A catch-up on the past week

The trouble with starting anything new is 'where to begin?'. So, I'll start with a quick diary of what I've been doing this past week:
Friday 9 November: Margaret and I attended (not for Council but as past parents and now grandparents of a 'kindy-kid' - grand-daughter Emma) the 110th anniversary concert of Sacred Heart Highgate Primary School. It doesn't seem a decade since a group of dedicated parents helped save this school from closure! Now it is one of the jewels in the Catholic education system, occupying half of the refurbished convent building, with the Pre-Primary and Kindy on the 1914 Parish-built building next door. Photographs at http://picasaweb.google.com.au/IanRKer/SacredHeartHighgatePS110thAnniversaryConcert.
Saturday 10 November: Official launch of the Highgate Primary School Frog Garden - proving that with enthusiasm (of staff and parents) a little money (a $2,000 'open gardens' grant) can go a long way. Oh and there was the little matter of the new Pre-Primary play area, but the real focus was the Frog Garden that was the product of the students' efforts as well. Photographs at http://picasaweb.google.com.au/IanRKer/HighgatePrimaryFrogGardenLaunch.
As a matter of interest, Highgate just shades Sacred Heart in the heritage stakes as it is 112 years old. To have two of the oldest, still-operating Perth primary schools in the Town of Vincent is a real plus for the community and I am pleased to see that both are thriving.
Sunday 11 November: Mt Hawthorn Primary School Community Fair. As the one-time organiser of a school fete, I know how much time and effort must go into this biennial event that has become a real focus not just for the school but for the whole Mt Hawthorn community. Anyone who thinks that lawyers always wear thousand-dollar suits should have seen Tom Percy QC (or should that be SC these days?) playing up a storm on guitar as part of the Gang of Three that, for once, did have three members (not four). Pictures at http://picasaweb.google.com.au/IanRKer/MtHawthornCommunityFair2007
Monday 12 November : Launch of the Northbridge History Curriculum Materials, at the TAFE Art Gallery on Aberdeen Street. As a newcomer to the Town of Vincent Northbridge History Committee, I found this a very useful opportunity to get up to speed on this great project. There's a CD of information but you can also access it via the website: http://www.northbridgehistory.wa.gov.au.
Tuesday 13 November: Council Briefing. Only two items but important ones. One dealing with the potential redevelopment of the Norwood Hotel and adjoining sites on Lord Street, including one site that was in the City of Perth until 1 July this year when the boundaries were changed - potential to reinvigorate this rather down-at-heel part of Lord Street, but we need to make sure it sets an appropriate 'bar' for other redevelopment in the area.
The other was the draft Policy on Single-Bedroom Dwellings - I'm not happy with too much relaxation of criteria in this, as we know from experience that what Council 'may consider' quickly becomes seen by some as the basic entitlement when it comes to concessions on density and bulk and scale. I'll be submitting some written comments to try to tighten up this policy before it goes out for consultation.
Friday 16 November: Meeting at ToV to introduce the concept of car-sharing which has immediate potential to reduce transport costs for Vincent residents and long-term to reduce the residential (and possibly commercial) car-parking requirements of the proposed Leederville redevelopment. Car-sharing schemes are well-established overseas and one is already operating in Fremantle (http://www.nexuscarshare.com.au).