Perth Voice Interactive

YACWA and other youth advocacy organisations have been left disappointed by the Albanese government’s latest budget.

Youth Alliance Council of Western Australia CEO Antonella Serge, coming off the back of a state election she felt was also shy on tackling issues facing young people, said there were few targeted initiatives in treasurer Jim Chalmers’ budget.

Alliance members around the country had come to the same conclusion.

“They address homelessness, but they’re not specifically looking at youth, and you’ve got to have a youth lens to look at what the needs of youth are,” Ms Serge said.

Incarceration

Along with homelessness, YACWA said the cost of living and high levels of incarceration were key issues for youth that needed more specific attention.

“We just keep seeing people living it rough,” Ms Serge said.

The cost of living was proving a big challenge for young people and pushing more out of secure housing.

“We have data behind us around the benefits of young people being in a safe space, being surrounded by wraparound services, and what we’re saying is this high percentage of young people being able to transition into permanent housing and even more so transitioning into employment – that is what we want.”

Ms Serge lamented the lack of early intervention initiatives to tackle rising incarceration rates.

“We continue to invest when we’re at the crisis point,” she said.

“Early intervention means putting things in place right from the first journey of a young person in education. 

“If we can start by providing that child what they need and the services that they require, we’re not going to have that crisis point.”

Jesuit Social Services CEO Julie Edwards echoed deep concern about Australia’s youth justice system.

“We’d like to have seen much more focus on preventing violence before it starts, including the collection of more and better data on perpetration of family violence and child sexual abuse, and investment in targeted early intervention programs,” Ms Edwards said.

“It’s disappointing to see no additional funding in this space given men’s violence is rightly acknowledged, including by this government, as a national crisis.”

In a media release this week WA Commissioner for Children and Young People Jaqueline McGowan-Jones confirmed a rise in child poverty and homeless in WA, affecting 15.2 per cent of children and young people in 2024.

“Children today are more vulnerable than ever before,” she said.

“From increasing poverty and displacement to lack of access to basic services, we must not only raise awareness but also prioritise tangible, systemic change that can mitigate these threats to ensure a safer, brighter future for our children and young people,” Ms McGowan-Jones said.

Further statistics include that 5,326 children and young people live in out-of-home care, with 7,005 children aged 0 to 17 having visited WA specialised homelessness services, with the majority under 10.

by ISLA TOMLINSON

FEDERAL Perth Labor MP Patrick Gorman says he wants an Aboriginal Cultural Centre on Perth’s waterfront to be “Western Australia’s answer to the Opera House”.

The centre received a further $20 million from the Albanese government in this week’s budget, following the $50m it pledged to match state funding back in 2022.

“I’ve championed this project for about five years now,” Mr Gorman said.

“I know that Western Australia can host a world-class Aboriginal Cultural Centre that will give both Western Australians more access to 65,000 years or 21 million sunsets worth of Indigenous culture, but also share so much more of that with businesses from around the world.”

He remains confident that significant corporate backing will bolster the project. 

“We’ve seen expressions in the past with some of the funds that have been put together from large corporates in Western Australia that they are keen to contribute into this. 

“I think you’ll remember the fund that former premier [Mark] McGowan announced a few years ago, and this was one of the projects that was playing as a potential beneficiary of that fund.”

The Western Australian Government has already secured a site along the Derbal Yerrigan (Swan River) in Mr Gorman’s electorate. 

“It’s not going to just be about culture of 65,000 years, but it’s going to be also sharing Aboriginal culture and art as it is today, modern Aboriginal art, including some of our fantastic visual artists, musicians, cinematographers, and other creators.”

The budget has been described by some as “vanilla,” in response to an uncertain global environment. Mr Gorman acknowledged the economic challenges but argued the government’s efforts have provided stability.

“We know that there is uncertainty, but we also know that there are some things that we can do as a government that will give people a sense of more certainty and things are heading where we need them to head,” he said.

He pointed out that this is the government’s fourth budget in three years, an occurrence not seen since the 1940s. 

“We’ve got a story of having brought inflation down, which has been a whole-of-country, whole-of-economy, whole-of-nation effort, and now we can start to make some of those other investments that have been needed for a long time, like what we’re doing on Medicare.”

One of the key health initiatives in the budget is increased funding to encourage general practitioners to bulk bill.

“The problem we have at the moment, and I see this across my community and across WA, is that we don’t have enough doctors who are bulk billing all their patients,” Mr Gorman said. 

“So all of the additional incentives that we’ve designed in this budget are to get entire GP practices to shift into the bulk billing system.”

He dismissed concerns the funding primarily benefits doctors rather than patients. 

“It’s all about making sure that when you go to the doctor, you’re not paying a gap fee. So yeah, it really does help people. 

“I know in my electorate, people are paying $40/$50 gap fees when they go to the GP. 

“If we can get to our goal by 2030 of nine out of ten GP appointments being bulk billed, that’ll make a huge difference.”

The budget also allocates funding for the federal government’s plan to phase out live sheep exports, a move that has drawn mixed reactions. 

Mr Gorman said the industry has been declining for years, and the government was offering support to assist farmers through the transition.

“We’ve appointed an advocate for the industry. 

“That person is based in Western Australia, and they’re doing a range of consultation work to make sure that we get the supports right,” he said. 

“What we want to do is make sure that we grab all of the opportunities. I see huge opportunity when it comes to chilled and frozen sheep meat, and even expanding sheep meat use in Australia.”

He flagged there could be further incentives for abattoirs if there’s not sufficient local expansion of processing following the phase-out.

“We’ve always said that we’re really open to working with industry to make sure that we both protect jobs, but also acknowledge that it’s better to have a managed conclusion of live export than to just leave it to the market, which could lead to an abrupt end with no government support on the way through.”

On the potential for international trade tensions, particularly with the United States under a possible Trump tariff in retaliation, Mr Gorman remained diplomatic: “I don’t want to speculate on what other nations might choose to do. I think it’s always an unwise move to speculate on tariffs. 

“Australia is proudly a trading nation. Western Australia, our industries face the world.”

by STEVE GRANT

THE Fremantle Theatre Company will cease to exist after this week, citing stolen equipment and an onerous expressions of interest process.

FTC chairperson Kay Gerard says the decision was “an emotional moment” for the company, which had been operating from Victoria Hall since it was founded in 2020.  

“While we are incredibly proud of what we have achieved, the financial and operational realities of running an independent theatre company in the current landscape have made it increasingly difficult to continue,” Ms Gerard said. 

“It has been an extraordinary journey, and we cherish the memories we’ve created together.” 

Last year, the City of Fremantle announced it would be taking expressions of interest to identify potential new owners for Victoria Hall, which was also open to the FTC to apply. 

FTC general manager Pippa Davis said the cost involved for the EOI application “wasn’t worth” the investment for the company, which had struggled to secure sponsorship while Victoria Hall’s ownership was up in the air. 

“It was just too much of an impost on a small company like us… we knew we had the audience behind us, but that doesn’t always pay your bills,” Ms Davis said. 

“Not being able to go back to our sponsors for a whole year was very difficult, and then on top of that, we got burgled, so we got sick of pushing it uphill.” 

The FTC was robbed of its audio and lighting equipment earlier this year, and insurance did not cover the stolen materials which totalled more than $40,000. 

Ms Davis accused the City of “not valuing” the cultural profits the FTC brought to Fremantle when it decided to sell the Hall. 

“You have a theatre company that provides entertainment and brings people into the CBD who go to bars, pay for parking, who use transport, and spend double to cost of what they’ve paid for a ticket,” she said. 

Contributing

“We’re contributing in other ways and not trying to be a commercial venture and charging huge ticket prices, but you can only do so much with very little money.

“The City looked at the building as a commercial entity and not a cultural entity.” 

The FTC didn’t just service Freo’s theatre scene, according to Ms Davis, who says she is “tired” of trying to keep the club operational without full support from the City. 

“We tried to keep the place open, because a lot of people in the community use it for other things, not just theatre,” Ms Davis said. 

“People hired it for meetings, they came and had parties here. 

“We got through Covid and everything, and we were just taking off, and then the City turns around and says we have to sell the building…it really takes the wind out of your sails, it was deflating.” 

City of Fremantle creative arts director Pete Stone says the City is “proud” to have hosted FTC since it was founded five years ago. 

“The City of Fremantle recognises the significant contribution made by the Fremantle Theatre Company to the creative spirit of Walyalup-Fremantle,” Mr Stone said. 

“Victoria Hall has long been a place for artists and creatives to create and share incredible stories and experiences with the community. 

“Deckchair Theatre, Fly by Night Musicians Club and Fremantle Theatre Company have all enjoyed subsidised tenancies at Victoria Hall, through the City’s support.” 

Victoria Hall will continue its “legacy of fostering creative talent” as the EOI process’ criteria included “a focus on arts and culture activation”, according to Mr Stone, which the City say the FTC could have contributed to. 

“The Fremantle Theatre Company was invited to participate in this process,” Mr Stone said. 

“The City has not stipulated a minimum rental among and all applications are being reviewed.”

by KATHERINE KRAAYVANGER

FREO.SOCIAL’S managing director James Legge says a Labor pledge to protect the venue from noise restrictions could take up to six months to implement. 

The issue erupted in 2023 when Silverleaf Investments started building the Garde Hotel next door and raised concerns that a live music venue pumping out tunes just metres away would disturb hotel patrons.

Mr Legge recalls a Silverleaf representative telling him “We’ve got a problem”. 

“[That] was the moment where… I was first aware of the threat that the hotel posed to Freo.Social,” he said.

Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk pledged to protect the venue during her election campaign, but this week as newly minted creative industries minister wouldn’t shed light on how or when that would happen. 

According to Mr Legge, a contractor has inspected the venue, even “crawling around” in the roof to look at sound insulation options, but the cost remains out of reach.

He’s now exploring funding options, including potential support from the council, state, or federal government, as well as Silverleaf. 

If no financial assistance is secured, crowdfunding may be the only option—otherwise, the insulation won’t be installed.

Silverleaf owner Gerard O’Brien said it had been a challenging issue, but called for cooperation. 

“It is very tough, however, Freo.Social are now looking to install the correct insulation required to meet the noise legislation. 

“We all need to work as a team so that all businesses in Freo survive, as Freo needs every business possible, not more empty premises.”

Ms McGurk dodged questions on how and when the four nights a week noise exemptions she’d promised for Freo.Social would be instated, but said the government made a commitment to the venue, and that a sensible approach from all parties was required.

“Fremantle’s live music scene is an important part of its vibrancy, and I will continue to work with Freo.Social to deliver this important commitment,” Ms McGurk said. 

Freo.Social has been a cultural hub in Fremantle since opening in 2019 in the historic Drill Hall, hosting artists such as Spacey Jane, Gregory Alan Isakov, and the Perth Comedy Festival.

Since the dispute began, support from artists, patrons, and other venues in Fremantle has kept flooding in. 

“It really is a humbling experience to see how much support there is there for us… encouraging us to keep up the fight because culture’s what we’re fighting for,” Mr Legge said.

Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge said she would “prefer to get to a situation where everyone can happily coexist” and that “a lot of collaboration can be done between the two,” citing the potential for touring acts to stay at the Garde and for a symbiotic relationship to grow. 

Beyond the dispute with the Garde Hotel, Mr Legge believes there is a growing challenge for live music venues across Fremantle. 

“This isn’t only a Freo.Social issue—I think it’s a broader issue within Fremantle, within live music venues, but also other businesses,” he said. 

Freo.Social is in conversation with other venues, including Honkey Tonk, Buffalo Club, and Clancy’s, about their concerns over future developments, he said.

“Development’s not going to stop, and everyone’s concerned about what future development might take place around them… I’d really implore the Fremantle Council to have a good look at that and to form some policies as to how businesses coexist.”

Looking ahead, Mr Legge said he was relieved the conversation had shifted toward finding a resolution.

by ELVIE TAYLOR

THIS week marks the 100th anniversary of Western Australia’s first—and nearly decisive—prohibition referendum, a moment in the state’s history that few today remember. 

On April 4, 1925, Western Australians went to the polls to determine whether the state should ban alcohol, following a global trend that had already taken hold in the United States and parts of Canada. 

While the referendum ultimately failed, the fact that the state came close to outlawing liquor remains a surprising footnote in Western Australian history.

The lead-up to the vote was a time of fierce debate, with the temperance movement—led by church groups, social reformers, and the influential Women’s Christian Temperance Union—arguing that alcohol was the root cause of social decay. 

They pointed to rising crime, domestic violence, and workplace accidents, blaming the excessive consumption of liquor.

On the other side, publicans, brewers, and many working-class communities pushed back, arguing that moderate drinking was a personal freedom that should not be legislated out of existence.

The referendum required a 60 per cent majority to pass but fell short, with just over 56 per cent of voters supporting prohibition.

While the result meant that Western Australia would not follow in the footsteps of the United States, where nationwide prohibition had led to an era of bootlegging and organised crime, it did lead to stricter liquor laws in the state.

Some areas introduced local bans, and tighter regulations on alcohol sales were implemented in an attempt to curb the perceived social ills associated with drinking.

Despite its failure, the 1925 referendum was a turning point in Western Australia’s liquor laws.

The debate around prohibition highlighted broader concerns about public health, morality, and individual freedoms—issues that remain relevant in discussions about alcohol regulation today. 

Some historians argue that had the vote swung just a few percentage points further, Western Australia’s drinking culture might look vastly different today.

In Fremantle, where the working-class population had strong ties to the local brewing industry, opposition to prohibition was particularly strong. 

The historic pubs that still stand today—such as the Norfolk Hotel and the National Hotel—would likely have faced closure had the referendum passed.

As the state marks the centenary of this near-miss with prohibition, some are taking the opportunity to reflect on how far Western Australia has come in its relationship with alcohol. 

While today’s debates focus more on responsible service, health impacts, and the rise of boutique breweries, the echoes of 1925 still linger in modern liquor laws and attitudes.

One hundred years on, Western Australians can raise a glass to the fact that the vote didn’t quite tip over the edge—but the story remains a reminder of a time when the state came closer than many realise to a dry future.

INDEPENDENT Kate Hulett has announced a run in the upcoming federal election to try and unseat Labor’s Josh Wilson just weeks after her narrow defeated at the state election. 

At a press conference this week, Ms Hulett denied her potential election could hand the Coalition a majority government in what is already shaping up as a tight race. 

“I think it would be better to have a voice in parliament that is representative of the people than another Labor voice,” she said. 

“This year is a once in every 12 years kind of moment where the federal and state elections coincide in the same year, and we feel as a community that we are going to capitalise on that and take this movement forward into Canberra.” 

Ms Hulett says Climate 200, which contributed $50,000 to her state election campaign, is “generally aware” of her announcement but that she does not align herself as a Teal independent. 

“So far, there’s no funding allocated [from Climate 200],” she said. 

Ms Hulett didn’t launch a specific policy plan, but continued her tagline of “climate, people, integrity” and took aim at US president Donald Trump and his attitude towards the AUKUS submarine deal. 

“We’ve got gas projects being signed off, we’ve got environmental laws being overturned as a coalition of the Liberal and Labor parties,” Ms Hulett said. 

“AUKUS is a crazy deal of $368 billion going to a president who doesn’t know what it is, for the return of nothing, and we all know that we could spend that money far better. 

“Those decisions are not representative of our communities, and we’ve just shown that in the [state] election.” 

Ms Hulett doesn’t believe her anti-AUKUS, pro-environment stances could potentially deter voters in the wider Fremantle electorate, which encompasses much of Cockburn and Henderson and is larger than the state electorate. 

“We are united far more than we are separated individually, and I think rather than pigeon-holing people [like] they’re a tradie, so they don’t like the environment… we can find common ground on all sorts of areas,” Ms Hulett said. 

“Yes, jobs are fundamental to all of us, [but] if we’re making jobs at the expense of not having anything returned for the money, it’s not worth it. 

“Yes, many people work in resources, and we do need resources, so I’m not anti-resources, I guess we need to look at best outcomes for all of us and that might mean transitioning jobs training people up and giving them security in the future.” 

Labor’s Josh Wilson was quick out of the blocks, announcing  he was running for re-election within a couple of hours of Ms Hulett’s announcement, though that wasn’t mentioned in his statement to the Herald. 

“This is going to be a close election at which people in Fremantle and Cockburn will choose between a Labor government that has maintained a strong economy in tough times while creating a cleaner and cheaper energy future, or a Coalition government whose plans are to go nuclear by wrecking the budget and cutting services to pay for it,” Mr Wilson said.

by KATHERINE KRAAYVANGER

MARINE TERRACE was partially blocked on Wednesday after a large branch from a tree in the Esplanade Reserve snapped and fell off.

The tree serves as a nesting and roosting spot for the local Night Heron bird population, whose night-time mating squawks are notorious for scaring the willies out of nearby Esplanade Hotel guests.

Their nest wasn’t affected, but parking motorists will no doubt be grateful to see the end of the droppings raining down from one their favoured roost.

The debris halted traffic and City of Fremantle officers were quick to remedy to situation, despite being on a lunch break at the time and having to deal with a growing.

Youngster Raffety Hunt was in the park at the time and watched as the tree fell, noting a loud “crack, bang – similar to a gunshot” and dust being launched two metres into the air. 

One man sat unbothered on a bench beside the tree as it all happened, while Jess Smith hurried down after a friend who knew she’d parked nearby alerted her to the fall.

Ms Smith and a local taxi driver expressed their luck in avoiding any harm or damage. The driver was “thankful and relieved that no cars were in the way”, at the time. 

Fremantle Esplanade is home to a variety of tree species, including the Norfolk Island pine tree and Monterey cypress, with the latter being the victim. 

In the colder months, the cypress serves as a food source for the local wildlife. 

In 2018, the council had to remove another cypress as it was deemed unsafe by local arborists. 

The trees typically live for over 200 years growing up to 130 feet tall and eight feet in diameter.

by SOUL FAZZINO

FREMANTLE’S home-grown, world-class chamber orchestra will be performing the first two concerts in it’s 20th Anniversary celebration series this weekend.

The Fremantle Chamber Orchestra, which performs around 10 concerts a year and has performed around 240 since it’s founding, started when cellist Hans Hug brought together a group of musos in 2005 to allow Balkan war refugee and guitarist Milica Illic to perform Joaquín Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez; at the time WASO was the only professional-level vehicle.

An advert in the Herald and Voice prompted the now-Parisian Ollivier-Philippe Cunéo to sign on as conductor, and Rebecca Glorie as concert master/first violinist, and the FCO was off to a flying start.

Mr Hug takes great pride in the FCO’s work performing obscure and under-appreciated pieces, along with international, Australian and WA premieres.

He’s put a great deal of hard work and time into continuing the FCO, from organising the band for each performance, to “using the Herald’s printer so every performer has their own piece,” editor Steve Grant said.  

As a result of this dedication, the FCO has given numerous young and talented musicians an important step-up, including 15-year-old solo violinist Audrey Jarvis, 14-year-old violinist/composer Ellie Malonzo, and 18-year-old cellist Max Wung.

Miss Jarvis and Miss Malonzo will both be preforming as part of the 20th anniversary series, playing Bruch’s Violin Concerto 1 and Vivaldi’s Four Seasons recomposed by Max Richter respectively. Composers such as Grebla, and the previously mentioned Malonzo and Cunéo have premiered with the FSO. 

“I’ve been very lucky that FCO has supported me as a composer and as a violinist,” Miss Malonzo said. 

I have been very lucky to get the opportunity for such skilled and responsive orchestra to bring my compositions to life. 

“As a young artist it can be very difficult to get the opportunity to play as a soloist with an orchestra, and it is a vital experience to build your career,” she said.  

Popularity

The FCO has consistently had Rudolf Koelman, one of the world’s best violinists, play with them, greatly boosting FCO’s popularity. 

“Recordings with Mr Koelman resulted in two acclaimed CDs which were often broadcast on ABC Radio National Classic FM and in over 65 European radio stations,” Mr Hug said. 

The March program consists of Rameau’s Pygmalion Overture, Boccherini’s symphony The Devil’s House, Massenet’s Cantique, and Bruch’s Violin Concerto No 1, the crown jewel of the concerts, performed by Miss Jarvis, who along with Miss Malonzo is currently being taught by Winthrop professor Paul Wright. 

Mr Hug said the program “truly touches your heart”, and aims to “complement and contrast”.

“[The Rameau is] short and happy, very unplayed” he said. 

The Devil’s House or La casa del Diavolo is next in the line-up. Mr Hug explained: “Paul [Miss Jarvis’s teacher] says ‘it is like the Devil throwing lightning at Earth’.”

Massenet’s Centique is a “very calm blissful technique, that resolves before the Bruch No 1,” he said. 

This afternoon (Saturday March 29) the concert starts at 3pm at the Fremantle Town Hall, while a second is at Government House Ballroom tomorrow at the same time.

The FCO enjoys “subsidised use” of the Fremantle Town Hall. 

In the past the FCO has received financial support from Fremantle Ports, and currently is sponsored by the Fremantle Herald and Perth Voice in the form of promotional material. 

Wright Burt Foundation chair Lyn Harding is also a donor to the FCO. 

Mr Hug is confident they’ll keep putting out world class performances. 

“We survive on nothing,” he said, “It’s all about the music.”

The 20th anniversary series will start performances on March 29 and 30, continuing on June 7 and 8, August 9, 10, and 22, and November 1 and 2. For info head to fremantlechamberorchestra.com

by AMY PERROT

FREMANTLE SONGFEST is back, promising 18 choirs over eight concerts and workshops with Freo legend Kavisha Mazzella heading towards a performance by a massed “Peace Choir”.

The theme of this year’s festival is “Peace Within and Peace Without”, and in keeping with the topic Mazzella will be performing and teaching some of her recent works inspired by Persian poet Rumi and Indian mystic Kabir.

The festival will be held at St Paul’s Church and Hall, Beaconsfield, and runs from April 4-6.

“It’s ‘church’ but not as you’ve seen it before,” St Paul’s reverend Gemma Baseley said.

“Songfest culminates in a gathering of minds, hearts and voices, coming together in a shared longing for peace… for people of all faiths and none, together we will pray for, and commit to peace for all people.”

Local acts Peppermint, Close Harmony, and the “black-clad, boofy, behatted behemoth of blokes” Men of the West will be amongst the performances.

there will also be choir director and ARIA winning artist Kavisha Mazzella. Kavisha will be performing a mixture of new and old music. Audiences will be privy to her unique blend of song and chant, as she incorporates verses like those of Rumi with rhythm and melody.

Singers will learn a small number of Aria-winner Kavella’s songs in workshops on Saturday morning at 10am and on Sunday at 2pm, which she says will be a blend of old and new music.

Her last album Empty Sky was a mix of sacred songs and chants. 

Interested singers can purchase a $20 workshop pass which covers the two workshops and finale performance or a full weekend pass which gives them all events, concerts and workshops and includes food.

If you’ve got a decent set of pipes but aren’t already in a choir, Mazzella says the Festival Peace Choir is the perfect outlet.

The festival culminates with a final communion in the church where the peace choir will get to belt out the songs it’s been working on over the weekend.

Tickets via songfest.com.au

by OLIVER STEIN