WAAPA in the Park returns and a Women's Shed pilot progam gets underway

After our recent push to introduce a wheel clamping ban in the City of Stirling, it’s terrific news that the State Government is now moving ahead with plans for a state-wide ban.

Since late last year, the City of Stirling has been working to become WA’s first local government to abolish wheel clamping. Council voted in favour of banning the practice at its meeting in November. Public consultation for a local law to be introduced was also overwhelmingly supportive of a ban with 83% of respondents in favour.

The State Government is now set to draft its own legislation to introduce a ban across WA as quickly as possible. The Premier the Hon. Mark McGowan MLA and Transport Minister the Hon. Rita Saffioti MLA recently made their announcement for the proposed bill in Scarborough after several wheel clamping incidents in the area hit the headlines.

I am delighted to announce that Council reaffirmed its overwhelming support for Chief Executive Officer Stuart Jardine by extending his contract through to April 2023. When reviewing the contract extension, the Council considered factors such as the City’s strong financial position, its recognition with award winning programs/services and its consistently high customer satisfaction rating.

I’m looking forward to continuing to work with Stuart on vital projects such as our Strategic Community Plan as well as ongoing efforts to improve our level of service for everyone who lives, works or visits the City of Stirling.

We recently launched a successful pilot series of Women’s Shed classes at the Innaloo Sportmen’s Club. The DIY sessions cover topics such as car maintenance, furniture restoration and plumbing tips. With all sessions in the first round of fortnightly workshops now fully booked, a second series of workshops is planned for July to December.

Doubleview Ward Cr Elizabeth Re welcomed participants at the first Women’s Shed session, which also received coverage on ABC News. Once the pilot round wraps up in December, we will review feedback from the workshops to size up whether there is a need for the City to develop a permanent Women’s Shed.

As you know, the City has world class tourist destinations and its share of important economic centres. We offer a vibrant destination with lots to see and do, from beautiful beaches and pristine parks to major employment centres in Osborne Park and Balcatta. Collectively, our mix of commercial and industrial activities along with events and entertainment options contribute more than $ $15 billion to the local economy.

To ensure this sector continues to thrive and proposer, the City of Stirling is reviewing its Economic and Tourism Development Strategy 2020 - 2025. We recently called on local businesses to complete an online survey to gather feedback on processes and actions that would benefit businesses and tourism-based operators during the next five years.

I would like to thank everyone who took part in the survey and attended the recent Stirling Tourism Forum. When we get to the stage of calling for community comment to help shape the plan, we would really value your feedback on ways we can make the future even brighter for local business and tourism-based operators.

After another hugely popular season at Scarborough Beach, it was rewarding that Sunset Veranda recently picked up the FRINGE WORLD 2020 Independent Program Award! The month long pop-up venue at Brighton Beach ran from 17 January to 16 February and was without doubt the City’s best and most diverse edition yet.

With more than 100 individual events and 30 sold out shows, it was a smash hit that attracted about 16,500 people. As always, Sunset Veranda offered a mix of shows, activities, food and refreshments against a beautiful west coast sunset. A big thank-you goes to everyone who came down and supported the event. Programs and events such as these are only successful with the support of the community.

Lake Gwelup Reserve remains a popular destination for bushwalkers, but a lot of work goes on behind the scenes to keep it looking so good. A local volunteer group lending a helping hand is the Friends of Lake Gwelup. The enthusiastic group supports the reserve by hand weeding, adding local native plants, and reporting issues such as illegal dumping. 

Cr Chris Hatton and Cr Karlo Perkov from the Hamersley Ward recently caught up with Friends of Lake Gwelup members for an update on the group’s activities such as regular busy bees and guided nature walks. Look for ‘Friends of Lake Gwelup’ on Facebook for more details about the group.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the WA Academy of Performing Arts and what better way to celebrate than the annual WAAPA in the Park concert at Ron Stone Park, Mount Lawley. The free concert on Saturday 14 March from 7.00pm to 9.00pm showcases the impressive talents of WAAPA students on stage and behind the scenes.

An annual tradition since 2007, WAAPA in the Park will deliver a wide range of musical styles and genres from funk and soul to pop and jazz classics. So, come on down, bring a picnic and enjoy this entertaining and free community event. Free parking will be available across the road from Ron Stone Park at ECU Mount Lawley and food trucks will also be on hand offering some tasty eats.