Northern Valley NewsBindoon • Bullsbrook • Calingiri • Chittering • Gingin • Muchea • Mooliabeenie • New Norcia • Regans Ford • Wannamal

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Drinking the stars “Come quickly, I am drinking the stars,”

Dom Pérignon is famously quoted as saying upon taking his first sip of Champagne. Urban myth suggests that the Benedictine Monk invented the world’s favourite celebratory drink back in 1693.

The Benedictine link to the origins of ‘Champagne’, or Méthode traditionnelle, as it is now called, is not lost on vigneron Nick Humphrey who has just released a new Blanc de Blanc under the New Norcia Abbey label.

“I thought there was a market for it and it was a fun challenge because of the double fermentation and of course there was the monastic link with Dom Perignon.”

Grape vines were one of the first things planted by New Norcia’s founder Rosendo Salvado back in the 1850’s although the major production resulted from 80 acres of vines planted later at Wyening, and peaked in the mid 1950’s. Unfortunately major salinity problems caused the closure of the vineyard and winery in 1973.

More than thirty years later the New Norcia label is up and running again, using grapes from Nick’s Bindoon vineyard, 50 kms south of New Norcia. Planted in the eighties with Shiraz, Cabernet Merlot and Chardonnay, the first wines were produced in the nineties.

The ultimate challenge for the Perth- based

optometrist was to create a quality bubbly, worthy of a special occasion - that won’t produce a headache in the morning.

Working closely with the winemaker from Jane Brook in the Swan Valley, he set out to achieve just that. But exactly how is this possible? A combination of things - the purity of the organic grapes is a contributing factor, however is mostly due to the traditional method of production.

Nick explains the process of making sparkling wine using Méthode traditionnelle; “Firstly the Chardonnay grapes are made into wine, but it is done with a lower sugar level for the first fermentation. The grapes are harvested in January, earlier than those for still wine, when there is still high acid levels. Then it’s bottled as you would Chardonnay, but with a little liqueur and a bit more yeast to do the the second fermentation in the bottle.”

Which brings us back to Dom Pérignon, who for all his false fame, worked tirelessly to develop many advances in production of Champagne, including holding the cork in place with a wire collar (muselet) to withstand the pressure of the secondary fermentation.

Once this double fermentation is complete the bottles are then disgorged, the lees removed, then resealed again ready for labelling and sale.

escape to the coast

unleash the power of the sunPage 10 Page 7

Carmel Ross and Nick Humpfrey toast the New Norcia Blanc de Blanc in the original Monastery kitchens

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Northern Valleys News JANUARy 20122 www.nvnews.com.au

editors note

emergeNcy Numbers

Ambulance 000

Doctor 9576 1222

Hospital 9347 5244

Fire Brigade 000

Police - Emergency 000

Police

Attendance 131 444

Police (Gingin) 9575 5600

Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000

Police Headquarters 9222 1997

Poison 13 11 26

Rural Watch 9576 4600

Chittering Shire 9576 4600

Chittering Ranger A/H 9576 4616

Gingin Ranger 9575 2211

Vet 9575 2274

JuStiCES oF tHE PEACEBindoon

Lee Martin 9576 1066

Walter Zemunik 9576 0156

Phillip Lefroy 9576 2086

Rob McCullough 9576 1740

Chittering

Bruce Rowley 9571 4152

Lower Chittering

Eric Schmidt 9571 8040

Muchea

A.J.Fewster 9571 4012

David Lindsay 9571 1389

Donald McDonald 9655 9024

Gingin

Margaret Greenwell

9575 2220

NNIt’s your community...

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It’s your community...

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It’s your in the Northern Valleys

Northern Valleys News is distributed free to 3,700 homes and businesses.

Produced by: Jackie Shervington & tamieka Preston

Editor & Advertising: Jackie Shervington Phone: 0419 045 783 Email: jackie@nvnews.com.au

Art Direction: tamieka Preston Phone: 0419 902 904 Email: tamieka@nvnews.com.au

www.nvnews.com.au

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

Printed by Rural Press Printing 7 Rafferty Close Mandurah WA 6210

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

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Happy New Year!

We look forward to continuing to serve the region in this 2012 year of the Farmer. If you haven’t been blown away we wish you a fabulous start to 2012.

We hope you enjoyed a well earned break, or maybe the best is yet to come as many head west to the coast for a chance to catch a wave or a fish.

In this issue we take a look at coastal escapes and some ideas for keeping children busy over the holidays.

Our cover story Champagne is a great start to 2012 and with so much still to celebrate; Australia Day and the year of the Dragon on Jan 23rd it might be wise to have a bottle handy.

We also explore Solar Power as a renewable energy option, hopefully we help to feed the discussion at your household.

This is our ninth issue of Northern Valleys News. To our new readers we hope you like this semi rural local paper that is a blend of lifestyle and rural interests.

Thank you to all our advertisers and to our editorial contributors.

As many of you have concluded this is a feel good paper which is designed to uncover our community’s great secrets and treasures.

Jackie Shervington

Northern Valleys News - helping to grow our regional community.

“Renovations are almost complete, come check out the new expanded range of fresh Fruit & Vegetables In Store now”

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

Mary-Anne Griffiths, of Bindoon IGA

Also check out our ever expanding range of freshly sliced, vacuum packed continental goods and antipasto’s in the deli

editorial & Advertising booking deadlines • 30th January

Advertising rates available at www.nvnews.com.au

Mean Bean Summer Trading

Mon-Sat 6.30am-2pm, 5pm-9pmSunday 5pm- 9pm

New automatic ice and water machine 24 hours a day

Monday 16th January

SPARE PARTS PUPPET THEATRE. Free holiday activity! Hand puppet workshop for 5-12 year olds. 1.30pm - 3pm. Bullsbrook Community Library, Bookings essential: 9297 9600. Parental supervision is required

Saturday January 21st

TWIGHLIGHT FAMILY NIGHT BYO PICNIC 6.00PM-9.00PM Gingin Sound Shell

Monday 23rd January

Chinese New Year

Tuesday 24th January

BE ACTIVE FAMILY CRICKET CLASH. Family cricket clash and community barbecue at Clune Park, Bindoon, from 10.00 am.

Thursday 26th Jan

AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS

BINDOON- 8am Clune Park, Formalities followed by a free breakfast.

NEERGABBY/GINGIN- Australia Day celebrations at the Neergabby Grounds on Thursday, Commencing with a free breakfast at 7.30am.

LOWER CHITTERING- BREAKFAST From 8.30 am @ Lower Chittering Hall. Adults $10 Children $5 Ph: Dave 041 1758 839

CALINGIRI- Breakfast 8.30AM PROGRESS PARK

WANNAMAL- From 11am onwards at the Community center

Note: Northern Valleys News is available at newstands at all local IGA’s, and other selected venues.

Hopefully you can all now grab a copy. You can also view the paper and past issues online at www.nvnews.com.au

If you Don’t Use it you Might Loose It

I read a letter to the Northern Valley Times recently, written by a relative of a gentleman that was being maintained in his own home due to the services provided by Silver Chain. She did make the point that this service is invaluable and if it is not used the district could loose it.

Many people are unaware of these services which include home help, personal care, gardening and nursing services. People are also unaware that they are able to refer themselves to Silver Chain and do not have to be referred by their doctor. There is a small charge made, depending on your personal means and you can apply to have these fees waived if there are extenuating circumstances

Home nursing services are available also. As the government do not fund post acute services in this area (the first two weeks out of hospital) the client does have to pay for these services or their private health fund will usually cover the cost for visits during the first two weeks. Another advantage s that elderly clients do not have to attend the surgery but can have wounds dressed at home.

This is an invaluable service which we tend to ignore until, we ourselves, are in need of it but, I pose the question, how long will it continue if it is not used?

Meg Bradford-Seeley

The Gingin Chittering Lions Club is holding their Annual Auction and including a Car Boot sale on Saturday 17th March, 2012. So take the opportunity to have a good post xmas clear out and help raise some money.

The Lions are seeking donated items of all categories, machinery, vehicles, implements and all house hold

equipment for auction.

For further information contact Herb Elliot 0427 926933, Mike Miller 0427 702323 or Wayne Beard 9576 1325.

Do you need to do a post xmas clear out?

Letters to the editor

 

 

CRIME UPDATE

Gingin Police are investigating the following offences and are seeking any information as to

who may be responsible;

• Between 23.12.2011 and 31.12.2011 - Burglary McGlew Road, Lower Chittering (Possibly a dual cab utility involved)

• December 2011 – Diesel thefts Orange Springs Road

• Overnight 06.01.2012 – Burglary Cowalla Road and Gingin Brook Road Neargabby

• 04.01.12 – Stealing (Water pump) Brand Hwy Wannamal

If you have any information regarding these or any other

offences please contact police.

Gingin Police – 9575 5600

Local Police – 131 444 (anywhere in W.A.)

Crimestoppers – 1800 333 000

Continued from Page 1

New Norcia Abbey wines are vailable at the New Norcia Hotel (9654 8034) and New Norcia Museum Gift Shop (9654 8056).

12-15 January 2012 - Lancelin, Western Australia

The waters of Lancelin will be awash with action and colour from 12 to 15 January 2012, for the annual Lancelin Ocean Classic. Approximately 4000 competitors, spectators and organisers are expected to descend on Lancelin over the four-day event, where entrants will compete for more than $25,000 in prize money.

The Lancelin Ocean Classic comprises of three separate competitive categories: Wave Sailing, Marathon (Australia’s longest windsurfing marathon at 26km - from Ledge Point to Lancelin) & Slalom in categories for men, women and juniors.

Competitors from around the world will be participating in 2012; including the return of seven-time world speed sailing record breaker and world champion Björn Dunkerbeck. In 2012 the event will mark its 26th year.

The Lancelin Ocean Classic is supported by Eventscorp, KineticIT, Shire of Gingin and Bendigo Bank.

For more information visit www.lancelinoceanclassic.com.au

2012 Lancelin Ocean Classic

The Midlands District Be

Active Coordinator Scheme and the Shire of Chittering, with a bit of professional assistance from Wheatbelt Cricket Development coach Mike Hind, will be hosting a family cricket clash and community barbecue at Clune Park, Bindoon, on Tuesday 24th January 2012 from 10.00 am.

Children and young people aged 8 – 16 are encouraged to come along to this free community school holiday event, learn a few new skills, show off their cricketing talent, be active and have a bit of fun with a bat and ball. Parents are more than welcome to join in the fun – the more the merrier, and what’s a game of cricket without a few spectators! The aim of the game is participation and good fun so no cricketing experience or ability is necessary. The

big game will be followed by a free community barbecue, and distribution of a few prizes for Be Active Classic Catch of the Day, most spectacular ‘swing-and-miss’, dropped catch of the day, and several other humour and encouragement awards.

Hats and drink bottles are compulsory for all participants. Sunscreen and cold water will be available on the day, and participants and spectators are encouraged to wear sun smart clothing. The Be Active Family Cricket Clash is an initiative of the Midlands District Be Active Coordinator Scheme and the Shire of Chittering, funded by Healthway to promote regular participation in physical activity. For more information please contact Anna Jamieson, Midlands District Be Active Coordinator, on 96510000 or email beactive@moora.wa.gov.au.

How will you celebrate Australia Day?The timing of this disgorging can make the difference between a great bottle of champagne and an average one.

A more inexpensive method of making sparkling wine is simply to inject it with carbon dioxide (CO2), the same process used in soft drinks, but this produces big bubbles that dissipate quickly in the glass. And some argue a sore head the next day.

The New Norcia Abbey Blanc de Blanc is available exclusively from New Norcia Abbey, and the inaugaural vintage has produced just 140 cases which are cellared in the original cool wine cellars under the monastery.

With so much to celebrate at this time of year including the start of 2012 - the year of the Farmer, it seems a perfect opportunity to indulge in this special New Norcia Blanc de Blanc.

The day is celebrated in large and small communities and cities around the nation. Australia Day has become the biggest annual civic event in Australia, with community festivals, concerts and citizenship ceremonies.

To start your day off in the Northern Valleys you can attend one of the many breakfasts which are available across the region and enjoy the entertainment on offer and welcome new Australians. Our What’s on lists a couple of local events.

There are no hard and fast rules on how to celebrate the day. Enjoy it any way you can, be it taking the day off to relax or partying it up. One thing for sure, there will be plenty of BBQs, and cricket bats swinging as people come together to celebrate.

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Northern Valleys News JANUARy 20124 www.nvnews.com.au

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A strong crowd at Gingin enjoyed the magic of the new Sound Shell to see local children perform the nativity play and enjoy the carols.

The magical atmosphere of the Sound Shell

Renae Cabassi enjoying the night

With the success of last year’s decorated mailbox/front gate competition, the Wannamal Community Centre challenged residents to put their creativity hats on again.

The imagination and variety of unique and novel ideas were to be congratulated.

The six white boomers created by Ruth and Bethea Loudon was declared judges choice and the pig on the loo at Howard’s front gate was voted as the people’s choice.

Santa made a special appearance at Wannamal’s Christmas tree celebrations.

Max and Vicki Smith were also presented with Life Membership to the Wannamal Community Centre.

Max was also presented wth the Cowra Sheild - in recognition of the outstanding effort he put in to the Country and Western Fund Raising Concert for the Carnarvon Flood Appeal.

Wannamal

Lower chittering

Many people came to enjoy the festivities including; rock climbing, bouncy castle, carols, Lions Club train and a clown. Along with Santa arriving in a fire truck, the day was a great success.

Pictured right; Barni Norton, yvonne Press, Anne Riolfo, Betty Jenner, Cheryl Porter, Seated at Piano; Lynne Hoffman, Clive Jenner and Judith. Chittering provided the bus through the community grant system, and Bill Hoffman drove it, then drove the kids train for the Lions while we sang!

mogumberMogumber held their first event

for the Mogumber Outback Club, called ‘Christmas Cricket’, a social cricket game at the Mogumber oval followed by a BBQ in the Mogumber hall. Over forty people attended.

The Mogumber oval has not had a sporting event held there for many years, so it was good to see it come alive again.

President Justin Edwards thanked all for supporting the club & looked forward to holding more events in 2012. The club was extremely grateful to the sponsors of the day who donated items towards a silent auction. Thanks also go the Rainer Duxorth, Pauline Carr & Carla Henning who assisted Justin in organising the event.

Shannon Hitchcock doesn’t make ‘time’Sharon Blis and friends fom Bullsbrook.

Ruby Hayes Emily Trainer and Cheyenne Blanche all from Bullsbrook

Only spectators today. Cody Lambert and Bob Nueman

Lewis Medbury with Kerry Middleton, Deb Baldock and Jodie Keevers

Oldest and youngest of the Oversby clan from BindoonJerrard Whelan and Angela Pinto

Bullrider Luke Metcalfe with his children Talia and Leroy with an adoring fan

Amanda Oversby of Bindoon.

Becky Johnstone and Neil Chapman

With the support of the Bendigo Community Bank and sponsors from Bullsbrook and the surrounding areas, the scene was set for a fantastic way to break into the New year at the Harold Adkin’s Wild Horse Stampede Arena.

Thirty nine Novice Bull Riders turned up to try their luck at riding time on Nick Mullaine’s young bulls making this one of the highest entries of bull riders if not the highest at a WA rodeo. The young man with the with the biggest grin was Sheldon Caddies with a score of 70 points for his eight seconds.

Organisers of the event, Stan & Saira would like to say a big thank-you to their family and close friends for their massive help and support and to all the sponsors, we could not have done this without you and we hope to work with you all again, you are all fantastic!!!!!! For results see back page.

All photos this page courtesy of Dave Watson, Bullsence Photography. www.bullsense.com.au

Santa arrived on time courtesy of the local Fire Engine to the joy of many young children at Bindoon. He would have found it hard to recognise many of the young ones, thanks to Eleisha George who with her face painting artistic talents transformed the children and adults into the most beautiful dragons, tigers, fairy’s and spiders. Even Santa’s helper Belinda Darcy (pictured) was given a touch of magic with festive Holly.

Once the presents were open the clouds opened up, and strangely rained in December. Whilst some escaped for dry ground, there those who stayed on for the Xmas carols singing loudly to enjoy this special occasion.

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TR Homes’ newest display, the Grevillea Grove, is now on display, marking the launch of our new range

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Further Council information is available on www.gingin.wa.gov.au or at: Shire of Gingin, 7 Brockman Street, Gingin WA 6503

Telephone: 9575 2211 Facsimile: 9575 2121 Email: mail@gingin.wa.gov.au

Council to the Community – January 2012

AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS

The Shire, in conjunction with the Neergabby Community Association and surrounding communities, will be holding our Annual

Australia Day celebrations at the Neergabby Grounds on Thursday, 26 January 2012, commencing with a free breakfast at 7.30am.

This event will include a presentation to the winner of the 2012 Premier’s Australia Day Active Citizenship Award, Citizenship Ceremonies for a handful of our Shire residents, live music for all to enjoy and hopefully a bouncy castle for the kids.

If you have queries, please contact the Shire Office on 9575 2211.

All are invited to attend.

FIRE BREAKS

Residents and Ratepayers are reminded of the necessity to maintain their firebreaks clear of all flammable material right through to 31 May 2012. Firebreaks may not STOP the progression of a wildfire, but they do slow it down and provide a clear space for our volunteer fire fighters to work from.

Because of the late season, many firebreaks have re-growth on them and therefore may need to be cleared again in order to comply with the Shire of Gingin's 2011/12 Firebreak Order.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR THE

PURCHASE OF SURPLUS MACHINERY

Expressions of Interest are being invited from persons wishing to purchase surplus machinery on an “as is” condition from the Shire of Gingin.

• Caterpillar Grader 120M (AWD)

– 2009

• Kawasaki Loader 802 – 2008

• Kawasaki Loader 652 – 2008

• Kubota Mower F3680 – 2006

• Gianni Ferrari T4 – 2008

• Side Tipper Semi Trailer

(Howard Porter) – 2008

• Side Tipper Semi Trailer

(Howard Porter) – 2009

• Volvo FL10 - 6x4 Tipper – 1996

• Nissan 2 Tonne Tipper – 1995

Requests for machinery details and/or other information are available on Council’s website www.gingin.wa.gov.au or should be directed to Executive Manager Engineering Services, on (08) 9575 2211 or mail@gingin.wa.gov.au.

Expressions of Interest will close at 4.00pm on Friday 27 January 2012 and must contain all the requested information. Expressions of Interest should be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, Shire of Gingin, 7 Brockman Street, Gingin WA 6503 or ceo@gingin.wa.gov.au, and should be clearly marked “EXPRESSION OF INTEREST – PURCHASE OF SURPLUS EQUIPMENT”.

The Expression of Interest will be used by Council to proceed to Tender at a later date. Canvassing of Councillors and/or Staff will disqualify.

GINGIN ILUKA AQUATIC CENTRE

The Pool is open daily from 12pm to 7pm during the school holidays.

Please note that the Pool will be open on Australia Day.

For further details please contact Fran at the Pool on 9575 1344.

COUNCIL MEETING DATES FOR 2012

At its Meeting of 20 December 2011, Council resolved to change the Monthly Council Meeting dates for

2012 to the third Tuesday of the month. The dates of the 2012 Meetings are as follows:

17 January 2012 21 February 2012

20 March 2012 17 April 2012 15 May 2012 19 June 2012 17 July 2012

21 August 2012 18 September 2012

16 October 2012 20 November 2012 18 December 2012

Council Forum will start at 1:00pm and Council Meeting at 3:00pm.

STABLE FLY INFESTATIONS

The Shire of Gingin has recently received several Stable Fly Notifications that have been lodged after the Stable Fly outbreak has reached severe. It is important to provide information daily or as often as possible to help alleviate Stable Fly infestations.

An electronic Stable Fly Notification Form is now available for ease of notification and completion on Council’s website, please go to www.gingin.wa.gov.au/the-council-and-policies/environmental-

health/stable-flies/stable-fly-notification-form.

Residents are encouraged to ensure

that fly breeding does not occur on

their properties and are urged to

report any fly breeding or excessive

fly numbers to Council’s Pest

Control Officer on 9575 2211.

2012/13 REGIONAL EVENTS SCHEME

Applications for the 2012/13 Regional Events Scheme, which is partly funded by Royalties for Regions, are now open. The deadline for applications is 4pm Thursday, February 16, 2012.

See www.tourism.wa.gov.au/Events /Pages/Regional_Events.aspx.

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Some say one of the great well known local secrets of the Northern Valleys is the Northern Coastal escapes, less than an hour away for most residents in our region.

Having recently trekked to the popular “down south”, after over 3 hours drive, the escape did at times feel more like torture. In contrast we were encouraged to experience New years weekend at Guilderton. The drive was painless to say the least.

We took a quick detour to visit Ledge Point’s Silver Coast Seafood to pick up a couple of kilos of Exmouth prawns to celebrate the arrival of 2012 in style. We rented a small cottage for a couple of nights and we were very happy on arrival with our basic yet relaxing pad overlooking the river mouth.

Guilderton was originally known as Gabbadah, an Aboriginal term meaning “mouthful of water” until its gazetting as a town in 1951. In 1931, Forty 17th-century silver guilder coins were found in the sandhills near the entrance to the Moore River - thus the name Guilderton. The coins were thought to be from the wreck of the Dutch ship, the Vergulde Draeck (Gilt Dragon)

that had foundered on a reef north of the river-mouth near Ledge Point in 1656.

Guilderton is a treasure for many holiday makers as it offers the best of both worlds, a day at the beach or a day on the river. We found the river a perfect afternoon escape when the winds picked up. We took our canoes upstream, but you can also hire boats to enjoy the river.

According to Peter Van Maris from Explore Boat Hire the ‘The Barbecue Boat’, a pontoon boat for 10 persons is very popular as people take it up the river. There are also 1, 2 and 3 person canoes/kayaks, sit-ons and sit-ins, pedal craft and ‘Drive yourself ‘ power dinghies. Fishing is also a popular activity. I can’t say we actually caught anything but I’m sure that is more a reflection of our fishing skills.

Due to the undulating hills it seems everyone in the town enjoys a great view. We were pretty happy to sit and enjoy the ocean views and chill out playing games with the kids, then watch the sunset over fish and chips.

For more infomation check out; www.gingintourism.com.au www.mooreriveraccommodation.com

escape to the coast: guilderton

Northern Valleys News JANUARy 20126 www.nvnews.com.au

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Geoscience Australia has decided to close the Gnangara geomagnetic observatory and establish a new facility near the country town of Gingin about 90 kilometres north of Perth because of the increasing growth of Perth.

Geoscience Australia researcher, Dr Adrian Hitchman, said that the decision to close the Gnangara site was the result of urban expansion, occasional vandalism and disturbance from near-by mining operations, none of which is compatible with the quiet conditions preferred for geomagnetic observatory operation.

“The Gnangara observatory will operate in parallel with its Gingin counterpart for 12 months so that station differences can be established between the sites before ceasing operations,” Dr Hitchman said.

The Gingin observatory will be part of Geoscience Australia’s network of 10 geomagnetic observatories in Australia and Antarctica. It is expected to continue operating for a least 50 years and extend the current 93 years of magnetic field monitoring which has been undertaken in southwest Western Australia,” he said.

Gingin is the third geomagnetic observatory in the State’s southwest with the first near Watheroo in 1919 operated by the Carnegie Institution of Washington until it closed in 1958 after operating in parallel with the Gnangara observatory for 12 months.

Geoscience Australia’s geomagnetic observatories are part of an international observatory network which monitors Earth’s ever-changing magnetic field.

Dr Hitchman said the geomagnetic information obtained is used in a variety of applications such as navigation, scientific research, space weather analysis and exploration for oil and gas and for minerals exploration.

“The information is used also for applications in emerging technology associated with personal electronic devices such as magnetic direction finding on mobile phones, watches and cameras” Dr Hitchman said.

Geomagnetic observatory coming North to Gingin.

Verticordia nitens in bloom!

Commonly known as Christmas Morrison are currently making stunning appearances on the sandplain country in the dictrict.

The name Christmas Morrison, were applied to this species after the professional plant collector William Morrison, a Scottish-born gardener and plant collector who travelled with Captain James Stirling and employed by Kew Gardens between1824 to 1839.

The plant was regarded as highly desirable by gardeners in England. The spectacular display, “strikingly beautiful”, was expected to be marketable, yet it has presented difficulties in its propagation.

“’The magnificent Chrysorrhoë nitens, whose yellow flowers, of metallic lustre, form masses of golden stars some feet in diameter.’ Ever since, it has been the desire of nurserymen and others engaged in horticulture, to import this lovely plant; …” (source Wikipedia)

The ‘Turquoise Coast’ offers a number of great coastal towns - and we all have our favourites...this issue we look at Guilderton - or Moore River, as the locals call it.

Greenhead

Jurien Bay

Cervantes

LancelinLedge Point

Guilderton

Yanchep

PERTH

Bullsbrook

BindoonGingin

New Norcia

Moora

Badgingarra

Wedge Island

Seabird

Stop Biting flies breeding in your vegie patch

No doubt you have heard of biting flies and know what a pest they can be. But did you know every vegetable garden has the potential to be a breeding ground.

Rotting crop residues of vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, celery, cabbage and lettuce have been continually shown to produce extremely high numbers of biting flies if not managed properly (from 100 to >1,000 flies/m2 of soil).

Rejected and/or damaged produce of vegetables left to rot on the ground allow for significant numbers of biting flies to develop. Where possible, every piece of reject produce needs to be either removed and placed into a deep pit before being covered with 300mm of sand every 3-4 days and/or sprayed if it is impractical and too costly to pick up this reject produce.

Dr David Cook is working closely with local shires and the commercial vegetable growers’ properties to ensure that a strict management 5 point plan is adhered to in order to reduce the numbers of biting flies.

Meanwhile the humble backyard gardener can play a part to ensure we all work to stop the fly breeding cycle. According to Dr Cook everybody can do something, whether home gardener or commercial grower, “same story, different

scale, this is one of the most adaptable flies in the world and we all have to do something to stop it”.

The leaves and stalks of rejected produce such as cabbage and silverbeet provide a perfect breeding ground for biting flies.

Rejected and/or damaged produce such as eggplant (aubergine) or abandoned crops left to rot allow the biting fly to develop from every fruit. As these crops are picked daily for several months, the reject produce must be moved into an open pit and deep buried weekly with at least 300mm of soil or the abandoned crop sprayed and left to prevent fly development until completely dry.

HOW DO I KNOW I HAVE BITING FLIES?

The biting fly or “stable fly” is very similar in size and appearance to the common house fly and bush fly – the major difference between these flies is that the biting fly has, as their name suggests, a prominent biting mouthpart. Stable flies are persistent biters, feeding on animals several times a day, preferring to bite cattle and horses, but will also attack

humans, dogs, pigs, newborn lambs, pet kangaroos and emus. Their bite causes a sharp pain as it quickly draws blood – the fly punctures the skin several times before drawing blood and they can increase their body weight by up to 3 times when fully fed.

The picture below shows that the biting or stable fly is slightly smaller than a house fly but has the prominent black piercing mouthpart sticking out the front of its head – this is lowered and used to pierce the skin of animals and humans to draw blood.

Caterer required for 2012 Council meeting dinnersThe Shire is now seeking interest from local businesses to provide catering services for the evening meals at Council meetings.

There are eleven (11) schedule Ordinary council meetings held every third Wednesday from February through to December, with Special Council meetings being called through the year.

The Councillors and senior staff who attend the meetings total thirteen (13) with a main course and desert to be provided.

If you are interested in providing the evening meal please send through a sample menu with costing to the Shire’s Executive Support Officer, Mrs Natasha Mossman via eso@chittering.wa.gov.au, by no later than Friday, 23 January 2012.

If you have any questions about the catering please contact the Executive Support Officer, Monday to Wednesday between 9am and 12noon on 9576 4600.

Water wantedThe Shire’s works crew is in dire need of water to continue maintaining the gravel roads in the northern regions of the Shire. If anyone is able to assist in providing water in this area, please contact the Shire’s Works Supervisor, Mr John Thornley on 0429 450 416.

Your assistance will be greatly appreciated by your community.

Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban SMS Notification ServiceThe Shire has now implemented the Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban SMS Notification service. If a fire ban is imposed all persons registered will receive a notification by SMS advising them of the details.

If you haven’t yet registered please contact the Customer Service Officers on 9576 4600 or via email on chatter@chittering.wa.gov.au.

The form is also available on the Shire’s website by visiting www.chittering.wa.gov.au/chittering-fire-services.

Fire breaks

Did you know that fire breaks are also needed to allow the fire fighters access to your property in case of a serious fire? By having a fire break in place not only can the fire fighters protect your property because of better access but they can also burn back using the fire break to help impede a fire. So, for minimal funds, you have added protection in case of fire.

Reminder – Fire breaks must be maintained until 31 May each year.

Community Safety and Crime Prevention

Early 2012 the Shire will be posting a survey on Safety and Crime for the Shire of Chittering to all landowners in the shire.

Residents are encouraged to complete this survey and return it to the Shire as the outcomes from the survey will greatly assist Council in planning for safety and crime prevention for our community into the future.

It’S A WINNER!CCPAC is very pleased to congratulate Brett Walton winner of the recent logo competition, winning $500.

The Chittering Community Planning Advisory Committee (CCPAC) is very keen to assist the Shire with planning for the future. To start the process the Committee recommended to Council that the CCPAC hold competition giving the community an opportunity to illustrate their thoughts for the direction of the Shire into the future by designing a logo. The logo is to reflect the current and future position of the Shire and a $500 prize was offered.

It is acknowledged that Council is under no obligation to use the winning or any other logo submitted as part of the competition. The CCAPC requested that should and when Council make the decision to investigate the re-branding of the Shire, the Council also consider the winning submission in the process.

Chosen from a selection of 15 logos, Brett managed to achieve a simple and contemporary design and still managed to accommodate the many elements of the region and it’s future. The Committee was very impressed with the submissions received- designing a good logo is not easy.

Brett acknowledged how difficult it was; “I started drawing oranges and grapes and the many offerings of the shire, but knew I needed to find a simple execution. Chittering is about lifestyle and tourism, the fantail design meets the brief of the future and of course has a history with the shire . The colours on the wings helped to tell the story;

• Orange – agriculture of Chittering • Purple – vineyards and grapes • Green – environment /

biodiversity of the Shire

Already the logo has become a good talking point and inspired the imagination. For creator Brett the tt’s or the bird’s feet represent the bird landing on the water; Lake Chittering & Lake Needonga, which as Brett acknowledges without these lakes the shire might not exist. CCPAC on the other hand offered further interpretation, some saw them as people holding hands whilst others saw them as the much loved trees within the shire.

CCPAC is hopeful this winning logo will go a long way to helping the shire in the process to rebrand the shire.

Below: Brett Walton receives his cheque from Alex Douglas

Bridgeworks over the Brockman RiverRegional Bridging will be closing the bridge over the Brockman River from 3 January 2012 until 7 February 2012 (see image). There will be detours in place. Queries should be directed to Regional Bridging on 9622 5572.

Improvement Upgrade Works - Bindoon County Club

The Shire of Chittering is pleased to announce that for the months of January to March 2012 a number of improvement upgrade works will be conducted in the Bindoon Country Club area.

The programmed projects will include upgrading the intersection of Ridgetop Ramble and Forrest Hills Parade, installation of pipe drainage from this intersection down Ridgetop Ramble around into Pioneer Drive ending at the bottom of the first hill. Works will also include upgrading and widening the existing footpath on Ridgetop Ramble between Gray Road and Pioneer Drive.

The Shire of Chittering wishes to apologise in advance for any inconvenience during this time as some detours and delays may take place. Works will be conducted Monday to Friday commencing at 6:30am until 5:30pm. The Shire will endeavor to try and maintain all property access during this time and complete any required works as soon as practical.

If you require any further information please contact John Thornley, Works Supervisor - Engineering on 0429 450 416 or by email chatter@chittering.wa.gov.au.

Notice of Ordinary Council meetingThe first Ordinary council meeting for 2012 will be on Wednesday, 15 February 2012. You are more than welcome to come along. The meeting will commence at 7pm in the Council Chambers, 6177 Great Northern

9 www.nvnews.com.au

Top view; Biting fly (LHS) v House fly Below; Housefly mouthparts v Biting Fly

BRAN

D CS

BP00

42

THE WAY TO GROW.CSBP’s 2011/2012 market offers give you a choice of simple, straightforward agreements with the fl exibility to suit your farm’s specifi c needs. By working closely with farmers like yourself, we’ve found better solutions to help minimise your risk and maximise your profi t. A CSBP Fertiliser Sales Agreement (FSA) lets you forecast your product needs for the coming season and pay the market price on the day you collect. Whereas, our Set Price Contract allows you to lock in part or all of your fertiliser order now at a specifi ed price, regardless of market conditions. With any offer, you benefi t from the very best local support through dedicated area managers and sales agents across the state.

To discuss the best solution for your farm, contact your local CSBP area manager. csbp.com.au/fertilisers

GROW TO YOUR FULL POTENTIAL.

CSBP0042-HP 262wx192h Colour NorthernValleyNews.indd 1 11/2/11 5:12 PM

Feral Pigs in Chittering Valley

Feral pigs are domestic pigs gone wild. They escaped captivity and quickly established wild populations which today cause damage estimated to be $100 million annually (Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre 2009) throughout Australia. The pigs dig under bridges and roads, attack and kill lambs and other small animals and spread fungal diseases such as die back, as well as having the potential to spread a serious exotic disease such as foot and mouth if it gains access to Australia. They destroy native vegetation and pollute rivers by wallowing on the banks and in pools.

Chittering Valley has become home to these ranging pests. While a number of people are doing an admirable job of controlling the pigs when they invade their properties, Alas, there are areas in which the pigs hide which are not accessible to land owners.

The Chittering Landcare Group has received a grant from the McCusker Charitable Foundation and is developing a management program for feral pigs. All landholders in the Chittering Valley should have received a flyer from the Landcare Centre requesting them to fill in a form so that a comprehensive map can be developed of the size of herds and their movements. Once that pattern is established control measures will be put in place. The best time to control these feral animals is in late autumn so a measure of control will be achieved during 2012.

If you have not received your flyer or you notice pig activity please contact Sue on 0429 887715 at any time.

There will be a meeting at the Landcare Centre 175 Old Gingin Road, Muchea at 6pm on 7th February, 2012. If you would like to attend please contact 95710400 after 16th January, 2012. A meal will be provided for a gold coin donation.

NNIt’s your community...

 

NN It’s your news...

Northern Valleys News JANUARy 201210 www.nvnews.com.au

NN business News...

11 www.nvnews.com.au

insurance

Protection for your rural lifestyle property

Farm Insurance issued by CGU Insurance Limited ABN 27 004 478 371 AFSL 238201. Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited ABN 11 068 049 178 AFSL 237879 is the intermediary. (S24727) (07/09)

Living on more than 5 acres?

Are your sheds, machinery, farm property and fencing adequately insured?

Then make sure you’re fully covered with insurance specifically designed for your needs.

To find out more, call in and see our friendly staff at 13 Binda Place, Bindoon or phone 9576 0333 or visit 2533 Great Northern Highway, Bullsbrook or phone 9571 2355.

Bullsbrook and Bindoon Community Bank®branchesProtecting what’s important to U

The solar power system that even works at night.

LUM

I 502

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24/8 Sustainable Ave, Bibra Lake www.avantsolar.com.au

Visit our new showroom in Bibra Lake, or call 1300 99 1800 to arrange a free home visit.

Avant Solar can help you with the solution to all your power problems:

Install a solar power system with battery backup

Add a battery backup system to your existing solar power system

Put in a battery backup solution and add the solar power later.

Got power problems? Suffer blackouts? We’ve got power solutions!

ASk ABOUT OUr NEW SHOWrOOM SpEciAlS

For the majority of people solar power is still in the “too hard basket” and with all the confusion around state government tariffs and credits it just dropped even further to the bottom of the basket.

you don’t have to be “green” to appreciate solar energy is the most abundant as well as freely available source of energy that has been gifted to mankind. Unfortunately while the sun is gifted, the infrastructure costs to harness are not.

Investing in Solar Energy is a high involvement decision and one which is often put aside to deal with more pressing needs.

Electricity prices are rising and solar panels are becoming much cheaper, being offered at very competitive and affordable prices. Many say it is becoming affordable even without subsidies.

If you are waiting for prices drop further, some say now is the best time time to buy, because of the GFC and cut throat competition between China and US to win market share, now is a good time to buy.

Wholesale solar panel prices have dropped as much as 50 percent last year, and retail prices are less than half what they were five years ago.

Industry experts say that the day is near when solar can compete against other energy sources without subsidies. In certain places and at certain times of day, it’s already viable. And of course while you wait, the bills keep coming.

Our latest Synergy bill arrived and provided a good prompt for me to review the numbers and see if this makes sense yet for our household.

The process was easier than I thought. After contacting one of the Solar businesses, they patiently walked me through the scenarios and helped debunk many of the myths that surround the subject.

I emailed three past Synergy bills and our address. With our address they were able to view the roof on satellite images and ascertain what we needed and provide a quote showing comparisons of the different models.

A pleasant surprise was the solar credits. I thought they had all been removed but whilst state government tariff rebates have gone for new buyers, there are still solar credits

provided by Federal government, and they are not means tested.

Based on our usage, an average family, 2 parents, 2 children; we consume just under 15 units a day. I have provided a summary table below of the pricing options for the upfront capital costs to implement the system . They suggested the 2.5kW and that we run the pool pump in the middle of the day.

In our the last 3 bills we have spent an average of $3.98/day or $1,452.06 for the year which means we would pay for the cheaper system within three years or the more expensive system around 5 years.

This break-even doesn’t include the cost of grid power use on shady days or at night time. Irrespective of how many units of power we generate in a day, any power used beyond the our generation system, at any given time of day, is charged at the standard 21c/unit. It also doesn’t take into account depreciation of the units - inverter and panels.

On the flipside, it doesn’t show the money credits generated from Synergy buying back unused energy at a flat buyback rate of 7ckWh.

The solar panels, though expensive, may start to make sense alongside electricity price increases and it would be great to make another step towards self sustainability.

understanding solar options:The types of systems include:

1. Grid connected solar power (the most common these days)

When the sun shines, the solar cells generate electricity. The grid connected inverter converts the DC electricity produced by the solar panels into 240V AC electricity, which can then be used by the property/household.

If the system is producing more power than is being consumed, the surplus is fed into the mains power grid. When the solar cells are not producing power, for example at night, your power is supplied by the mains power grid as usual. The energy retailer charges the usual rate for the power used.

2. Grid connected solar power with battery backup

Without a battery bank or generator backup for your gridintertied system, when a blackout occurs, your household will be in the dark, too. This is a pretty attractive option for those in Northern Valleys as we are all too familiar with scheduled power outages.

Incorporating batteries into the system requires more components, is more expensive, and lowers the system’s overall efficiency. For many homeowners who regularly experience utility outages or have critical electrical loads, having a backup energy source may be priceless.

The other capability with the grid connect with battery backup is grid support so if you have a load like a coolroom or welder or any other large appliance or combination of large appliances.

3. Off grid solar power system

These solar power systems are most often used to power farm appliances like gates, water pumping and rural telecommunications systems when utility power is not accessible.

Trying to keep abreast of what our state government is doing with regard to solar subsidies is probably going to be more difficult than predicting the weather.

The WA State Government in the latest Budget, halved the feed-in tariff for households with solar panel systems. Then they ended the subsidy one month later.

Those who got in before June 30 continue to receive a feed in tariff of 47 cents. For customers who purchase now, Synergy is offering 7 cents per kilowatt hour of energy versus the original 47c. The subsidy model has certainly changed.

Despite the retractions, the industry is growing and many are confident will

continue to prosper. The number of panels on households has grown 35 times over since 2008, the Clean Energy Council’s report shows, based on data from the electricity grid broken down into the different postcodes. The breakneck growth is expected to slow as tariffs are reduced.

Driven by state feed-in tariffs, rooftop solar panel installation grew exponentially. An estimated 1.2 million people in Australia are now meeting at least part of their daily energy needs from the sun.

Ian Milne, from Perth-based solar company Avant Solar, like others in the industry is critical of the decision to cut back feed-in-tariff, as typical of the “ad hoc” approach by governments to the solar industry, but he is

confident that the industry will continue to grow and with current solar credits and new incentives the future is positive.

Sounds like a bright future? What about the argument that individual solar household generation is inefficient.

From what I discovered, when we feed back into the grid in most cases 99% of the power we create never makes it past the neighbours.

The optimum model for the network is distributed generation because if one solar system stops working the effect is minimal.

The concern being, if you build a huge centralised unit, it then has to be distributed out and transmission infrastructure is already under pressure. Also if one large generator of any type goes offline the network struggles.

Distributed generation takes

the power to the load where it is needed.

Globally solar continues to grow. Not only in the US & Europe, China who has been a big manufacturer is set to become a domestic user. In the new Chinese government five-year plan, it has set a goal of generating 20 gigawatts of electricity with solar by 2020. That would represent just 1 percent of China’s expected power generation, but it would be roughly equal to the world’s total installed capacity.

Grid Connected system

Units/day Cost Solar Credits Net

A. 2.05kW 10.8 units/day $7,419Inc $3,120 $4,299 B. 2.2kW 11.9 units/day $9,739 Inc $3,240 $6,499 C. 2.58kW 13.7 units/day $10,749 Inc $3,450 $7,299 D. 2.54kW 13.6 units/day $10,819 Inc $3,420 $7,399

The future of solar with or without subsidies:

info@mucheaplumbing.com

Unleash the power of the sun

NN ProPerTyNN

Northern Valleys News JANUARy 2012

busINess NeWs

12 www.nvnews.com.au 13 www.nvnews.com.au

FREE Polaris Sportsman 400 HO 4x4 (Valued at

$8,695.00)*

Special offer

Elevated and nestled among the trees, build your dream home to enjoy the views andthe picturesque surrounds. Lots from 4.94 acres. Power, telephone and scheme water. *Offer closes 31st Jan 2012. Call Jackie Shervington 0419 045 783

When you purchase a lot at Cammeray Close (200 Gray Rd) starting from $219,000

FIRE DANGER RATING AND WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU.

• These are the worst conditions for a bush or grass fi re.

• If a fi re starts and takes hold, it will be extremely diffi cult to control and will take signifi cant fi refi ghting resources and cooler conditions to bring it under control.

• Spot fi res will start well ahead of the main fi re and cause rapid spread of the fi re. Embers will come from many directions.

• Homes are not designed or constructed to withstand fi res in these conditions.

• The only safe place to be is away from bushfi re risk areas.

YOU NEED TO ACT NOW

• Put your survival fi rst and leave bushfi re risk areas the night before or early in the day - this is your best option.

• Act immediately - do not wait and see: leave now avoid forested areas, thick bush or long, dry grass take shelter if you cannot leave

YOU NEED TO GET READY TO ACT

• Only stay with your property if you are prepared to the highest level. This means your home needs to have been constructed to bushfi re protection levels eg. enclosed eaves, covers over external air conditioners, metal fl yscreens etc.

• You must be well prepared and able to actively defend your home if a fi re starts. This means you have the right equipment and resources to put out fi res around your home eg. enough water supply, petrol/diesel portable pump, generator, protective clothing etc.

• If you are not prepared to the highest level, leaving bushfi re risk areas early in the day is your safest option.

• These are very hot, dry and windy conditions for a bush or grass fi re.

• If a fi re starts and takes hold, it will be unpredictable, move very fast and diffi cult for fi refi ghters to bring under control.

• Spot fi res will start and move quickly. Embers may come from many directions.

• Homes that are prepared to the highest level, have been constructed to bushfi re protection levels and are actively defended may provide safety.

• You must be physically and mentally prepared to defend in these conditions.

• The only safe place to be is away from bushfi re risk areas.

• These are hot, dry and possibly windy conditions for a bush or grass fi re.

• If a fi re starts and takes hold, it may be hard for fi refi ghters to control.

• Well prepared homes that are actively defended can provide safety.

• You must be physically and mentally prepared to defend in these conditions.

• If a fi re starts, it is likely to be controlled in these conditions and homes can provide safety.

• Be aware of how fi res can start and reduce the risk.

• Controlled burning may occur in these conditions if it is safe – check to see if permits apply.

YOU NEED TO BE AWARE

• Well prepared homes that are actively defended can provide safety. This means you have the right equipment and resources to put out fi res around your home eg. enough water supply, petrol/diesel portable pump, generator, protective clothing etc.

• Check your bushfi re survival plan

• Monitor conditions

• Action may be needed

• Leave if necessary

FIRE DANGER RATING WHAT DOES IT MEAN? WHAT SHOULD I DO?

EXTREME75-99

SEVERE50-74

VERY HIGH32-49

HIGH12-31

LOW-MODERATE0-11

CATASTROPHIC100+

Fires can threaten suddenly and without warning.

Watch for signs of fi re, especially smoke and fl ames.

Know your Fire Danger Rating and be aware of local conditions.

Have your bushfi re survival plan and kit ready.

To seek information listen to local radio, go to www.fesa.wa.gov.au or call the FESA information line on 1300 657 209.

Call 000 to report a fi re.

PREPARE. ACT. SURVIVE.PREPARE. ACT. SURVIVE.

Lot 22 under offer

CRC Outreach “Taster Event”

20 participants recently attended the Wannamal CRC Outreach first “Taster Event”. The CRC Outreach is a concept only at this point and will be subject to funding, public need and committed interest in using the service. Examples of services include community workshops, training, social gatherings, youth leadership activities, community projects, mobile library, computer courses, etc.

Despite the fact that they had no power due to the freak storms the participants had an overwhelming positive experience. Activities at the event included a photography Workshop training provided by Wongan Hills Photographer Gary Rusell.

The group also helped provide interest areas for potential 2012 CRC Outreach activities and workshops. Another CRC Outreach Taster Event is planned for Lower Chittering in early 2012.

Facebook and Online PrivacyBy Daryl du Plessis from Chittering IT

Facebook is a wonderful way to stay in contact and share experiences with friends and family online. For those people not familiar with facebook, I will provide a quick overview.

Once you signup to a free account on facebook.com, you will be guided through a series of questions about yourself. Having established your identity you can then find friends that are on facebook too. you can search in many ways to find people, even by the school or university they went to. There are a number of stories of people finding each other on facebook after many years apart. Currently there are over 800 million people on facebook, with the average user having 130 friends.

Having established yourself on facebook you can start telling everyone what’s going on via status updates (similar to twitter). you can post messages on friends wall’s (much like a noticeboard that everyone has access to). you can upload photos and videos, post links to webpages and so on. Facebook is also useful for interacting with pages (celebrities, bands, products etc), groups, events and community pages. Most of this communication is public, or accessible to friends, which brings me to my next point.

Personal information is valuable and should be protected (all legitimate businesses will have a privacy policy when gathering personal information). Facebook allows people to limit what infromation is accessible via the privacy settings on the website. I strongly recommend that everyone who uses facebook go through these settings to ensure they are comfortable with the access allowed to their information. you can set a default privacy level which will apply to all settings. you can choose between public, friends and custom (friends would be a good starting point). Alternatively you can go through the settings individually and set the privacy level. This is worth doing to ensure you can get the most benefit from sharing online while limiting access to your personal information.

I have only touched on the most basic aspects of facebook. If you are interested, there is plenty of help online via the facebook website.Happy sharing.

http://www.facebook.com

http://www.facebook.com/help

business for sale“MEAN BEAN CAFE” This iconic roadside fast

food business is for sale. Operating from a transportable kitchen

located in the main street of Bullsbrook, the Mean Bean Café is renowned for serving good quality, home-style burgers and takeaway food with a unique casual service style.

The business has been operating since 2008, with continually increasing profits. By offering takeaway service only, the business operates with low overhead costs. An ice vending machine has recently been added to the premises, providing additional income with no labour cost.

Over 17,000 vehicles pass each day, with this number increasing every year due to the northwest mining industry. Located in the centre of Bullsbrook, and within walking distance to the Pearce RAAF Base, the business enjoys excellent repeat business from locals, in addition to passing trade.

ABS figures for 2010 show that the Chittering Shire, which is the catchment area for Bullsbrook, was the 4th fastest growing Shire in WA, at 4.9%. The Swan Shire had the 4th

largest population growth by number, increasing by 2,900.

Included with the sale are a transportable kitchen, insulated sea container with three cool rooms, ablution block with disabled access, small caravan, water tank and five outdoor tables with benches. The kitchen is fully equipped with fridges, fryers, grill, coffee machine, dishwasher and other equipment, with all required Council and Health Department approvals.

A ground lease over 722m2 allows room for expansion if necessary. All of the buildings are transportable, allowing the business to be easily relocated or rearranged if necessary.

An adjoining lot has ample parking which will be included in the lease by negotiation.

The Mean Bean Cafe would be an ideal family business, requiring only 1-3 staff at a time.

For full details, contact: Craig Hyne 0448 825 833, Cabassi Realty (08) 9575 2566

A successful partnership with Bush Fire Volunteers, Shire of Chittering and FESA staff launched the first ‘street meets’ on the 13th of November at Maryville, Chittering Rise and Blue Plains Estate. Approximately 150 to 200 people attended the three street meet locations. Street meets are an excellent way of taking the bushfire prevention and preparedness message directly to the residents. Due to the success of these meets the Shire will be looking at running more of these next year.

One outcome from the Street Meets is that the Shire has developed an email group to keep residents informed and up to date with prevention and preparedness strategies within the Shire. If residents would like to be on the email group they can email chatter@chittering.wa.gov.au

wwe

   

Chief Bush Fire Control Officer

Dennis Badcock 9576 1536 or 0428 947 853

Deputy Chief (South) Hartley Read 9571 8011 or 0427 440 564

Deputy Chief (North) Greg Cocking 9655 7015 or 0408 900 462

Bush Fire Control Officers

Wannamal Greg Cocking 9655 7015 or 0408 900 462

Kim Haeusler 9655 9043 or 0428 559 043

Bindoon Paul Groves 9576 1725 or 0400 172 560

Frank Schubert 0429 963 381

Upper Chittering Phil Humphry

9576 1050 or 0427 761 050

Bob Wainwright 9571 4665 or 0437 163 428

Lower Chittering Max Brown 9571 8667 or 0427 089 677

Ian Hollick 9571 8388 or 0419 954 559

Muchea Dennis Harvey 0427 092 356

Paul Martin 0418 948 593

Peter Hall 0437 908 079

Chittering Incident Support

Rose Coci (President) 9576 1536 or 0427 061 956

Sarah Lee (Secretary) 0430 463 643

Dj Baum (Captain) 9571 0002 or 0428 342 444

Shire Fire Control Officer Community Emergency Services Manager, Jamie O'Neill

9576 4600 or 0409 529 138

Local bush Fire street meets

The Australian year of the Farmer is about farmers - getting farmers involved in telling their story and about educating the non-farming public about agriculture.

Patron, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC, officially launched the year in conjunction with Ambassador Glenn McGrath and his wife Sara, and television host Natalie Gruzlewski.

Conceived by NSW-based farmer Philip Bruem AM, and former Sydney Markets CEO Geoff Bell, Australian year of the Farmer 2012 is a year-long program of activities that will celebrate the contribution farmers and rural communities make to our national economy and society.

As part of the Australian year of the Farmer program, a range of events, initiatives and educational programs

will be rolled out across the nation throughout 2012. Highlights will include a nine-vehicle One Country Roadshow travelling more than 56,000kms to attend more than 400 events, an unprecedented Agricultural Innovation and Technology Expo as well as the most significant food event to be held in Australia, Food of Origin Extravaganza, to promote the quality and origin of Australian food products – from ‘wheat to meat’ and ‘paddock to plate’. Education will be a strong focus, as will the many career opportunities available in the agribusiness sector. A photo competition, a commemorative collector’s coin and stamps as well as a TV program and privileges card have all been planned as part of the celebration.

To get involved visit www.yearofthefarmer.com.au or follow @AyOF2012 on twitter

Celebrate the Year of the Farmer 2012

Volunteers Needed;The Chittering Shire have a

dedicated team of fire-fighters available around the clock and belonging to a total of five Bush Fire brigades and one support brigade. Our Bush Fire Volunteers are the first line of defence against bush fire in our community. These dedicated members of our community are always looking for new volunteers for both fire fighters and support, if you can assist please contact the shire on 95764600.

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15 www.nvnews.com.au

ACRoSS1. Sea floor (5,3)5. ... & papa7. Moved in water8. From the menu (1,2,5)9. Dodged (duty)12. Chiefs15. Fellow-feeling19. Window canopies21. Sporadically (3,3,2)22. Sector23. Pip24. Noise stoppers

DoWN1. Pearl source2. Directed

3. Whiskers4. Achievable5. Complained6. Revises10. Upon11. Ireland’s currency12. Ignited13. Diva’s song14. Wicked15. Mechanical men16. Warsaw is there17. Puzzling question18. School compositions19. Person beyond

help20. Crowd fight

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Northern Valleys News JANUARy 2012

Quick crossword

eDucATIoN Northern Valleys News acknowledges tiwest as an active supporter of schools in the region. the financial donations to local schools; Bullsbrook, Bindoon and Gingin play a key role in the schools being able to fund new projects and initiatives.Across The regIoN

Bindoon Primary School

sponsored bychurch NoTIces

ANGliCAN CHuRCH (Marion Bird 9576 2054, John Broad 9576 0311)

Bindoon 2nd & 4th Sunday 9.30am Gingin 1st & 3rd Sunday 9.30am

tHE SEVENtHDAy ADVENtiStS (9576 0085)

Bible Study 9.30am to 10.30am, Divine Service 11am to 12 noon

every Saturday, Bindoon

BENEDiCtiNE MoNAStERy, New Norcia

(9654 8018 Parish Priest: Abbot John Herbert OSB, Parish Secretary:

Carmel Ross)

Weekend Mass times: Sunday 9am

CAtHoliC CHuRCH (F Paul Fox 9571 1839)

Sat Vigil: St Catherine’s Gingin 6pm (Constable Street)

Sunday: St Anne’s Bindoon 7.30am (6549 Great Northern Hwy)

Bullsbrook Shrine-Church 9.30am (9am Rosary)

Bullsbrook Chapel, 39 Brearley Street, 5pm 2nd,3rd,4th,5th Sun

Youth Mass - St Anne’s 1st Sunday of month 3.30pm

CHRiStiAN FElloWSHiP (9576 1326)

CWA Hall, Turner Road, Bullsbrook Worship Service every Sunday 10am

tHE uNitiNG CHuRCH (Marian Crew, 9575 1357)

Worship 2nd and 4th Sunday 10am

BiNDooN CoMMuNity CHuRCH (Wayne or Pat on 9576 1325)

Non-denominational, everyone welcome at the adventist

Church Bindoon

GAtEWAy CHuRCH (0437 411 227 or 9571 8238)

Pickett Park Hall, Sundays 10am

CHRiStiAN FElloWSHiP NoN-DENoMiNAtioNAl WoRSHiP.

(Jac 0412873447)

Mean Bean Cafe GNH Bullsbrook Wed 7pm, Fri 2-3.30pm. Bookshop Wed 6.30pm:

Fri 2-3.30pm.

PoNDerINgsBy Alex Douglas

Solutions to last month’s crossword

RAINFALL DATA Recorded at 150 Bindoon-Moora Road, Bindoon

Year ending December 31, 2011

This month 28 years Ave

Rainfall

Progressive total

Rain days mm Rain days mm

Month This month

Last year

This month

Last year

This year

Last year

This year

Last year

January 1 0 2.5 0.0 15.2 1 0 2.5 0.0

February 2 0 10.6 0.0 12.6 3 0 13.1 0.0

March 0 3 0.0 9.0 14.8 3 3 13.1 9.0

April 7 2 18.9 8.1 21.3 10 5 32.0 17.1

May 7 6 45.2 67.9 78.5 17 11 77.2 85.0

June 13 3 88.0 32.9 96.4 30 14 165.2 117.9

July 19 14 125.5 91.8 116.8 49 28 290.7 209.7

August 12 9 108.8 64.4 87.3 61 37 399.5 274.1

September 16 5 74.7 24.3 59.9 77 42 474.2 298.4

October 11 5 57.7 7.8 32.5 88 47 531.9 306.2

November 8 3 25.6 9.1 18.8 96 50 557.5 315.3

December 5 3 68.7 17.0 11.8 101 53 626.2 332.3

14 www.nvnews.com.au

CATHOLIC AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE BINDOON

Child Health Services & Immunisation

ClinicsGINGIN COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE

Suite 5, Brockman St

Friday 9.30-3.00pm. By Appointment Kill Smith 0429 100 510

CHittERiNG CoMMuNity HEAltH CENtRE Great Northern Hwy Bindoon

Child Health - Wednesday

Immunisation - 1st Tues of month. Appointments: Chris Pietraszek 9576 0510

AlliED HEAltH SERViCESOccupational Therapy & Speech Pathology

Gingin, Suite 3, Brockman St. Appointments phone: 9575 1686

DiEtitiANAppointments phone: 9576 0510

PHySiotHERAPiStSEleanor Ryan, Gingin Community Health Centre

Tues 9.30-5.00pm Appointments phone: 9577 1095

Judy Dennis, Chittering Community Health Centre

Tues 9-1.00, Thurs 1-6pm Appointments phone: 0427 198 278

I wish a Happy New year to one and all. It seems like a natural thing to say at this time of year; yet there’s nothing natural about the idea of New year’s Day. It’s strictly manmade. There is no seasonal change or astronomical event connected to the first day in January. In fact, the Romans used March 1st as the start of their year, which is how September. October, November and December got their names as the 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th months. That was part of the Julian Calendar, named for Julius Caesar, who devised it.

This worked very well for the western world until a pope called Gregory XIII realized that the year was 11 minutes and 14 seconds too long! This added up over the centuries until, in 1582, the spring equinox was happening a couple of weeks early. So Gregory adjusted a few things about the way years were calculated, cancelled ten days in October 1582, and named the new calendar after himself. Why the start of the year was moved to January 1st is not clear; but, while most of Europe adopted the Gregorian Calendar pretty quickly, England and Scotland waited 190 years until 1752 to make the change. you can’t rush the Brits!

For some unknown reason, the Scots accepted the 1st of January as New year’s Day as early as 1600. Independent-minded lot, the Scots. They attached it to Hogmanay,

which is the 31st of December. They would have us believe that this is a time of ancient ritual involving drunkenness and debauchery, but as far as I can discover, it actually stems from a tradition of giving oat-cakes to children, which is not nearly so exciting! However, there seems to be a connection to mistletoe somewhere back in the mists of history, which hints at druid ceremonies and suchlike, so perhaps there really was a touch of Saturnalia about it all.

The fact remains that, unlike many of our other annual festivals, there is no direct link between January 1st and any natural reason for starting the year then.

As Sir Walter Scott said “A year has passed – another has commenced. These solemn divisions of time influence our feelings as they recur. yet there is nothing in it, for every day in the year closes a twelvemonth as well as the thirty-first of December.” He had a point. After all, that’s how birthdays work. Each marks the end of one year and the start of another in someone’s life.

We hope each year will be better than the last. Some people even make promises to change sundry habits or behaviors that vex either themselves or those around them. To them I say, may your troubles in 2012 be as short-lived as your resolutions. For the rest of us, may I suggest that what the New year brings to us may actually depend a great deal on what we bring to the New year!

Thanks for your time.

Awards & Presentation evening 2011

On Friday the 2nd December 2011 Catholic Agricultural College Bindoon held their annual Awards and Presentation Evening and Scholarship announcements.

A big contingent of Parents arrived from all over the state as well as local dignitaries, staff and friends of the college.

The evening started with a gathering prayer and welcome to country by one of indigenous students Stuart Egan. Master of Ceremony Mrs Janet Murphy welcomed all who attended the evening and started the night with the presentation of Academic Awards for each year group.

Subject and Achievement Awards for each year were given to the following students:

year 7- Zac Booth, Michelle Reid, Tiana Hanoomann and Taylor Cornick-Prince.

year 8- Courtney-J Ellyard, Kyle Coombs, Shanelle Waller, Hannah Binning, Casandra Monks and Kurte Frensham.

year 9 – Shana Helmers, Briana Baxter-Fahey, Mariee Ward, Denelle Glass, Tamara Gibson and Benjamin Walsh.

year 10 – Meredith Goodman, Jacob Cray, Nedrah Brown, Marcus Tobin, Billi Marshall, Mikaela Taylor, Sharnie Hughes, Emily Lanman, Casey Booth, Jessica Doyle and Shekkira Jones.

year 11 – Ella Tobin, Martin Barnard, Grace Smith, Kelly Fagan, Andrew Palmer, Joshua Taylor, Cheyenne Schweitzer, Ashley Glass and Emma-Jo Passmore.

year 12- Kailah Barlow, Taylah Preston, Jacob Geerlings, Stefanie Estermann, Jordan Ingham, Shamara Marshall, Stephanie Monks and Jamie Clinch.

The Edmund Rice Award for Religious Education was then given out to each year group both in subject and achievement awards.

The V.E.T. Awards were next starting with Agriculture Awards and Cattle Club Awards with the Farm Manager’s Award given to Shamara Marshall.

The V.E.T. awards for students in years 9, 10, 11 and 12 Automotive and Engineering were,

year 9 Best V.E.T. student Tristan Smith

year 10 Best V.E.T. student Jamie Reid

year 11 Best Engineering Student Bonnar Cooling

year 10 Best Automotive Student Jamie Reid

year 11 Best Automotive Student Corey Chaney

year 12 Best Automotive Student Brendawn Kelly

Edmund Equine Centre Subject and Achievement Awards were given out and the winner for the Best Equine Centre Member was awarded to Amy Cooling.

Hospitality Awards in both subject and achievements were awarded and the winner of the Best Hospitality Award was Jacob Geerlings.

The Residential Care Awards are given to students who have made an extra ordinary contribution to the residential aspects of the college, these awards were presented to, Amy Cooling, Jacob Geerlings, Bradley yoomarie and Tianii Knock.

Councillor Don Chipper representative for the Royal Agriculture Society of WA presented the scholarship to a student in

year 11 who demonstrates interest and achievement and great promise of things to come in agriculture, the winner was Joshua Taylor.

Sportsperson of the year went to Shamara Marshall

Fesa Cadet Award for 2011 was Nedrah Brown

Edith Cowan year 11 Citizenship Award was presented to Kelly Fagan and year 12 Personal Excellence Award winner was Kailah Barlow.

The Australian Defence Force Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Awards acknowledge the achievements of young people who have demonstrated outstanding qualities of leadership and teamwork either within our school or the wider community. This award went to the following students, Billi Marshall, Ella Tobin and Jacob Geerlings.

This year we were very fortunate that the CBH Group, WA Farmers Federation and Farmsafe WA Alliance have donated two awards, these awards are presented to students for displaying a positive and active role in agricultural safety. year 11 Farmsafe Scholarship was awarded to Claire Loveday, the year 12 Farmsafe Award winner was Jordan Ingham.

Acting Principal Mr Martin Tobin then announced the following awards;

Quiet Achiever – Jordan InghamCitizenship Award – Jacob

GeerlingsPrincipal’s Award – Jamie ClinchDux Student 2011 – Kailah Barlow

He then announced the college’s Student Leadership Group for 2012.

The night then concluded with a final prayer and blessing followed by supper and a slide show of students, parents mingled with staff and teachers thanking them for their efforts throughout the year.

2011 Award WinnersYear 7 Graduation

Dux, Storm RansomCitizenship, Taiya RallsEndeavour, Morgan Bennett-HoweSports, Bec PalmerArts, Storm Ransom

Final Assembly Book Winners

year 1- Monique Kay and Ben Lane.

Literacy Support -Crystal Hampson-Lewis

year 2/3 - Tessa Fernie, Holly Bethell, Adam Brocklehurst and Rachael Glass

year 4 - Georgia Olsen, Will Verran and Jeremy Compton

year 5 - Oliver Lanman and Chloe Marshall

year 6/7 - Jaimee Parker, Hannah Williams and Ebony White

Health - Kelsey Cray senior and Ashton DeJong junior

Information, Communication and Technology - Jamie Mudd senior and Cody Langslow junior

Music - Kimberley McKay senior and Hope Kavanagh junior

Scitech - Ryan Cheah and Hannah Williams

Auslan - Robbie Summers senior and Tessa Fernie junior

Sports - Breanna young junior and Ryan Cheah senior

THE RETIREES WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL OUR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS

A VERY HAPPY HEALTHY NEW YEAR.

The Retirees had a lovely Christmas dinner outing at Moore River and we were really well looked after at the Cafe with an excellent meal, and what a beautiful setting overlooking the sea! Then we had a nice trip around Guilderton with a view of the Lighthouse, very enjoyable day out.

We also had a good wind-up party at the Chinkabee when our friends from Forrestfield came along to join us, and we were pleased to have Nita Sadler the State President of the Retirees come along with them. All enjoyed the afternoon and had some really good laughs with the entertainment provided.

We look forward to meeting with you all again on the 6th February 2012 at the Bindoon Hall.

For Information please ring – President - Lois Jones on 9576 0451 Or - Secretary - Joy Askew on 9576 0262

0.0

20.0

40.0

60.0

80.0

100.0

120.0

140.0

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Rainfall 2011 compared to average rainfall 28 years.

28 Year Average 2011

(Source: Provided by John Williams Rainfall at 150 Bindoon-Moora Road Bindoon)

2.5 10.6

0

18.9

45.2

88

125.5

108.8

74.7

57.7

25.6

68.7

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Rainfall year ended December 31, 2011

1 2

0

7 7

13

19

12

16

11

8

5

0 2 4 6 8

10 12 14 16 18 20

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Rain days year ended December 31, 2011

congratulations to all the winners and graduates of 2011.

Right; Year 7 Graduate Class

Jacob Geerlings receiving his Citizenship Award

Kailah Barlow receiving her Dux award

Jacob Geerlings (leaving) school captain farewell speech to parents, staff, students and guests.

The Garden Goddess• Weeding & Pruning

• Planting & Mulching• Whipper Snipping

• Regular MaintenanceServicing Bindoon-Bullsbrook

Please call Esther Ward on 0419 870 365

Composted

MOO POOMulch

Small truckloads deliveries only

Ph 0408 936371All areas

Skye Perry P• 9576 0540

M• 040 351 7992

Pre-training & General Education

P a r k

Bartlett

Northern Valleys News JANUARy 2012

Local Traders

16 www.nvnews.com.au

community groups

ADRA Bindoon Op Shop Open each morning Sunday-Friday(Closed Saturday)Market last Sunday each month

Bindoon Arts and Crafts Meet Tue from 7- 9.30pm Wed & Sat 10am-1am Brockman Centre

Jenny Brown 9576 0593

Bindoon Basketball Carolyn Chadwick 9575 1063

Bindoon Bowling Club Sandra Clarke 9576 1444

Bindoon and District Ag Society Meets 3rd Monday of each month at 7.30pm in the Society Office, northern end of oval.

bindoonshow@gmail.com

0457103 033

Bindoon Community Progress Association

7.30pm 3rd Tues of month in Ag Society RmLance Stagbouer (Secretary) 9576 2001

Bindoon Districts Historical Society

Meets 1st Wed of each month 2pm in The Museum Don Gibson 9576 1090

Bindoon Sporting & Rec Assn Meets 2nd Monday of each month at 8pm at Chinkabee

Gail Smith 9655 9046

Bindoon P and C Assn Meets every 3rd Tuesday of each month in the Bindoon Primary School Library, Vivienne Du Plessis 9576 1989

Bindoon Play Group Meets every Friday at Chinkabee 9.30am-12pm Kylie Jones 9576 1760

Bindoon RSL George Ferguson 9576 1046

Bindoon Retirees Lois Jones (President) Joy Askew (Secretary)

9576 0451 9576 0262

Bindoon Rifle Club Colin Clarkson (Captain) Dave Mann (Secretary)

9576 0772 9296 0103

Bindoon Sing Australia Meets Mon nights in the Town Hall from 7-9pm Yvonne Press 9576 1409

Bindoon Theatre Group Alex Douglas 9576 1154

Bindoon Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade

Meets 1st Wed each month at 7.30pm in the Fire Station Catherine Choules 0407 088 245

Bullsbrook Neighbourhood Centre Shaley 9571 1008

Bullsbrook Football Club (Seniors) Rory Bennett 0432 872 931

Chequers Golf Club Open 7 days a week. Visitors welcome. info@chequersgolf.org 9571 1277

Chittering Information Centre Meets the 2nd Tues of every month at 7.30pm at the Brockman Centre 9576 1100

Chittering Scout Group Meets Thursdays at the Lower Chittering Hall. Scouter in Charge is Sue Budd 0403 852 333

Lower Chittering Valley Progress & Sporting Assn Dave Barnes 9571 8686

Chittering Junior Football ClubIan Hall 0419 042 455

Chittering Junior Cricket ClubIan Claxon 0409 087 917

Chittering Rural Watch 2nd Tuesday of every 2nd month 6.30 to 7.15pm

9576 46000427 699 700

Chittering Wildlife Carers Inc Ann Graham (injured wildlife) Louise Bewick ( Sec)

9576 1010 9571 8669

Country Women’s Association

Meets every 4th Wednesday of the month at the CWA rooms at 10.00am

Lois Jones 9576 0451

Gingin/Chittering Lions 2nd Mon of month at 6.30pm, Bowling club, Gingin. 4th Mon of month at 6.30pm at St John Ambulance Rooms, Bindoon. Pat Elliot 9575 2316

Gingin Freemasons Lodge Bob Blizard 9576 0085

Gingin Bowling club Tom Cabassi 9575 2342

Gingin Tennis Club Nicole Hendry 9575 3043

Gingin Football Club Rodney Hannagan 9575 2339

Gingin Pensioners Social Club 9575 2245

Gingin P&C Assoc 9575 2249

Lower Chittering Cricket Dave Barnes (President)Sean McAlister (Sec/Treasurer)

9571 81940439 401 869

Lower Chittering Hall and Tennis Court (Bookings) 0416 253 603

Muchea Senior Cricket Club Shane Angel 0408 674 643

Muchea NetballFran Bryant 9571 4168

Muchea Judo Club Inc Meets every Tues at Muchea Hall 6.15-8pm juniors/ 8-9pm seniors Ann 9576 1497

Muchea Vol Bushfire Brigade Peter Hall, Secretaryautoelec@iinet.net.au 0437 908 079

South Midlands Polocrosse Club Jenny Hall 9571 4362

Wannamal Community Centre Ruth Loudon 9655 7024

Wannamal Indoor Bowls Keith Cunningham 9655 7070

Wannamal Tennis Club Julie Taylor 9655 7013

Do we have your club details? If not we’d like to include you in the next issue,

email editor@nvnews.com.au or call 0419 045 783

massage

horse Training

 

Trade Ads only $60 for 3 issues!

H a i r S t u d i o

9575 2759Suite 8, 14 Brockman St,

GinGin

CD Tractors• Tractor Repair specialists• Massey Ferguson trained

• On farm or workshop service• Spare parts supplied

• Over 40 years experienceChris Durey

0447 710 056

Barni nortonRemedial Therapist& Personal Trainer

Massage in BindoonRehabilitation &

Renewed movementRelieve your pain today

Functional Fascial Taping*Heath fund provider

Ph 0419 964 909 or 9576 1978

Raindrop TechniqueVitality and Balance

Inspired by Native Lakota Indian Healing 100% Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils

Vitaflex and Modern Massage

Young Living # 1098051 International Institute of Complementary

Therapists Reg. For bookings call Sabine - 95760667

For Peace and Re-Charge/Additional Bed Space for

some of your Visiting Friends

1324 Chittering Road, Adjacent to Avon Valley National Park

Phone: 95718108 www.peacebestill.com.au

Gingin Early Years Care & Education Centre

18 Fraser Street Gingin WA 6503

Email: info@littlerainbows.com.au Tel: (08) 6267 0227

www.littlerainbows.com.au

Is your business

here?

The trade section of YOUR local paper is the best way to reach people in YOUR area. Our trade ads are excellent value @ $60 for 3 issues.

To book please email or snail mail your logo, contact details and brief message

about what you do to; tamieka@nvnews.com.au or PO Box 206, Bindoon, 6502

Classifieds are FREE! email to tamieka@nvnews.com.au or txt to 041 9902 904

employment

Bookkeeping Service

Have FREEDOM to run your business without a mountain

of paper work.

Call Veronica 0439 821 095 e: gvtrethewey@bordernet.com.au

AnsPACh AgC O n t r A C t i n g

• Transport• Agricultural services

• Earthmoving• Plant Hire

Phone: 9655 7074Rob: 0427 770 365

Angela: 0419 043 960Email: anspachag@bigpond.com

Bindoon RefRigeRationSupply • DeSign • inStall

• Service • WarrantyContaCt:

Peter easey (Dipl.Mech.Eng.HVaCR)p: 9576 0281 m: 0413 536 991email: bindoonref@iinet.net.au

• Termites• Pre-Purchase Reports

• Timber Pest Inspections• Pre Treatments• Rodent Control

• All Household Pests• Total Weed Management

Jason & Lynette Prendergastchitteringpestandweed@

westnet.com.au

0400 979 000

saFE EFFEctivE

solutions

& ManagEMEnt

PHD Lic: 1566

JEnsEn pluMBingLicence no 5370

All generAl PlumBing & gAs. mAintenAnCe, rePAirs

& sePtiC systemsFree quotes • PromPt service

PH/FAx: 9576 1067MoB: 0428 929 906

Plumbing

childcare

Air conditioning

building & renovation

hairdressing

Accomodation

Pest controlAgricultural

Accounting

Coo-eeCouriers & TransporT

Bullsbrook, Chittering, Muchea, Gingin & Bindoon.

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

Taxi Truck service also available.Ph: 9571 4166 or

Mob: 0409 990 446

Transport

Migwich transport sErvicEs

• TilT Tray & Small FreighT SpecialiSTS

• OlD carS remOVeD

John & gail milnermobile 0427 875 447Tel 9655 0020

A RemoTeGarage Door Services

24 HoursServicing from $99

Andy 9571 2560 or 0422 763 343www.areremotegaragedoorservices24hrs.com.au

garages

computing

• Project Management • PC Troubleshooting • Broadband

Setup • Wireless • VoIP

Daryl du Plessis Ph: 0417 300 701

Email: daryl@chitteringit.com

garden

earthworks

DIGEMMInI ExcavatIons

Horticulturalist25 Year’s Experience

• Complete Garden Services • Handyman/Odd Jobs

• Reticulation • Full InsuranceGingin – BindoonCall Gerald on 0400 301 900

Ph 9576 1119

lakestar@lakestar.com.au

the lakeStar eaSy ChairEl. Lift and Recline Chairs

Custom made in Bindoon, WA

Furniture

TaxationFor local assistance

with all your tax needs, contact Chris Oversby

Tax Agent on 0400 440 277

or PO Box 46 Bindoon 6502

TV ANTeNNAs

painTer & DeCoraTor

phil Greenpainters reG 3345

ph: 0427 612 896 or 9571 8110

Phil Green

PAINTERS REG NO: 3345 Phone: 0427 612 896 9571 8110

PAINTER & DECORATOR

Painter

Phil Green

PAINTERS REG NO: 3345 Phone: 0427 612 896 9571 8110

PAINTER & DECORATOR

garden

BullsBrook Water Carriers

Drinking Water onlyprofessional, prompt, reliable

approved Carrier for Water Corp

Health Dept CompliantKevin Bailey

9571 2726 (all Hours)

Water services

BullsBrooK WaTer serviCesWater Tank Supply & Installation

Tank roofs & LinersTank RefurbishmentsStorm water piping

Irrigated Fire Prevention systems

phone: 95714600 or 0417958804

17 www.nvnews.com.au

TrAVIs & KeLLyProfeSSional

ShooterS for all your roo & fox control

Mob: 0427 774 158 fax: 9575 2167

• TV points • Set top boxes • Digital ready antennas • All work guaranteed

• Police clearance Will Travel

ph Terry: 0408 908 041

anTennas meTro

stonemason

“For that creative touch”

John Glover All stonework, all types of stone,

any stone feature.

Post “A” signs Signage at a price

you can affordCall Gerry

04 2814 2814

signage

Wrightways Driving Academy

Bullsbrook - Chittering - Gingin - Bindoon and all surrounding areas.

Manual and C Class Only

Certificate IV in transport & Logistics

Instructor Debbie Wright

Pretty mixed heritage breed chicks/ pullets. $10 each. Phone 0408 941 287

FOR SALE

cLAssIFIeDs

FREE to a good home approx 500 cubic metres clean clay fill located

10km north of Bindoon.

Contact Peter 0437 272766

FREE

Driving Lesons

cadetshipPart-Time- 20 hours per week

Northern Valley News has an opportunity for a dynamic individual to undertake a part-time traineeship.

To be successful in this role applicants must be dedicated and willing to learn, mature minded, possess a professional and courteous phone manner, have attention to detail with high levels of accuracy and excellent presentation.

If you are confident with a computer and have a flair for page layout, photography and design, we would like to hear from you.

Applications are sought from high school leavers and first year undergraduate students. Quality training will be provided on the job.

To apply please email your resume and cover letter to Jackie Shervington; jackie@nvnews.com.au by 31 Jan 2012.

The Northern Valleys Directory: OUT NOW!

The Northern Valleys Directory is created and managed independently by Barni Norton for business & the community. Formerly known as the Chittering Directory and valued by the community since 2006, the new name Northern Valleys Directory, will embrace similar format to previous editions.

The directory has always provided people easy reference to businesses across the Northern Valleys region, including Bullsbrook, Bindoon, Muchea, Gingin & New Norcia. To ensure your business is in the directory contact Barni Norton on 0419 879 454 or 9576 1978.

Alternatively you can still email chittering.directory@bigpond.com

The 2012 Northern Valleys Directory will be available free to the public mid Jan - keep an eye out for your copy at local supermarkets and post offices.

Congratulations to Barni, yet again producing an excellent directory for the region.

Take Five, Consider Consequencesby Julien Krieg

Men are, by nature, “risk takers”. From a very young age men will push the boundaries with their risk taking. If you have ever taught small children to ride a two wheel bike consider the difference between girls who will say “don’t let me fall” and boys who will most likely say “let me go, I can do it myself!”

This risk taking goes on all our lives, older men mostly slow down a bit with their risk taking because of times where we have come dangerously close to injury or death, not because we are smarter, just experienced.

When we consider this attribute of male behavior think about how often we stop to consider consequences before doing something dangerous. I think if we did take a minute to ascertain the

risk level, then take a moment to do what we can to reduce the risk we would reduce accidents significantly.

When we are busy it is tempting to take short cuts, not consider consequences, which can lead to life changing events or accidents. The concept to deal with this problem is very simple.

Before you undertake any task consider your safety and the safety of everyone else. It’s called a “Take Five” I am convinced that it is impossible to eliminate all risk, but it is possible to eliminate potential to injure, which is very different.

We all have priorities in our lives about getting things done. We should not consider our health and safety as a priority. If it is on your priority list it could get shifted when the pressure is on. For me it is better to consider health and safety as a “core value” which is an underpinning non negotiable principle on which you build your business or attitude to work. If you do this you will be far less likely to compromise your safety to get a job done quickly.

It is a fact that accidents happen more frequently when we are under pressure, before you react under pressure consider the possible consequences and never compromise on keeping safe.

A view from the shed

 

Positions AvailableThis professional venue,

reknowned for high quality vegetarian food is looking for experienced, enthusiastic and

highly motivated staff. Applicants should be interested in learning and

developing their skills.

The Available Permanent Part-time/Casual positions:

Chef/Cook -professional, creative and openminded with an interest

in healthy food; Kitchenhand - experienced and energetic; Cleaner

- experienced and energetic.

If you feel your skills and experience are a perfect match for any of these opportunities, please

forward your resume to:

Kate Meinck info@chitteringvalleyretreat.com.au

NN It’s your news...

It’s your community...

19 www.nvnews.com.au Northern Valleys News JANUARy 201218 www.nvnews.com.au

Junior sport

JuNIor sPorTsupported by smarter than smoking

shuhari KarateShuhari Karate is based in Yanchep and have training venues in Two Rocks, Butler, Carramar, Woodridge & Gingin.

Please call, text or email me for further enquiries.

Johnny (Shuhari Karate Instructor) P: 9561 5447 M: 0414 687 393 Email: johnny_bg@aapt.net.au

chittering Junior cricket club - in2cricketMilo in2cricket introduces boys and girls to the game of cricket through fun, action-packed programs and activities.

Register on the day or ring Wendy Claxon on 0419 964 345, Ian Claxon on 0409 087 917 or email claxon@bigpond.com

Chittering PhysiotheraPy

cd

cd

(Tuesday and Thursday)Chittering Community

Health CentreGreat Northern Hwy, BindoonPhone: 0427 198 278

Judy DennisBSc PT, Grad Dip PT, Dip PT

Spinal Pain RehabilitationArthritic Pain

Skeletal ProblemsMuscle Dysfunction

Ante Natal EducationCoordination ProblemsRespiratory Conditions

Neurological ConditionsWestern Health Clients

Sports Injury RehabilitationHand Injury Rehabilitation

Paediactric Development DelayPlastic Surgery Rehabilitation

Diabetes and Exercise EducationContinence Advice

and AssistanceOver 55 Exercise Classes

Here are few ideas to help you make the most of the last few weeks of the school holidays, it’s a great time venture a bit further afield

Paddle up the moore river

The river is paddleable upstream for about 12km from the river mouth where the boat hire is to Boobabie Bridge. Whether you go for half an hour or make a day of it, its a great way to see the river and definately good exercise! Don’t forget a bottle of water and a hat.

Hire a canoe or paddleboat from Explorer Boat Hire - Moore River, Guilderton. Ph 0488 984 942.

go exploring on horseback

Explore the historic “Old North Road” stock route as the stockmen did ... on horseback.This ride, for the more experienced riders, will explore sections of the stock route,

before crossing the Moore River and heading north into the State Forest.

3 Hour Ride - $144 per rider. Other rides available - check out www.1300trailrides.com.au or Ph: Denise Kowald 1300 872 457 or 0417 939 111

Discover crystal cave at yanchep National Park

Crystal Cave is open daily for tours and the park offers a choice of nine interesting walk trails ranging in length from 500 metres to 55 kilometres. See collapsed cave systems, gorges, pristine coastal wetlands, or haunted historic remains.

yanchep National Park. Cost $11 entry to the park per vehicle. Ph: 9405 0759

Try golfVines Junior Golf

Holiday Clinic with Mark Tibbles from the MTI Golf Academy. Mon, Tues 16th - 17th Jan, 9am - 11am $65pp Ph 9297 0709

Or try a round of mini golf at the 18 hole course at Caladenia Mini Golf. www.caladeniaminigolf.com.au or ph 0438 757 708

experience the thrill of Paintballing

For an action-packed paintball adventure get a group together and prepare for combat.Suitable for older teenagers and not for the faint hearted.

Costs; $9.95 - Entrance and equipment Plus Paintballs - from $19 for 100 - $130 for 1000 Contact Delta Force Paintball 1300 850 744

Watch the starsWho outshines who at

night? The Moon and Jupiter are shining brightly this school holidays. Check out where asteroids have hit our Earth’s Moon! And see Jupiter through Gingin Observatory telescopes. Marvellous Moon Stargazing Nights are on 2, 3, 6, 7, 10 and 11 January 2012. 8pm to 10pm.

Tickets are $44 adults, $28 children (6-16 yrs) or $138 (2 adults & 2 children). Book at www.ginginobservatory.com or phone 9575 7740.

Fly a kiteFamily Kite Festival

Stratton- 22 January

A free school holiday activity suitable for primary school-aged children. Learn the history of kites, design and make your own kite and then paint your design.

Cost: FREE! Ph 0403 913 139 see www.swan.wa.gov.au

School Holiday Checklist from Landcare:

• Visit Blackboy ridge and spot the scarlet robins

• Catch a tadpole (and release it)

• Nature Scavenger Hunt – collect 3 different kinds of gum nuts, 3 different colour feathers (which birds do they come from?), something that is yellow, something that is soft and a rock that looks like something!

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Banksia attenuata (yellow flowers) and Holly leaf Banksia (Banksia ilicifolia)(pictured above), which has small round dryandra-like flower heads rather than the more usual large cylindrical heads associated with Banksias, are also flowering and are important food sources for Honeyeaters at this time of the year

Wildflowers to watch for:

The summer starflower (Calytrix flavescens) is flowering at this time of year.

school holiday IDeAs

send us in your best school holiday picture and win a hoyts movie voucher for two.

We’re looking for a shot that captures the spirit of the Summer holidays in the Northern Valleys. your image will be published in the Febuary issue of the NVN. Open to all school age children who live in the Northern Valleys area.

Email to: tamieka@nvnews.com.au before 26th Jan

NVN PhoTo competitionSwimming is the winner

A great turnout for series one of vacswim at Gingin Pool. Children came from across the region and beyond to improve their swimming skills.

Numbers are up this year with around 138 kids enrolled in series one.

Well done to organiser Karen Grant and the instructors Edward Grant, Elly Reynolds and Rebecca Foulkes-Taylor for their commitment to helping the children through their levels. A service that is greatly appreciated and provides many parents with a much loved

respite over the school holidays.

A big thanks to Fran, Pool Manager, Supervisor and much loved waitress as parents and grandparents enjoyed her country style hospitality of coffee and tea with bonus Christmas slice.

The pleasant surrounds at Gingin offer a great opportunity for social chit chat to catch up on the holiday gossip.

Series Two starts Monday 9th Jan and the pool will be open all day with limited access to a couple of lanes.

Junior countryweek cricket 2012

Central Midlands win ‘D’ Section

Central Midlands sent a team to the Junior Countryweek Cricket Carnival held in Perth on January 3rd to 6th 2012 against teams form all over the state. The Central Midlands team consisted of players under 16 y.o from Bindoon, Gingin, Moora, Dandaragan, Watheroo, Dalwallinu, Coorow & Carnamah. Local boys Sam Martin, Marcus Tobin from Bindoon & Lewis Roe from Gingin were selected and played very well all week to help Central Midlands win ‘D’ Section.

Day 1 – (Jan 3) 20/20 match : Central Midlands:5 -113 (J Glover 50, L Roe 16 def Mt Barker 9–90 (D Furnace 2-5, K Morton 2-8)

Day 1 – (Jan 3) 20/20 match : Central Midlands: 6-101 ( L Roe

26, F Gilbert 26no) def Bunbury 3 : 6-84 ( J Gilbert 2-7, J Glover 2-17)

Day 2 – (Jan 4) 50 0ver match : Central Midlands: 6-159 ( M Tobin 40, K Morton 35, S Martin 6 no) def Wagin : all out 87 (D Ruedavey 3-4, J Glover 3-11, L Roe 1-5)

Day 3 – (Jan 5) 50 over match : Central Midlands:all out 144 ( M Tobin 46) def Eastern Goldfields 2: all out 107 (C Furnace 3-3, C Jefferys 2-1, M Tobin 1-14, S Martin 0-8)

Day 4 – (Jan 6) 50 over match: Central Midlands: 5-92 ( L Roe 22 Ret, J Gilbert 22, M Tobin 13) def Avon all out 67 ( J Glover 4-12, M Tobin 2-6, L Roe 1 -11)

A great result for the week with Central Midlands winning ‘D’ Section and going through the week undefeated. Well done to all the boys who all played a huge part in a successful week

Back L/R Jack Gilbert, Fraser Gilbert, Marcus Tobin, Lewis Roe, Damien Ruedavey, Kade Morton & Jayden Glover.

Front L/R Lewis Schulz, Kody Glover, Dekan John-Furnace, Kaleb Jefferys, Caleb John-Furnace & Sam Martin

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Good people to know for farm insurance.

With over 90 years experience insuring farms, WFI knows what you’re looking for. Find out for yourself why WFI is one of Australia’s leading rural insurance companies by contacting your local WFI Area Manager, Mark Paris.

Mark Paris - WFI BassendeanMobile 0407 441 681mark.paris@wfi.com.auwfi.com.au

WFI is a trading name of Wesfarmers General Insurance Limited ABN 24 000 036 279 AFSL 241461. Mark Paris (AR252742) is an authorised repsentative of WGIL

Northern Valleys News JANUARy 201220 www.nvnews.com.au

fun fitnessbindoon over 50’s exercise groupMeets every Friday at 9am at the Bindoon Hall. Contact 042 719 8278

bindoon Tennis club Play on Thursday nights from 7pm at Chinkabee sports centre. New members welcome. For enquiries contact Sue Rogers on 9576 0884.

gingin Tennis clubSocial Tennis. Thursdays 6.30pm Regional Hardcourt Facility, Gingin

heartmovesTuesdays and Thursdays 8.00am to 9.00am Bullsbrook Bowling Club Monday, 6.30pm Chequers Golf Club Gentle physical program. $55 for 10 lessons, $7 casual Ph Rachael Steen Mobile: 0428 720 005

Pilates Lowery Park Hall, Bullsbrook. Thursday evening – Beg to Intermediate and Beginners (subject to numbers). Times to be advised – please phone for information. Julie 95718054 or 0414 696430

Tai chi Thurs 9am at Clune Park, Bindoon Ph Barni Norton 0419 964 909

yoga in bullsbrookSaturday morning 9.00 - 10.30. Bullsbrook Community Sports Club Ph: Helen Bennett 9571 1595 or 0423 122 433

Zumba - bullsbrookTuesday 7.30pm, Lower Chittering Hall Admission only $10.00 No experience necessary Contact: Roberto 0418640840

Photo dave Watson, Bullsence Photography

Rodeo Results1st place results from Bullsbrook on 31st Dec 2011

Open Bull RiDe Graeme Wilton = 75

SaDDle BROnc Darral Dahl = 71

BaRe Back Wade Mcarthy & anthony Thomas = 75

SteeR WReStlinG paul casey = 8.38 secs

ROpe & tie Michael Stanley = 12.42 secs

Open BaRRel RacinG chelsey Fell = 16.20 secs

SteeR unDecORatinG tammy kinney = 2.65 secs

BReakaWay ROpinG Bronwyn Hill = 4.05

teaM ROpinG tammy kinney & Mark Maxwell = 8.34 secs

nOvice Bull RiDe Sheldon caddies = 70

JuniOR RODeO

14-18 SteeR RiDe chris Oakley & Gary Barnes = 64 (kimberley’s Boys)

11-14 SteeR RiDe Reece Jasper = 53

pODDy RiDe Bodhi Miller = 44

14-18 BaRRelS Sally latham = 17.66 secs

11-14 BaRRelS taya McFarlane = 17.25

unDeR 11 BaRRelS Hunta Gallacher = 19.34

Chiropractic for the

Chittering ValleyDr Keith Brown provides Chiropractic care to all ages & tailors his

approach to each person’s particular need. He applies both traditional Chiropractic adjustments and muscle/soft tissue

techniques in order to give you the best of both worlds.

Consultations are available at Bindoon Medical Centre on Tuesdays, and Bullsbrook Medical Centre on Tuesday AM/Thurs PM

For appointments call Dr Keith Brown on 0418 409 475

Bronwyn Hill of Baskerville (pictured) was crowned Open Steer Undecorating Champion of 2011 at the New years Rodeo at Bullsbrook. Cumulative points from over the year have qualified her to compete at Tamworth on the 25th January 2012.

Bronwyn was very pleased with the performance of her eight year old quarter horse, Forty, on the day, with the little mare placing in three events including; first in the Womens Breakaway Roping, first in the under 14 barrell race, (with daughter Taya riding) as well as third in the Open Barrell race after going hard all day.

Rodeo action