NorthernValley
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ValleysNews
Bindoon • Bullsbrook • Calingiri • Chittering • Gingin • Muchea • Mooliabeenie • New
Bumper Olive Oil Harvest Bittersweet
It looks and sounds like the perfect
farming venture. Low water requirements,
virtually no maintenance and watch your
trees grow, each year providing increasing
yield.
Cycil Sauzier of Kara Australis, Gingin has
over 30 years running farms in Zimbabwe
from tobacco, coffee, cattle and wheat says
“what he loves most about olives is they
offer a low risk crop, free from most diseases
and most importantly weather doesn’t effect
me”.
But it is not all good news, some 8 years
Drilling
for water
ago when thousands of trees were planted
in the region, forecasts of $7/litre were the
basis of business models. Today the strong
aussie dollar, particularly against the euro,
has pushed prices down to lows of $3/litre.
Bittersweet news when you consider our
region is on track for a bumper harvest with
most irrigated groves reporting their best
year. In fact the low rainfall has even been
kind as lack of rain doesn’t bring disease
pressure.
Harvesting generally starts April through
to May, the earlier the olives are picked the
more robust the flavour, as Cyril Sauzier
points out, award winning oils don’t sell
so sometimes it pays to wait.
Cyril has 200 acres with 13,000 trees
on 150 acres, he will selectively harvest
around 10,000, using the mechanical
shaker, which will deliver about 200
tonnes, yielding around 40,000 litres of
olive oil. Cyril has designed an efficient
grove, his olive spacing allows him to
use a mechanical shaker, paying only
for those trees he picks. His processing
facility also allows him to supplement
MEAN BEAN
BULLSBROOK
Present this voucher
Monday to Thursday
in May 2011 for
50% OFF ANY ONE
BURGER PURCHASE
Norcia • Regans Ford • Wannamal
House
MAY 2011
in a day
Page 8 Page 10
It’s your
in the Northern Valleys
Northern Valleys NEWS is
your paper - helping to grow
our regional community.
The paper is distributed FREE to
3,000 homes in the region which
includes; “Beermullah, Bindoon,
Bullsbook, Calingiri, Cowalla, Gingin,
Muchea, Mooliabeenie, Neergabby,
New Norcia, Regans Ford, Wannamal”
If you don’t get your copy - ask
your local Post Office why not.
HARVEST 2011
Irrigated olives were a
winner this year.
“The region should
produce around 11,000-
income by providing processing and bottling 13,000 tonne of fruit this
services for other farmers. Kara Australis is year. Crops are generally
sold through a distributor to retailers and higher than last year
restaurants but also sold as bulk oil. and oil yields are also
slightly higher. Prices
Like many farm activities it seems you need though are generally very
to achieve a critical mass. Cyril suggested a depressed and retail sales
minimum of 10,000 trees are necessary, and for Australian EVOO
“good rich soil with water certainly helps”. has slowed considerably
in 2011, due to heavy
Whether olive groves will be a profitable discounting in the
agricultural pursuit in the region in the long supermarkets with the
term is unknown. What is for certain is bulk packs of 3 and 4 lt.”
they’ll be here long after us, the oldest olive Vincent Tana, Sumich EVOO
tree in Portugal, is calculated to be 2000 Australia.
years old.
“A better than average harvest
with extract rates up on last year,
approximately 2,500 to 2,700
tonnes with an average 18%
extraction rate and oil quality
is very good this year. The dry
season has actually been positive
as there is less moisture in the
fruit.”
Jim Hollingworth, Fini Olives
“ Last year we were
overwhelmed with awards
including winning the perpetual
Cyril & Genny Sauzier beside Frantoio Olive trees
trophy for the Australian Heritage
Trees Golden Globe, this year, a
disaster. The dry season has been
all too much for the old groves,
we don’t have enough olives to
make it worthwhile”. According
to Gordon, the biennial bearing
nature of olive trees, especially
when non irrigated, helps explain
this low yield year. “
Gordon Smyth, Grounds
Manager, New Norcia
NN It’s YOUR news...
Continued from Page 1..

Olive oil FACT BOX

WHAT’S ON
Extra virgin olive oils can be critical steps. Australian extra
intensely flavoured and can virgin olive oil producers know
also be strongly pungent. Many that if they use good quality
‘early harvest’ styles often fit olives, process them quickly
in this category. Others can be after picking, employ the in the Northern Valleys
very fruity with only hints of services of
bitterness and pepper, while ‘late a spotlessly
Art Exhibition CWA Bindoon
Editors note
harvest’ styles are typically mild clean
with very ripe fruity flavours. processing 8th May - Riseborough Estate. International Day
plant and Place: An exhibition of paintings 25th May 2011 at the Bindoon
“Extra virgin olive oil is oil
Your Northern Valleys region don’t strive by Ed Wilkens, Runs until 3rd July. Hall. All welcome $15. Fun day
that has never been through
and your local paper has arrived. for excessive featuring Morroco.
a refining process and is
extraction, Contact Joy Garden 9576 1417.
Thanks to all your wonderful acknowledged to be superior due
quality
support we have produced our to its taste and health benefits.
extra virgin
New Norcia
first edition of Northern Valleys The extraction of oil from olives olive oil will Studies Day
NEWS. is a relatively straightforward result. 4th June 2011
You have told us you want process, involving only a few This year, New norcia studies
day focuses on literature - in
a paper that talks to your local particular the letters, chronicles
needs, photos of your family, and diaries that are to be

Have your say!

friends and community. You found in rich abundance within
want a paper that researches the monastery’s archives.
local stories and deals with fact Call 08 9654 8018 or email
rather than opinion. You want archives@newnorcia.
classifieds that don’t require a Go on tell us what you wa.edu.au to register
really think. Letters to the
drive across country. Like us, you
Editor are welcome please Foundation Day
choose to live in the Northern
Valleys and want a paper who
provide your name (it will Fun Fundraiser
recognises your challenges and
be withheld on request) British Car Club Day 6th June
All letters are subject to
what you love about it. It is not 15th May - Gingin Town Centre. Peace Be Still invites you to
editing for clarity by the
a city local rag but a semi rural an afternoon of Music, Song &
editor”. Please e-mail to Don’t miss this wonderful rural fair
Stories Apply for a ticket with
paper that is a blend of lifestyle editor@nvnews.com.au run in conjunction with the British
suggested donation of $15 or
and rural interests. Car Club. Admire all the beautifully more to Red Cross. 9571 8108.
restored vehicles and browse
Let’s make it work and EMERGENCY NUMBERS JUSTICES OF THE PEACE market stalls. Great family fun! Long Weekend
together develop the Northern
Valleys Region. Ambulance 000 Bindoon
Bulls Broncs & Barrels Stargazing
Doctor 9576 1222 Lee Martin 9576 1066 21ST May 2011 7PM Saturday, 4 & Sunday 5 JUNE 2011
Hospital 9347 5244 Saturn is the highlight over this
NVNews Walter Zemunik 9576 0156 Brigadoon Equestrian Centre
long weekend of stargazing.
Fire Brigade 000 Phillip Lefroy 9576 2086 Join the fun of the Rodeo
Produced by: Nights without a Moon show off
Jackie Shervington & Police - Trevor Walker 9576 4600 and help raise money for the the spectacular Milky Way in all
Tamieka Preston Emergency 000 RW.A./QLD flood appeal. its glory. Saturday, 4 or Sunday, 5
Rob McCullough 9576 1740
Police Contact: Jo Kestel 0407 984 473 June 2011. 7pm-9.30pm. $39.50
Editor & Advertising: Chittering adults, $35 seniors, $24 children
Jackie Shervington
Phone: 0419 045 783
Attendance 131 444
Bruce Rowley 9571 4152 Kevin Bloody Wilson (6-16 years) and $120 family
Email: jackie@nvnews.com.au Police (Gingin) 9575 5600 Friday 27TH May 2011 (2 adults and 2 children).
Lower Chittering
Art Direction: Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 - ONE NIGHT ONLY AT Bookings: www.ginginobservatory.
Tamieka Preston Eric Schmidt 9571 8040 CHEQUERS GOLF CLUB com or 08 9575 7740.
Police
Phone: 0419 902 904
Email: tamieka@nvnews.com.au
Headquarters 9222 1997 Muchea The Kevin Bloody Wilson Show is Bullsbrook
not just a concert performance,
www.nvnews.com.au
Poison 13 11 26 A.J.Fewster 9571 4012 Community Market
for most it’s a full-on Event !
Rural Watch 9576 4600 David Lindsay 9571 1389 The BNC will be holding
Published by Bookings only confirmed and a “Bullsbrook Community
Northern Valleys News 0427 699 700
Donald McDonald 9655 9024 tickets issued when payment of Market” on the first Sunday of
PO Box 206, Bindoon, 6502 Shire 9576 4600
Gingin $54 per person is received. every month starting June
Printed by Rural Press Printing Ranger 9576 4600 STRICTLY 18 YEARS PLUS 9am-12pm. Contact the BNC on
7 Rafferty Close A/H 0427 699 700 Margaret 9575 2220 95711008 for further details
Mandurah WA 6210 PHONE 9571 1277
Greenwell
Vet 9575 2274

“Why not try something from the NEW Range of

Fresh BEEF, LAMB & PORK from Homestead Meats,
and CHICKEN from The Meat and Poultry Company,
Fergusson Valley & Steggles In Store now”

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

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

2 www.nvnews.com.au Northern Valleys News MAY 2011

It’s YOUR community...
BRL withdraws
NN
exploration licence
application 70/3283
BRL recently announced it
will withdraw its application
for exploration licence 70/3283
(extends from Bindoon town
in the north, south through
the Chittering Valley into
Bullsbrook). The reasons
given by BRL are that it is
doing a “tenement review”
and has decided that bauxite
mining would be a “mismatch
with existing land use in this
Picnic in the Park, Bindoon Jungle Book Camp valley”. The residents, vineyards,
orchards, farms north of Bindoon
Over 80 children and their families attended the free picnic in the
The serenity of the picturesque Lower Chittering Hall and village town, who are subject to BRL’s
park at Clune Park in Bindoon. Activities included story telling,
green was drastically altered recently as 60 excited cub scouts and 2 mtpa mining proposal, will
football, soccer, basketball, bubble blowing, name badge making,
20 dedicated leaders arrived for a weekend of fun activities. The be interested to see if the same
train rides, bouncy castle, arts and crafts as well as the opportunity
weekend welcomed cub scouts from Gingin, Chittering, Herne Hill, “mismatch” applies to them
to see the baby kangaroos and snakes. Children attending the picnic
Midland, Ballajura, Morley, Hampton Park, Beechboro, Ellenbrook when BRL seeks a licence.
received a free bag of lollies and an ice cream. Gold coin donations
and Bayswater. For many of the participants this was their first camp.
for the Sausage Sizzle, cooked by the Gingin Bindoon Lions Club,
Eating and sleeping with 80 people is one thing, having to wash
raised funds for Princess Margaret Hospital.
and dry their own dishes was one of the many new experiences. The
The Shire wishes to acknowledge the Department of Agriculture Jungle Book theme activities
funding and thank the volunteers from the numerous community were very popular including;
groups who assisted on the day. It was the first time this picnic has creation of jungle creature masks,
been held and without their support would not have been such a jungle animal scavenger hunt,
wonderful family day for the community of Chittering. Jungle Olympics. Hathi’s water
race, Kaa’s slalom and Mowgli’s
leap had leaders and cub scouts
attempting all sorts of novel
endeavours.

Keellee’s back on
the horse
12 year old Keellee Rankine
is back into riding after almost
losing her left leg in a float
accident. Keellee has overcome
such serious injuries, she had to
learn to walk again, missed one
term off school and amazed all
with her recovery. Her mother
Maria says, “she didn’t once
complain about the pain she was
Singing in the soundshell going through”. Keellee has not
only come back from her injury
Fifteen years ago, Angela Cabassi looked out over the Granville
but has put all determination
park and stated a Soundshell in this park would be fantastic. Thanks
and attention into training her
to the Chittering Gingin Lions club the Gingin sound shell is now a
horse Pebbles, what an amazing
reality. Sing Australia is an organisation created to encourage people
little team they are!
to sing.
Keellee has 100 percent
On Sunday May 1st, Sing Australia groups from Bindoon, Dalleyup,
recovered now, but will still need
Markets Capture Country Spirit Duncraig/Sorrento, Fremantle & Swan Valley met at the Soundshell
for a ‘Singing Picnic in the Park’. Three pianists took turns in
check ups and has the metal
It seemed like every man and his dog turned out for Bullsbrook’s plate and pins in her leg. But
accompanying the singers who were led by group conductors. Most
first Produce Markets. Beautiful weather provided the perfect setting she is one amazing individual,
people chose to stand on the stage to sing with each other, while
for a very successful event. Around 2000 people enjoyed the event, and on behalf of her family,
some chose to sit back on the grass, and listen or sing at will. On
entertained by musicians and puppeteers provided as part of Kulcha A BIG THANKYOU TO ALL
Sunday May 15th the Gingin Jammers will be providing a free
by City of Swan. The event was organised by Bullsbrook Residents WHOM HELPED the night of the
performance. Other performers wanting to access the sound shell for
and Ratepayers Association Inc. (BRRA) who, in conjunction with accident.
free performances to the community can book the venue with the
the City of Swan. Gingin Shire.

they stepped out in appropriate what’s

Royal wedding attire for the Bullsbrook Swapmeet

Right Royal Power Walk
Koorunga CWA members left
their inhibitions at the door as
news?
Girl Power Walk on April 3.
The array of costumes certainly A young trader at the
created much laughter from Bullsbrook Swapmeet held
residents, motorists and young Sunday 1st May. Due to the
children as they walked the success of the swapmeet, this
streets of Gingin. Whilst there will become a regular event.
were only a few walkers the We welcome your local
To be renamed the Bullsbrook community news stories!
sponsorship from the community Community Markets and will Submit them at
was amazing, with over $1000 now occur the 1st Sunday of www.nvnews.com.au
being raised for for Diabetes WA every month.
and CWA.

www.nvnews.com.au 3
NN It’s YOUR news...

The Catafalque Party from Pearse Airbase and Scouts
Lest we forget
Anzac Day - 25th April 2011
Local communities gathered at ceremonies all over the region to
pay hommage to all of Australia’s servicemen and women, and to
give thanks for the nation and ideals they fought for.
This year the moving service held at Bindoon War Memorial payed
particular tribute to the Prisoners of War who lost their lives during
the Sandakan Death Marches, which are widely considered to be the
single worst atrocity suffered by Australian servicemen during the
Second World War. Gavin Rutherford recounted the harrowing story
of the 2400 captured soldiers who were shipped to Borneo to build a
military airfield in 1942, all bar six Australian escapees died during
the marches.
Mr Rin Rutherford gave the Anzac day address and Father Justin
Belitz O.F.M. led the Anzac day prayer. Wreaths were laid on the
war memorial by many local groups and individuals and all eyes
turned to the sky as an impressive double Fly Pass was executed by
Flight Leutenant Michael Pearson from Pearse air base. Gingin Scout
groups raised the flag to the masthead and the community joined
together to sing Advance Australia Fair.
Mr Lance Armstrong and wife Jan lay a wreath.
Sitting in the front row; Dennis Harvey from Muchea
and Frank Waters from Moora.
Graham Donaldson from Bindoon
Ian Campbell on bagpipes
Two local scouts lay a wreath
Muchea Youth Festival
On 30 April 2011, with support from Hall All Contracting,
Wheatbelt Health Services, Midlands District Be Active, BMX WA,
Department for Communities, WALGA, Bindoon Bakehaus, Bindoon
Farm Fresh Meats, and the Chittering Scouts, the Shire of Chittering
held a Youth Festival at John Glenn Park in Muchea. Approximately
65 young people attended and enjoyed a line up of youth focused
activities.
BMX WA held a fastest lap competition. The BMX representatives
were extremely impressed with the talent and enthusiasm of the
local riders. YMCA held a competition with three different areas,
skate, scooter and bike, all using the skate park facilities. These
competitions were well supported with some amazing tricks and
skills.
YMCA also brought up plenty of art supplies and many of the
youth took advantage of the opportunity to show their skills as part
of the “Design the Festival Banner” competition. The prize for this
competition is art supplies to the value of $200. The competition
closes on Friday May 28 and the winner will be notified by Friday
17 June 211. Entry forms are available at the Shire of Chittering.
Thanks to WALGA sponsorship the Shire was able to hold a stall
with information regarding drink driving and speeding. There were
two quizzes based on safe driving and also general information at
the festival. The winners of these competitions were Jill Boerma who
won an Ipod and Mitchell White who won a digital camera.
The photography competition held on the day has been extended to
include any youth event in the Shire. The prize for this competition
is $250, entries close Friday 20 May 2011 and must be received at
the Shire of Chittering in a digital form on CD.
The Shire is hoping to make
this an annual event and would
therefore love to receive any
feedback or suggestions regarding
next year’s event. If you have
anything you would like to
suggest please contact Alison
Reliti at the Shire of Chittering
via phone 08 9576 4600 or email:
chatter@chittering.wa.gov.au

St John Ambulance Volunteers needed Volunteer

ambulance
officers
Would you like to swap boredom for the satisfaction of helping are now
wearing
others, increase your skills and develop new networks? a new
uniform.
Life saving services in rural towns are often provided
by volunteers. This group of Chittering Gingin St John
Ambulance officers happily volunteered 7,000 hours to
our community during 2010. They warmly welcome new
members and would love to see your face in this photo. You
don’t have to be a superhero to be an ambulance officer.
New volunteers are provided with the option of training as a
driver or an officer in primary and advanced care.
Studies show that volunteering has a positive effect on a
person’s well being – that volunteering provides many social
and skill building opportunities for people of all ages.

4 www.nvnews.com.au Northern Valleys News MAY 2011

 A message
from the
Shire
President
I recently reported that Council was considering
the creation of two new Advisory Committees. I
can now report that both the Chittering Mining
Advisory Committee (CMAC) and the Chittering
Health Advisory Committee (CHAC) are up and
running and both have now held their inaugural
meeting.
CMAC’s first meeting was frank and informative
and members are concentrating on bringing
themselves up to date on two fronts. The first
is the history of Bauxite Resources Limited’s
involvement in the Shire and the current
position regarding the planned application by
BRL to mine bauxite. The second is a general
review of all tenements and exploration licences,
whether for bauxite, mineral sands or any other
material, that is currently within the Shire.
CHAC’s first meeting was very productive and
the shortcomings of the health and medical
services in the Shire were tackled with great
enthusiasm. It soon became obvious that both
the existing medical centre and the existing
health centre are well past their use-by date.
The committee’s first request was that Council
consider ways to fix this problem by the
provision of appropriate infrastructure to raise
the level of the health services provided to our
community. Councillors and staff were able
to report that funding for the Day Centre had
finally been confirmed and that this facility
should be operating this year.
Just for a change, I will now call for community
input of a more artistic nature. We have been
the recipients of an ever-increasing flow of
negative comment regarding the Shire’s logo.
Some call for something fresh; a more futuristic
crest for a forward-looking Shire. Others,
perhaps less positive, simply state that the
present logo is a bit tired and even say rude
things about the defenceless animals involved.
(On the logo, that is. Not on the Council!) The
Council is prepared to seek community opinion
and is considering holding a contest calling for
suggestions for the design of a new brand for
Chittering.
A prize would be offered for the person whose
concept is selected. The details have yet to be
worked out, but I have no doubt that we will
have an enormous variety to choose from, and
look forward to seeing what this inventive and
talented community can come up with.
Thanks for your time.
Alex Douglas
SHIRE OF CHITTERING FIRE BREAK NOTICE - Dates to Remember
Shire ratepayers and residents are reminded of the following
important dates:
• Fire breaks must be cleared by 16 October and remain free
from any type of fire hazard throughout the year.
• Burning is prohibited between 1 December and 31 March.
• Burning permits are required from 19 October to 30
November and from 1 April to 31 May.
From the Club/ Have
Community “Your Say”
Development desk Current “Your Say” items are
available on the Shire’s website.
Thank you to everyone who helped out with the
Muchea Youth Festival. Without the support
Below is a list of current items
that you can view and provide
of the local community, including the Bindoon comment on:
Bakehaus and Cafe, Bindoon Farm Fresh Meats,
Georgia Nevard and Louise Andrews, events Mobile Library
like this would be difficult to organise. Thank Service ITEM: Amendment 44 – Lot 501
Teatree Road, Bindoon
you also to the youth for attending the event
The Shire of Chittering is
and for your feedback. If you did not get the DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS:
investigating the option Wednesday, 18 May 2011
opportunity to provide feedback on the day,
of providing a mobile
please forward any comments you may have to
the Shire of Chittering at chatter@chittering. library service within the
ITEM: Repeal of Local Laws
wa.gov.au Shire.
DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS:
Thank you to everyone who attended the Picnic It is envisaged that Friday, 20 May 2011
in the Park on 17 April. It was a wonderful persons who are unable
day for the children and we hope to make this to access the Bindoon
ITEM: Bush Fire Brigades Local
an annual event. Thank you to the following Library during the week Law 2011
groups: or on Saturday mornings
DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS: Friday,
may still wish to become 20 May 2011
Chittering Wildlife Carers, Koorunga CWA,
members of the Library.
Chittering Bindoon CWA, Gingin Chittering
By providing advice to
Lions Club, Bindoon Playgroup, Bindoon Primary ITEM: Dogs Local Law 2011
our staff on what types
School P&C, Bindoon Primary School, Roxannes
of books you like to DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS: Friday,
Dance Workshop and the Gingin Gravity 20 May 2011
Discovery Centre. Your assistance with the read and your favourite
authors (or even talking
event made it a great success. We look forward
to working with you next year! books you can listen to), ITEM: Application for Planning
Consent – Lot 51 (RN 451)
selections can be made
The Bindoon & Districts Agricultural Society Reserve Road, Muchea
on your behalf.
is responsible for holding the annual Bindoon DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS: Friday,
Show and this year the show will be on 22 Either fortnightly or 20 May 2011
October. If you are interested in having a stall, monthly, books can be
“Ground Space Expression of Interest Only” delivered and collected.
forms are now available from the Shire offices. Forthcoming
Please register your
events
On 14 May the Shire of Chittering will be interest by contacting
The next Ordinary Council
holding a “Thank Your Volunteers” celebration the Shire’s Customer
meeting will be held at 7.00
at the Bindoon Hall. The entire community Service Officers on 08 pm on Wednesday 18 May
of Chittering is invited and there will be an 9576 4600 or email 2011 in the Council Chambers,
opportunity to personally thank the volunteers at chatter@chittering. 6177 Great Northern Highway,
in the community who dedicate their time and Bindoon.
wa.gov.au by 31 May
energy to making sure their community groups 2011. Further information is available
not only run smoothly, but grow and provide on the Shire’s website under the
Events Calendar.
wonderful service to Chittering. For more
details please contact me at the Shire.
Anyone wishing to contact me regarding
community events, projects or initiatives
can reach me via phone 9576 4600 or email Responsible dog ownership
chatter@chittering.wa.gov.au. Everyone who is a dog owner has a responsibility to ensure
that his or her dog is well looked after. The Shire of
Talk to you soon
Chittering relies on dog owners to responsibly look after
Alison Reliti their dogs to ensure that we can all live together peacefully
and without fear.
Club & Community Development Officer
The following checklist is provided to remind ratepayers and
residents of the Shire of their responsibilities as dog owners:
1. My dog is currently registered with my local Council.
2. He does wear the registration and owner details tag on
his collar.
3. I am aware of my responsibilities under the Dog Act
1976 and the Shire of Chittering Local Laws.
4. My dog is sterilised – yes/no (enquiries can be made
with the Shire’s Rangers regarding sterilisation).
5. I know what to do if my dog goes missing.
6. I have taken my dog to training and he is well
socialised.
7. I clean up after my dog when out walking.
• The prohibited burning period was extended in the Shire of
Chittering and ceased on 14 April 2011. 8. I vaccinate and worm my dog regularly.
• From 15 April 2011, Fire Permits may be issued until 9. My dog receives a suitable flea
31 May 2011. Because of the dry season we have treatment regularly.
experienced, we are asking ratepayers and residents to 10. I know I can gain assistance from the
delay burning their garden refuse until after 31 May. Shire’s Rangers and my local Vet.
NN It’s YOUR news...

Screen Time for Kids

Daryl du Plessis daryl@chitteringit.com

Screen time is the amount allowed to logon to the computer.

of time spent using electronic
entertainment such as TV’s,
gaming consoles and of course
computers. There can be
negative consequences related
to excessive screen time and the
American Academy of Pediatrics
recommends limiting kids to 2
hours a day.
Of course there are constructive
outcomes that can be gained from
educational games and videos, the key
issue is regulating how much screen
time kids have access to. Parental
controls allow for monitoring of
websites accessed and control over
time allowed on the computer. You
can control how much time they can
have per day and the times they are
There are free products that can
be downloaded from the internet:
Windows Live Essentials 2011 from
Microsoft and Norton Online Family.
Detailed instructions are available
on the websites listed below. Once Are you struggling to stay in school?
installed, the settings are enforced and
kids will be warned 15 minutes before Did you leave school before completing Year 12?
their time is up. Finally, I would
recommend, before any restrictions are YOUTH CONNECTIONS works one-on-one with young people like
put in place, parents discuss what they you (13 to 19 years) who might be thinking about leaving school or
are doing with their kids. who recently left school before completing Year 12.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/
children-and-tv/MY00522 YOUTH CONNECTIONS may be able to provide support to help you
stay in school, help you move into education and training that suits
http://explore.live.com/windows-live- you, or help to prepare for work.
family-safety
http://onlinefamily.norton.com Contact RDA Wheatbelt’s YOUTH CONNECTIONS office to learn
how Youth Connections can help you. It’s a free call.
Email: yc@rdawheatbelt.com.au

Beaming Telephone: 1800 352 355

Youth Connections is funded by the Commonwealth of Australia as represented by the Department

with
of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).

excitement! success with children at risk.

Due to the awesome support of local
The children and teachers of Bindoon
Primary school are now enjoying the
sponsors such as Rural Building Company, THE 2011
Shire of Chittering, Tuss Concrete, Tiwest
latest technology in teaching. eBeams and the fundraising efforts of children and RISEBOROUGH
- or electronic whiteboards offer a new parents, a new eBeam has been installed in
breakthrough in teaching. According every classroom. ACQUISITIVE
to Linda Toms, Students are visually
stimulated and ideas are clarified through The school invites you to see the ebeams ART AWARDS
the interactivity and discussions. in action at their official launch on the
24th May, 9.30 to 10.30am.
Linda has been especially pleased by the FIRST PRIZE
$1000
Is it Muscles or SECOND PRIZE
Chiropractic for the Bones? $500
Chittering Valley PEOPLES CHOICE
So many people suffer back
pain. Many assume the problem
AWARD
Dr Keith Brown provides Chiropractic care to all ages
& tailors his approach to each person’s particular is “just a muscle strain” because 1 carton of mixed
need. He applies both traditional Chiropractic they feel pain in the muscle.
Bindoon’s Broadband Riseborough wine
adjustments and muscle/soft tissue techniques in Chiropractors correct spinal
order to give you the best of both worlds. joint problems. Spinal joint
for Seniors Internet
Kiosk Update Entries close
Consultations are available at Bindoon Medical dysfunction causes swelling,
muscle spasm and frequently 2 September 2011
Centre on Tuesdays, and Bullsbrook Medical Centre Since the doors opened in
on Tuesday AM/Thurs PM some referred pain along nerve December, more than 20 students
pathways. Unfortunately, when have enrolled and completed Entry forms
For appointments call Dr Keith Brown many people feel these effects
on 0418 409 475 they assume their problem is
the course. Feedback from available at:
students has generally been
only muscular and don’t have positive, adding understanding, RISEBOROUGH
their joint problem corrected. confidence and techniques when ESTATE
This is one reason the back pain
continually returns.
using the Internet. Peterson Rise, off
As of 30th June, this Mooliabeenie Rd,
As a sports chiropractor, Government funded project will GINGIN
treating both Muscles and terminate. Until June 30th, the
Joints/bones throughout the Kiosk is open 2-5, Monday to
Ph: 95751211
body, I like to think you can get Friday by appointment only. To or email:
the best of both worlds. book for a course call 9576 4600 traceyluke@
(Chittering Shire) or 9576 1020
Dr Keith Brown, Chiropractor. amnet.net.au
BSc BChiro(Hons) ICSSD(Sport). (Bindoon Post Office) and leave
your contact details.

6 www.nvnews.com.au Northern Valleys News MAY 2011

 It’s YOUR community... NN
community
Use your imagination to finish the
squiggler
picture and draw what’s swiming
underwater beneath the boat.

groups
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 Teresa Leete (sec) 9576 1589
Bindoon Cricket Club Jason Bulpitt 9655 7090
Bindoon and District Ag Meets 3rd Monday of each
Society month at 7.30pm in the Society
Office, northern end of oval.
Danica Meldrum 0457103 033
Bindoon Community Progress 7.30pm 3rd Tues of month in Ag
Association Society Rm
Mike Johnston (President)
John Riolfo (Sec.Treasurer) 9576 0446
Bindoon Districts Meets 2nd Wed if each month
Historical Society 2pm in The Museum
Terry Jones 9576 0451
Bindoon Sporting & Rec Assn Meets 2nd Monday of each
month at 8pm at Chinkabee

Can you find the hidden Maths words?

Gail Smith 9655 9046
kids puzzle

Bindoon Guides & Brownies Anne French 9571 8100

Bindoon P and C Assn Meets every 3rd Tuesday of
each month in the Bindoon
Primary School Library,
a d x d s e p i t l u m s add
Vivienne Du Plessis 9576 1989
Submitted by Max Shervington - Thanks Max!

s u n r i f y l p i t u m area Bindoon Play Group Meets every Friday at Chinkabee

If you have an idea for a fun puzzle, quiz or
joke, send it in to editor@nvnews.com.au

t t s m a v m s m d b z w divided 9.30am-12pm
Kylie Jones 9576 1760
o d a t d m i d p t a k e division
Bindoon RSL George Ferguson 9576 1046
p z k s i o n d r l e s s double
Bindoon Retirees Lois Jones 9576 0451
m a e m a o b a e r u m q less
Bindoon Range Pony Club Judy Rose (Coach) 9655 9020
s j m s d n c n o d u s u minus Lee Greenburg Secretary 9576 1514
p l u c a t i m e s i f a more Bindoon Rifle Club Colin Clarkson (Captain) 9576 0772
r e l d i v i s i o n u r mutiply Dave Mann (Secretary) 9296 0103
d s d o u b l e a n a s e plus Bindoon Sing Australia Meets Mon nights in the
Town Hall from 7-9pm
s m n m a x s s s r u d s square
Yvonne Press 9576 1409
d o u s b u b l e s e s s subtraction Bindoon Theatre Group Alex Douglas 9576 1154
s q u r o s i o n s m a m sum Bindoon Volunteer Bush Fire Meets 1st Wed each month at
Brigade 7.30pm in the Fire Station
take
Paul Groves, Secretary 0400 172 560
times Chittering Bindoon CWA Lois Jones 9576 0451
Chittering Information Centre Meets the 2nd Tues of every
month at 7.30pm at the
Brockman Centre 9576 1100
Chittering Valley Progress &
Sporting Assn Holly Mackie (President) 9571 8211
Chittering Junior Football Club Ian Hall 0419 042 455
Chittering Rural Watch 2nd Tues of every 2nd 9576 4600
month 6.30 to 7.15pm 0427 699 700
Murray Kay 9576 1013
Chittering Wildlife Carers Inc Ann Graham (injured wildlife) 9576 1010
Jim Maher ( Chair) 9571 2435
Louise Bewick ( Sec) 9571 8669
Country Women’s Association Meets every 3rd Wed of the month

make it
at CWA rooms, Bindoon Hall.
Lois Jones 9576 0451

yourself
Permaculture Club Dave Poga (Evenings) 9576 0080
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
Bubble blowing is a fun,
Pat Elliot 9575 2316
inexpensive game for all ages
BUT the solution goes pretty Gingin FreemasonsLodge Bob Blizard 9576 0085
quickly - especially if your Gingin Bowling club 4th Mon of month at 6.30pm St
toddler likes to tip it out! John’s Ambulance Rooms. Bindoon
Pat Elliott 9575 2316
So gather up all those shop-
bought bubble kits and fill them Lower Chittering Cricket Dave Barnes (President) 9571 8194
with this simple solution and Sean McAlister (Sec/Treasurer) 0439 401 869
keep those wands waving! Lower Chittering Hall and
Tennis Court (Bookings) David Barnard 9571 8686
• 1/2 cup dish washing
Muchea Progress Assoc Collette Mackie 9571 4087
detergent or cheap
baby shampoo Muchea Cricket Club Gavin Leigh 9571 4332
• 5 cups of water Muchea Netball Fran Bryant 9571 4168
Muchea Judo Club Inc Meets every Tues at Muchea Hall
• 2 tablespoons of glycerine 6.15-8pm juniors/ 8-9pm seniors
The glycerine is the secret Ann 9576 1497
ingredient that reduces the Wannamal Community Centre Ruth Loudon 9655 7024
froth and allows the bubbles Wannamal Indoor Bowls Keith Cunningham 9655 7070
to hold longer and it’s avalable Wannamal Tennis Club Julie Taylor 9655 7013
at the supermarket.
Get creative and make your
own equipment too - try an
old frypan for the solution
Do we have your club details?
and make a wand out of a If not we’d like to include you in the next issue,
coat hanger or garden wire!
email editor@nvnews.com.au or call 0419 045 783

www.nvnews.com.au 7
NN It’s YOUR news...
Drilling for water
It seems everywhere you look there are trees dying
as underground water levels drop and dams dry up.
As we are all getting a little more desperate for
water the drills are working overtime. We spoke to
Barry Vincenti, from Murchison Exploration who told
us, this year they will drill around 50 water bores
from Nov to April.
Murchison exploration has been in business for
about 25 years, 5 years ago they moved the business
out of the city to Bindoon and have built up a strong
business helping people find the new liquid gold,
water. Specialising in hard rock drilling, they have
plenty of business across our hills.
As water is becoming increasingly scarce many
farmers are being forced to drill for water; whether
it is to feed their stock or irrigate. Barry shared one
local farmer has 3000 acres and he is losing lambs as
the water is going salty. He has to do something to
sustain his livelihood.
According to Barry, “the average drilling depth is
50m but can be less than 20m”. For some reason
I assumed; the higher the hill the deeper the
hole. According to Barry it is all to do with the
underground streams, sometimes on the top of a hill
you can find streams relatively shallow at 10-15m
deep.
Of course not everyone will find water, so before
you ring up and ask “please can you drill me a bore,
8 www.nvnews.com.au
just near the shed where the electricity is” (True
story). The first step is to determine if you even have
water, which involves a part science, part mystique
process of water divining. Barry shares with me
the wisdom of an old technique taught to him by a
man now in his 80s. The science goes like this, the
underground streams leave a trail of salt particles
which leave an electrical charge in the ground. The
diviner picks up these charges with the stick or wire.
But it doesn’t always work - sometimes Barry has
drilled only to find what was once a stream has dried
up leaving behind the salt particles. From personal
experience, it can all get a little mystical when
they start predicting how deep the water is - almost
exactly to the depth.
A trick a neighbour of mine shared with me is
to have a couple of diviners review the area and
hopefully they’ll all find the same site. Makes sense
when you consider the money you can spend on
drilling - around $70/metre and $150/metre to case
it and gravel pack it. Once you find water the next
unknowns are water quality and the depth. As Barry
shares “it can be pretty patchy I’ve seen a perfect
freshwater stream only 20 metres from a salty
stream”.
Assuming you get past all those hurdles and you are
dancing with joy at your new found water, you need
to look at pump systems and power. There are two
types of pumps; electrical or air-well pump, air-well
pumps work when you haven’t got
a lot of water supply. Most people
select an electrical pump and if
you are lucky enough to plug into
power you are done. If your away
from a power source the solar
option at around $5,000-7,000
seems to finally be the most viable
solution, less maintenance and
cheaper than a windmill at around
$10,000. Barry says, “solar has
becoming viable in this space as
the price has reduced dramatically
over the last 10 years.”
There is one more piece of
information which you need to
info@mucheaplumbing.com
research before you proceed,
Water licenses. If you are planning
on using water for commercial use
you better get in touch with the
Department of Water to find out
your obligations.
So for now drilling for water is
saving us through this dry summer
and late winter, but what if we
don’t get the rains to fill up these
underground streams, how deep
will we have to go? A rain dance
might be an essential requirement
for anyone planning on drilling
for water.
Northern Valleys News MAY 2011
It’s YOUR community... NN
RAINFALL DATA

In Season RECIPE
Recorded at 150 Bindoon-Moora Road, Bindoon
Year ending December 31, 2011
This month 28 years Progressive total
Average
Rain days mm Rainfall Rain days mm
Month This Last This Last This Last This Last
month year month year year year year 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 Savour the
March 0 3 0.0 9.0 14.8 3 3 13.1 9.0 flavour of your
home grown
April 5 2 16.3 8.1 21.3 8 5 29.4 17.1
tomatoes
and preserve
them the old

ANSPACH AG fashioned way!

This Tomato Relish recipe is a
 great way to use up all those
mismatched and less than
Transport: Hay, grain, fertiliser, compost, sand, gravel, machinery. perfect tomatoes.
Agriculture: Compost, hay & straw supply. Baling of silage, hay & straw. Tomato Relish
Earthmoving: House & shed pads, dam cleaning, etc; sand & gravel supply 1.5kg tomatoes blanches,

Thriving throughout
skinned and quartered
Plant Hire: 4WD loader, excavator, telehandler, side/end tippers, dropdecks.
4 onions quartered
2 TBsp salt
Phone Fax 

the drought
2 cups brown sugar
Rob Angela 
Email  2 1/4 cups malt vinegar
3 chillies
1 TBsp dry mustard
You’re pretty lucky if any plants in your garden
1 TBsp curry powder
survived the long hot summer without extra water, 2 TBsp plain flour
but some plants actually flourished! Vivienne Du 1/4 cup malt vinegar

Plessis looks at trees in particular that thrived
throughout the tough times...
Thriving, surviving or dying?
The dry winter followed by a hot
and windy summer has tested all
plants in our region. Unwatered
plants have had to rely on deep root
systems and it has been interesting
to see just which ones have
got them.
Put tomatoes and onions in
a non-metallic bowl.
Sprinkle with salt and leave
for 12 hours
its roots down and thrive. I have Drain off liquid formed.
seen established trees of 2-3 metres Put vegetables, sugar, first
planted which seem to sulk and not measure of vinegar and
grow, their roots strangled in a tight chillies in preserving pan.
Boil gently for 1 1/2 hours
ball the shape of the pot they
stirring frequently. Mix
were in. mustard, curry, flour and
second measure of vinegar
Classed as deciduous the Tipu
to a smooth paste, stir into

Dont get in a flap!

An excellent example of a
tree which has thrived in these
conditions is the Tipuana. Also
known as Tipu or Pride of Bolivia,
it originates from the mountainous
areas of that country.
As a fast growing tall tree that
has a wide canopy it has been
used in many Perth car parks. It
is best planted as a small tree (up
to one metre) then it is able to get
refreshes its leaves and puts on a
beautiful yellow flower display in
late spring and through summer.
Tipuana is a member of the pea
family although the only one of
its genus. To encourage a straight
trunk use two stakes 30 cm either
side, only light pruning, if any, is
required, if cut back hard the tree
becomes leggy. They range from
15-30 metres, can be grown from
seed and a good example of one is
outside the Bindoon Bakehaus.
relish.
Boil for 5 mins and pack into
sterilised jars. Makes about 4
x 350ml jars.
Start getting ready for the
Bindoon & Districts Agricultural Recipe thanks to Betty Glass
Society Show NOW. from Bindoon.
If you’re planning on entering Betty’s stall on the corner
of Great Northern Hwy and
livestock or garden produce Settlement Rd between
you’ll need to start planning. Bindoon town and the
Scotailian pub stocks
• MEMBERSHIPS are due 31 July 2011 wonderful in season vegies -
Contact Alyson Fleming and she’s got early pumpkins
Ph 0457 103 033 at the moment.

Protection for your

rural lifestyle property insurance

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.
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)

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

www.nvnews.com.au 9
NN Property
The neatly
designed strip
kitchen

HOUSE
IN A DAY Specialists in Pre-Built Homes
When all you need is a simple weekender, pre-built homes can Want a Brand New Home without
take the hassle out of the dream escape. the hassle of building it?
Not to be confused with kit homes, pre-built houses arrive
on site fully plumbed and wired, with complete kitchens,
bathrooms, joinery, light fittings and power points already in
place, ready for connection to services.
For two Perth Lawyers and their children it was an obvious
choice for their Northern Valleys weekender. The keen amateur
singers discovered the region through their connection with The central living space
New Norcia and soon their monthly singing commitment at
the Sunday service became the justification of their dream The stunning design Then get it delivered - all done!
A clever plan situates the two Breezeway 4 Muchea Constructions do all the work for
hideaway in the country. Bedroom/2 Bathroom
bedrooms at opposite ends of the you - Here’s what you get:
Home from Muchea
Looking for a low cost, hassle free building option that building, with a large multipurpose Constructions. 3x2 • From 1 Bedroom to 4 Bedroom
wasn’t going to need on site monitoring, they chose the living space in the center, which From $169,000 • From $50,000 to $250,000 (you tell us!)
Muchea Construction pre-built pod concept. After a few design includes a neat strip kitchen along • From 16 weeks to 26 weeks building time
modifications to personalize their home, they placed their order, the back wall. Large horizontal loft • Carpets / Flooring / Blinds (optional if required)
and just four months later it arrived on the back of a truck. • Everything done by a Qualifi ed Builder - All
windows flood this whole area with you do is move in
Michael Cloney from Muchea Construction said “the biggest light, maximising the sense of space • All council shire approvals.
benefit people find is the cost and the quality control, as all in this very compact home. • All design work carried out to your specs.
work is undertaken at (our workshop) in Muchea” A cleverly designed bathroom is
• 16 different designs to choose from.
• Highest quality construction standards in our
For anyone who has ever endured the traditional and often neatly slotted into the layout. controlled environment in Muchea.
lengthy building process the lure is obvious. A house in a day This pre-built pod home is an • Qualifi ed Builders.
rather than a year! excellent example of a stylish yet
• Govt fi nance available to approved
purchasers.
For the owners the house is a great success. The simple affordable weekend escape. • Delivered to your doorstop.
zincalume structure cuts a striking silhouette on their Of course, pre-built houses are not
picturesque Mooliabeenie hillside, and boasts outstanding views limited to small residences, and the Call Muchea Constructions Today on: 9571 4173
from the fabulous entertaining deck. pod concept can easily be applied to 3571 Great Northern Highway, MUCHEA 6501
The minimalist interior has been stylishly fitted out with larger homes or used to extend as Email: admin@mucheaconstructions.com.au
stunning modernist furniture and functional storage solutions the owners needs evolve. Website: www.mucheaconstructions.com.au
in the simple, well organised rooms. Tamieka Preston The WA Company That Is Way Out In Front In Muchea

GABBADAH $799,000 GINGIN Liquid Gold! $2.8mil DANDARAGAN $1,780,000 DANDARAGAN $550,000

Magnificent Country Home
This beautifully presented home rests on
2 hectares of natural bushland with great
inland views. The residence features a
massive 332sqm of living area with five
generous bedrooms & two luxurious
bathrooms. The home was built in 2005 & is
surrounded by wide verandahs.
Tim Barndon 0428 939 189
Amazing opportunity to purchase this olive
business at a very realistic price!
• Top of the range crushing & extraction plant
• 50ha of 8yr old olive grove
• Established gourmet label with current
customer base
• quality bore with abundant water licence
• 185,000Lt stainless steel vats for storage capacity
• beautiful 2yr old 4x2 residence & much more.
John Ranieri 0409 507 100
3066 acre property 2 quality homesteads,
a 4 x 2 brick & iron open plan home and a
renovated 4 x 1 fibro and iron home. This
property is very suited to cropping and
grazing Bore—220 ft with a submersible, 2
x dams and 4 x soaks. Centrally located
sheds include a 4 stand shearing shed, 120
ton fertiliser shed and approximately 120ft x
70ft machinery/workshop.
John Ranieri 0409 507 100
Horse lovers or aquaculture enterprise!
• Marron Ponds
• 28 Box Horse Stables
• Round Yard • Walking Machine
445 acre block consists of predominantly
red loamy soils with some sand. Majestic
York and White Gums with some Black Butt.
The property has a supply of good quality
water from either bore or dam.
John Ranieri 0409 507 100

4 Brockman Street, Gingin WA 6503 Ph: 08 9575 2566 Fax: 08 9575 2568
Email: cabassirealty@bigpond.com www.cabassirealty.com

10 www.nvnews.com.au Northern Valleys News MAY 2011

Property NN
ARE WE Local agents give their

opinion
opinion on the state of the

THERE
yet?
property market in the
Northern Valleys

agent to stay competitive, so your If there has been a correction it

The big
contributing
factor to the
slow down
in sales is
the seller’s
expectation of
price. After the
Tom Cabassi, massive boom
we had with
CABASSI
prices climbing
REALTY 40-80% per
year, vendors
still want at least 40% above the
previous sale which no longer
applies. A much more humble
figure of 5-10% growth we are still
experiencing and properties priced
accordingly are starting to sell.
The market is starting to show
signs of improvement here at
Cabassi Realty over the last couple
of months we have made many
sales right across the board farms,
hobby farms, horticultural farms,
houses and to top it off a couple
of stations have gone under offer.
What some people forget that you
buy on the same market that you
sell on and now is the best time to
make the move as the change-over
price is less than at the boom times.
Jackie Shervington
& Kris Teakle
QUESTUS REALTY
home is the best available in that is no more than 10% which is
Winter/spring are generally the price range. The property’s selling great considering many of Perth’s
better months for sales in this area, are immaculate, well presented or suburbs falling towards 20 – 30%
just cheap. It seems the desire for
when the countryside is at its best correction in today’s market.
lifestyle properties is alive and
(green). So here’s hoping we do get
However 2006 – 2007 is long well but the inability to sell homes,
some rain and cooler
Within gone, those few sales that achieved cautious economic outlook and
weather soon.
the last two an extra 30% in that market will bank finance are key hurdles.
years the I think we will continue to see
not happen in this market for some
property a couple of modest years and
time yet. We all know Perth is
market in only once the gridlock of the
Gingin shire growing and Perth cannot produce
these Northern Perth market losens will we see
has improved land so what is available now can
Valley areas movement with “lifestyle” money
with rural has been slow only be a positive asset in time as finding it’s way to the Northern
sales enquiries and steady in our States population continues Valleys.
picking up and Clint
general. Due to to grow. It is amazing how many
some higher Tomasovich As for rural properties, globally
CENTURY 21 a large influx of my international clients are
end properties there is much demand for farming
selling. The BULLSBROOK of properties jumping at land being slow close to
resources given food security risks,
Adam Shields, residential for sale, buyers a major city yet West Australians
but the Australian dollar continues
LANDMARK have so much choice. What is can’t seem to envisage the future
market in to dampen international interest in
REALTY W.A great to see is that prices have held ahead for Perth.
Gingin is quiet, rural properties.
PTY LTD relatively well with sales made.
house prices
have dropped
to suit this market, but due to lack
of work and less locals needing to
We had the good fortune to attend a recent the number of listings is artificially high, he proposes
upgrade or invest houses are taking
presentation by Gavin Hegney, a local property expert, that 10-20% of these are subject to sale and will soon
longer to sell.
you have probably heard him on 720 radio. come off the market. He also believes 2 in 3 properties
This is the same for Bindoon are overpriced and this correction will come either as
and Bullsbrook, some prices paid Consider Gavin’s opening words, “recovery usually
reduced prices or removed from the market.
in 2007, have not moved much in happens when we don’t feel it”. Makes sense, if we
value, the prices have steadied all- look at the share market, it is up 50% So are we there yet? According to
round in rural shires north of Perth. since the GFC and yet sentiment Gavin we are in for a 3-4 year
But I’ve noticed the elite properties is still weak. recovery phase which will see
are gathering excellent interest and
Gavin is reasonably
“recovery usually modest growth at around
I have sold many in past 6 months 4-5%.
under and over $600,000.
upbeat about the property
market future, he suggests
happens when we As for tips of where to buy,

The property
All sellers must keep trying and
promoting there property’s as much
fundamentals are improving in
WA, whilst sentiment is lagging
don’t feel it”. consider this “8 in 10 people are
looking for a home”, his lesson
market has been as possible. The more people see it, behind. is buy where people want to live,
relatively quiet the better. I’m finding the internet, can’t argue with that.
Fundamentals such as
during the last local and Weekend news papers
are giving me the best results with rental vacancies, population Big question is how does this
year but with
buyers enquires. Sellers you must growth and employment are suggesting relate to our local region. As Besa Deda, an economist
a small, steady
hang in there, if it’s not on the positive outlook. Gavin shared how in the last cycle said, “What you’ve got to remember is that we often
flow of sales.
The last four net or in the paper your chances eastern states money was a big reason for the WA view the housing market as one market, but really the
of selling are slimmer. I know it’s property growth and he predicts this will happen again housing market is a number of markets,” she says. “Even
Liz Connell, to five weeks
a pain but keep maintaining and as WA is starting to look more affordable, with strong in a suburb, houses on one street can differ from houses
LIZ CONNELL I have had an
increase of presenting your investment the fundamentals. Interesting at the crest of the WA slump, on another street.”
REALTY
inquiries from best it can be, first impressions are WA was the least affordable in Australia, now we are
So to help us understand we talk to agents across the
genuine buyers the best. Also keep an eye on other the most affordable again.
region for their opinion.
and am hoping this will continue properties that come up for sale, In the meantime WA remains slow, Gavin suggested
as we enter the cooler months. you need to be working with your

RIVERFRONT SECLUSION $900,000 43 Acres
MOOLIABEENEE
Charming 3 x 1 character home, fully
renovated, plus bonus 3 x 1 cottage in
peaceful location. River frontage, good soils,
views, sheds plus excellent water supply.
MINI FARM MILLION DOLLAR VIEWS PICTURE PERFECT
$410,000 2.8 Acres $850,000 15 Acres $499,000 - $520,000
BINDOON Brick & tile home with stunning views over 3.2 Acres 3 x 2 brick & iron home with
4 x 1 cedar & iron home, shed, fruit trees, Chittering Valley. 3 or 4 bed, study, 2 bath, separate utility room, shed, fruit trees,
fenced paddock for horses or sheep, chook sep. Lounge, shed, good bore, cleared land gazebo, spa, scheme water and views.
run plus scheme water connected. plus grid connected solar system.

Liz Connell Realty, 27B Binda Place, Bindoon, WA 6502

P: 08 9576 0626 M: 0428 836 856 E: liz.connell@bigpond.com.au

www.nvnews.com.au 11
NN business & finance

How can

Inflation
we protect
ourselves
from
inflation?

A headache for
Insurance Brokers economies around the

& Risk Specialists globe and dominating

finance report headlines.
Question for us households
• Insurance designed specifically for
businesses needs Major expansion at is what can we do to
protect ourselves.
• Competitive premiums Bindoon IGA Apart from becoming
more self sufficient such
• Personal, efficient & friendly service Bindoon IGA have commenced major renovations and as producing our own food
Jody Williams ask you please be patient at this time. resources, it seems many
• Access to a wide range of 9300 0672
Based in Woodridge When completed the fresh range of Meat, Fruit & experts are also suggesting
insurance products Vegetables will be huge. The Deli will be moved to the residential real estate
back of the store and will double in length. There will be can protect you against
• Business insurance packages inflation.
three and half isles dedicated to Grocery & Variety. 10
• Machinery & equipment insurance doors of freezer will replace the existing chest freezers and Few people think of real
the dairy will also double in size. Isle’s will be widened estate when they think of
• Public & Products Liability especially in the current bottlenecked area around the inflation. But apparently
freezers. Ceilings will be replaced the the floors polished. we should. Of course,
• Workers compensation
“Basically the whole store will have a new look to it home prices are subject to
when finished and we all can’t wait” says Neal Griffiths. a range of economic forces
in the near-term, but in the
Tel: (08) 6500 0115 Fax: (08) 6270 1015 You can check the progress of the renovations at the
Authorised Representatives of: long-term, they are simply
E: jody.williams@oraclegroup.net.au� NAS Insurance Brokers Bindoon IGA facebook page. a function of purchasing
ABN: 60 096 916 184
www.oraclegroup.net.au AFS Licence 233750 power. If inflation builds
over time and workers
secure higher earnings to
��������� keep up with inflation,
Are you under insured?
Insurance

their relative purchasing

The news has been full of reasons to justify insurance, so

�������� strength moves up in
tandem.
we’ll assume you are all insured.
The big question is, when was the last time you reviewed your
����������
������ ������ � ��������
coverage. The problem with being underinsured is that nobody
wins. You lose because in the event of a major disaster, such Where to invest?
as a fire, when you have to replace your home building and
We spoke with Louise Kirton of
contents, quite simply you will not have enough money to buy
Proactive Property Management who is a
what you had previously.
knowledgebank on rentals in the region.
A friend of mine mentioned a great tool recently for checking You see Louise has been doing rentals/
your insurance. ���� �� ���� ����� �������� �������� property management for 9 years. Her
����������� �����
rental investment pick is Midland. Good
http://www.suminsured.com.au/index.php ���������� ���� ���� demand, proximity to the airport equal
Sum Insured helps you calculate the insurance replacement ���������� ���� ���� solid yield and affordable.
cost of your home and contents whilst at the same time ������� ���� ��� ���
She also says, “I can never get enough
assisting you to keep track of their assets. ������ ������������������������� properties in Bullsbrook so maybe
TIP - what a great thing to do on a rainy day. ��� �� ��� ��� ��� another area to keep an eye on”.

BEST VALUE IN BINDOON!
$245,000 5.72 Acres
The best looking block in Bindoon for this price
range with everything you need to build your dream
home or weekend getaway. Fully serviced with
power, phone, water, fencing, gates and crossover
in place.
Jackie Shervington: 0419 045 783
SHEER LUXURY IN THE VALLEY
$ POA Approx 5 acres BRIGADOON
Boasting sweeping views of the State Equestrian
Centre’s Open Space, this property has a sense of
tranquillity and prestige. Totally renovated 600 sqm
family home with quality fittings
thru/out. Guest House, sparkling
B/Ground pool, 16 x 7.5m shed, 4
paddocks and so much more.
Kris Teakle: 0409 686
626
THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
$ POA 11.28 acres MILLENDON
Have your ultimate horse property in a fabulous
location featuring 2 family residences, bore,
18 paddocks, Olympic Dressage arena, 8 Stable
complex, winter creek and good
shelter.
Kris Teakle: 0409 686
626
ULTIMATE IN COUNTRY LIVING
$ 1,450,000 93 acres WOOTATTING
You can experience the best of both worlds when
you secure this property only 50 minutes to the
CBD. Attributes of a massive spring fed lake, a/c
3x2 family home, abundance of quality sheds,
electric fencing, yearly fertilised red loam soil with
wandoo, jarrah, red and bluegums that enhance the
untapped possibilities on all arable paddocks.
Kris Teakle: 0409 686 626

12 www.nvnews.com.au Northern Valleys News MAY 2011

trades & services NN
FREE CLASSIFIEDS
TRADE TALK
Q& A with Peter Neesham from Cooee Couriers
and Transport

Starts next issue -Northern Valley’s residents only

A chance to sell or giveaway your “stuff”
to someone in the community. We all know
classifieds are a great way to recycle and here is a
great chance to have a clear out and maybe help
someone else out.
To post a classified advertisement log online to
our website www.nvnews.com.au and post your
item for sale. Its that easy!

When did you start your business?
Cooee Couriers and Transport was registered in 1993
and has had three owners since then. We have been
operating since 2002.
Why this business?
I had experience in the transport industry and I have
been living and working in the area most of my life so
when the oportunity to buy the business came up I took
the plunge. We have been operating out of Muchea for
the last nine years but our new shed in Bullsbrook is
under construction.
What do you love most about the business?
With this business we get to visit many of the locals
regularly which has created an array of friendships
between us, our drivers and our customers.
How many people you employ?
We currently employ ( if you include my wife Joanne
and I) seven people.
Funniest thing you have had to move?
Some of the more interesting items that we have moved
would include the park play equipment for the Shire of
Gingin - not easy to fit in the truck. The semen for the
vets can seem a little strange. We once had to deliver a
rifle but most of our freight is garden variety.
Heaviest thing you have had to move?
We can carry up to five tonne and have had a few
items at that weight. Mainly pallets of wine.
What you love about the Northern Valleys?
Best thing about the northern valleys? - the people.
Most of them are great.

Local Traders
Advertise YOUR business here & reach LOCAL customers -$60 for 3 issues. Just send us your business card and we’ll do the rest.

Lifestyle Home services Farm & Transport

www.nvnews.com.au 13
NN
Autumn HARVEST It’s YOUR news...

Autumn is the season of harvest, a Green Vegetable Toss

time to store up food, warm clothes
12-16 spears of asparagus
and plan for the approaching stillness
ACROSS DOWN
of winter. Even nature contracts 1 large Broccoli
1. Native American hatchet 1. Bengal big cats
and moves its energy inwards and 2-3 zucchini 5. Coagulated milk 2. Hollywood prize, Academy ...
downwards. Leaves and fruit fall, and 7. Carnival 3. Moving about
200g snow peas 8. Australian island state 4. Caressed with lips
we prepare our homes, gardens and 9. Library patron 5. Ballroom dance (3-3)
2 tspn sesame oil
bodies for the colder months to come. 12. Perfectly 6. Dully
2 tspn fresh ginger 15. Magic lamp owner 10. Charismatic air
The winter diet is often the richest, warmest 19. Lightly touched 11. Looked at
and heaviest of the seasonal diets. It includes 3 tbsp water 21. Abreast of the times (2-2-4) 12. Small hotel
more cooked, warming foods to support the 1⁄2 tsp salt 22. Apparel 13. Europe’s tallest volcano
bodies needs for heat and protection from the 23. Lease 14. Arm or leg
cold. And this heavier and more calming diet, Ground black pepper 24. Spectators 15. Surprise attack
we may need more rest and sleep to tune us 16. Pledge (oneself)
Cut the broccoli into small florets. Trim
into the winter cycle. 17. Tropical lizard
asparagus and slice into smaller pieces. Slice 18. Fit to eat
Our gardens will still produce a wide range of the zucchini on an angle into 1cm thick slices. 19. Be in terror of
winter veg to sustain us through these months. De-string the snow peas. 20. Military horn
Depending on your area, May is the month for Heat a pot of slightly salted water. When it
planting while the soil is still warm. boils, add the broccoli, asparagus, zucchini and
Cauliflower, carrots, kale, leeks, lettuce, cook for 2 mins. Drain, and refresh the veges
onions, shallots, Silverbeet, Brussel sprouts, in chilled water, this stops the cooking process
Asian greens, Broad beans, Radishes, Spinach, so they retain their colour and crunch.
Fennel, Peas Place the semi cooked vegetables into a
One of my personal favourites is the simple heated pan or wok with sesame oil, ginger,
pea. Unbelievably easy to grow and one that snow peas, water, salt and pepper. Cover and
seems to be enjoyed by children cooked or cook for 2-3 mins or until the snow peas have
straight off the vine. Not only do they require softened but are still bright green. Serve hot.
very little space in which to grow, their Any vegetable of your choice may be used in
demands are low and yield high. Typically, this recipe.
one plant seems never to be enough, but they
are easy enough for children to grow in a pot There is nothing more satisfying than
or the ground. Peas are best eaten as fresh as growing, harvesting and cooking your own
possible, but they can be picked in the pod and produce.
stored in a bag in the fridge for a day or two. Flavour goes a long way to explain the
Once podded, eat on the same day. Peas also phenomenal popularity of farmers markets
freeze well: pod, blanch for 1 minute, drain & and backyard vegetable gardens! It is not until
freeze in plastic bags. Once defrosted they can you have tasted a juicy tomato vine ripened
be used in any recipe apart from those that by the sun or a crisp juicy pea plucked straight
require raw peas. Peas are very low in calories, from the vine, that you realize what you’ve
low in fat, are a good complex carbohydrate, been missing. When you start with really fresh
and fairly high in fibre which may assist in ingredients it is really easy to be a great cook.
reduced cholesterol levels. Home grown produce, bursting with flavour
I have included a vegetable dish which and nutrients will go a long way to building
includes a lot of this seasons winter vegetables, our immune systems and increasing vitality
cooked in the simplest way to ensure the and health for the cold months ahead.
highest amount of nutrients are retained. Lori Wallace-Willard

Chequers Golf Club, Easter Cup

Competition,
Saturday 23rd April 2011.
Congratulations to the winners
Lorna Roki, Winner Ladies Easter Cup,
Score: square
(pictured left)
Greg Buttfield, Winner Men’s Easter Cup,
Score:Plus 4
(pictured far left)

14 www.nvnews.com.au Northern Valleys News MAY 2011

NN It’s YOUR news...
fun
fitness
Pilates
Beginner-Intermediate Classes
(only if you have done
pilates before).
Thursdays 7-8pm
Venue: Lowery Park Hall,
Chittering Gardens, Bullsbrook
Contact: Julie
Mob: 0414696430 or 95718054
Heartmoves
Tuesdays and Thursdays
9.30am to 10.30am
Venue: Bullsbrook Bowling Club
Cost: $7 casual class or
$55 for ten classes.
FIRST CLASS IS FREE!
Contact: Rachael Steen
Mobile: 0428 720 005
Zumba Ftness - Gingin/
Bindoon
Zumba Fitness is Wednesdays
6-7pm Bindoon Hall $10 a class
(discount cards available) $5
student with accompanying parent.
Anyone interested in a
9-10am weekday class (great for
mums and ok to bring babies/
toddlers), numbers needed for
a class to commence contact
Roxanne 041 919 2511 or email
roxpaulfewster@bigpond.com
Roxanne’s Dance
Workshop
- Bindoon Hall - Wednesdays
Boys Hip Hop 5-12yrs
Tinys Dance 3-5yrs
Junior/Inter Dance 6-12yrsTuesday
5.30pm & Thursday 6.15pm
at Granville Hall, Gingin
Wedneday 6pm at
Bindoon Town Hall
Contact: Roxanne 041 919 2511
Zumba - Bullsbrook
Tuesday 7.30pm
Venue: Lower Chittering Hall
Admission only $10.00
No experience necessary
Contact: Roberto 0418640840
Bindoon over 50’s
Exercise Group
Meets every Friday at 9am at the
Ambulance Centre.
Contact 042 719 8278
Tai chi
Thurs 9am at Clune Park, Bindoon
Ph Barni Norton 0419 964 909
Do you have
something to add?
Let us know...
go to: www. nvmews.com.au
Auskick kicks off for the 2011 season. Around
50 young girls and boys signed up to learn a few
footy skills at Gingin Football oval. All eyes were
on “Muzz” as he inspired these young players.
16
READY TO RUN
Wannamal Waffle
Congratulations to Scott
Cocking who has been selected
in the Eastern Suns Basketball
team.
The Wannamal bowlers
greatly enjoyed a visit from
the Wanneroo Bowlers. Great
food, good friendship and lots
of bowling inbetween social
chit chat. A trip to Toodyay
for more of teh same is
coming up
In a closely contested tennis
pennants final with Wongan
Hills the Wannamal team
came second. Final scores 10-
14. Well done guys.
A very productive and well
attended busy bee at the
Wannmaal Hall resulted in
a fabulous clean up in and
around the hall
Two large rainwater tanks
have been installed at the new
fire station and the Wannamal
Hall - now all we need is the
rain. The new fire station is
starting to take shape.
Annette Howard
www.nvnews.com.au
OPENING MEET
A fox hunt in Gingin.......
Sunday 1st May, over 40 riders,
set off on a warm morning to try
for some scent and the chance to
perhaps spot ‘Charlie’.
Sweeping through the brook
below the homestead and also
near the heritage listed cottage
hounds struggled to find any
scent in the abnormally dry
conditions. But respite for the
riders and many car followers
was offered at morning tea with
a delicious selection of sambos
and cakes prepared by the
Gingin Scout Group. Once our
thirst and hunger was satisfied
it was over the railway line with
the hounds fair singing out in
one of our favourite ‘sure’ find
coverts. Although the conditions
were not conducive for scenting
the hounds did an excellent job
at their first outing for the 2011
season.
Back to the Gingin Hotel for
a scrumptious lunch and much
merriment as hounds were
sponsored and items auction,
donated by our very generous
sponsors. All in all a wonderful
day and we thank our hosts
and Gingin for making us so
welcome, once again.
Pauline Carr is planning on
running the 14km HBF Run for
a Reason on the 22 May raising
money for the Cancer Council
WA.
29 year old Pauline and partner
and have recently decided to
make the Mogumber area their
permanent home by purchasing
a farm just out of the town site.
Pauline says the HBF run will
provide her with a challenge and
improved fitness, but it is the
cancer fight that will really spur
her on during those last km’s.
Pauline says “I have a couple
of family members that are
currently giving cancer a good
fight. I know I’m not alone. It
seems we all know someone who
is or has been affected by cancer
these days. I hope I get to see
the day when we find the cancer
cure, that will be a great day.”
To date Pauline has raised
$1320 and her target is set at
$2000. Pauline would like to
encourage the community to
support her run by donating at
her fundraising webpage www.
hbfrunfundraising.com.au/
pauline_carr
Funds go directly to the Cancer
Council WA.
Tom Spencer riding Toby
George Clifford and Zoe Ellis MFH
(Master of the Foxhounds)
Northern Valleys News MAY 2011