Latest news with #WhadjukNoongar
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Aussie TV star's bold new play shakes up Perth stage
Ian Booth, Thomas Weatherall & Owen Hasluck. Picture: John Koh / The West Australian Black Swan's latest production, Blue, has opened at the State Theatre Centre to a standing ovation and glowing audience reactions. Written by Heartbreak High star Thomas Weatherall and directed by Ian Wilkes, Blue is a raw, emotionally charged coming-of-age story exploring grief, identity, and the weight of unspoken truths. It's brought to life by Owen Hasluck, a proud Whadjuk Noongar man making his main stage debut, in a one-man performance that audiences are calling 'extraordinary', 'phenomenal', and 'captivating'. With evocative lighting, sound, and a strikingly simple yet versatile set, Blue delivers a production that's as visually compelling as it is emotionally resonant. The season runs until this Sunday in the Studio Underground. Tickets are on sale now at
West Australian
3 days ago
- General
- West Australian
Bridging now to next
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) commenced on May 27. It is an important time to learn more about our shared history, culture and achievements, as well as consider how we can all contribute to reconciliation in Australia. The theme for this year's NRW is 'Bridging Now to Next', which reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future, and calls on all Australians to step forward together. This is a timely theme and an opportunity to outwardly pay our respects to the incredible knowledge and experience which Aboriginal Elders, traditional owners and community members have in connection with their land. This deep connection to the land is directly relevant to the work the urban development industry does in the creation of new communities and enhancement of existing ones across the state. Meaningful community engagement is an integral part of forming successful places and spaces for people to live, work and play to ensure they are vibrant, inclusive and respectful. Creating a strong connection to place through listening, learning and engaging with Elders, traditional custodians and local community members is an important aspect of understanding and ensuring connection to the land is represented, understood and integrated into communities. This week, UDIA WA has been participating in opportunities to learn more about Aboriginal people's lived experience and the role we can all play in reconciliation, including attending Reconciliation WA's breakfast event in Fremantle on the morning of May 27, along with more than 1000 guests. UDIA WA also hosted its own event in partnership with DevelopmentWA on May 28, where we learnt more about authentic Aboriginal engagement practices and had the opportunity to participate on a study tour to the Subi East redevelopment site. Here, we followed the Six Season Bidi Trail, which features seasonal landscaping and artwork representing the six seasons of Birak, Bunuru, Djeran, Makuru, Djilba and Kambarang. We also visited Yagan Square and explored how this development has created storytelling opportunities for Whadjuk Noongar female artists. On Tuesday June 3 – the final day of NRW – the UDIA WA team will participate in the Walk for Reconciliation at Galup (Lake Monger), where we will walk in solidarity with local Whadjuk Noongar people and community members. Galup, which translates to 'place of fire', holds significance for the Whadjuk Noongar people as a place where many families used to camp and nurture their communities in the area prior to colonisation. UDIA WA's commitment to reconciliation has been formalised in our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which was endorsed last year and outlines how our organisation is taking meaningful action to advance reconciliation based around the core pillars of relationships, respect and opportunities. You can read more about our RAP in the About section on the UDIA WA website.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Why Perth has more to offer than just Ashes cricket this winter
'Kaya, nidja Wadjak Boodja' - Welcome to Whadjuk Country. It is a greeting you can expect to hear from the traditional owners of Western Australia when exploring the capital city of Perth and its surrounding areas. Its prevalence in many of Perth's tours, advertisements and institutions reveals a growing desire to respect the culture and traditions of the aboriginal population as part of a greater push to invest, build and reinvigorate the city in new and exciting ways. This is easily epitomised by the Perth Stadium but known as the Optus Stadium for sponsorship reasons. Officially opened in 2018 the stadium sits on the banks of the Swan River, a towering mass of brushed metal designed to emulate the landscape of Western Australia. It's an impressive sight and one that will dazzle English cricket fans when they flock in droves to Perth this November for the Ashes. Spectators will be able to partake in the stadium's Rooftop Climb experience and watch the cricket high in the sky or they can head to the nearby Matagarup Bridge for a more challenging climb and a fun zip line across the river. Perth is a bountiful city full of sights to explore, places to visit, and things to discover. Visitors wanting to branch out from the city's sporting roots will find plenty to satisfy them and below we've outlined some of best offerings Western Australia has in store. King's Park and Botanic Gardens. Situated in the heart of the city and overlooking the mass of skyscrapers, Kings Park ( is one of the world's largest inner-city green spaces. It has incredible views of the Swan River and several walking trails through its botanic gardens. For a more illuminating trip combine with In-Culture Tours ( and learn about the origins of the Whadjuk Noongar, the aboriginal owners of the land Perth sits on and how they used the plants from the gardens in their everyday life. Tour owner and guide, Steven Jacobs, aims to give visitors a quick yet detailed insight into the culture of his Whadjuk ancestors and you will learn about the six seasons of the Noongar calendar, each based on an aspect of the natural world from blooming plants to the hibernation of animals, as well as aboriginal dreamtime and the Waugal – the rainbow serpent who is an embodiment of life and water. Explore the city. In the city, Elizabeth Quay is a central hub with pop up projects, such as aboriginal art installations and music events on display throughout the summer. Close by in Barrack Square is the famous Bell Tower where visitors can take a tour of the distinct building, learn about the English history of its 12 bells from St Martin-in-the-Fields Church and discover how the tower's design was conceived following an architectural competition. Perhaps combine sightseeing with foot tasting and head out on a Foodloose Tour ( an original Perth tour that takes visitors on a journey through the vibrant Northbridge, uncovering hidden gems, culinary must-dos and the latest food and drink hotspots. Visit Freemantle. An absolute must do for any trip to Perth. The City of Freemantle is a 20-minute drive or train journey away from the city centre. Labelled 'Freo' by the locals, Fremantle is a hive of independent businesses from second hand bookstores to markets and various eclectic food and drink establishments. It is a living shine to the European history of the area with museums, tours and a prison that each hold key details and stories about the birth and development of the region. Head out with experienced guides on a tour with Two Feet and a Heartbeat ( to learn about the significance of the limestone buildings and the difference between Convict and Federation era architecture. Stop off for a hot drink on the Cappuccino Strip, named as such for the plethora of coffee shops that populate South Terrace, and call in at the prison for one of the four tours that explain the history and significance of the building from how it was built to the countless escape attempts from famous inmates. As far as shopping goes, the century-old Fremantle markets ( are open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and feature top-notch food stalls, local souvenir and textile shops as well as fresh produce for those who like to sample local delicacies. As a port city, boat trips are also available from Fremantle to the nearby Rottnest Island and there are two museums, the Shipwreck Museum and the WA Maritime Museum, which detail the dangers of exploration and discovery at sea. Go to Rottnest Island As previously mentioned, ferry trips to Rottnest Island ( can be taken from Fremantle or the Perth city centre and cost $85 (£40.50) a return. Sat 18km off shore, it is a half hour boat ride away and is the sun, sea and surf holiday destination for Australians. Resembling a seriously up-market Haven Park, Rottnest is undergoing a $42m redevelopment to create a 109-room, 5-star hotel which hopes to reflect the cultural history of the island. Named The Lodge Wadjemup to honour the aboriginal people's name for the island the hotel has lake view rooms, and a new Mediterranean-inspired restaurant called Sunsets which hopes to amaze visitors with its style and class. Other accommodation includes eco discovery tents, cabins and beach-side chalets while Segway Tours WA ( offer a fun, humorous, enjoyable, and knowledgeable way to explore the island. There are plenty of spots to swim, snorkel and enjoy water sports and as the home to Australia's quokka population Rottnest is a protected nature reserve. Head to the beach Cottesloe Beach is accessible by car or train and stretches along the west coast just 20 minutes from the city centre. A popular spot for locals and tourists alike, but not overly crowded, the white sand beach offers sun and sea favoured by holiday goers while British tourists will appreciate Amberjacks - a fish and chip shop right on the promenade. Water activities are in abundance including surfing, windsurfing and bodyboarding. For the sports minded Sea View Golf Club is a little walk down the sea front heading towards Fremantle. See the Swan Valley vineyards and distilleries Another must do. Spend a day or two north of Perth in the Swan Valley ( Over 150 attractions including vineyards and distilleries are open to visit and experience. Old Young's Gin Distillery ( which specialises in award winning gins and vodkas, is an authentic family run business for over 10 years. Owner James Young offers tastings and lunch as well as a brief insight into the history of the region. Just don't ask him his opinion on cricket unless you have a whole afternoon free to chat. No trip to the Swan Valley is complete without a stop off at the impressive Mandoon Estate. Established in 2008 by the Erceg family who purchased the historical 'Roe Family property' in Caversham, the estate focuses on a range of premium wines. It has three dining venues in the Wild Swan, Homestead Brewery and The Lawn and even provides accommodation for lengthier stays in the Swan Valley. Nestled right on the Swan River, the Mandoon Estate can be reached by boat, car or bus and supplies unique and local beers from in its brewery alongside the large variety of homegrown wines. For those looking to enjoy Australia's distinctive wildlife, the Swan Valley is also home to the Caversham Wildlife Park ( Home to over 2000 animals and 200 species, the Wildlife Park hosts animal presentations every day so visitors can get a feel for the Australian wildlife. Special tickets are available to hold koala's, meet wombats and feed kangaroos and a child-friendly farm show explores how local farmers survive and thrive in Western Australia. Check out the WACA redevelopment Cricket fans heading to Perth will want to visit the WACA. It is a ground full of history and tradition most often viewed in the early hours of the morning on television from across the world. The place of Adam Gilchrist's record-breaking test century in 2006 has undergone a major redevelopment since the Perth Stadium was constructed. Two swimming pools, a public gym and a sports museum are in the process of being added for the benefit of the local community while the facilities for athletes are being upgraded to meet ICC standards. Traditionalists fear not though as the ground retains its character and continues to host cricket matches from the Sheffield Shield to Women's Big Bash games. Crown Towers For visitors who prioritise proximity to the Perth Stadium, Crown Towers is the height of luxury with three expansive lagoon pools, fine dining restaurants and up-market shopping. Built in 2016 in compliment to the Perth Stadium, Crown Towers has unparalleled views of the city skyline and the exclusive Crystal Club experience provides personalised service. Located on the 15th floor it offers an open terrace, sparkling champagne, concierge services, complimentary breakfasts and evening canapes. Book here. Hougoumont Hotel Heading to Fremantle? The quaint and quirky Hougoumont Hotel is a stone's throw away from the Cappuccino Strip and has small boutique rooms built using shipping containers. It is themed to suit the nearby surroundings of the port and offers Cabin and State rooms decked out with luxuries such as Nespresso coffee machines and toiletries fom Apelles Apothecary. For a slightly more historically themed place to stay look to Airbnb to hire out former prison warder cottages. Book here. DoubleTree by Hilton If a place in the city centre is desired, the DoubleTree by Hilton is perfectly situated on the Swan River just off Barrack Square. Its quayside location provides easy access to boats that head to the Perth Stadium or Swan Valley and a 10-minute walk will bring you into downtown Perth where you can visit the shopping malls and historic buildings like the Old Court and Royal Perth Mint. Book here. Pink Taquito - Yagan Square Stories ( is a five-storey precinct in Yagan Square populated by nine bars, three restaurants, pop-up and rooftop bars and Perth's biggest beer garden. There truly is something for everyone from live music to colourful cocktails. The latest chapter at the prolific Stories establishment is Pink Taquito. A small but fun bar that provides an electric atmosphere with delightful tacos and tequila-favoured cocktails. Authentic Mexican food delivered with a modern and cheeky twist Pink Taquito will delight with its street-style food and bright creations. The Reveley - Elizabeth Quay This three-floor precinct established in 2016 offers different vibes and cuisines depending on where you dine. The ground floor favours family friendly bistro pub food while the first-floor restaurant serves contemporary modern Australian dining and fresh ocean fish including the seasonal barramundi with fennel dressing. The final floor is a rooftop bar complete with live DJs, bar service and cocktails. Il Lido Canteen – Cottesloe Columns of wine decorate the interior of this consistently busy Italian restaurant just off Cottesloe beach. Four long wooden tables encourage a friendly and familial atmosphere in Il Lido ( while large chalkboard menus, dim lighting and whitewashed walls provide a distinctly Italian feel to the Western Australian coastline. Standouts from the menu include Shark Bay scallops and the Italian sausage and datterino gigli. Tonic & Ginger (The Old Synagogue) - Fremantle One of four unique hospitality venues situated in a former Jewish synagogue, Tonic & Ginger is a bright and vibrous venue specialising in Asian cuisine. It's sharing menu encourages conversation between delicate but substantial courses. Try the fire cracker cauliflower with bang bang sauce or the all-encompassing $72 Feed Me course option. Perth package holiday deal Six nights accommodation and tickets to all 5 days of the first NRMA Insurance Ashes Test in Perth plus a six day Margaret River and Albany Self drive trip including accommodation and all inclusive car hire with international flights from London Heathrow. From £2470 per person:
West Australian
26-05-2025
- Politics
- West Australian
Big walk set to end with big talk as activist trek 250km calling for an end to forest mining
At the end of a 250km walk most people would be looking for a bed — but activist Ricky England will be reaching for the megaphone. Taking the first steps of an enormous trek, Mr England and several other activists embarked on a walk from Dwellingup to Perth in a bid to end forest mining. The Denmark-based clinical social worker took off from Dwellingup Discovery Centre on Saturday and is spending the next 10 days on the Bibbulmun Track, aiming to arrive at Parliament House on June 2 for a public rally at the Supreme Court Gardens at 2pm. England said the walk aimed to shine a light on the expansion of forest mining by mining companies Alcoa and South 32. 'They (mining companies) want to move into 30,672ha of bush, which for the average Joe, is about 6800 footy fields,' he said. 'We're calling on the government to make an important decision, and we're also calling on people to come to the rally.' The route was chosen for a number of reasons, from its proximity to mining operations and its significance to Bindjareb, Wiilman and Whadjuk Noongar peoples to its recognition as one of Western Australia's most iconic walking trails. 'People come from all over the world to walk this track,' he said. 'It's really significant to have this kind of impact on the Bibbulmun track as well as the Munda Biddi trail.' Before setting off, Bindjareb man Theo Kearing welcomed the hikers to the country and spoke of the significance of the forest to his people. 'I want to let Alcoa know, it's not about the here and now,' he said. 'It's not about how much money you can make, it's about the next generations to come. 'I'm sure everybody wants their great-grandkids and what-not to go into the area that we were always able to go to.' Mr England said he would be offering piggyback rides to a number of people along the way, with Rove McManus and Judith Lucy reported to have taken him up on the offer. Prior to the walk England was able to get in some piggyback training with South West local and musician John Butler. 'I'm offering Premier Roger Cook, Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn, and chair of the Environmental Protection Authority Darren Walsh to join me on the walk,' he said. 'I want to show them the precious places they are happy to destroy. 'They don't realise the Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi Trail are under attack, with relocations of these tracks happening regularly and more planned. Bush walkers are not happy and there are a lot of us.' The walk is supported by the WA Forest Alliance, the Conservation Council of WA, the Wilderness Society and End Forest Mining with funds raised to continue their cause.
ABC News
08-05-2025
- Health
- ABC News
Protein is important during perimenopause — here's how much you need and why
Elaine De Silva has spent many hours researching how to look after her body during perimenopause. The 48-year-old from South Perth/Whadjuk Noongar country says there's been one big takeaway from her doctor's visits, women's health podcasts and books — consuming adequate amounts of protein is a must. "I'm trying as much as I can to incorporate protein, both animal and vegetable in my diet," she says. "I eat protein for lunch and dinner, and I eat one to two boiled eggs every day. "I'm always looking for protein fortified foods." Why is protein important during perimenopause and how much should we be consuming each day? We looked to three dietetic and nutrition experts to find out. Our experts Dr Shelley Wilkinson, dietitian and senior research fellow at the University of Queensland Dr Stacy Sims, US exercise physiologist and nutritional scientist based in New Zealand Professor Stephen Simpson, academic director of the University of Sydney Charles Perkins Centre Why is protein so important during perimenopause? There are a couple of reasons, according to Shelley Wilkinson, a dietitian and senior research fellow at the University of Queensland's School of Pharmacy, in Meanjin/Brisbane. Photo shows A woman with brown curly hair sits on a grey sofa, looking unwell, with her hand to her head Menopause is technically the single day 12 months after your last period. But perimenopause can last years. Here's what to look for and when to get help. "It helps maintain our muscle mass and also promote feelings of fullness or satiety," she says. She says during perimenopause, oestrogen levels begin to drop which decreases bone density as well as lean tissue , which is our muscle. "By having enough protein in our diet, it helps with maintaining that muscle mass, and then it also helps us feel full, which might prevent that weight gain that generally occurs in perimenopause," she says. "We want to maintain muscle mass to keep our metabolism strong and our body running well, it also keeps us feeling strong and stable as we go into older age." She says women with strong muscle mass are less likely to have falls as they get older, and keeping bones strong also helps prevent osteoporosis. How much protein per day should women be consuming? Dr Wilkinson says you don't have to know whether you're experiencing perimenopause to assess your protein intake. "When we look at the national guidelines, they say 0.6 grams per kilogram each day for women between the ages of 19 and 70 ," she says. "The daily protein recommendation say for a woman weighing 60 kilos, is 60 multiplied by point six, which is 36 grams a day. "If they were 70 kilos, it's 42 grams a day." Sign up to the ABC Lifestyle newsletter Get a mid-week boost and receive easy recipes, wellbeing ideas, and home and garden tips in your inbox every Wednesday. You'll also receive a monthly newsletter of our best recipes. Your information is being handled in accordance with the Email address Subscribe She says once women reach 50 years of age, the food groups they require change to include more calcium rich foods , which can also be a source of protein. "It goes up to four serves of dairy a day and then meat and [protein] alternatives — you want two serves a day." She says people should be aiming to hit the lean meats and poultry as well as plant protein. "Half of the protein that people eat should come from those plant sources," she says. "So that's nuts and seeds, a lot of legumes and lentils, red kidney beans, chickpeas, cannellini beans, tofu, soya beans, edamame, cashews, almonds, walnuts, pecans ." She says instead of using processed protein powders, adding skim milk powder is the cheapest and most nutritious way to increase protein. And be cautious of over-consuming, Dr Wilkinson says if you're taking too many calories in your body, it will store any extra food as fat. Protein and exercise build muscle and strength A active women in perimenopause and menopause may need slightly more protein , and have it distributed evenly across meals every three to four hours. The work includes research by Stacy Sims, an internationally renowned exercise physiologist and nutritional scientist based in New Zealand. Dr Stacy Sims (centre) says the amount of protein women need depends on their age, activity level and menstrual cycle status. ( Supplied ) "For [these] perimenopausal and menopausal women, daily protein needs increase to about 2-2.3g per kg of body weight ," "As we age, our bodies become more resistant to the muscle-building effects of protein and exercise, requiring higher doses of both." She says that another study found that after eating, older women experienced a smaller increase in muscle protein synthesis (the metabolic process where amino acids are incorporated into new muscle protein), with some studies showing a drop of up to 40 per cent compared to younger women. " To achieve the same training responses, an older woman may require a greater quantity of protein to achieve the same result. " Ms De Silva credits feeling strong and healthy during perimenopause to the combination of extra protein and exercise. "I'm doing strength exercising with weights, which I never used to do, I used to love cardio," she says. Perth woman Elaine De Silva has increased her protein intake and exercise routine during perimenopause. ( Supplied: Elaine De Silva ) Dr Wilkinson says if you need guidance on what's right for you, consult your GP. She says GP's can write a chronic disease management plan which includes five subsidised visits a year to practitioners such as dieticians and exercise physiologists. "Dietitians are really skilled at going, 'Okay, well, what's your budget? What are your food interests? And how can we change the dietary guidelines to adapt to you?'" she says. How to avoid the 'protein leveraging effect' Stephen Simpson, the academic director of the University of Sydney's Charles Perkins Centre, has been studying the impacts of protein on women experiencing perimenopause. He recommends women consume healthy protein sources where possible to avoid what he calls the "protein leveraging effect" — when our body is craving protein, but we instead consume foods with lower concentrations of protein (processed foods). "That combination means that our protein appetite is going to drive us to eat more to get to our protein target, and in so doing, you eat more calories than you need," he says. Stephen Simpson says women experiencing perimenopause can be at greater risk of overeating and weight gain. ( Supplied: University of Sydney ) "How it interacts, specifically with women during perimenopause, is that during that period … the hormonal changes that are happening start to break down lean tissue. "That rides your protein appetite, and unless you increase the concentration of protein in the diet, you're going to be prone to eat even more calories to gain your now increased protein requirements and that's a bad combination." He says the good news is that you can make small dietary changes to ensure you're consuming foods with a high concentration of protein. "The evidence suggests it's only about nine or 10 grams of protein extra required a day, so that's a relatively small amount," he says. "They can be plant-based foods, obviously, the legumes, chickpeas. "Or increasing your intake of dairy and animal-based proteins as well, they're both going to give you that little bit extra, and to do it in main meals rather than snacking." Key takeaways Women need to consume adequate amounts of protein during perimenopause to counteract a decrease in muscle mass and bone density Dieticians say the national guidelines are 0.6 grams per kilogram each day for women between the ages of 19 and 70 Studies have shown that active women may need slightly higher doses of protein per day than those who are sedentary Protein leveraging occurs when women consume foods that don't contain high concentrations of protein, leading to overeating This article contains general information only. You should consider obtaining independent professional advice in relation to your particular circumstances.
