Multi Tasking

Went on a River cruise last night, end of year function. Up the Swan & dinner at some winery or other: all in all, very pleasant. The funny thing was the crew from the boat were also serving the food, bringing the alcohol out and clearing the tables. There was a musician playing background music on some keys and the bloke sitting next to me said, pound to a penny the crew will start singing soon. Sure enough, out came a microphone and a couple of the crew took turns singing us 'Barry Manilow' type music! They also sang on the boat on the way back to Perth after dinner! I guess they are members of all the re3levant unions...

20 years after the Royal Commission Into Aboriginal Deaths In Custody

The WA State cabinet has backed the introduction of the Prohibited Behaviour Orders Bill, which would give courts the power to make civil orders when dealing with repeat offenders aged over 14.

Under the legislation, the court would have the discretion to publish offenders' details on a government website. This includes their name, their photograph, the suburb in which they live and the terms of the order.

Orders could be issued for offences ranging from alcohol-fuelled violence to misbehaviour on public transport, and would be in addition to any criminal penalty.

Under the legislation, any breach of the order would be liable for a penalty of up to two years' jail or $6,000 in the magistrates court or children's court, or up to five years' jail or a fine of $10,000 in higher jurisdictions.


The emphasis for juvenile offenders should be on rehabilitation, not retribution and public shaming.

Healthy Fast Food?

There was also a similar sign for healthy fried chicken!

Close the Gap & Tobacco

Lowering the consumption of tobacco is the key to closing the life expectancy gap of Indigenous Australians. The targets that have been set are ambitious. We need to see innovative methods of communicating the 'Say No To Smokes' message. There must be a whole range of strategies in prevention and health promotion, not just treatment and medical models.

Blues at Bridgetown 2009

Blues at Bridgetown was action packed with a terrific lineup in 2009. Hamilton Loomis was one of the highlights for me. Young contemporary musician who is comfortable moving between blues, funk and rock. Someone to watch in the future; and of course listen to now!