try to support industry through work placements during this period; as it also provides them time to train students who are then ready to gain employment in the busy periods. It would be great to see local producers open up their companies to tourism opportunities.”
Reflecting on the best advice she’d ever received Kim mused, “I guess I believe that you shouldn’t do a job unless you love it. This advice came early from my Dad, do something that you love. Also you only get out what you put in; I tell my students that if you put in only a little effort your food is going to reflect that.”
“People often say that I work in my down time because of all the volunteering I do within my sector including competitions and mentoring, but this is what I love.”
Kim enjoys her limited time away from the kitchen watching movies and knitting, particularly during the winter months, “I ride a Harley Davidson so I often enjoy a nice drive on the
weekend and some good food. I like to eat! On holidays I enjoy going to top restaurants to see new ideas that I can bring back and share with my students.”
MORE INFORMATIONFor further information visit: www.southmetrotafe.wa.edu.au
Kim Stanton with World Skills Champion Brody Young-Steedman.
Training champions Kim is a representative of World Skills Australia nationally and State, a mentor for the WA World Skills team for hospitality, and was recently the deputy chief judge at the national World Skills competition.Kim sits on the local industry board for hospitality at South Metropolitan TAFE and is also part of the Australian Culinary Association, involved in Gold Plate awards and is on a local Board for Chefs.
“I enjoy getting involved in this side of the industry to promote the industry and also the skills requirements.” Kim Stanton.
PROGRESSIVE | PROSPEROUS | DYNAMIC
CAPABLE PEOPLE
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PEEL Development Commission
The Port Bouvard Yacht Club was the recipient of a Community Chest Fund grant of $50,000 which they will use for training yachts and a floating pontoon to start a special program at Port Bouvard designed for people with a disability.Commodore John Hunt said the introduction of a regional Sailability program had long been envisaged by the club and the grant meant they could now go ahead with its implementation.
“Up until now, Sailability was offered only at the Princess Royal Yacht Club in Albany, and at the South Perth and Perth Yacht Clubs. These two were the only option for people living in the Peel region, and they have both been oversubscribed for ages. That’s why it is so important that we are able now — finally — to start one here,” he said.
“Sailability is a program which simply means sailing for everyone. Around the world Sailability operates under different names. Sailability organisations are not-for-profit, volunteer-based, and through the activity of sailing enrich the lives of people of all abilities — the elderly, the financially and socially disadvantaged as well as people with physical challenges,” said John Hunt.
The club is buying two trimarans with large cockpits that will accommodate up to five adults so people with disabilities and their carers can be on board at the same time.
With the balance of money, the club will buy a pontoon system which can be configured in various ways and which will eventually include a dock capable of holding wheelchairs.
“Through our Sailability program at Port Bouvard we are specifically encouraging people with disabilities to try sailing. Because our co-ordinator Gavin has a severely autistic son, he and his wife have for a long time been involved in disability support and she works locally with disability support groups so we have already managed to get two dozen applicants,’’ said John Hunt.
“Through a different grant from the City of Mandurah, we are going to create some open days so people can
trial the program before committing. We are planning a few small open days as summer commences, getting people who already know each other together and having some intimate sessions so potential sailors and their carers can sample the Sailability experience.”
Grants totalling $500,000 have been awarded to community groups, public and not-for-profit organisations in the Peel region this year for projects to improve and develop infrastructure and services through the State Government’s Royalties for Regions Community Chest Fund which offers grants of up to $50,000 to support local projects.
MORE INFORMATIONAnyone interested in enquiring about the Sailability program should contact John Hunt on 0452 453 643 or email [email protected]
Commodore John Hunt, PDC Chairman Paul Fitzpatrick and Member for Dawesville Dr Kim Hames.
WORDS & IMAGE | Mia Lacy, Peel Development Commission
Sailability launches at Port Bouvard
$50,000
Community Chest Fund grant
Peel athletes are making a major contribution towards state and national sporting achievements. To assist them on their sporting pathway, the Peel Regional Academy of Sports (PRAS) offers our talented local athletes support by creating a training environment in the Peel region.
PRAS is part of the Regional Athlete Support Program (RASP) which provides regionally-based athletes with access to quality training and development opportunities, facilities and competitions and access to travel subsidy grants.
The program was created to establish a long-term sustainable network in regional areas for athletes to access a high level training environment and support them to pursue their sporting dreams. “We are currently at capacity with 52 athletes on full scholarship, from 15 different sports, with more athletes on the wait-list,” said Joe McCarthy, co-ordinator of the Peel Regional Academy of Sport.
The RASP provides regional athletes with access to equivalent opportunities and services closer to home and also helps reduce the proportionately higher cost borne by regional athletes to develop in their sport.
“With the majority of our athletes still in high school, balancing study and training commitments is difficult,” Mr McCarthy said. “The program at PRAS allows athletes who live in the Peel region to spend more time training and doing it closer to home.”
Athletes who receive a scholarship to PRAS receive support through services such as strength and conditioning, social media training, sports science and nutritional advice, as well as access to talent development camps and coaching support. The core aspect of the program is sport-specific strength and conditioning sessions conducted by industry professionals.
PRAS is not limited to athlete development. A coaching network group offers local coaches opportunities to upskill and network, which improves the level of coaching in the Peel region.
Several PRAS athletes have gone on to sporting success. Bronagh Allison was selected to compete in the Junior World Sailing Championships in Germany, April MacPherson achieved fourth in the Australian National Surfing Championships, Marshall Puzey and Bree Johnson were selected in the Australian Futures Hockey squad
and Brienna Bird, Natalie Holle and Ella Sigley have been selected in the Junior National Netball squad.
The Department of Sport and Recreation have assisted in the establishment of sport and recreation networks to support academies in Peel, South West, Mid West, Gascoyne, Kimberley, Pilbara, Wheatbelt, Great Southern and the Goldfields. The networks liaise with State Sporting Associations to deliver the programs to benefit local athletes and coaches.
The Peel Sport and Recreation Network is funded until the end of the financial year through the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program.
MORE INFORMATIONFor further information visit www.praswa.com.au or email Joe McCarthy [email protected]
Developing future champions
WORDS | Kyla Padfield, Department of Sport and Recreation
IMAGE | Department of Sport and Recreation
From left to right — Lawson Patten-Williams, Bree Johnson and Marshall Puzey at the U18 Australian Hockey Championships Launceston 2016. All three are scholarship athletes at Peel Regional Academy of Sports.
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The festive season is one of joy but it can also be a time of additional hardship to many within our diverse Peel community. High unemployment is a major issue for the region with the July 2016 CommSec figures placing Mandurah with the second highest rate in Australia. Unemployment can be a contributing factor to many social issues including financial hardship, homelessness, domestic violence and mental illness.
Every day, people in the Peel donate and volunteer to help those
and the Salvation Army as well as a raft of local schools and volunteer groups co-ordinate this effort. The initiative is supported financially by Lotterywest.
The hampers include food items such as vegetables, Christmas cake, chips and soft drink — items that for many are considered a luxury, and will bring joy and happiness at this time of year. Christmas gifts placed under the Wishing Tree at local Kmart stores are also included in the package for families.
Families can register to receive a hamper through WestAus Crisis or their regular service provider in Mandurah, Pinjarra or Waroona. The Peel community can contribute to this event by donating food items to WestAus Crisis, placing a gift under the wishing tree at Kmart, or volunteering their time to pack hampers between 12 to 19 December at the Salvation Army premises in Lakes Road.
Waroona Family Support Services drive the food hamper initiative for the Waroona area and are calling for volunteers to pack hampers in December at the Waroona Community Resource Centre. If you wish to volunteer please send your details to [email protected].
A culture of care
WORDS | Kristie Tonkin, Peel Development Commission
IMAGES | City of Mandurah and Shire of Murray
in need in many different ways — through provision of food, financial counselling, homelessness services, community activities and more. The benefits of volunteering are broad; offering the ability to gain new skills, enjoy a sense of achievement and develop self-esteem while creating a better understanding and greater connections to your local community.
There are a number of initiatives that occur throughout Peel region that specifically assist others over the Christmas festive period, including the following opportunities should you wish to take part:
Mandurah, Murray and WaroonaEach year a number of Peel community organisations come together to prepare Christmas hampers for individuals and families experiencing financial hardship. This service is coordinated by WestAus Crisis and supported by Finucare, St Vincent de Paul, the Department of Child Protection and Family Support The festive season can be a time of additional
hardship for many in our community.
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The Peel Community Kitchen provides a special Christmas lunch event to their clients each year during mid to late December. This event is well attended by individuals and families who enjoy a traditional lunch and a visit from Santa. Residents wishing to volunteer or provide donations of gifts or food for the event should contact Tracey at Peel Community Kitchen on 0420 293 538.
The Austin Cove Community Church in South Yunderup is hosting a Christmas breakfast for those wishing to celebrate Christmas In Community. It will be held on Christmas Day from 8am at the Church located at Austin Cove College. A cooked breakfast and fruit buffet will be available, along with a visit from Santa and live entertainment. If you wish to attend, help out or donate please register on the community page of their website www.austincovechurch.com.au or contact [email protected].
On the 10 December the Mandurah Motorcycle Charity Ride Association will be holding their 25th annual Charity Ride. Riders will be coming from South Yunderup at 10am and by a pre-determined route which covers Pinjarra Road, Wanjeep Street, Hudson Drive, Mariners Cove Drive, Leslie Street back to Pinjarra Road and then onto the Western Foreshore.
The purpose of the Ride is to raise funds and collect food and toys for disadvantaged children and families in the Peel. Last year there were approximately 750 bikes involved and the Ride raised in excess of $8,000 with three trailer loads of toys and food hampers collected. Over 52 needy families received toys and food hampers to ensure they had a happy and enjoyable Christmas.
Serpentine-JarrahdaleThe Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale has a number of active volunteer programs within the community suiting those who are able to only volunteer for one event or have time on a more regular basis that suit a wide range of interests.
The Splendiferous Jolly Christmas is coming to the Mundijong Oval on 10 December and the Shire are looking for volunteers to partner with their local community groups to deliver free Christmas activities to families.
Summer is just around the corner and this is the time volunteer fire brigades get very busy. There are a number
of brigades, so you can choose the closest to your location.
If you don’t have any spare time but still want to make a difference, local churches have a number of Christmas appeals you could assist with by donating various items.
For further information on volunteer programs in Serpentine-Jarrahdale contact the Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale Community Services on (08) 9526 1111.
BoddingtonThe Boddington Community Resource Centre will be running a Christmas Hamper program in conjunction with Food Bank, contact the centre for details and how you can contribute.
A Biscuit Run is being held on the 12 December to provide Christmas biscuits to pensioners without partners.
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Community events City of Mandurah Community Christmas PageantTuesday 13 December 2016, 6–8.30pm, Mandurah CBD.
Shire of Murray Community Christmas CelebrationWednesday 7 December 2016, 5pm–8.30pm, Cantwell Park.
Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale Splendiferous Jolly ChristmasSaturday 10 December 2016Mundijong Oval.
Lions Club and Shire of Waroona Community Christmas GalaFriday 16 December 2016, 5–9pm Memorial Hall and Drakesbrook Place.
Waroona Carols by CandlelightSunday 18 December 2016, 7pmCentennial Park.
Shire of Boddington annual Christmas ExtravaganzaFriday 9 DecemberFood stalls, fun activities and a visit from Santa.
Ride to raise fundsThe Mandurah Motorcyle Charity Ride Association allocated cash donations to a range of organisations within the Peel District as a result of their 2015 fundraising:
• $3500 Mandurah Murray Relief Fund
• $1000 Mandurah Food Bank
• $550 Mandurah Make a Wish
• $500 Pat Thomas House
• $200 Riders for the Disabled
• $250 St John Ambulance
• $250 Mandurah SES
• $500 Mandurah Scouts
• $250 Mandurah Soup Kitchen
The above is in addition to toys and food donated to the Rockingham Women’s Refuge.
There are many volunteer options
to take part in during the festive season across the
region.
PROGRESSIVE | PROSPEROUS | DYNAMICPEEL Development Commission
TOURISM EXCELLENCE
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Regional profile: Serpentine-Jarrahdale
Serpentine Falls.
● Serpentine
● Jarrahdale
● Mundijong
● Byford
● North Dandalup
● Ravenswood
● Pinjarra
● Dwellingup
● Waroona
● Boddington
Harvey Estuary
DawesvilleChannel Peel
Inlet PEEL
WHEATBELT
SOUTH WEST
MURRAY
WAROONABODDINGTON
SERPENTINE-JARRAHDALE
Mandurah●
CITY OFMANDURAH
INDIANOCEAN
PERTH METROPOLITAN
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TOURISM EXCELLENCE
Close to the city and nestled in the heart of a beautiful natural environment, Serpentine-Jarrahdale (SJ) has a great deal to offer as a regional hub within the Peel region. With a rapidly growing community the Shire presents exciting potential for both the business and investment sectors. Located just 45 minutes’ drive from Perth, there's also plenty to see and do in the Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale.
Economic Development in Serpentine-Jarrahdale Byford is a bustling hive of activity, and is the largest settlement within Serpentine-Jarrahdale with a population of around 18,000. The development of a new Coles shopping
centre on Abernethy Road means greater shopping choices for Byford locals. This appealing development heads a continuation of other retail projects that are currently in progress. These include a small business precinct on the corner of Abernethy Road and Soldiers Road, the redevelopment of the old Byford and Districts Country Club space on George Street, the integration of Dome café near the Byford Bakery in the George Street shopping precinct as well as an Aldi store. Combined, these developments will give residents more shopping choices than ever before, provide a range of dining and entertainment options for visitors.
Future industrial precincts in West Mundijong and Cardup will open the possibility for large scale industrial businesses to place depots right here in Serpentine-Jarrahdale.
This is expected to create industry synergy and provide up to 12,000 employment opportunities for locals with skills in industrial trades. Together with planned infrastructure, it is envisioned that these industrial hubs will provide a conduit for businesses shipping materials out of Fremantle, and transporting goods nationally. The Agri-precinct in West Mundijong will ensure exciting new opportunities for industries and the relocation of Agri-Industries being displaced from the metropolitan area of Perth.
Serpentine-Jarrahdale is also at the forefront of industry innovation, and is primed to be a central location for new and exciting businesses to lay their foundations. A solar energy farm has been proposed for Oakford, and the Shire is encouraging other industry professionals to consider the benefits of investing in SJ. These multi-faceted prospects benefit the Shire as a whole, and provide a range of employment opportunities to the community.
WORDS | Narelle Thompson and Louisa Loder, Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale
IMAGES | Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale
The existing George Street retail precinct.
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TOURISM EXCELLENCE
Tourism in Serpentine-Jarrahdale The historic town of Jarrahdale is the perfect destination for nature lovers with its many forests, parks, rivers and other natural attractions. Bridle Trails in the area are well used by horse riding enthusiasts.
Mountain-biking is also a popular pursuit throughout Jarrahdale. Langford Park provides an excellent backdrop for some fast-paced tracks, with the added bonus of access to the State forest. Other mountain-biking trails are accessible along the Munda Biddi trail.
Jarrahdale is also a recreational vehicle friendly town and includes its own free RV short stay area for up to three days. Immerse yourself in the timber history of this area, sample locally produced wine at Millbrook Winery or enjoy lunch in the township.
A scenic drive through the Serpentine National Park takes in the Serpentine Falls, featuring clear waters, walking trails and picnic areas as well as the Serpentine and Pipehead Dams with its abundant birdlife and amazing views.Byford is an emerging destination for tourism with many walks including Whitby Falls, the Brickwood Reserve and the Byford Statues Walk along South West Highway, depicting the history of Byford. Or why not cuddle a Koala at the Cohunu Wildlife Park. With a variety of places to dine, this is a perfect day trip destination.
Comprehensive tourism information is available from the SJ Community Resource Centre on Paterson Road, Mundijong, Monday to Friday.
Equestrian riders in Darling Downs. Rural living in Serpentine-Jarrahdale offers the best of both worlds.
Agricultural and equestrian activities throughout Serpentine-Jarrahdale Rural living is at the heart of the Serpentine-Jarrahdale lifestyle. Being close to the city provides residents the convenience of metropolitan amenities and visitors easy access to our exciting range of country style activities. As the gateway to the vibrant Peel region, Serpentine-Jarrahdale offers the best of both worlds.
Agricultural pursuits throughout SJ include chicken, cattle and sheep farming. We are also the base for a number of agri-industrial businesses, such as cheese and dairy producers like Borello Cheese and Mundella Foods, orchards, intensive vegetable production and internationally renowned Millbrook winery in Jarrahdale.
A large number of our residents are equestrian enthusiasts. Our rural residential and smallholding areas allow horse lovers to pursue their passion, while the Byford Trotting Complex and racehorse training facilities in Mardella provide doorways into the racing industry.
Rural living is at the heart of the Serpentine-
Jarrahdale lifestyle.
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TOURISM EXCELLENCE
Volunteering in the ShireDo you have some spare time and are looking for an opportunity to make a difference in your community?The Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale has a number of active volunteer programs within the community, whether you have time for one event or on a more regular basis, and dependent on your interests.
The Splendiferous Jolly Christmas is coming to the Mundijong Oval on 10 December and we are looking for volunteers to partner with our local community groups to deliver free Christmas activities to families.
Summer is just around the corner and this is the time our volunteer fire brigades get very busy. There are a number of brigades, so you can choose the closest to your house.
If you don’t have any spare time but still want to make a difference, our local churches have a number of Christmas appeals you could assist with by donating various items.
MORE INFORMATIONFor further information on the above, contact the Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale Community Services on (08) 9526 1111.
SJ also boasts not one but two pony clubs in both Serpentine and Oakford, and provides resources for the Serpentine and Foothills Polocrosse Association.
For those wishing to experience the breathtaking natural beauty of SJ by horseback, there are several riding schools that do trail rides through bushland. SJ Trails Group also have regular rides, or you’re welcome to access information about our trails from the Shire website and bring your horses out for a special ride.
Community infrastructure in Serpentine-JarrahdaleThe Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale is the fastest growing locality in the nation; with the increase in our population we are sustainably planning our future community infrastructure.
The new state of the art multi-purpose Byford and Districts Country Club funded by Royalties for Regions was officially opened on 18 November 2016 (see page 37 for more detail) and will be the home for a number of sporting and community groups in the Shire such as the Bowling Club, Car Club and Pool Club, Southern District Support Association, Anchor Home Help and many other community groups in the future. This venue features conference facilities, a dedicated Pool Room as well as a competition grade covered bowling green and a restaurant and bar.
The new residential village in Whitby near Mundijong highlights the next phase of growth for Serpentine-Jarrahdale. With significant public open space and its close proximity to Byford, it will become a fine example of urban living in a rural environment. The area will also benefit from the proposed development of the Mundijong Sporting facility, which will not only provide a base for a number of local sporting groups but will also be a sought after venue for sporting events.
The sporting complex complements the implementation of the Briggs Park Master Plan in Byford. Incorporating the Serpentine-Jarrahdale Community Recreation Centre, Byford BMX track, and Briggs Park oval. The precinct will undergo significant works aimed at improving the resources and usability of this integral recreational precinct. The Briggs Park Youth Room provides an essential space and exciting programs for our young community.
MORE INFORMATIONFor further information visit: www.sjshire.wa.gov.au
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A hot weekend in Boddington
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The first weekend in November is always our Boddington Rodeo weekend, with the Festival on the Friday night, the Street Parade on the Saturday morning and the Rodeo on all day Saturday. The Boddington Arts Council also held their art exhibition in the art décor Town Hall. This year had several special features; firstly it was our 40th Anniversary. The Lions Rodeo was started in 1976 by a handful of enthusiastic Lions members, who built the dedicated rodeo grounds near the town centre of Boddington. This ground has now become a special feature of the town where many functions other than the Rodeo are held.
WORDS | Cr John Allert, Shire of Boddington President
IMAGES | Chute Photography
Hon Mia Davies MLA and Hon Martin Aldridge MP attended the event and presented the Shire of Boddington a $3.08 million dollar grant to build Stage 2 of the Boddington Retirement Village. This Royalties for Regions funding was made available through the Southern Inland Health Initiative. Ms Davies and Mr Aldridge enjoyed some of the arena events then accompanied the Shire President, Cr John Allert, on a short walk to view the construction of Boddington’s new Sporting and Recreation Centre.
It reached 37 degrees on the Saturday of the Rodeo, which caught a few people by surprise, but as a fundraiser for the Boddington Lions Club the increased sale of beer, ice-creams, and snow cones made some outlets very
happy. The evening wrapped up with the Bushman’s Ball with a range of top class bands, including the Bone Kickers entertaining attendees.
The Rodeo attracted over 4,000 visitors to the town, which assists retailers, the caravan park and the town’s hotel. The Boddington Rodeo is just one of many events that are held in the Boddington area throughout the year.
MORE INFORMATIONFor more information visit: www.boddingtonlionsrodeo.com.au or www.boddington.wa.gov.au/things-to-see-and-do.aspx
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ACT-BELONG-COMMIT-RIDE!This year’s event took place on Saturday 3 September and sought to raise the profile of charity partner Muscular Dystrophy WA with the ‘Ride for Someone Who Can’t’ campaign.
More than 1,000 riders lined up at the start/finish line at Dwellingup Football Oval on a beautiful day which presented weather conditions just perfect for riding the well prepared Dwellingup trails. There were plenty of spectators and supporters to create a superb atmosphere both on the course and in the event village. Local businesses hummed as the influx of riders, supporters and organisers took over the district. As in previous years, elite riders from the mountain bike fraternity visited the local schools conducting skills workshops which prepared the young contestants for the different length courses.
The Act-Belong-Commit Dwellingup 100 Mountain Bike Classic is Western Australia’s premier MTB event.Launched in 2009, the event rapidly become WA’s largest one day mountain bike race and has attracted some of Australia’s best riders including Jason English, Andy Blair, Craig Cooke, Jodie Willett, Gracie Elvin, Jenny Fay and Stephanie Russell.
The 100km Classic State Marathon Championship Race was designed around the great trails in Dwellingup. Today, it also incorporates the Super 60km (the most popular event of the day), the D40km (a mix of trail and dirt) and the D14km (a timed participation ride which is the State School Mountain Bike XC Championship).
WORDS | Mia Lacy, Peel Development Commission
IMAGES | Dwellingup 100
Well known faces racing this year included Former Prime Minister and cycling enthusiast Tony Abbott and Canning MP Andrew Hastie. They were joined by Tangney MP Ben Morton, Liberal Dawesville candidate Zak Kirkup and BGC Construction Director Julian Ambrose who all rode as the Soldier On team. The group were raising money for the physical and mental health of Australia’s service men and women by competing in the event’s Forces Challenge, which required competitors to complete a 40km circuit.
The Dwellingup 100 2016 winnersMen
1st Brendan Johnston
2nd Craig Cooke
3rd Andy Blair
Female
1st Peta Mullens
2nd Briony Mattocks
3rd Marie-Claude Baars
DWELLINGUP
100
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Tony Abbott and Andrew Hastie’s Soldier On Team came in third.
Charity partner Muscular Dystrophy and the ‘Ride for Someone Who Can’t’ campaign raised more than $70,000 (donations are still coming in) for their 2016 campaign. This takes their tally to nearly $700,000 raised in their seven year association with the event.
The day concluded with a post-event buffet at the Dwellingup Pub where Tony Abbott even stopped in for a quick drink after his ride.
MORE INFORMATIONFor further information or to register for the 2017 event visit www.dwellingup100.com.au
Over 1000riders competed in
the 2016 event.
In 2016 the Act-Belong-Commit Dwellingup 100 was again part of the 2016 National Cross Country Marathon (XCM) Series. The Act-Belong-Commit Dwellingup 100 is the fourth race of a six event series travelling over four states and two territories. The National XCM Series includes an elite prize pool of $15,000 with the male and female winners being awarded $4,000.
Other notable participants included five time Downhill Mountain Bike World Champion Sam Hill who participated in his first ever 100km event and came 13th overall. Downhill MTB is generally short, sharp and fast in contrast to a marathon/endurance event such as Dwellingup 100 and Sam’s ability and endurance shone in his first 100km race and his 13th placing.
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Bibbulmun Trackreconnected across the Murray River
WORDS | Janine Hatch, Peel Development Commission
IMAGES | Bibbulmun Track Foundation
Thanks to the funding provided by the Peel Development Commission and the Department of Parks and Wildlife, a suspension bridge over the Murray River will be constructed to replace the Bibbulmun Track’s Asquith Bridge (otherwise known as Long Gully Bridge) which was lost in the Lower Hotham bushfire in 2015.
The Bibbulmun Track Foundation has been successful in securing $112,000 Royalties for Regions funding through the Peel Regional Grants Scheme to build the suspension bridge and track realignment south east of Dwellingup in Lane Poole Reserve.
This $602,000 project will restore the continuity of the Bibbulmun Track to enable end-to-end hikers and attract sectional walkers back to the area.
The Bibbulmun Track is an internationally recognised long distance walk trail, stretching 1,000km from Kalamunda to Albany and passes through the heart of the Peel’s Darling Scarp region. The Track takes walkers through towering Karri and tingle forests, down mist-shrouded valleys, over giant boulders and along breathtaking coastal heathlands. It passes through many of the most beautiful national parks of the Peel, South West and Great Southern regions.
Research conducted in 2014–15 revealed that there are 302,960 visit days on the Bibbulmun Track annually. The number of people undertaking overnight walks has increased over the years with the average length of overnight walk being 5.6 days. The number of commercial tour operators has also increased. Most tour operators combine day walks with off-track accommodation, dine in local restaurants and visit other attractions in the area. The Track passes through many regional communities encouraging benefits for local businesses such as accommodation, cafés, grocery stores and pharmacies. Indeed, the 2014–15 research highlighted that there is $13.1 million generated annually in direct expenditure.
The role that the Bibbulmun Track plays in the Peel region aligns with the Peel Regional Investment Blueprint with its focus on Tourism Excellence. The Blueprint identifies trails as being a key to the provision of a range of hard and soft adventure experiences and to enable visitors to access the natural environment in a sustainable manner. The Bibbulmun Track is a major part of the trail network and an attraction in its own right. The Track supports the vision of Peel becoming a nature based tourism destination which attracts visitors to the region on a regular basis.
Being so close to Perth, Dwellingup is popular with weekend walkers who
Damage caused to the Long Gully Bridge by the Lower Hotham bushfire in 2015.
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ABOVE: Long Gully Bridge before the Lower Hotham bushfire in 2015.
base themselves in town and enjoy day walks, or will walk out to a campsite for the night and head back to town the next day for a meal before driving back to Perth. The Bibbulmun Track Foundation and other tour operators also run various events and tours during the year which are based in the Peel.
Log book entries from Murray Campsite, which is a two-day walk south of Dwellingup (excludes day hikers), show that:
∙ 70% of walkers were from the Perth metropolitan area, 9.4% were from interstate, and 7.3% were from overseas. The remaining 13% were from country WA.
∙ 23% of walkers were walking for up to 2 days, 40% from 3–7 days, 8.5% from 1–5 weeks, and 28.5% more than 5 weeks.
∙ 37% either started or finished their walk in Dwellingup.
∙ 40% of walkers were aged between 45–64 years and 7.4% were aged 65 years and over. 12% were 18 years and under which is high compared to other areas of the Track. Some of this is attributed to the number of groups including schools and youth groups which use the Track in this area for Outdoor Recreation excursions.
The 2014–15 survey found that the top personal benefits of walking the Bibbulmun Track include:
∙ Access to scenic natural areas;
∙ Walking as a physically and mentally healthy activity;
∙ Escaping the urban environment; and
∙ Connection with and increased appreciation of nature.
Further to this the top societal benefits include:
∙ Contributing to healthy lifestyles;
∙ Provision of green spaces/corridors;
∙ Increased community wellbeing and pride; and
∙ Increased tourism in regional WA.
Recent findings from Roy Morgan Research shows that the proportion of Australian’s who go hiking or bushwalking has increased greatly over the last five years. Between 2010 and 2015, the proportion of Australian’s 14 years and over who reported going hiking/bushwalking on a regular basis grew from 2.9% to 5.2%. Those who participated either regularly or occasionally increased from 15.6% to 27.3% (or more than 5.3 million Australians).
The 2015 Lower Hotham bushfire burnt 52,000 hectares including 23 kilometres of the Track between Dwellingup and Collie. The Long Gully Bridge was not only a beautiful heritage structure, it provided the only viable all weather crossing point over the Murray River for walkers on the Bibbulmun Track. Without a bridge, the section between Dwellingup and Collie needs to be bypassed when the water levels rise in winter (peak season for walkers). This is logistically very hard for visitors as transport options are limited in the area. Ensuring that the quality of experience is retained for domestic and international visitors and that end-to-end hikers can reach their ‘bucket list’ achievement is essential to keep the Track’s world-class status. The international visitors, in particular, will often spend on average two months in the Peel and South West of WA bringing economic benefit to the Bibbulmun Track towns.
The Bibbulmun Track Foundation is a not-for-profit community based organisation established to support the Department of Parks and Wildlife in the management, maintenance and marketing of the Track and ensure it remains a long distance walk track of international significance. The Foundation will be working in partnership with the Department for the Murray River bridge project with construction of the bridge and track realignment expected to be completed prior to winter 2017.
MORE INFORMATIONStart planning your hike today by visiting www.bibbulmuntrack.org.au
The new bridge will be similar in design to the bridge crossing the Donnelly River.
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Regional business Wattsies Place has been based in Mandurah for around 50 years with humble beginnings in the front yard of John and Diane Watts under a peppermint tree. This wholly owned family company has been operating for four generations and currently at the helm are Meegan and Brendon Watts supported by their 19 and 16 year old sons.
The Watts family have been fishing in the Peel Harvey Estuary since the early 1890s.
“We understand there has been five generations of our family fishing on
Regional producer profile:
Wattsies PlaceWORDS | Melissa Worthington, Cork and Cheese
IMAGES | Wattsies Place and Marine Stewardship Council
the estuary since the early 1890s that we can trace back, and we know that one of the early settlers that came here was a teacher and doctor,” said Meegan Watts.
With such historic ties to the estuary and the family being commercial fishermen, the Watts take great pride and regularly inform customers that the blue swimmer crabs and fish that they purchase are not only caught, but also processed by the family.
Wattsies Place may still be at same location at 2299 Old Coast Road, Herron since the day that it opened, but the business has had to evolve and adapt rapidly in order to survive in recent years. “Before the Freeway extension we relied on a far more spontaneous customer. We lost 90 to 95 percent of those customers that day the Freeway opened,” Meegan said.
Wattsies Place owners Meegan and brother-in-law Ashley Watts have recently received MSC certification for sustainability.
As a fourth generation fishing family, the Watts
have a historic connection to the
estuary.
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The Watts diversified in order to survive with the wholesale side of their business now stronger than retail, with an upgraded processing facility enabling them to keep up with demand.
The local blue swimmer crabs and sea mullet caught and sold by Wattsies Place have also recently received MSC certification for sustainability. This certification is granted by a third party independent certification that the crabs and mullet are caught in a sustainable manner from an ecologically sustainable fishery. This certification was awarded to the Mandurah Licenced Fisherman’s Association, which the Watts family are members (for more information regarding certification see page 44 of this edition).
Besides supplying their own business they also supply their cooked crabs, sea mullet fillets and sand whiting fillets to The Bunbury Farmers Market, Redmanna Restaurant, Flip Flop Fisheries and The Fruit Barn in Donnybrook.
Asking Meegan what she feels may change in the future she commented, “We start at 3am in summer and work six days a week. We are not looking for significant growth but rather sustainability. If we are comfortable enough that we can still catch and then run the shop to keep it manageable that would be ideal. One of our sons is very keen to continue on, the other is not 100 per cent sure, but may look at the technology side of the business”.
“They (the boys) will both be undertaking their Food Safety Certificates through the City of Mandurah and will obtain their Fishing Licences through Challenger TAFE. They know this is a profession where you learn and adapt on the job, but we are absolutely adamant about our high level of customer service, as these days the bulk of our customers are regular locals.”
Three generations of the Watts family outside their retail store.
Sustainable innovation Whilst continuing to supply current products to the local market, Wattsies Place is constantly working on new products, recently adding fishing burley to their product line. The burley is produced with the scraps from the filleting process, this now makes Wattsies Place 90% waste free. The burley is currently available from Tackleworld Miami and Whitey’s Tackle in Australind.
MORE INFORMATIONVisit www.wattsiesplace.com.au or head to Wattsies Place at 2299 Old Coast Road Herron. Wattsies Place is open 7 days a week 8am – 5pm.
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On Saturday 3 September the 2016 Alcoa Peel Business Excellence Awards were held at the Mandurah and Peel Convention Centre and was attended by 400 guests, making it the biggest Regional Awards event in Western Australia.
WINNER: Dolphin Tax and Accounting RUNNER UP: Frontline Pest Management
2016 Business with 5 to 10 Employees Award Category:Sponsored by Elders Insurance Mandurah and the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science
WINNER: Eco Spa RUNNER UP: Galloway Engine Reconditioning
2016 Business with 11 to 20 Employees Award Category:Sponsored by HHG Legal Group Nicholson Clement and the Peel Development Commission
WINNER: 4 Life Physiotherapy RUNNER UP: WA Dental Meadow Springs
2016 Tourism Excellence Award Category:Sponsored by Mandurah and Peel Tourism Organisation Inc. (MAPTO) and the Mandurah Coastal Times
WINNER: The Oyster Bar Mandurah RUNNER UP: Mandurah Boat and Bike Hire
2016 Business with 20+ Employees Award Category:Sponsored by the City of Mandurah and the Mandurah Mail
WINNER: Intework Incorporated RUNNER UP: The Sebel Mandurah
2016 Peel Business Excellence Awards Hall of Fame:Sponsored by The Peel Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc.
HOME BASED BUSINESS CHAMPION: Confident Cashflows TOURISM EXCELLENCE CHAMPION: Mandurah Cruises and Gift Shop
Celebrating regional businesses
The Awards evening presented an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the business community, whilst also providing fantastic exposure for the Peel region through attracting a diverse range of businesses from many industries throughout the region.
With 125 category nominations and 49 finalists from across 5 Local Governments within the region, the event showcased a diverse pool of nominations for outstanding business practice and performance.
Award recipients2016 Home Based Business Award Category:Sponsored by the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale and Austin Lakes
WINNER: Byford Legal RUNNER UP: Kev's Wheelie Kleen
2016 Micro Business Award Category:Sponsored by the Small Business Development Corporation and the Madora Bay Partnership
1
2
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2016 Business of the Year Award Category:Sponsored by West Coast Radio and the Bendigo Bank Halls Head
WINNER: 4 Life Physiotherapy RUNNER UP: Dolphin Tax and Accounting RUNNER UP: The Oyster Bar Mandurah
2016 Peel CCI Individual Excellence Award:Sponsored by the Peel Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc.
WINNER: Elizabeth Hoek — Boddington Community Resource Centre
Five category winners from the 2016 Alcoa Peel Business Excellence Awards were eligible to enter the 2016 Western Australia Regional
Small Business Awards (WARSBA’s), with four listed as category finalists, and 4 Life Physiotherapy winning the best regional small business with 11–20 employees category.
The Peel Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. would like to congratulate and thank the venue, the caterers and all sponsors, nominees, finalists and winners.
MORE INFORMATIONFor further information contact Peel Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. phone (08) 9581 3693 or visit their website www.peelcci.com.au
1 Hall of Fame — Mandurah Cruises for Tourism and Confident Cashflows for Home Based.
2 Business with 5 to 10 Employees Winner — Eco Spa
3 Business with 11 to 20 Employees Finalists
4 Home Based Winner — Byford Legal
5 Business with 11 to 20 Employees and BOTY Winner — 4 Life Physiotherapy
5 Business with 11 to 20 Employees Runner Up — WA Dental Meadow Springs
3
4
5
6
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Enabling local youth to access the skills, training and education required to work in the resources industry and beyond is the driving force behind three of Alcoa’s Peel region partnerships. Alcoa of Australia Chairman and Managing Director Michael Parker said the partnerships with Scitech, Aspire UWA and EdConnect address important areas of local community need, particularly in developing the leaders and workforce of tomorrow.
“Our aim is for these partnerships to provide assistance to young people during a very important time in their development,” Mr Parker said.
“As the global economy evolves, so do the skills needed by students as they look to enter the workforce of the future.”
At North Dandalup, Dwellingup, St Joseph’s and Carcoola primary schools, Scitech educators are sparking an interest in maths concepts through the continuation of Scitech’s Alcoa Maths Enrichment Program.
"Australia is lagging when it comes to professionals qualified in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM),” Mr Parker added.
“We need to spark an interest in these subjects early if we are going to create a strong pipeline of people pursuing STEM related professions.”
The Alcoa Maths Enrichment Program helps achieve this by developing the confidence of year four and five educators to teach maths. The program will supply enrichment techniques to help teachers make maths more relevant and enjoyable for students.
Alcoa backs young local minds and future leaders
The Alcoa Maths Enrichment Program at work. Carcoola Primary School students and Year 3/4 teacher Kelly Cure planned a three-course meal using maths to budget for their shopping, mix ingredients and rate meals.
Alcoa’s Community Education Officers Gail Black and Cheri Hodgson discuss with Pinjarra Senior High School students their career aspirations and perceptions of the resources industry.
Since 2012, students involved in the program have reported a 28 per cent increase in their interest in maths and 20 per cent increase in confidence and enjoyment during maths lessons.
Aloca has partnered with
Scitech, Aspire UWA and EdConnect to
develop unique training programs.
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Recognising students require support through all stages of their learning, Alcoa has also teamed up with school volunteer organisation EdConnect Australia. Working in partnership with local schools, it provides students with a positive, older role model to help them develop educational and social skills.
Lee Patrick, EdConnect Australia Liaison Officer for the Peel and Murray regions, is calling on community members to volunteer and get involved.“If you have a spare hour or two each week and want to make a positive difference, there’s an EdConnect role to suit you and your lifestyle; from reading, classroom support, numeracy, one-to-one mentoring through to gardening, library, sports and breakfast club activities,” he said.
Complementing these youth outreach activities is another three year partnership with the University of Western Australia (UWA). The award-winning Aspire UWA program targets high school students as they prepare to make decisions about their future and promotes the benefits of a university education.
“The number of young people entering university, in the Peel region in particular, is significantly lower than the Western Australian average. By offering Aspire UWA to Peel region high schools we hope to demystify tertiary education and encourage more than 1500 students to aim to reach their full potential,” Mr Parker said.
MORE INFORMATIONTo volunteer with EdConnect email [email protected] or phone (08) 9444 8646.
Prospects look bright for Pinjarra studentsLocal Pinjarra Senior High School students are participating in a new program showcasing the diverse career paths on offer at Alcoa, with a goal to lead more female students into the resources industry.
Alcoa Prospects targets female year nine students, who will complete a one year introduction before applying for one of 30 places in the program which runs from years 10 to 12. Each term, students engage in learning activities focused on different career options, alongside mentoring opportunities and hands-on work experience.
MORE INFORMATIONFor more information contact Alcoa’s Pinjarra Refinery Community Relations Officer Fiona Bell on (08) 9531 6240.
New home for sporting and community groups in Byford
The new state of the art multi-purpose Byford and Districts Country Club is now officially open.This will be the new home for a number of sporting and community groups in the Shire such as the Bowling Club, Car Club and Pool Club.
The Club features conference facilities, a dedicated Competition Pool Room as well as a competition grade covered 40m x 40m bowling green, along with a restaurant and sports bar.
In a first, the Southern District Support Association and Anchor Home Help will be based at the venue promoting community inclusion and collaboration.
Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Gary Clark said ‘this state of the art multi-purpose Byford and Districts Country Club will be the home for a number of sporting and community groups in the Shire and will create vibrant connected communities with amenities such as a restaurant, bar and conference facilities.
Gary went onto to say, ‘We would like to thank the many grant providers for their assistance in building this facility including the Australian Government, Lotterywest, Department of Regional Development, Home and Community Care — Department of Health and the Department of Sport and Recreation.’
The Club will be open to member activity, such as bowls and pool, in the coming weeks and will be fully operational in the New Year.
MORE INFORMATIONIf you would like to become a member of the Byford and Districts Country Club, please contact the Club directly on (08) 9525 1276.
WORDS | Narelle Thompson, Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale
IMAGES | Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale
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The role of the State Recovery Controller for this fire was to oversee the clean-up in the Shires of Harvey and Waroona and to determine the community’s intentions and wishes. Mr Rene Baur, who had managed the Mundaring fires clean-up, was appointed project manager and temporarily relocated to Harvey during the expected six to nine month clean-up period.
Run in parallel to the clean-up, the Department also undertook a community consultation with residents and other stakeholders to determine their intentions and wishes for the town’s future. A number of lobby groups claimed to speak for the town and it was important to determine what the residents wanted.
Yarloop: Open for business
In an effort to speak to as many people as possible who had an interest in Yarloop, the Department of the Premier and Cabinet consultation team wrote to everyone who had been living in the town at the time of the fire, publicised the consultation on social media, in newsletters, and attended various local and community meetings.
A team of eight interviewers from a number of agencies, including the Peel Development Commission, met with the Yarloop community in several towns in the region, in Perth and over the phone. Most interviews were one-on-one, but some involved whole families, enabling the kids to also have a say. These interviews gave residents the opportunity to voice their concerns freely knowing that their comments would be confidential.
199 properties(homes, major buildings and outbuildings) demolished
The devastating bushfire that swept through the Shires of Harvey and Waroona in early January 2016 scorched 69,000 hectares, destroyed 181 homes and properties, closed Yarloop and tragically took the lives of two residents. It was so large in size and overwhelming in impact that the Premier called on Dr Ken Michael to take on the role of State Recovery Controller.
The State has had many fires, but this was the first time a Controller had been appointed and the first time a town had been closed.
Clean-up as at end of August 2016:
50,000tof rubbished removed
11 crewsrunning (at its busiest)
WORDS | Mr Bob Hay, Department of the Premier and Cabinet
IMAGES | Rene Baur and Drakesbrook Fine Wines
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ABOVE: Barrington Knight Road.At the end of the consultation, more than 180 interviews were conducted, with 74% of participants living within the gazetted town sites of Yarloop and Wagerup. From the interviews we were able to consider opportunities for the town. In terms of what will be rebuilt, there will be few surprises as all of the ideas came from the residents.
One very popular wish was for a community centre. Many residents said they wanted a multi-purpose centre for various activities.
The State Government supports such a centre and will contribute to it, but the design and functionality will be driven by those in Yarloop working with the Shire of Harvey.
Bush fire recovery Waroona Shire President, Mr Noel Dew recently announced an expansion in the role of their part-time fire recovery co-ordinator.“As we continue to deal with the communities recovery issues into the future there is a need, as a community, to address and prepare for the coming fire season,” said Noel.
Mr Dave Gossage AFSM will be transitioning into the part-time role of Emergency Management Officer that will be progressing the Shires Prevention, Preparedness, Response and Recovery requirements, including supporting the Shires Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades and community into the future.
MORE INFORMATIONFor further information visit www.waroona.wa.gov.au
With the broad ideas having been developed, it was time for the State Government to pass the implementation to the Shire of Harvey. The Shire will be assisted by a range of agencies to help in bringing these ideas to fruition. The next stage will see the Shire working closely with community groups and focus groups to give details and substance to the ideas so that they reflect the town’s wishes.
MORE INFORMATIONInformation about the consultation and clean-up process can be found at www.dpc.wa.gov.au/ProjectsandSpecialEvents/WaroonaAndDistrictFiresJanuary2016 or contact Mr Bob Hay, State Recovery Co-ordinator, Department of the Premier and Cabinet phone: (08) 6552 5000
The State has had many fires, but this
was the first time a town had been
closed.
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The launch of the five week shoot for Peel’s first feature movie, Three Summers, set the tone beautifully. Gathered around Fairbridge’s Learning Circle or Katitjin Mia Mia were the film’s collaborators; Noongar elders, school children who would feature, representatives from the local community including the host, Fairbridge; a sprinkling of stakeholders, lashings of film crew, actors, producers and — last but certainly not least — writer/director Ben Elton.
Led by the movie’s cultural consultant and local elder Koodah Cornwall, the assembly both created and witnessed a Noongar fire lighting ceremony, with Ben Elton noting the ritual was vital to the success of the project. Citing the Willy Wagtail bird the local Bindjareb Middars dance
group mimicked beautifully in their performance, Ben said “With our dance and fire lighting ceremony, we’ve acknowledged those before us. All these steps — these little willy wagtail steps we are taking — will ensure we tell an authentic Australian story.”
The movie makers’ continual steps in engagement and collaboration with the local community since the project was announced have been outstanding. Three Summers is the first film to be funded under the State Government's Western Australian Regional Film Fund from Royalties for Regions with production and post-production also to be completed in regional WA. Local Peel entities including the Peel Development Commission, Mandurah and Peel Tourism Organisation, City of Mandurah and the Shire of Murray have also contributed to the film’s budget, citing the ongoing economic benefits and spin off from the region’s first ever feature movie as highly significant.
The film is being shot almost entirely at Pinjarra's historic Fairbridge Village, with 100 cast and crew on-set and living throughout the region during the shoot, including Australian screen greats Magda Szubanski, Michael Caton, Deborah Mailman, Rebeeca Breeds and John Waters and the solo international cast member Robert Sheehan.
And, it’s a movie that could not have been made anywhere else but here. The genesis for Three Summers, an ensemble comedy set amidst the Fairbridge-inspired fictional music festival over three consecutive years, was Ben’s own annual family trip to the festival. “Festivals are the great levelers. We’re all equal in the queue for the Portaloos and no one looks cool dancing in a swamp. Stories collide, cultures clash and romance blossoms beneath the glorious Australian sun. Then it rains,” smiles Ben.
The five week shoot has already had a positive economic impact to the Peel, and will continue to benefit the region once the film is promoted and launched in 2017 with the increased profile set to stimulate inbound tourism.
Three Summers’ lasting economic legacy
WORDS | Mia Lacy, Peel Development Commission
IMAGES | David Dare Parker
L-R Grant Wiltshire, actors Robert Sheehan and Rebecca Breeds, director Ben Elton and Colin Bailey with the green room caravans.
The five week shoot has already
had a positive economic impact to
the Peel.
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THRIVING INDUSTRY
PEEL Development Commission
Peel Development Commission chairman Paul Fitzpatrick noted the film has a strong sense of place and focus on community, both on screen and off.
“Three Summers is providing a tremendous boost to the Peel, with 100 cast and crew staying locally and enjoying exploring the region on the weekends,” he said.
“Over $700,000 will be spent directly in the region over the course of the five week shoot on everything from accommodation, catering, transport, clothing, equipment and local contractors.”Over 15 local people have been directly employed on the shoot. “Three Summers contracted local charity The Makers to assist with the selection, engagement and mentoring of 12 local young people as interns on the production team. Five of those interns have been involved from the start of the production until the end and the others will come in and out during peak periods of the shoot. They are gaining unique experiences as production interns working across departments including production design, art, camera and costume and as runners,” said Paul Fitzpatrick.
Over 1,000 enthusiastic local extras have been involved, with around 15 being chosen as featured extras and seven as stand-ins for main actors.
Local product has been placed throughout the film and brands to be showcased include Three Rivers Brewery, Drakesbrook Wines, The Wine Tree, Millbrook Wines, Mandurah Caravan and RV Centre and BCF.
Producer Sue Taylor has been involved in many film productions throughout Western Australia and knows the logistical challenges well. “The support of businesses here has been incredible,” she said. “Dion Bloomfield of Bloomfield Motorgroup came to our aid and provided vehicles for the production runners to move actors around the region and for the heads of department from interstate to enable them to get to site and back. On hearing about the filming, the owner of Mandurah Caravan and RV Centre, Colin Bailey, contacted us to look at ways they could assist. They ended up providing top-end caravans for use as green rooms for the international and national actors. The local tourism operators and businesses collaborated with the tourism bureau here and offered our cast and crew passes and discounts. The Peel has so much to offer and I hope this will be one of many films to be shot in the region.”
The experience and expertise Three Summers is contributing definitely has the potential to attract other major feature films and perhaps television series to be shot in the region.
Peel chartered accountant Rachel Forward took up the offer to become involved in Three Summers and expand her years of accounting knowledge through learning the skills set of Production Accounting.
“One of the aims of the WA Regional Film Fund is to develop the skills and expertise within regional communities and Rachel is a great outcome for this project,” said Sue Taylor. “There are very few Production Accountants in Western Australia and to have a fully qualified accountant with years of experience being trained in this specialised area will be a real asset to the WA film industry.”
Paul Fitzpatrick agrees developing the capacity of the Peel as a viable location for future films relies on not only our natural assets but what we can offer to facilitate production. “Companies scoping out locations for future films will be attracted to the infrastructure – including personnel – which Three Summers is developing and contributing to the Peel, particularly the very important anchor role of a production accountant such as Rachel.”
“I believe we can look forward to more opportunities with the Western Australian Regional Film Fund committed to making strategic investments to encourage regional film industry activity and contribute to the vibrancy of regional communities like the Peel,” he said.
MORE INFORMATIONThree Summers is being produced by Australian companies Taylor Media and Invisible Republic with support from Screenwest, Screen Australia, Transmission Films and Arclight Films. The film is expected to be released nationally in cinemas mid to late 2017.
Producer Michael Wrenn and Executive Producer Mark Anderson with interns Tristan Hill, Libbie Roberston, Sophie Gibson, Nick Lacey and Joel Verdon.
Screen Australia’s Screen Currency Report concluded in 2013–14, screen content attracted approximately 230,000 tourists equalling an estimated $725 million in expenditure.
42 PEEL | Spring/Summer 2016
PEEL Development Commission
AGRICULTURE & FOOD INNOVATION
The Peel-Harvey Biosecurity Group (PHBG) came together in 2014, amid concerns expressed at a public meeting over the spread of pests in the region.What is a pest?An organism is considered a pest if the benefits (of it being present) are outweighed by the damage caused to human and natural assets. However, the pest status of an organism actually depends on the values and attitudes of people, and can differ between stakeholders and localities and over time.
Where does the PHBG come into the picture?It’s vitally important for the PHBG to understand the local relevance of pest issues, so it can connect with residents to help them find suitable ways of treating the problem (see Table 1).
BiosecurityPests are everyone’s business
WORDS | Jonelle Cleland, Peel-Harvey
Biosecurity Group
IMAGES | Peel-Harvey Biosecurity Group and the Department of Agriculture and Food WA
Table 1 Examples of pest issues
Pest issue Local context and reaction
Pests can change the way people go about their day-to-day lives.
“Those annoying fruit flies have invaded my kitchen again — all I did was leave some fruit to ripen on the benchtop”.
Pests can change the way people take in their surroundings.
“It used to be just a couple of plants, but now that infestation of cotton bush obstructs my view of the paddocks and beyond. I find it distressing that the landscape looks so different”.
Pests can have a considerable impact on the environment.
“I can’t believe rabbits knocked off all the native seedlings that the council planted in our local reserve. All their good work has essentially gone to waste”.
Pests can hurt people’s back pocket.
“Why didn’t someone remember to lock the chickens in their coup for the night? A fox has massacred them all … I bet it is the same one that took out the last lot”.
Greater local understanding
of pest issues will help in finding
suitable ways of treatment.
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In our communityTo get things underway PHBG committee members were posted to different locations across the region to survey people voting at the recent Federal Election. The survey results indicated that residents are likely to be receptive to pest management, with the vast majority of respondents agreeing that it was their responsibility to control pests on their own property, and to prevent the further spread of pests.
Indeed, this is proving to be the case with Government, industry, landholders and community groups rallying to manage pests in the region.
The Shire of Harvey is just one example of a community working together. The number of properties with cotton bush has been reduced from at least 90 in 2014, to 30 in 2016. Public support for taking action to manage cotton bush was also demonstrated at a recent field day hosted by the PHBG.
With over 60 people in attendance, including landholders from neighbouring regions, the day was a success in terms of the high level of knowledge exchange between landholders, Government officers, local pest contractors and rural suppliers.
Getting people together to devise effective treatments to address local problems is a key strategy of the PHBG. To get traction on a problem, often the only thing that is needed is for someone to take the lead in getting neighbours talking, setting up meetings between stakeholders, or approaching businesses and not-for-profit organisations for support. The PHBG is forging new landholder networks, Government partnerships and collaborations with institutions and groups through this approach.
Partnership progressA growing success story is the PHBG’s partnership with the Department of Corrective Services through its Repay WA program. Repay WA is a community work program that allows offenders to repay their debt to society and increase their work and life skills by contributing to important not-for-profit projects in the community.
Can we interest you?We welcome anyone who is interested in the work of the Peel-Harvey Biosecurity Group to become a member. Membership is free, and you will have the opportunity to join the rapidly growing number of people who are putting pest management on their day-to-day agenda.
The positive results of the Department of Corrective Services Repay WA community program can be seen in the reduction of cotton bush in the Serpentine and Yalgorup National Parks.
MORE INFORMATIONFor further information email [email protected] or visit www.peelharveybiosecurity.info
Indeed, the hard work and significant contribution of people in the Repay WA program is clearly demonstrated with the reduction of cotton bush in the Serpentine and Yalgorup National Parks.
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Since June 2016, blue swimmer crabs and mullet caught from the Peel-Harvey Estuary by commercial fishers are being sold at seafood outlets around Mandurah and Western Australia carrying the Marine Stewardship Council ecolabel.
WORDS | Steve Fisher, Peel-Harvey Catchment Council
IMAGES | Marine Stewardship Council
The blue tickof sustainability for our blue swimmer crabs and mullet
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PEEL Development Commission
This trademark blue tick ensures that the seafood was caught from the estuary using sustainable fishing practices according to the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standard. In a world first, recreational fishing for blue swimmer crabs in the estuary was also certified as sustainable under the same standard, giving confidence to recreational fishers who abide by the regulations that they are fishing for the future.
The MSC is an internationally recognised body that provides a third party assessment of the sustainability of fisheries independent of both the WA Department of Fisheries, who manage and regulate the fisheries, and the fishers themselves. In 2012, the State Government provided $14.5 million towards preliminary assessment of 47 managed fisheries in Western Australia against the MSC standard. From this pre-assessment process, the Western Australian Peel-Harvey Estuarine Fishery, encompassing the commercial blue swimmer crab fishery, the commercial sea mullet fishery and the recreational blue swimmer crab fishery was one of six chosen to progress to full assessment.
The full assessment evaluated recreational and commercial fishing practices for compliance with three principles:
i) fishing activities should be managed to maintain the sustainability of the blue swimmer crab and sea mullet stocks indefinitely;
ii) the fishing activity should be managed so the ecosystem is not adversely affected and
iii) there must be an adaptive management system in place with laws and regulations that allow for changing circumstances.
In the Peel-Harvey Fishery five methods of fishing used by recreational or commercial fishers were assessed against these principles. These fishing practices, referred to as Units of Certification, were commercial fishing for blue swimmer crabs using crab traps; recreational fishing using drop nets and scoop nets; and gill and haul netting for sea mullet by commercial fishers.
Damien Bell (Mandurah Licensed Fishermen’s Association), Minister Joe Francis and Dr Andrew Rowland (Recfishwest).
Above: Damien Bell netting mullet.
Left: Juicy blue swimmer crab.
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While the standard was mostly met for all of the five Units of Certification, some conditions were placed on the certification. The conditions call for providing evidence that the rules set by the WA Department of Fisheries to control the harvest of blue swimmer crabs and mullet are effective in managing the stocks of these species; bycatch from the commercial sea mullet fishery is adequately monitored and reported; scoop netting for blue swimmer crabs by recreational fishers is unlikely to cause irreversible harm to bird habitat, and processes are put in place for better consultation with all interested and affected parties and not limited to fisheries- based stakeholders. All of these conditions must be addressed and compliance assessed through a series of independent audits before the certification is renewed in 2021. The Department of Fisheries has already made significant progress with the last of these through release of its Stakeholder Engagement Guideline in September 2016.
While the WA Department of Fisheries provided much of the information for the assessment including distribution, biology, stock status, stock assessment, fisheries history and management measures for blue swimmer crabs and sea mullet, Recfishwest, the peak body of recreational fishing in Western Australia and the Mandurah Licensed Fishermen’s Association are the holders of the certification.
The Peel-Harvey Estuary is part of the Peel-Yalgorup System, designated as a wetland of international significance under the Ramsar Convention, and so the Peel-Harvey Catchment Council (PHCC) has carefully followed and provided comment at all stages of the assessment process. In July, the PHCC organised an event to explain to the community the assessment process, the fisheries research and management underpinning the assessment, what the assessment means for the commercial fishers and recreational fishers and the future research that needs to be done to maintain the certification.
This event included presentations from Meredith Epps (Marine Stewardship Council), Dr Danielle Johnston and Kim Walshe (WA Department of Fisheries), Dr Andrew Rowland (Recfishwest), Damien Bell (Mandurah Licensed Fishermen’s Association) and Dr Steve Fisher (PHCC).
Peel-Harvey Catchment Council chairman Andy Gulliver believes the MSC certification of the fishing activities meets the triple bottom line for the community, with good environmental, social and economic outcomes.“For commercial fishers, the MSC blue tick is recognised internationally as identifying seafood that has been harvested sustainably and therefore adds value to sea mullet and blue swimmer crabs in the market place,” he said.
“Adopting sustainable fishing practises is also vital to the estuary supporting a commercial fishing industry and continuing employment for years to come. Recreational fishing is important for tourism in Mandurah and the broader Peel region and is highly valued by the local community as a recreational activity.
“Certification of recreational fishing for blue swimmer crabs is important in supporting the future of both of these activities. Let’s face it, commercial and recreational fishers are catching the same stock of crabs in the estuary, so it is important to consider the effect both fishing sectors have on the sustainability of fish stocks and on the ecological health of our Ramsar Wetlands. The MSC blue tick should give the community a level of confidence that these effects have been considered in assessing the sustainability of the fishery.”
“To maintain the certification, we need to better understand the impacts that fishing activities, especially scoop netting for blue swimmer crabs, have on the habitat that the estuary provides for shorebirds and migratory birds and the prey of these birds.
“Providing habitat for these birds is one of the reasons the Peel-Yalgorup System is recognised as a Ramsar wetland of international significance, so the MSC certification provides an opportunity for more research to better understand and monitor the condition of the Ramsar wetlands while also gathering evidence required to maintain the certification,” said Mr Gulliver.
MORE INFORMATIONFor further information on the Marine Stewardship Council visit: www.msc.org
Scoop netting for blue swimmer crabs by recreational fishers is unlikely to cause irreversible harm to bird habitats.
PROGRESSIVE | PROSPEROUS | DYNAMICAGRICULTURE & FOOD INNOVATION
PEEL Development Commission
47Spring/Summer 2016 | PEEL
The Pinjarra Senior High School Flexible Learning Education and Engagement Centre (FLEEC) program is an example of a school/private industry/TAFE collaboration to provide a practical, work based, certificated program for Year 11 and 12 students.
The program is an agricultural and environmental studies work based program resulting in students gaining a Certificate II in Rural Operations. Pinjarra SHS, C-Wise and TAFE have a partnership that provides enormous opportunities for students.
Students complete a range of environmental and farming activities that complement the C-Wise objective to find ‘true sustainable farming solutions’ to feeding the world’s population. The 400ha ‘Wandalup Farm’ contains a number of industries: a large modern piggery, the C-Wise compost production, Mushroom Exchange compost production as well as stock grazing enterprises. This property
Industry pathways and partnerships engage regional students
WORDS | Darryl Spargo, Pinjarra Senior High School
IMAGES | Pinjarra Senior High School
The program provides invaluable
workplace experience.
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staff inductions and encouraged to participate and communicate with C-Wise staff which provides invaluable workplace experience.
Andy Gulliver, Director of C-Wise explains, “we have run a long-term program with Pinjarra Senior High School which involves students coming to our site and learning the core skills of agriculture. They get to experience how soils work, and learn that there are viable and fulfilling careers to be had outside of an office or a mine.”
Students take great pride in the development of the work site. Their efforts in re-building fences, growing trees, removing weed outbreaks, lessening the fire burdens, building bird boxes, maintaining properties and structures is appreciated by all farm staff. They also complete all animal husbandry tasks with the cattle and sheep herds. Activities include calving, lambing, vaccinations, marking, shearing and crutching, regenerating pastures and hay making. Students have also constructed a machinery shed and improved the cattle and sheep yards. An important part of the program is the safe use and maintenance of equipment and machinery.
Students drive tractors and utes and learn to use a wide range of machinery, including welders, cement mixers, whipper snippers, borers, drills, shearing plant, baler and seeder. Most importantly, students undertake this variety of tasks on a working property making decisions that impact on the local environment.
Complementing this, is the community work that the students participate in. This includes planting native trees and shrubs (e.g. Lake Mclarty, Peel Harvey Catchment Council office site) and weed removal (e.g. Murray River). They have also utilised C-Wise composts and products helping grape farmers after the Waroona fires.
The FLEEC/C-Wise/TAFE partnership developed from a casual conversation in 2002 between Darryl Spargo and C-Wise administration. The students were planting native trees on the property and it was mentioned that there were run down pastures that required a significant amount of fencing. From this start, the partnership has applied for and received Landcare grants to set up remnant vegetation sites, fence off treelines and plant native trees and shrubs (approx. 30,000 in 14 years). The partnership also received a $30,000 NAB award in 2013 for its innovative approach to agricultural education. The school used these funds to purchase a tractor to enhance student experiences on the farm. Profits from the cattle enterprise also help fund the FLEEC program. The program has been operating for 18 years with an average of 16 Pinjarra Senior High School students participating each year.
Students are exposed to the myriad of expectations on employees in the ‘real world of work’. This includes company ethos, culture and focus directives, OHS rules and regulations, industry standards, workplace inductions and workplace ramifications if standards are not adhered to. Another great supporter of the FLEEC program is the Agricultural Education division of the Department of Education. Networking, resource sharing, and financial assistance with the Colleges of Agricultural Education and also the TAFE sector enables students to experience a wide range of career opportunities (e.g. trades, transport, mining, retail, environmental management, horticulture, landscaping, building, and IT). The FLEEC program is also playing an integral role in fostering an environmental sustainability mentality in its student cohort with a focus on problem solving future growth and food issues.
MORE INFORMATIONFor further information visit: www.pinjarrashs.wa.edu.au/content/programs/curriculum
becomes an outdoor classroom and worksite for students one day each week guided by teacher Darryl Spargo, Paul Lyon (TAFE) and retired volunteer Robin Harding.
Students are involved in animal husbandry tasks (50 head of cattle, 100 sheep and two alpacas), growing organic vegetables in grow beds and completing general farm tasks including using machinery and equipment, fencing, driving machinery, weed destruction, growing and planting natural vegetation, pasture regeneration, forming fire breaks and farm maintenance. The program is sponsored by C-Wise who provide the site, organic garden, utilities, compost, resources and funding for the program. C-Wise share their kitchen facilities and have allowed the school to use a shearing shed as its on farm classroom. The students are treated as employees following all worksite OHS requirements, completing
Students are involved in a range of tasks including the safe use and maintenance of equipment and machinery.
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PROGRESSIVE | PROSPEROUS | DYNAMICPEEL Development Commission
GETTING TO KNOW THE PDC
In this edition we talk to Deputy Chair Board member Adjunct Professor Sue Fyfe, an epidemiologist, anatomist, speech pathologist and teacher with research interests in disability, health services and educational research in tertiary health sciences.
Sue has published and presented widely on disability and teaching and learning innovation and change; and held senior leadership and management roles at Curtin University as inaugural Dean of Teaching and Learning in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Head of School of Public Health and Professor of Medical Education and as an elected member of the Academic Board and Curtin Council.
In addition to her position on the Commission Board, Sue is a Board member of the Peel Community Development Group, the Maureen Bickley Centre for Women in Leadership and is Chair of The Forest Heritage Centre, Dwellingup Board.
Q What important lessons from the corporate sector still shape your leadership approach today?
My leadership has always been one of setting vision and working collaboratively and I have taken that approach throughout my working life. I love helping empower and build capacity and confidence in my colleagues. Early lessons learnt were that you can’t really change anything unless you have people with you — and that relationships are incredibly important in achieving a vision. As President Truman once said “it is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.”
Q What do you see for the overall future of the Peel region?
I see that it will be a place where people are proud to live, where there are opportunities for everyone to make a contribution to the community and where people can live a safe and prosperous life. This means that there are all sorts of jobs and careers that allow people to stay in the region to both live and work. Over the 20 years I have lived in the Peel, I have seen great changes in the social and cultural life that the Peel can offer and I see a future where people want to live in this region.
Q What are some of you favourite places/people/experiences in the Peel region?
As a Dwellingup resident a lot of my favourite places are in the bush around Dwellingup. There are some fantastic cycle and walk trails that I can be on in no time at all. The sun in the late afternoon slanting through the bush lighting up the grasstrees makes for a magic walk or cycle. The Forest Heritage Centre is a favourite as I have
WORDS | Dr Sue Fyfe
IMAGE | Peel Development Commission
Board Q&Aseen it change into a vibrant arts and environment centre with some great exhibitions and activities. I love living in a small town like Dwellingup where I am sure to meet and chat to someone I know on the street or in the café.
Q In your opinion, what makes the Peel region so unique?
The combination of a region that spreads from the sea and the coastal plain right through the scarp to the hinterland - in such a short distance you can experience such a diversity of landscape and environment, also seen in the plants and animals of the region. It is also a combination of small towns and communities with a large regional centre. This makes it such a great place to live with so many things to do. It is also fantastic that it is an easy drive to Perth and so we have the best of both worlds, I feel part of a small community in my town with access to everything that Perth, as a big city has to offer. This is of course a double-edged sword. With the urban sprawl moving towards the Peel it will become harder and harder to distinguish us from the metropolitan region. Keeping our distinctive regional profile is important in building a place where there are opportunities for high quality education, employment and a wonderful lifestyle.
Q What do you do in your spare time?
I volunteer for the Forest Heritage Centre, the Dwellingup Community Village and Dwellingup Community Compact and slightly further afield with the Peel Community Development Group. I love working with like-minded people who care about their community and want to make a difference. I also love a long lunch with friends and a walk or cycle through the bush.
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PEEL | Spring/Summer 2016
PROGRESSIVE | PROSPEROUS | DYNAMICGETTING TO KNOW THE PDC
The Peel Development Commission is pleased to welcome and introduce two new members to the team that are set play an integral part in the organisation.
Introducing Adrian Parker, Director Economic and Regional Development
Q What brought you to the Peel region for work?
Whilst not born, I was definitely bred in the Peel. My family history with the region goes back to the late 60s when my grandparents retired to South Yunderup.
I moved down to South Yunderup in 1986 with my parents and soon adopted the lifestyle equivalent of Mark Twain’s character Huckleberry Finn — long lazy days spent on or in the Murray or Serpentine Rivers, typically chasing our famous blue manna crabs.
I have an affinity with the water, it is central to the value of the region, we are surrounded by it and I feel it plays a critical role in shaping not just our historical development, but our future.
We are poised to realise some unique regional development opportunities in the next four years and this was something I felt passionately I needed to return to be a part of.
Q What do you enjoy most about working in the Peel region?
As great as the Mandurah Line train service is, after five years it’s nice to not be on the train and to be much closer to my family and friends and to regain some work:life balance.
Q Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
Hopefully happy, healthy and wise(r) as with two late teenage kids by that stage I’m sure I will have my hands full.
Q How do you like to spend your spare time?
Typically on or in the water. Surfing, fishing, diving, boating. I’m particularly drawn to the ocean as it is dynamic, constantly changing and offers a fresh challenge each and every day.
To wake up early, before the sunrise and to be out there on a calm morning is something really special to me. If I’m lucky the weather will hold and I can stay out to enjoy the sunset as well.
Q In your opinion, what makes the Peel region so unique?
Within 30 minutes you can go from sea to scarp. Our diverse recreational opportunities abound so there’s something for everyone.
Introducing Linda Cunningham, Program Director, Transform Peel
Q Tell us a bit about your role at the Peel Development Commission?
Transform Peel is a transformational program made possible by the foresight of key regional stakeholders and funded by State Government’s Royalties for Regions with a commitment of $49.3 million. This 35 year program will cumulate in expected annual economic output of $16.2 billion by its completion in 2050. The Transform Peel vision is unique and will create a projected 33,000 new jobs, increase infrastructure and business investment, enhance the liveability of the region, and protect the natural environment.
The first phase of Transform Peel comprises three interrelated projects — The Peel Food Zone, The Peel Business Park and the Peel Integrated Water Initiative. It really is a scenario of ‘which came first the chicken or the egg?’ Success of each project relies on the success of the other two, and so it is essential that all three projects run in parallel, with full collaboration between the three project teams to avoid duplication of effort, best use of limited resources and ensure we all cross the finishing line together.
In a nutshell, my role is to ensure that happens. It is a very exciting time for The Peel Development Commission and the people of Peel, and I am really proud to have the opportunity to play a part in the success of the program.
Staff profile Q&AWORDS | Adrian Parker and Linda Cunningham
IMAGES | Peel Development Commission
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PROGRESSIVE | PROSPEROUS | DYNAMICPEEL Development Commission
GETTING TO KNOW THE PDC
Q What brought you to the Peel region for work?
My husband and I have family in and around Perth, so we have been frequent visitors to WA for over 15 years. On each visit we have explored new areas, and have often talked of relocating to the West. The climate and lifestyle are perfect, and at this stage of our lives it’s wonderful to be living closer to family. I have worked in Regional Economic Development in South East Queensland for many years and the opportunities and challenges in the Peel, with its high growth potential, are very similar. My new role at the Peel Development Commission enables me to draw on past experience in project and program management, stakeholder and community engagement, to help drive the Transform Peel program to ensure we achieve maximum benefits to those living, working and investing in the region. It’s a very exciting time for Peel, and I am proud to play a part in the initiative that is Transform Peel.
Q What do you enjoy most about working in the Peel region?
Everything! I have to say what first attracted me to the region was the relaxed lifestyle and close proximity to
the beaches, but the more I explored I discovered the wonderful rural areas, the diversity of the countryside, and the people – what can I say, everyone is so friendly and welcoming — it just feels like home.
I grew up in a large market town in the UK, Ipswich in East Anglia that was fed by surrounding agriculture, and close to the rapidly growing container port of Felixstowe. It was also in the heart of Constable Country, so if you’ve seen paintings by English landscape artist John Constable, they were mostly painted within 20 kilometre of where I grew up. So you can understand why Peel takes me back to memories of my youth. I see so much untapped potential in Peel; the region has to be WA’s best kept secret!
Q How did you decide on the career with Government?
My earlier career was in the media and included corporate PR, marketing and promotions, and I found my niche in helping people and businesses to tell their story, recognise opportunities, and anticipate issues to be proactive, taking positive action to be the best they could possibly be.
I was attracted to roles where there was a challenge that needed to be overcome, and after roles in private enterprise, I was attracted to local Government where I felt I could really make a difference to projects within a community.
For three years I managed federally funded projects within Council, and then joined the Regional Economic Development team of Queensland Government. Helping to achieve business, industry and regional growth was very rewarding, and the most exciting time was helping small businesses to achieve their first export sales. I will never forget my first video conference linking a local business to a potential customer in the Middle East which resulted in a $360 million sale!
Q What is your favourite Peel discovery?
Catch 22 on the Marina — I am vegetarian, and often it is so hard to find something really interesting when dining out. Their tapas menu leaves me spoiled for choice and the ambiance at sunset is very hard to beat.
2016 WAFL PremiersThe Peel Development Commission congratulates the Peel Thunder Football Club in their recent historic grand final win.
PEEL Development Commission PROGRESSIVE | PROSPEROUS | DYNAMIC
RECIPES
52 PEEL | Spring/Summer 2016
PEEL Development Commission
RECIPES
RECIPESSerpentine National Park is home to Café on the Dam which is owned and operated by seasoned Chef Gianni Ruffino and his restaurant manager wife Sarah. Located only 45 minutes from Perth, Gianni and Sarah’s focus is providing fresh, high-quality products and great service to customers with the café offering all day breakfast, delicious cakes and slices, and hearty lunches. Daily specials and a gluten free menu along with the Ruffino’s commitment to preservation, recycling and water management onsite allows customers to truly enjoy a memorable experience.
A gallery, gift shop and Parterre (native) garden add to the relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Here are some of their most popular dishes just in time for the festive season.
WORDS | Melissa Worthington, Cork and Cheese
IMAGES | Cafe on the Dam
Café on the Dam
Did you know?The Café overlooks the Serpentine Dam, one of the biggest dams in Western Australia which supplies drinking water to the Perth metropolitan area.
Turkey and vegetable pot pieSERVES 4–6
Ingredients1 leek thinly sliced
3 cloves crushed garlic
¼ cup white wine
130gm chopped bacon
250gm chopped mushrooms
1 diced carrot
1 cup chopped broccoli
1 cup frozen peas and corn
1kg roasted and chopped turkey
1 tablespoon cornflour
1½ cups of vegetable stock
½ cup cream
3 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
2 sheets puff pastry
MethodIn a large saucepan with a little oil, fry the leek, garlic, bacon and mushroom for 2–3 minutes. Then add the white wine followed by the vegetables and turkey. Reduce heat and fry for 3–4 minutes.
Mix cornflour and stock separately and then add to pan. Add cream, parsley and salt and pepper. Let gently simmer until thickens.
Pour mixture into 4–6 ramekins and top with cut pastry. Brush pastry with dash of milk and bake in moderate to high oven for 15–20 minutes.
To servePlace individual ramekins onto larger plate and add a side of chips if desired.
53Spring/Summer 2016 | PEEL
PROGRESSIVE | PROSPEROUS | DYNAMICPEEL Development Commission
RECIPES
Thai style prawn cakesMAKES 12–14
Ingredients250g WA white fish fillets
500g WA prawns cooked or raw
100g red curry paste
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 teaspoon rice flour
1 egg
2 sliced spring onions
4 kaffir lime leaves thinly chopped
MethodIn a food processor combine fish, prawns, curry paste, fish sauce, flour and egg. Sir through spring onions and kaffir lime leaves.
Divide mixture into 12–14 portions and shape into patties about 1½ cm thick.
Fry in pan or on a grill until golden and cooked through.
To serve Place onto a platter and accompany with your favourite dipping sauce.
MORE INFORMATIONCafé on the Dam is located at Serpentine Dam Lot 16634 Kingsbury Drive Jarrahdale and is open Monday to Wednesday 10am – 4pm, Saturday 10am – 4pm and Sunday 9am – 5pm. Closed Thursday and Fridays. Visit www.cafeonthedam.com
Café on the Dam caters evening functions by special arrangement.
Carrot cakeSERVES 12
CakeIngredients300ml vegetable oil
500g caster sugar
4 eggs
10ml vanilla essence
400g self-raising flour
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 cup desiccated coconut
440g grated carrot
190g crushed pineapple
1 cup chopped walnuts
Pinch salt
Method Beat oil and sugar until smooth, add in eggs and vanilla and beat until combined. Add all other ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon.
Pour into large rectangle baking tray and cook for 1 to 1 ½ hours in a modern oven (180 degrees) until a skewer comes out clean.
Allow to cool completely.
Cream cheese icing Ingredients80g butter
220g cream cheese
3 cups icing sugar
Zest of 1 lemon
MethodCombine all ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
To serveDecorate cake with icing and some chopped walnuts. Cut into 12 slices and serve with a dollop of fresh cream.
Did you know?The cafés unique family room provides a play area for young children to play and have fun inside the restaurant, enabling parents to keep on eye on their children whilst relaxing and enjoying their meal and the magnificent view.
Peel Development Commission45 Mandurah Terrace (PO Box 543) Mandurah Western Australia 6210
Phone: (08) 9535 4140 Fax: (08) 9535 2119 Email: [email protected]
www.peel.wa.gov.au
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