Councillor Ben Kunze | Public figure
Councillor Ben Kunze
Reviews
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24.01.2022 Well done to the Riverton RSL Club for organising today’s Toy Cavalcade! Not only did it look impressive, they collected a tonne of toys from our community that will be distributed to disadvantaged kids who need a smile this Christmas Amazing effort!
23.01.2022 A great news story on the front of this week’s Canning Examiner Well done to the local community for your work in getting this positive outcome for Riverton
23.01.2022 A MOMENT 30 YEARS IN THE MAKING To say yesterday was special is an understatement. We finally officially opened the expanded Willetton Basketball Stadium something first discussed over 30 years ago.... If you havent already, I encourage you to go see this magnificent new facility right in the heart of Willetton. The main person who made this a reality was none other than its President, Phil Nixon, who has spent 17 years on this project. Along with his Board and support crew, he invested thousands of hours in board meetings, fundraising and lobbying decision makers. There cant be enough said about how much Phil has done for this organisation and our local community. Hes been well assisted by people like Ivan, Mark, Maria there are so many. Personally, I was extremely proud yesterday, as this is a project Ive worked on since Day 1 on Council this was a central part of my 2015 platform when I first ran for Council. For a number of the years, especially when the Council was being run by commissioners, this project was not supported by the City of Canning. Along with my colleague Lindsay Holland, we pushed a motion and pressed this project a number of times within Council, which was crucial to ensure it became a reality given the City is the landowner. The City was also able to contribute $2.2m in funding towards this magnificent stadium. Id like to thank the Council and the staff for everything thats happened here, and for whats happening across the precinct. Its being totally transformed, with around $6.5m invested from the City. It would not have happened without our Federal Member of Parliament Ben Morton, who came to our community with such energy and passion. He was able to secure the whopping $5.5m from the Commonwealth Government to make it happen. An immense effort. Then there has been Mike Nahan who has advocated for this project since becoming the Member for Riverton in 2008, who played a key role as well. This project was only able to happen with the three tiers of Government coming together, and so its with great thanks that the State Government also contributed $1.5m. But for the Willetton Tigers to itself contribute $1.3m itself is evidence about how well this sporting association is run, and how much it wanted this project to happen. Well done! I very much believe in reward for effort we should back those who back themselves. Lastly, this project is so important for our local community. The thousands of kids, the thousands of adults who love their basketball, who will enjoy this facility for decades to come. As a sports lover, I know how important the infrastructure is, and how much this will mean to those who love basketball.
23.01.2022 OUTSIDE SCHOOL HOURS CARE UPDATE FOR RIVERTON As many local Riverton residents will know, in March this year Communicare ceased providing its OSHC services that were provided to the Riverton PS community for many years. I recognise the uncertainty that the many families who relied on these services would have been feeling over the past 6 months, given many were caught off guard with limited alternative OSHC providers available. ... The facility is a City of Canning premise; however given there is a long-term lease in place, we needed to wait to find out Communicares intentions and wait for a formal proposal. Given it is a purpose built facility, it is the most appropriate location for a replacement OSHC service. The Board of Riverton Primary Campus consequently wrote to Communicare to seek their intentions and see if they could make the building available. My Council colleague, Councillor Amanda Spencer-Teo Bannister Ward, and I have been in regular contact with senior staff at the City of Canning hoping to see a resolution to this matter, and understand that staff have had a number of interactions with Communicare representatives. I understand that Communicare representatives have met with OSH Club recently to discuss a change in service provider. Canning staff have already engaged in preparing a report for Councils consideration, and I understand the City stands prepared to expeditiously consider a lease amendment if it is submitted, which is required for another OSHC provider to use the premise. Fingers crossed we will have formal news in the near future, and that a positive outcome is reached soon. Cr Spencer-Teo and I will keep you updated
22.01.2022 Well done to the Riverton RSL Club for organising today’s Toy Cavalcade! Not only did it look impressive, they collected a tonne of toys from our community that will be distributed to disadvantaged kids who need a smile this Christmas Amazing effort!
22.01.2022 It’s beginning to look a lot like CHRISTMAS in Canning
22.01.2022 ROTARY HAS GONE DIGITAL Tonight I joined the Rotary Club of Canning for their monthly online meeting - a practice theyve maintained post the Coronavirus shutdown to keep Rotarians who no longer live in Perth involved in the Clubs activities. While Covid-19 has caused the world a lot of hurt and pain, it has changed the way we look at life and this is one of the ways our local Rotary Club has adapted. ... Tonights online meeting gave Rotarians the opportunity to speak with Sophie, who the Club sponsored to go to Hungry a few years back - she now lives in Canberra working for the Productivity Commission. Me - I was able to update Rotarians with many of the things happening on Council and within our local community. If youre interested in getting involved in Rotary, the Club normally meets every Wednesday at 6pm at the Market City Tavern.
22.01.2022 I am extremely proud to say that last night Council endorsed the renaming of Riverton Pavilion to the Audrey and Vic Varischetti Pavilion! Both Audrey and Vic have been amazing pioneers in our local community Vic has been a tireless advocate for footy in our area for over 50 years, having been central to the formation of both the Riverton Junior Football Club and the Rossmoyne Junior Football Club. Like Vic, Audrey has dedicated countless hours to the Riverton Roos, and has... also been a central part of the Herald Avenue Senior Citizens Centre, stepping down only last year following 30 years of service. She held many positions including President, Secretary and Treasurer. Thank you to Richard, Glenys and the Riverton JFC Committee for putting forward this application. To both Audrey and Vic we as a community say a massive THANK YOU!
21.01.2022 NURDI PARK UPDATE Rivertons Nurdi Park is becoming a living stream, and Im delighted to see works are progressing well. Plenty of work has already been completed on the sediment basin and the western side of the park. ... If youd like to learn more about the project, you can click here - www.yoursaycanning.com.au/nurdi-park
21.01.2022 COUNCIL DECIDES ON SHELLEY BEACH PARK On Tuesday evening, Council decided to proceed with option 2 of the 3 concept plans - this was the food truck option Whilst there has been much community debate on this issue, I am delighted that Council will now be investing much needed funds into Shelley Beach Park, especially with respect to building a brand new DISTRICT LEVEL SIZED PLAYGROUND, which will cater for kids of all ages and abilities. The precinct and local kids are cry...ing out for it! The most contentious issue was a potential Cafe - Councillor Amanda Spencer-Teo Bannister Ward and I pushed for the Cafe option (option 3) as it our view that the majority of the community wanted it. Whether you looked at the several surveys, petitions, emails or have your say data - it was constantly the most preferred option. Having doorknocked for two election campaigns - this was the most unprompted issue raised with me - which confirmed my views for deciding in the end. I do however recognise that there are residents who do not want a cafe at Shelley Beach Park, with the majority of Council ultimately deciding against a cafe. Whatever was ultimately decided - there was always going to be people disappointed. What matters in the end however, is that we will get a new and improved foreshore area, from a social and environmental point of view. Well done and thanks to everyone who contributed to this process over the years. Thanks to the many residents who attended council for the first time, to provide deputations and their views to elected members
21.01.2022 GOOD NEWS FRIDAY Some time ago, I raised with staff my concerns with the pooling of water outside the Riverton Leisureplex on the corner of High Rd and Riley Rd, and the fact that birds would go on the road as there was no alternative water supplies nearby. Well as of this week a bird bath has been included 15m away as part of the new landscape works - I can confirm its already a hit with a number of the local natives ... Will it stop birds going on the road? I suspect not completely but I hold hope. It has however provided a nearby water source, which will be invaluable on hot days. It also wont require too much maintenance as its linked to the plant irrigation. I could not be more thankful to staff for acting on these concerns and for looking out for our local bird populations
20.01.2022 Tonight Canning endorsed its 2020-2021 budget 99.74% of ratepayers will either pay less than last year or the same (over 10,000 ratepayers will pay less). Ill provide more detail in coming days regarding the budget and what it means for our community stay tuned
20.01.2022 NURDI PARK UPDATE Work is progressing well on the Nurdi Park Living Stream project - a project I am very excited about that will transform this part of Riverton. I had just finished my check up with my local dentist, Dr John Marriott at the Riverton Dental Centre and had to stop by to check out the progress on my way to work. ... This is an exciting local project for our local community thatll improve water quality going into the Canning River, provide a better environment and a much nicer local park!
19.01.2022 The Riverton Junior Football Club is inviting locals to come down to Riverton Reserve to celebrate the historic renaming of the pavilion to the Audrey and Vic Varischetti Pavilion Please see details below
19.01.2022 FANTASTIC news for Willetton SHS! It was disappointing for the schools community when the rebuild was stopped 3 years ago ... But fantastic that its now going to be completed A wonderful school and Im sure this announcement will be very well received by everyone at Willetton SHS
18.01.2022 Last night Lizzy and I joined my colleagues Patrick & Trudi Hall, Amanda & Wayne Spencer-Teo, and club Patron Mike Nahan at the Riverton RSL Remembrance Day commemoration dinner. It was a special opportunity to show our respect and commemorate those who have fought in our name so that we don’t have to, and to pay our respect to absent friends. Thanks to Bill and everyone at the Riverton RSL for having us. ... Remembrance Day is this Wednesday, 11 November - please make sure you take the time to show your respect. Lest we forget
18.01.2022 It was great to pop down to Shelley Reserve last night after work for a beer at the Rossmoyne Junior Football Club Sundowner. It was good to see many of the members and committee including President Matt Williams, and to catch up with my colleagues Mayor Patrick Hall - City of Canning and Councillor Amanda Spencer-Teo Bannister Ward for a laugh and a good time. Its so nice to have these things back and see the kids having fun. ... One of the positive notes of this Covid-19 era is that you get a better perspective on life and learn not to take things for granted, many of which were taken from us through restrictions.
18.01.2022 Riverton’s Nurdi Park living stream is already an amazing new environment and there’s still so much more to come At this month’s meeting, Council took responsibility of the Water Corporation land that will enable the project to progress further. The new living stream has removed the prison like fence that was a barrier, it has improved the local amenity, whilst it will strip nutrients and pollutants improving the quality of the water going into the Canning River at the ...end of Beatrice Ave. I’m looking forward to the end result and hope to see more of these projects commence across our community at water corporation open drains that could be a lot more than they current are.
18.01.2022 A nice piece in this week's Canning Examiner Newspapers about the Rotary Club of Canning going digital If you're interested in joining the Rotary Club of Canning, you can email [email protected] or call 0432 840 816.
17.01.2022 CANNING'S NEW SKATE PARK While some people in the Western Suburbs don't seem to want a new skate park, here in Canning we've been planning the newest addition to the Burrendah Precinct. It's important that we provide the infrastructure for kids to get out there and have fun.... In conjunction with the expertise of skate park design firm, Skate Sculpture, the City has developed a concept for a new integrated skate plaza within the Willetton Sports Precinct. Watch this video to see what our new skatepark will look like. What do you think??
17.01.2022 Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy. We must ensure our roads are as safe as possible and do everything we can to prevent accidents. Last months tragedy was heart breaking, and my thoughts are with the family who are grieving during this terrible time.... Unfortunately 5 people have lost their lives in the past 12 years on this stretch of road, including 2 in the past 12 months. Cr Spencer-Teo and I have put forward a motion for Tuesdays Council meeting, which is attached to Amandas post, requesting the City of Canning to engage Main Roads WA to review Vahland Ave to identify any possible improvements that may alleviate safety concerns. This is a sensitive issue for a number of people, especially the families who have lost their loved ones, so I dont believe speculating on the incidents will assist anyone. I recognise that there are many varying views within the community, especially with respect to the speed limit; however I will leave the analysis to the experts.
16.01.2022 NEW YEARS DAY EVENT CANCELLED At our recent August meeting, Council resolved to cancel the fireworks and New Years Day celebrations due to the uncertainty in the current environment, particularly in regard to when exactly phase 5 of the restrictions will come into effect (October 24 is the tentative date). The Council decision was not unanimous however, as I did not support the decision to cancel the New Years Day event. I therefore put forward an alternative motion for C...ouncil to commit to the event, to provide us with the opportunity to make a final decision closer to the date given its still months away. It was my view that the City should continue planning for the New Years Day event, and to work to mitigate the financial risk by negotiating with the vendors to share the financial burden (eg. negotiate cancellation fees and the timing of planning). I believed it was in the vendors interest for us to commit to the event, and therefore they should be willing to share the financial risk. I accept that I was in the minority and that Council has made the decision that its not worth the risk. As always, I respect the Councils decision and appreciate the overall concern given the ongoing uncertainty. There will be many disappointed with the Citys decision, and many people understanding of it. Its important to appreciate however that no one wanted to cancel the event; however we are living in unprecedented times.
16.01.2022 A historic day for Riverton Riverton pavilion has been officially renamed after Vic and Audrey Varischetti- 2 stalwarts of our local community. It was wonderful to see so many friends, family and members of the local community join us to pay a special tribute to Audrey and Vic, who were both over the moon. ... A special day!
15.01.2022 ITS NATIONAL TREE DAY What can you do to help? While there arent any official events today in Canning due to Covid, you can plant a tree at home, or request one for your verge from the City of Canning. ... To see the tree species list and request one for the 2021 planting season, click here www.canning.wa.gov.au/treerequest
15.01.2022 NEW COURTS FOR THE CORINTHIAN PARK TENNIS CLUB! It was a real delight to visit the club yesterday to let club members know that the $500,000 court conversion and lighting upgrade was going ahead, with the funding finally secured! The Hon Kate Doust MLC informed members that the Club was successful in receiving $140,000 from the Department of Sport and Recreation, with the City of Canning submitting a grant application earlier this year. ... Councillor Amanda Spencer-Teo Bannister Ward then informed members that the City of Canning had already committed $180,000 to the project, with the Tennis Club itself contributing $180,000 of its own funds. What an absolutely amazing effort! I strongly believe in backing those who help themselves, and the work done by the club to get to this position is phenomenal. Well done to Denzil, Lorraine and everyone at the club who have persisted and persisted to reach this stage. This project will modernise their hard courts with a new gel surface, replace ageing lighting infrastructure and convert 2 existing grass courts to allow more social tennis. It will help the club’s sustainability going forward. It’s a great outcome reached with the community and several tiers of government coming together to kick a local goal
15.01.2022 They fought and made sacrifices in our name so that we don’t have to. We will remember them. Lest we forget.
13.01.2022 Deliberate destruction of our local environment is unacceptable The City of Canning was recently successful in prosecuting an individual who deliberately cut down vegetation through Shelley’s Rob Bruce Park. The successful prosecution was thanks to swift action by Canning staff, local residents and local volunteers like those involved in CRREPA. ... Ratepayers pay millions of dollars every year to maintain and improve our local environment Volunteers also invest countless hours because they’re passionate about our flora and fauna. It’s just not acceptable to have individuals deliberately destroying vegetation - if you ever see such a thing, please report it to the City of Canning ASAP. This destruction not only hurts our local environment, but it hits us all in the hip pocket.
13.01.2022 Please support your local Riverton RSL Club! I just popped over to say hi to President Bill Collidge and his crew whilst I was at Stockland Riverton, to provide a donation and get some poppies as we approach Remembrance Day. Please make sure you take the time to show your respect this Wednesday. ... We Will Remember Them. Lest We Forget
12.01.2022 Did you know Shelley has a new bulk billing GP clinic? Earlier this week, I was delighted to join my Council colleagues Mayor Patrick Hall - City of Canning and Councillor Amanda Spencer-Teo Bannister Ward to see the newest addition to the Shelley Hub - Shelley Hub Family Practice It was fantastic to meet the team and welcome Dr Mahliyo, Dr Jal and their staff to the City of Canning. ... Theyre wonderful people, and if youre looking for a new GP, I encourage you to consider this new local practice.
11.01.2022 To help prepare for the renaming of Riverton Pavilion, I sat down with Audrey to chat about her and Vics journey and how they came to volunteering for so long in our community. It was wonderful to hear that the Riverton Roos actually brought them both together - they met at a Riverton JFC ball! Audreys favourite thing about volunteering was meeting so many wonderful people, some of whom became life long friends
10.01.2022 What a legend My genuine thanks to Councillor Amanda Spencer-Teo Bannister Ward for her amazing efforts in helping Kaarakin secure a whopping $110,000 from Lotterywest to help during these challenging times. The birds really appreciate it
10.01.2022 Thank You Mike Nahan Today is Mike’s last day as the Member for Riverton. Mike really is a local legend - he has been a phenomenal advocate for our local community, he leaves a great legacy and his replacement has big shoes to fill. ... I’m very fortunate to have known Mike well over the last 7 years and wish him all the very best for what’s next. Cheers to Mike
10.01.2022 Canning’s ‘Muddy Hands Festival’ is back tomorrow! Having gone to this event in 2019 - this is definitely not one to miss (it starts at 10am at the Kent St Weir) Think mud pits, loose parts play, nature craft, sporting pop ups, reptile displays, a toddler zone and more! Bring along a picnic or purchase something from one of the delicious and healthy food trucks. ... This festival is a free, non-ticketed event that encourages children and families to enjoy playing outdoors and to get amongst nature. For more information visit www.canning.wa.gov.au/muddyhandsfest IMPORTANT: To be permitted entry to the event, you must scan the QR codes on the entry gates via the SafeWA app. There will also be a manual sign up sheet.
10.01.2022 Important update on Shelley Beach Park Masterplan
10.01.2022 PLAYGROUND UPGRADES COMING SOON! Amanda and I are delighted to report that the City will be investing into renewal of our playgrounds - something that is very much needed. Please watch the below video to learn more.... Sign up for our newsletter for accurate, reliable and trusted information about playground upgrades in the City of Canning coming soon. [email protected] #canning #playgrounds #comingsoon #upgrades #natureplay #play
10.01.2022 Do you know a young carer? A young carer is a person under the age of 25 who helps support a member of their household who is experiencing a mental health challenge, disability, long term health condition such as a chronic or terminal illness, a substance dependency or who is frail aged. Young carers often work exceptionally hard and carry burdens most people wouldnt experience at their age, all whilst managing their normal day to day responsibilities like work and school.... CarersWA has some fantastic upcoming events for young carers to provide a much needed break, an opportunity to make connections with other young carers, and most importantly to have some fun! Theres a range of different activities on offer, one of them hiking and kayaking along our very own pristine Riverton Wetlands And best of all its free! For further info, click here: www.carerswa.asn.au//young-carer-riverton-wetlands-hike-a/
10.01.2022 Mum and I enjoying the amazing facilities at the Willetton Bowling Club. I could not be prouder of the transformation of this precinct over recent years It’s something that has been discussed for so long, but its rejuvenation was long overdue and it’s so good to see what locals now have to enjoy
09.01.2022 This morning I was lucky enough to meet two beautiful 6-week old Alpine Dingo pups! Sadly genetically pure dingoes are very vulnerable to extinction, with many states still declaring them as pests - including here in Western Australia. The Alpine Dingoes are found in the Australian Alps on the eastern seaboard, but there are hardly any left in the wild. ... Itll be a great shame if we lose these majestic creatures for good, as theyve lived in Australia for thousands of years. If you want to learn more about native Australian Dingoes, see them up close or be amazing and lend a hand, simply click this link - https://blackcockatoorecovery.com/about-the-australian-din/
09.01.2022 Well done Rob! This is a great story in today's Canning Examiner regarding City of Canning Community Safety Officer Rob Briggs. While on patrol, Rob's hard work meant a thief was caught and the items returned to its rightful owner ... On top of that, Rob is a top bloke too
09.01.2022 With plenty of emails and posts on social media this week regarding the playground at Shelley Beach Park, my colleague Cr Amanda Spencer-Teo has responded well with the below post I encourage you to have a read
09.01.2022 Do you know the most popular Dog name in Canning? As of March 2019, there were 6,788 dogs registered in the City of Canning, which equates to 1 dog for every 13 residents. What do you think the most common name is?... Have a guess! *its not Cupcake
08.01.2022 THANK YOU MIKE NAHAN This evening Mike says goodbye to Parliament and the people of Western Australia, in which he will provide his valedictory speech. Mike has been a tremendous Member for Riverton over the past 12 years, and he will be missed. Mike is a genuine guy who tells it as it is, which can be a rare quality in modern politics. ... He’s been a great advocate for our community, especially our local schools and he leaves a lasting legacy. To watch his speech at 5pm, click here https://www.parliament.wa.gov.au//legislative-assembly-liv? *while today Mike says farewell to Parliament, he will remain the local MP until the March election.
07.01.2022 TREES SAVED At Tuesdays Council Meeting, I took the lead to defend 13 magnificent Lemon Scented Gum Trees on Riverton Dr in Rossmoyne. A request had been made by local residents to remove the trees due to their belief that falling branches were dangerous.... This issue was very important for me. 8 years ago, I felt helpless as 150 of these incredible trees were cleared from Manning Road due to a few complaints from nearby residents. I wrote as a private citizen to my City to oppose this travesty, but regrettably, the trees were felled. We are losing too many trees on the swan coastal plain due to residential infill and its therefore imperative that we retain mature trees on public land. Theyre very important for wildlife and to keep our suburbs cool. Significantly, these particular trees are an important food source for our endangered Black Cockatoos. Wildlife need safe spots to shelter on 40 degree days, during storms when winds are powerful. Its not as simple as saying we will plant new trees to replace them. Whilst I appreciate the concerns of local residents and recognise the reasons why they wanted these trees removed, I could not in good conscience condone the removal of these 45 year old trees. An independent arborist had inspected the trees and had found them to be safe and healthy. These 13 trees provide more canopy cover than what the City receives through a whole year of the Citys tree planting programme. Over the past few years, the City has adopted its Urban Forest Strategy and a whole suite of polices aimed at improving our environment, and increasing the level of tree canopy cover across our suburbs. We have a giant task ahead of us, and are therefore investing giant sums of money to achieve this aim. Its not our money its your money. To have removed these trees would have gone against the Citys philosophical point of view, and what our community has told us previously. It would have gone against what we are trying to achieve. Council voted 10-1 to support the Officers recommendation, which was to retain the 13 Lemon Scented Gum Trees. Pruning will take place to mitigate risk of falling branches. * it was amazing to have so many canning residents advocate on behalf of these trees and I thank each of them for their effort and work
07.01.2022 Today is National Threatened Species Day. Sadly September 7 is the anniversary of the passing of the last Tasmanian Tiger, representing the extinction of its species. In 1996, September 7 was declared National Threatened Species Day to give us an opportunity to reflect on what happened to the thylacine and how similar fates could await other native plants and animals unless appropriate action is taken.... Please give a moment to think how you may help a threatened species. Get involved and help make sure they dont suffer the same fate as the Tasmanian Tiger Me - I am dedicated to our endemic Black Cockatoos, but sadly there are many threatened species to support. No better day than today to get involved!
07.01.2022 A WIN FOR WILDLIFE Its that time of the year where we need to be careful of wildlife on our roads, with baby ducks and swans emerging over coming months from parks and waterways often onto local roads (just ask Mayor Hall after last weeks rescue mission on Albany Hwy) In late 2018, I saw a family of Black Swans emerge from Booragoon Lake in Brentwood and attempt to cross Leach Hwy. Sadly, one of the adults was hit by a vehicle and did not survive.... I decided to contact my Melville colleague and friend, Councillor Nicole Robins - City of Melville, to ask if the City of Melville may consider installing a fence to provide separation between Booragoon Lake and Leach Hwy, given the obvious dangers. As Leach Hwy divides Booragoon Lake from Piney Lakes Reserve, animals try to cross this dangerous road. Thanks to the behind the scenes work by Nicole and Melville staff, a fence was erected last summer to improve safety for wildlife and mitigate the risk of them attempting to walk across to Piney Lakes. I am genuinely thankful to Nicole and the City of Melville for taking prompt action to improve safety for wildlife that visit their community This is a great example of the behind the scenes work that elected members engage in, without fanfare, but to respond to community needs. Nicole, little Noah and I recently visited the lake to see the fence and the added protection that it provides.
06.01.2022 A great moment for the Rossmoyne Amateur Football Club and the Rossmoyne Junior Football Club! Both clubs have relied on old relatively poor lighting for many years; however they'll soon have brand new state of the art LED lighting that, as they say, will fundamentally change the way they train and play. Well done to both clubs and their leadership for their work and advocacy on this lighting project.
06.01.2022 Today the graduating class of 2020 at Riverton Primary Campus said goodbye to primary school life as they set off for high school. I was delighted to watch from the crowd and reflect that I did the exact same thing 20 years ago. It’s not until you leave until you realise how fortunate you were to go to such a great school like Riverton. My highlight this morning was when the graduating students from Riverton’s Education Support Centre presented the school with a tree to plant that will hopefully be there for many years to come
06.01.2022 Wonderful feedback from Danielle who runs a local Family Daycare Centre in Riverton. Danielle has had her fees waved for the registration of the food side of her local business A simple but effective way the City of Canning is helping small business
06.01.2022 A friendly reminder that tomorrow at 12:30pm, we will be officially celebrating the renaming of the Audrey and Vic Varischetti Pavilion at Riverton Reserve. If youve had any connection with these 2 local legends, or just want to see a special moment in our local history, I encourage you to come down.
05.01.2022 Feel like a game of tennis? Its never been easier to book. Simply pick up your phone, go to the website and you can book whilst youre at the courts. No need to go pick up keys from the newsagent like the old days You may even bump into Mayor Patrick Hall - City of Canning like Karl and I did tonight! Youll just need to block out his heckling. ... Were lucky to have great courts at both Corinthian Park Tennis Club and the Central Road courts where we played tonight. To book, just go to this website www.cptc.org.au/court-hire Easy as!
04.01.2022 ORANAS NEW SCHOOL ZONE If youve been down Vahland Ave in the past week, you would have noticed the new School Zone around Orana Catholic Primary School. The zone was about 18 months in the making and was a classic example of needless bureaucracy; however the important thing is we got there. ... In about 4 weeks time these fixed signs will be replaced by flashing 40km/h LED signs. Well done to the school and Principal Walsh for their ongoing advocacy. Thanks to Canning staff for their support in engaging Main Roads WA and helping the school through the process with the State Government. Its important we do all we can to mitigate risk and improve safety for school students.
04.01.2022 The Canning Show kicks off tonight! It's always good fun, so if you and the family want to attend, click the below link to purchase tickets now.
03.01.2022 The most popular Dog name in the City of Canning is. BELLA! Tara and Nicole guessed correctly! Well done and youll get a good pat on the head for your work ... Of the 6,788 registered dogs in Canning, Bella has been the most common name used. My favourite guess was Doggo
03.01.2022 Should 2021 start with a bang?? 6 weeks ago I asked you whether you thought the City of Canning should proceed with the 2021 New Years Day Fireworks, given the uncertainty in todays world. Given they cost around $160,000, it is a risk. ... 95% of people who responded said we should proceed with the New Years Day event, given our fortunate position in Western Australia as a Covid free state (for many months). At Tuesdays meeting, Council has to decide whether to back in the fireworks, or cancel them for 2021. The recommendation of staff is to cancel them... With 2021 the 150th year of the City of Canning, should we aim to start the year with a bang? Or be cautious and cancel them for the first time this millennium, given the uncertainty? Id appreciate your thoughts.
02.01.2022 THE 2020 Canning Show HAS BEGUN! If you’re free tomorrow, I really encourage you to get down to the Canning Showgrounds for a terrific day out. It’s taken almost 100 volunteers and thousands of hours to put on this year’s show - the 111th show ever. ... In fact, it’s worth taking a moment to consider how fortunate we are to have this year’s show at all. Across Australia and even here in WA, agricultural shows have been cancelled. This is one of the few have gone ahead. Diane (CEO) was telling me how much deliberation went into deciding whether to push ahead with the show - but with so many jobs on the line, they decided they had to go for it. Remember many of these people haven’t had much of an opportunity to work in 2020. Please get down and support them! (You may also see a unicorn ) The City of Canning is proud to support the Canning Show, and it was great to join Mayor Patrick Hall - City of Canning and many of my Council colleagues to officially open the show. To buy tickets, click here http://canningshow.com.au/tickets-information/
01.01.2022 MENS SHED UPDATE I am delighted to report that at Tuesdays Council Meeting, Councillor Amanda Spencer-Teo Bannister Ward and I moved a motion to lease a site in the Canning Vale Industrial Area to the Canning Community Mens Shed, for a period of 10 years. The decision was a monumental moment those who know about the Canning Community Mens Shed will be aware that the shedders have been looking for a permanent home for many years. ... The first task was to identify a suitable land parcel, and with Councils decision on Tuesday, we have hit an important milestone. The decision was subject to the Mens Shed identifying funding to construct the new shed, which the City will support them with. We still have some way to go, but to identify the parcel of land for their future home is a key moment on a long path travelled. Were getting closer to the end!
01.01.2022 UNDERGROUND POWER ITS HAPPENING! I am really delighted that yet another long discussed project is becoming a reality, with work beginning this week on undergrounding Shelleys poles and wires. Its been a 20 year effort, and I am proud that its happening now.... Along with pushing the expansion of the Willetton Basketball Stadium, this was the very first issue I pushed (in fact I officially raised it at the November 2015 Council meeting, having been first elected the previous month), as it was part of my election campaign. When I was out doorknocking, every second person wanted to talk to me about underground power. Well I am proud to say that we have succeeded. With work starting in the west of Shelley, the infrastructure will progressively be undergrounded before work begins on the side east of Monota Ave (its split into two projects). Only the parts of Shelley north of Leach Hwy will be undergrounded, with the southern bits coming under a future Riverton project. Id like to thank Canning staff for their work getting to this point, as well as the Council for being supportive. I also have to give a big shout out to our local MP, Mike Nahan, who was instrumental in getting this project delivered. Well done on all your work.