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

21.51 | 0 komentar | Read More

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.

21.51 | 0 komentar | Read More

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.

21.51 | 0 komentar | Read More

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

21.51 | 0 komentar | Read More

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.

21.51 | 0 komentar | Read More

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.

21.51 | 0 komentar | Read More

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.
 

21.51 | 0 komentar | Read More

LIVE: First Ashes Test, day three

Teacher 'posed as teen surfer to lure nude pics'

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

Litchfield died from head injury: court

AS MURDERED man Tauri Litchfield's official cause of death was revealed in court today, security was tightened to separate warring families.

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.

LIVE: First Ashes Test, day three

ASHTON Agar's dream debut continues, dismissing Alastair Cook and Jonny Bairstow as Australia gets key breakthroughs on day three. Follow it live!

Alleged rapist caught on camera

POLICE have revealed pictures of a man wanted for questioning over the sexual assault of a 38-year-old woman near Crown Casino.

Unisex baby names are all the rage

EDGY dual-gender names have made a comeback. Some parents do it to push boundaries, others want to remove gender stereotypes. So which name topped the list?

Why Australia loves Pink

THE BIG READ: Australia loves Pink and the feeling is mutual. How does she just keep conquering this country?

DJ 'nearly broken' by prank fallout

MEL Greig, one of two DJs at the centre of the royal prank call scandal, is "nearly broken" by the fallout from the incident, her best friend says.

21.51 | 0 komentar | Read More

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.

21.51 | 0 komentar | Read More

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.

21.51 | 0 komentar | Read More