RESIDENTS had to be evacuated from a northern suburbs retirement home this morning after a fire broke out.
The blaze began just after 8am at the RAF retirement village in Merriwa.
A total of six fire-fighting crews attended the scene and were able to bring the blaze under control a short time later.
No-one was injured during the incident.
A FESA spokesman said it is believed the fire could have been the result of a faulty air-conditioning unit.
A shark was spotted near Floreat Beach. Picture: Supplied Source: AFP
A 2.5 metre shark has been spotted by a helicopter patrol in the waters off Floreat Beach.
Surf Lifesaving WA said the ocean predator was tracking north.
Floreat Beach has been closed.
A MAN has been flown to Royal Perth Hospital with serious injuries following a traffic crash in Nowergup this afternoon.
It is understood two cars travelling along Wanneroo Road collided just before 12.45pm.
Emergency services are at the scene where a male had to be freed from his vehicle after he became trapped.
The RAC Rescue helicopter was called in to fly the man to Royal Perth Hospital for treatment.
A spokesman for St John's said he was being treated for major trauma.
Wanneroo Road has been closed in both directions to allow the chopper to land.
A TEENAGE girl has been taken to Bunbury Hospital with possible spinal injuries.
An ambulance was sent to Bunbury's Back Beach after 3pm to treat a 19-year-old girl who had been dumped by a wave.
She was treated by Bunbury Surf Life Club lifeguards before an ambulance was called.
STEPPING DOWN: Former Parole Review Board boss, Justice Narelle Johnson has retired due to ill health. Source: PerthNow
STEPPING DOWN: Former Parole Review Board boss, Justice Narelle Johnson has retired due to ill health. Source: PerthNow
JUSTICE Narelle Johnson, former head of the Prisoners Review Board, has retired from the Supreme Court due to ill-health.
Justice Johnson was due to return to the Supreme Court bench earlier this year after her term at the board expired, but has been forced to retire early because of ill-health.
Attorney General Michael Mischin today thanked the retiring Judge for her service to the Supreme Court and the Prisoners Review Board.
Justice Johnson joined the then-Crown Solicitor's Office in 1982, rising to the rank of Senior Assistant Crown
Counsel. She joined the Independent Bar in 1994 and practised from Francis Burt Chambers for many years.
She was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1998.
Among her many notable achievements, Justice Johnson was counsel assisting the Coal Contract Inquiry in 1994; junior counsel assisting the Easton Royal Commission in 1995; counsel assisting the Royal Commission into the City of Wanneroo in 1996 to 1997; the president of the Equal Opportunity Tribunal between 2001 and 2003; and was appointed to the bench of the Supreme Court in July 2003.
In 2009, she was appointed for a three-year term as second chair of the Prisoners Review Board.
Mr Mischin said Justice Johnson had made a significant contribution to the WA justice system.
"As my predecessor remarked when appointing her to the board, Justice Johnson is an experienced and highly-capable Supreme Court judge," he said.
"She did a tremendous job in the difficult role of chair of the Prisoners Review Board over three years.
"Her professionalism and worth ethic was extremely valued by the legal fraternity and she has every reason to be proud of her contribution to the administration of justice in this State and to the advancement of women in the profession. I wish her all the best in retirement."
AN ugly stoush has erupted between WA-based Decmil Group and the operator of its four-star mining camp in Gladstone, Queensland.
The operator, small Queensland firm Evolution Facility Management (EFM), has accused Decmil, who purchased the business in November last year, of "corporate bullying''.
Decmil's public relations consultant David Ikin today confirmed the company had terminated a deal with Evolution - which was contracted to run the 1300-room Homeground Gladstone remote accommodation facility until 2016 - and put in place a new facility manager Cater Care.
He said Cater Care was offering jobs to all Evolution staff under the same terms that they were currently paid.
"There are about 40 people employed by the facilities manager to carry out a range of activities at the village, administration, food and beverage, services and also general utilities. Most are local Gladstone people but there are some fly-in, fly-out as well,'' he said.
Mr Ikin would not go into details over the stoush but said ASX-listed Decmil was "unable to go into details of what the issue was that's driven the change but it's been a purely contractual thing''.
EFM general manager Alex Ferguson said the firm had tried to come to an amicable solution with Decmil over the existing contract to run Homeground as a four-and-a-half star facility.
"Our business virtually has just lost a huge contract and all our staff, so we're absolutely (devastated) and we feel we've been bullied to get to this point,'' he said.
"We're a small Queensland private company. I don't think that the tactics that a large public company has used in this case are appropriate.
"We will obviously have our day in court, but it's something that's a shame for our business. Our staff have to look after themselves so I absolutely understand their stance if they are to accept roles. It's absolute corporate bullying."
The Calliope facility was founded by Gold Coast-based Maroon Group, which sold 50 per cent of the business to Decmil for $40 million.
It then sold the remaining 50 per cent in August this year for around $18 million. Decmil was due to make the final $3 million payment to seal full ownership yesterday.
COMMUNITY SPIRIT: Robert Juniper with one of two paintings he donated to raise money for the Mundaring Shire Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades. Picture: Stewart Allen Source: PerthNow
LIFE LONG PARTNERS: Artist Robert Juniper with wife Trish. Picture: Alf Sorbello Source: PerthNow
WA LEGEND: Robert Juniper, landscape artist and Member of the Order of Australia died in Perth today. Picture: Colin Murty Source: The Australian
LOVE THIS COUNTRY: Juniper at Cottesloe Beach for the 2010 Sculptures by the Sea. Picture: Stewart Allen Source: PerthNow
POPULAR West Australian artist Robert Juniper has died at the age of 83.
His wife Trish confirmed today that Juniper had died from an illness.
Juniper was a painter, illustrator, art teacher, sculptor and printmaker.
He received a Member of the Order of Australia honour in 2011 for services to the visual arts. Juniper said at the time that he was "chuffed'' to receive the accolade.
"I love my country and I'm very much in tune with the landscape,'' he said.
Born in the Wheatbelt town of Merredin in 1929, Robert Litchfield Juniper studied commercial art and industrial design at Beckenham School of Art in England.
He returned to WA in 1949 and since 1974 devoted himself full-time to painting, sculpting and printmaking.
Despite his success, Juniper continued living in the same place for the past 60 years in Darlington in Perth's Hills.
Juniper received many accolades for his work including the Wynne Prize in 1976 and 1980.
For his services to the arts, he was awarded a WA Week Council's Citizen of the Year award in 1979 and an honorary doctorate from the University of WA in 1984.
In 1998, he was named an inaugural State Living Treasure and in 2003 received the Centenary Medal.
He also designed the coat of arms for the Commonwealth Law Courts in Perth in 1992.
Juniper suffered a stroke 10 years ago that robbed him of the use of his left hand and became ill in October last year when fluid gathered on his lung.
Culture and the Arts Minister John Day paid tribute to Juniper, saying he was one of the state's most successful artists.
"He will be remembered for not only his outstanding works, but also his generosity to local artists" he said.
"Mr Juniper was very successful in making art accessible to all West Australians with his many public commissions, including murals, public sculptures, installations and posters."
Hungry Jack's in Beechboro has been fined $75,000 after metal was found in an onion ring. Source: The Advertiser
FAST-FOOD giant Hungry Jack's has been fined $75,000 for selling an onion ring at a Perth store that had a 1.5cm shaving of metal in it.
The burger chain was convicted in the Perth Magistrates Court of selling unsuitable food after a woman nearly choked on the 1.5cm piece of metal that was in an onion ring purchased in February from its Beechboro store, in Perth's northern suburbs.
It is understood the shaving was likely to have come from maintenance work that had been done at the fast-food outlet the day before.
A lawyer for Hungry Jack's said the matter had been the subject of much "soul searching'' for company management.
A spokesman for Hungry Jack's said the company was "surprised and disappointed'' by the findings and intended to appeal the decision.
"We have sophisticated quality assurance and rigorous training systems, which we believe stand up to scrutiny,'' he said.
TRAGEDY: A toddler has drowned in Mandurah Estuary after falling into deeper water as her parents were crabbing. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow
A YOUNG girl has drowned after falling into deep water while her family were crabbing in the Mandurah Estuary, south of Perth.
The two and half year-old toddler went missing near the Mandurah estuary bridge about 8pm last night, after she slipped away from her parents.
A major search was launched, involving water police, aircraft and volunteer water rescue workers, Duty Inspector Bill Norton told ABC radio in Perth.
It is believed the girl fell from a fishing platform and that her parents were unaware she was in the water.
The girl's family is from a non-English speaking background and the alarm was raised by a fellow fisherman.
TRAGEDY: A toddler has drowned in Mandurah Estuary after falling into deeper water as her parents were crabbing. Picture: Daniel Wilkins
"Eventually water police divers were recalled to duty, and conducted a night dive in the area, and located the body of the child,'' Insp Norton said.
The child's body was found by police divers around 1am, about five hours after she went missing.
Police will prepare a report for the Coroner.
City of Mandurah mayor Paddi Creevey offered heartfelt sympathies to the family, saying: "Our hearts go out to the family of the little girl who lost her life in the Mandurah estuary last night.
"Together with the council, I offer my heartfelt sympathy to this family which has experienced the tragic death of a child.
"Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time and we want them to know that they won't be alone.
"True community spirit was on display during the search efforts on Wednesday night and we'd like to sincerely thank and recognise the rescue squads - the Water Police and the Mandurah Water Rescue - for their efforts in the very difficult job they had to perform.
"Sadly, nothing can replace the loss of a child, but we will do anything we can to assist this family during this time."
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Christmas can be free of stress and we have 12 tips to help you enjoy the day again. Source: Supplied
WE all have a Christmas horror story to tell. Only the names and the places are changed to protect the innocent.
Ever had the turkey burn? Ever had the carpet catch fire after a Christmas candle got knocked over in the rush. Ever been cursing under your breath as you "endured" family members who you have carefully avoided since last Christmas? Ever had to break up a fight after lunch between cousin Fred and uncle Bob? Ever felt so full you swore you would never eat a morsel of ham or turkey again as long as you live?
If you answered "yes "to any of the above or similar festive nightmares then you are not alone.
It seems that the festive season can have that effect particularly on adults. But it doesn't start out this way. Once upon a time we looked forward to Christmas.
Are we all taking it too seriously? Have we gone over the top with trying to get fancy presents? Are we trying so desperately to make everyone else happy that we make ourselves miserable in the process?
The biggest stress issues around Christmas are, weight gain from overindulging, bank balance loss from overspending and anxiety from interacting with people who you would prefer not too.
Is there a solution to all this? You could start by making a decision to enjoy Christmas.
Here are 12 tips to help you do just that:
1) Breathe! Sound obvious but I am talking about the slow deep breathing, which relieves stress. Four times each day take 30 seconds to take 3 slow deep breaths in and out slowly.
2) Water water everywhere, so have a drop to drink. There is no law that says you have to drink alcohol. You can drink water at functions instead of or alternating with alcoholic drinks. And have a glass or two before you head out so you wont be as thirsty on arrival.
3) Copy Bugs Bunny. Take a leaf from Bugs' book and eat a carrot or other piece of vegetable before you go out. You wont be as hungry and hence you will eat less finger foods which are loaded with calories.
4) As the song goes; I like to move it, move it. Do some walking or other exercise everyday or at least three times a week. Exercise is one of the best antidotes to stress and as a bonus you can burn off last nights excesses.
5) The last person left at the party may have to help with the dishes. Don't be the last to leave. You need your sleep.
6) Cull the visiting and present's list. You have a choice about whom you see and what you buy. Only buy presents for those you really want to. Your stress levels are a result of your choices not the "world out there." Be honest with yourself and others about what you can and can't reasonably do.
7) Cut up the credit card. Buy your Christmas presents with cash. That way you know you can afford them and you won't stress about the credit card bill in January. And yes it IS the thought that counts.
8) Peace on earth and goodwill to all men, blah blah blah! Yes Christmas is a time for goodwill to all, but if you really don't like spending time with certain people (even if they are your family) then don't! Be polite but firm in declining invitations. Spend your time with those you really care about. If there is "no way out" then make it a Buddhist Christmas with this tip. Tell yourself as Buddhists do "this too will pass" as often as needed. It will pass and you will not stress.
9) Christmas day lunch is a meal and it won't be the last time you will ever eat. If you are having people around you do not need more food than if they were coming any other day. If it's a big gathering have everyone contribute a plate. It is not mandatory to eat until you feel like you will "explode".
10) Close down. Many businesses close down over Christmas. You can do the same and simply "cancel" Christmas emerging again when it is all over. Switch off the phone and go away.
11) Be a kid again. Pop crackers, enjoy unwrapping presents and playing with the wrapping paper. Throw stuff around make silly noises. This will make you laugh and you cannot stress when you are laughing.
12) On a more serious note consider having some "purpose" around Christmas. Do some volunteer work? Perhaps reflect on what you can do to better yourself or how you can contribute to your community. If Christmas is your biggest stress there are people far worse off than you.
For virtually all of us there was a time when Christmas meant fun. Somewhere along the line this may have been lost. This year ask yourself what needs to happen for me to enjoy Christmas as much as when I was six years old? Then go and have fun. After all it is Christmas. It only comes once a year.
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