Death trap: WA fire trucks lack safety gear

Firefighters face two more bushfire seasons without life-saving gear. Source: PerthNow

Wendy Bearfoot, a volunteer firefighter who died while fighting a bushfire in WA's South-West. Source: PerthNow

WA firefighters will confront major blazes this summer in vehicles lacking vital safety equipment common in other states one year after the death of a firefighter exposed WA as "significantly out of step" with the rest of Australia.

The Sunday Times has confirmed that none of 667 vehicles that will operate in "high to extreme" risk areas this bushfire season has been fitted with in-cab breathing, water spray protection or advanced GPS systems.

Just 11 per cent or 71 vehicles have been fitted with heat shields.

Emergency Services Minister Joe Francis has admitted the Government has not yet even decided on a manufacturer for the in-cab breathing, water spray protection and advanced GPS systems.

The best he could do was say the tender process was expected to be finished by June.

This means WA firefighters could go into at least two more bushfire seasons without the lifesaving devices.

An official report into the death of firefighter Wendy Bearfoot during an Albany blaze last October found WA was failing to protect firefighters.

"South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and NSW all place far higher priority on vehicle protection ... and have done so for years," the report, released early last month, said.

"This lack of action in WA is not a result of ignorance. Agencies have been aware of developments in other jurisdictions."

Mrs Bearfoot, a mother of three, suffered horrific burns when her truck was engulfed in flames while she was fighting the October 12 blaze. She died three weeks later.

The report said every vehicle expected to enter a fire ground should as "minimum protection" have heat shield panels that can retard fire which other states began rolling out 15 years ago.

Authorities said the shields, which can be used internally or externally, protected crews from death or injury during the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires that engulfed parts of Victoria.

Following the report, Worksafe called for vehicle upgrades.

Opposition emergency services spokeswoman Margaret Quirk said more WA firefighters could die before our vehicles met national standards.

"It is an absolute disgrace that WA firefighters do not have the same protection as their colleagues in other states," she said.

"The fact that Worksafe issued improvement notices on the vehicles after (Mrs Bearfoot's death) and the increasingly unpredictable bushfire behaviour suggests (the vehicles) are potential death traps."

Three weeks before this year's March 9 state election, the Barnett Government said it would improve protection for firefighters by rolling out the safety features in vehicles in a $15 million promise "designed to save their lives" and "increase chances of survival".

"These new crew protection systems are proven to save lives and we must provide the best protection for the volunteer and career firefighters who fight dangerous bushfires across WA," then emergency services minister Troy Buswell said.

Mr Francis denied the Government was failing to deliver on its promise.

"Under existing contracts, 71 high-risk appliances have been installed with radiant heat shields and this process is continuing on a rolling basis over the next two years with priority given to vehicles in high-risk areas," he said.

Association of Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades of WA vice-president Dave Gossage said it was pathetic that "red tape" was compromising safety measures.

"We acknowledge there are State Government policies and processes to be followed (but) we question the level of red tape that slows positive actions," he said.

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Clarke hits back at Ponting

Ricky Ponting makes a point to Michael Clarke during training at the Adelaide Oval Source: Getty Images

Michael Clarke is a little shocked at some of the issues Ricky Ponting raised in his new book. Source: News Limited

AUSTRALIAN Test captain Michael Clarke has broken his silence on Ricky Ponting's explosive autobiography and says the first he knew his captain had a problem with him was when the book was released.

Clarke said while he knew Ponting was working on the book, he had no idea of references to him "moving in a different world" to his Australian teammates.

Ponting's book has been the talk of the sporting world since its release on Tuesday, specifically claims regarding Clarke and the suggestion his high-profile relationship with Lara Bingle put him at odds with the team.

The model revealed in The Sunday Times last week that leaving Clarke back in 2010 was the "best thing" she ever did because the alternative would be that she would be married with three kids.

The former Aussie skipper also criticised Clarke for not "sticking around for a chat and a laugh and a post-mortem on the day's play" or that, as vice-captain he never volunteered to "to take on any of the captain's workload".

Clarke yesterday declined to discuss his personal life but did talk about the autobiography, saying he was stunned that Ponting made no attempt to talk about any of these issues for the eight years he was captain or even prior to it going to print.

"Everybody is entitled to their opinion I guess," Clarke told The Sunday Times.

"But I think the one thing I will say, is that if Ricky felt that that was the situation in the team, as the captain of the Australian cricket team, I would have thought that he would have approached me personally at the time."

As for a rebuttal autobiography of his own Clarke said: "Who knows. But I have no idea what I would write in a book if I was ever to write one."

But the 32-year-old did admit he thought about what he would do after retirement from cricket on a daily basis.

"In saying that I don't think I'm in any rush to retire," he said.

The Aussie skipper said his main focus now was overcoming a back injury in time for the opening Ashes test in Brisbane on November 21.

Yesterday he launched the Michael Clarke Random Bounce Ball, which is designed to encourage kids to exercise.

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X-traordinary reward for juveniles

Microsoft Xbox 360 computer game console and controller. Source: Supplied

THE State Government has bought eight Xbox consoles for juvenile offenders who destroyed six of the same gaming stations during a riot in January.

The eight new consoles have been bought at taxpayers' expense for use by detainees at Hakea Prison, where the young offenders were sent after smashing up Banksia Hill Detention Centre.

The Department of Corrective Services insists the new machines are not direct replacements for the six machines destroyed in the riot.

"These consoles are employed as part of a structured reward system which forms part of a facility-wide behaviour management strategy," a spokesman for the department said.

The games that are played on the consoles are supplied by the Department of Corrective Services and include police car-chase game, Need for Speed Undercover, and first-person shooter Halo: Reach.

"Youth Custodial Services policy specifies that all games provided for detainees be age appropriate," a spokesman said. "None of the games has a higher rating than MA15+."

Rampaging inmates caused $1.5 million damage to cells and common-use areas at Banksia Hill during the January riot. More than 70 juveniles had to be moved to Hakea, an adult prison, while repairs were made. On August 29, some of the same detainees went on another damage spree there, smashing sinks, toilets and shower screens, as well as destroying mattresses and shelves. That spree followed earlier damage to cells in June and July.

The eight Xbox consoles were purchased as a reward for good behaviour, just two days before the August 29 incident.

Corrective Services Minister Joe Francis this week defended the decision to buy the consoles. Noting the reward factor, he described them as "also management tools as part of the positive incentive to correct behaviour".

The Xbox gaming stations are not located in cells but in the common living units.

The department confirmed the gaming machines would be moved to Banksia Hill when the current transfer of detainees from Hakea back to Banksia Hill was complete.

At present there are 157 juveniles in detention in WA.

Fifty-nine boys remain at the temporary Hakea facility, pending their return to Banksia Hill. There are also 14 detainees in the female unit at Banksia Hill.

The department spokesman said a range of incentives and strategies to reward positive behaviour had been put in place throughout Banksia Hill.

"It should be noted that incentives are used to reinforce positive behaviours throughout the facility and are not limited to mitigation of cell damage or any other specific type of adverse behaviour," he said.

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VC hero's SAS mission to save Harry

VC hero Mark Donaldson with his wife Emma and two children Kaylee, 7 and Hamish, 2. Picture: Ross Swanborough Source: PerthNow

VC hero Mark Donaldson and other members of Australia's elite Special Air Services Regiment (SAS) unit were instructed to take out a Taliban warlord who had spoken of his intention to kill Prince Harry.

The threat to the prince was made by a fighter codenamed Javelin in Afghanistan in 2008.

Intelligence supplied to the SAS said Javelin had allegedly vowed to kill Prince Harry if given the chance.

On a spring night in August 2008 the Aussie soldiers used the veil of darkness to slip into the compound where Javelin was based, but the warlord got away.

A year later the Perth-based Victoria Cross recipient and other SAS members returned to the same area and killed Javelin and other high-ranking Taliban leaders.

The revelations are in Donaldson's new book The Crossroad, which will hit bookshelves this week. As well as the Prince Harry mission the father-of-two also reveals:

How his mother is "presumed murdered" and her body has never being found;

How he lost his father at 16 to a heart attack; and

His threat to quit the army if he wasn't allowed back on the frontline after being awarded his VC.

Of the Prince Harry assignment Donaldson writes: "Towards the end of August (2008), we flew by Chinook to a place called Paygolkar, to go after two targets codenamed Longbow and Javelin.

"Javelin had been saying he was going to take out Prince Harry when he (Prince Harry) went over there, and they were supposed to be important Taliban commanders."

Prince Harry spent 10 weeks in Afghanistan from December 2007 to February 2008. The fourth-in-line to the throne had to be withdrawn after a media embargo was broken breaching his security. He wouldn't serve again until 2012, but by then Javelin was dead, courtesy of an SAS bullet.When asked this week about the Prince Harry job, Donaldson explained how it played out.

"In 2009 one of the other guys in the (SAS) troop got him (Javelin) in the exact same place (that we targeted the year before)," the 34-year-old said.

"Initially, we got some intelligence that Javelin had said he'd target Prince Harry when Prince Harry first went to Afghanistan. It was some intelligence we got, whether he said that, who knows, but it was definitely what we heard at the time. It came out through intelligence that he (Javelin) had stated what he said. It was not really a focal point of his 'intel' picture, more so just 'intel' evidence gathered on him.

"We went there in 2008 but he (Javelin) slipped the net. Almost a year later in an exact same type of job, at the exact time of night (we got Javelin). A group of (our) guys (got him) from a different angle shrinking in to the compound."

A spokesperson at Cambridge House declined to comment on Prince Harry's behalf.

Donaldson met Prince Harry when the young royal visited SAS headquarters in Swanbourne on October 6.

While he is seen as a hero for his actions on the frontline, Donaldson says his mother's death has stained his life with sadness. He had just turned 19 when he was told his mum, Bernadette, was missing and that police suspected foul play. Though her body has never been found a coronial inquest in 2009 concluded it was probable that a man named Chris Watt had murdered her. DNA from blood found in Watt's car revealed it was Mrs Donaldson's.

But the formal findings have never healed Mark's hidden wounds."(The 2009) inquest was closure in one aspect in that everything pointed to Watt as the person who did it," Donaldson said this week.

"We always suspected it but at least this was an official decision. But that's half closing a book. Where is she? She hasn't got a resting place.

"It's not really closure as such for myself. But I try not to dwell on it. When I think of Mum I think of all the things I've missed out on telling her and the experiences Brent (his older brother) and I and our families have had without her knowing."

The Crossroad is a rare insight into the life of an SAS soldier. To write it, Donaldson received permission from his chain of command, which is the standard policy and procedure for serving ADF members.

He said that even before he was awarded a VC he felt his story was worth telling, after overcoming tough teenage years to emerge a self-disciplined family man.

He's hoping the book will inspire anyone who feels they may be struggling to believe in themselves and the future.

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Utility's $50k splurge before job cuts

WESTERN Power has come under fire for spending $50,000 on two workshops in the wake of proposed job cuts.

The power utility spent $25,850 on a weekend workshop in July and $24,940 on another weekend workshop in October – at the Novotel Vines Resort.

The spend-up was despite plans to cut 150 jobs from its head office.

But Western Power's chairman Alan Mulgrew said it was money well spent.

"In response to customer expectations, Western Power has embarked on a reform process aimed at placing downward pressure on electricity prices,'' he said.

"The 2013 review was conducted by 36 staff representing the core functions of the business.

"The total cost of the review is approximately $20,000.

"The board is satisfied that this is money well spent ... and is encouraged by Western Power's progress over the past 12 months, in particular a $25 million dollar reduction in operating costs.

"The board has required Western Power to conduct an annual review, to ensure this momentum is maintained.''

State Opposition energy spokesman Bill Johnston said the spend-up was excessive.

"Mike Nahan promised that the culture of excess was in the past,'' Mr Johnston said.

"It's about time he accepted responsibility for his own failings.''

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$50m plan for Perth to play Hollywood

WA film producer Stephen Van Mil at the proposed site for the $50 million Warner-Bros style film studio at Murdoch University. Picture: Will Russell Source: PerthNow

A $50 million Hollywood-style film studio is being proposed for Perth.

Perth film producer Stephen Van Mil said he hoped work would begin on the new complex next year and that it would open in 2016.

He said the studio would include a 260-room hotel for cast and crew, bars, restaurants, a convention centre, cinema and a gymnasium.

An artist's impression of the $50 million film studio at Murdoch University. Picture: Will Russell Source: PerthNow

Mr Van Mil said the facility would allow the local film industry to become internationally competitive.

Talks were under way with Murdoch University for the complex to be built on university land.

"We don't have a proper studio here and no post production studios of any note,'' Mr Van Mil said.

WA film producer Stephen Van Mil at the proposed site for the $50 million Warner-Bros style film studio at Murdoch University. Picture: Will Russell Source: PerthNow

"It's remarkable we're getting any films made here.''

What do you think of the plan? Have your say below

WA has had a number of hit films made in the state in recent years.

In 2011, local producer Nelson Woss's Red Dog made more than $21 million at the box office, becoming the eighth highest grossing Australian film ever.

The 2010 film adaptation of the stage show, Bran Nue Dae, was filmed in Broome, with stars including Jessica Mauboy and Missy Higgins.

This year, major film projects in Perth have included Son of a Gun, starring Ewan McGregor, The Turning (based on a Tim Winton novel) with Cate Blanchett and Kill Me Three Times with Simon Pegg.

Mr Van Mil said the studio complex began to take shape after a chance meeting with an executive of a UK film studio franchise company, Extraordinary Ltd.

The project was hoped to be run as a joint venture between Murdoch university and a WA company set up to manage it.

Overseas investors were expected to take equity in the local company, through Extraordinary. It was also hoped to attract local investors.

An artist's impression of the $50 million film studio at Murdoch University. Picture: Will Russell Source: PerthNow

Mr Van Mil said local film makers were currently using make-shift facilities at a former nursing home on the Nedlands foreshore.

"The beauty of this design is that no studio anywhere has the foresight to put in the accomodation for the cast and crew,'' he said.

"This way everyone stays at the one place.''

He said a 1973 book which looked at the critical elements that made Los Angeles the film capital of the world mentioned Perth's similarity.

Los Angeles: The Architecture of Four Ecologies noted: "Los Angeles' notable rival, in fact, is Rio de Janeiro (though the open ocean-beaches of Los Angeles are preferable in many ways) and its only rival in potential is, probably, Perth, Western Australia", Mr Van Mil said.

Mr Van Mil's production company Impian Films is currently working on a several projects, including The Drowner, based on the life of CY O'Connor.

He said production and post-production film companies would be invited to take up residence at the new facility, creating a local film hub.

Murdoch University vice chancellor Professor Richard Higgott said today the university was excited about the proposal.

He said he met with Extraordinary Ltd CEO Chris Samwells and Mr Van Mil last week.

"I certainly share their excitement and enthusiasm for the possibility of having WA's first studio facility as part of our campus,'' he said.

"I was also able to meet with some of the investors who will underwrite the project.''

Mr Higgott said the university was looking forward to receiving a formal proposal for the project soon.

"It is anticipated that such a complex would be located on Murdoch's eastern precinct, however an exact location would not be determined by the university until we have seen the formal proposal,'' he said.

Professor Higgott said the facility would give Murdoch students the chance to get practical experience in world-class facilities.

The hotel would also provide a conference facility for the university.

Extraordinary Ltd CEO Chris Samwells this week reportedly told US film industry news site Hollywood Reporter that he hoped complexes in Perth and Spain would become the first of six micro-movie studios around the world.

The company also had eyes on Goa in India, the Caribbean island of Tobago, Winnipeg in Canada and Las Cruces in New Mexico.

Mr Samwells' attempt to launch a studio operation in Spain a few years ago failed amid an economic crisis in the country, according to the news site.

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Miners evacuated after pop star visit

Jessica Mauboy performs at Cloudbreak shortly before the evacuation began.

The fire as seen from the camp at Cloudbreak yesterday. Source: PerthNow

Jessica Mauboy was playing a gig at the Cloudbreak mine shortly before the camp was evacuated. Source: PerthNow

Smoke billows above the Cloudbreak mine as buses line up outside. Source: Supplied

Fire appears dangerously close to miner's  accommodation dongas at Cloudbreak. Source: Supplied

TIRED workers have been evacuated from the Cloudbreak iron ore mine after a fire started by lightning escalated overnight.

Up to 2000 workers are being transported from the Fortescue Metals Group mine site in the Pilbara region to their nearby Solomon Hub.

The bushfire as seen from Cloudbreak yesterday. Source: PerthNow

An FMG worker told PerthNow the fire broke out at the Cloudbreak site, about 170km north of Newman, some time early Wednesday morning, possibly from lightning.

Are you near the fire? Send us pics or let us know here

Workers were at the Cloudbreak pub last night watching Jessica Mauboy live on stage when they were told to evacuate.

"Everyone was partying and having a good time, watching Jess, and then we went to bed but soon got evacuated," the FMG worker said.

Jessica Mauboy performing at Cloudbreak last night, shortly before the evacuation began. Source: PerthNow

The group of workers were evacuated at 11.30pm and driven 50km to the Christmas Creek mine site in the middle of the night, where they waited on an oval and in a dining room until flying to the Solomon Hub at 6am this morning.

"It hasn't been fun, there's a lot of people who need to be evacuated and we're all tired but it's been handled pretty well," the worker said.

The bushfire at the Cloudbreak mine site, which escalated this morning. Source: PerthNow

Remaining employees at the Cloudbreak site are expected to arrive at Solomon later today, with six to seven planes required to evacuate the entire camp.

Another worker told PerthNow a lightning strike caused the fire.

"There was a lightning strike 200m from the camp on which left an area of bush smoldering," he said.

"It managed to escalate to a large bushfire in the early hours of this morning."

The bushfire at the Cloudbreak mine site, which escalated this morning. Source: PerthNow

It is unclear how much damage the fire has caused but the Shire of East Pilbara is helping to fight the blaze.

FMG today said its accommodation village at Cloudbreak was evacuated overnight due to the close proximity of the bushfire.

"Personnel were evacuated to Christmas Creek mine, 50km east of Cloudbreak, and will be returned to the accommodation village when it is safe to do so," FMG said in a statement.

"There have been no injuries or significant damage and we are working to contain the fire."

And did pop star Mauboy make it out safely?

"She flew to Perth from Christmas Creek this morning on the flight she was originally booked on," a spokesperson said.

"She stayed at Christmas Creek while she visited the Fortescue Chichester Hub and was not impacted by the evacuation at Cloudbreak."

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Perth couple feared ruin after holiday drug trap

Elderly Perth couple used as $7m drug mules after competition 'win'

Part of the haul of drugs which an elderly Perth couple were duped into smuggling into WA from Canada. Picture: Andrew Nelson Channel Nine Source: Supplied

An AFP officer with the drugs an elderly Perth couple were duped into smuggling into WA from Canada. Picture: Andrew Nelson Channel Nine Source: Supplied

A PERTH couple who were unwittingly conned into become multi-million dollar drug mules after winning a dream trip to Canada feared they could have spent the rest of the lives in prison.

The elaborate con duped the couple by taking them to Canada as 'winners' of an all-expenses paid trip, which included accommodation and new luggage.

But after a dream week in North America, the couple became suspicious about their bags on their return to Western Australia and reported themselves to Customs.

Australian Customs discovered $7 million worth of methamphetamine in rock form in the luggage, with 3.5kg of the drug found hidden inside each case.

The 64-year-old woman, who only wants to be known as Sue, said they were looking online for a holiday, and after entering an online competition she was contacted.

"Be very careful if you win anything,'' Sue said.

"I could have ended up in jail for 25 years, and they could have ruined my life.

"So be very wary, be very careful and check everything out.''

The cruel scam was uncovered by the AFP and Australian Customs officials earlier this month.

The alleged con involved a Canadian-based website targeting elderly Australian couples with the potential to win the all-expenses paid trip.

Authorities today detailed how the WA couple, a man aged 72 and woman, 64, were the "lucky'' winners.

The AFP will allege their luggage was swapped while in Canada, with the couple having no clue they were then being duped into carrying the drugs home.

The couple were due to be met on arrival, which set AFP officers into an investigation which led to a search warrant of a car and a room in Scarborough, where documents related to the con, more bags similar to the ones seized, and $15,000 in cash were found.

Australian Federal Police arrested a 38-year-old Canadian man at the airport that day and search warrants were carried out at a hotel in Scarborough.

The man was charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug.

AFP Perth Airport Police Commander David Bachi said further investigations revealed a complex and highly-organised scam, in which older Australians are being targeted by a bogus Canadian-based tour company identifying itself as 'AUSCAN Tours'.

"The organisers of this scam went to great lengths to provide a façade of legitimacy. Thankfully the travellers contacted Customs and didn't dismiss their concerns, allowing us to make the arrest," Commander Bachi said.

"We will continue working with local and international law enforcement partners, targeting all elements of this drug syndicate."

ACBPS director of airport operations in Perth, Jan Hill, warned travellers about carrying luggage on behalf of someone else.

"If you've been asked to carry something on behalf of another person, make the right choice and alert local authorities," Ms Hill said.

"Do not allow another person to pack your bag and do not carry luggage on behalf of another person."

Anyone who has been offered a similar travel offer, or who has been the victim of a similar scam is asked to call 131 AFP or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

- with AAP

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Mia Freedman sparks rape furore

The calm before the Twitter storm for Mia Freedman. Source: News Limited

MEDIA personality Mia Freedman has come under fire over an article she posted about rape prevention on her website Mama Mia.

The journalist was inundated with thousands of tweets in response to the post, which implies that women who consume alcohol are more likely to be sexually assaulted than women who don't.

"It's probably come as a real shock to the ones who were raped by boyfriends or friends that just not drinking would have prevented it," tweeted Daily Life columnist Clementine Ford.

"Dear Mia, Please come to work with me and talk to rape victims and tell them to their face they could have prevented it," added Tracy Shoshan. ‏

Freedman was quick to respond: "So today, apparently I'm 'victim blaming'. Please."

In a later tweet she said: "Interesting that those being most abusive on @TwitterAU to me about this post do not have daughters."

A wide range of women have got involved in the online debate, including Diversity Council Australia CEO Nareen Young - "the job of criminal lawyers is to defend their clients, and that's what they do. Good work Mia. Helping us lose" - and The Project's Em Rusciano, who tweeted in defence of the former Cosmopolitan editor.

Some of the most heated comments came from users offended that Freedman said advice about sexual assault was different for mothers than non-mothers.

"Tell Mia I haven't got a daughter but I *have* been cross examined in County Court about my own assaults. I think I qualify," said user Little Lion.

"Guys, you aren't allowed to have opinions on women and victimisation unless you're raising daughters on the North Shore. Okay?" added Ford.

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Abbott's fire chief sticks up for him

Tony Abbott says the sympathies of the nation are with the victims of the unfolding bushfire crisis in NSW.

Darryl Pearson, Trent Dowling, Tony Abbott and Tim Eliott pictured when they competed in the Toughest Firefighter relay event. Source: News Limited

TONY Abbott's rural fire chief has labelled as "complete rubbish" and "disrespectful" attacks on the Prime Minister joining his brigade on the weekend to help fight the devastating NSW bushfires.

Trent Dowling, who is the captain of the Davidson NSW rural fire brigade, yesterday slammed critics of Mr Abbott, saying he often pulled more than his own weight when on patrol and had been a loyal volunteer for more than ten years.

"I think it's all just complete rubbish and it is 100 per cent disrespectful to any volunteer out there helping to battle the fire," Mr Dowling told News Corp from the fire front yesterday.

"He is just a normal guy doing what he always does with us. People should just leave it alone as it's wearing pretty thin."

Mr Abbott has faced criticism since he joined his local fire service for a 14-hour night shift on Saturday to help with back burning near Bilpin in the NSW Blue Mountains.

His service was not publicised by his media office and they did not issue a statement until several blurry photos appeared on social media.

RFS Volunteer Tova Gallagher said she couldn't believe her eyes when she saw Prime Minister Tony Abbott decked out in his NSWRFS uniform. Source: Supplied

Mr Dowling said the Prime Minister had earned the respect of his local fire crew and had been a loyal volunteer since he first joined in October 2000.

He said Mr Abbott had even been appointed deputy captain two years in a row but had to step down from the duties when he became opposition leader in 2009.

"That wasn't because he didn't want that position, it was simply because with his extra workload he would be away from home more often," Mr Dowling said.

"Tony is an extremely fit guy and pulls his weight out there; in fact he often pulls more than his own weight.

"He has the total respect of the members and wasn't there for a photo opportunity."

Mr Dowling said many of the Davidson crew were "really p----- off" that Mr Abbott was facing criticism and his service was of such interest to the media.

"He is just one normal person doing what he always does. We've got people here in the canteen who are working from 4am till after 5pm just to feed our people," he said.

"We should be praising and talking about our back of house heroes, not unnecessarily dumping a whole lot of criticism on one guy who is just helping out."

Are people who criticise Tony Abbott firefighting efforts really disrespecting volunteers? Comment below.

###

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Police search rubbish tip for missing Perth mum

AN update on the case of missing Perth mother Helen Rocha.

POLICE have confirmed they are treating the disappearance of Perth mother Helen Rocha as a suspected homicide.

Helen Rocha, 40, was last seen on September 26. Her disappearance is being treated as a suspected homicide. Picture: Supplied. Source: PerthNow

POLICE have searched a rubbish tip south of Perth today as part of their investigation into the suspected murder of Helen Rocha.

Ms Rocha, a married mother of two, was last seen leaving her Willagee home with a man just before midday on September 26.

It's believed she then travelled by car to the vicinity of Parmelia, Orelia and Kwinana that afternoon.

It has been reported the family was sent a text message sent from Ms Rocha's mobile phone, which used 'wrong language.'

The text was reportedly sent the day after she went missing.

Major Crime Squad detectives and forensic officers searched a landfill facility in Henderson on Tuesday.

"This is one of a number of areas searched as part of the investigation," a police spokesman said.

"Detectives are continuing their appeal for information regarding Helen Rocha."

"Anyone with information that can assist, regardless of how insignificant they think it may be, is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000."

Police used heavy machinery to search the tip, but it's understood they did not locate any items of interest.

Her bank accounts have not been accessed.

Yesterday, police issued a fresh plea for the public to come forward with information.

Detective Senior Sergeant Greg McDonald of the Major Crime Squad said police held grave concerns for Ms Rocha's welfare.

"Helen has been out of contact with her family for almost a month now and that behaviour is extremely unusual for her," Det-Sen-Sgt McDonald said.

"By all accounts she is a very devoted mother, she keeps in constant contact with her children.

"For her not to contact her children for this length of time is one of the greatest areas of concern to us."

Det-Sen-Sgt McDonald said police knew the identity of the man she left her Willagee home with on September 26, but wouldn't be drawn on whether police had questioned the man.

"We are hoping that someone out there has seen something that will help us so we can help them (Helen's family)," Det-Sen-Sgt McDonald said.

The iPad, iPhone and coin purse Ms Rocha is believed to have been carrying have not been found.

Yesterday, police and SES volunteers searched bushland in Bertram as part of the investigation into Ms Rocha's disappearance. A home in Parmelia was also searched earlier this month.

Ms Rocha has an olive complexion, around 157cm tall with a slim build, black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a black top, black tights and black runners.

Anyone who may have seen Ms Rocha or has seen suspicious activity particularly in isolated or bush locations in Parmelia, Orelia or Kwinana should contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Women bringing in the bread

There are 24 per cent more young single men in the workforce than women, according to census data. Bernard Salt reveals the hot spots.

AFP PHOTO/HO/NATIONAL ARCHIVES Source: AFP

AUSTRALIA'S modern family is changing as women become the major breadwinner in more than one-in-four or half a million households.

The nation's 5.68 million households are also more likely to swap house keys than wedding rings with almost eight out of 10 people living together before marriage.

Former Treasurer Peter Costello's catch cry of "one for mum, one for dad and one for the country" to lift the birthrate has delivered higher fertility rates, but they are still below the replacement rate needed to offset deaths.

This has left Australia dependent on immigration to lift its population rate.

But the most dramatic change in the past 20 years has been the rise in the number of households with both parents working.

The increase has been heightened since the global financial crisis especially among lower income households.

A major report into Australian household incomes by AMP NATSEM to be released today shows 58 per cent of all 'couple with children' families have both parents in the workforce, compared to 40 per cent in the 1980s.

Female breadwinners are most prominent among couples with no children.

In New South Wales and Victoria, 26 per cent of households are reliant on the woman's wages with low and middle income families the most dependent.

Among the richest families men continue to be the primary earner with only 17 per cent of wealthy households having a female breadwinner.

Men earn on average almost $5500 more than women per year across all family types. The difference is highest among older couples whose children have flown the nest, blowing out to more than $17,500 per annum.

Intact families with couple and children also tend to earn more with an average weekly wage of $2073 compared to $1878 for blended or step families, who are more likely to rent than have a mortgage.

NATSEM principal researcher Rebecca Cassells said the family unit is becoming increasingly diverse and complex across the nation.

"It is increasingly becoming a necessity to have double-income households especially among homeowners due to high house prices," she said.

"This means that the families of the future will look very different again and it will be interesting to see if the paid parental leave scheme keeps more women in the workforce over the next decade."

The report looking into the changing dynamics of Australia's households also shows the marriage rate has fallen from 6.6 marriages per 1000 people to 5.4 marriages per 1000 people in the past 20 years.

And church weddings have gone into free fall as the number of Australians marrying in civil ceremonies has almost doubled from 38 per cent to 70 per cent.

New South Wales is the nation's marriage capital.

On the international front Australia trails behind the US (6.8) but is higher than France (3.7), the UK (4.3) and Canada (4.4).

The divorce rate has stabilised at 2.2 per 1000 people while it has actually fallen for couples with kids - well below the US level.

The report also shows people are remaining single longer as the number of couples falls from 77 per cent of all households in 1986 to 72 per cent in 2011.

Fertility rates have also moved up in the last 20 years despite people postponing having children until they are older. The average age of a first-time mum has jumped to 29 years, up from 25 years in 1983.

A bill to legalise same-sex marriage has passed the Legislative Assembly in the ACT.

In the past 10 years, the number of same-sex couples has increased 73 per cent to 33,714 households. Most of the increase is put down to people being more comfortable disclosing their relationship.

Outside Sydney, which has the top ten male and female same-sex couple suburbs, Melbourne's Collingwood is the top destination for male same-sex couples.

The Victorian town of Daylesford is the top ranked location for female same sex couples.

The majority of Australians also support equal rights for same-sex couples, the report said.

A strong growth in support among older Australians lifted the national level to 65 per cent approval rating for same-sex equality.

Changing Face of Australia

Proportion of Female Breadwinners

NSW/26%

VIC/26%

QLD/23%

SA/22%

WA/18%

TAS/35%

(NT and ACT not included due to small sample size)

Average weekly earnings

Family Type/Female/Male

Couple no children/$2318/$2448

Couple dependent children/$2487/$2514

Couple non-dependent children/$2025/$2362

Household relationships

State/Living together/Civil marriage ceremony/Crude Marriage rate/ Crude Divorce rate

NSW/71.8%/66%/5.7/1.9

VIC/76.8%/69.5%/5.1/2.2

QLD/85.4%/75.3%/5.6/2.5

SA/81.7%/69.2%/4.9/2.1

WA/83.1%/74%/5.4/2.1

TAS/87.5%/74.5%/4.6/2.1

NT/82%/78.9%/3.9/1.5

*source AMP/NATSEM Income and Wealth Report 2013

**the marriage and divorce data is based on per 1000 people

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Bandidos bikies claim WA turf

The Bandidos bikie gang is believed to have set up a chapter in WA. Picture: Grant Turner Source: The Courier-Mail

ONE of Australia's most notorious bikie gangs, the Bandidos, are claiming to have set up a chapter in WA.

PerthNow can reveal several senior Bandidos bikie gang members arrived in Perth on Sunday.

It's believed they later met with WA members of the Rock Machine bikie gang.

Dozens of police officers were at Perth domestic airport to monitor the Bandidos members as they landed on a Virgin Australia flight just before 3pm yesterday.

There has been speculation since early 2011 the Rock Machine has been paving the way for the Bandidos to set up in WA.

In 2000, Rock Machine members in Canada voted to "patch over" to the Bandidos, after a seven-year turf war with the Hells Angels left more than 160 people dead.

Today, a WA police spokeswoman said police were "monitoring the activities of the Rock Machine" in light of representatives from the Bandidos arriving in Perth yesterday.

"We have no confirmation of any members being patched over at this time," the spokeswoman said.

But the Bandidos' website is already claiming it now has a WA chapter.

"We welcome Bandidos West Coast probationary chapter Perth," reads one post on the club's website.

Another post on the website reads: "Big Fat Congratulations to West Coast Probationary Chapter Perth for your new status in our glorious Nation!!! Step up to the plate, job well done brothers!"

PerthNow has sought further comment from WA Police about the claims on the website.

The Bandidos were formed in Australia in 1983 following a split from another bikie gang, the Comancheros.

WA police confirmed last week that the Mongols outlaw motorcycle gang had patched over the Finks bikie gang in Western Australia.

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Life through Lara's eyes

Love her or hate her Lara Bingle is now a household name. Picture: Lara Bingle/Instagram Source: Supplied

LARA Bingle is Australia's answer to Paris Hilton. Much like the platinum blonde heiress, her name mentioned in conversation is likely to elicit at least one eye-roll, a bit of grumbling along the lines of, "But what does she actually DO?" and a debate about if she is, in fact, that hot. To add insult to injury, the name Bingle has also become synonymous with 'dumb'. Last year's vacuous reality show Being Lara Bingle didn't help much in that department.

One important distinction, though, is that Bingle's rise to celebutante status was the result of gentle, not to mention scripted, swearing in the 2006 'Where the bloody hell are you?' Tourism Australia ad campaign, rather than via a Hilton-esque sex tape.

Bingle seems cheerfully unperturbed by the derision she regularly cops (though she does have trouble bringing herself to say the infamous slogan now), whether it's 'fat' bikini photos published in the gossip mags or simply the comment feed of her Instagram account. Remarks on some of the sizzling selfies she's posted while modelling the swimwear line she's designed, Lara Bingle for Cotton On Body, range from the snarky, "It's amazing how far a set can get you" to the gushing, "Oh my god I love this body!!!! So nice to portray fitness and health rather than ribs and hip bones!!! #hot".

"I like that, though," says the 26-year-old Bingle, explaining the reasoning behind her thick skin. "I think if there's one person hating on whatever, then two people are loving it. It creates emotion to the brand ["the Lara Bingle brand" is how she later refers to it]. That was always what my dad said: 'If no one's talking about you, Lara, then you have a problem.'"

The day after Sunday Style's shoot in Avalon, on NSW's northern beaches, I meet Bingle and her manager, George Moskos, for lunch in Double Bay. We choose a cafe where the silver-haired, well-heeled clientele are unlikely to notice or care about Bingle in their midst. For the record, no one bats an eyelid.

Lara Bingle in the Heath Enclosure at the Caulfield Cup. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: News Limited

When I arrived at the shoot the day before, she was wearing a red Baywatch-style swimsuit from her range; red, white and blue striped knee socks; and was wrapped in a brown fur rug, quietly shivering between shots. Today (post the influence of stylist and Vogue senior fashion editor Christine Centenera), it's a typical black-on-black designer ensemble. I ask her to talk me through the outfit.

"I'm wearing all international stuff," she says, apologetically. "Balmain blazer, The Row cashmere jumper, Balenciaga [leather] skirt, Jimmy Choo shoes, no bag. I don't really take bags with me. I bought a little Chanel Boy Bag I fell in love with in Paris. I was like, 'Oh, I don't have a boyfriend, I'll buy a Boy' [Bingle split with New York-based DJ Nick Cohen when they were in Paris in July this year]. Anyway, that's at home, though. I didn't bring it. And a Céline [chunky gold] necklace."

When she took on Centenera as a stylist during the three-plus years she was with cricketer Michael Clarke (now Australian team captain), her sartorial transformation was dramatic - very expensive, very designer and very black.

"Christine and her boyfriend, [fashion designer] Josh Goot, have always been massive supporters of me. She would be the go-to person throughout my whole relationship with Michael," says Bingle.

"I still see her now, we're still friends. But she's expensive and I don't need a stylist every day. And now, yes, I look like a blonder version [of her], maybe a little bit more voluptuous.

"I credit her with creating my look and aligning me to great brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel. A lot of people can't get access to those brands. Even Dion Lee and Josh Goot don't loan. So she kind of set me apart from all of that, which I am forever thankful for."

Lara Bingle burst onto the stage at 18 as the face of Tourism Australia "Where the bloody hell are you?" advertising campaign. Source: News Limited

How would she say her style differs from Centenera?

"Not much," she laughs. "Probably day to day I'm a little more beach girl, when I'm at the beach and things like that. I don't know … it's kind of the same. I'm a very uniform dresser. She doesn't wear suits and things like that; I like power suits."

Moskos jumps in with: "Maybe she's taking [style inspiration] from you now?"

At this, Bingle looks at him like he's nuts: "No, George!" she laughs. "I really respect her, and I really have a lot of time for her. She taught me a lot. When I was having arguments with Michael, she would be my go-to person. I'd hang at her house, she only lived around the corner.

I was so young and she was really honest with me; there was no bullsh*t. I really respected that and learned a lot from that."

Bingle says she "rarely" uses a stylist now and can call Lee and Goot directly if she needs to borrow something, because they're her friends.

Did she get any advice from her posse of fashion friends when she was working on her swimwear range for Cotton On Body?

"I asked everyone," she grins. "But I, kind of, I'm ruthless like that in a sense. I want to do it on my own. You know what I mean?"

Lara Bingle returns to Sydney after a European summer holiday in Greece and London. Source: News Limited

For lunch, Bingle, in consultation with Moskos, orders grilled barramundi with steamed broccoli and a green tea. She's losing weight - 400g a day, to be precise - and, at 1.68m tall, is down to 55kg at the time of our interview (she says she peaked at 63kg last year, around the time unflattering paparazzi shots of her in a bikini ran on the cover of a magazine with the cover line 'Fat or Fab?').

Along with eating a high-protein diet, for the past six weeks she's been boxing three times a week with a trainer (she proudly shows me a video on her iPhone of her competently working

a speed ball) and doing yoga.

"That's changed me. I'm happy when I'm doing it," she says. "Because I was running, running, running like a crazy woman, and I was just hungry all the time. But I haven't battled with my weight; as I've grown up my body's changed. You're never happy, but you have to reward yourself at some stage. I refuse to diet. It has to be a lifestyle."

Has she cut down on drinking?

"People have the impression that I'm a big party girl, but I don't really drink. When I do, it's red wine or whisky," she says.

Does she have a sweet tooth, then?

"Yes!" she enthuses. "Tiramisu, banoffee pie. I just love cooking. Gareth [Moody, her ex-boyfriend] was a massive cooker …" she laughs, then corrects herself: "I mean cook. He taught me a lot in the kitchen. He's an artist, so even the way he cuts is precise - the colours we ate all matched. For a year we ate at home every night. It was really grounding, really nice, I needed that."

Queen of the selfies: Bingle regularly posts pictures on her Instagram account. Picture: Lara Bingle/Instagram Source: Supplied

What skills in the kitchen did she gain during her relationship with Moody, whom she went out with for more than a year before she started seeing Cohen?

"I'm a meat eater - meat and fish," she says. "I'm pretty basic. I'd love to just cook dessert, but that's not going to happen. When I was with Michael, I used to make a cheesecake every weekend for him. He loved it. I used to travel and cook the cheesecake in the hotels - go and buy new blenders and everything and just leave them there. That was my, like, vice."

The same cheesecake every week?

"Toblerone or Mars Bar. It just changed, the chocolate changed," she smiles.

It sounds like Moody, the Chronicles of Never designer, was a big influence on her.

"Yeah, we still speak, we still hang out. I don't know … I don't know … I don't know …" She trails off before settling on: "He's a good guy."

So, he's on the backburner for a while?

"Yeah, I don't know. It's just this thing with me where I just have so much going on and I'm on this path, and it's very hard to step off and give them [men] my whole life. All of them just get kind of over it. Not over it, they just …[She looks at Moskos] I'm looking at you because I talk to you about my relationships."

Offers Moskos: "Well, it's challenging for a guy sometimes, keeping up with the lifestyle."

It can be hard if you're not always there supporting them in their careers, and their choices, I say.

Michael Clarke and Lara Bingle at the Allan Border Medal in 2009. Source: News Limited

"That's what it was like with Michael," Bingle nods, warming to the theme. "I felt like I was just living his dream. And there are girls that are happy to do that, and hats off to them, but I require more for myself. I need to be stimulated more than that, you know? And the best thing I ever did was leave. You know what I mean? So, I got to experience all these opportunities. Otherwise, I kid you not, I would have three children by now!

"Michael says to me to this day, 'You turned the ship around so much.'" She hesitates, before adding: "Because, even when we broke up, at times it was like, 'How am I ever going to recover from this?

Do I just go that way or do I go this way?'"

I mention that there was a lot of public negativity towards her during her relationship with Clarke - she was the Yoko Ono of Australian cricket for a while - and also after her diamond ring (reportedly worth $200,000) was returned. It didn't really seem proportional to her crimes.

"No, it wasn't. What I've learnt is to sometimes keep quiet and let it ride its course. Obviously, it affects you emotionally at times [sighs]. I don't know … what's real to me was doing what I wanted to do.

"It's like I never saw myself walking up an aisle. I was 19 when I got engaged. I'm just glad I've been honest with myself and true to myself throughout this whole experience. Um, otherwise, you know, I wouldn't be … happy?"

Does she think Clarke understands that?

"Maybe. We're still friends. He just can't believe - and these are his words - how I 'turned the ship around'. There have been so many push-backs from the littlest things, managers moving on, the fact that I can still go, like, 'Let's do it!' And now, bringing out my own swimwear and underwear, he's very … I don't know what the word is."

Says Moskos: "He's impressed, he's proud of you."

"He's always like, 'I can't believe you're doing this again. You're just killing it'," she continues. "Even, for example [the criticism he copped over] the Ashes … And I just say to him, 'At the end of the day it's just being true to yourself', because his job is very robotic. He answers the same questions every day, I'm sure. It's, like, the same routine every day. Which is fine, and he's very good at that. But I also think if people actually knew him, the perception is not that amazing all the time. I don't know … if he was just himself."

She thinks he needs to loosen up a little bit?

"Yeah, yeah," she laughs.

Laughing slightly nervously, Moskos interrupts: "We don't want to talk too much about relationships."

I shush Moskos. At the shoot yesterday, Bingle told me she was on the dating app Tinder. So? I ask.

Bingle has recently been linked with Aussie actor Sam Worthington. Picture: Lara Bingle/Instagram Source: Supplied

"Tinder? says Bingle. "Oh, I got off it last night. What's the point? It's not really my thing; it's just weird. I've never really dated. I just meet people through people. Every boyfriend, I never regret. I'm friends with all of them. Every single one."

After we speak, Bingle is photographed kissing Australian actor Sam Worthington - they were seen together at the Global Citizen Festival in New York on September 28, and when he flew to Sydney last week, the relationship quickly progressed to intimate restaurant dates and grocery-shopping trips. Moskos didn't provide a comment by press time. Anyway, A-list actors aside, Bingle - who left school in Year 10 to model in Milan - has more on her agenda than boys.

She has a list of goals in the Notes section on her iPhone. "Last year I was 25 and I had never had a real plan or goal or focus, a team of people to help facilitate and make it happen. I put the list together and ticked almost every box. And there's almost 10 boxes: having a swimwear line, underwear line, all of those things.

"That's why I got in contact with George, because of the success he had with Miranda [Moskos helped Kerr launch her skincare line, Kora Organics]. I had never met anyone else who was doing that in Australia. I had a hard time finding a good manager who focused on long-term dreams."

Would she say her management in the past has been reactive rather than proactive?

"Totally," she says. "George obviously is proactive, but everyone else was constantly dealing with the day-to-day stuff, so much stuff [such as the controversy surrounding the photo of Bingle in the shower, allegedly taken by Brendan Fevola, that was published in Woman's Day in March 2010]. And that's what they were doing, filtering it all." I ask her to read me the list.

Bingle in the now infamous "Where the bloody hell are you?" television ad. Source: News Limited

"Underwear, product range, Cotton On charity, the bowel cancer TV commercial, Sports Illustrated, the UK market, the TV show … My dad passed away from bowel cancer, so I want to create a TV commercial … get some Australian celebrities, international ones, my friends involved, but these things take so much time," she explains.

The cover of Sports Illustrated is also firmly in her sights. "They haven't put an Australian on the cover since Elle, so I think I'm going to charge at that."

Along with those smokin' hot bikini shots, Bingle is partial to posting inspirational quotes on Instagram. I tell her I noticed the quote attributed to Winston Churchill, "Success is the ability

to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm", in her feed and thought it summed her up pretty well.

"Yeah, that's pretty much me," she agrees. "I used to just put quotes, but now I put quotes and I actually believe in them. And I've pretty much done that. It's almost sometimes an enjoyment to think, 'How am I going to get from this stone to that stone' and when I do it's like, 'Yes!' Even with my weight stuff. I feel like in my life I'm always challenging myself - personally, professionally, physically - and I think that's life. If you can't challenge yourself, then no one else can. And that instils confidence within. And I can go and do my swimwear, and I can go and have a proper relationship, and I can sit still sometimes. I'm learning.

"If you had spoken to me when I was 19, 20, even 21, I just wouldn't even listen to your questions."

###

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Perth's good, bad and ugly

An artists impression of the "game changing" Perth City Link (city Square, Wellington Street) Source: The Sunday Times

FAD housing trends of the past are being phased out and buyers are increasingly conscious of architecturally designed spaces, architects say.

And while good design does not necessarily have to be reflected in building costs, it will add to the sale price.

Australian Institute of Architects WA president David Karotkin said an Australian architectural identity had emerged.

Drawn from the modernist movement of the 20th century – a period of minimalist design with strong lines – the style had evolved to suit the Aussie love of outdoor living and the provision of protection from the harsh environment, Mr Karotkin said.

Any style that did not respond appropriately to Perth's climate and lifestyle needed to be phased out, he said.

''Thankfully oversized Tuscan villas with no shading and limited outdoor lifestyle features seem to be going out of fashion,'' Mr Karotkin said.

Iredale Pedersen Hook director Adrian Iredale, jointly up for several national architecture awards this year for the West Kimberley Regional Prison, said home styles such as Tuscan, Corsican or Greek Islands, devalued the original architecture and contributed to an identity crisis for some suburbs.

The architects said well-designed spaces added value to homes

''Good architecture creates healthy living and working spaces with lots of natural light, intelligent planning of spaces, passive-solar principles, healthy material selections and the like,'' Gresley Abas Architects co-director Philip Gresley said.

''People like living and working in pleasant spaces and are therefore willing to pay a higher price.

''In saying this, good architecture should not necessarily cost more.

''Simply arranging spaces on the block to control the ingress of sun and breezes can make a massive difference at no additional cost.''

Mr Gresley said younger people were more design conscious and wanted developments that were different and contemporary, while being functional and ''liveable''.

''These qualities are becoming more desirable and commanding a higher price,'' he said.

Mr Karotkin said a well-designed home would last for the life of the building and result in lower maintenance or renovation costs, as well as increased resale value.

''While lifestyles and fashion will continue to change, really good design has qualities that are timeless and will add value for many years.''

The Good, the Bad and The Ugly, according to Perth architects:

Philip Gresley, co-director Gresley Abas Architects

AREAS TO WATCH

"Northbridge - it brings lots of activities within a short walk from home – an increasingly desirable commodity not available in outer suburbs.

"East Perth, Leederville, North Perth, and Inglewood are also areas to watch."

PERTH NEEDS MORE

"Designs that provide quality spaces rather than a quantity of spaces are vital, and adopting passive solar design principles is now generally a no-brainer."

GOOD PUBLIC SPACES

"Central Park, the Cultural Centre revitalisation and Brookfield place."

NEED A FACELIFT

"The question is how to unlock all the empty upper-level spaces in heritage buildings.

"There is so much opportunity for creative solutions, but the city is stuck behind inappropriate building and planning controls.

"Perth also needs to deliver a diverse range of development.

"We are in danger of creating an overly shiny retail-based city."

FUTURE VIEW

"The city is about to become a very vibrant, inhabited, and highly walkable environment."

Adrian Iredale, director of Iredale Pedersen Hook

AREAS THATWORK

"Coolbinia contains a large number of 1950s modernist houses designed to embrace Perth's climate.
 
"The suburb's part-circular arrangement creates numerous fragments of land that are occupied by surrounding residents in often innovative ways.

"Floreat, City Beach and Dianella also contain numerous 1950s and '60s homes and a concentration of Iwan Iwanoff homes."

AREAS TO WATCH

"The more interesting areas are generally small, inner-city sites or city and coastal fringes.

"Warehouse conversions and strata properties are attracting the adventurous."

NEEDS A FACELIFT

"Northbridge requires some love and care.

"One should look to Beaufort St and Vincent St for inspiration, or the recent restoration and development of the buildings next to the State Theatre."

PERTH'S BEST

"QV1 and 140 William Street, for their engagement to the street and surrounding buildings, and sustainable design principles; Council House and the Perth Concert Hall for their civic power; and the State Theatre and Perth Arena for giving Perth two valid and  completely contrasting forms of architecture."

PERTH'S WORST

"The private developer-driven apartment towers along the east end of the city.

"They continue one line of monotony.

"Overall, we have progressed from the 'toddler' stage of design and are now entering our teenage years.

"The only question is when will we reach maturity?"

David Karotkin, Australian Institute of Architects WA president

AREAS THATWORK

"Garden suburbs developed in the '50s, such as parts of City Beach, Floreat and Coolbinia.

"What appeals to me is the network of landscaped parks and streetscapes, plus the modernist houses, many of which have similar materials, palettes and design elements.

"The result is a consistency that is missing in many of Perth's suburbs where house designs often seem to compete for attention."

AREAS TO WATCH

"Anywhere around transport hubs, including established areas around existing train stations, such as Maylands."

FUTURE VIEW

"Fremantle is a wonderful city that has suffered from stagnation over the past 10-15 years.

"There are signs this is changing, with the local council determined to create a planning environment that encourages investment.

"The proposed Kings Square redevelopment project will be a major stimulant for the city centre."

PERTH'S BEST

"We still have many excellent examples of Victorian architecture, such as the Perth Town Hall, mid-century modernist buildings like Council House and the Perth Concert Hall, as well as world class contemporary buildings – the State Theatre Centre, Perth Arena and Brookfield Place."

PERTH'S WORST

"There are several large buildings in the city from the '80s and '90s that do not provide amenity for the public at ground level."

Kelly Rattigan, Formworks Architecture managing director

AREAS TO WATCH

"North Fremantle, South Fremantle, Northbridge and the surrounding areas."

LESS, PLEASE

"Large, single dwellings that hug the block.

"For single residential, we should move towards a smaller building footprint with bigger outdoor areas, move our back gardens to the front and create livelier streets."

MORE, PLEASE

"Smaller single or grouped housing, well-designed multi-residential units with good access to daylight and shared courtyards, and facilities close to transport and adjacent to, or above, retail areas such as in the Claremont Quarter."

PERTH'S BEST

"The Perth Cultural Centre. It provides activities for all ages as well as a great venue for different types of 'pop-up' events."

NEEDS A FACELIFT

"Fremantle, Fremantle, Fremantle!"

PERTH'S BEST

"Perth Arena, the Art Gallery of WA and Central Park."
 

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Missing mum case is murder investigation

POLICE have confirmed they are treating the disappearance of Perth mother Helen Rocha as a suspected homicide.

Helen Rocha, 40, was last seen on September 26. Her disappearance is being treated as a suspected homicide. Picture: Supplied. Source: PerthNow

POLICE have confirmed they are treating the disappearance of missing Perth mother Helen Rocha as a suspected homicide.

Ms Rocha, a married mother of two teenagers, was last seen leaving her Willagee home just before midday on September 26 with a man.

It's believed she then travelled by car to the vicinity of Parmelia, Orelia and Kwinana that afternoon.

Her bank accounts have not been accessed.

Today, police issued a fresh plea for the public to come forward with information.

Detective Senior Sergeant Greg McDonald of the Major Crime Squad said police held grave concerns for Ms Rocha's welfare.

"Helen has been out of contact with her family for almost a month now and that behaviour is extremely unusual for her," Det-Sen-Sgt McDonald said.

"By all accounts she is a very devoted mother, she keeps in constant contact with her children.

"For her not to contact her children for this length of time is one of the greatest areas of concern to us."

Det-Sen-Sgt McDonald said police knew the identity of the man she left her Willagee home with on September 26, but wouldn't be drawn on whether police had questioned the man.

"We are hoping that someone out there has seen something that will help us so we can help them (Helen's family)," Det-Sen-Sgt McDonald said.

The iPad, iPhone and coin purse Ms Rocha is believed to have been carrying have not been found.

Yesterday, police and SES volunteers searched bushland in Bertram as part of the investigation into Ms Rocha's disappearance. A home in Parmelia was also searched earlier this month.

Ms Rocha has an olive complexion, around 157cm tall with a slim build, black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a black top, black tights and black runners.

Anyone who may have seen Ms Rocha or has seen suspicious activity particularly in isolated or bush locations in Parmelia, Orelia or Kwinana should contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Telethon raises $20.7 million for WA kids

Rob Palmer, George Houvardas and Mark Gibson celebrate after catching the two million dollar bill in the In It To Win It challenge. Picture: Matthew Poon Source: PerthNow

Rob Palmer and George Houvardas celebrate after winning $2 million from Crown Perth in 'In It to Win it' Picture: Matthew Poon Source: PerthNow

Scott and Emma Diffen introduce Molly Meldrum to daughter Celia at Princess Margaret Hospital. Picture: Matthew Poon Source: PerthNow

Catch up with the biggest stars this Telethon who today, donated their time to visit sick kids at PMH.

Melissa Doyle, Fat Cat and Omar Dean with twins Aaron and Jake McMillan (10), and Harrison Cooper with mum Danielle. Picture: Matthew Poon Source: PerthNow

A RECORD-breaking $20.7 million has been raised for Telethon in 2013, smashing last year's tally of $16.8 million.

Earlier this afternoon, organisers passed the $150 million mark for total donations since Telethon began in 1968.

Actor George Houvardos won an In It To Win It money grab challenge and was rewarded with an astonishing $2 million donation from Crown Perth, tipping the tally board over the $16.6 million needed to reach the special milestone.

Over decades, Australia's biggest TV charity appeal has improved the lives of thousands of WA children by raising money for Princess Margaret Hospital, the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research and other beneficiaries.

Tonight's total tally of $20,701,272 was helped by a $500,000 personal donation from Crown chairman James Packer and Multiplex heir Tim Roberts, who gave $1.5 million.

GALLERY: See all the action from Telethon 2013

Kerry Stokes, executive chairman of Seven West Media, contributed $1.5 million on behalf of his private company Australian Capital Equity.

Mining billionaires Andrew and Nicola Forrest and their Minderoo Foundation pledged to match each dollar donated for the first five hours of Telethon, which saw the tally climb by one million dollars late on Saturday night.

The McCusker Charitable Foundation donated $1 million. Saturday night's Lexus Ball raised $558,000, the federal government donated $2 million and the state government chipped in $500,000. The 2013 Telethon home in Wandi was sold at auction for $700,000.

Telethon general manager Steve Mummery was blown away by the staggering amount raised over the weekend.

"Western Australians continue to astound me with their generosity which has created the highest donating Telethon (per capita) in the world - something we should all be very proud of," he said.

Follow all the action from Telethon by replaying our feed below, or join the conversation by tweeting with the hashtag #Telethon7

On Saturday night performers including Samantha Jade, Tina Arena and Johnny Ruffo lit up the stage for the opening ceremony, as West Australians opened their hearts and their wallets for our young battlers.

But it was this year's Telethon children, Jack Day and Tahlia Polmear, who really stole the show.

Eleven-year-old Jack has already undergone nine operations for cerebral palsy, but he's determined not to let it stop him from achieving his dreams.

His co-star, Tahila, also 11, from Esperance, was diagnosed last year with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. But the brave schoolgirl not only has been fighting her own battles; she's also been helping to improve the odds for future cancer sufferers through medical research.

More than 600 entertainers and 1300 volunteers helped make sure each and every hour of the 26-hour-long broadcast was a show-stopping success.

Sunrise newsreader Natalie Barr grew up watching Telethon. She said her family would have a sleepover every year to mark the occasion.

"We would all sleep in the lounge room," she said. "My dad would donate $25 on behalf of the Barr family and then we would sit up for hours and hours and hours and wait for our names to be called out and we were thrilled.

"The important thing is for us to pass this on to other generations so kids today have the love of Telethon that we had."

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SES search bushland for missing mum

Police today searched bushland in Bertram for clues to the disappearance of Helen Rocha.

Missing woman Helen Rocha. Source: PerthNow

POLICE have called in SES volunteers to help in the search for missing Perth mother Helen Rocha.

Officers and about 40 SES volunteers searched bushland surrounding Kwinana train station in Bertram today.

WA's Major Crime Squad was called following Ms Rocha's last known sighting in the Mailton Hill or Willagee areas on September 26.

A house in Parmelia was searched by police 10 days ago.

Ms Rocha is about 157cm tall, of slim build, with an olive complexion, black hair and brown eyes.

She was last seen wearing a black top, black tights and black running shoes.

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Warning of horror WA bushfire season

WA's wet winter could create a dangerous bushfire season in the hot months. Source: PerthNow

WA authorities fear a devastating bushfire season ahead after a wet winter.

WESTERN Australia's wet winter has authorities fearing a devastating bushfire season to come, as New South Wales firefighters continue to fight their worst blaze for 50 years.

Launching WA's Bushfire Action Week, Emergency Services Minister Joe Francis said the wetter than usual winter months had meant higher grass growth and less prescribed burns across the state.

``That means any bushfire has the potential to be intense and dangerous,'' Mr Francis said.

Firefighters 'fed up' with bureaucrats withholding funds for vital training and resources

``We have done everything we can to prepare for any threat that arises. Our firefighters are set for the season, but people have to understand that there are no guarantees in bushfire season.

``It's a dangerous time. Last year alone, there were more than 3,800 bushfires across WA.''

WA and federal governments, supported by the National Aerial Firefighting Centre, have boosted the overall capacity of WA's aerial firefighting fleet, which will include an Erickson Aircrane.

``This year's fleet of 22 helicopter and fixed-wing water bombers can drop more water than previous fleets, greatly helping firefighters who protect lives and properties on the frontline,'' Mr Francis said.

WA land owners were also urged to play their part in reducing the risk of bushfire, by clearing around their property, installing firebreaks and cleaning out gutters.

The warnings came as the state's Fire Commissioner Wayne Gregson said councils were failing to properly train and resource volunteer fire brigades.

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Chopper claims he killed four people

Notorious standover man Mark "Chopper" Read has received a final farewell at a public service

AUSTRALIA'S most infamous criminal Mark 'Chopper' Read made four chilling murder confessions from the grave - at times startling viewers with tales and re-enactments from a life of crime.

In an extraordinary interview on 60 Minutes, Read - who has never been convicted of murder - came clean about the deaths of influential union member Desmond Costello, pedophile Reginald Isaacs, gangster Siam Ozerkam (more commonly known as Sammy the Turk) and bikie boss Sydney Michael Collins.

Recorded, fittingly, in the now-defunct Pentridge Prison just two weeks before his death from liver cancer, the shocking admissions were full of the theatricality and dry humour that has become a Chopper trademark over the past four decades.

"Four is all you're getting, that's it. I haven't killed any more than that, and don't try to tell me, don't try to make out that I have," Read said.

Mark "Chopper" Read has never been convicted of murder.

Using his well-known blue take on the English language, Read began by confessing to the murder of union heavyweight Desmond 'Dessie' Costello outside Collingwood's Leinster Arms Hotel in 1971.

"He didn't really see it coming," Read said.

"He didn't believe it was going to come - not from me. I was only a young kid. I was about 17 years old."

A gravely ill Mark 'Chopper' Read talks everything from cancer to his new show with Herald Sun's Nui Te Koha.

A gaunt Mark Read also talked about his battle with cancer, adding he was happier to die a slow death than with a bullet in his brain.

"It doesn't even hit me emotionally," he said.

"I'd like to come back and see what all the fuss is going to be after I'm dead - read a few of the papers and watch a few of the TV shows and listen to a few of the arty-farty debates that are going to be on after I'm dead."

Tom Malone, executive producer of 60 Minutes, said Channel 9 had made verbal and written submissions to Victorian police in the wake of Read's on-camera confessions.

He said producers were still working to establish the veracity of his confessions when he died earlier this month.

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