Election pledge for Kimberley education

Opposition Leader Mark McGowan and Josie Farrer, the Labor candidate for Kimberley, at Town Beach in Broome. Picture: Theo Fakos Source: PerthNow

OPPOSITION leader Mark McGowan made his pitch for votes in the Kimberley this morning by promising an extra $90 million for the region, mostly in education.

The Labor leader was in Broome but almost didn't make it, after his flight was threatened by storms from a monsoon low pressure system.

He said a Labor Government would instate a Minister for the Kimberley, with other Cabinet members formally taking responsibility for a region in WA - a system scrapped by the Barnett Government when it won the last election.

Mr McGowan joined Labor candidate for the Kimberley, Josie Farrer, at Broome's Town Beach to pledge:
* Six new classrooms, a science laboratory and other facilities for Broome Senior High at a cost of more than $8 million.
* A new "primary behaviour centre" in Broome to support children, parents and teachers.

* A "child and parent centre" for Broome and for Derby.
* $21 million for a new primary school in Broome's northern suburbs.
* $10 million for Halls Creek District High School and almost $10 million to be shared by Wyndham and Derby district high schools.

Mr McGowan said "removing the barriers" for country kids to finish high school and attend university was a priority.

He said the Kimberley could also expect extra funding for sporting facilities and $10 million to expand an indigenous ranger program.

And he accused Mr Barnett of prioritising Perth at the expense of the regions, saying he would take the regional development portfolio if he became Premier in the March 9 state election.

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Lucky escape after plane crash lands

TWO people are in a satisfactory condition in hospital after their light plane crash landed at Kununurra Airport in Western Australia's far north early today.

A Health Department spokesman said the pair received minor injuries in the incident, which occurred before 9am as the light plane was attempting to take off.

The plane was reportedly a single engine Cessna and wound up on its roof, leaking fuel.

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Barnett defends record on police funding

WA Premier Colin Barnett. Picture: Marie Nirme Source: The Australian

Police Union boss George Tilbury. Source: PerthNow

WESTERN Australia's Premier Colin Barnett has stoutly defended his government's record on police funding, as the force's union placed itself at the heart of the state election campaign with a demand for 800 more officers.

The WA police union released its pre-election submission, arguing for 800 more officers over the next four years, demanding exemption from any government funding cuts, and also flagging a future demand for more pay and more allowances.

"Policing is a profession unlike any other, and it is up to our politicians to ensure police have the right training, knowledge and equipment to be as effective and as safe as they can be on our streets," union president George Tilbury said.

A defiant premier defended his government's record on resourcing the state's police, saying it was on track to deliver a previous promise of 700 new staff, including 350 new officers.

And he said new laws and new technology had given the state's police more scope to protect the community during the past four years.

"We made a commitment at the last election for a big increase in police numbers up until 2014 and we are on track to do that," Mr Barnett said.

"We always need more numbers and the policing numbers will continue to grow as the population grows.

"Policing is changing, and a lot of what the police commissioner is requesting has been better technology ... things like new legislation to protect police officers, laws on out-of-control parties.

"Numbers matter but it is not just that."

The police union's 17-point wish list also included new laws to make offenders who assault police take a mandatory blood test for communicable diseases and a minimum six month prison term for those who assault police.

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Message in bottle reaches Perth after 76 years

A message in a bottle found 76 years after it was thrown into the sea has been reunited with the family of the Perth man who wrote it.

A message in a bottle, written by a Perth man in 1936, has been reunited with the man's family. Source: Herald Sun

A MESSAGE in a bottle found 76 years after it was thrown into the sea has been reunited with the family of the Perth man who wrote it.

Sky News UK reports that the bottle was found on a beach in New Zealand by Geoff Flood in November 2012, but had been set adrift in 1936.

Inside was a note, dated March 17, which said: "At sea. Would the finder of this bottle kindly forward this note...to undermentioned address."

Underneath the note was written the name: "H E Hillbrick, 72, Richmond Street, Leederville, Western Australia".

The message had been written on headed paper bearing the mark of the shipping company P&O and the ship's name SS Strathnaver.

Mr Flood had been out for a walk on Ninety Mile Beach at the top end of New Zealand's North Island when he made the discovery.

He told local media he was astonished and quickly decided to find out how the bottle had got there.

It took him a couple of months to find the sender, who turned out to be a man called Herbert Ernest Hillbrick.

Mr Hillbrick had died in the 1940s, but further investigation led Mr Flood to Herbert's grandson Peter Hillbrick, who was living in Perth.

Peter Hillbrick was amazed by the discovery: "For this one to be floating around in the ocean for 76 years and just all of a sudden pop up in New Zealand. Where has it been? What story is it going to tell?"

His only theory was that his grandfather had dropped it into the sea during a P&O cruise. His family still have photos that Herbert and his wife Ethel took on board the ship.

He said that because his grandfather had died so many years ago, he had never got to know him so was delighted another link had turned up.

"The only connection I have with Grandfather is now that bottle. That's about all. So, it's a fascinating story," he said.

Mr Hillbrick has decided to donate the bottle to a maritime museum in New Zealand.

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WA ports close for cyclone threat

The latest tracking map for a tropical low near the Pilbara coast that may develop into a cyclone. Picture: Bureau of Meterology Source: PerthNow

RIO Tinto is closing its Cape Lambert and Dampier ports in WA's Pilbara region to prepare for a low-pressure weather system that could become a tropical cyclone tomorrow.

The miner said harbour masters were expected to close the Cape Lambert facility at Port Walcott and Dampier port later this afternoon to allow ships to move outside the affected area.

"Operations are continuing at this stage, but preparations are commencing to secure port and associated coastal infrastructure ahead of expected deteriorating conditions this evening,'' the company said in a statement.

The Port Hedland harbour, Australia's highest-tonnage port, is also being evacuated for closure.

The last vessel will set sail from its inner harbour at 3.30pm.

The low-pressure system brought heavy rain overnight and today across the region and is expected to continue into Wednesday.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) estimated at 2pm that the tropical low was 130km northeast of Port Hedland and 305km east-northeast of Karratha, and moving west-southwest at 11km/h.

The low may develop into a tropical cyclone tomorrow as it moves to the west just off the Pilbara coastline.

If the system reaches cyclone intensity, gales with wind gusts to 100km/h could develop between De Grey and Dampier during Wednesday and possibly extend west to Onslow on Thursday, the bureau said.

Squally thunderstorms are also expected with locally heavy rainfall.

Blue alert for Pilbara towns

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has issued a blue alert - warning people to take precautions - for communities between De Grey and Mardie including Port Hedland, South Hedland, Whim Creek, Roebourne, Wickham, Point Samson, Karratha and Dampier.

A cyclone watch is also current for people in or near coastal communities from Mardie to Onslow, while the all-clear has been given to the communities of Pardoo and De Grey.

The Pilbara coast was on alert earlier this month as Cyclone Narelle threatened, although the system never reached the mainland and eventually petered out.

Hot and humid temperatures are forecast for much of the Pilbara and Kimberley regions this week, with thunderstorms possible.

Clear and sunny skies ahead

In Perth, sunny skies are here to stay and while the weather will be warm tomorrow with a predicted maximum of 36, the rest of the week will be sunny and fairly mild.

Australia Day looks set to be a hot one, with the mercury expected to reach 35C.

Tuesday 22 January - Max 36. Sunny. Winds easterly 25 to 30 km/h tending east to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h in the morning then turning south to southwesterly 20 to 30 km/h in the late afternoon.

Wednesday 23 January - Min 21, Max 30. Sunny.
Thursday 24 January - Min 16, Max 32. Cloud clearing.
Friday 25 January - Min 17, Max 33. Sunny.
Saturday 26 January - Min 20, Max 35. Sunny.
Sunday 27 January - Min 21, Max 35. Sunny.

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Colourful characters, colourful language

Rhoda Lopez, Austin Castiglione performing in the stage production The Motherf--ker with the Hat. Picture: Gary Marsh Source: PerthNow

Austin Castiglione performing in the stage production The Motherf--ker with the Hat. Picture: Gary Marsh Source: PerthNow

FAST, fearless, funny and flashy are four more F-words that come to mind during the Black Swan State Theatre Company's colourful new production of The Motherf**ker with the Hat.

Just as the title might suggest, the hysterical play, which premiered on Broadway in 2011, is chock-full of vibrant language as it follows the lives of its five equally vibrant characters, each struggling with addiction and adultery in their own way.

It's a clever piece, infused with comedy, drama and misguided romance, written by American playwright Stephen Adly Guirgis, and it has been nominated for six Tony Awards, including Best Play, as well as three Drama Desk Awards. The Black Swan version is directed by Adam Mitchell.

Jackie, a recently paroled recovering alcoholic and drug dealer, has just landed a new job and is trying to stay on the straight and narrow with the help of his AA Sponsor Ralph D.

The problem is he's still shacked up and desperately in love with his super-sassy, cocaine-addicted childhood sweetheart Veronica.

Things really go awry when Jackie arrives home one day, in the mood to celebrate his new lease on life, only to discover a stranger's hat in their apartment, sending him into a jealous rage.

The explosive first scene between Jackie, played by Austin Castiglione, and Veronica, played by Rhoda Lopez, reels the audience in hook, line and sinker as the characters exchange passionate profanities in an electric and side-splittingly funny argument.

Lopez owns the stage with real and raw emotion. The words of her fiery, dominating character leap at the audience, leaving a lasting sting and, at times, evoking a gasp or two followed by the exchange of shocked glances.

While the language is well-suited to the story and the style of the play, there are a couple of lines that most will likely find difficult to swallow.

Jackie seeks help and guidance from the enigmatic Ralph, who brings another dimension to the play with his cool wit and weird words of wisdom, and his wife Victoria, played by Alison Van Reeken.

While US comedian Chris Rock played Ralph in the Broadway version, Kenneth Ransom has the honours in this production and doesn't disappoint.

But it's Jackie's fiercely loyal cousin Julio, a health food obsessed gym junkie played particularly well by Fayssal Bazzi, who adds real depth and a sense of pizzazz to the play.

The meticulous revolving sets, three living areas designed by Bryan Woltjen, are great and rotate fairly seamlessly throughout the twists and turns of the play.

The production isn't perfect. Set amongst New York's Puerto Rican community, the accents don't always hit the right note and the mannerisms are, at times, overacted.

Plus, there are moments when it feels that the script and the characters, in particular Ralph and his wife, don't seem to have been written to their full potential.

But overall it's a genuinely interesting and dynamic production. Hats off to Black Swan for throwing this bold, gutsy piece into the mix of their 2013 program and attempting to add a little spice to the palettes of Perth theatre-goers.

*The Motherf**ker with the Hat continues until February 3 at Studio Underground in the State Theatre Centre of WA. Tickets from Ticketek.

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Smoky bushland fires north of Perth

Water bombers have been called to assist at two fires north of Perth. Source: PerthNow

FIRE crews are working to control two large fires burning north of Perth, which are causing a lot of smoke but not posing a risk to lives or homes.

Lake Pinjar fire

AN out of control and unpredictable bushfire is raging near Lake Pinjar, north east of Perth this afternoon.

The fire started about 1.30pm between Higgins Road and Regelia Road.

Up to fifty volunteer fire-fighters are on the scene and water bombers are also helping put out the blaze.

The cause of the fire is unknown and while there is no threat to lives or homes, there is a lot of smoke in the area

Tree top fires in Gnangara Pine Plantation

Bushfire advice has been issued for people in the northern part of the Gnangara Pine Plantation in the City of Wanneroo.

The out-of-control fire is burning in a north-east direction and flames are burning in the tree tops.

No roads are closed but motorists should avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site.

The Department of Environment and Conservation is managing the fire.

Laverton fire reaches 45,000 hectares

Bushfire advice also remains for people travelling on Connie Sue Road, 80km south of Warburton in the Shire of Laverton today.

A fire there is burning in bushland on both sides of Connie Sue Road and although there is no immediate danger, residents in the area need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.

The fire is approximately 45,000 hectares in size and the DFES is continuing to monitor the blaze.

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Pilot praised after TV chopper crash

A Channel 10 cameraman is in hospital after a helicopter crashed east of Perth.

The wreckage of the Channel 10 news helicopter. Source: PerthNow

THE TV cameraman who had a lucky escape when the helicopter he was filming from crash landed in Perth has returned to his office, after thanking the pilot of the aircraft for saving his life.

Adam Delmage, a cameraman for the Ten Network in Perth, and Paul Debenham from helicopter charter company Heliwest, both walked away from the crash in Baskerville, a rural suburb northeast of Perth on Saturday.

They were filming a truck rollover from the air when their aircraft made a 'hard landing', with the tail snapping away from the body of the chopper as it rolled.

Mr Delmage made a brief appearance at the Network Ten offices today to thank friends and colleagues for their support. Having been treated for neck pain, and with his arm in a sling, Mr Delmage is believed to be taking some time off work to recover.

He was also keen to praise the actions of the pilot, whom he said had saved his life, and those of others already on the scene for the earlier traffic accident.

"Debo my chopper pilot today did an amazing job getting us down the way he did with trees, people, powerlines, hills etc. Everything happened so fast, he saved my life and I didn't know if he was alive for a while there," Mr Delmage posted on his Facebook page.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has launched an inquiry into the crash, which was caught on camera by other media personnel at the scene.

"I kind of got flung out the cabin and was hanging over the door," Mr Delmage said.

"If it had rolled one more time I wouldn't be here. The tail was up on end, the chopper was on its side.

"I thought the pilot was dead. I didn't know whether to run back and help him out because I didn't know if it was going to go up in flames."

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Driver critical after Swan River car plunge

A car is removed from the Swan River near Barrack Street Jetty by police and emergency services. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: PerthNow

A car is removed from the Swan River near Barrack Street Jetty by police and emergency services. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: PerthNow

Two police officers involved in the rescue of a man after his car ploughed into the Swan River. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: PerthNow

THREE police officers have dived into water with near zero visibility to free a man whose car had plunged into the Swan River near the Barrack Street jetty.

Police say three of its officers, two from the Central Metro Traffic bureau and one from Wembley police station, jumped into the water to rescue the man.

Police said before the man drove the white Hyundai sedan into the water, witnesses saw him leave some objects on the jetty, which included a jerry can and general personal items.

After stopping the vehicle, and placing some personal items including an empty jerry can on the jetty side, the man got back into his car, accelerated hard and ploughed through a temporary fence.

At speed, the car hit rocks at the water's edge, which catapulted the vehicle metres into the water.

Duty Inspector Derek Staats said the man was seen to come to the surface of the water initially after the car hit the river but then went back under the water, after which police arrived and dived into the 3-4m deep water to help him.

Insp Staats added there was zero visibility under the water.

"One witness indicated he saw the car driving along the footpath towards the jetty," Insp Staats said.

"A few minutes later he heard the revving of the car and the squealing tyres and he looked up and saw the vehicle drive off the end of the jetty."

The incident was reported to police just after 10.40am and the driver, whose age has not been released, has been taken to Royal Perth Hospital in a critical condition.

The car was completely submerged and is expected to be removed from the river this afternoon.

with AAP

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Shots heard, spent cartridge found

POLICE have launched an investigation after shots were heard in South Perth overnight.

About 10pm last night police were called to an address in Garden Street, South Perth after reports of gunshots.

It's been confirmed at least one spent cartridge was found in the street.

Police say they have not yet received reports of anyone presenting at hospital overnight with gunshot type injuries buy say a black hatchback vehicle and a white utility were seen in the vicinity at the time the shots rang out.

"Detectives are continuing their investigations into the matter," a police spokeswomen said.

Anyone who has information about the incident should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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