Issue 51 Aurora Magazine October 2022

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cultivate But Steve’s love of research was ever present and each year he’d return to WA to continue working on his research projects; being able to do so was a condition he insisted on when he accepted the job in London. Eventually the pull to return to Australia, and the offer of another new job, saw Steve move to Albany and into his current position at UWA. With his key interest in biodiversity, he says this region is “Heaven on Earth” for a conservation biologist like him. “Many of the threatened species grow on granite outcrops and this part of the Great Southern has so many of these. They’re like islands on a sea of terrestrial vegetation. They not only offer a place of discovery but the opportunity to care for them.” While Steve’s position at UWA is relatively new, his research into life on the rocks is certainly not. He first became interested in rock life back in the 1970s while working as the State’s first Flora Conservation Research Scientist for what was then called the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. “That’s when I first discovered there was an unusual concentration of rare plant species on the outlands like granite so I started exploring this more to gain better understanding of their flora. “The plants and animals on these rocks, particularly some of the mosses and invertebrates, go back 400 million years. These places are an evolutionary laboratory. These rocky outcrops may look strong and harsh but they’re actually very fragile. Sadly a lot of weeds and other introduced species are invading these areas and we really don’t know how to repair and restore these places yet so I’m really keen to work with Elders and research students to see if it’s possible. Cross-cultural biodiversity research is paramount in halting the decline of species on these outcrops.” Steve is incredibly passionate about his current work and his finely tuned ability to connect with people has stood him in good stead in his collaborations with local Elders. “You need to be able to walk together, yarn together and exchange knowledge. Most of the oral history from First Nations people has focussed on social aspects but with me being a biologist I’m interested in documenting the role of plants. “Merningar Elder, Lynette Knapp, is just one of the people who’s opened up a world of knowledge to me. We’d go for a walk and I’d ask her about various plants. Her memory is incredible and her knowledge is compelling and encoded in her head like a book. She’d tell me the plant’s name in her language, its significance, uses and seasonal changes. I’d then tell her the plant’s Latin name and other biological information so that there’s a genuine exchange of knowledge.” Steve adds that his current research has given him a profound insight into the Albany area and it’s reminded him of what a humbling experience it is to be a scientist. It has also reinforced in him the realisation that Western science is not at the forefront of knowledge; it’s purely playing catchup to the knowledge of those that were here way before Europeans arrived. TOP LEFT: Steve with his wife Chris at Kew Gardens. MID LEFT: Steve meeting Queen Elizabeth II at Kew Gardens in 2009. LEFT: Steve also worked with Sir David Attenborough on his Kingdom of Plants television series. We encourage clients to use sustainable products by negotiating a reduction in our commission on the purchasing of certified sustainable materials/products for their new builds or additions (conditions apply). BP# 104373, BC# 104095 • CUSTOM BUILT NEW HOMES • REDUCED COMMISSION FOR THE USE OF CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS (TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY) • EMPHASIS ON WASTE REDUCTION ONSITE WITH OUR WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM • REGISTERED BUILDER AND QUALIFIED CARPENTER WITH OVER 10 YEARS OF LOCAL INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE • CUSTOM DESIGN • DENMARK BASED SERVICING THE GREAT SOUTHERN Patrick John Parry 0437 109 488 jpsustainablehomes@outlook.com JPsustainablehomes JPsustainablehomes 8 LOVE LOCAL
ALBANY FARMERS MARKET Spring at the Markets taste STORY RUTH SPELDEWINDE | PHOTOS MARATUS MULTIMEDIA The stars of the spring season are making an appearance at Albany Farmers Market this month. Asparagus is always highly anticipated and is at its peak through <strong>October</strong> and November. You’ll find a choice of asparagus spears in different sizes at the Mount Serenity and Mostert’s Fresh Veggies stalls. Potatoes and asparagus are a classic combination, and the popular Norland potato is now available at the Bathgate Farm stall. It’s a heritage variety that is low in starch with excellent flavour, and ideal for boiling, microwaving or steaming, and great in salads. December, including blueberries, cherries and stone fruits. Add some spring produce to your market shopping along with the fantastic range of produce available year-round including milk, yoghurt, bread, lamb, fish, chicken, lots of fruit and veggies and more. Shop locally, enjoy the freshness of seasonal produce and get to know the people who grow your food at Albany Farmers Market. BELOW: Jeni and Lucy from Bornholm Growers holding macadamias from the family farm. The velvety crunch of Macadamias is one of the pleasures of the season. Pick some up at the Bornholm Growers stall, where everything is grown, harvested and packed by Jeni and her family at their local farm. Strawberries are plentiful this time of year and the Handasyde’s stall draws a crowd eager for their delicious conventional and organically grown strawberries. There’s lots of new spring fare at Feltons Farms stall, including snow peas, sugar snap peas, broad beans, courgettes and zucchini. It’s the time to plant tomato seedlings and Southern Seedlings has your veggie patch covered with a big range, including heritage tomato varieties, so you can grow your own. Summerhouse Supplies will add take-home soups to their range, made using a range of spring vegetables sourced from our market farmers. Over the next few months keep an eye out for upcoming produce in November and Fresh and delicious seasonal produce directly f rom the farmers to you. WHAT YOU’LL FIND AT ALBANY FARMERS MARKET: HUGE RANGE OF VEGETABLES AND FRUIT – FRESHLY PICKED! • VEGETABLES • FRUIT • FARMED MEATS • SEAFOOD • DAIRY • BAKERY • JAMS AND SAUCES • SEEDLINGS • HONEY • EGGS • SPECIALTY GOURMET PRODUCTS • COFFEE • HOT FOOD • LIVE MUSIC WWW.ALBANYFARMERSMARKET.COM.AU | EVERY SATURDAY, 8AM-12 NOON, COLLIE STREET, ALBANY LOVE LOCAL 9
Page 1 and 2: FREE Aurora Issue 51 GREAT SOUTHERN
Page 3 and 4: contents 4 CULTIVATE KEEP ALBANY BE
Page 5 and 6: cultivate The number of guests each
Page 7: cultivate Many of the threatened sp
Page 11 and 12: taste super-hot chillies he sources
Page 13 and 14: spotlight OPPOSITE: Emma gears up o
Page 15 and 16: create Linda was a stand out in art
Page 17 and 18: vogue ELECTION arrivals from our lo
Page 19 and 20: vogue LEFT, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT
Page 21 and 22: eflect France, as the men had expec
Page 23 and 24: educate I’m a qualified teacher n
Page 25 and 26: promote That role involved developi
Page 27 and 28: engage artwork will include the tap
Page 29 and 30: what's on Legacy Legacy is a hopefu
Page 31 and 32: gig guide Everything we put in the

Issue 51 Aurora Magazine October 2022

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