regionalhub#canninggazette#14-05-2020#full … · 2020. 5. 13. · published by: community...
TRANSCRIPT
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Thursday, May 14, 2020 COMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU
Page 6
A NEW
DOOR
OPENS
INSIDE
A YEAR 11 boy will
remain in custody after
pleading guilty to
wielding an illegal gel
gun and a knife at his
suburban high school,
as the principal moved
to reassure parents the
incident did “not reflect
the high standards and
good behaviour” that
were the norm.
The teenager fronted
Perth Children’s Court
on Tuesday where he
pleaded guilty to charg-
Gun at
school
CONTINUED PAGE 3
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Your guide to the local businesses coming out oflockdown — let’s show them some love
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NEWS .......................................................................... 1-7
RED SHIELD APPEAL .................................................. 6
CRIME............................................................................. 7
OPEN FOR BUSINESS .................................................. 8
REAL ESTATE ............................................................. 10
CLASSIFIEDS .......................................................... 11-13
MOTORING ................................................................. 14
SPORT .......................................................................... 15
CO
NT
AC
T U
SIN
SID
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2 NEWS May 14, 2020
Editorial Director: Amanda Keenan
News Production: David Friedlos
Design: Carly Pilton
Features Editor: Arylene Westlake-Jennings
Digital Editor: Alison Middleton
General inquiries: 9237 1000
Email: [email protected]
Reporters:
Carmelle Wilkinson 9237 1464
(Canning, South Perth)
Sarah Brookes 9237 1455
(Belmont, Victoria Park)
Photographers:
David Baylis, Andrew Ritchie
Group Sales Director:
Max Wilson 0420 927511
Business Development Managers:
Martin Graham 0466 318996
Contact Centre/Trades:
Ilsa Yates 9237 1465
Distribution: 08 9237 1630
Published by: Community Newspaper Group
50 Hasler Road, Osborne Park WA 6017.
Printed by Colourpress
54 Hasler Road, Osborne Park WA 6017.
THE City of Canning is pro-
viding quick cash for small
businesses, not-for-profit
community and sporting or-
ganisations, and unincorpo-
rated groups affected by the
COVID-19 pandemic.
Eligible groups can apply
for a small grant of up to
$1000 or a digital grant of up
to $2500. The Resilience
Grant applications close
May 18; visit www.connec-
tincanning.com.au/can-
ning-resilience-grants.
Funding relief
Crush Juice proprietorsErsan Alkir and Ozge Kotil.
A 25-YEAR-OLD mother
struggling with four chil-
dren stole a credit card from
a letterbox before going on a
$600 shopping spree, includ-
ing make-up, at Carousel in
Cannington on March 27.
Amber Rose Allen pleaded
guilty to the MasterCard
theft, three counts of fraud
totalling $394.50 and an
attempted $238 fraud at the
Perth Magistrates Court last
Friday.
Police prosecutor Ser-
geant Mike O’Leary said
Allen took a letter contain-
ing a new debit card from a
letterbox in Riley Street,
Carlisle, about 2.55pm on
March 27 before she and a
female friend used it to buy
train tickets to travel to
Carousel shopping centre.
The card was used to
spend $56 on beauty prod-
ucts at 3.50pm and a $233
purchase about 4pm, before
a $238 spend about 4.30pm
was declined.
“She as arrested in Bays-
water on April 24 and made
full admissions,” Sergeant
O’Leary said.
The facts were not contest-
ed by the defence.
Allen has three children
aged three to 10, the youn-
gest of whom is being cared
for by her grandmother aged
in her 80s.
The maximum prison sen-
tence for Allen’s crimes was
two years
She was fined $1000 for all
the crimes and $118.50 costs.
Mum fined overretail fraud spreeJon Bassett
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May 14, 2020 NEWS 3
es of being armed in a way
that may cause fear, and
threats to injure, endanger
or harm any person after the
drama at prestigious Willet-
ton Senior High School on
Monday afternoon.
School principal Trevor
Hunter sent an email to par-
ents first thing Tuesday
morning to “provide further
clarification around an inci-
dent at school ... involving
one student.”
In the email Mr Hunter
said the first the school
knew about the 16-year-old
student brandishing a gel
blaster gun and a knife was
when police arrived after
someone, believed to be a
student, provided a tip-off
through Crime Stoppers.
“Police advised us that the
information they received
was that there had not been
any threats to use either of
these items.
“We followed police
instructions and they spoke
with one student. I under-
stand they have now laid
charges.
“This incident does not
reflect the high-standards
and good behaviour that is
the norm at our school.
“If you have any concerns
about this matter, please
contact me at the school.
“I want to assure you that
no other students were
impacted and the situation
was well managed. If you
have any concerns, please
contact me at the school.”
Mr Hunter assured par-
ents that “an incident of this
nature is very rare at Willet-
ton Senior High School and
we take it very seriously.’
The incident sparked fear
among classmates and
resulted in Cannington
detectives and police officers
raiding the school grounds
on Monday afternoon.
It is understood the teen,
who is in Year 11, had been
showing off the blaster to
friends.
The school was not put
into lockdown after the blas-
ter was discovered.
An Education Depart-
ment spokeswoman praised
the school’s handling of the
situation.
The boy will reappear in
court next month.
School gun shockFROM PAGE 1
CANNING residents will be
able to visit the library again
next week but a swim in the
local pool will have to wait,
with the City of Canning
confirming both leisure-
plexes would not be reopen-
ing its doors.
Premier Mark McGowan
last weekend announced the
reopening of libraries and
some community facilities
in phase two of the State’s
road to recovery from the
coronavirus pandemic.
As part of the staged reo-
pening, libraries, communi-
ty centres, pools, cafes and
restaurants can reopen from
Monday, May 18, but must
adhere to a strict 20-person
limit.
Canning Mayor Patrick
Hall said due to the large
number of people that
usually used the Canning-
ton and Riverton Leisure-
plexes, neither would not be
reopening on Monday.
“Normally we have 3200
people come through our
two leisure centres each
day,’’ he said.
“The 20-person restric-
tion, the need for physical
distancing and the rules
around not sharing equip-
ment mean we simply could
not operate the same level of
service our community has
come to expect.”
“While our leisure centres
remain closed, we are taking
the time to upgrade some of
our facilities. We are also
working on our COVID-19
safety plans to ensure that
when we do reopen more of
our facilities, we can do so
with absolute confidence.”
He confirmed the City of
Canning would reopen facil-
ities through a staged
approach, with Cannington
Library the first facility to
reopen its doors on May 18.
The popular click and col-
lect service will also be
extended, with library mem-
bers able to reserve items
and pick up from more
library locations.
Indoor and outdoor com-
munity facilities will also be
available for bookings from
Monday.
Mr Hall has asked resi-
dents to be patient as staff
prepare for the staged reo-
pening of facilities.
“There are a number of
practical considerations,
including new protocols and
processes that we need to
work through before we can
reopen certain facilities,’’ he
said.
“We also want to ensure
that when we do so we are
meeting the needs and
expectations of our com-
munity whilst complying
with COVID safety plans.”
Staff are planning for the
reopening of more facilities,
including the council ad-
ministration building and
Canning River Eco Educa-
tion Centre soon.
For the latest about the
City’s response to COVID-19,
visit www.canning.wa.gov.
au/coronavirus.
Next chapter in recoveryCarmelle Wilkinson
LOCAL residents can still
donate food to people in
need during the coronavi-
rus pandemic with the
launch of Drive and Drop
Hubs at Vinnies shops
across the city.
Canning Mayor Patrick
Hall was one of the first
through the doors this
week when he dropped off a
donation at the organisa-
after items.
The hubs will not operate
as retail outlets.
The four locations will
also be able to accept other
donations such as clothes,
toys and homewares.
Drive and Drop Hub loca-
tions and opening times can
be found on Vinnies WA
website at vinnieswa.
org.au.
government areas where
Vinnies Drive and Drop
Hubs have been established
shines a spotlight on the
number of needy families
within our own district and
the social crisis that exists
right here on our doorstep.”
Only non-perishable food
donations are encouraged,
with rice and pasta being
some of the most sought-
would provide immediate
support to vulnerable peo-
ple in the local area.
“I urge our residents to
be compassionate, give
what they can and drop off a
much-needed parcel of
non-perishable food items
to Vinnies in Canning
Vale,’’ he said.
“Canning’s selection as
one of only four local
tion’s Canning Vale outlet
on Monday.
These donations, which
can also be made in Morley,
Stirling and Wanneroo, will
be placed in specially pre-
pared hampers that will be
delivered by volunteers to
people in the community
experiencing hardship.
Mr Hall said the Vinnies
Drive and Drop initiative
Canning Mayor Patrick Hall (left) delivers a donation to St Vinnies. Picture: Andrew Ritchie
Vinnies drive a new way to help the needy
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4 NEWS May 14, 2020
FOR Queens Park teenagerMarc Phegley-Giura, livingwith cystic fibrosis (CF) issimilar to life underCOVID-19.
The 17-year-old has for hiswhole life practised socialdistancing, washed hishands regularly and avoidedothers who were sick toavoid the risk of infection.
Like others with CF, eventhe common cold couldresult in a stint in hospital.
CF affects every organ inthe body but primarily man-ifests itself in the lungs,where it causes a build-up ofthick sticky mucus.
This can become infected,leading to permanent dam-age and in some cases theneed for a lung transplant.
Marc, who recentlyreturned to the classroom,spends two hours a day inthe morning and afternoondoing treatment and physioto manage the condition.
His mum Emma saidwhile the teenager took it allin his stride, life withCOVID-19 thrown into themix has been more stressful.
“I work in retail so I’mconcerned with what I couldbring home,’’ she said.
“Marc was pulled fromschool two weeks beforethey shut them down and
he’s just gone back, but itprobably won’t be full-timefor a little bit.”
Due to COVID-19, therewon’t be a sea of roses soldon the streets for the CF’slargest annual fundraisingday later this month, but thepublic can still show theirsupport digitally. On May 22,65 Roses Day is a chance forthe public to help raise fundsfor Cystic Fibrosis WA andhelp find a cure for CF.
People can buy a digitalrose to support the 400 peo-ple in WA living with the dis-order. A digital rose can bepurchased from rosegarde-n.org.au and will be sent viaemail.
Rosyoutlook
Marc Phegley-Giura is joining the online 65 Rose Day fundraiser for cystic fibrosis.
Carmelle Wilkinson
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May 14, 2020 NEWS 5
THE owners of Riverton Bar
and Grill say it is unlikely
they will open its doors for a
few weeks despite the easing
of restrictions from Monday.
The State Government
has announced phase two of
the road map to open up the
economy will start on May
18 with the restart of dine-in
services at cafes, restau-
rants and pubs.
However, the move is lim-
ited to 20 patrons and with
the 4sq m rule applied for
social distancing, exposing a
divide between big and small
proprietors, many popular
outlets are unlikely to open
just yet.
Riverton Bar and Grill
owner Nat Helwig said his
venue had the capacity for
500 patrons, so a 20-diner
limit could not justify the
bar reopening.
“We would need at least
100 people to make it viable,
but we would consider open-
ing when the limit goes to 50,
so we might have to wait a
while longer,’’ Mr Helwig
said.
In the meantime, locals
can still enjoy their favou-
rite pub meal takeaway, with
orders being taken over the
phone and online.
The owner of Australia’s
largest pub in Burswood, the
Camfield, agreed that it was
not financially viavble for
many venues to open.
Tim McLernon, who man-
ages the Camfield as well as
The Stables Bar and Reveley
in Perth, said they were con-
sidering opening one venue
first and seeing how that
went for a couple of weeks
before opening more.
“Most larger venues will
not be able to open given
such a small allowed capac-
ity of 20 people but it will
probably help the smaller
husband-and-wife oper-
ations in the suburbs, which
is a positive result and a good
start,” he said.
“Given the remarks by the
Premier Mark McGowan
and Health Minister Roger
Cook at the weekend, it
seems as if we are a very
long way off having hospi-
tality venues operate even
close to normally, so it is
going to be a very tough six
months ahead. “Many pubs
and restaurants will not sur-
vive the next three months,
through absolutely no fault
of their own doing, so it’s a
very tough environment to
be caught in.”
Mr McGowan said the
resumption of dine-in ser-
vices at cafes and restau-
rants was an important step
forward in WA’s recovery.
“These are some of the
hardest hit local businesses
and I feel deeply for those
who have been forced to
close and staff who have lost
their job,” he said.
Canning Mayor Patrick
Hall welcomed the State
Government announcement
around easing restrictions
on cafes and restaurants.
“It is great to see restric-
tions starting to lift for some
of our local businesses,’’ he
said. “We are keen to work
with local cafes and restau-
rants to identify how they
can use alfresco areas to
increase their patronage
within the guidelines set out
by the State Government.”
Not all goodcheer for pubsCarmelle Wilkinson
BACK INBUSINESSJust some of the storesopen again are Betts, CityBeach, Colette, CottonOn, Foot Locker, Mecca,Pandora, Strandbags,Typo and Zamels withmore reopening soon.
SECOND-HAND charity
stores have begun reopen-
ing after the COVID-19
pandemic forced their clo-
sure, with organisations
predicting the colder tem-
peratures will see a surge
in demand for winter
clothes and emergency
assistance.
With the easing of cor-
onavirus restrictions
announced by the State
and Federal governments,
Vinnies WA reopened
stores last Thursday in
Cannington, Belmont,
Kalamunda, Halls Head,
Joondalup and at its Bun-
bury Depot.
Vinnies retail oper-
ations manager Signe
Balodis said reopening op-
shops was a top priority
for the charity group so it
could continue to meet
community need, espe-
cially as winter
approached.
“This means people can
again have direct access to
our emergency assistance
for clothes and household
goods, but it is also an op-
portunity for our custom-
ers to have an affordable
shopping experience
again,” she said.
“Our shops are ready to
go and fully stocked with
winter clothing, so we re-
ally encourage everyone
to come back and see us.”
The next stage of shops
openings is planned for
late May, which could see a
further 16 shops across
WA open for retail shop-
ping and to accept dona-
tions. Shop trading hours
will be initially Tuesdays
to Saturdays, 11am-4pm.
Charities seize opportunity
Vinnies volunteer Joann Copeman in the Belmont store ahead of its reopening lastweek. Picture: David Baylis
Sarah Brookes
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6 NEWS May 14, 2020
THE Salvation Army is tak-ing its annual doorknockappeal into the digital realmas it braces for morerequests for help this winter.
After more than 55 yearsof knocking on doors eachMay, the charity will take itsRed Shield Appeal for dona-tions online this year in re-sponse to COVID-19restrictions.
Captain Simone Smalleysaid while some peoplereceiving higher Centrelinkpayments were better off atthe moment, other families
who had lost their incomewere struggling.
“We are now seeing peoplecontacting our services thathave never had to ask forhelp ever in their lives,” shesaid.
“That’s a really difficultsituation for people to be in;it is quite confronting.
“We anticipate the num-bers are going to risethrough winter especially.”
The charity hopes to enlist10,000 volunteers to becomedigital fundraisers for theirnearest Red Shield Appeal,which can be found via dig-italdoorknock.salvationar-
my.org.au.It has community centres
and churches across Perth,including in Bentley.
The money raised fromthe Red Shield Appeal Digi-tal Doorknock on May 23 and24 will support services pro-vided by each centre in theirlocal community.
“Whatever we raise meansthat we can help our localcommunity,” Capt. Smalleysaid. “We want to be in a po-sition to help as many peopleas we can.”
Donations can be made atsalvationarmy.org.au or bycalling 13 SALVOS (13 72 58).
Digital doorknockSalvation Army Captain Simone Smalley. Picture: David Baylis
Lucy Jarvis
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May 14, 2020 NEWS 7
A MASS haul of drugs,
weapons and cash was
seized by police during a
series of raids in Perth on
the weekend.
Tactical Response Group
officers and Cannington
detectives searched homes
in Beckenham, Cannington,
East Cannington and River-
vale on Saturday.
They found handguns,
throwing knives, tasers, var-
ious illicit drugs, counterfeit
money and more than
$20,000 cash.
Cannington detectives
have charged two women
and seven men — aged be-
tween 18 and 59 — with vari-
ous offences relating to
drugs and weapons.
They will appear in court
in the coming weeks.
Weapons, cash seizedGuns and cash were among items seized during the Cannington district home raids.
Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 Police Assistance Line 131 444
CANNINGTON Detectives
have charged three men over
a violent armed robbery in
Langford last month.
Police allege that about
9.30am on April 19, the three
men followed the victim in
his 30s into his driveway on
Towton Way.
Detectives say one of the
men confronted the victim
and stole items from his veh-
icle, while a firearm was
allegedly discharged into
the victim’s vehicle and a
knife used to deflate the veh-
icle’s tyres.
On April 24 a 28-year-old
man from Spearwood was
arrested and on May 2 a 25-
year-old man from Girra-
wheen was arrested, both
charged with aggravated
armed robbery.
A 30-year-old man from
Balga was arrested during a
vehicle stop on May 7 and
charged with the same
offence, as well as discharg-
ing a firearm and having no
authority to drive.
Armedrobberycharges
THE City of Canning has
partnered with WA start-
up Climate Clever to help
residents cut their carbon
emissions.
The partnership aims to
help the Canning commun-
ity reduce household utili-
ty costs while taking action
on climate change.
To launch the partner-
ship, the City is giving 200
Canning households a
chance to have their first
year of membership to the
Climate Clever Home App
for free.
The app helps users mea-
sure and monitor home
utility use and costs, and
identify strategies to save
money.
It also calculates and
tracks carbon emissions
and provides advice on how
to be as efficient as possi-
ble.
Mayor Patrick Hall said
with many people now
potentially reduce house-
hold bills but do their bit
for the environment as
well.”
To sign up, residents can
visit www.climateclev-
er.org/homes and put in
the CanningCommunity
Member Code CanningWA.
munity to get in front of the
potential rises in energy in
the home and put in place
tangible efficiency mea-
sures that can help them
keep their costs under con-
trol,” he said.
“I encourage residents to
get involved and not only
working from home or find-
ing themselves without
employment, household
utility bills were a growing
concern.
“We know it is tough at
the moment for a lot of peo-
ple, so we are offering this
opportunity for our com-
Getting clever on climate
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Monocle Optometry alsooffers the latest blue-lightblocking lenses, contactlenses and myopia(short-sightedness)treatment.
Appointments areavailable for people of allages, including children,and a no-rush approachensures each consultationincludes detailedexplanations accompaniedby genuine and friendlycare.
To book yourappointment, visitwww.monocleoptometry.com.au or call6370 4290.
state-of-the-artHeidelbergSpectralis OCT, ascanner usuallyonly used byophthalmologists.
When it comesto eyewear,MonocleOptometry stocksonly handcraftedindependentbrands, some ofwhich are exclusive to theirstore.
Sam and Carla value thequality of eyewear and eventravelled to Paris and Italyto personally select eachframe for their stunningcollection in NorthFremantle.
To offer the best opticalexperience, MonocleOptometry uses Germanlenses from Rodenstockwhich enables tailoring tocustomers’ individual needsresulting in exceptionalclarity, especially for thosewho have had troublegetting used to multi-focalsin the past.
HUSBAND and wife teamSam and Carla Schneiderare the proud owners ofMonocle Optometry andhave a passion for all thingseye related.
With more than 20 yearsof combined opticalexperience, they haveworked as optometrists inthe Perth area for the pastsix years.
“After refining ourclinical skills here in Perth,we figured it was time toopen our very own practiceso we could offer the eyecare you deserve,” Samsaid.
“We’re sure you’ll fall inlove with the eyewear likewe did.”
They use the latest inoptometry equipment,which can detect eyedisease including cataracts,glaucoma and maculardegeneration even beforethey become a problem,allowing for earlytreatment.
Each consultationincludes the use of the
FOR ALL THINGS EYES
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COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2020 • 9
-
10
THERE is much to captivate
at this beautifully
renovated family home,
from the stylish living
spaces to the new floors,
plantation shutters and
modern light fittings.
The 707sq m property’s
well-maintained front
garden creates a great first
impression, with the
immaculate presentation
also characterising the
accommodation.
At the heart of the
single-level design, the
huge open-plan living and
meals area includes a
standout white kitchen
featuring a long
stone-topped island
bench/breakfast bar where
everyone can gather for a
quick meal.
It also has a skylight, wall
oven, microwave nook,
cooktop, mirrored
splashbacks, dishwasher
and double fridge recess.
Behind french doors, the
carpeted front lounge room
with a ceiling fan and gas
bayonet for heating
provides a comfortable
setting for more formal
occasions.
The master bedroom plus
built-in mirrored robe and
ensuite is in a rear wing
with one of the three
minors.
Outside, a wraparound
patio with blinds is perfect
for alfresco living and
entertaining.
Extras include
split-system airconditioning
units, a gas hot-water
system, CCTV security
system, enclosed triple
carport and new driveway.
The property is in the
catchment areas for
Willetton Primary School
and Willetton Senior High
School.
Renovated and ready4 2 3
21A Stringy Bark Ramble,Willetton$849,000-$879,000Agency: Top RealtyContact: Raymond Chen on0432 624 120
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COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2020 • 11
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12 • THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2020 COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2020 • 13
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14
THE new fourth-generationSkoda Octavia might belonger, wider and smarterbut the options under thebonnet make it a car thathas come of age.
And it’s a good way forSkoda to celebrate its 125thanniversary, having beenfounded during thepioneering era of theautomobile, in 1895.
Skoda is one of thelongest-established carmanufacturers in the world,but the new incarnation ofthe ever-practical Octavia isa watershed in the model’s60-year history.
It has a radical range ofpower:� The plug-in hybrid —PHEV has a petrol engine,
an electric motor and awall-chargeable lithium-ionbattery.� Mild-hybrid technology,which helps to reduceconsumption.� A turbocharged 1.4-litrepetrol engine.� A diesel engine. Thislatest-generation EVOdiesel engine is said to emitup to 80 per cent fewernitrogen oxides because ofa new “twin dosing”process, whereby AdBlue isinjected selectivelyupstream of two SCRcatalytic convertersarranged in series. AdBlueis a diesel exhaust fluidthat’s a mix of urea anddeionised water.� It comes with naturalgas. In the Octavia G-TEC,17.7kg of compressed CNG
gives a range of up to523km.
Christian Strube, SkodaAuto board member fortechnical developmentreveals: “When wedeveloped the new Octavia,our focus was on loweringfuel consumption as well asCO2 and NOx emissions.
“In addition to theOctavia G-TEC, which runson natural gas, we now —for the first time — alsooffer a plug-in hybrid, theOctavia iV.
“The Octavia eTECfeatures new mild hybridtechnology, which helps toreduce consumption. Andthanks to the application ofa new ‘twin dosing’ methodof exhaust gas treatment,the latest EVO-generationdiesel engines emit around
80 per cent less nitrogenoxide.”
Outputs range from 81kW(110PS) to 150kW (204PS).
And the new Octavia isall grown up. It is 19mmlonger than its predecessorand 15mm wider, and allthat translates to moreshoulder width and kneeroom for passengers.
The company claims thenew Octavia hatchback isnow the most spacious carin its class.
Luggage capacity hasincreased by 10 litres to 600litres.
There’s plenty of safetytech, from the new collisionavoidance assist whichactively increases thesteering moment in theevent of an impendingcollision with a pedestrian,
cyclist or another vehicle,to turn assist which candetect other vehicles earlyon when turning in the faceof oncoming traffic at anintersection.
The exit warning systemlets the driver know ifanother vehicle or a cyclistis approaching from behindwhen opening the car door.
The infotainment systemsare permanently onlinethrough an integratedeSIM, and there are up tofive USB-C ports.
The Skoda Octavia issmartly designed,flawlessly constructed, fullof features and well priced.
It’s the sort of car thatsneaks in under the radar.� Skoda Octavia sedan autois from $27,390.� Skoda Octavia wagon
auto is from $29,490.� A five year, 75,000kmservice pack is $1400.
Czech mate... winnerStephen Scourfield
� Skoda has belonged toVolkswagen Group since1991 and last year sold1.24 million vehicles.� In the RAC’s analysis ofcar-running costs 2019,the Octavia fared well:the fuel-efficient SkodaOctavia 110TSi Sport atjust $18.83 a week. Costsconsidered includerunning costs (fuel, tyresand servicing), along withstanding costs (purchaseprice, depreciation,interest on loanrepayments, driver’slicence fees, taxes, stampduty, insurance premiumsand registration).
SIZE is hardly an issue withAudi’s new A1 Sportback.
If you’re a Shakespearebuff, it’s a case of ‘thoughshe be but little she isfierce’. Yep, A MidsummerNight’s Dream.
The baby of the pack hasturned into a vamp with awhole lot of attitude in100kW power and 250Nmtorque from the 35 TFSI1.5-litre four-cylinderengine mated to aseven-speed dual-clutchtransmission that combinesthe convenience of anautomatic with theefficiency of a manual.
It’s not surprising theSpanish-made A1 hasmuscled into second spot inthe upper-price ‘light’ carsegment this year with a 30per cent market share,though still behind popularMini Cooper Hatch, whichcommands 60 per cent ofsales nationwide.
Yes, the A1 does feeldecidedly light on the roadbut it’s the first car in its
class to achieve five-starsagainst ANCAP’s stricteractive safety criteria thatcame into force in 2018.
All variants launched inAustralia from November2019 have autonomousemergency braking withpedestrian and cyclistdetection, lane keep assistand emergency lanekeeping.
This makes it, err, adream to drive, the ultimateurban commute, deliveringwith sprightly accelerationand easy cornering, all withstriking good looks inmetallic python yellowthat’s a $990 extra to the$35,290 manufacturer’s listprice — you need to addon-roads to that — whichincludes auto light and rainsensors.
Parking is a cinch.Audi Australia said the
python yellow colourcomprised only a smallportion of sales, but suitedpeople who wanted to standout in a crowd.
As tested it was $39,270once you add the $2990
optional style package witheight-inch sport alloywheels, heated, electricallyadjusted and foldable sidemirrors, LED headlightsand LED interior moodlighting around the dashthat’s a nice touch butreflects annoyingly in theside mirror on the driver’sside at night.
The updated streetwiselook features a bigger,wider grille, halogenheadlights, short overhangs
and wing segments on theflanks for a muscular,sporty take on the demurefirst incarnation thattouched down in Australiaa decade ago.
There’s also been arevamp inside, which ismore angular andstreamlined across the dashthat features a digitalinstrument cluster and anintegrated 10.25-inchdisplay with smartphoneinterface that connects to
Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto via USB.
Navigation with voicecontrol and 3D map displayis available with theTechnik package thatincludes an eight-speakersound system; ours hadonly six speakers.
All A1 models havewireless charging fordevices that support it andboth USB type-A and type-Cports at the front. Rearpassengers miss out.
Various functions arebuilt into the leathersteering wheel, includingphone call answer and end,but cruise control withspeed limiter is a blast fromthe past on a stalk andthere is no option toupgrade to adaptive cruisein this model.
Manual airconditioning isstandard. We didn’t see atemperature display andonly the top spec 40 TFSI Sline includes two-zoneclimate control.
Best of all the fun is inthe ride, with an idlestop-start system that
doesn’t miss a beat. It came close to the
claimed fuel consumptionof 5.8L/100km, oursranging between 6-6.5L/100km, depending ondriving conditions, and wehave no reason to doubt thestated acceleration from0-100km/h in 7.7 seconds.
Don’t think because it’ssmall the A1 is tight onspace. It’s severalcentimetres longer andtaller than its predecessors,so a couple of adults will fitin the back seat, which canbe folded right down.
Ultimate urban rideOlga de Moeller
AUDI A1VARIANT 35 TFSI StronicPRICE $39,270 as tested ENGINE 1.5-litrefour-cylinder turbo-petrol OUTPUTS 110kW/250NmTRANSMISSIONSeven-speed dual-clutchautomatic FUEL ECONOMY5.8L/100km
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IN news that will suit golfing
enthusiasts to a tee, Whale-
back Golf Course in Park-
wood is among the
businesses reopening after
closing due to coronavirus
restrictions.
Safety measures have
been put in place to help stop
the spread of COVID-19 to
ensure golfers can again
enjoy a day on the green.
These include at least 4sq
m of space for each person, a
maximum of four players in
a group, one person per cart,
and all bookings and pay-
ments made online.
In addition, all shared
equipment will be sanitised
prior to future use, toilets
will be cleaned an extra
three times per day, and
hand soap dispensers and
paper towels made available
in all toilets. Food and coffee
is takeaway only.
Canning Mayor Patrick
Hall applauded the strong
measures to ensure the com-
munity could enjoy their
favourite sport and stay safe.
“We care about our com-
munity and have put these
restrictions in place to
ensure their health and safe-
ty,’’ he said.
“Playing golf is great for
your mental and physical
wellbeing. I encourage the
community to get out on the
green, with the restrictions
in mind, and enjoy being
outdoors at Whaleback.”
Opening hours for Whale-
back Golf Course have been
modified to 7am to 7pm,
Mondays to Sundays, with
the driving range selling the
last bucket of balls at 6pm.
Visit whalebackgolf.com.
au/guests/book.mhtml.
Green lightfor golf
Carmelle Wilkinson
Whaleback Golf Course has reopened after closing due to coronavirus restrictions.
May 14, 2020 SPORT 15
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16 • THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2020 COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS