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February 2023 | Issue 012

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King's Letter Congratulations Peggy- 100 Years! (Continued Page 9)

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of this land, the Whadjuk people of Noongar Boodjar, and their continued connection to the land and water. We pay our respects to all Whadjuk Elders and Leaders, their ancestors and First Nations Peoples living here today.

The Belmont Chronicle | February 2023

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February 2023

| The Belmont Chronicle

Useful Contact Numbers EMERGENCY: POLICE. FIRE. AMBULANCE 000 Alcoholics Anonymous .......................................9325 3566 Aus Breastfeeding Assoc Helpline ................1800 686 268 Belmont Council ..................................................9477 7222 Belmont Resident & Ratepayer Action Group ....0468 441 473 Belmont Youth Services .....................................9479 5794 Community Watch Security Patrols................1300 655 011 Council Rangers ..................................................9477 7224 Dept Child Protection Crisis Care ................1800 199 008 Dept Fire and Emergency Services (info) .............. 133 337 Dept Parks & Wildlife Helpline ............................9474 9055 Health Direct 24 Hours Health Advice .........1800 022 222 Jacaranda Community Centre ..........................9477 4346 Kinship Connections Aboriginal Corp .............9478 3656 Lifeline .....................................................................131 114 Men's Domestic Violence Helpline ...............1800 000 599 Mental Health Emergency Helpline ..............1300 555 788 National Disability Services WA .......................9242 5544 Poisons Information...................................................131 126 RSPCA WA ........................................................1300 278 358 Sexual Assault Resource Centre ....................1800 199 888 State Emergency Services (assistance) ................132 500 Suez (Book your skip bin) .................................9350 7182 Umbrella - Village Hub...........................................9275 4411 Water Corporation Fault Line ..................................131 375 Western Power Fault Line ........................................131 351 Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline ..............9223 1188

February Issue First birthday for the Chronicle! COMING UP: A YEAR OF STORIES ABOUT US Kaya! After a wonderful break over Christmas, we're out talking to people, and working to get the February Issue of the Chronicle printed and out into our pick up points. If you've had trouble finding it, check the places opposite to find one near you, or jump online and fill in your email address to get it in your inbox each month - we have hundreds of subscribers now, add your name to our list! This month we have our regular pages, plus a few of the things locals are doing to make this such a great place to live. So good, that Peggy, from the front cover, has lived here in Belmont for 92 years and counting, with no plans to move. We've included St Maria Goretti's Catholic School Art Exhibition from December last year, because it was one of our favourite invitations of the year! Thank you to Miss Ford for showing us around the wonderful artwork done by the students there, and congratulations to Lila for our winning artwork (pictured on Page 7)! December was not just bollywood parties, but a time when awards were announced. We caught up with the Police Officer of the Year (yes, she is stationed here in Belmont), and one of the Youth Green Awards winners. This year we have taken the advice from our many puzzlers on board, and are now publishing the solutions to the Crossword and Sudoku puzzles from the same month. So now, when you need a clue, you can find it in the same issue. Although we think this move will decrease the letters in our inbox significantly, please don't stop emailing us with your comments, we really do enjoy them. As always, thank you to our advertisers - you make it all possible every month. We hope you can use their businesses if you require, and tell them you saw them in the Belmont Chronicle! Now we're turning to March, and if you have any interesting events happening, please give us a call and let us know! In the meantime, grab a refreshment, sit back and enjoy February Issue!

Kate & Sadhbh

Bunuru starts about now The hottest season of the year is upon us now - Bunuru. After an unseasonably cool November, the weather has warmed up now through January, and we're expecting a couple of months of heat in February and March. This Noongar season is represented by the colour orange, and is the hottest time of the year, when we get the hot easterlies, and hope for the cooling sea breezes of the Freo Doctor in the afternoons. Along the street, the jarrah and marri trees are flowering, their white flowers attracting birds and insects. If you can, put some water out for the birds and insects - everything likes a cool drink in the shade when it's hot.

REAL ESTATE UPDATE FEBRUARY 2023 KEWDALE

Well, well, well how quickly 2023 has arrived, and gosh haven’t we all read the polarising predictions for the real estate market in 2023? “Going down” in 2023, the media said in September. “Perth prices will drop 10%” they said. And then of more recent weeks, the news has become sunny again. Perth will go up by a “few percentile” in 2023 the reports have been. So sit back and strap into your favourite chair, we are going to find out soon enough, who was right! Locally in Kewdale, the market has started out early in January with more than double the amount of buyers attending home opens. This can be viewed as good news, as offers are getting written on all stock. The market was two-paced throughout 2022, with average days on market for 3 and 4 bedroom houses sitting at around 40 days, and quite the opposite for 2 bedroom units, with the average days on market for say your 2 bedroom apartment, being closer to 227 days! That said buyers have swarmed at units for sale in January, so perhaps the tide is turning on that front also. According to domain.com.au there were 126 houses sold in Kewdale in 2022 and just 38 units (including duplex halves, townhouses, villas and apartments). Interest rate rises predicted for February will be a test for the New Year’s activity, if buyer demand stays higher, then 2023 could be a good year for property owners, and a challenge for buyers. Alex Stelbovics - Porter Mathews (Victoria Park)

RIVERVALE The median price for rivervale has jumped from below 500k in 2018 to 640k in 2022. The average rental was 360 per week in 2018 and is now 500 per week. This means it has become attractive to investors and we have seen that reflected in the increase in apartment sales. Steven Webster - Bourkes Real Estate

BELMONT The rental market continues to charge ahead with tenants desperate to secure a home. Rental demand is very strong especially within a 10km radius from Perth city. For the week ending 15/January, REIWA reported 609 properties for lease. The same week last year, there were 739 and four weeks ago, 707 properties. In the City of Belmont, we are seeing a large number of tenants attend property viewings hoping to secure accommodation. Chantal Ricupero - Welsh Real Estate (Cloverdale) The Belmont Chronicle

| February 2023

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Roundabout Town So far this year WHAT'S HAPPENING IN OUR SUBURBS Developments:

Council Update:

12 double storey units are planned for 298-300 Acton Avenue on the corner of Charlton Road in Kewdale. (Above: Artist Impression Mark Anthony Design)

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Perth Healthcare Centre SPECIAL AVAILABLE TO OUR READERS (details front page)

Finalist in the 2023 Telstra Best of Business Awards in WA, Alan Le, Founder and Director of Perth Healthcare Centre, tells us about the journey that led here. A chiropractor, Alan spent over 6 years working in clinics throughout Perth and Margaret River, being mentored and coached in his field. With experience and a nomination for Young Chiropractor of the Year under his belt, he set out to create the best multidisciplinary clinic in Perth, the Perth Healthcare Centre (formerly East Perth Chiropractic). "Our Mission is to bring the care back into healthcare", he says. "We have built a complete multidisciplinary, tailored, holistic and collaborative team approach to helping our patients live a healthier and better life." Alan has brought together a team of passionate health professionals, to provide the most effective health outcome for all, under one roof. "It's time patients are empowered with their own health, and we do that here," he says. "We provide exceptional service, comfort and care. We provide our patients with space and peace to relax in our stress-free environment." The Perth Healthcare Centre (PHC) is a one stop health provider, which includes: Chiropractic, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Remedial Massage, Occupational Therapy, Nutrition, Specialist Doctors, Nurse Practitioners, Naturopath, Exercise physiology, psychology and more. "We've grown with the needs of our patients, but we are still a family business with strong family values. We are caring, authentic, and we're here for our patients." Call or book online today! Ph: 08 9221 1166 www.eastperthchiro.com.au 4

February 2023

| The Belmont Chronicle

At the December Council Meeting, councillors spoke about the Epsom Avenue parking, the Mayor answering questions from the public about the new arrangements. The Mayor and some councillors agreed that it has been an ongoing problem for at least five years. It seems some drivers were using these spaces for long term parking which makes it difficult for the small shop's customers to just park outside, grab a few things, and get going again. After a petition instigated by the Belmont Resident and Ratepayer Action Group (BRRAG), Council consultation with the affected shopkeepers, and a parking study, the parking has now been adjusted and signposted for just 1 and 2 hours at the shops, others remain unrestricted. This past year, BRRAG has also been pushing for the council to employ additional rangers to bolster our existing five, in keeping with our population growth and the ranger's subsequent increased workload. Our rangers deal with dumped cars, trolleys and rubbish, and they also manage parking issues, animal problems, illegal camping, fire hazards, signage issues, and many other things. We believe an announcement update is coming soon on this. The first Ordinary Council Meeting for 2023 will be held in the Council Chambers, 7pm, February 28th- all welcome.

CALL AZIZ

0470 684 396

Connecting What we're doing YOUNG AFGHAN LEADERS I became aware of the Afghan Young Leaders when they cooked dinner as part of the "Food Safari", a Council initiative to share our multiculturalism at the Belmont Hub. They invited me to join them at one of their weekly meetings in Redcliffe, to meet their members and find out what they are all about. The Afghan Young Leaders came about when the Afghan migrant community came together and realised that many of their children were having difficulties. They felt their children were being caught between the two cultures and didn’t really know how to fit into their new society and friendship groups, while maintaining respect for their parent’s cultural norms, meeting family expectations and responsibilities. Maria Aziz, the founder and Chairperson of the group, came out to Australia with her family as a teenager in 1988, as the Russians moved into Afghanistan. She has lived here now for 34 years, married, and had her children here. She looks back on her teenage years now and realises that the difficulties she had then are the same ones the teenagers are having now. She admmitted she was a rebel, and her parents were scared of the new country. She wanted to fit in with her friends, but her parents wanted to keep her safe. It was unknown territory for her back then, just as it is with their youth today.

"Afghanistan looked like any Western Country, back in the '60s and '70s, you would hardly believe it now." Similar lived experience and a counselling degree means that Maria is in a position to assist new migrants and refugees from Afghanistan navigate some of the difficulties and pitfalls that come with such an enormous cultural and physical shift. This is how their group came about, and it seeks to help everyone learn and thrive in Australia. Looking back at the ongoing troubles in Afghanistan, Maria says that we wouldn’t have known the country of her birth back in the 60s and 70s. “It was like any western society. We were rich and successful, our cities were like anywhere else, “ she said. But of course it has changed since then, and I asked why. “We didn’t stand together against evil,” she explained. “We were too focused on doing well as individuals, and we forgot that we need to be united against harm and danger. The things that cause difficulties and grief for other people, also affect us.” That morning I spoke to many Afghan women, who were all enjoying speaking in their languages of Dari and Pashto, the two official languages of Afghanistan. When they get together they build their community bonds, and they share skills and they share food together. This group started in 2016, to assist newly arrived refugees, with English conversation classes, but now it is women gathering, building their confidence and self esteem. They learn coping mechanisms from those who have had similar life experiences, those who understand the trauma, because they have been there too. Next year the Afghan Young Leaders will be holding an intensive education program to help these women get ready for the workforce. They have classes for health and wellbeing, women’s health, nutrition, first aid, and skills like sewing classes, so that they can start their own small businesses. The courses will run for 7 months, two days per week, in Belmont. For more information about this, contact Maria Aziz 0434 204 422 or email [email protected]. Photos from Top: Maria Aziz & her daughter Marwa. And just before I finish, I’d like to share a recipe Maria sent me, for her Afghan Firni (Pudding Dessert) – smooth, creamy and (apparently) easy, the desert we enjoyed at the Food Safari. 2 cups of milk into a saucepan 1/3 cup of sugar Stir on medium low heat Meanwhile combine 2 level tablespoons of cornflour with 1/3 cup of cold milk. Then pour this slowly into the hot milk, while whisking. Stir continuously for 10 minutes. Then add ½ teaspoon Cardamom powder, 1 teaspoon rose water, and keep stirring for another 5 minutes. Let it simmer for at least 3 minutes while it thickens and cooks. Pour into something pretty, sprinkle crushed pistachio on the top (and saffron if you have some) and refrigerate until chilled before eating. (Pictured Left)

The Belmont Chronicle

| February 2023

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Over 55's Bollywood in Belmont! CROSS CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS

The WA Sikh Women's Alliance Network (SWAN) held a Women's Cross Cultural Celebration at Christmas in conjunction with Umbrella, the City of Belmont and Khalsa Club WA. It was a celebration of cultural diversity, with the aim of promoting understanding for harmony and growth in our community - and what could be more harmonious than music and food? We were served up a wonderful Punjabi meal, with chai tea and sweets. Along the way we played Punjabi bingo and learned to make chapati from scratch (it was easy!). The party was also attended by Mayor Marks (City of Belmont), Councillor Shen Sekhon (Canning), and the Wadumbah Aboriginal Dance Group, who opened celebrations with dancing and noongar stories. A Giddha traditional folk dance performance was breathtaking, and by the end of the party, it was dancing and joy, with a backdrop of the brilliant colours of the saris, the Indian music, the feeling of community and celebrations with friends both old and new. "It's just like a Bollywood party!", I heard someone exclaim. And it really was. This was a free event on the Multicultural Village Hub calendar, for information about similar events, contact them at: villagehub@ umbrellacommunitycare.com.au or 08 9275 4411

BELMONT

Multicultural Village Hub

PROGRAMS ARE BACK!!

SENIORS CLUB

You are welcome to come and have a look at our new club.

ACTIVITIES 5 DAYS PER WEEK: Monthly Bus Trips Carpet Bowls

Cards

Tai Chi

Boot Scooting

Office Hours: 9am to 12pm Belmont Hub 213 Wright Street, Cloverdale 6

February 2023

Bingo

Snooker

Enquiries ph 9478 1808

| The Belmont Chronicle

With a wide range of social, educational and wellbeing programs for 55+, there’s something for everyone. Our Term 1 program is packed with a variety of day trips, tech support, exercise, intercultural events, Chatty Café, education sessions, craft for a cause and a community debate group.

WHAT’S ON For full program updates, subscribe to our new newsletter: Umbrella Multicultural Village Hub Or follow us on Eventbrite: Umbrella Multicultural Village Hub or Facebook @umbrellamulticulturalvillagehub For more information or to request a print copy of the term 1 2023 program, contact us or drop in to see us.

P: (08) 9275 4411 E: [email protected] A: 39 Abernethy Road Belmont 6104

School's Back! Award Winners This month: ST MARIA GORETTI'S CS and BCC Art Exhibition at St. Maria Goretti's CS

Just before the end of the school year last year, we were invited to see the student's artwork at St Maria Goretti Catholic School Art Exhibition. We know this was back in December, but we wanted to bring your attention to the beautiful artwork the students there are creating. The Left: pottery school has a before-school pottery program, where students are making beautiful pieces on bowl. Above: Art teacher Miss pottery wheels (left), glazing and firing them. We awarded the Belmont Chronicle Award to our Ford. Right: Lila's favourite painting, an abstract oil on canvas by beautiful winning painting! Lila.

BCC Rated 3rd Statewide - Darrel Le Mercier The principal of the Belmont City College (BCC) found time to talk to the Belmont Chronicle about the BCC and their recent rating in the West Australian of third in the State. When I asked how they got here, he said it's all about pathways and value adding. "We have spent years building pathways for every student that comes here." All public schools are funded based on the economic background of their area, including special project funding. The City of Belmont Council also funds programs undertaken at the school, and they have a close relationship with both The Base (centre for young people) and the local police. Darrel came late to teaching after a career in performance, acting, theatre and music industry. He says his wife, who is a teacher, suggested that he would make a good teacher, and so he has, receiving the Principal of the Year Award, back in 2015. He came to the BCC in 1994 as a probationary teacher and has moved through all the positions from there, through Head of English, Deputy, and now Principal. He's certainly seen things change. When he was a teacher, he used to think about the things that could be improved if he was ever in the position to be able to do so. Now he is, and the school is becoming a place where students are coming from some distance away, to take advantage of their pathway programs. Darrel says BCC has a vibrant musical program, with music lessons, school bands and partnerships with the local primary schools, to get kids interested and learning music. They have academic extension programs and they have also rejuvenated the inter school sports based activities and carnivals. "15 years ago, the school was declining. Now we are in a growth stage in terms of numbers. Parents want their kids to come here," he said. With 945 students now, they are expecting increased numbers next year based on the primary schools in our area. "It's taken a lot of work and many people are putting the hard yards in to get our pathways of education in place, and then we all make them work by bringing the kids on their learning journey. Everybody works together to get here." "The responsibility of a good educator is to engage with their students, and keep them moving along their education pathway. This is what we aim to do here for all of our kids."

Congratulations Youth Green Award Winners!

City of Belmont recognise individuals who have shown leadership in local environmental initiatives over the past year. This year, Mayor Marks presented the Youth Green Awards to Hannah Hollingsworth, Yunisi Guya, Krystalea Cross and Jillian Price, and congratulated them for being "fantastic role models in our community". Hannah created a website to inform the community about the flora and fauna at Signal Hill, and was commended for her dedication to educating others on the importance of protecting the City's local ecology. Ms Guya, Ms Cross and Ms Price were commended for their initiative to increase recycling at the Base@ Belmont. They used Containers for Change program to recycle and raise funds for charities working in the climate, environmental and sustainability sector. They also arranged for sunflowers to be planted to help remove toxins from the soil and beautify the garden at the Base. Photo Top L-R: Hannah Hollingsworth, Mayor Marks, Krystalea Cross, Jillian Price, Yunisi Guya (also on left). Top photo courtesy City of Belmont.

The Belmont Chronicle

| February 2023

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Cop of the Year Tricia Stjepic WINNER OF THE 2022 WA POLICE EXCELLENCE AWARD Local Belmont Sergeant Trisha Stjepic, has been awarded the Police Officer of the Year, at the end of last year. "It was an enormous surprise", she said, “and not least because there are usually rumours and leaks – but not this time!” The award recognises and acknowledges police officers who individually demonstrate excellence in their service to the people and State of Western Australia. Trisha received multiple nominations for her outstanding commitment to leadership, operational demands, and cultivating a strong community safety focus. Trisha said she just decided to be a police officer when she was in her final year at school. And describing herself as stubborn, she said once she made the decision, it was as good as done. A couple of months after graduating school, she saw an advertisement for police cadets, and she joined. It was the first intake of cadets in several years, and came at the perfect time for her. From there, she joined the Police when she turned eighteen. After basic training, Trisha left for her first posting in South Hedland for two and a half years. After working in South Hedland, she moved through the regional investigations unit, Cannington and Armadale detectives, several other stations, and now fifteen years later, we are lucky to have her working here in Belmont. “It’s a busy station, but I love the challenge”, she said. "Every day is different." Trisha is involved in sport both at work, and outside of it. She leads the WA Women’s Police Football Team, the Quokkas, and was the runner up in the Overall Best and Fairest in last year’s National Competition in Melbourne. Outside of work, Trisha likes to run and she has competed in marathons all over the world – France, Berlin, Chicago, New York, Boston, London, Queenstown, Singapore, and around Australia. It may be easier to say where she hasn’t run a marathon – Queensland. Right now, when she's not working, she is training for the Tokyo Marathon, which will be held on March 5. Photos: Above- Trisha with husband Doug Stjepic, Left- at Belmont Racecourse.

BRRAG

OPERATES FROM

Wilson Park

Belmont Resident and Ratepayer Action Group

PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE VOICE FOR THE PEOPLE OF BELMONT

If you live in the City of Belmont or if you pay rates here, then we can be your voice at our Council. Enquiries and new members welcome

0468 441 473

www.brrag.org.au

8

February 2023

residentandratepayer

| The Belmont Chronicle

S BEAN AND N GROW TED IN ROAS RALIA AUST

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EVERYFFEE TH CO

FRrELoEyalty

u with ogramme Pro

Kooyong Road, Rivervale 7.30AM -11AM 7 DAYS PER WEEK (weather permitting)

We use environmentally friendly plant based coffee cups

Historical Belmont Guess where? CAST YOUR MIND BACK TO 1972

Left: Belmay Scout Hall, Hassett Street, Cloverdale, taken ca. 1972, showing the 1st Belmay Scouts preparing to leave for a camp to the Scout site on the coast at Busselton. The two scouts standing on the far left are David Whiteford and Michael Orr. Above: Hassett Street Bushland Reserve - the site of the former Belmay Scout Hall, shown on 19 November 2022. (Photo courtesy David & Matthew Whiteford) Does anyone remember the scout hall, or when it was demolished?

First Letter from the King! (from Front Page) Our local centenarian, Peggy, was surprised and happy to receive birthday wishes from the King and Camilla this month. Peggy turned 100 on 18 December, and she was surprised to get her letter emblazoned with a photo of the King and Camilla. After a lifetime with the Queen, it was a surprise. Peggy moved from Wannamal to a small property on Belmont Avenue, when she was just 8 years old. The day the war ended, Peggy married her first husband, and they built their house on Keane Street, where she remained for about 60 years, until moving to Faulkner Park Village. Peggy was always good at sport, and excelled at netball

(pictured front with the ball - "all of us lived on Belmont Avenue!"). It runs in the family - her granddaughter, Jessica Anstiss, is Vice Captain with the West Coast Fever. "I love sport, I just watch it on the TV now", she laughed. The Belmont Chronicle

| February 2023

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Harvest time Belmont Garden Diary URBAN GARDENING WITH CHRIS KULCZYCKI Attracting pollinators and beneficial insects to your garden One of the easiest ways to increase the yields from your productive garden and discourage pest insects is to attract the beneficial ones. Beneficial insects include bees, hoverflies, lacewings, ladybirds, and parasitic wasps. An important consideration when preparing a productive garden is to set aside some space to grow plants that will feed and home the insects that will help do some of the work for you. For example, bees and hoverflies are great pollinators whilst ladybirds do a fantastic job at eradicating aphids without the need to use chemicals.

"It doesn't matter what type of flowers you grow, diversity is best." Some of the flowering plants I grow alongside my fruit trees and vegetables Photos from top: Chris in front of geranium include Borage, Linaria, Chamomile, Marigolds, Calendula, Sunflowers, flowers; above Calendulas amongst zucchini, Alyssum, Roses, Nasturtium, and Bottlebrush, among others. I also allow bags; below Developing zucchinis. selected herbs and vegetables to go to flower. This further increases the diversity of flowers available to different insects. There is no rule for what exact types of flowers to use, but as often is the case, diversity is best. This ensures there is a constant supply of flowers across the seasons, as many plants have a peak period of performance including when they flower. In addition, different types of insects have a preference for different types of flowers. By increasing the variety of flower types, the more beneficial insects will visit or establish a home in your own garden. Growing flowers delivers on multiple purposes. They provide a food source and habitat for the beneficial insects, which will be attracted to your garden. I also get to use some of the flowers in the kitchen as a garnish or in the case of Chamomile, to dry and make homemade tea. The flowers also provide for an added level of visual interest in the garden and of course many are suitable to be cut and used in floral arrangements in your home.

GARDENER OF THE MONTH: DAN I met Dan at the Copley Park Community Garden, and this month I stopped by to admire his garden and have a chat. My first question to him was "Why garden?". “My grandparents were gardeners, so I suppose I was always going to be a gardener,” he replied. Dan’s garden has been built over 20 years, from “nothing but a slab path to the clothesline in the middle of the yard”, to a lush and cool green tropical garden filled with fruit trees, flowers, vegetables, and an enormous old jacaranda tree. Dan knew exactly when it was planted, and he recounted how an elderly lady knocked at the door one day and told him she had lived in this house many years ago, and asked to have a look through the house and yard. As they got to the back yard, she was happy to see that the jacaranda was there. She had planted this tree on Christmas Day 1951, a memorial to a lost child. “This last season was a spectacular year for jacaranda flowers,” he said, “Every morning when I came out here, the grass was Jacaranda Blue, a carpet, it was just beautiful.” About 10 years ago, Dan asked the council to plant trees along the verge of his street. The council replied that they would, but each homeowner had to fill in a form to give permission. He knocked on every door, got the signatures, and then they all got their trees. He’s really happy now that when you look down his street, the trees are growing, their street looks cool, shaded, and well cared for. “It doesn’t take trees that long to grow, but you just have to plant them!” 10

February 2023

| The Belmont Chronicle

Sustainability $3 Million for Locals RECYCLING AND TREE CANOPY Increasing our tree canopy (Lis Hollands)

Belmont Recyclers hit 30 million bottles/cans!

A couple of years ago, Belmont was named as one of the hottest local governments in Australia. We certainly still have the lowest tree canopy in WA. The blame for this is often laid on the airport. With this in mind, how can we improve our canopy, which in turn will keep our temperatures down? Firstly, the City of Belmont does not have a policy which allows the council to plant a tree on the (council owned) verge if the occupant at the time does not want one. However, once there is a tree on the verge, it cannot be removed unless the council agrees to do so. It is rare for this to occur and is usually because the tree is in a dangerous state, or it is interfering with a proposed development. Perhaps, with the urgency of climate change and rising temperatures, it may be time that verge trees are no longer a choice. Secondly as a result of development, blocks are cleared before building commences. Many of these trees are mature and have provided great shade and often foraging, for many years, and their loss is felt deeply by their surrounding communities -as we saw with the removal of the tree at the Kooyong Road sump.

Belmont recyclers have been putting Western Australia's Containers for Change project to good use. At the end of last year, they reached a huge milestone- 30 million bottles and cans recycled through the Belmont Recycling Centre. This means that $3 million in refunds have gone straight into the pockets of local individuals and local communities, including charities, schools and not-for-profit organisations.

Because we have the airport, we need to work harder to increase our tree canopy to offset that area. Increasing our canopy will result in significantly lower temperatures in our suburbs, which is good for us and good for the environment. Despite the State Government bringing in a policy requirement for the planting of a tree with each new development, it's a difficult thing to monitor. Over two years ago our council voted to have a tree preservation policy and we're still waiting for this policy to come before council. Such a policy would allow householders to get a significant tree - that complied with the policy - put on a list so it couldn't not be cut down in future. The City of Belmont took a leap forward to increase our canopy last year, with the introduction of the council supplying trees to residents for their private properties. Residents could put their names down and when the tree became available, they were notified to collect them. A certain number were allocated this year for residents, and the scheme proved popular, and we believe it will continue into the future, and we hope more people take it up.

The 20 million bottles recycled equates to: • 17.62 million litres of water being saved, • 129,000kgs of waste material saved from landfill • 3.9 Megajoules of energy saved • 360,000kg CO2 emissions being cut. For every container returned, recyclers can choose to keep the 10 cent refund, or donate it to one of the fundraising groups through Containers for Change. Stage 2 of WA's plastics ban will be phased in over the next year, starting Feb 1. This includes cotton buds (plastic shafts), degradable plastic, EPS (foam cups and food trays etc), takeaway coffee cups, cup lids, lids for takeaway containers and bowls.

Main Roads WA or Belmont Council? As we've watched the grass trees slowly die along the Great Eastern, there is debate about who's jurisdiction this space is, and who should take charge to replant with more likely survivors. Council says it's MRWA, MRWA thought the council was managing it. Now it appears that there has been such high staff turnover in the past few years in both organisations, that no one really knows anything about it. Belmont is surrounded by main roads and highways, and many of these spaces along the edges and median strips are places we need to utilise to increase our tree canopy. Both CoB and MRWA are in agreement on this. We're hoping to see some movement forward with this soon. The Belmont Chronicle

| February 2023

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KID’S CO

12

MATCH THE CORRECT ANIMAL TO THE SHADOW

1

SPOT THE 10 DIFFERENCES

2

February 2023

| The Belmont Chronicle

Feb rua ry

CORNER

WHO IS THE KANGAROOS BEST FRIEND?

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SOLUTIONS

Puzzle 1

Puzzle 4 Puzzle 3

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Puzzle 2

TRACE AROUND ME AND COLOUR ME IN

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| February 2023

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Puzzles The Conclave of Conundra Sudoku Very Easy Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9.

4 6 5 9 Letter Word Puzzle 1 3 2 5 Can you find the 9 letter word? Find as many words as you can, all words 9 5 1 4 must contain the centre letter. 6 1 2 4 9 8 5 6 7 9 8 4 6 4 6 3 8 6 1 9 7 3 4 6

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ACROSS 8. Canceled 9. < and > are signs of it 10. It may give you closure 11. Makes over 12. "Awright!" 13. Minstrel 17. Increase, with "up" 18. Chip away at 19. Tramp or vagrant 20 Cockpit of large aircraft 22. 'No ____!" (don't throw it!) 23. GBS, LBJ, or MLK 27. A double one is even worse 28. Smoothly 29. Em, to Dorothy 14

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February 2023

DOWN 1. Stupendous 2. Butcher's item 3. It's off the main drag 4. Prophet 5. Deaden 6. Closely related 7. Fastener 14 Kind of layer (O3) 15. Separating factions 16. Unattractive 19. Lair 21. Down in the dumps 24. Comply with 25. Atoll protector 26. Atomizer output Word Puzzle: subarctic

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Find a Word No.1. Countries of the World Andorra Aruba Bahamas Bangladesh Belize Bermuda Burundi Canada Cayman Islands Chad Chile China

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N H A I T I C T H A I L A N D

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Congo Cuba Fiji Gabon Ghana Guam Guinea Haiti India Iran Iraq Israel

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Norway Oman Panama Peru Seychelles Spain Syria Thailand Togo USA Zaire

Italy Japan Kenya Laos Latvia Libya Macau Mali Malta Namibia Nauru Niger

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Pet Care Heat and your pets Q&AWith Doctor Charlie(DVM) HEAT AND PETS Which animals are most at risk of overheating?

With regard to dogs and cats our short-nosed friends such as Pugs, French Bulldogs and Persian cats have the highest risk of developing heat stress. Other dogs and cats at risk include those carrying too much weight, old and very young animals. Pocket pets such as guinea pigs, rabbits and ferrets are also at very high risk.

What steps can I take around my home to prevent my pet from overheating?

Some simple steps you can take to keep your pet cool is making sure your pet has access to a well ventilated and shady spot; ensuring free access to water; never leaving a pet in a car and not exercising your dog on hot days or only at dawn/dusk when it is coolest. High risk pets may need extra attention such as being brought indoors on especially hot days. Please consult your veterinarian to develop a plan.

What are some cool treats I can give?

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Animals, particularly those with light coloured skin, can be affected by sunburn which can be painful in the short term and similar to humans, repeated sun exposure can lead to skin cancers. To help prevent sunburn provide your pet with plenty of shade, don’t exercise them during the sunniest part of the day and if they will permit it use a pet sunscreen. Pet sunscreens can be found at pet stores or at veterinary clinics and should be applied to the nose, ears and belly. If you notice any redness or crustiness to the skin, please seek veterinary attention.

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Can my pet get sunburn?

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If you feel your pet may be suffering from heat stroke seek veterinary treatment immediately.

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What can I do if I notice these signs?

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Excessive panting or any changes in the respiratory rate or effort when the pet is resting is enough to warrant immediate veterinary care. Other signs that a pet in distress may show are: drooling and excessive salivation; disorientation, agitation and mental confusion; changes in the gum colour – can be bright red or very pale; vomiting and diarrhoea (possibly with blood); collapse; and seizures.

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What are the early warning signs that my pet is suffering heat stroke?

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Ice blocks in the water can be a good way to help pets keep cool over the summer months. Add ice cubes to the drinking water for all pets to keep them refreshed. For dogs you can make special larger iceblocks containing food items, using an old yogurt or icecream container, these will keep them occupied and cool all day. Items to try include kibble, treats, fruit, veggies etc. These items can also be frozen as themselves as a cool treat but they will not last as long as a big iceblock. A good frozen treat for summer is frozen watermelon. It is important to remember ice is only for healthy pets that are not suffering heat stress. If you notice any of the signs below do not give ice or ice water.

Llama tell you a secret...

THIS SPACE IS AVAILABLE 0411 874 210 | [email protected] PO Box 214, BELMONT 6984 The Belmont Chronicle

| February 2023

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Book of the Month The Seven Skins of Esther Wilding Reviewed by Tess Holly Ringland’s delightful and moving second novel is a highly recommended addition to any bookshelf. She weaves a tale of magic and nature and music based on Scandinavian fairy tales and legends. The story revolves around Esther and her infinite love for her sister, Aura, who has disappeared. The family has fractured since the disappearance and they are all struggling with the loss. Esther sets out to discover the mystery of Aura’s last few months. A journey that takes her, reluctantly, from home in Tasmania to Denmark and the Faroe Islands. While reconnecting with her family roots, Esther discovers myths, legends and symbols that begin a transformation in her as she finds the courage to allow herself to be immersed in grief and joy and love. The local stories and legends are fascinating, and then she adds another dimension with the ‘back to the 80’s’ themes, introducing fun cultural references from those years. Initially I couldn’t relate to Esther, I found her tiresome and slightly irritating. It took a while for me to get into the book. But the writing is so delightful and almost musical, it is impossible to not become enthralled. In retrospect, I realise that this was about her journey and she didn’t really like the person she was either. Esther at the end is a different person. She had unresolved issues to face and Holly Ringland actually writes so beautifully about the pain of grief and loss and family conflict. Ringland’s prose is magical and written with gentleness. I thoroughly enjoyed being transported to Scandinavia through Esther’s eyes, and the ending was satisfying.

Little Library Finds - Copley Park Rifling through one of the local Little Libraries this month, I found a gem - Deng Adut's story from civil war in South Sudan, to a lawyer helping refugees in Western Sydney. I don't think I'll be returning it to the little library, but it's available at the Hub library. I'd like to mention that I couldn't help but flick through the Clive Cusslers and Lee Childs books (there were many), just to check that nobody had gone through with a red pen and underlined the killer in the first chapter, as has been known to occur in the past. There's something for everyone here - Bryce Courtney, George Martin of Game of Thrones infamy and some children's books.

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February 2023

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