Mayor’s Message

www.armadale.wa.gov.au

VOLUME 13DEcEMbEr 2007

City Views

FEATURES IN THIS ISSUE:

52nd Army cadets’ celebration marchState cabinet visits Armadale

christmas opening hoursJoin fight against vandalism

Star-studded Armadale cycle classic

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COUNCIL NEWS

NEWS FrOM THE c ITY OF ArMADALE

The City of Armadale met with State Government Ministers to discuss important local issues including education, sport and recreation and libraries at a Regional Cabinet Meeting on 19 November.

Led by Mayor Linton Reynolds, Council representatives presented information relating to the rapid growth of the region to Premier Alan Carpenter and 15 Cabinet Ministers at the City of Armadale offices. The Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale also attended the meeting.

Cr Reynolds offered sincere thanks to local MLA, the Hon Alannah MacTiernan, for her strong support of projects already undertaken by the City and the Armadale Redevelopment Authority.

However, Cr Reynolds noted there was still much work to be done as the Armadale community grew and developed.

The City argued for a significant increase in State Government funding for community and sporting facilities, with the construction of a heated pool at the Armadale Aquatic Centre and the rejuvenation of Frye Park in Kelmscott the main priorities.

Major infrastructure costs associated with the relocation and refurbishment of the Armadale and Kelmscott libraries were discussed with the Minister for Culture and the Arts, the Hon Sheila McHale.

Armadale lobbies Government on local issues

Armadale’s CEO Ray Tame (left) with Premier Alan Carpenter (centre) and Mayor Linton Reynolds (right).

The City of Armadale will remain open for much of the holiday season, but residents should note that there are changed waste collection dates in place for Christmas and New Year.

There will be no waste or recycling collections on 25 December or 1 January, so bins will be picked up the following day. Bins usually collected on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday will also be emptied the next day during this two-week period. For further information call Waste Services on 9399 0124.

The Armadale Landfill and Recycling Facility and Roleystone Greenwaste Site will operate as normal and will be closed only on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Armadale Aquatic Centre is open every day except Christmas Day.

Christmas business hoursThe Armadale, Kelmscott and Westfield libraries will be open until 5pm on Monday 24 December, before closing on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The libraries are also open until 5pm on Monday 31 December and are closed on New Year’s Day.

The City’s administration centre will close at 12 noon on Friday 21 December and will re-open on Thursday 27 December for normal trading hours of 8.15am to 4.45pm.

It will also be closed on Monday 31 December and New Year’s Day before resuming business at 8.15am on Wednesday 2 January, 2008.

The after-hours and emergency phone number 1300 886 885 will operate as normal throughout Christmas and New Year.

Key education issues, such as year 12 retention rates, TAFE and university attendance, youth unemployment, education for pre-school children and literacy, were raised with the Minister for Education and Training, The Hon Mark McGowan.

Cr Reynolds, who conducted the main presentation on behalf of the City, said he was pleased with the outcome of all meetings with Cabinet Ministers.

“I felt we had particular success in the

areas of sport and education and we certainly look forward to progressing further with our request for greater State Government assistance on libraries,” Cr Reynolds said.

Other matters raised by the City at the Armadale Regional Cabinet Meeting included the construction of Ranford Road Stage 2B, Wungong Urban Water Project, the Keane Road Strategic Link and the future expansion or relocation of the Armadale Police Station and Court House.

With both Council and Federal elections now out of the way, we can settle down to delivering as much of our 07/08 works programme as possible. Like others in the construction industry, we are suffering delays as contractors and our own work teams experience difficulty maintaining full work crews. Delays to the reopening of the 50m pool is an example.Council has already initiated contact with the new Federal government, and we recently also took the opportunity to brief State Cabinet on some of the problems being faced by outer metropolitan growth councils.One project that avoided delays was the ‘soft’ opening of Armadale Shopping City’s expansion in early December. Although considerable shop fitting is yet to occur, the entrance onto the Jull Street Mall is one that we can all be very happy with. The complex is a vast improvement on its earlier version and we now look forward to the Woolworths centre progressing during 2008. In particular I am looking forward to seeing their treatment of the large wall facing Armadale Road.

With the festive season now upon us, on behalf of my fellow Councillors and staff at the City of Armadale, I send best wishes to all for a happy and peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Cr Linton Reynolds, AM JP City of Armadale Mayor

NEWS FrOM THE c ITY OF ArMADALE

COMMUNITY NEWS

Mayor’s Message

cITY V IEWS �

Latest observations from Champion LakesDid you know official weather data is now recorded at Champion Lakes?

An automatic weather station has been installed by the Armadale Redevelopment Authority, to help attract international-standard rowing regattas to the new, purpose-built City of Armadale facility.

“Precise wind data over a period of 12 months or longer is required when a submission to host an event is lodged with the International Rowing Federation,” City of Armadale Mayor Linton Reynolds said.

“The weather station at Champion Lakes does this and more. It can also be programmed to provide minute-by-minute information to regatta officials, to assist their management of events. This meets international regatta requirements.

“It is exciting to think that in coming years a world-class rowing event could be held in the City of Armadale at the wonderful Champion Lakes facility.”

The weather station comprises an anemometer (measuring wind speed and direction) mounted on a 10m mast, a Stevenson’s Screen (measuring temperature and humidity), a rain gauge and barometer (atmospheric pressure).

The information is collected hourly by the Perth Bureau of Meteorology and displayed on its website www.bom.gov.au – go to the WA page, click on “All Latest Western Australia Weather Observations” and then “Perth Area Latest Observations” to see the Champion Lakes listing.

The Champion Lakes station, which has been officially operating since 3 August, will be serviced by Bureau technicians every six months. “A spin-off for local residents is that they will now have hourly weather updates available thanks to the initiative of the ARA,” Cr Reynolds said.

Join fight against vandalismThe fight against unsightly graffiti has begun, with the launch of the first People Against Vandalism (PAV) group based within the City of Armadale.

About 20 group members, including Councillors Ruth Butterfield, June MacDonald and Laurie Scidone, took part in a graffiti removal training course recently.

PAV, a non-profit community initiative to be run with the City’s support, not only aims to quickly remove graffiti, but to report incidences to police and educate young people about the damage caused by vandalism.

The program will initially focus on the Kelmscott CBD area.

Armadale Mayor Linton called on local residents to join the new PAV group and help stamp out anti-social behaviour.

“Sadly vandalism and graffiti has been increasing throughout the Armadale region in recent years,” Cr Reynolds said. “The City supports the PAV initiative because it encourages the community to take responsibility for the elimination of graffiti.”

To join PAV or for further information, please contact Cr Ruth Butterfield on 9390 1459 or cr.rbutterfield@armadale.wa.gov.au

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Christmas CarolsThe Christmas spirit was alive and well at the City of Armadale’s popular community event Carols in Minnawarra Park on Sunday 9 December.

Enthusiastic carollers joined with local children’s choirs from John Wollaston Anglican Community School and Roleystone Primary School, the Let’s Sing Community Choir and Armadale City Concert Band to sing hearty renditions of Christmas favourites.

Traditional carols including Joy to the World, Silent Night and Away in Manger were enjoyed by all, along with contemporary numbers like Six White Boomers, Aussie Jingle Bells and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

Excited children took part in games, face-painting and visited Santa in his Grotto, while families relaxed on picnic blankets and soaked up the warm community atmosphere.

A 10,000-strong crowd flocked to the City of Armadale’s annual Highland Gathering on 17 November, with the star-studded Armadale Cycle Classic a major highlight of the Scottish-themed entertainment spectacle at Minnawarra Park.

This year’s Cycle Classic, incorporating the State Criterium Championship, featured a top-class field of riders from WA and was boosted by six members of the current World Champion and 2004 Olympic silver medallist British pursuit team. Spectators were treated to a fast and exciting race around a challenging street layout, with the outcome in doubt until the final seconds.

Britain’s Steve Cummings, a 2006 Commonwealth Games team pursuit gold medallist, took line honours, followed by his countryman Paul Manning. WA’s Peter Dawson – the 2004 Olympic team pursuit gold medallist – was named State Criterium Champion as the first local rider over the line.

In a race field regarded by officials as one of the best ever, other top cyclists were local Roleystone champion Henk Vogels Jnr, world masters pursuit champion Hilton McMurdo, former Cycle Classic champion Eddie Hollands and up-and-

Father and son cycling identies, Henk Vogels Snr and Jnr.

Armadale Cycle Classic

comer Ben King. WA’s talented teenager Josie Tomac, the 2007 world junior champion and world recordholder in the individual pursuit, took out the women’s title.

Vying for the crowd’s attention were a host of other colourful Gathering attractions, including the annual Highland Dancing competition – won by “Dancer of the Day” Belinda Lush – and the traditional heavy events. Armadale fireman Jay Waller won four out of the five heavy events including Tossing the Caber.

Children flocked to the Medieval Fair to see the dramatic sword-fighting at the Knight School Demonstration and mock Gaelic battles.

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

cITY V IEWS �NEWS FrOM THE c ITY OF ArMADALE

Your Local Libraries

Armadale Library 7 Orchard Avenue, Armadale Tel: 9399 0125

Kelmscott Library 2800 Albany Highway, Kelmscott Tel: 9390 5506

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

COMING EVENTS

Jewellery Making10.30am - 11.30am Wednesday 9 January 2008 Armadale Library

Enjoy learning about African trading beads while making your own funky jewellery!

Magical Masks10.30am - 11.30am Thursday 17 January 2008 Kelmscott Library

Create an original African mask to disguise yourself as a traditional African villager.

Monkey Madness 2pm - 3pm Tuesday 22 January 2008 Westfield Library

Come along and get creative making a marvellous, merry, monkey puppet to play with.

Concerts in the Park6pm, 3 and 17 February, 16 March, 4pm, 5 April 2008There is no better way to relax outdoors on a balmy summer evening than listening to music at one of the City’s fabulous Concerts in the Park. Held among the picturesque surrounds of Minnawarra Park in Armadale and Rushton Park on the banks of the Canning River in Kelmscott, the 2008 concerts promise a feast of musical talent to suit all tastes. Pack a rug and a picnic, or purchase food and drinks there.

For more information visit www.armadale.wa.gov.au or phone 9399 0187.

Australia Day fireworks5.30pm to 9.45pm, Saturday 26 January 2008Watch the night sky explode with colour as the City of Armadale’s largest community event once again lights up Minnawarra Park. Australia Day celebrations on January 26 start at 5.30pm with musical entertainment from Beatles tribute band Fab4 and the Calling of Levi, carnival rides and lots of family fun, before culminating in a spectacular display of pyrotechnics. Bring a rug, a picnic and prepare to be dazzled! This is a FREE event.

“While many cadets have gone on to serve with the armed forces in conflicts from Vietnam to Afghanistan, many more have simply used the skills they learned to make valuable contributions in civilian life.

“At a time when vandalism and graffiti has become commonplace, all organisations that provide a focus and outlet for the energy of young people deserve our whole- hearted support.”

Founded in 1957, the 52nd Australian Army Cadet Unit

began with recruits from Armadale Senior High School and later attracted participants aged under 18 from all secondary schools in the Armadale district.

The unit has trained thousands of local youths in skills such as bush survival, first aid, navigation, orienteering, leadership, teamwork and ceremonial drills.

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COMMUNITY

City’s new Building Services Manager a trailblazerSusan Hillel, the City of Armadale’s new Building Services Manager, has a unique place in Western Australian local government as the only woman to fill this vital role within the metropolitan area.

Ms Hillel is used to being a trailblazer, having established herself as a building surveyor in the early 1990s when there were only “a handful” of women in the profession throughout the state.

“Initially the (male) contractors on-site were rather surprised to see a female building surveyor, but they seem to have come around,” Ms Hillel said. “Things have changed now – all the City’s current trainees are women – but it is still a male-dominated area.”

After an early career in the architectural field and time spent with a private construction company, Ms Hillel has worked as a building surveyor at the City of Armadale for 15 years and was appointed manager of Building Services in August.

But the modest and unassuming Ms Hillel has had little time to reflect on her ground-breaking move.

A shortage of building surveyors in WA – the only Australian state in which local government authorities are the sole issuers of building

The locally-based 52nd Australian Army Cadet Unit was honoured for 50 years of community service at a special City of Armadale ceremony on 24 November.

The unit and its Officer Commanding Captain (AAC), Lisa Baker, were presented with a commemorative certificate by Mayor Linton Reynolds before taking part in a 50th anniversary celebration march through the streets of Armadale.

The unique award expressed the City of Armadale’s official appreciation and thanks to the unit for its 50 years serving the community, state and nation.

“I want to congratulate the 52nd Army Cadet Unit for its work providing training and teaching self-discipline to more than 2,000 young people in our district,” Cr Reynolds said.

Sue Hillel and her building team.

licences – has Ms Hillel and her small, dedicated team working to “full capacity” on Armadale’s burgeoning developments.

Ms Hillel has overseen some of the City’s most high profile construction projects in recent times, including the Armadale cinema complex, the redevelopment of Armadale Shopping City and stage 2 of Armadale Central Shopping Centre in Orchard Avenue.

“The main reason I have stayed at the City of Armadale is that it’s a great place to work, with terrific management; I have a great team of people to work with,” Ms Hillel said.

“The other reason is Armadale itself. There is diversity of work and diversity within the region, with the CBD taking off, the bush and the rural properties. It is a beautiful place.”

Honour for 52nd Army Cadet Unit

cITY V IEWS �NEWS FrOM THE c ITY OF ArMADALE

Councillor contact List Heron Ward

Cr Linton Reynolds AM JP, Mayor Tel: 9390 7433

Cr Jim Stewart Tel: 9497 9524

Jarrah Ward Cr Pat HartTel: 9496 1634

Cr Laurie ScidoneTel: 9496 0445 Fax: 9496 3445

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

Cr June MacDonaldTel/Fax: 9399 1738

Minnawarra WardCr Keith LethbridgeTel: 9399 5270

Cr John KnezevichTel/Fax: 9497 1638

Neerigen WardCr Guenter BestTel: 9399 4371 Fax: 9497 3985

Cr Bob TizardTel/Fax: 9497 3469

Palomino WardCr Jim EvertsTel: 9399 6327 Fax: 9399 6833

Cr Wayne MaugerTel: 9399 4798

River WardCr Ruth ButterfieldTel/Fax: 9390 1459

Cr Henry Zelones JPTel: 9495 4073 Fax: 9495 4838

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

COUNCIL NEWS

Useful Council NumbersCity of Armadale Administration Centre Tel: 9399 0111 Fax: 9399 0184Email: info@armadale.wa.gov.au Address: 7 Orchard Avenue, Armadale WA 6112Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8.15am to 4.45pm

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

Next deadline: 11 January 2008 Email: Kylie Richardson at krichardson@armadale.wa.gov.au Tel: 9399 0634 Fax: 9399 0184

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

This newsletter is printed on environmentally friendly paper

With hot weather and little rain during summer, this is an important time for City of Armadale residents to be bushfire safe.

The official bushfire season, which runs from 1 October to 31 May, is now in full swing, with the lighting of fires in the open air totally prohibited between 1 December and 31 March.

Householders can help protect their homes from the threat of bushfire by following this advice:

n Don’t have thick vegetation right up to the walls of your home,

n Clear all flammable material from around houses, sheds and fences,

n Store firewood, timber, petrol and kerosene well away from the house,

n Don’t have highly flammable trees such as conifers near buildings,

n Clear dead leaves out of gutters regularly,

n Remove dead trees and branches which, when burning, could drop on your roof,

n Remove rubbish regularly,

n Rake up leaves, twigs and dead material regularly,

n Burn off dry grass and vegetation at approved times and in the approved manner.

Further advice about how to protect your home, when to burn off and how to do it, is available from your local Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade or the City of Armadale Ranger Services on 9399 0111.

Ensure your property is ready for summer bushfires

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COMMUNITY NEWS

City of Armadale Council and Committee MeetingsJanuary and February meeting cycles are displayed below. All meetings are held in the city of Armadale’s Administration centre, 7 Orchard Avenue, Armadale and are open to the public.

January 2008

Mon 21 Jan 5.30pm city Strategy committee

Mon 21 Jan 7pm Technical Services committee

Tues 22 Jan 5.30pm Development Services committee

Tues 22 Jan 7pm community Services committee

Tues 29 Jan 7pm council Meeting

February 2008

Mon 4 Feb 7pm Technical Services committee

Tues 5 Feb 7pm community Services committee

Mon 11 Feb 7pm council Meeting

Mon 18 Feb 7pm city Strategy committee

Tues 19 Feb 7pm Development Services committee

Mon 25 Feb 7pm council Meeting

Researchers can help discover your family’s pastA new service to assist people researching their family history has been successfully launched at the City of Armadale Birtwistle Local Studies Library.

Two experienced family history researchers now attend the Birtwistle Library on the first Thursday of each month from 9am to 3.30pm offering advice and help for anyone beginning the research process.

The library boasts an excellent collection of genealogy materials including books, microfiche, CD-ROMs and online databases for those interested in tracing past generations of their family.

“I have a long standing personal interest in researching family myself, and have been very impressed with the resources available at the Birtwistle Library,” City of Armadale Mayor Linton Reynolds said.

“An encouraging number of people came along to the opening of the Family History Research service on October 4 and I hope that many more City of Armadale residents can make use of it in the coming months.”

A brochure on the research resources available has been produced and can be collected from the Birtwistle Local Studies Library or any of the City’s three public libraries in Armadale, Kelmscott or Westfield. Family history Starter Kits are available too, to help people get their research underway.

You don’t have to be a beginner, though, to benefit from the materials available at the Birtwistle Library as anyone is welcome to use the facilities.

Newsletters with up-to-date information about what is available to help with family history research can be sent to you via an electronic mailing list.

A number of talks and workshops by experienced genealogists are being planned for 2008.

For enquiries please contact the Historian/Local Studies Librarian on 9399 0641.

Colourful dragon boat racing is coming to Champion Lakes and YOU can be a part of the action! Volunteers are needed to assist at the Australian National Dragon Boat

Calling for dragon boat volunteersChampionships, being held at Champion Lakes from 9-12 April, 2008. Around 1,000 paddlers will compete at this exciting event.

Dragon Boating WA, which is hosting the championships, is calling for volunteers to fill a range of roles including time keeping, recording, looking after VIPs, assisting with boats, parking, beach marshals, runners, assembling site fencing etc.

For a fantastic opportunity to meet people, represent the Armadale community and be involved with a fun, fast-growing water sport, register your interest with the City of Armadale’s Volunteer Resource Service.

All volunteers at the 2008 Australian National Dragon Boat Championships receive a tee-shirt, hat and refreshments throughout the day.

Phone 9399 0629 or email volunteering@armadale.wa.gov.au