The best place in WA

Perth model Fabienne Vanderhaeghen revisits the Toodyay Road House. Picture: Matthew Poon Source: PerthNow

IT'S easy to whinge about the winter chills, high cost of living or troubles with our trains, but most West Aussies wouldn't live anywhere else in the world.

That's because WA is home to some of the most naturally spectacular, sunshine-drenched and innately diverse places on Earth. And don't we know it.

To give you a mid-winter lift, 50 high-profile West Aussies are revealing their favourite spot in our beautiful state.

What's your favourite place in WA? Leave a comment below

Dale Alcock, Alcock Brown-Neaves boss: "My favourite place in WA would have to be the Kimberley. I have been fortunate to explore the coast from Wyndham to Broome twice and I would be back there in a heartbeat. I just don't tire of the majesty, drama and sheer spectacle of the Kimberley."

Tourists riding camels along Cable Beach in Broome. Picture: Supplied Source: PerthNow

Jenny Allen, chief executive of Youth Focus: "I love the South-West, especially around Dunsborough and Margaret River, where restaurants, galleries, wineries, attractions and gorgeous scenery are all there. Each time I go down to the area I find new things to do and never get bored."

Sally Ayhan, Channel 9 weather presenter: "Bunker Bay. It's some of the most beautiful coast I've ever seen. I love the quaintness of the bay, its pristine aqua waters surrounded by thick, lush bushland. Its cafe is a special spot for lunch  the freshest seafood served on the beach."

Colin Barnett, Premier: "My favourite spots are the beach at Cottesloe, where I walk the dogs, and Napoleon St for coffee. From a family holiday perspective, I love Toodyay. It's a lovely, historic little town where the shopkeepers know everyone by name, and Lyn and I spend as much time there as we can. We enjoy spending time at our farm there. Albany doesn't seem to be at the front of people's minds as a holiday destination, but whenever I visit I'm taken by the natural beauty."

Premier Colin Barnett on Cottesloe Beach. Picture: Karin Calvert Source: PerthNow

Caitlin Bassett, netballer: "I have many favourite spots in Perth, but one that pops to mind first is the Subiaco Farmers Markets at Subiaco Primary School on Saturday morning. They have stalls with local products and produce (my favourite sells the best porridge and they know me by name). It's always busy with people and their dogs, and live music."

Peter Bell, former Fremantle Dockers captain: "Broome. Usually we go up there as a family in the middle of winter to get some warmth. The solitude, space and clear skies at night to see the stars is a unique experience."

Rob Bransby, HBF managing director: "I'm really lucky to be living in my favourite place, God's country, otherwise known as the Swan Valley. I love being on the farm with my horses, then heading down to the local stock-feed shed and catching up on all the gossip."

Zara Bryson, stylist: "The amazing Hotel Rottnest. I headed over there to celebrate a friend's birthday recently and fell in love with Rotto all over again. The new-look hotel is laid back, chic and oh so inviting."

Josh Byrne, Gardening Australia presenter: "Hard to beat Rotto. Nothing better than a summer swim at The Basin, followed by a treat at the bakery then sitting at the Quokka Arms looking back at Perth drinking a cold beer. It's always a bonus if a mate has a boat moored as well."

Aurelio Costarella, fashion designer: "Cable Beach, Broome. It's the most idyllic location. A tropical paradise without leaving WA. The luxury suites with a private butler are the ultimate indulgence. Lazing poolside and pampering in the Chahoya Spa. Just perfect."

Malcolm Day, Adultshop managing director: "Yallingup is my treasured place to relax. I have a beach house on the hill overlooking Yallingup Bay and the main surfbreak out. I head down there most long weekends and for the Christmas break. Having Yallingup nestled among so many great wineries also makes it a great place to holiday."

Joel Creasey, comedian: "My favourite place in Perth is Applecross. I'm biased because I grew up there, but it really is beautiful. Great cafes, gorgeous views and women with Botox. Oh and my family. Perfect!"

Mike Daube, health campaigner: "King's Park. A wonderful place, beautifully cared for, right on our doorstep and perfect for walks. A joy at any time of year. Also, Subiaco  must be the perfect suburb: remarkably quiet for somewhere so close to the city centre. And Chez Pierre  splendid French restaurant in Nedlands, where the welcome, service and food make it easy to forget the pressures of the week."

Rayne Embley, WAG and businesswoman: "Andrew and I have been going to Broome for years and our absolute favourite thing to do as a couple is head to The Mangrove Resort Hotel to watch the Staircase to the Moon, which happens once a month. It's really romantic to sit under the stars together and enjoy this beautiful natural phenomenon."

Michael Gannon, AMA (WA) vice-president: "I love the vibrancy of Beaufort St and the many parks around Mount Lawley. Walking along our wonderful Swan River is something I love doing. As a child, I had numerous trips to Busselton and Geographe Bay. It has now become a regular feature of travel for my own family."

Ash Gillon, SKY News presenter: "The Ferguson Valley is the South-West's best-kept secret. My parents have a farm there so I'm lucky enough to escape to the valley regularly. This time of year the drive through the area is just beautiful, with stunning views of green rolling hills peppered with dairy cattle, orchards and vines."

Peter Greene, owner of Solid Gold Diamonds: "My favourite spot is under a certain tree in Kings Park because it was where I spent my first few nights when I arrived in Perth in 1971 after migrating from England."

Kim Hames, Tourism Minister: "One of my favourite places is on the Berkeley River in the Kimberley. It has some brilliant fishing spots and there is nothing better than climbing out of the boat and standing under one of the spectacular waterfalls."

Mariella Harvey-Hanrahan, Perth Fashion Festival director: "My favourite spot from a home perspective is Attadale where my family and I live. I love walking around the river and taking the kids to Troy Park for a kick and a run around. It's beautiful and peaceful. We also have fantastic restaurants close by and good coffee shops."

Brad Hogg, former Australian cricketer: "The quintessential experience of Perth is the cycling and bushwalking tracks. In many ways they define Perth for me  the openness, freedom and opportunities of a young and vibrant city. Regular sightings of dolphins in the Swan River are just as remarkable."

Michael Hussey, former Australian cricketer: "Rottnest Island. It's safe and great for the kids to get on their bikes and explore the island. It has a lovely coastline and great fishing. We also love the daily trip to the famous Rotto bakery."

Alison Jade, beauty entrepreneur: "I'm currently having a bit of a love affair with Beluga restaurant in Claremont. My fiance and I love seafood and they do it so well."

Samantha Jade, singer: "Cottesloe Beach. I've never been to a beach so beautiful in my life. I love sitting on the grass, having fish and chips, then having a nice stroll on the sand."

Glen Jakovich, West Coast Eagles legend: "Broome is the best place. Great fishing, best sunset in the world and the beer is cold."

Alex Kailis, director MG Kailis: "Exmouth. It has the tranquillity of open beaches matched with the opportunity for adventure. I mix snorkelling, boating, fishing and bushwalking."

David Karotkin, Australian Institute of Architects, WA president: "Rottnest. The moment you step on to the island, your stress levels just drain away. The sense of being away from it all is amplified by looking across the channel back to the Perth skyline."

Karl Langdon, sports commentator: "Broome. I love the climate and the fact mobile phone signals are poor so people can't get hold of you. But what I most like about Broome is it's a great spot for my favourite things in life, like fishing and mud crabbing."

Justin Langer, WA cricket coach: "The brilliant thing about living in WA is the beaches. That goes from the amazing places down south, to Cottesloe, to City Beach and Scarborough, and all the way up to the beautiful Cable Beach. Combine that with the sunsets over the ocean and it's a stunning place to live in."

Former Australian cricketer and coach of The Warriors, Justin Langer, has chosen City Beach as his favourite spot in Western Australia. Picture: Matthew Poon Source: PerthNow

Kristy Lawrence, Flannel designer: "Our Sunday mornings are spent at the Growers Green Farmers Market in South Fremantle. We stock up on all our organic fruit, vegies and meat for the week and the yummiest sourdough and quinoa bread. For holidays, nothing beats waking up looking over the bay at the 'Flannel Beach House' in Gracetown. Heaven."

Justin Linney, assistant creative director of Linneys: "Growing up in and being around Subiaco because (it's) a great place to catch up with friends, as well as discovering speciality shops and cool bars. If I'm looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Eagle Bay in Dunsborough is it."

Nat Locke, Nova breakfast radio host: "Lucky Bay, Cape Le Grand National Park in Esperance. It is essentially the beach where I grew up, down the road from Mum and Dad's place in Esperance. It has the whitest sand in the world."

Alannah MacTiernan, Vincent Mayor and Labor candidate for Perth: "I love the vibe in places like Beaufort St and Leederville  I go there most days. And the Swan River is magic. But there is one place that transports me  the track between the Albany Port and Middleton Beach  especially at sunrise. Its dramatic beauty, its history and the extraordinary compassion of Attaturk's words of consolation to the mothers who lost sons at Gallipoli can bring tears to the most dry-eyed."

Melissa Marsh, basketballer: "Coral Bay, mostly for all the family memories. I love everything that comes with being way up north, be it the beautiful water or the magnificent outdoors. And I love seafood so Coral Bay is always great for that."

Wayne Martin, Chief Justice: "Any of the great camp sites along the Gibb River Rd in the Kimberley would be on my list of favourite places. It's a world-class environment with spectacular scenery."

Aly May, STYLEAID creative director: "Cape Arid is my favourite. The area is vast, isolated and more beautiful than I could imagine. I wondered why I needed to travel overseas when we have such rare and perfect places here in WA."

Edwina McCann, Vogue editor-in-chief: "I love the wine country around the Margaret River. And Eagle Bay is the most beautiful beach with crystal-clear water and dolphins. The restaurants around this area are exceptional, too."

Mark McGowan, Opposition Leader: "The back beaches of Point Peron at Shoalwater Bay in Rockingham. It is a wonderful place to kayak and swim."

James McHale, national ABC news anchor: "I love Dunsborough, Yallingup and Margaret River. You can stay removed from civilisation in a chalet in the bush and you're only a hop from world-class beaches and wineries."

Tim McMillan, Channel 9 News presenter: "I'd have to say Broome  it's where my wife and I enjoyed our honeymoon. We absolutely loved it  phenomenal beaches, great food, an interesting history and plenty to see and do."

Neroli Meadows, Fox sports reporter: "I can't go past the place where I was born. We had a hobby farm on the river in Collie, just out of town. Our veranda overlooked the valley and you could sit and watch the most spectacular sunsets."

Pamela Medlen, ABC news presenter: "Some of my favourite times have been nights out in the city with my friends. We always stop and snap some photos in front of the Council House lights. The building looks like a jewel at night."

ABC News presenter Pamela Medlen at her favourite spot in Perth, Council House at night. Picture: Jordan Shields Source: PerthNow

Chris Murphy, director, Kitchen Warehouse: "My favourite place is the Indian Ocean. Swimming, fishing, boating, or enjoying the view with a glass of wine, good company and a bite to eat."

Linton Partington, director, Linton and Kay galleries: "The Vineyard Kitchen in the Bickley Valley would have to be one of the most picturesque places in Perth. Set in the garden of the Brookside winery, it's the perfect spot to enjoy the winter sun."

Brad Pettitt, Fremantle Mayor: "Leighton Beach in North Fremantle. I love that it is such a huge expansive beach of white sand juxtaposed with the industrial backdrop of the Fremantle Port."

Peter Prendiville, chairman, Tourism WA: "Cottesloe Beach and North Cottesloe Surf Club have been part of my daily routine for 30 years, with a morning swim and workouts in the club gym. The Prince Regent River, via Broome in the Kimberley, is majestic and beautiful with its rugged landscape and waterfalls. Swan Valley, because of its close proximity to Perth in a rural location."

Donna Rendell, chief executive, Breast Cancer Care WA: "As an animal lover, my favourite place to be is walking along the dog beach, with my dog Kiki, between Leighton and Cottesloe. You can't help but smile as you watch all the dogs running around and playing."

Johnny Ruffo, performer: "I really love Crown. I've had many great nights out at Crown and Burswood Dome. And it's a great place to take my family when I come back to Perth for visits."

Lydia Tsvetnenko, fashion designer: "My favourite spot is Gala, a restaurant which is walking distance from my home. I love the food, the wine and the personalised service."

Zhenya Tsvetnenko, SMS technology entrepreneur: "Surfing has become my main hobby. I spend a lot of time at the surf beaches around Yanchep."

Dr Ros Worthington, philanthropist: "Lucky Bay, about 40km south of Kalbarri, is a place I have visited regularly since I was a teenager. Beautiful, pristine beach and just a great spot to totally chill out."

Fabienne Vanderhaeghen, Chadwick's model: "I consider the Toodyay Roadhouse one of my favourite places as it holds sentimental value. As a child, my family had a farmhouse in Dowerin, and the Toodyay Roadhouse was our one pit stop. The red dirt, gum trees and good old Aussie attitude is the best holiday anyone  child or adult  can ask for."

Perth model, Fabienne Vanderhaeghen, revisits the Caltex road house in Toodyay, where she has some fond memories with her family when she was young. Picture: Matthew Poon Source: PerthNow

What's your favourite place in WA? Leave a comment below

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Blitz on bully parents

A study has suggested that a 'parent police' team be set up to investigate bullying against teachers. Picture: Supplied Source: The Courier-Mail

A "PARENT police" team should be set up to investigate bullying mums and dads who attack school principals and teachers.

The controversial proposal comes after a three-year study on the health and wellbeing of 2000 school leaders across the country found they were regularly threatened with violence, with WA principals and teachers among the biggest victims.

Key findings from the study, by Monash University researcher Philip Riley, were obtained by The Sunday Times ahead of the report's release.

Dr Riley said each state should create its own independent taskforce with the power to interview teachers, parents and students about offensive behaviour in schools. He said it should have full legal powers and the ability to forward concerns to the police.

Other recommendations include more training for principals on the emotional aspects of teaching and more mental health support. But Dr Riley said the taskforce should be the priority.

"(This recommendation) is the most urgent: the need to look for the causes, and reduce the levels, of adult-to-adult bullying, threats and actual violence," the report said.

In WA, 46 per cent of principals said they had been physically assaulted or witnessed violence in schools. And 70 per cent said they had been threatened with violence.

Principals in WA, South Australia and the Northern Territory were the biggest victims.

Dr Riley said most of the threats were from aggressive parents.

WA Primary Principals Association president Stephen Breen said bullying and violence against school staff, especially principals, were getting to "a ridiculous point".

"We have a weekly occurrence of people who have been bullied or abused either physically or through Facebook," he said. "It is disappointing that employers do not take this as seriously as they should.

"There's a lot of stress out there because of this and it's negating people's enthusiasm for the teaching profession."

 He said something needed to be done to combat the violence.

"A review needs to be conducted or a taskforce needs to look at this," he said. "The teaching profession needs to be protected  they do it for a lot of other professions, such as police."

State School Teachers Union president Anne Gisborne said the aggression and threats by parents was putting people off the role.

"There is an ageing profile within the teaching fraternity and there is no doubt that when people are looking at aspiring to school leadership and they see school principals dealing with these difficult people and being threatened, that becomes a barrier to them pursuing that career path," she said.

WA Secondary Schools Executive Association president Rob Nairn said there was an "alarming trend" of bullying and violence against teachers and principals that needed to be addressed.

Education Department acting deputy director-general Lindsay Hale said no staff member should have to put up with violence.

The 2013 survey on principals' health and wellbeing will open to school leaders online this week.

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WA must choose stadium or public transport

The State Government is being forced to choose between between public transport or a new stadium for federal funding. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

PRIME Minister Kevin Rudd has told the WA Government to "determine its priorities" and decide what it wants more: federal funding for a new football stadium or more public transport.

The new 60,000-seat football stadium is expected to cost more than $1 billion and West Australians have been told it will be ready by the start of the 2018 AFL season.

But so far no federal funding has been guaranteed.

Mr Rudd said it was too early to make a commitment on funding the stadium because there were still "outstanding matters regarding the proposed Burswood site".

"It is understood there are currently different options proposed for new or upgraded stadium complexes in Perth, as well as outstanding matters regarding the proposed Burswood site  including total cost to the taxpayer, tender arrangements and consideration and cost of transport options," he said.

"The Government hopes to be apprised of developments as these issues are progressed."

The Prime Minister also suggested that Mr Barnett should be more concerned with honouring his state election commitments to upgrade public transport in the state.

Mr Rudd said his Government recognised that "Perth needs better public transport".

"That's why a further $500 million has been committed to assist the West Australian Government in delivering either light rail or a new rail link to the airport," he said.

 "It's time for the WA Government to determine its priorities and get on with the job of building these much-needed pieces of infrastructure.

"After all, that's precisely what they promised to do prior to the most recent state election."

Meanwhile, federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott opened the door for Coalition funding, should he win the election.

He told The Sunday Times he would be happy to "talk over" funding for the project with Mr Barnett the next time he was in WA.

"It would be good to have a world-class stadium in Perth to support any future attempts at attracting international events to Australia, such as the Commonwealth Games," Mr Abbott said.

"I will be happy to talk over the funding issue for the Perth Stadium next time I am in the west and meeting with Premier Colin Barnett."

Mr Abbott's deputy, WA politician Julie Bishop, yesterday also weighed in on the funding debate by pointing out that other stadiums around Australia had received commonwealth funding  such as $30 million towards the Adelaide Oval redevelopment and $10 million towards the installation of sports lighting at Simonds Stadium in Geelong.

While the Burswood stadium cost has been estimated at $690 million and the surrounding precinct $70.2 million, the cost of transport infrastructure such as an upgraded Belmont train station and footbridge link to East Perth will push the price tag above the $1 billion mark.

Faced with a tight budget, Mr Barnett's Government has already turned to the private sector to help fund the stadium.

"The state will pay approximately 60 per cent of the capital cost of the project (the stadium, sports precinct and some transport infrastructure works located within the precinct and thus included within the DBFM scope) during the construction period," a spokesman for the Premier said yesterday.

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Miracle for 'locked-in' man

Peter Coghlan with wife Jade and mother Anne. Picture: Richard Polden Source: PerthNow

TWO years ago Peter Coghlan was told he would never move any part of his body again, except for his eyelids.

A massive brain-stem stroke in 2011 rendered him paralysed and a prisoner in his own body.

Amazingly, the 35-year-old is now walking, speaking and working full-time.

Mr Coghlan, who has been nominated for a Pride of Australia medal in the Courage category, said he simply refused to accept he would never get better.

For more information, or to nominate someone for a Pride of Australia medal, go to www.prideofaustralia.com.au

"Walking out of there was something I intended to do from the beginning," he said. "I just wouldn't give up."

The Pride of Australia awards are an initiative of News Corp Australia, publisher of The Sunday Times, to recognise unsung heroes. Nominations close on Tuesday.

A former British Army soldier, Mr Coghlan had earlier battled Hodgkin's lymphoma, but beat the cancer after a year of intensive chemo and radiotherapy treatment.

He moved to Perth with his wife, Jade Coghlan D'Souza, in 2005.

But things again took a turn for the worse in March 2011 when Mr Coghlan had a stroke after hitting his head on a concrete kerb while helping a friend with a weekend plumbing job.

It wasn't until two days later that he realised there was something terribly wrong. "I went for a sleep for about two hours and when I woke up my face was a bit numb, my speech was messed up and I didn't feel right," he said.

By the time Mr Coghlan arrived at hospital he was paralysed.

The stroke had left him with a condition called locked-in syndrome - a devastating disorder where sufferers retain brain function, but are paralysed except for their eyelids.

Doctors told him he would never walk or speak again and would require high-level care for the rest of his life.

Mrs Coghlan D'Souza said watching her husband slip into a coma was the most terrifying experience of her life.

"He started convulsing and just went limp in the wheelchair," she said. "The last thing he said was 'I'm so frightened'."

Mr Coghlan was later moved from Royal Perth Hospital to Shenton Park for physiotherapy.

His only means of communication was an alphabet board.

His family would read out letters of the alphabet until Mr Coghlan blinked to indicate they had said the correct letter.

Mr Coghlan said he never gave up trying to move and six months after he arrived in Shenton Park, he walked out of hospital.

 "Eventually one morning my fingers started moving a little bit. I thought 'Bloody hell it's working', so I just kept going," he said.

Mr Coghlan said it was the support of his wife and his mother, Anne Coghlan, that gave him the motivation to carry on.

He now works full-time in an aluminium factory and has started a cleaning business.

But his real passion is helping those still suffering with locked-in syndrome.

"I would like every person to have the chance of physio even if they can't move," he said. "At the moment they are only selecting a few, but if everyone got the chance there would be more survivors."

He has documented his journey in online videos and a book called In the Blink of an Eye. He also emails encouragement to people with locked-in syndrome all over the world.

"Anyone 'locked in' can break out with the right physio, the right family support and motivation," he said. "Don't tell a patient they won't recover."

For more information, or to nominate someone for a Pride of Australia medal, go to www.prideofaustralia.com.au

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First shark net for WA beach

WA will get its first shark net soon as part of a trial of secret new designs - but it will be at a beach where there have been no attacks.

ATTACKERS AT BAY: WA's first shark net will be installed at Coogee Beach in the City of Cockburn. Artists' impression. Picture: Supplied. Source: PerthNow

The 300 metre long shark net will be installed 75 metres off Coogee Beach. Picture: Supplied Source: PerthNow

ATTACKERS AT BAY: WA's first shark net will be installed at Coogee Beach in the City of Cockburn. Source: Supplied

WA will get its first shark net this year as part of a trial of secret new designs.

Coogee Beach, south of Perth, was chosen for the trial despite there not being one incidence of a shark attack there since records began in the 19th century.

Instead, the trial of the net is intended to test whether it can withstand ocean currents and whether it is accepted by the public.

Councillors in Cockburn, south of Perth, agreed to the trial of the 300 metre shark net, 75m off shore at the popular beach.

WA has earned the unwanted tag of the shark attack capital of the world in recent times, after two deadly shark attacks in April and July last year took the death toll to five in WA waters in less than 12 months.

That in turn brought demands on the government for ways to stop the carnage, with new powers handed to local experts to enable a "catch and kill'' order if a shark posed a genuine danger to swimmers.

Now, Coogee Beach has been chosen as a suitable trial area for a shark net because of its gently sloping and relatively shallow sea bed and the absence of swell and strong currents.

Councillors were told it was highly unlikely a shark will be caught, while water activities including wind and kite surfing and also fishing could be restricted.

They were warned the beach may also suffer from the perception it was a high risk area, when in fact no shark attack had ever been recorded there.

Company Eco Shark Barrier has been cleared to install the net for the 2013/14 summer, at its own cost, through a combination of pylons, anchors, ropes and floats to secure the formed plastic barrier in place.

The net will be inspected weekly.

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Teacher 'posed as teen surfer to lure nude pics'

A WA high school teacher posed as a talented 14-year-old surfer on Facebook to cajole his female students to send him naked pictures, a court heard today.

A group of Year 9 girls at a Western Australian regional high school accepted a Facebook friend and began chatting with him between July 31, 2011 and January 1, 2012.

Their teacher allegedly posed as a six foot tall, 14 year old surfer from the Margaret River area.

The accused faces two charges of involving a child in child exploitation, by causing the child to be involved in the production of child exploitation material.

During a recorded police interview played to the court today, one of the victims said she finally relented to sending the boy pictures of herself, because he begged her every day.

"He kept begging for pictures of my boobs. He wanted me to say dirty things. It felt awkward, uncomfortable and weird. It kind of felt like I needed to or he would get mad," said the girl who was 14 at the time.

"He said, 'Can you send me a picture and I would say no but he wouldn't give up. I felt like I had to. I gave up – until he got what he wanted. I felt scared because he was six foot. He would get mad and brush me off if I did something wrong."

She also said she received pictures of his penis and started sending photos of herself topless or completely naked.

"During school (the teacher) said there was a new kid coming to school and we started getting Facebook requests, so we started adding him," said the girl.

"He would talk really grown up for a 14 year old. He would use 'beautiful' instead of hot or sexy, which boys of that age would. He wrote his sentences very properly."

State Prosecutor Mark Nicol alleged the teacher operated the fake Facebook profile of the boy, who soon became a 'minor celebrity' among the girls at the school.

He said the teacher and the boy had similar interests in surfing and spent time in the state's South West. The boy also told the girls that he knew their teacher.

The teacher denied being the boy and has pleaded not guilty to the two charges.

Mr Nicol said the teacher told Police he knew the boy as his best friend's son, a man he studied with at Edith Cowan University 20 years earlier. The man now lives in California and confirmed to the court by video link that he does not have a son.

Another of the girls changed her Facebook status to 'in a relationship' with the boy despite never meeting him, which caused a rift between the girls.

The court heard it was at this point the teacher allegedly intervened and counselled the girls in his open plan office confirming details about the boy's life.

Many details of the trial have been suppressed including the name of the witnesses, the defendant, the Facebook name, the school, the town and the name of the court hearing the trial.

The trial continues.

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Litchfield died from head injury: court

A supporter of the accused attends Perth Children's Court today. Picture: Theo Fakos Source: PerthNow

Relatives attend Perth Children's Court today. Picture: Richard Polden Source: PerthNow

MURDERED: Young Mandurah man Tauri Litchfield. Source: PerthNow

MANDURAH man Tauri Litchfield died from a head injury following a brutal bashing, Perth's Children's Court was told today.

Official details about the sailmaker's death emerged for the first time as the six teenagers accused of his murder appeared in court again.

In a bid to avoid the dramatic events of the last time the six appeared, there was an increased security presence both inside and outside of court.

Officials also made sure both families were seated in separate court rooms to prevent either side from having contact with each other.

Last time members of Mr Litchfield's family and friends were verbally attacked by some of the accused's family as they tried to leave the court.

And while some of the accused's family made inappropriate gestures towards the media (pictured above), both families managed to avoid each other.

Mr Litchfield was found unconscious in a car park on Pinjarra Rd, Mandurah, with severe head injuries in the early hours of St Patrick's Day, March 17.

He was rushed to hospital but died a short time later.

Police allege that Mr Litchfield was brutally bashed as he lay on the ground following a fall.

Six youths, three aged 14 and three aged 15, have been charged with murder.

During proceedings today it was revealed that while a detailed forensic report had yet to be finalised, a supplementary report found the 28-year-old died as a result of a head injury.

The court also heard that three of the accused boys would be seeking bail.

Defence lawyer Simon Freitag told the hearing his client would be applying to be released next week while lawyers for two others said they were also planning to apply for bail.

When concerns were raised about the forensic material, state prosecutor Sean Stocks told the court the case would rely more on eyewitness accounts and testimony than forensics.

During the hearing it was also revealed counsel representing all six boys had technical problems viewing the CCTV footage of the incident.

Children's Court president Judge Denis Reynolds adjourned the matter until August 9. However,  a bail hearing for one of the boys will take place next week.
 

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Perth rent prices close in on Sydney

PERTH was the only capital to record growth in house rents over the quarter - up by 1 per cent - and unit rents rose sharply by 6.3 per cent, according to Australian Property Monitors Rental Price Series Quarterly report.

Perth's current median weekly rental for houses is $490. It is fast closing in on Sydney's $500 and based on current trends, is set to soon become the most expensive major capital city for tenants, the national supplier of property price data says.

Perth is Australia's most expensive city

Sydney's house rents remain flat with no increase recorded over the June quarter, however unit rental prices rose +1.1 per cent over the quarter and +2.2 per cent over the year.

"Rental prices for both houses and units have skyrocketed in Perth,'' said Dr Andrew Wilson, Senior Economist, Australian Property Monitors.

"Affordability constraints in these markets are motivating tenants to gravitate towards cheaper unit accommodation, however the consequence of this of course is that the difference between house and unit rents in these cities is converging," said Dr Wilson.

However, locally REIWA played down reports of rent rises, saying there were now 4200 rental properties on the market which was a significant jump in recent times.

"We have gone from a tight vacancy rate of just 1.9 per cent in December to 3.2 per now, and that puts us above the long term average with stock levels,'' president David Airey said.

REIWA data for the three months to May puts the Perth median rent at $475 per week. This was up by $5 on the March quarter and was generated by an increase for units and apartments. House rents didnt move.

"The data from our members right across the metropolitan area put the median rental for houses at $480 per week and units at $455 per week.

"But of course that means that half of all rental properties on the market are under that price, because the median is the middle point in the market,'' Mr Airey said.

Mr Airey said he expected to see a softening in rents for the second half of this year because of a slowing economy and strong first home buyer activity.

"Our mining-based economy and associated jobs is not as strong as it was last year. Separate to that, the significant number of first home buyers means that many tenants are leaving the rental system for a mortgage, thereby freeing-up more stock back into the rental system,'' Mr Airey said.

Mr Airey said that real estate agents had noticed a significant drop in the level of enquiries for rental accommodation and that long queues of prospective tenants at home-opens had vanished.

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Saints slammed for Milne selection

Stephen Milne leaves a court appearance last week. Picture: Getty Images Source: News Limited

SEXUAL assault victims' groups have slammed St Kilda and the AFL for the Saints' decision to select Stephen Milne to play while he fights rape charges.

Advocacy groups have also called on the AFL to develop stronger rules on how clubs deal with players charged with serious sexual assaults.

But former AFL great and TV star Sam Newman said the St Kilda forward had not been convicted of a crime and had a right to a presumption of innocence.

Centre Against Sexual Assault forum spokeswoman Carolyn Worth said AFL clubs were more willing to retain players charged with crimes if they were stars rather than lesser lights.

"Selecting Milne is a pretty dreadful message that they are sending," Ms Worth said.

"I have always thought the AFL have not come terms with sexual assault and the behaviour of some of its players.

"I don't think they quite understand just what role models they are for young people."

Ms Worth cited the example of Andrew Lovett who was sacked by St Kilda the day after he was charged with rape but later cleared of the charges.

Milne has missed three matches since being charged with four counts of rape and made a brief appearance at Melbourne Magistrates' Court last week.

He will next face court in September.

Andrew Lovett's lawyer Derek Humphery-Smith said from an employment law perspective the club had learned its lesson and not immediately dismissed Milne.

But the AFL umpire turned Lander &Rogers employment lawyer said he felt some St Kilda board members and sponsors would be uncomfortable Milne was back on the field.

"I think if the victim or the victim's family came out strongly against this then the board and the club would seriously reconsider its position," he said.

But Geelong great Newman said Milne had missed enough games and the club had every right to select him.

"He will suffer the consequences if he is found guilty,'' he said.

"We have gone from having a democratic country where people are innocent until found guilty to being guilty until you can prove you are innocent.''

Former Melbourne board member Beverley O'Connor said clubs needed more guidance from the AFL when grappling with serious criminal matters.

"St Kilda have handled this as best they can and it is incredibly difficult for both parties,'' she said.

"This should not be decided on a case-by-case or club-by-club basis the AFL should provide guidelines or some sort of blanket rule."

AFL spokesman Patrick Keane said it was the league's policy that a player is only stood down once a case is committed to trial.

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Gloomy Pilbara cloud has silver lining

A low pressure system over Newman. Picture: Fiona Webb / perthweatherlive.com Source: PerthNow

A low pressure system over Newman. Picture: John Stanners/ perthweatherlive.com Source: PerthNow

A SURFACE trough over the Pilbara and northern interior created spectacular cloud formations today, prompting weather enthusiasts to bring out their cameras.

The system is expected to stay in the region for the next couple of days.

In the rest of WA, a low pressure system is sitting near the Central West coast, moving east towards the Great Australian Bight tomorrow and Saturday.

Did you capture the clouds on camera? Send your photos to readerpics@perthnow.com.au.

Tonight a minimum of six degrees is predicted for the Perth area, with a morning shower or two.

There will also be showers and thunderstorms across most of the state, including possible strong gusts, heavy falls and hail with thunderstorms in the east of the state.

Last night a thunderstorm in the Goldfields hail caused parts of Kalgoorlie to look like it had been covered in snow.

Hail in Burt Street Kalgoorlie looked like snow. Picture: Travis Anderson/ perthweatherlive.com Source: PerthNow

STATE FORECAST
Friday July 12
Showers and thunderstorms about the southeast Pilbara, southern Gascoyne, and eastern parts of the South West land division, Goldfields, Interior and Eucla. Isolated showers will clear early near the west coast and contract to southern coastal parts by the evening. Possible strong gusts, heavy falls and hail with thunderstorms in the east of the state.

Saturday July 13
Isolated thunderstorms are predicted for the southeast Interior in the morning. Showers are expected in the southern Goldfields, South and Southeast Coastal districts and western Eucla, contracting to coastal parts by the evening. Isolated showers in the South West district which will become scattered by the evening after possible isolated thunderstorms later in the day.

Sunday 14 July
Showers southwest of a line Jurien Bay to Lake Grace to Bremer Bay and isolated morning showers about the coastal Eucla.

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Triumphant Crawford rides into Footy Show

Shane Crawford finishing his Melbourne to Perth bike trip at the Footy Show at Crown Casino Perth. Picture: Stewart Allen Source: PerthNow

Shane Crawford completes his 'Tour De Crawf' at Crown Perth to raise money for breast cancer. Picture: Jordan Shields Source: PerthNow

Shane Crawford arrives in Perth's Hay Street Mall after his marathon bike ride across Australia to raise money for breast cancer. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: PerthNow

Shane Crawford arrives in Perth's Hay Street Mall after his marathon bike ride across Australia to raise money for breast cancer. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: PerthNow

Shane Crawford coasts down Greenmount Hill, about 25km east of Perth, on the last leg of his 3600km fundraising ride.  Picture: Theo Fakos Source: PerthNow

Shane Crawford coasts down Greenmount Hill, about 25km east of Perth, on the last leg of his 3600km fundraising ride.  Picture: Theo Fakos Source: PerthNow

Shane Crawford coasts down Greenmount Hill, about 25km east of Perth, on the last leg of his 3600km fundraising ride.  Picture: Theo Fakos Source: PerthNow

Shane Crawford gets a warm greeting in Cunderdin yesterday. Picture: Theo Fakos Source: PerthNow

Shane Crawford arrives in Perth's Hay Street Mall after his marathon bike ride across Australia to raise money for breast cancer. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: PerthNow

SHANE Crawford has ridden into Perth to finish his heroic 3600km charity bike ride to raise money for breast cancer.

After an exhausting trip, the former AFL footballer finally reached his journey's end as the Footy Show audience cheered him on at Crown Casino Perth.

"You're a legend Crawf!" someone yelled from the crowd who gathered to greet the weary Crawford.

At about 1.20pm today, Shane Crawford did what many thought was impossible. He had ridden from Melbourne to Perth in just 22 days.

He left the town of Northam about 9am today and pulled into Perth's Hay Street mall about 1.20pm to a crowd of
about 100 people cheering his name, many of them wearing pink and waving Hawthorn scarfs.

Gallery: Follow Crawford into Perth

"How's your bum Crawf?" one woman shouted, as he arrived in the Hay Street Mall complete with a police escort.

"You're a legend Crawf," another woman exclaimed.

Among those in the crowd were sisters Jonelle and Kristy Carlsson and their children.

They painted a teddy bear complete with a pink bike and hand-delivered it to Crawford as he rode into the mall.

"Just watching him visit all these small country towns on the way here has been fantastic, it's amazing what he has done," Kristy said.

Crawford, 38, cycled from Melbourne to Perth to raise money and awareness for Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) in a campaign dubbed "Tour de Crawf."

He has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the charity.

Crawford will ride onto the set of the AFL Footy Show tonight as it's being broadcast from the Crown Perth Casino.

The four-time All Australian ran 780km from Adelaide to Melbourne in 2010 to raise awareness and money for BCNA.
He raised $600,000 in the process during the run.

Donations to "Tour de Crawf" can still be made through NAB branches, or via the BCNA website at http://www.bcna.org.au/events/key-fundraising-events/tour-de-crawf

Crawford rode ride into Perth via Great Eastern Highway and Guildford Road. He will travel down Lord Street, East Perth, cross over the Horseshoe Bridge, ride through the Hay Street Mall and then along St Georges Terrace.

Follow Crawford's epic journey

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Perth is now Australia's most expensive city

Perth is now the most expensive city in Australia. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

PERTH is now Australia's most expensive city and the tenth priciest to live in worldwide, according a renowned online cost of living index.

Numbeo, a website that claims to collate the world's largest database of user-contributed data about cities and countries worldwide, now rates the West Australian capital as more expensive than Darwin, Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne for consumer goods, including groceries, restaurants, transportation and utilities.

And the list also christens Perth as the most expensive city in the southern hemisphere, with the rest of the top ten taken up by cities in Switzerland and Norway - with Trondheim classed as the most expensive place to live in the world.

Are you surprised that Perth is now among the priciest cities in the world? Have your say below.

The Numbeo index, which is updated weekly, is based on a worldwide comparison of prices compared to those in New York City - with Perth rating 121.99, meaning on their analysis the city is 21.99 per cent more expensive than New York.

Almost to prove the point, it was revealed petrol in Perth is set to rise 16 cents per litre tomorrow to a five-year high average of 156.3 cents per litre.
 

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WA faces wafer-thin surplus

WA Premier Colin Barnett has hinted that the budget surplus will be a close call. Picture: Supplied Source: The Australian

KEEPING Western Australia's budget in surplus is going to be a close call, Premier Colin Barnett warns.

The budget, to be delivered on August 8, is expected to show a sharp drop in revenue due to volatile iron ore royalties and lower payroll tax receipts.

On top of falling revenue, the state government is spending big on new hospitals, a stadium and the controversial Elizabeth Quay waterfront development.

Since a prediction in last year's budget of a $196 million surplus for 2012/13, the WA government has changed its forecast three times.

In the Mid Year Economic Review released in December, it was reduced to $140 million.

In February's Pre-election Financial Projections Statement, a $241 million surplus was forecast.

But in May, Treasurer Troy Buswell said the surplus wouldn't be that high.

On Wednesday, Mr Barnett said the state government was doing everything it could to keep the budget in the black for the 2012/13 and current financial years.

``That's tough and it's going to be a tight call, and it's going to impact on public services - not greatly - but there will be an impact,'' he told ABC radio.

He expected ``debate'' around the impact but defended his government's cuts - which have ranged from axing public service jobs to a pre-June 30 ban on stationery purchases - saying other states hadn't made tough decisions to balance its books and were simply selling off assets.

He also defended former Energy Minister Peter Collier over the botched Muja power plant refurbishment, which wasted $280 million.

``This was a bungled project in every respect and I'm terribly embarrassed because I think it's the first major financial problem we've had as a state government,'' Mr Barnett said.

Opposition treasury spokesman Ben Wyatt said the Liberal leader had conveniently ignored almost $1 billion worth of cost blowouts, in the energy portfolio alone, under his watch.

``Colin Barnett displays extremely selective memory when it comes to his government's financial mismanagement,'' Mr Wyatt said.
 

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Car driven into US embassy gate

Emergency vehicles outside the US Embassy in Canberra. Picture: AAP Source: AAP

POLICE have swarmed the US Embassy in Canberra after a car drove through the consulate's front gates.

ACT police arrested a 30-year-old Queensland man in relation to the collision in Yarralumla about 5.40pm.

The ACT Policing Bomb Response Team attended and did a check of the vehicle as a precaution. Nothing of a suspicious nature was located.

A man who answered the phone at the embassy – but declined to give his name - said the incident occurred at about 5.40pm.

"At around 5.40pm somebody ran into the gates," he said.

Bomb squad officers inspect the car which crashed into the embassy gates. Picture: Kym Smith Source: The Daily Telegraph

"The man got out of his car and was detained by the Australian Federal Police.

"Currently they are just doing a sweep of the car to make sure there are no explosives in the car."

The man said the embassy was evacuated but declined to say how many staff were on site at the time.

The car which crashed into the embassy gates. Picture: Kym Smith Source: The Daily Telegraph

An ACT Police spokesman confirmed a single car drove into the front gates of the Yarralumla consulate.

"The incident occurred around 5.55pm and as a precaution the bomb team have been called out to do a sweep of the vehicle," he said.

"A man is currently assisting police with their inquiries."

Criminal Investigations Detectives are investigating the incident. Enquiries are continuing.

The man is expected to face the ACT Magistrates Court today.
 

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Siddle turns first Test on its head

Australian Ashes debutant Ashton Agar is presented his baggy green by pace legend Glenn McGrath.

PETER Siddle has turned the first Test at Trent Bridge on its head with an inspired spell of fast bowling.

After a slow start, when he conceded six an over, Siddle claimed 3-14 in 36 balls as England slumped to 4-134 midway through the first day.

Australia's most experienced bowler, Siddle was under pressure to hold his place in the team after poor form in warm-up matches.

LIVE MATCH CENTRE

However he claimed three big wickets after his Dandenong club mate James Pattinson had England captain Alastair Cook caught behind for 13, continuing his poor record at Trent Bridge.

Captain Michael Clarke swapped Siddle to the Radcliffe Road end, beginning the paceman's inspired spell.

Peter Siddle celebrates the wicket of Jonathan Trott at Trent Bridge.

He delivered a wonderful yorker to Joe Root (30), which swung away late from the right hander, flying past the outside edge of his bat and crashing into the base of off stump.

Kevin Pietersen could have been dismissed for just one when he tickled a ball from Pattinson down the leg side. Wicket-keeper Brad Haddin dived desperately but the ball flew under his left glove on the way to the boundary.

However Pietersen (14) became the victim of his own ego shortly after lunch, playing too hard at a ball from Siddle which moved away, taking the outside edge and flying to Clarke at second slip.

Trott had been the pick of England's batsmen, striking the ball wonderfully from the moment he replaced Cook at the crease.

It was a surprise then when he dragged another full delivery from Siddle into the stumps on 48, leaving England 4-124. 

Sky Sports cricket commentator Tim Abraham previews the first Ashes Test with Robert "Crash" Craddock.

If shock selection Ashton Agar was hoping for a Shane Warne moment with his first ball in an Ashes Test it failed to materialise.

Agar was brought on little more than an hour into this Ashes series but sadly for the nervous 19-year-old his first delivery was a low full toss which Trott drove through the covers to the boundary.

To be fair Agar bowled just one other ball which was scored from in his initial three-over spell, a short delivery that was cut for four, as his drift and drop troubled Trott at times.

Warne had already played 11 Tests and taken 31 wickets when he delivered "that ball" which bowled Mike Gatting during the 1993 tour. Agar has taken 31 wickets in his 10 first class games.

Cook has had a terrible time at Trent Bridge. In his six previous Tests at the ground Cook had averaged just 19.5 and has never made a half-century there but has dominated on every other ground in England and many around the world.

Surprise call-up Ashton Agar receives his baggy green cap from Glenn McGrath before the start of the first Ashes Test. Picture: Getty Images

His wicket came against the flow of a nervous start by the Australian bowlers.

It was no surprise when Cook won the toss and batted on a surprisingly dry pitch.

There was grey cloud cover aiding swing and forcing the lights to be turned on just half an hour into the day's play.

Australia's struggle for consistency was highlighted by the fact that 18 boundaries were scored in the morning session.

While some were think edges that easily avoided the slips and gully, many were poor deliveries that were picked off through the leg or off side.

Left-arm spinner Ashton Agar is a surprise inclusion in the Australia side to take on England in the first Ashes Test at Trent Bridge.

Australia's lack of experience showed, with Pattinson having played just 10 Tests going into this series and Mitchell Starc nine.

Australia's XI: Shane Watson, Chris Rogers, Ed Cowan, Michael Clarke (capt), Phil Hughes, Steve Smith, Brad Haddin, Peter Siddle, James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc, Ashton Agar

England's XI: Alastair Cook (c), James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Ian Bell, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Steven Finn, Graham Onions, Kevin Pietersen, Matt Prior (wk), Joe Root, Graeme Swann, Jonathan Trott.

PONTING PICKS A 2-1 AUSSIE WIN

PUP'S LEADERSHIP A WORK IN PROGRESS

Steve Smith in action for Australia in a tour match against Worcestershire.

WINNING IS ALL ABOUT ATTITUDE

RINGING ENDORSEMENT FROM BELL

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Man hit by truck as he ran from cops

Major Crash officers investigate a crash where a man was hit by a truck on Leach Highway in Brentwood. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: PerthNow

A MAN who was running away from police has been hit by a vehicle and seriously injured in Brentwood.

The man was hit on Leach Highway near the Kwinana Freeway at about 1.30pm.

West Australian police have confirmed a police unit had pulled up on the highway when the man ran away, reportedly into the path of an oncoming truck.

The man is believed to have suffered critical head injuries, and has been taken to Royal Perth Hospital.

An internal police investigation and a major crash investigation have been launched.

In another incident, a 10-year-old boy was airlifted to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Perth after being struck by a car in Byford in the city's southeast at about 2.30pm.

He was transferred by ambulance to Princess Margaret Hospital.

The boy's condition has since been listed as stable.

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Man abducted, assaulted in Margaret River

CRIME SCENE: A man was abducted after leaving a business premises in Margaret River. Source: PerthNow

MEN IN QUESTION: WA Police released this picture of a group of men wanted in connection with an alleged abduction and assault. Source: Supplied

A 20-YEAR-OLD man was abducted, assaulted and then abandoned outside Margaret River by a group of men at the weekend.

Police said the man was walking to his car about 5.30pm on Saturday after leaving a business in Ned Higgins Lane, Margaret River.

As he approached his car, he was assaulted by four men, who then put him into the car and drove him three or four kilometres north of the town.

The man was assaulted again, before the group of thugs left him and his car and drove off in their own vehicle with his keys.

The man managed to get to Bussell Highway, where he was found by a passing driver and taken to Margaret River Hospital.

He received treatment for numerous fractures and severe bruising to his head and body.

One of the offenders is described as a white male with short ginger hair, wearing board shorts or similar.

The other men were all wearing dark clothing and balaclavas.

The victim's vehicle is a silver Commodore sedan, and the offenders were driving a white VT model (1999/2000) Commodore sedan.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Woman kept 70 animals in squalor

FILTHY: The house where Rosemary Muriel Donovan kept more than 70 animals. Source: PerthNow

A WOMAN has been found guilty of 24 counts of animal cruelty after the RSPCA found more than 70 animals living in deplorable conditions at her Coondanup property.

Rosemary Muriel Donovan appeared at a two-day trial in the Mandurah Magistrates Court in March and today the findings of the trial were delivered and Donovan was convicted.

RSPCA inspectors visited the Coondanup property on July 4, 2011 after allegations of animal cruelty and concerns from Mandurah City Council.

The animals included dogs, cats and kittens, rabbits, guinea pigs and birds.

They creatures were not provided with proper food or water and were suffering harm which could have been alleviated by the taking of reasonable steps.

Some of the cats had ringworm and were riddled with mites and fleas.

The guinea pig cage was dirty with dead pigs on the floor and some of the birds were confined to cages that were too small.

It was also alleged inspectors sighted a number of animals, including rabbits, inside aviaries also containing birds without water.

In another aviary, a rabbit was walking over five dead budgies that were lying on the floor.

RSPCA Inspectors also noted a lack of food and rancid water and a strong stench of ammonia and faeces on the floor.

Donovan will be sentenced on Friday.

Her mother, Kim Donovan, was acquitted of animal cruelty charges.
 

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Deli worker bashed with pole

Police are trying to identify a man captured in CCTV footage assaulting a Kardinya deli attendant with a pole.

WANTED MAN: CCTV footage of a robbery at a Kardinya deli. Source: Supplied

WANTED MAN: CCTV footage of a robbery at a Kardinya deli. Source: Supplied

WANTED MAN: CCTV footage of a robbery at a Kardinya deli. Source: Supplied

POLICE are trying to identify a man captured in CCTV footage assaulting a Kardinya deli attendant with a pole.

The man entered the Ezy Plus store on South St about 1.15am on Wednesday, June 26.

He jumped the counter and repeatedly hit the attendant in the head.

The assault continued as the victim tried to crawl away.

The victim eventually got to his feet and gave the attacker cash from the till.

The man took more cash from the till before leaving the store.

The attendant was treated at Fremantle Hospital for minor injuries.

The offender is described as being about 35 years of age, 165cm tall, and was wearing a light brown coloured jacket and a beanie. He was carrying a backpack.

Anyone with information or who can identify the man is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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No knitted kangaroo for royal bub

An opal-encrusted rattle could be on the cards for the royal couple. Source: Getty Images

A KNITTED stuffed kangaroo is likely to be dumped for "something precious" as the official gift from Australia to the royal baby.

Prince William and Catherine Middleton are expected to welcome the newest arrival to the royal family within days.

A spokeswoman for Kevin Rudd said his wife Therese Rein and daughter Jessica were currently mulling over the gift to be given to the third in line to the throne.

"It will be Australian, precious and very special for both baby and Mum," the spokeswoman said.

An opal-encrusted rattle could be on the cards.

Britain recently passed laws to ensure that Kate and William's baby, regardless of the sex, will be able to take the throne following Prince Charles and Prince William.

Before she was removed as Prime Minister Julia Gillard was knitting a stuffed kangaroo for the royal baby.

Her spokeswoman said on if it would still be sent as part of Australia's gift: "we have no comment".

However, it is unlikely.

Former prime minister Julia Gillard was famously pictured knitting a toy kangaroo for the royal baby. .Picture: The Australian Women's Weekly Source: News Limited

Before her removal from the prime ministership last month Ms Gillard told the Australian Women's Weekly magazine the stuffed kangaroo would be part of the gift for the royal baby but: "I suspect our nation will probably do something a little more".

The magazine took a series of professional photographs with Ms Gillard which sparked public outrage.

"In terms of knitting for Kate's baby - I knit for babies - in part, because they are smaller projects, I've got not that much time in my life. You can get them done and there's a sense of satisfaction in having completed it," Ms Gillard said.

"I just thought it would be a cute project to work on."

In 1981 when the world was preparing for the arrival of Prince William, Australia sent a gift of 20 handcrafted silver platters, each inscribed on the back with Princess Diana and Prince Charles's wedding date, and presented in a French-polished box made from Australian blackwood.

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Forrest on our biggest FIFO issue

Andrew Forrest of Fortescue Metals Group Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

BILLIONAIRE Andrew Forrest is confident the WA economy will remain strong and says people eager to "write off'' China have got it wrong.

In a wide-ranging interview with The Sunday Times as Fortescue Metals Group prepares to celebrate its tenth anniversary this month, Mr Forrest said:

- Belts would tighten in the next year, but West Australians shouldn't panic.
- Governments needed to stop being so Perth-centric and commit to investing in regional cities in areas such as the Pilbara.
- Outdated housing taxes were tearing fly-in, fly-out families apart.
- The future of Fortescue was in good hands without him; and
- His achievements would mean nothing if they came at the expense of his family.

THE ECONOMY
Despite the almost daily reports of mining companies laying off staff, Mr Forrest said WA was not heading into a recession.

"I think every reader of The Sunday Times should be looking at the next year as being a bumpy ride, but looking at it with confidence,'' he said.

"It's not going to be a bad year - it just won't be a spectacular year. But, it will precede a strong WA economy and you will not see the WA economy slip back.

"Belts will tighten everywhere, but WA will still be one of, if not the greatest state you can choose to live in.''

CHINA

Mr Forrest said commentators, such as Prime Minister Kevin Rudd who recently declared "the Chinese resources boom is over'', were wrong.

"We've had China written off so many times in the 10 years of Fortescue's history and in the 20 years I've been fascinated by China,'' he said.

"The Chinese don't write themselves off - Western commentators do that.

"I have listened very carefully to what the Chinese leadership have said.

"They have a number of things going for them; several hundred million people they've still got to take out of poverty, huge foreign reserves and a rapidly educated people who are all ambitious. That gives them a serious weapon.''

Mr Forrest said the aspirations of the Chinese people reminded him of Australians.

"There is no ingrained social dysfunctionality or traditional set poverty like you have in other countries,'' he said.

"In many ways it's got an Australian, `Get up and have a crack mate' style culture.''

FIFO WORKFORCE

Mr Forrest said he received hundreds of emails from families thanking FMG for its eight-day on, six-day off family friendly roster.

But he also got emails from parents saying FIFO work had destroyed their families.

In one recent email, a woman told him her 15-year marriage had broken down because of it.

"I'm a fundamental non fan of FIFO,'' Mr Forrest said.

"We've done our very best at Fortescue to introduce a family-friendly culture and a family-friendly roster and it's on the edge of what companies can afford.

"We were the absolute first to move to an 8-6 roster in the Pilbara.''

Mr Forrest said the taxation system robbed mums and dads of the "security'' of living in their own home by penalising them if they bought a second house near a mine site.

Fortescue is calling for Fringe Benefits Tax imposts on remote area benefits to be scrapped and more land to be made available for housing developments in the Pilbara.

"We've got this antiquated taxation system, which is really forcing people to only invest in one house which is therefore in one city, which therefore populates a one-city policy (across WA),'' he said.

"We really need to change taxation policy so that it is not skewed against owning more than one house.''

PERTH SYNDROME

Mr Forrest said WA had to realise there was room for other major cities outside of Perth and called on governments to be more courageous when funding and planning for regional areas.

"It's a state with fabulous growth potential, extremely interesting coastline, beautiful climate and serious economic reasons why it can afford to decentralise its population,'' he said.

"We do need an attitude of leadership in our government which demonstrates faith in major population centres outside of Perth.''

FMG'S FUTURE

Mr Forrest stepped down as FMG chief executive in 2011 to become chairman and was replaced by Nev Power.
He said the company was doing well "rowing without me''.

"The strength of Fortescue has always been its management team,'' Mr Forrest said. ``We've had to explore ground where others have found nothing and with different techniques.

"We've pushed through the cynicism and ridicule of opposition of the established players.

"When you get to that point and you have broken through to clear air there is no time for pride. There is no time for personal grandiose. You should just feel thankful and continue doing the absolute best you can.

"In my view, the best that I could do was to fully utilise what has always been Fortescue's real strength… an excellent management team.''

FAMILY
Mr Forrest said his business success would have been hollow if it had come at the expense of his family.

"I will always put family first,'' he said. ``Every time I haven't, I have regretted it and apologised.''

Mr Forrest said he wouldn't force his three children, the oldest of whom is 19, to enter the company.

"It's entirely up to them. They might go into things entirely different (to me),'' he said. ``I have no expectations just the hope they will be happy.''

HIS LEGACY

Mr Forrest and his wife, Nicola, were the first Australians to pledge the "vast majority'' of their wealth to charity after joining a philanthropic movement launched by Microsoft founder Bill Gates and legendary US investor Warren Buffett.

Mr Forrest also helped launch the Australian Employment Covenant, which campaigns to have businesses hire indigenous Australians.

"I'm never looking at life in terms of legacy,'' he said.

"I'm very occupied by the present and how we can help today.''

The third part of the series with Andrew Forrest will be published on PerthNow tomorrow.

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Taxi driver assaulted, left stranded

A taxi driver was assaulted and had his vehicle stolen in Glendalough early this morning. Picture: Marie Nirme Source: PerthNow

A TAXI driver was assaulted and had his cab stolen in Glendalough this morning.

Police were called to the intersection of the Mitchell Freeway and Powis Street just before 1am after reports a male taxi driver had been assaulted and his taxi stolen.

The taxi had picked up two men in Perth, but pulled over in Bonnyvale Street, near Brady Street, after one of the passengers began to be sick in the taxi.

The driver informed the passengers they would have to pay a cleaning fee and they became agitated, assaulting the driver and stealing the taxi.

Scarborough Police, the dog squad and Regional Operations Group Officers conducted a search of the area and located one person of interest, a 19-year-old Joondanna man, near Glendalough Train Station on Scarborough Beach Road.

He was arrested and taken to Scarborough Police Station for questioning.

A 19-year-old Dalkeith man was interviewed this morning, after being located by Mirrabooka Detectives.

An ambulance was sent to assess the taxi driver's injuries and the taxi was found dumped nearby, however, the security cameras had been damaged.

Charges are yet to be laid.

Anyone with information regarding the incident should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

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Teen plane crash victims named

Witnesses have described an Asiana Airlines plane smash at San Francisco's International Airport

• Asiana Airline flight crashed on landing at airport
• Two were killed and others are unaccounted for
• TV footage shows pieces of plan and debris on the tarmac

THE CEO of Asiana Airlines denies mechanical failure was to blame for San Francisco plane crash as it revealed the two passengers killed were two 16-year-olds girls from China.

The two young victims were named by Chinese state media as Ye Mengyuan and Wang Linjia, both 16 and students at Jiangshan Middle School in China's eastern Zhejiang province.

Of the 291 passengers on board, 141 were Chinese.

Asiana Airlines Flight 214 from Seoul crashed on landing at San Francisco International Airport, leaving 182 injured and terrified passengers running for their lives. 

This aerial photo shows the wreckage of the Asiana Flight 214. Picture: AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez

Witnesses of the crash said the tail of the plane appeared to hit the approach area of the runway, which juts out into San Francisco Bay, as it came in for landing.

The plane's tail "hit the runway and the aircraft veered to the left out of the runway,'' South Korea's transportation ministry said in a statement Sunday from Seoul.

Pictures showed the tail detached from the fuselage, and the landing gear had also sheared off.

This aerial photo shows the wreckage on the tarmac. Picture: AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez

Passengers and crew fled the plane with just seconds to spare as smoke rose from the wreckage.

The two victims were found outside the plane, according to San Francisco fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White. "My understanding is that they were found on the runway," she said.

The Asiana Airlines Boeing 777 seen on the runway at San Francisco International Airport after crash landing.  Picutre: AFP

The airport was closed immediately after the crash, but two runways later reopened. Some flights were diverted to Los Angeles.

Among those on board were 77 Koreans, 141 Chinese, 61 US citizens, and one Japanese national, Asiana said in a statement.

In Seoul, Asiana Airlines CEO Yoon Young-Doo said that there was nothing wrong with the airplane.

A fire truck sprays water on Asiana Flight 214 after it crashed at San Francisco International Airport. Picture: AP Photo/Noah Berger

"We purchased this airplane in March 2006... currently we understand that there are no engine or mechanical problems,'' he said at a press conference, adding that the two people killed were Chinese nationals.

San Francisco General Hospital said it was treating 34 patients, five of them in critical condition. Other patients had been taken to different hospitals in the area.

In total, 123 people aboard the flight were uninjured, US officials said.

An eyewitness photo captures the evacuation of passengers from the Asiana flight. Picture: David Eun/Twitter

Survivor Elliott Stone told CNN that as it came in to land, it appeared the plane "sped up, like the pilot knew he was short.''

"And then the back end just hit, and flies up in the air, and everybody's head goes up to the ceiling. And then it just kind of drifts for a little bit, for a good 300 yards and then tips over. Fire starts," he explained.

He said he was able to evacuate safely, sitting in the middle of the plane, but the flight attendants sitting in the back "got hammered - because we landed short.

This image courtesy of CBS affiliate KPIX, shows firefighters fighting a fire on an Asiana Airlines Boeing 777.  Picture: AFP

"And then they all fell out - and it was just the most terrible thing I've seen," Stone said.

He said around 20 minutes after the crash, he and fellow passengers noticed "another five bodies like 457 metres away that nobody saw," adding they alerted emergency workers, but were frustrated at the response.

"We were yelling at people, yelling at firefighters. Get over here. They were just lagging hard. I don't know."

The tail of Asiana Flight 214 is seen, right, after it crashed at San Francisco International Airport. Picture: AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

Flight 214 crashed while landing on runway 28 left at the airport at 11:26am local time, Federal Aviation Administration spokeswoman Laura Brown said. She said the sequence of events was still unclear, but it appeared the Boeing 777 landed and then crashed.

LUCKY FEW WALKED AWAY UNHARMED

One passenger on Flight 214 posted a photograph of the plane on social media seconds after it landed, showing the emergency chutes deployed and passengers running away.

This photo provided by Zach Custer shows smoke rising from the plane. Picture: AP Photo/Zach Custer

"I just crash landed at SFO. Tail ripped off. Most everyone seems fine. I'm OK. Surreal ...'' said passenger David Eun, in a posting to the Path social network.

Eun described the immediate aftermath, posting on the Path social media site, "Fire and rescue people all over the place. They're evacuating the injured. Haven't felt this way since 9/11. Trying to help people stay calm. Deep breaths..."

But he soon after posted a more reassuring message, saying "Lots of activity here. Friends, pls don't call right now. I'm fine. Most people are totally calm and trying to let the fire and rescue do their jobs. Just like during 9/11, most people are great and try to be helpful in crisis..."

Another survivor had an even more positive message, telling the Los Angeles Times "I just want their families to know, most of the people seem OK and we're just letting the paramedics do their job."

PLANE 'BELLYFLOPPED' ON RUNWAY

Multiple witnesses said the plane had approached the runway at an awkward angle, with some onlookers saying they heard a loud bang. Local TV station KTVU quoted witnesses as saying that the plane's tail appeared to sheer off as it was coming in to land.

"We saw it hit, the tail broke off almost immediately upon hitting what appeared to be the end of the runway. It kind of did a bellyflop landing," Jennifer Sorgen told CNN.

"There wasn't a huge explosion of fire, but this was definitely fire, lots of smoke."

An airplane mechanic who witnessed the crash from the airfield also saw the smoke.

"It landed straight, then went to the side and then all you saw was smoke coming off it," Adrian John Mirabueno told the San Francisco Chronicle. "I was scared for the families, and to tell the truth I've never seen anything like it."

Another onlooker said he did not see any fire before the plane hit the runway.

"You heard a pop and you immediately saw a large, brief fireball that came from underneath the aircraft," Anthony Castorani, who saw the flight land from a nearby hotel, told CNN. "It began to cartwheel."

Others clarified the plane went into a flat spin around on the ground, as opposed to flipping over.

Helicopter footage showed a trail of debris and blackened pavement starting from the seawall at the very edge of the runway to where the plane finally came to rest in the dirt between the runway and a taxiway.

A video clip posted to YouTube shows smoke coming from a silver-coloured jet on the tarmac. Passengers could be seen jumping down the inflatable emergency slides. Television footage showed debris strewn about the tarmac and pieces of the plane lying on the runway.

Fire trucks sprayed a white fire retardant on the wreckage. The National Transportation Safety Board said it was sending a team of investigators to San Francisco to probe the crash. NTSB spokeswoman Kelly Nantel said that NTSB Chairman Deborah Hersman would head the team.

An FBI agent said there was no sign the crash was the result of a terror attack.

"At this point in time there is no indication of terrorism involved," said FBI special agent David Johnson.

Asiana is a South Korean airline, second in size to national carrier Korean Air. It has recently tried to expand its presence in the United States, and joined the Star Alliance, anchored by American Airlines and British Airways.

The 777-200 is a long-range plane from Boeing. The twin-engine aircraft is one of the world's most popular long-distance planes, often used for flights of 12 hours or more, from one continent to another. The airline's website says its 777s can carry between 246 to 300 passengers.

The last time a large US airline lost a plane in a fatal crash was an American Airlines Airbus A300 taking off from JFK in 2001.

Smaller airlines have had crashes since then. The last fatal US crash was a Continental Express flight operated by Colgan Air, which crashed into a house near Buffalo, New York on February 12, 2009.

The crash killed all 49 people on board and one man in a house.

Flights are reportedly being prepared to resume at San Francisco International Airport.

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