Category: People and Culture

Published: August 2024

If Bluey knew the impact of balloon releases, the playful pup would likely swap balloons for “Keepy Uppy” games that save our environment.

“We must act now to protect our marine life and preserve our environment,” urged Karen Joynes, co-founder of No Balloon Release Australia. 

“The problem is that people use balloons without understanding the dangers. Plus, I’m not sure how many local councils or the government regulate the release or accidental release of balloons.” 

Ms Joynes is advocating for national regulation on the sale and use of helium to prevent balloon releases at the source.

Clean-up

Recent clean-up efforts along Australia’s coastline have revealed alarming numbers of balloon remnants, highlighting the widespread nature of the problem. 

Sea Shepherd Marine Debris Campaign coordinator Karoline Strittmatter noted the 2024 results from clean-ups conducted in Western Australia. 

“So far this year alone, during only three clean-ups, we have found 44 balloons at Whitford Nodes Park, 18 balloons at Trigg Beach’s Clark Reserve area, and 36 balloons at Eden Beach in Jindalee.”

Environmental advocates also warn of the “shifting baseline syndrome,” a phenomenon where people accept the current degraded state of the environment as normal because they are unaware of how it was in the past. 

This syndrome emphasises the importance of educating the public about the historical abundance of wildlife and the pristine conditions of natural habitats before modern pollution levels become prevalent. 

Balloons, which were not as ubiquitous decades ago, now contribute significantly to environmental degradation, yet many do not question their use.

“For example, mylar balloons did not exist until more recently, yet they are now widely used and promoted for celebrations and commemorations,” Ms Joynes said.

Mylar balloons

“Mylar balloons add to the planet’s single-use plastic waste load and break up into microplastics, adding to the chemical pollution on the land and in waterways. 

“They also contribute to climate change as they are made from fossil fuels. Before mylar balloons, people made their own reusable decorations from paper or cardboard. 

“Mylar balloons are shinier than latex balloons because they are made of two different materials. 

“The base material is mylar, which is a type of nylon, while the outer, thin layer is foil, which is aluminium.”

Byron shire council on the east coast has taken a novel approach, introducing a ban on the use of balloons and other single-use decorations in all council buildings, parks, and outdoor areas. 

“We know that balloons are one of the most lethal types of debris impacting Australian seabirds and other marine life including turtles, who eat burst balloons because they look like jellyfish,” Byraon mayor Michael Lyon said.

The ban, effective as of June 1, 2024, is part of a new Single-Use Packaging and Materials Policy for the Byron shire, aimed at phasing out unnecessary waste from council operations, facilities, and open spaces.

In a landmark move aimed at protecting marine life and reducing environmental pollution, Western Australia implemented strict regulations banning the release of helium-filled balloons as of January 1, 2022. 

Prohibited

Under the new regulations, individuals and organisations are prohibited from releasing any balloon inflated with a gas that causes it to rise into the air, including helium.

The laws also hold supervising adults accountable if a child releases a balloon, demonstrating the government’s firm commitment to tackling marine debris and reducing plastic pollution’s harmful impacts.

Balloons, often released during celebrations and events, pose a significant threat to wildlife once they deflate and fall back to earth. They can travel up to 500 kilometres from the release site before descending, eventually becoming litter that pollutes land and waterways. 

These deflated balloons are frequently mistaken for food by marine animals, such as turtles, birds, and fish, leading to ingestion with often fatal consequences. 

The ribbons attached to balloons can also entangle and harm animals, further contributing to environmental degradation.

Additionally, inhaling helium, a seemingly harmless gas used to inflate balloons, poses serious health risks. 

Inhaling helium can cause asphyxiation, a condition where the body is deprived of oxygen, leading to unconsciousness or even death. 

This highlights the need for caution and awareness in the use of helium-filled balloons. 

For more information on the regulations and environmentally-conscious practices, contact the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation at plastic-action@dwer.wa.gov.au.

As Western Australia continues its bold step forward in environmental stewardship, the hope is that these regulations will inspire similar initiatives in our local councils, fostering a cleaner and safer environment.

Published: July 2024

After 14 beloved years in the Mount Lawley and Highgate neighbourhood, Beaufort Street Books has moved just 50 meters up the road to the corner of Vincent and Beaufort Street.

In a feat worthy of a record, 14,000 books — or countless hours of quality reading — were transported with the help of a “community conveyor belt.”

Proprietor Jane Seaton, who is as much a community cheerleader as she is a bookseller, assembled more than 150 volunteers in an “overwhelming response,” with 15 more committed to delivering home-baked goods.

“It went way quicker than I anticipated and it was so lovely – the community felt so involved and connected in the whole process, which was just beautiful,” Ms Seaton said.

“It was better than I thought! As a bookstore, we try to give back to the community, but on Saturday they gave it all back to us.”

Under the keen supervision of local author Annabel Smith, volunteers formed a human chain, passing small boxes of books to the new shop. There, staff swiftly unpacked them onto temporary shelving, while the empty boxes were rushed back for repacking. It was a well-orchestrated book ballet.

“It seems books today are not just for grownups,” Ms Seaton said. 

“Lots of children helped. That surprised us; there were so many young helpers. That is just beautiful. A new generation showing interest and a love for books.”

A few comments from the excited helpers were:

• “I am really, really happy to help. We all come together to do our bit for the community.”

• “Our faith in humanity has been restored, seeing all these volunteers.”

• “This is our store. I want to help our independent bookshop.”

Inspired by a similar event at October Books in the UK, this move was a true community effort. The new space promises more room for books, events, and community gatherings, continuing the tradition of being a vibrant hub in the neighbourhood.

Ms Seaton, a former nurse, has always prioritised serving the community beyond just selling books. Known for her warm greetings and valued book recommendations, Ms Seaton has also been a community representative on the Highgate Primary School Board for 10 years and supported customers during the pandemic by delivering books throughout the neighbourhood.

“Over the years, we have done some crazy events. We have done movies, book-based speed dating, yoga; we’ve done a community sausage sizzle when the whole street was suffering due to construction works,” Ms Seaton reminisced with a smile.

As book retailers face significant challenges, the community rallied to support this local bookstore. This move is a testament to the enduring importance of bricks-and-mortar businesses, which continue to be the heartbeat of the community.

Ms Seaton reflects on why it is so important to have independent bookstores in the community: “Bookstores fill the important role of being a community hub for like-minded people. Now, being able to run events hosting local, national, and international authors, we aim to elevate this experience.”

Despite the struggles small businesses face, Beaufort Street Books is taking a leap of faith by doubling its floor space, inspiring locals to reimagine the main street’s atmosphere. The new space will fit up to 100 guests per event. 

“Events help people not just buy a book, but experience the book,” Ms Seaton said.

The new location will feature larger event spaces, new book sections, and more room for browsing and community gatherings. The bookstore aims to continue to build a warm, well-read culture as part of the hum of Beaufort Street life.

The store closed its doors at the previous location on Wednesday, July 17, and was due to reopen at the new location on Thursday, July 25, with a grand opening celebration on Saturday, July 27 featuring a sausage sizzle and a warm welcome.

The future program kicks off on Wednesday, August 14 from 6 – 9.30pm with The Gourmet Farmer, Matthew Evans. Mr Evans will discuss his recently published non-fiction work on a controversial superfood, offering a powerful, entertaining, and eye-opening commentary—all while being served fantastic food by Vince and his team at IL Paiolo Catering, prepared in the wood-fired oven out front of the shop!

Tickets via the Beaufort Street Books website: beaufortstreetbooks.com.au/c/matthew-evans.

Beaufort Street Books has been more than just a bookstore; it’s a community cornerstone. The move to the new location is a new chapter in its story, and with the community’s support, Ms Seaton promises it will be an exciting read.

For any queries, please get in touch.

Published: July 2024

Independent pharmacies are questioning hastily-drafted legislation aimed at curbing Australia’s vaping epidemic, saying they could be forced into selling products they’d rather be kept behind the counter. 

As the Albanese government raced against a looming July 1 deadline for new anti-vaping laws to come into effect, it struck a deal with the Greens to allow pharmacists to sell vapes without a prescription from October 24, shifting away from the mooted prescription-only model.

It marked a significant change in policy, and a private pharmacist in Leederville has concerns about the impact.

“Current thinking within the industry is that vapes should stay within a smoking cessation program, such as quit smoking tablets, which are part of nicotine replacement therapy,” the pharmacist, who didn’t want to be named, said.

“Vapes, as tablets are, should be prescribed by a doctor and subsidised by the government, with patients having regular doctor appointments to monitor their programs.

“Vapes are heading in the same direction as liquor stores. What have we learned from that?

“Alcohol is the biggest health issue in WA, yet it is sold over the counter. 

“Sellers are registered, yet there is no prescription required, nor guidelines on consumption.

“The counter argument is that it is too costly to see a doctor to get a prescription, yet smokers are spending that same amount on cigarettes alone.

“Currently, smaller pharmacies have decided not to sell vapes post-October but may succumb to commercial pressures.

“It is disheartening that chain pharmacies will jump on board and aim to capitalise on the business opportunity, without adequately considering the health and well-being of the patient.” 

A chain pharmacist in Mount Lawley said stricter laws could see an increase in black market vape products. 

“A more liberal approach would, at least hopefully, avoid these potential issues. 

“As a more informed society, parents and young adults are expected to make educated decisions about their health and well-being. 

Culture

“Looking into the future, I see the potential for states to change their individual approaches to regulating vape laws, based on the culture of each state or even specific areas within states.” 

The proposed legislation aims to halt the retail sale of non-therapeutic vapes, but political manoeuvring has complicated its path to passage.

Originally, the bill proposed making vaping a prescription-only activity and illegal for people or businesses to supply, manufacture, import, or sell vapes anywhere other than pharmacies.

However, the compromise means adults will soon be able to obtain vapes from pharmacists without a prescription.

Changes also include eliminating lush fruit or mango ice flavours — now limited to mint, menthol, and tobacco flavours only.

The Nationals favoured a legal but regulated model, while the Liberals remain non-committal, pushing Labor toward the Greens.

The Greens argue that “prohibition” won’t work and that individual users should not be criminalised.

University of Sydney Law School health law and governance expert Roger Magnusson criticised the amendment, calling it detrimental to public health.

“Vapes have reverted to being lifestyle commodities rather than therapeutic products,” he said. 

“Pharmacies, like Chemist Warehouse, will now become Vape Central.”

New modelling from the Cancer Council predicts that an additional 1,185 teenagers aged 12 to 19 will take up vaping every week unless progress is made to curb it. 

Bayswater resident Jessica Browning caught her daughter vaping in her room.

“She told me all her friends were doing it, and it was easy to buy from the local convenience store,” Ms Browning said.

“I’m terrified about what it’s doing to her health.” 

The health and future of young Australians hang in the balance, making this decision one of the most critical in recent times. The outcomes from October onward will reveal whether the government can truly tackle the vaping issue or if we will be left in murky clouds. 

For any queries, please get in touch.

Story available

A survey reflecting the views of over 2,500 Australians shows a change in Australia. The 2022 Australian Reconciliation Report states that racism endured by Indigenous Australians is on the rise. 60% of First Nations peoples have experienced at least one form of racial prejudice in the past six months, an increase of 8% since 2020 and up 17% since 2018. 
The Australian Government suggests three steps. 
Firstly: Speak up, call it out as racism, and let the perpetrator know it is not acceptable. 
Secondly: Support the victim, stand next to the person being targeted and ask them if they are ok. 
Thirdly: Take evidence, record the incident on your phone, take a photo of the perpetrator and report it to authorities. 
 
The action we take is important to challenge racism. Reconciliation Australia Chief Executive Karen Mundine said in the 2022 report: “57% of First Nations people believe that Australia remains a racist country, a view shared by 42% of non-Indigenous respondents”.

For any queries, please get in touch.

Published: April 2023

Beach cleanups later this month will try to clear plastic nurdles from Bathers Beach and Minim Cove and determine what threat the pollutants pose for Perth’s waters. 

Sea Shepherd Australia admin coordinator Karolina Strittmatter says Fremantle and Jenalup Beach at Dyoondalup Point Walter are hotspots for the nurdles, which are the raw material used for manufacturing plastic objects.

“Ninety per cent of global hunts resulted in finding nurdles in 2022,” Ms Strittmatter said.

The Australian Marine Debris Database (AMDI) lists over 2400 sites across Australia that have been affected by nurdle spills.

In June 2022, over 300,000 nurdles drifted up to Minim Cove alone. 

Billions of nurdles, known in the industry as pre-production plastic pellets, are melted and moulded each year to make all kinds of plastic products, from bottles to car parts. 

Tangaroa Blue Foundation database officer Jodi Jones says there are no signs of stopping the production of plastic parts or the transport methods of nurdles. 

“During the shipping process to production sites around the world, spills occur and tons of nurdles end up in the ocean,” Ms Jones said.

“The pellets are also washed into the local waterways at plastic manufacturing plants, through faulty filter systems and logistical issues. 

“Strain the Drain is the future motto here,” she said.

Once nurdles enter oceans or rivers, like sponges, they can absorb an array of toxic chemicals and are often mistaken for food by birds, fish, sea turtles or shellfish. 

Around 230,000 tons of nurdles end up in oceans each year – the damage is equivalent to well documented global oil spills. 

Yet, unlike diesel, petrol and kerosene, the International Maritime Organisation’s dangerous goods code does not consider nurdles hazardous for safe storage and handling.

In 2019, 343 containers of pellets spilled into the North Sea. 

In 2020, a broken container on the cargo ship MV Trans Carrier lost 10 tonnes of pellets, which polluted the coasts of Norway, Sweden and Denmark. 

A second spill in 2020 occurred in South Africa that affected up to 2000 km of coastline. 

About 37 tonnes of nurdles are still unaccounted for.

In May 2021, the container ship X-Press Pearl caught fire and sank in the Indian Ocean. 

According to the United Nations, most harm from the accident came from the spillage of 87 containers full of nurdles. 

While there is little proof the nurdles were responsible, the death count was 450 sea turtles, 45 dolphins and 8 whales which were washed ashore with nurdles in their bodies. 

The upcoming nurdle hunts at Bathers Beach on March 12 and at Mini Cove on March 26, will show where levels stand in Perth. 

From October 14-17 a broader WA beach clean-up will be another opportunity to get involved.

For any queries, please get in touch.

Story available

The quality of lab-grown diamonds has reached its peak and with wholesale prices decreasing, retailers benefit from increasing profit margins. With stronger marketing efforts promoting lab-grown diamonds, jewellers are experiencing a growing consumer market interested in what seems a good deal. Yet, the natural diamond market which has built its reputation around the scarcity of the stones, questions if customers are aware of the current and future value of lab-grown diamonds. 

This debate is current and important, especially as emotions are attached to these significant purchases.

For any queries, please get in touch.

Story available

Inspired by Tim Winton’s documentary on SBS, we traveled the Western Australian coast, up to Coral Bay. The World Heritage area is home to Australia’s largest fringing reef system, just meters away from Coral Bay’s beaches and it is the only place in Australia where you can swim with the giant, but gentle whale shark.The article highlights Coral Bay as a sensory experience.

Coral Bay is a playful children’s book full of shapes, colours and textures to touch and feel. The blue, red and white hues of the ancient landscapes and underwater wonders engaged all our senses. We navigated the land, the water, and sky, whilst balancing, floating and relaxing.

Balancing on land:
The ever changing view from our four person tent sparked our imagination with vibrant coloured wildflowers, breathtaking drop cliffs and towering sand dunes, which gradually are shaped through wind and weather. On the squeaky white sand beaches we collected shells and salt covered pebbles, whilst listening to flocks of birds above. 

Floating in water:
Tummy up we floated through in the cool turquoise waters. Through our strapped on goggles we spotted bright coral sponges forming luxurious underwater gardens below. Dashing ahead or just staring back at us, large and small schools of fish, turtles and rays call these spots their home. 

Gazing up at the sky:
During the day we smelt the warm earthy scents rising. We sat and watched how the endless reaching sunny blue horizon slowly drifted into a mesmerising, starry sky at night.

Away from our daily Kindy and working routine, Coral Bay was an opportunity to bond through playing and learning. Together we drew in the sand, cooked meals, sung and told stories to each other.

Curious and excited we loved the natural surroundings that provided a sensory canvas for creative exploration.

For any queries, please get in touch.

Story availalbe

With sprawling city development, the challenge now is finding a local, undisturbed caravanning spot, parked in nature. Dryandra Woodlands is your hidden treasure, 165 km or a two-hour cruise, south-east of Perth WA. 

Campsites
Amongst the towering wandoo, brown mallet and sheoak thickets you can safely settle with your RV. At both Congelin or Gnaala Mia campgrounds there is no booking required, admission fees do apply. 

The 35 designated sites work on a first come first served basis and the wide-open spots create a spacious feeling, matching the pastel-coloured woodlands sheltering you.  

Both campgrounds have benches and tables, barbecues, and eco-toilets for your convenience. Bring your drinking water to keep refreshed and your firewood to comfort the evening gatherings. True to the natural setting, there are no power points or rubbish bins on site. 

Emily Keye sums up her experience at Gnaala Mia: “What a lovely campground. Oh, so quiet and beautiful.”

Embedded in Nature
Dryandra Woodlands is the largest remnant of native vegetation locally and in 2022 the area was declared a National Park. By protecting the 15,000 hectares of woodlands which is the size of a larger WA family-run farm, the woods have become a sanctuary for native flora and fauna. 

With more than 100 bird, 50 reptile and over 25 mammal species, there is countless wildlife to experience during your stay.

Christian Howard, a recent Dryandra visitor confirms: “We spent two days in the woodlands. I highly recommend the area for photography of wildlife and birds, as there is just so much.” 

Out in the open, sit back on a resting trunk, you may just spot the ‘stripy star of the show’, an elusive numbat, Western Australia’s state fauna emblem. During the day or spotlighting at night, brushtail possums, echidnas and woylies will surprise you by simply popping up, over, or out. 

The Barna Mia Nocturnal Wildlife Centre offers paid tours, with feeding and educational talks as Christian says: “We absolutely loved the nocturnal tour, where we got to see endangered native wildlife in a natural setting. It is incredible the work that they are doing to rehabilitate and restock native animals.”

For those who love birdwatching, Dryandra is home to flocks of Carnaby’s Black Cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus latirostris). The Bush Stone-Curlew (Burhinus Grallarius) and the Rufous Treecreeper (Climacteris Rufus) call the woodlands to be their perfect habitat.

Background and history
The area surrounding Dryandra, known as Wilgadjny, is the country of the Wiilman-Noongar people. The cultural sites include an ochre pit, rock art and original stone formations. 

Dryandra Woodlands has served one of Australia’s oldest industries. During the 1900s, up until the 1970s, the dense woodlands were the home and a working landscape to up to 50 forestry workers, including their families. Today their humble way of life remains alive through a cottage industry, manufacturing tool handles and fencing materials. 

Have a rest and read about the local history at the Old Mill or Congelin Dam. Both reservoirs provided water to run the trains along the old Pinjarra to Narrogin railway line as well as the water supplies that were carted by horse to the nearby villages.

The clearly marked bushwalking and bike trails guide new and well-seasoned nature lovers through the pockets of forests. Depending on the weather and willingness to walk, you can read all about the area on the 23 km Darwinia Drive Trail, named after the plant Darwinia which only grows in a few locations in the Southwest, including Dryandra.

If it is that early morning, sneak peek over your coffee cup, or whilst wandering Dryandra’s trails, leave the loud city buzz in the rear mirror and you will be taken back by the abundance of fauna and flora surrounding your camper. 

For any queries, please get in touch.

Published: March 2024

There are calls for a total ban on filters in cigarettes after recent research found more than half of all smokers don’t bother putting them in a bin. 

With filters taking the unenviable title of the most littered item in Australia, No More Butts executive director Shannon Mead said they were a burden on the country. “If only 10 per cent of Australians smoke and up to 65 per cent litter, Australia is then paying for the costs as well as being impacted by the actions of a relatively small minority,” Mr Mead said. 

A 2021 report commissioned by the World Wide Fund for Nature Australia estimated 8.9 billion cigarette filters were carelessly discarded across Australia every year; each one starts leaching chemicals into their surroundings within an hour, while the estimated 300 kilograms of microfibres released is comparable to the emissions from domestic laundry. 

With cigarette butts constituting a third of all litter and taking 15 years to start breaking down, Sea Shepherd Australia marine debris campaign co-ordinator Karolina Strittmatter said it took a lot to clean them up. 

“Since 2016 we have removed 269,659 used cigarette filters in WA. In 2023 alone, 19,798 butts were taken away, during 37 community clean-ups, with the most found at Bathers Beach.” 

While NSW is considering expanding its single-use plastics ban to include cigarette filters, there haven’t been any moves to follow suit in Western Australia. 

No More Butts is also calling for the International Plastics Treaty to deal with the issue of cigarette filters, while others have pointed to a European Union model that makes manufacturers and smokers bear the financial burden of filter pollution through a levy on each cigarette that gets sold.

For any queries, please get in touch.

Published: May 2024

A recent study shows that urban trees shape how we connect or how we fail to connect to the places where we live.

A team of researchers at the UWA School of Biological Sciences and the School of Psychological Science recently published a study, indicating that local trees affect our attachment to the places we call home.

Dr. Cristina E. Ramalho, co-author, explains: “With Perth having the lowest tree coverage among all Australian capital cities, we wanted to understand how our connection with where we live is influenced by trees.”

“This study is timely, given the widespread decline of trees, due to drought and warming, and also considering the State Government is currently seeking public input on their Perth and Peel Urban Greening Strategy.”

The study involved 638 respondents from the Perth Metropolitan Area, with diverse survey responses including:

• “Even though Plane trees are not native to Australia, I love the immense shade and coolness they provide in Perth’s hot, relentless summers.”
• “My favourite trees are Callistemons and Grevilleas; they’re native, colourful, and provide food for birds and insects.”
• “On the corner of Lawley Cr and Clifton Cr, there is a large magnolia tree my grandmother walked by daily on her way to school. It provides a lovely memory of her whenever I pass it.”

However, some opinions against urban trees are also noted:

• “I do NOT like GUM TREES. They constantly drop leaves, which accumulate in my garden. I have to continually rake, only to find a new batch shortly after.”
• “[A Eucalypt] was planted too close to our driveway, causing its roots to be disruptive.”
• “We removed about six native gums from our property years ago when one fell on the house.”

Key points from the study include that residents were much more satisfied with the benefits of trees than dissatisfied with any negatives. Focusing on reducing issues caused by trees such as, protruding roots or falling leaves is less effective than improving tree benefits like shading and aesthetic reasons for promoting place attachment. Whilst, losing mature trees causes significant distress.

With increasing urban infill leading to canopy loss in Perth, it’s crucial to have policies to protect established trees on private property. This ensures that higher-density living doesn’t cause emotional distress or a loss of connection to the place.

A final key point is, residents feeling they have control over trees within their surrounding areas was strongly linked to place attachment, highlighting the need for local governments to involve residents and communities in decisions about local urban trees.

Dr. Ramalho: “This study offers scientific evidence highlighting four key areas for governments to consider: retaining and protecting mature trees, increasing overall canopy cover on streetscapes with native trees, diversifying tree species across neighbourhoods, and protecting healthy trees on residents’ front verges. These actions create greater place attachment and are likely to deliver psychological and well-being benefits to local residents.”

Dr. Ramalho concludes that this study connects with today’s research looking into the health benefits of green spaces: “Previous studies have shown that people who are attached to where they live, feel more relaxed, have better social relationships, and are more satisfied with their life. Overall, they experience greater well-being, facilitated through the benefits of having trees around them.” 

For any queries, please get in touch.