14 December 2023 : simplebooklet.com

Thursday 14th December 2023 Issue 25 $2 2023 TENNIS TOURNAMENT By MEG GETHIN The Maloney family of Two Dogs Home Timber & Hardware Merredin have been sponsoring the annual Merredin Districts Lawn Tennis Club junior tennis tournament since 1994, which means that on Sunday 26th November, Lloyd, Jenny, Mark and Chesney Maloney sponsored their 30th junior tennis tournament. The event which began in 1968 is unique in that it oers a singles compeon in the morning and connues with doubles in the aernoon and sll remains well supported by local and travelling juniors aer almost y years. Tournament director Michelle Gethin dived back into the club archives to nd out more about the Maloney sponsorship history. “The rst full newspaper arcle I could nd was from 1995”, Ms Gethin said. “Back then the singles was run as a knockout compeon and the age categories were U16’s and U14’s. We nd that now our age divisions have shied to more of the primary school age groups and for that reason we can’t be as brutal as running it as a knock out. The Maloney family’s generous sponsorship means that we can break into smaller age groups that can be more supporve of players regardless of their ability”. This year 60 children entered the compeon despite the weather forecast. The majority came from the local Merredin/Burracoppin/Nungarin tennis clubs but some came from as far as Mt Walker, Kondinin, (Connued on page 7) 2023 Winners group 2023 Tournament group Chesney, Olivia and Mark Maloney Rivers Jasper and Alec Murray (winners)

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THE PHOENIX Thursday 14th December 2023 3 Produced and printed fortnightly by Merredin Community Resource Centre 110 Barrack Street, Merredin Ph: 9041 1041 Fax: 9041 1042 Deadlines Arcles, Adversements (including Classieds) 5pm Friday before publicaon date Content/producon Shaynah Corey administraon3@merredincrc.com Adversing admministraon3@merredincrc.com Upcoming Edions 26 January 2024 9 February 2024 www.phoenixnews.com.au The Phoenix Prices NEW REDUCED RATES as of March 2023 Prime Adversing Front $150 Back Full page $200 Ears $30 Front inside full $180 Back inside full $180 Colour Quarter $40 Half $80 Full $160 Black & White Quarter $30 Half $60 Full $120 Classies (b/w) General lineage 50c per word Display per cm Public Noce $5 Employment $5 Trades 12 edions (each) $15 6 edions (each) $20 3 edions (each) $25 Artwork Fee $30 CONTENTS This Week in History ..................... 4 Library Musings ............................ 4 Horoscopes .................................. 4 Sports .......................................... 5 Court Report ................................ 6 From the History Room................. 6 Tales from the Rails .....................10 Trades .........................................11 CRC Community Calendar ............18 Classieds ...................................18 The Phoenix Available at the following outlets: Dimensions Café Go MAD IGA Inspire Merre Granola Merredin Bakery Merredin CRC Merredin Flowers & Gis Merredin Harvest Merredin Swimming Pool Mukinbudin Café Nextra Newsagency Puma Roadhouse Two Dogs Home Hardware Wild Poppy Café Thankyou to these businesses for their support for The Phoenix and Merredin Community Resource Centre. ONLINE SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILBLE —DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX email administraon3@merredincrc.com The Phoenix is a place for the community to express their views and opinions on issues. The Phoenix sta do not ‘fact check’ and therefore cannot guarantee the contents authencity. The Phoenix may or may not have the same opinion as the authors.

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4 THE PHOENIX Thursday 14th December 2023 Horoscopes ARIES 21 March-19 April Relaonships will deepen and bonds will develop as the month goes on. TAURUS 20 April-26 May Leng go may be the hardest thing to do but somemes it needs to avail. GEMINI 21 May-20 June Opening up about your feelings can be truly healing. You will never deal with a situaon on your own. CANCER 21 June-22July Connecng with your creave side is a fantasc way of helping your emoons be seen. LEO 23 July-22 August Remember home is where the heart is. You can always return if things are too hard. VIRGO 23 August-22 September Watch out for miscommunicaon this week. Things may be spoken and taken the wrong way. LIBRA 23 September-22 October Keep an eye our on your purse strings this month. You don’t want to overspend right now. SCORPIO 23 October-21 November Try not to fall into the same trap as some leaders you may work closely with. This is not the me to gamble your me or energy. SAGITTARIUS 22 November-21 December Working hard may be a struggle however the benets will pay o shortly. CAPRICORN 22 December-19 January Now is the me to connect and talk with each other. It may help express some of your emoons. AQUARIUS 20 January-18 February This week is drama capital. Keep quiet, listen and take notes. It may help you in the near future. PISCES 19 February-20 March There will be a few lessons for you to learn soon. This may hurt but it will help you improve. By MERREDIN CRC 11 December 1907 — New Zealand Parliament Building is almost completely destroyed by re. 1913 — "Mona Lisa" recovered two years aer it was stolen from the Louvre Museum. 2019 — Climate acvist Greta Thunberg is named Time magazine's Person of the Year. 12 December 1474 — Isabella crowns herself queen of Casle & Aragon. 1898 — First rst-class cricket game between Australian states NSW and Tasmania 1977 — "Saturday Night Fever", lm starring John Travolta, with music by the Bee Gees, premieres in NYC 13 December 1642 — Dutch explorer Abel Tasman sights THIS WEEK IN HISTORY Library Musings By MERREDIN LIBRARY The year is slowly (well, not so slowly) winding down. Time to think of special treats to eat, new hobbies and fun acvies for the coming holiday season. Check out what you can nd at the Merredin Library. Did you know that at the Merredin Library you can nd books to do almost anything? Find out how to make a cubby with your kids, create toys with a router, build a birdhouse or garden furniture with scrap wood. Maybe you would like to make your own cheese, our, soap or even paper. Or even learn how to play an instrument or learn a new language. The Merredin Library has it all. Summer fun Get reading this summer, check out the informaon on the website at hps://www.summerreadingquest.net. The Summer Reading Quest is back for 2023/2024. Come into the library and ask for your Reading log for those over 5 or the Summer steps log for those under 5. There are side quests, prizes (including a state prize) and more. Just keep track of how many minutes or hours you read. Does this appeal to you, then why not ask our friendly sta for details. Christmas Opening Hours The Merredin Library will be closing at 1pm on Friday, 22 December and reopening on Tuesday, 2 January at 10am. Please feel free to come in before the 22 December to borrow a few extra books to keep you covered over the fesve season. All the e-resources will be available throughout this period. Returning in 2024 The nal Over 50’s Bingo and Lego Club for 2023 were held in November. Both will be returning in February 2024. Sta are mulling over what new acvies we may add in 2024, please share with us any ideas you may have. Anything (well, almost anything) is possible. Can’t nd what you need? Ask the friendly sta for help. Remember, the Merredin Library is air-condioned, so it is a lovely place to come in and read. There is even free wi- available. Stuck at home? If you are in town, we can deliver to you. If you are out of town, give us a call and sta can select books for you, for someone to collect. Just like click and collect at the shops. Not a member yet? Membership is free. Just come in and ll out a form. Though please bring some proof of address with you. See you soon. the South Island of present day New Zealand; inially he calls it Staten Landt and changes it a year later to Nieuw Zeeland. 14 December 1542 — Princess Mary Stuart succeeds her father James V and becomes Queen Mary I of Scotland at 6 days old. 1903 — The Wright brothers aempt to y the Wright Flyer for the rst me at Kiy Hawk, North Carolina. 2017 — The Vacan announces it has rediscovered the lost last painngs of Raphael in Vacan Museum, painted in 1520. 15 December 1915 — WWI: ANZAC forces begin their withdrawal from the Gallipoli Peninsula aer Ooman forces successfully defend access to Constannople. 1970 — Soviet Venera 7 is 1st spacecra to land on another planet (Venus)

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THE PHOENIX Thursday 14th December 2023 5 Basketball MERREDIN BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION ROUND 6 THURSDAY 16 NOVEMBER JUNIOR BOYS’ YEAR 3 to 6 Grey (21) def. Yellow (17) Green (30) def. Black (12) Pink def. Red by forfeit JUNIOR GIRLS’ YEAR 3 to 6 Lime Green (8) def. Sky Blue (7) Royal Blue (25) def. Orange (10) Bye: White INTERMEDIATE BOYS’ YEAR 7 to 10 Orange (41) def. Green (21) White (28) def. Red (20) Royal Blue (26) def. Sky Blue (20) Bye: Light Grey SENIOR MEN Burracoppin Cats (29) def. Bulls (19) Merredin Grizzlies (49) def. Kella Fellas (35) Maarlis (78) def. Gladiators (9) SENIOR WOMEN Sharks (22) def. Sonics (13) Breakers (44) def. Titans (27) Opals (26) def. Keller (19) ROUND 7 THURSDAY 23 NOVEMBER JUNIOR BOYS YEAR 3 TO 6 Green (50) def. Grey (11) Pink (16) def. Yellow (10) Black (24) def. Red (6) JUNIOR GIRLS YEAR 3 TO 6 Royal Blue (22) def. White (4) Orange (26) def. Lime Green (16) Bye: Sky Blue INTERMEDIATE BOYS’ YEAR 7 to 10 White (34) def. Light Grey (27) Orange (28) def. Sky Blue (23) Royal Blue (41) def. Red (21) Bye: Green SENIOR MEN Burracoppin Cats (55) def. Gladiators (39) Bulls (40) def. Kella Fellas (28) Merredin Grizzlies (35) def. Maarlis (34) SENIOR WOMEN Keller (22) def. Titans (18) Breakers (34) def. Sonics (26) Sharks (28) def. Opals (25) ROUND 8 THURSDAY 30 NOVEMBER JUNIOR BOYS’ YEAR 3 to 6 Yellow (38) def. Red (4) Green (28) def. Pink (26) Black (34) def. Grey (25) JUNIOR GIRLS’ YEAR 3 to 6 Sky Blue (18) def. Orange (6) Lime Green (32) def. White (12) Bye: Royal Blue INTERMEDIATE BOYS’ YEAR 7 to 10 Green (36) def. Sky Blue (33) Royal Blue (38) def. Light Grey (19) Orange (37) def. Red (28) Bye: White ROUND 9 TUESDAY 5 DECEMBER JUNIOR BOYS’ YEAR 3 to 6 Green (34) def. Red (24) Black (26) def. Yellow (15) Grey (19) def. Pink (18) JUNIOR GIRLS’ YEAR 3 to 6 Royal Blue (21) def. Lime Green (13) Sky Blue (21) def. White (17) Bye: Orange EWEYN CHRISTMAS AT THE POOL By AMITY HEALTH The Eastern Wheatbelt Early Years Network (EWEYN) held its last event for the year, “Christmas at the Pool,” at the Merredin swimming pool on Friday the 8th of December. This well-supported event brought early years families and children together for a fun morning. Children aged 0- 5 aended the event and had the opportunity to swim with friends, play in the water play tub or play hopscotch and c tac toe. They then enjoyed some yummy fruit salad while listening to Christmas stories with Wendy from the library. The children were excited when Santa arrived for a surprise visit! Children paently lined up to tell Santa their Christmas wishes before receiving a lollipop. The event, made possible by the dedicaon of numerous individuals and volunteers, was met with resounding success “Christmas at the Pool” saw an impressive turnout, with 40 children and their families in aendance. The EWEYN commiee expresses their gratude to all those who contributed to the successful event emphasising the invaluable support of the community and the commitment of volunteers. The Eastern Wheatbelt Early Years Network would like to specically thank the support on the day from Amity Health, Merredin Swimming Pool, Eastern Wheatbelt Primary Health Service, KindiLink, the Shire of Merredin, St Marys Primary School, Merredin College and Merredin Regional Library. The commiee looks forward to connuing this event in the years to come.

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6 THE PHOENIX Thursday 14th December 2023 Court Report From the History Room By MERREDIN LIBRARY The following snippets appeared in the local DECEMBER newspapers of the me. 24th, 1913: On Friday last another load of camels arrived in Merredin for the work on the reculaon scheme being now carried out, there are now 4 teams at work. 1936: The rainfall for 1936 was the lowest recorded at the Merredin Courthouse 5th December 2023 Bradley Bronson appeared on the charge of steal motor vehicle (as dend in secon 371A criminal code). He was remanded to appear at Merredin Courthouse on 9 January 2024. Jason Bushell appeared via video link on the charge of reckless driving. He was remanded to appear at Merredin Courthouse on 10 March 2024. Robert Densham appeared on the charge of drove with prescribed illicit drug in oral uid or blood. He was remanded to appear at Merredin Courthouse on 6 February 2024. Adam Eksanow appeared on the charge/s of manufactured a rearm, major rearm part, prohibited rearm accessory or ammunion without a license; possessed a prohibited weapon and possessed rearms technology while not authorised by a license. He was remanded to appear at Merredin Courthouse on 6 February 2024. Jayden Fitzgerald appeared on the charge/s of steal motor vehicle (as dened in secon 371A criminal code); stealing and burglary and commit. He was remanded to appear at Merredin Courthouse on 9 January 2024. Yurleen Ford appeared on the charge of assaulted an ambulance ocer. They were remanded to appear at Merredin Courthouse on 6 February 2024. Marn Foster appeared on the charge of failed to report loss of rearm. He was remanded to appear at Merredin Courthouse on 6 March 2024. Steven Gaunt appeared on the charge/s of assault occasioning bodily harm and cause smoke or excessive noise or le a substance on the driving surface in a conscaon zone. He was remanded to appear at Merredin Courthouse on 6 March 2024. Damien Gidgup appeared on the charge/s of no authority to drive (never held); stealing and steal motor vehicle (as dened in secon 371A criminal code). He was remanded to appear at Merredin Courthouse on 9 January 2024. Marn Griths appeared on the charge of drove with prescribed illicit drug in oral uid or blood. He was remanded to appear at Merredin Courthouse on 6 March 2024. Riverless Guess appeared via video link on the charge/s of home burglary and commit; breach of bail undertaking; disorderly behaviour in public; re-enter licensed premises within 24hrs; two counts of common assault in circumstances of aggravaon or racial aggravaon and two counts of unlawfully assault and thereby did bodily harm with circumstances of aggravaon. She was remanded to appear at Northam Courthouse on 18 December 2023. Colin Jones appeared via video link on the charge/s of criminal damage or destrucon of property; breach of bail undertaking; disorderly behaviour in public; disorderly behaviour in police staon or lockup; stealing from person of another; entered premises contrary to a barring noce; damaging property and without lawful excuse trespassed on a place. He was remanded to appear at Merredin Courthouse on 9 January 2024. Sean Kelly appeared on the charge/s of no authority to drive (disqualied from holding or obtaining); driver of vehicle failed to comply with a direcon to stop (circumstances of aggravaon) and reckless driving to escape pursuit by police. He was remanded to appear at Merredin Courthouse on 6 February 2024. Rowan Kearney appeared on the charge/s of no authority to drive – suspended (other than nes suspension); breach of bail undertaking; possession of stolen or unlawfully obtained property; being the driver of a vehicle involved in an incident where property was damaged, failed to give details as required; careless driving; no authority to drive – never held an Australian licence and disqualied from holding or obtaining and steal motor vehicle (as dened in secon 371A criminal code. He was remanded to appear at Merredin Courthouse on 6 March 2024. Aaron Mathews appeared on the charge/s of obstrucng police ocers and being armed or pretending to be armed in a way that may cause fear. He was remanded to appear at Merredin Courthouse on 9 January 2024. Jayden Robinson appeared on the charge/s of assault occasioning bodily harm and aggravated home burglary and commit. He was remanded to appear at Kalgoorlie Courthouse on 15 May 2024, 29 July 2024, 30 July 2024, 31 July 2024 and 1 August 2024 for Trail with Jury. Damien Sonneman appeared on the charge/s of possess a prohibited drug (cannabis); possess a prohibited drug (methylamphetamine) and two counts of possessed drug paraphernalia in or on which there was a prohibited drug or plant. Merredin Post Oce for the past 22 years, a total of 979 points (345mm), compared with 1147 points (404mm) last year. 10th, 1939: Mt. Arrowsmith Tennis Club was opened by Mr. Jack Parro, the storekeeper. 19th, 1940: Children will need to bring their own drinking utensil for ginger beer to the Children’s Christmas Tree on the 21st. Adults are asked to send along a plate of eatables. 1949: 1st person “You 2 remind me of a Christmas party”. 2nd person “I can’t see why”. 1st person “Well, he’s nuts and you’re crackers” 22nd, 1949: Out of 182 children on the Bruce Rock State School roll, only 122 were able to aend the annual break-up party because of the prevalence of chicken pox. 9th, 1965: At Shackleton Hall Mrs D. Jones welcomed members and visitors who had gathered to celebrate the 25th birthday of the C.W.A. at Shackleton. 29th, 1965: A crowd of around 500 were in aendance at the opening of the long-awaited drive-in theatre in Southern Cross by Shire President Mr. C. Roberts. 8th, 1969: Nungarin only had 26 points (9.1mm) of rain for November, 692 points (244mm) below average.

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THE PHOENIX Thursday 14th December 2023 7 Meckering, York, Beverley, Cunderdin, Bruce Rock and Northam. Importantly, most were aempng their rst ever tennis tournament. The youngest competors were six years old and the oldest were thirteen. “I hope it has ignited a lifelong love of tennis”, Ms Gethin said. SINGLES Year 3 and under girls singles Purple: Charlotte Last (winner), Ruby Jardine (r/up) Year 3 and under girls singles Turquoise: Ava Webb (winner), Tora Hooper (r/up) Year 3 and under girls singles Pink: Sienna Wanless (winner), Eliza Verhoogt (r/up) Year 3 and under boys singles: Benjamin Waylor (winner), Thomas Dolton (r/up) Year 5 and under girls singles (Connued from page 1) Red: Ava Wanless (winner), Mia Crees (r/up) Year 5 and under girls singles Yellow: Milla Dolton (winner), Kate Growden (r/up) Year 5 and under boys singles Green: Andrew Wilson (winner), Alec Murray (r/up) Year 5 and under boys singles Blue: John Tapper (winner), Zac Crees (r/up) Year 8 and under girls singles: Greta Gethin (winner), Bonnie Wahlsten (r/up) Year 8 and under boys singles Brown: David Valenta (winner), Charlie Kudas (r/up) Year 8 and under boys singles Black: Archie Davis (winner), Jack Wanless (r/up) DOUBLES Year 3 and under girls doubles silver: Halle Crees & Tessa O’Neill (winners), Annabel Johnston & Eliza Verhoogt (r/up) Year 3 and under girls doubles orange: Ruby Jardine & Ava Webb (winners), Tora Hooper & Charlotte Last (r/up) Year 3 and under boys doubles: Thomas Dolton & Logan Sharp (winners), Mac Johnston & Kai Wahlsten (r/up) Year 5 and under girls doubles lilac: Mia Crees & Ava Wanless (winners), Layla Gregory & Alena Madaffari (r/up) Year 5 and under girls doubles: Milla Dolton & Olivia Maloney 2023 TENNIS TOURNAMENT cont. (winners), Ella Gregory & Kate Growden (r/up) Year 5 and under boys doubles: Rivers Jasper & Alec Murray (winners), Zac Crees & Logan O’Meagher (r/up) Year 8 and under girls doubles: Lily Brunetti & Greta Gethin (winners), Bonnie Wahlsten & Skye Wilson (r/up) Year 8 and under boys doubles: John Tapper & David Valenta (winners), Archie Davis & Joey Leeson (r/up) Ale and Oscar Bonnie and Skye Tessa and Halle Olivia and Ella Thomas Billing

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8 THE PHOENIX Thursday 14th December 2023 FUN FOR YOUNG AND OLD AT THE MERREDIN LIBRARY By MERREDIN LIBRARY The Merredin Library hosted the nal Over 50’s Bingo and Lego Club for 2023. Both had a Christmas theme and a lot of fun was had by all. 24 lovely ladies came along to the Over 50’s Bingo – all in fesve dress. There was everything from a Christmas Tree Angel to Jesus. Prizes included fesve diusers, cra acvies, bobble-head toys, chocolates and more. Lots of goodies were available for aernoon tea. 9 budding engineers aended the nal Lego Club for 2023. This also had a Christmas theme, with creaons ranging from trees, vehicles and buildings to presents and fantascal creatures. There was lots of laughter, with everyone helping each other. Both events will return in February 2024. Lego creaons Ready for game one INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL MEDIA RELEASE Last Friday, Essenal Personnel hosted a fun Carnival themed celebraon for Internaonal Day of People with Disability in Merredin. It was great celebrang with locals and people who travelled in from other towns. Here are some photos from the day. Thank you to everyone who came along and to those who made the event possible! Even though the weather was a bit hot, lots of fun was had and some of our sta were even happy to get splashed with water in the stocks! IDPwD is a chance to be part of creang an inclusive and diverse community in Australia. Together, we can all take acon to challenge percepons about disability, remove barriers and promote inclusive and respecul atudes and behaviours in our community.

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THE PHOENIX Thursday 14th December 2023 9 LOTTERYWEST FUNDING SECURED FOR FINAL PIECE OF APEX PARK PUZZLE SHIRE OF MERREDIN MEDIA RELEASE The much-ancipated redevelopment of Merredin’s Apex Park will be going ahead, with an announcement from Loerywest this week, that the Shire of Merredin has successfully secured $2.1million from Loerywest for half of the construcon costs towards the redevelopment of the popular community facility. The revitalisaon of the park will provide a safe and inclusive space for people of all ages to play, exercise, and socialise. The Loerywest contribuon includes siteworks, a half basketball sports court, a range of new play elements including a slide tower, a new skate park, landscaping, shelter, and picnic facilies. The design is for a mulgeneraonal play space, and the design of the park will highlight the natural environment around Merredin. The tender for the construcon of both Apex Park and the Town Centre was released last month, marking the end of the design phase, and a signicant milestone towards the compleon of the CBD Redevelopment project. Council will award the tenders for the works in both CBD and Apex Park before Christmas. Construcon of our mul-million-dollar park is then expected to commence in early 2024, with the compleon expected within six (6) months. Shire President, Cr Mark McKenzie expressed his enthusiasm for the Apex Park redevelopment project, stang, "This funding represents a substanal investment by the state government in the future of our community.” “The redeveloped park will not only be a recreaonal hub, but a testament to our town's identy and natural beauty,” he said. The enhancements to the park aim to cater to the diverse interests of the community, fostering a sense of inclusivity and excitement. When the park is completed, it will be a regional hub for children from all over the wheatbelt to enjoy. Shire of Merredin, Chief Execuve Ocer, Lisa Clack said this funding is the nal piece of the puzzle our community has been working on for a long me. “We received over 100 posive leers of support from the community in just one (1) week as part of the applicaon process,” she said. The remainder of the funding for the Apex Park Redevelopment has been secured through three (3) separate grants, including the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program, as well as Shire funding. The designs and further details will be available on the Shire of Merredin website next week.

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10 THE PHOENIX Thursday 14th December 2023 Tales from the Rails By JANE PATRONI The Merredin Museum and Historical Society was very fortunate to receive funding this year from the Heritage Council of WA and Collgar Community Fund to engage heritage consultant, Philippa Rogers, to review the displays and collecon items at the Museum which would assist in idenfying the themes for the main display room (Parcel Room) and document them in an Interpretaon Concept Report. The Plan was completed in July 2023, and since then Philippa has visited Merredin Railway Museum and worked with some of the Museum Commiee to assess the display items in the main display room as to their signicance to the themes, relocate items not relevant to a newly designated archive room. Philippa then researched the stories and sourced photographs for the themes which include – Coming of the Railway; Railway Freight; Working at Merredin; Running a Train; Passenger Trains; and Refreshment and Relaxaon which she used to develop design for Pull Up Banners, using the Museum Signage Style Guide guidelines, so that the displays connue in the same format throughout the REDEVELOPMENT OF THE PARCELS OFFICE—MAIN DISPLAY ROOM AT MERREDIN RAILWAY MUSEUM Museum. We look forward to progressing the redevelopment of the Main Display Room so that locals, visitors and future generaon can reect on how the Railways played a major role in the development of Merredin. Sincere thanks to Heritage Council of WA and Collgar Community Fund which enabled the development of the Concept Report outlining the themes and the design of the Pull Up banners. As we reect on the acvies of the last 12 months, it is mely to give some well deserved “Thank You” acknowledgements to the individuals and organisaons that have assisted us in our eorts to keep the Museum operaonal this year. To the Shire of Merredin, who through their administrave and operaonal crews, has worked relessly to improve and maintain our grounds and buildings. The special funding we received has resulted in the repair of the water feature, given its previous poor condion. To the Merredin Men’s Shed members, generous in their me and talent, who have undertaken repairs and assisted us with shiing and rearranging furniture as part of our reorganisaon of the Parcel Room. Their help was invaluable also in the pick up, set up, dismantle and return of marquees, chairs and tables for our recent 130 Year Railway to Merredin Celebraons. As well, their eorts in repairing the outside set of stairs is very much appreciated. To the Merredin CRC for their assistance with the hiring of event equipment. To our Patron Mr Graham Alp, former train driver, who with wife Wendy, have been good supporters of our endeavours. To Philippa Rogers, President of RailHeritage WA, whose giing, advice and praccal assistance encourages us to keep see the value of our collecon through dierent opportunies. Finally, to all our volunteers, husbands, partners and friends who have kept the doors of the Museum open for the benet of the community and our visitors this year. Wishing everyone a safe and happy fesve season. See you all in 2024! Helping with the move The Parcel Room Refurbished Water Fountain Tent City

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THE PHOENIX Thursday 14th December 2023 15 MERREDIN CRC’S ELF FRIEND By TONYAH COREY, MCRC On the 1st of December the sta of the Merredin Community Resource Centre opened their doors and found a pile of shredded paper, a sign reading “I’M HERE” and a cheeky elf hanging from our logo. Welcoming their new mischievous friend into the working team, the sta named her Shantonta Janol. On day two and three while the sta were away, she hung around the Phoenix stand reading all the arcles learning what happens around the Merredin Community. On day four, she had taken seles with various objects around the oce, including one of her making a phone call. Aer taking these photos she printed them out, paid her bill leaving her money and receipt in the ll before paently waing at the photo printer for her change. On day ve, the sta found her hiding in the jar of bread tags in which she had thrown everywhere to make room; she decorated her hiding spot with green nsel and hung out with Tash. On day six, Shantonta Janol got very creave with her shenanigans and hacked into each sta member’s computer, changed their background photo to a very up close and personal photo of her behind, and photocopied countless pictures of herself and hung them around the oce along with some in each sta member stockings. On day seven, Shantonta spent the day helping the sta prepare for the Annual Gala Night. Aer a long day and night working at the Merredin 2023 Gala Night, the next day she found herself a comfy place with a blanket and pillow and took a much-needed nap to recover from all her hard work. Once the day came to an end the sta quietly packed up and made sure they did not wake her. Over the weekend, Shantonta Janol ew back to the North Pole to report on the sta’s behavior to Santa. She told him of all the good, bad, naughty, and nice things each sta member had done. On day eleven, Shantonta Janol returned to the Merredin CRC to connue her mission. Her plan was to spend me with each sta member and learn everything she could. On day twelve, she spent the day with Tonyah the CRC’S Customer Service Assistant. She hid upside down in a bowl pretending to be looking for something. However, she was really analyzing Tonyah’s every move.; watching how she interacted with the customers and other sta in the building. Day thirteen she sat in the window on the Phoenix Editor’s oce pulling faces at her while she was hard at work pung together the last Phoenix for 2023. Fascinated by how much hard work goes into pung a newsleer together, Shantonta Janol sat there for hours watching and admiring Shaynah’s work. If you wish to know what Shantonta Janol connues to get up to whilst at the CRC pop into the oce at 110 Barrack Street Merredin or simply pop in and say hello to the lovely sta.

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16 THE PHOENIX Thursday 14th December 2023 NANGEENAN NATTERS By JULIE TOWNROW While the topic of today’s Naer is not so much Nangeenan focused, it could refer to anywhere in the region. On Monday, Mike and I took a trip to Kalgoorlie to visit our friend Marg. We le around 10 am stopping at the overnight stop, just inside the Coolgardie Shire boundary for lunch. As I do, I kept an eye out for the memorial site where three truck drivers lost their lives in tragic circumstances, when a re ran out of control through the woodland area. Having grown up with trucks and drivers constantly travelling to and from Perth and Kalgoorlie, the transport industry is likely to invoke fond memories from these mes, it is therefore a hearelt loss that I experience each me we pass this site, around 30 kilometres inside the shire boundary, not far from the Boorabbin memorial. As we drive I ck o the places we pass, even though they no longer are marked by anything other than maybe a peppercorn tree, and remember the lovely couple who ran the Karalee Hotel, Gilgai, No 7 and Dedari No 8 Pumping Staon then Bullabulling. Just before we got to Bullabulling, there was thick black smoke o to the right of the highway, the result of a lightning strike on Sunday evening. I kept an eye on the smoke plume which became thicker with smoke beginning to rise in front of the black plume. Driving on I hoped that we would get through before the re got too close, as it was certain to do with the wind geng stronger and pushing it our way. It was a relieved me when we arrived in Kalgoorlie at around 3pm, we learned the re had closed the Great Eastern Highway at around 5 pm and by Tuesday had burnt through to Menzies and the Kalgoorlie/ BLUE AND THE SHEEP By BOB MAGOR With rst thought self-preservaon, from the rows of teeth he faced, the Sarge fumbled for his pistol, in its holster at his waist. There were mued bangs and yelping, as the random shots rang out, and a whine of bouncing bullets, o the brickwork all about. As he blasted in a panic, From beneath the blood and gore, A front window and the drink fridge Were both added to the score. And the cappuccino maker, copped a mortal wound and died. Hissing steam, it levitated, falling frothing on its side. And Nick the Greek, the owner, grabbed a shotgun in his fright, blasng into the confusion, of the franc canine ght. At short range it wasn’t prey. Dogs were pasted on the wall. There was Laminex in splinters, Clouds of dog hair covered all. Then the smoke detector whistled, With the gun-smoke in the air, Which set o the sprinkler system, and a siren gave a blare. And the echoes sll were ringing, When beneath the dying heap There emerged old Blue, sll dragging, At the remnants of his sheep. … but there is sll more, you need to wait unl 2024 Leanora Highway was closed to trac all that day as the re, I believe ran parallel to the road all day. Recalling the words that Dad always used when describing the natural wonders of water, wind and re and the great benet these elements added to our lives, however, he always warned of the danger of underesmang the power and force of what can become a very destrucve act of nature. Well, hello, the overthinker of all mes, the brain went into overdrive. What would happen if a re started, innocently enough, by a lightning strike, in the bush alongside the highway at Hines Hill, the day is hot and muggy, the wind blowing in an easterly direcon, as it so oen does, the re runs along the North side of the road, crossing over on top of the hill, burning now on both sides of the road and spreading out to cross Goldelds road on the corner of Neening North, the Hines Hill Brigade is behind the re, Merredin Brigade in front. With the change to the nature of farming, there are so few families le in the area. Sutherlands are harvesng along the Nokaning West Road, McGinniss’ headers are at Baandee, Gethin’s machinery on the block across from Ross Robartson and Luke Growden south on Peel Road. So, who is available to ght this fast-moving re that is running before the wind? The nature reserve north of Nangeenan Town site is hot and wild, the eucalyptus is melng, the leaves form lile explosions as they li and y o on the wind starng spot res in the unharvested crops, reaching the trees and forming a lane as it races on into the ribbon of trees that run the re right into the back of Merredin, and goodness all mayhem breaks as we are asked to evacuate. Well, we can hope that this never happens, but we can look at the facts and understand that it actually could happen, while we think we are safe, in the town, just for a moment, have a look up and around, how close are you to gum trees? How much leaf lier is around your home? Have you cleaned your guers? Have you mowed the dead grass? Have you backed up your computer and put an external hard drive in your emergency overnight kit, that is conveniently by the door? Have you got your re plan organised? What are you going to do? Stay and ght or load the car and get the hell out of the way? Where will you go? Which way should you go? How prepared are you for a re or ood, a cyclone that strays o path? Yep, my kids think I’m nuts, and they may be right, but I have my Fire Plan, Mike to look out for and who is it going to harm, no one, so, I encourage you to look up, look around and think about what may happen in the event of re. Are the hoses in good shape, are sprinklers conveniently located around your property? When it comes to the crunch, it is our responsibility to look aer ourselves, the people who may be relied on may be somewhere else. As Dorothea Mackellar expressed in her poem “My Country”, we live in a Country of beauty and of terror, made by nature at her best. So please adopt the moo of ‘Be prepared’ and hope that we are never in a situaon where we need to enact our Plan. The Fesve season is fast rushing in, and this will be the last Naer before Christmas, may I therefore bid you all the very best for the season. I do hope you have enjoyed 2023and look forward to 2024 with great gusto. Might I also say, “if it is to be; it’s up to me” so if you have a dream, vision or a want for next year, go out and get it. Don’t wait for someone to do it for you as its YOUR dream. It we want it bad enough we can make it happen, it just takes some eort, a few setbacks on the way. My New Year’s resoluon is “take the “T” out of can’t.” MERRY CHRISTMAS from the crew of The Nangeenan Progress Group I have added the next two verses of Blue the sheep by Bob Magor and will include the next two in the next edion. I hope you enjoy the story as much as I have. For those unable to wait, the rest can be googled.

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THE PHOENIX Thursday 14th December 2023 17 CONSUMER PROTECTION MEDIA RELEASE As the fesve season unfolds, the spirit of giving comes alive, prompng us to extend a helping hand to our community through charitable donaons. Before opening your wallet to support a cause close to your heart, it’s important to watch out for scams and ask quesons to nd out if your full donaon will be passed on. Scammers may pose as a real charity or a cause that appeals to consumers, while third party collectors usually receive a fee for every donaon they secure. Online fundraising plaorms may also charge a fee for their services, which in some causes can signicantly impact on the value of your donaon. Whether you're approached at your doorstep, in a shopping centre, or over the phone, ask the collector if they are from the licensed charity itself and will receive your donaon in full, or through a third-party collector who will likely take a fee. Another benet of dealing directly with your chosen charity, rather than through third-party collectors, is you avoid exposing your personal or nancial details to an addional source. Protecng your CHRISTMAS PLEA TO TAKE CARE WHEN GIVING TO CHARITY informaon as much as possible during this me of frequent data breaches will go a long way to stop it falling into the wrong hands. According to naonal ScamWatch gures, Australians lost $418,132 to fake charity scams, up to 121 per cent on losses form 2021. Scammers may seek to target vicms via unsolicited emails, text messages and social media posts, so the best advice is to ‘pracse the pause’, avoid clicking on any links and opt for safer methods, such as nding the charity’s ocial website through a search engine or the charity register. For face-to-face collecons, legimate representaves should carry an identy badge or document naming the charity and displaying the WA license number. They must provide a receipt containing this informaon, and any cash collecon boxes should be securely sealed. To verify the legimacy of a charity or not-for-prot organisaon, consult the license charity register on our website at www.consumerprotecon.wa.gov.au. The Australian Charies and Not-for-prots Commission (ACNC) also maintains a public register, providing ocial websites and contact details for all registered charies in Australia. FEE FREE TRAINING TO HELP WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE COOK LABOR GOVERNMENT MEDIA RELEASE The Cook Labor Government has added six courses to the fee free course list for 2024, including a program to help women make a new start following a break from the workforce. The Cercate I in New Opportunies for Women (NOW) course has been added to the fee free list in 2024, as part of the State Government's expanded measures to support increased VET and workforce parcipaon for under-represented groups. The NOW course has been developed specically to help Western Australian women, who have been out of paid employment for a long period or are considering vocaonal educaon and training (VET) pathways, to refresh and boost their skills to be job ready. The program provides parcipants with the opportunity to explore various career opons, build self-condence, and gain the necessary foundaon skills - such as reading, wring and maths - to progress to other VET courses or take up entry-level jobs. NOW is open to women of all ages and backgrounds and provides full-me or part-me training opons with exible hours to suit women with family responsibilies. To further support women parcipang in training and the workforce, special provisions have been made to fully subsidise the resource fees associated with undertaking the course. Addionally, the new Diploma of Vocaonal Educaon and Training and Cercate IV in Training and Assessment have been added to the fee free list for enrolments in 2024 to help grow the TAFE teaching workforce. The qualicaons will enable industry leaders, passionate about sharing their knowledge and training others, to pivot or expand their careers into teaching at TAFE. Qualied VET teaching sta will also be able to upskill through fee free Assessor, Facilitaon and Work Skill Instructor Skill Sets. This also complements the State Government's targeted lecturer recruitment campaign to encourage industry experts into a VET teaching career through the TAFE 'Be More' campaign. The new addions align with the agreed naonal priories under the State Government's new $1.34 billion Naonal Skills Agreement with the Commonwealth Government to improve outcomes for under-represented groups and bolster the VET workforce. To learn more about the NOW program or the other new VET teaching fee free courses, please visit jobsandskills.wa.gov.au or contact your local Jobs & Skills Centre on 13 64 64.

14 December 2023

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