Issue 55 Aurora Magazine February 2023

FREE 

Aurora 

Issue 55 

GREAT SOUTHERN Lifestyle, People, Happenings February 2023 

MAJUBA BISTRO 

TORBAY GLASS 

ROCKCLIFFE WINERY 

JAMES BACK ON 

RECONCILLIATION 

MIX ARTISTS’ 

EXHIBITION 

ALSO INSIDE 

MORE LOCAL PEOPLE 

FOOD AND WINE 

HISTORY 

AND WHAT'S ON 

10,000 DISTRIBUTED FREE 

LOVE LOCAL 

www.auroramagazine.com.au 

Aurora_055_February2023.indd 1 

24/1/2023 5:09 pm


Great Southern Lifestyle, People, Happenings 


Our cover 

On our cover this month are Johann 

Prins-Gurtel and Andrea Love, the 

FREE 

Issue 55 


GREAT SOUTHERN Lifestyle, People, Happenings February 2023 

Manager and Editor 

Amanda Cruse 

0438 212 979 

amanda@auroramagazine.com.au 

Advertising Sales 

Amanda Cruse 

0438 212 979 

owners of Albany’s very stylish 

Majuba Bistro. The couple share their 

remarkable love story and round-about 

journey from South Africa to Albany as 

they talk about their passion for food. 

Read the full story starting on page 14. 

PHOTO: HESTE VERMAAK 

MAJUBA BISTRO 

TORBAY GLASS 


JAMES BACK ON 

RECONCILLIATION 

MIX ARTISTS’ 

EXHIBITION 

sales@auroramagazine.com.au 

Production and Layout 

Vanessa Pribil 

vanessa@auroramagazine.com.au 

Photography 

ALSO INSIDE 

MORE LOCAL PEOPLE 

FOOD AND WINE 

HISTORY 

AND WHAT'S ON 

editorial@auroramagazine.com.au 

10,000 DISTRIBUTED FREE 

LOVE LOCAL 


Editorial 

editorial@auroramagazine.com.au 

Our Contributors 

Amanda Cruse 

Serena Kirby 

Adam Morris 

Allen Newton 

Anne Skinner 

Distribution 

Tim Cruse 

0438 004 408 

distribution@auroramagazine.com.au 

Published by Greybird Media 

Printed by Ive Group, Mandurah Print Centre 

7 Rafferty Close, Mandurah, WA 6210 

Aurora Magazine is subject to Copyright and may not 

be reproduced in any form without permission from the 

Publisher. Any material supplied for publication is the 

responsibility of the supplier. All information is believed 

to be true by the Publisher at the time of printing. 

Aurora Magazine is 100% locally 

and independently owned. 

Aurora Magazine is printed on uncoated 

paper, and is therefore 100% recyclable. 

Please dispose of thoughtfully. 

Distribution 

10,000 copies of Aurora Magazine are distributed free each month. 

We distribute our paper strategically to ensure we are well placed for strong readership amongst 

both locals and visitors to the Great Southern region. 

You can pick up a copy from the Albany, Mount Barker and Walpole-Nornalup visitors centres, as 

well as the Albany ANZAC Centre. We are also available from the Albany, Denmark, Katanning, 

Mount Barker and Walpole public libraries. Almost 1000 copies are put directly into the rooms of 

accommodation venues throughout the Great Southern. 

We also have the following major distribution points: 

Albany: Clarks News Agency, Coles (Albany Plaza and Orana), Dome Cafe, Plaza Lotteries, Puma 

Service Station, Royale Patisserie, Spencer Park IGA, The Naked Bean, Woolworths (Chester Pass 

Mall and Bayonet Head), and York Street IGA. 

Denmark: Raven’s Coffee. We are also available at The General Store at Youngs Siding and the 

Elleker General Store. 

Mount Barker: Supa IGA and the Plantagenet Wines Cellar Door. 

Walpole: Pioneer Store IGA and the Treetop Walk Gift Shop. 

We have over 100 smaller distribution points, so there’s a good chance your favourite local cafe, 

vineyard, boutique, hotel, gallery or corner store will have some copies on hand. 

Driven by your success. 

Canaccord Genuity is one of Australia’s leading specialist stockbroking and 

financial services firms, offering a range of investment services. 

STOCKBROKING 

INVESTMENT ADVICE 

PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT 

Canaccord Genuity Financial Limited AFSL No. 239 052 ABN 69 008 896 311 

SUPERANNUATION 

FINANCIAL PLANNING 

Tim Cruse - Senior Wealth Adviser 

Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management 

L2, 184 Aberdeen Street, Albany WA 6330 

08 9842 4780 | TCruse@cgf.com 

2 LOVE LOCAL 



contents 

4 SPOTLIGHT TORBAY GLASS STUDIO AND GALLERY 

The Art of Glass 

8 FOCUS NEW CEO FOR GNOWANGERUP 

David Nicholson Hits the Ground 

10 ENGAGE RECONCILLIATION ADVOCATE 

JAMES BACK 

Matters of the Heart 

12 TASTE ROCKCLIFFE WINERY GOES OFF-GRID 

Striving for Sustainability 

4 SPOTLIGHT 8 FOCUS 

14 MAJUBA BISTRO 

Lifelong Love and Passion for Food 

16 RECIPES 

Three Clever Cocktails 

19 REFLECT TROOPER MONTROSE COOPER 

Narrow Escape from Tragedy 

22 WHAT’S ON SIMON LONDON + THE SPIRITS 

Don’t You Forget About Me 

24 WA WOMEN OF JAZZ 

Progress – Legendary Ladies of Jazz 

10 ENGAGE 12 TASTE 

26 ALBANY CINEFESTOZ 

Lights, Camera, Action! 

28 NEW EXHIBITION FROM MIX ARTISTS 

Art Meets Science in Immerse 

30 THE LIGHTHOUSE GIRL SAGA 

Compelling WW1 Show to Open in Albany 

31 GIG GUIDE 

Events, Markets and Exhibitions 

16 TASTE 26 WHATS ON 

ICKY FINKS 

NEW IN STORE 

We now stock the full range of 

Posca markers and pens 

Fantastic colour range | Highest quality | Australian made 

Rear, 280 York Street, Albany. P 9841 7622 

LOVE LOCAL 

3 



spotlight 

TORBAY GLASS STUDIO 

AND GALLERY 

The Art of Glass 

STORY SERENA KIRBY | PHOTOS SERENA KIRBY 

Mark Hewson and Paris Johansen never planned on becoming glass artists. It was 

something that evolved from Mark’s endeavour (at Paris’ request) to produce a stained 

glass window for their new home in Torbay. That was back in the early 1980s and Mark 

and Paris have now designed, sculptured, moulded and soldered literally thousands of 

glass artworks since then. 

“After successfully making the stained glass window I had progressed to making 

pendant light catchers,” Mark says. 

“I was selling them at local markets and craft shops and started getting requests to 

make other pieces. I was originally a farmer in the Wheatbelt and it was hard to find 

permanent employment after we moved south so I decided to pursue glass art as a 

business. Paris continued to work as a remote area nurse which helped support us 

while I focussed on developing the business.” 

Having had no previous formal art training the couple, who’ve been married for more 

than 40 years, soon rediscovered their mutual and long-time love of drawing. Designs 

for all manner of glass creations began to emerge with Mark starting to focus on larger 

scale commercial projects while Paris fed her creativity by creating glass works for home 

and garden adornment. 

“I remember one of my school teachers saying I was never going to make a living out of 

art so I better go and pursue another career. The glass work doesn’t make me rich but it 

pays the bills and I do enjoy it because people respect me as an artist. It’s taken nearly 

40 years to become an overnight success!” Mark says, laughing. 

You just need to look at Mark’s long list of public art commissions to see just how wrong 

that teacher was. Mark has produced large-scale works for the Albany Leisure and Aquatic 

Centre, the Albany Justice Centre, St John of God Hospital in Perth and for numerous 

other public buildings around the State. He’s also worked alongside renowned WA 

sculptor Robert Juniper and Paris has also worked closely with her husband on many of 

the commissioned works. 

“One of the largest and most challenging commissions was the glass installations for 

the Albany Health Campus. One of the works is 50 metres long and incorporates 21 

different varieties of local birds. Due to countless changes by the architects and building 

construction delays the project took two and a half years to complete.” 

With Mark now booked up 18 months in advance for private commissions he says, “the 

OPEN 11AM TO 5PM DAILY | 90 WALTER ROAD DENMARK | SINGLEFILE.WINE 

4 LOVE LOCAL 



spotlight 

ABOVE: One of Paris’ beautiful pieces, entitled Karri Moon. BELOW: Mark Hewson and Paris Johansen in their studio gallery in Torbay. 

artist’s life is always one of feast or famine” and that receiving a Sir Winston Churchill 

Fellowship grant back in 2006 was a definite turning point in his artistic development. 

The highly-prized fellowship enabled Mark and Paris to undertake a four-month 

international study tour that took them to Iceland, Norway, Spain and Germany to 

name just a few countries they visited. 

“Paris and I had also already done a trip to Sweden a decade earlier to take up an 

invitation from Kosta Boda Glass to tour their facility and meet their designers and 

artists but the Fellowship Tour gave us the opportunity to meet and learn from other 

international glass artists. We viewed many public art installations and networked with 

artists, designers and engineers. It was an amazing experience and as a result of that 

tour we began including a range of new techniques into our work.” 

Since that Fellowship Tour, Mark and Paris have travelled to the USA and New Zealand 

(twice) as well as to Venice to attend international glass conferences and each time 

they’ve expanded their knowledge and appreciation for their craft. 

Mark and Paris now create a wide range of functional, decorative, sculptural and 

architectural pieces using a variety of methods. Their large studio, which sits above 

their gallery, features all the equipment and components needed for copper foiling, 

painting, fusing, casting and slumping glass. 

Mark has also now extended his range to produce stainless steel sculptures as well and 

many locals will be familiar with his stunning Water Forest glass and metal sculpture located 

Jonathan Hook Ceramics 

UNIQUE, HANDCRAFTED IN DENMARK 

JONATHAN HOOK STUDIO CERAMICS | OPENING HOURS: Mon- Fri: 10am-5pm. Weekends: 12-4pm. 

New Studio and Gallery at 109 Lantzke Rd off Redman Rd, Denmark. Contact: 0481 099 125 

LOVE LOCAL 

5 



spotlight 

inside the Albany Aquatic Centre. His largest and most complicated metal sculpture has 

pride of place at the entrance of the Juniper Korumup Aged Care facility in Lockyer. 

But it is the love of glass (and each other) that is still at the forefront of what this couple 

do and Paris says they both revel in the fact that glass enables them to be very organic 

with their creations. 

“There’s something quite magical about working with glass as you’re also working with 

light,” Paris says. 

“You’re not bound by straight lines or flat surfaces and the way that light catches glass 

and the reflections it generates means it’s a material that just keeps on giving.” 

torbayglass.com 

ABOVE: Torbay Glass create beautiful sculptural pieces to complement both indoor and outdoor 

spaces. BELOW: Detail from Flight of Joy, a large and spectacular instalment at the Albany Health 

Campus. PHOTO: Giles Watson. Bottom: Another section from Flight of Joy at the Albany Health 

Campus. PHOTO: Giles Watson. RIGHT: A commissioned piece takes pride of place at the Tambellup 

Community Resource Centre. PHOTO: Giles Watson 

䄀瘀愀椀氀愀戀氀攀愀琀琀栀攀 ǻ 渀攀猀琀挀愀昀猀 Ⰰ 最爀漀挀攀爀礀猀琀漀爀攀猀 Ⰰ 漀爀漀渀氀椀渀攀 

㐀㈀㈀㜀㔀㠀㔀 

猀琀愀猀栀挀漀 û 攀攀 ⸀ 挀漀洀 ⸀ 愀甀 

6 LOVE LOCAL 





focus 

NEW CEO FOR SHIRE OF 

GNOWANGERUP 

David Nicholson to Hit the Ground Running 

STORY ALLEN NEWTON 

Newly appointed Gnowangerup Shire CEO David Nicholson is ready to run. 

The accomplished half marathon and fun runner has plenty of challenges in front of 

him when it comes to dealing with housing shortages, population decline and staff 

shortages around the shire. 

Born and bred in Perth with a career that involved nearly four years in Sydney and 

more than eight in Kalgoorlie, he is looking forward to becoming involved with the local 

community. 

David’s wife Sandy, whom he met at Gilkison’s Dance Studio where he says she was the 

best-looking girl on the dance floor, will be moving between Perth and Gnowangerup 

for the time being. 

“In fact, it was Sandy who encouraged me to apply. Sadly, my mother is quite frail and 

while she lives in an aged care facility, we made a commitment to support her during 

this stage of her life.” 

David is a keen runner and when he’s not at work intends to make the most of the 

country air by pounding the Gnowangerup footpaths. 

“I’ve been a runner for years and have completed over 90 park runs. I’ve also completed 

several City to Surfs as well as a number of fun runs – is there such a thing as a fun run, 

they all hurt – and several half-marathons. 

“I tell people I’m running away from old age. 

“I’d love to start a park run in Gnowangerup or Ongerup and while I’m at it in Borden 

as well. I’ve even been thinking about organising a half-marathon fundraising event (or 

maybe even a full marathon). There are so many good causes to raise funds for.” 

But his main focus will be on keeping the Shire running smoothly. 

He says the CEO role at Gnowangerup provided an opportunity to work with an aligned 

and focused council and the idea of being able to contribute to the success of a great 

community was appealing. 

“I also liked how there were some real challenges and that the community was truly 

engaged. To top it off who could resist living in such a delightful shire and region? 

All the infrastructure is in place (schools, medical and sporting facilities), it’s on the 

doorstep of the Stirling Ranges, only a short drive to Bremer Bay and Albany, and an 

easy drive to Perth. What’s not to like?” 

David says the community bond is very evident with community members willing to 

help each other. 

“There is a real can-do attitude and a desire to partner with authorities to make things 

Newly appointed Gnowangerup Shire CEO David Nicholson. 

8 LOVE LOCAL 



focus 

happen. The locals have pride in their region’s history and a desire to preserve and 

maintain its infrastructure - even if they have to pay for this themselves. 

“For example, I’m really impressed with how Borden supports its school and its 

historical buildings. Similarly, there is real pride in Ongerup in their town hall and the 

Mallee Fowl Centre. In Gnowangerup I’m delighted with the community’s drive to help 

the local kids, with the skate park being a major priority.” 

Gnowangerup is not alone in some of the challenges faced by regional towns around 

WA. The biggest of these according to David is the housing shortage. 

“This is a major impediment to economic growth and is adding to the pressure of 

population decline. To address this problem, the Shire is building two chalets at the 

Gnowangerup caravan park, working towards building on Lot 272 in Quinn Street 

Gnowangerup, and we’re working with Development WA to increase residential 

densities to provide alternate housing options and help reduce building costs. 

“We’re also endeavouring to support the growth of the local childcare operation, 

providing families with better access to childcare. It’s hoped this will not only help 

families cope with the pressures of child-rearing, but also increase the pool of people 

available to work for local businesses. 

“I cringe when I hear we’re having to bus in people from surrounding towns as there 

aren’t enough locals to fill job vacancies.” 

The Shire is also focused on the environment. 

“In this respect, we have very clear purchasing policies that consider the environmental 

impact of the whole value-chain, and I’m hoping in the near future we’ll be installing 

electric car charging stations and replacing some of our petrol vehicles with electric.” 

The loss of population to larger cities is another issue faced by many regional towns. 

“Losing people to Perth truly does my head in. Not only does it weaken 

regional communities, it adds to the urban sprawl in Perth and pressure on its 

infrastructure. Clearly reversing this trend requires an inter-governmental and 

community approach, but it’s definitely not impossible and during my tenure I’ll be 

doing my utmost to make a difference in this respect. 

“While I’d like to say the Shire’s initiatives and proactive approach will result in an influx 

of people and rapid population growth, in reality I don’t believe this to be the case. It 

has taken many years for the population to decline, and it will take many years for this 

to reverse. This is not to say we should lose focus or hope, and the work we do now 

will incrementally get us to where we want to be. There are many reasons why people 

should visit and live in the region. It’s just a matter of getting the basics right, leveraging 

off the region’s natural assets, and creating the compelling reasons that catch people’s 

eye and inspire.” 

David says that while the communities that make up the shire are pretty spread out and 

each town has a unique feel, they all face similar issues, housing, population growth 

and access to staff. 

While farming is the dominant economic activity in the region, David says one of the 

hidden secrets is the size and strength of the non-farming sector. 

“I’m only now starting to meet with business owners and when I see the size of some of 

the factories in Gnowangerup (Duraquip, Auspan, Nutrien, Afgri, Cast-Tech) clearly the 

region provides them with a competitive advantage. Helping these businesses grow and 

expand is one of my priorities. 

“I also believe there is a lot more potential in tourism. We have one of WA’s most 

impressive natural assets on our doorstep, the Stirling Ranges, and all I can see is 

opportunity. The region is too far to be a day trip from Perth but that creates the 

opportunity. I’d love to see some upmarket short-stay accommodation to complement 

the existing short-stay budget accommodation. There are a lot of cashed-up people in 

Perth and Australia who happily spend when the product and service is right. It’s just 

a matter of government creating the right environment for entrepreneurs to provide 

these products and services.“ 

fishing • camping • workwear 

Albany’s largest 

fishing, camping 

and lifestyle store. 

Stocking a huge amount of shoes, 

hats, backpacks, drink bottles, 

workwear, swimwear and clothing. 

We are a 100% locally owned and 

run family business. 

Open 

6 days 

a week 

184 Albany Hwy, Albany 

9841 7859 

trailblazers.com.au 

GLASSHOUSE FRAGRANCES & CANDLES • STATUS ANXIETY - TIMELESS LEATHER GOODS 

FRESSKO • TOSHI CHILDRENS WEAR • ROBERT GORDON HOMEWARES • ROLLIE FOOTWARE 

THE SHANTY COLLECTION • LIBERTE • SOEK - SUSTAINABLE SUNNIES 

Formerly Rosemary & Thyme | 18a Adelaide Crescent, Middleton Beach | 0428311181 

lucilleandrose@gmail.com 

LOVE LOCAL 

9 



engage 

RECONCILIATION ADVOCATE 

JAMES BACK 

Matters of the Heart 

STORY SERENA KIRBY | PHOTO SERENA KIRBY 

James Back describes himself as a “saltwater man”; he prefers to live near the 

ocean. Better still he prefers to be in the ocean. But life doesn’t always cater to one’s 

preferences so in 2002, when James headed into WA’s Western Desert he felt a 

powerful pang of discomfort at leaving the coastal life he loved so much. 

How James ended up in the desert and how that experience shaped who he has now 

become is a case of life dictating destiny. 

Born and raised in Fremantle, James started his university education in medicine. He 

wanted to be an orthopaedic surgeon but quickly realised he preferred working with 

people who were awake rather than cutting into them up on the operating table when 

they were asleep. 

“I shifted into biomedical science and did a post-grad in health promotion plus a 

Diploma of Education and then my Masters,” James explains. 

“But before starting my Masters I travelled overseas and had a real lightbulb 

moment. I was in Turkey and I could see the profound difference between the 

country’s east and west social landscape.” 

What that lightbulb illuminated was James’ need to understand the truth about his 

own country so on returning to Australia he chose to do his Masters’ research on 

the health outcomes of Aboriginal people living in the Western Desert. This was 

particularly relevant to James as there was a prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes amongst 

the communities and James also has Diabetes (Type 1) so he was well aware of the 

seriousness of this chronic disease. 

With an initial plan to spend only a few months in the desert James ended up staying 

far longer – a decade in fact and the trajectory of his life was changed forever. James 

is now an advocate for Aboriginal rights and social justice and actively works as a 

reconciliation specialist. He also established Reconciliation WA where he was the 

inaugural CEO for seven years before taking up the role of running the Great Southern 

Aboriginal Health Service. 

Having recently left the Health Service James is now one of the co-founders of Wonnil 

James Back is a passionate advocate for reconciliation and the Uluru Statement from the Heart. 

10 LOVE LOCAL 



engage 

The Uluru Statement is…. 

a beautiful, beautiful invitation for 

us to sit at the table together. 

I believe it’s an opportunity for us 

to make things right with Aboriginal 

Australian’s. 

James Back 

Partners and he travels the length and breadth of the State working with people on 

both sides of the cultural divide. 

To say James is highly driven and passionate about reconciliation is an understatement. 

“My purpose is to act as a confluence, a junction, where we can merge and harness 

individual and collective strengths for creating a better future for all Western 

Australians. I work in a range of areas including Aboriginal engagement and 

employment, advocacy, strategic development, mentoring and, importantly, building 

bridges between people. 

“It’s important to find commonalities and work together to create opportunities so that 

the people who’ve benefited from the displacement of Aboriginal people – and the 

people who’ve been disadvantaged and displaced through the journey of colonisation - 

can come together and move forwards together.” 

James adds that he doesn’t always get to see projects through from start to finish, but 

that he does see journeys and foundations laid for big things to happen. He considers 

one of those big things to be the ‘Uluru Statement from the Heart’. 

With growing public discussion and political debate around this landmark invitation 

from our country’s First Nations Australians, James is busier than ever. And, like 

others working in the reconciliation space, he’s encouraging all Austrlian’s to read and 

understand the Uluru Statement. 

In essence the Uluru Statement from the Heart is an invitation to the Australian 

people from First Nations Australians. It asks Australians to walk together to build a 

better future by establishing a First Nations Voice to Parliament that’s enshrined in our 

Constitution. It also asks for the establishment of a special Commission for the purpose 

of treaty making and truth-telling. 

Acceptance of the Statement’s invitation requires changes to our Constitution, and 

to do that a referendum will need to be held. There’s been 144 attempts to change 

the Constitution since 1901; 44 of those resulted in referendums and only eight were 

successful. The most successful referendum in Australian history was in 1967 when 

98.4% of Australians voted ‘yes’ to Aboriginal people being counted as citizens. 

“It’s astounding to learn that a recent survey showed that only 6% of Australians 

have even read the Uluru Statement. It’s been historically proven that if people don’t 

understand what they’re voting on they will vote ‘No’. 

“The Uluru Statement is not asking non-Indigenous Australians to walk in front of them 

or behind them, but rather alongside them to recognise our true identity. It’s not simply 

about celebrating 200 years of our existence together but also celebrating 60,000 

years of Aboriginal existence. It’s a beautiful, beautiful invitation for us to sit at the 

table together. I believe it’s an opportunity for us to make things right with Aboriginal 

Australian’s. This is not a handout but a hand up for all Australians and I believe it’s such 

a seminal Australian document.” 

“In 1967 we agreed Aboriginal people should be counted. I hope 2023 will be the year 

that Aboriginal people are heard.” 

You can read the Uluru Statement from the Heart at www.ulurustatement.org. 

To find out more about James and Wonnil Partners go to www.wonnilpartners.au 

LOVE LOCAL 

11 



TaSTE 


GOES OFF-GRID 

Dr Steve Hall Strives for Sustainability 

STORY AMANDA CRUSE | PHOTOS JESS WYLD 

Dr Steve Hall, owner and operator of Rockcliffe Winery near Demark, one of the 

region’s most successful and awarded wineries, has always been adept at pivoting 

and improvisation. After surviving the two hundred percent wine tariff slapped on 

the Chinese market as well as a global pandemic which literally shut down the world, 

including seven of the ten countries Rockcliffe was exporting to, Steve has turned his 

mind to improving the sustainability credentials of his operation. 

“It is our long-term aim to operate to high environmental standards and we want to be 

as sustainable as possible,” says Steve. “So we have taken some big step forward in that 

direction.” 

Rockcliffe Winery has fully converted its energy use to renewable solar power with 

lithium battery storage. Solar panels have been installed on the roof of the winery and 

excess energy is stored in three 13.5kW Tesla Powerwall 2 batteries. More solar panels 

and lithium battery systems have been installed to power the nearby Rockcliffe Cellar 

Door, Steve’s on-site home and various vineyard irrigation pumps. 

“Everybody should use solar power, it makes total sense. Australia has an abundance 

of solar energy and all businesses and households should take advantage of it. 

Environmentally, Rockcliffe has always sought to reduce its carbon footprint as much as 

possible and we are delighted to install this new system,” says Steve. 

The winery is self-sufficient for water use as well. Steve has chosen not to access 

scheme water, despite the government’s Denmark water main running within 40 

meters of the winery. The winery uses filtered dam water for much of the irrigation and 

cleaning and filtered rainwater (largely collected from roofs of buildings) for anything 

the wine touches, such as pipes and tanks, as well as drinking water. 

To achieve full energy and water independence is quite a feat as Rockcliffe Winery is not 

only the biggest winery in the Denmark area, but also one of the largest in the Great 

Southern Region. 

Rockcliffe Winery makes its own high-quality range of wine and is also contracted by 

 

James Halliday 5 Red Star Winery for 7 consecutive years 

Rockcliffe cellar door is open every day and offers a selection of some of the region’s best award-wining wines for 

tasting and available to purchase. Customers are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy at our beautiful vineyard and pair 

with their favourite Rockcliffe wine. Visitors also come from near and far for our delicious homemade fudge and our 

famous Rockcliffe gelatos and sorbets – all made on the premises to traditional artisan Italian recipes. 

Our cellar door is regularly voted by our customers as not only the best cellar door in Denmark, 

but the best cellar door experience they have ever had! 

Rockcliffe wines are also available at the best restaurants, bars and liquor stores throughout the Great Southern. 

SUMMER SERIES CONCERTS ARE BACK! 

Bring your family and friends and dance the night away 

in our beautiful vineyard. Enjoy quality Rockcliffe wine, 

home-made gelato and fudge, and popular food truck fare. 

Every Friday evening this January from 5pm to 9pm. 

$10 per person, U-18s are free 

• 6 January – Cyclone Tracy • 13 January – Impact 

• 20 January – Pinstripe • 27 January – The Barnhouse 

www.rockcliffe.com.au 

CELLAR DOOR 18 Hamilton Road, Denmark, WA, 6333 | PHONE: 0419 848 195 

OPENING HOURS 11am to 5pm, 7 days a week. At all other times by appointment, please phone. 

12 LOVE LOCAL 



taste 

other large vineyards in the region, including Willoughby Park and Plantagenet, to 

make their wine. Rockcliffe has 155 wine-making tanks onsite to produce many smaller 

batches. 

“If the winery can source superb grapes, then Rockcliffe can make small, exquisite 

batches of wine such as our Nautica range, which ranks extremely highly with wine 

enthusiasts and reviewers,” says Steve. “This is the reason why we decided to equip the 

winery with so many tanks, we didn’t want to be making enormous vats of non-descript 

blends. We wanted to refine particular outstanding vintages, and make exquisite quality 

wines. And we have succeeded in that.” 

The Rockcliffe vineyard is well known for its production of high-quality Pinot and 

Chardonnay grapes which thrive in Denmark’s cooler climate. The winery also makes 

full bodied Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties with grapes sourced from the 

nearby, but much warmer regions of Mount Barker and Frankland River. 

Nautica line, Single Site, Third Reef, Quarram Rocks, Ocean Garden and our most 

popular Peaceful Bay. We also make three different sparkling wines, two whites and a 

sparkling Shiraz.” 

Rockcliffe wines have been awarded 5 red stars in the exclusive James Halliday Wine 

Companion every year since 2015. But for Steve the secret ingredient to a successful 

winery and excellent wines is not only the grapes, it’s the hospitality that comes 

alongside them. A philosophy he stands by, as he normally personally mans the cellar 

door at Rockcliffe most days of the week and personally welcomes each and every 

visitor himself. 

“The key to the cellar door experience is that it doesn’t matter if people are happy 

when they come in, but they must be feeling happy when they leave.” 

“The low elevations and proximity to the Southern Ocean mean that the weather 

systems affecting Denmark and Albany are generated in the ocean,” explains Steve. “In 

Frankland River, on the other hand, only 200km to the north, the climate is much drier 

and has a greater diurnal temperature variation, from freezing to the mid 30s. 

“There is no other area like the Great Southern Region in the world, that I know of, 

which can produce such a broad range of high-quality wines. Our vineyard is incredibly 

fortunate to be located where it is.” 

For Steve, Rockcliffe has gone from strength to strength and now makes around forty 

different styles of wine, as well as making wines for several other wine businesses. 

Steve has innovated the practice of producing not only a wide variety of wines but also 

wines at varying price points to suit every wine drinker, no matter what their budget. 

“We have six tiers of wines here, which is unusual for a winery, we have the top tier 

BELOW: Dr Steve Hall is passionate about making high quality wines that reflect the region. 

RIGHT: Rockcliffe’s idyllic cellar door. 

LOVE LOCAL 

13 



taste 

MAJUBA BISTRO 

Lifelong Love and Passion for Food 

STORY ALLEN NEWTON |PHOTOS HESTE VERMAAK 

Majuba Bistro in Albany represents overcoming insurmountable odds for owners 

Johann Prins-Gurtel and Andrea Love. 

The couple were childhood sweethearts in South Africa, but life took them on 

separate journeys until they rediscovered each other later in life. Their reunion has 

led to the couple settling in Albany where in 2019 they opened Majuba and its sister 

accommodation Majuba Country Lodge. 

Johann was born in Namibia to German parents and moved to Cape Town in South 

Africa where he completed his final years of education before going to Germany to 

train as a chef. South African-born Andrea says both she and Johann grew up under 

apartheid in South Africa where military service was compulsory. Johann went into the 

Navy after he matriculated which exposed him to cooking. 

“And growing up in a family that was passionate about cooking, particularly his father, it 

just developed from there,” Andrea says. 

Johann trained in Germany at the famous Hotel de France in Wies Baden under twostar 

Michelin chef Leo Du Croix, one of the early champions of nouvelle cuisine in the 

late 1970s and early 1980s. 

In 1981 Johann and Andrea met at the Mount Nelson Hotel which Andrea describes 

as the queen of hotels in the Cape, where Johann was a chef and Andrea was working 

front of house, but their story gets a little complicated after that. 

“I was 19 or 20 and he was 25 or 26 and we were boyfriend and girlfriend then, but 

then we went our separate ways. 

“I worked in Monte Carlo and Europe because my background was in hospitality, front 

of house, sales and marketing and he went on to open numerous restaurants and 

bistros in the Cape. 

“I then went on to get married and he went and had his family and we only got 

together again about eight years ago.” 

It’s from that background that the name Majuba comes. 

“It’s from the battle of Majuba which is a famous battle fought during the Boer War 

between the Boers and the British. Against all odds the Boers won that battle and so 

for us it’s very much against all odds that we are back together and together we have 

opened two businesses in Albany.” 

The couple met for the second time when Andrea was in Australia after working around 

the world. Her marriage had ended and she really wanted to get back to South Africa 

after having been away for 18 years to catch up with old friends and family 

“The one person I wanted to catch up with was Johnny – as we knew him in South 

Africa. Thanks to Google I realised he was living in Australia. I couldn’t believe it. He was 

the last person I expected to be living in Australia because he is such a South African. 

“So that’s how we got together. He was living in Perth at the time. 

FIND YOUR IMAGINATION AT 

Denmark’s newest Store. 

The Provincial House on Hollings where you'll find stunning Homewares, Antiques and unique, one of a kind Gifts. 

OPEN FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY 10am - 3pm. 

18b Hollings Road, Denmark. Opposite Berridge Park. 

14 LOVE LOCAL 



taste 

“My family, even though we are South African, my parents are British and they had all 

emigrated to Perth so I’ve always had a great affinity for WA. 

“My daughter was born here, I’ve always loved Perth and travelled backwards and 

forwards visiting family, and that’s how we reconnected. His relationship had ended so 

it just fell into place. 

“We have both always loved Albany, it reminds us very much of the Cape, we were both 

in corporate jobs and thought ‘what are we going to do now?’, so we came down and 

did a bit of due diligence and there seemed to be a gap in the market for what we’ve 

established with the bistro and our little lodge as well.” 

Andrea says the restaurant has been developed very much in the European bistro style. 

“So we have Majuba Country Lodge at Kalgan on 17 acres with two suites that we offer 

to guests, decorated in a very similar African style. It all just fell into place.” 

Both Majuba businesses opened in 2019. The building housing the bistro was 

completely gutted and redecorated and features Serengeti wallpaper designed by a 

group of African artisans who work close to the site where the Majuba battle took place 

in Natal. It features animals from the Serengeti and the monkey which is prominent in 

the design has been used as the logo for Majuba. 

Andrea also paid tribute to chefs Albanian-born, Diti Xhindole and South African-born 

Shane Vermaak who are working in the kitchen with Johann. 

Majuba also has a private dining room upstairs which is used for more private occasions. 

“We are very, very lucky that we are so well supported by locals as well as people from 

Perth who come down regularly.” 

Andrea says there is still much work to do for tourism in the region. 

Majuba is involved for the first time this year with Taste Great Southern, holding a 

degustation dinner that is already sold out and Andrea says those kinds of events are 

important in drawing visitors to the region. 

“When there is a long weekend, coupled with an event on down here, the numbers 

definitely increase.” 

“We really need to put Albany on the map with events like Taste Great Southern.” 

BELOW: The restaurant decor features animals and motifs inspired by Serengeti. BOTTOM: Majuba 

Bistro and Majuba Country Lodge owners Johann Prins-Gurtel and Andrea Love share a long history 

and a passion for good food. 

Since its launch, the bistro has been incredibly successful, something for which Andrea 

says Johann doesn’t claim enough credit. Johann took the nouvelle cuisine methods he 

had learned in Germany to South Africa where he had a short stint at the world-famous 

Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town before he opened the first of many of his own 

restaurants and has brought that style to Albany. 

“For him, it is very much about flavours. We cook everything on site, we bring nothing 

in, so when people order something it might take a little bit longer because we cook 

from scratch. 

“Our food is what we like, it’s European basic food, but well flavoured and after being 

open for three years I can quite honestly say that’s what people seem to enjoy and 

appreciate about the food we offer. 

“It’s not fine dining, the bistro is a place where you have fun, it can get very noisy and 

rowdy, especially when the bar is full and half the restaurant knows the other half and 

it’s a great atmosphere. “It’s busy, it’s buzzy, it’s a bistro.” 

LOVE LOCAL 

15 



taste 

THREE CLEVER COCKTA 

Impress with these Sophisticated and Delici 

RECIPES AMY HAMILTON, LIBERTE’ | PHOTOS LATA WRIGHT 

THE LAST AIRBENDER 

PUNCH - serves 4 

Begin this recipe one day ahead by preparing your ice – you need large pieces so fill a 

muffin tray with water and freeze overnight 

• Divide 1 cup dry sake and muffin tray ice cubes amongst 4 large glasses 

• Add 2/3 cup PEAR SYRUP* and the juice of 2 lemons to a cocktail shaker and 

shake with a little ice 

• Divide among glasses 

• Top each with 100ml of ginger ale to serve 

*PEAR SYRUP 

• Heat a chargrill pan on high 

• Add 3 halved red pears and grill each side until charred 

• Transfer to a pot with 2 cups brown sugar, 2 cups water and a pinch each of salt 

and pepper 

• Bring to the boil, stirring, then simmer approximately 12 minutes 

• Blend until smooth then strain through a sieve 

MAIDEN VOYAGE 

Serve in a wine glass 

• Add 45ml Maidenni classic vermouth and 30ml of orange and Szechuan SHRUB * 

to a wine glass, fill with ice and top with soda 

• Stir to serve 

• Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a dehydrated orange wheel 

* 

SHRUB 

• Add 1 orange (peeled and diced) to a container with 1 cup of sugar, a pinch of 

salt and 1/2 a tablespoon Szechuan pepper 

• Muddle 

• Cover with a lid or tea towel and leave overnight 

• Add to a saucepan with 1 cup of white wine vinegar 

• Heat until sugar is dissolved then strain out and discard pulp 

SALA 

Serve in a c 

• Add 4 

shake 

• Shake 

• Doub 

* 

DILL SYRUP 

• Make 

• Fill w 

• Blitz w 

• Strain 

** 

This syrup 

16 LOVE LOCAL 



taste 

TAILS 

licious Recipes 

ALAD DAYS 

erve in a coupe or martini glass 

• Add 45ml reposado tequila, 15ml Cointreau, 30ml lime juice and 20ml DILL SYRUP * to a cocktail 

shaker 

• Shake with ice 

• Double strain into a chilled glass 

DILL SYRUP 

• Make a 1:1 sugar syrup, put in your Nutribullet or blender. 

• Fill with dill sprigs and a few slices of cucumber. 

• Blitz well. 

• Strain out and discard pulp. 

* 

This syrup also makes a dillicious mocktail when added to soda. 

CLOTHES ACCESSORIES HOMEWARES GIFTS 

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 100 York Street, Albany 0447 216 698 

Find Us On Instagram and Facebook 

LOVE LOCAL 

17 



OPEN 10 TO 4 

MONDAY TO SATURDAY 

Unique and eclectic pieces personally sourced 

from across the globe. Furniture, Floor Rugs, 

Homewares, Pottery, Marble, Jewellery, 

Gifts and MORE! 

tuk tuk trading 

2/229 Lower Stirling Tce Albany 

Tel: 049 000 7428 



eflect 

TROOPER 

MONTROSE JAMES COOPER 

Escape from Tragedy 

STORY ANNE SKINNER 

Montrose Cooper grew up in an era when country boys were expected to learn fast and 

early. By the time they finished primary school, most could ride a horse, chop firewood, 

repair the chook shed gate and tinker a stubborn truck engine back to life. Like Montrose, 

they entered the workforce young, worked hard all their lives and were integral discs in 

the strong backbone of Australia. The eldest of six children, Montrose was born in Albany 

on 1 March 1879 to parents William and Christiana Cooper. As the 19th century entered 

its final decade, he left school to join the firm of F&C Piesse in Katanning as an apprentice. 

By 1904, now in his 20s, he was working as a labourer in Ravensthorpe. Nine years later, 

according to census records, he had taken up farming at Kojoneerup, near Mt Barker. 

When Australians rushed to enlist at the start of the Great War, he was employed as a 

carriage-builder. By then, Montrose could turn his hand to just about anything. 

In mid-1915, as the Gallipoli conflict raged thousands of kilometres away, he knew 

it was time to serve his country. Standing not quite 164 centimetres tall, he was still 

single, fit enough to pass his army medical in Perth and ready to do his bit. Trooper 

1315 Montrose James Cooper enlisted in the 10th Light Horse Regiment on 9 July 1915, 

a few weeks before his regimental comrades in Gallipoli were decimated in the ill-fated 

charge at The Nek. Training took up the next few months until 13 October, when he 

embarked from Fremantle with the regiment’s 10th reinforcements aboard HMAT 

Themistocles. At close to 36, he was at least a decade older than most of his fellow 

troopers. In late November, the Themistocles steamed up the Suez Canal to dock at 

Alexandria and the soldiers were sent to Mena Camp outside Cairo. 

The decision had already been made to evacuate the allied troops from the peninsula 

and the Gallipoli campaign was at a stalemate. The new reinforcements arriving from 

Australia were turned to the defence of the canal against attacks by Ottoman forces and 

pro-Turkish Arab tribesmen in the Sinai Peninsula. After the Turks had mounted a major 

attack on the canal early in 1915, defences were strengthened on both side of the vital 

shipping route. Light Horse troopers dug and re-dug trenches in the ever-moving sand 

dunes, conducted mounted patrols and guarded key installations. In late December, 

the reinforcements welcomed their battle-hardened comrades back from Gallipoli. The 

10th Light Horse Regiment was brought up to strength and reorganised in readiness for 

the next phase of the war. 

Tpr Cooper remained on active service in Egypt, but his health was failing. On 15 

January 1916 he was admitted to No. 3 Australian General Hospital with chest pains. 

BELOW LEFT: The 10th Light Horse troopers farewell the crowds who came to see them off at Fremantle on 13 October 1915. (Courtesy the World War 1 collection of Richard Goldsmith Hummerston, 

https://vk6uu.id.au/WWI-photographs.html). BELOW RIGHT: Trooper 1315 Montrose James Cooper served in Egypt before being invalided home in 1916. (Courtesy Australian War Memorial P05566_004) 

LOVE LOCAL 

19 



eflect 

He returned to his unit, but just over two months later was back in hospital suffering 

from asthma and “strained muscles”. His age and health were against him and the Army 

authorities decided to invalid him back to Australia for “three months change”. Tpr 

Cooper spent a few more months in the army after returning home, but his war was 

over. He was discharged in Perth on 15 September, granted a military pension of 30 

shillings per fortnight – $3 in today’s money – and returned to the farm at Kojoneerup. 

By 1919 Montrose had left the land and settled in Fremantle. The city life did not appeal 

and he moved back to Katanning to set up in business as a builder and contractor. A 

few years later, now living in Muradup and operating his own blacksmith’s shop, his life 

almost came to a tragic end. The Great Southern Herald of 9 October 1926 reported 

“Montrose Cooper… who conducted a blacksmithing business at Muradup, had 

attempted to take his own life”. He had slashed his throat with a razor and was found, 

barely conscious, on a bed at the rear of the shop. Neighbours rushed him to Kojonup 

Hospital. The newspaper report added he “had financial worries of a serious nature, 

while his health was not of the best”. 

After his recovery, Montrose appears to have decided to leave his troubled past behind 

and start a new life in a fresh environment. The 1931 census shows he had relocated 

to Williamstown, a suburb of Melbourne. With his lifelong ability to turn his hand to 

almost anything, Montrose now reinvented himself as a carpenter. He remained in 

Williamstown for the next 20 years, then in 1951, aged 72, he married a 70-year-old 

widow, Mary Ellen Byrne. They had just two years together before Mary passed away. 

With nothing to hold him in Melbourne, Montrose returned to country town life. 

The 1954 census shows his address as the Wedderburn Hotel and his occupation as a 

carpenter – still making and mending, just as he had been doing all his life. He moved 

again, this time to Bendigo, where he passed away at the age of 80 on 20 February 1959 

and was buried in the Bendigo Public Cemetery. 

Sources: Department of Veterans’ Affairs Anzac Portal (https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au); 

Australian War Memorial; National Archives of Australia; Ancestry Australia; Great 

Southern Herald (via https://trove.nla.gov.au). 

BELOW: This group portrait of the 10th Reinforcements of the 10th Light Horse Regiment at Blackboy Hill camp was taken on 11 October 1915, just two days before they sailed for Egypt. Trooper Montrose 

Cooper is pictured at left in the front row. (Courtesy Australian War Memorial P05566_035). BOTTOM: 10th Australian Light Horse troopers patrol the Suez Canal zone in 1916. (Courtesy Australian War 

Memorial J02457) 

20 LOVE LOCAL 



eflect 

ABOVE: Gun practice at sea aboard HMAT Themistocles in October 1915. (Courtesy Australian War Memorial P05566_036). 

vising vising the 

the the Advising Great Great the Great Southern Southern since since 

2012 2012 2012 

Advising the Great Southern since 2012 

know and and understand the the rural sector 

know and understand the rural sector 

We know and understand the rural sector 

We know and understand the rural sector 

Leases and and • Share • Share Leases and Farming Share Farming Farming Agreements; 

Agreements; 

eases and 

• 

Share 

Sale and 

Farming 

Purchase of 

Agreements; 

farming properties, other 

Succession • Succession Planning; Planning; 

uccession Planning; 

Sale and and Purchase • Pre contract of of advice farming properties, other 

agricultural ale and Purchase of farming properties, other 

• business Succession assets assets Planningand and residential 

gricultural business properties; 

properties; assets and residential 

perties; • Personal Wills and Estate Planning 

roperties; • Pre contract advice; 

Pre contract contract • 

advice; advice; Probate and Estate Administration 

re contract • Personal advice; Wills and Estate Planning; 

• General Advice 

Personal Wills • Wills Probate and and Estate and Estate Estate Planning; Administration; and 

ersonal Wills and Estate Planning; 

Probate robate 

and and • 

and 

Estate General Estate 

Estate Property Administration; Law 

Administration; 

and and 

and 

General eneral 

Property Property 

Property 

Law Law 

Email: albany@wapropertylawyers.com.au 

www.wapropertylawyers.com 

Law 

agricultural business assets and residential properties 

• Sale and Purchase of farming properties, other 

agricultural business assets and residential 

Level 1, 184 Aberdeen Street, Albany • Telephone: (08) 9841 5634 


Email: albany@wapropertylawyers.com.au 


Level 1, 184 Aberdeen www.wapropertylawyers.com.au 

Street, Albany • Telephone: (08) 9841 5634 

Email: Email: albany@wapropertylawyers.com.au 

albany@wapropertylawyers.com.au 

LOVE LOCAL 



21 


what's on 

SIMON LONDON + THE SPIRITS 

Don’t You Forget About Me 

STORY ADAM MORRIS 

It’s not since 2009 that Simon London + the Spirits have been on the road through the 

south-west, with an enforced hiatus shelving the band for over a decade. But now with 

a new album to promote, the boys from Albany and Denmark are playing a short run of 

shows to promote their second single Headlights. 

The recent loss of a loved one was one of the main reasons for the band recently 

reforming, a circumstance which Simon reflects on with mixed emotions as the new 

line-up now play brand new songs alongside the band’s back catalogue. 

“Because of what happened, I was writing heaps of songs about stuff I needed to let out 

somehow and so it felt necessary. In hindsight I suppose it was pretty cathartic. But on 

balance it’s actually been pretty joyous to play this kind of music again, making some 

good noise and having the old songs sit alongside the new ones really comfortably.” 

Simon has always had different material to delve into across his various solo and 

band albums for live shows. However, playing in a band is his first love and so it was 

unsurprising when The Spirits reformed, they would launch into both a mini tour as well 

as brand new recordings. 

Simon has spent much of the previous lock down years (like most musicians) in song 

writing mode so he found himself spending a lot of time in his shed/studio playing 

around with amps and experimenting with different sounds until he discovered what 

would become the intriguing introduction to the single Troposphere. 

Simon explains his very personal song writing process, “It just felt like someone was 

looking down from above with a post-life perspective, and the lyrics and the musical 

parts just wrote themselves in a few minutes. So, I guess the song adopts that 

retrospective view – what do I really think now that I’m released from my life. And 

thinking about how the songs all sat together, I needed a song to close out the story I 

was telling and this was it. I went to Mark with the drum parts pretty clear in my head 

and the transitions, but it just became a bit of a band favourite.” 

This will be Simon’s fourth album release with his previous work seeing him rack up a 

solid track record of ongoing tours, The Spirits had been Simon’s main touring vehicle 

from their inception in 2003, enjoying radio airplay and touring frequently on both sides 

of the country, all the while building a loyal fan base. For Simon touring and playing live 

22 LOVE LOCAL 



what's on 

I absolutely love touring and if my life was a little different I’d do a lot 

more of it. I mean, it’s work and all but for me it’s what it’s all about. 

Simon London 

is in his blood and even though the new line-up has been very recently formed, Simon 

says the band feels like it has been together for a very long time. 

“I absolutely love touring and if my life was a little different I’d do a lot more of it. I 

mean, it’s work and all but for me it’s what it’s all about. In the interim I’ve been playing 

lots of shows with my wife since 2010 and more recently, shows with the Redtails so 

it’s not that I haven’t been doing any touring or shows. We’ve spent a bit of time in the 

shed together, getting the songs to be comfortable enough to roll out with. Mark and 

Caleb and I have only played five shows together as The Spirits, which is hard to believe 

because it feels like it’s been years.” 

Now The Spirits have returned – albeit with a changed line-up – and the new album 

Don’t You Forget About Me is a true album in the traditional sense; 12 songs, 2 sides 

and intended to be heard and absorbed chronologically from start to finish. The new 

songs evocatively mine a deep vein of material around themes of relationship, loss, 

shared journeys and celebration of this beautiful, fragile thing Simon calls life. 

When asked about the nostalgic approach to making an album as opposed to a 

collection of individual songs, Simon reveals the bands intention behind the decision, 

“It was a big story to try and begin to tell. The songs are ordered pretty deliberately, the 

songs in the halves deal roughly with a before and after so you’ll need the whole album 

to get it. I don’t know if it’s nostalgic. I hate that there’s this impetus to chop everything 

down to short bites. Maybe that’s the world we’re in, but the lads and I spoke about it 

when we were about to record them and we definitely wanted to encourage people to 

go the distance with us.” 

The band was in fact so serious about the album concept they travelled to Bunbury 

to record with The Waif’s producer James Newhouse, whose fast work and openness 

and honesty brought the very best out of the band. The fact that so many of the songs 

touched on Simon’s recent loss of his best friend there was an added element of 

pressure that Simon could feel over the sessions as he wanted to honour the passing of 

his oldest and best mate. 

“The recording side of things was very intense in terms of how many songs we got 

through in about three days – pretty nuts by most standards – but that aspect wasn’t 

arduous. Working with Mark and Caleb and James was a really fluid thing – they’re 

so good at what they do. But tracking the songs and recording the vocals was pretty 

gruelling emotionally, it took a lot out of me, unlike any other recording I’d done. There 

was also this implicit pressure that the whole thing better do the story justice.” 

Simon London + The Spirits will be playing at the Boston Brewery, Saturday 11 February 

2023. 

OPPOSITE PAGE: Simon London + The Spirits from left to right are Caleb Drage, Simon London 

and Mark Gretton. RIGHT: The cover of their new album Don’t You Forget About Me 

SEA CONTAINERS 

sales and hire 

Short and long term hire available. 

On your site or ours. 

All containers in excellent as-new condition. 

Secondhand containers also available. 

Delivery available at additional cost. 

M: 0438 841 663 

E: admin@storagesolutionswa.com 

Unit 5, 25 Albert Street, Albany 

ARCHITECTURE WITH HEART 

08 9848 3894 

info@ptxarchitects.com.au 

ptxarchitects.com.au 

LOVE LOCAL 

23 



what's on 

WA WOMEN OF JAZZ 

Progress - Legendary Ladies of Jazz 

STORY ADAM MORRIS 

LEFT TO RIGHT: Meghan McNally, Julia Anwar, Gemma Farrell 

A fantastic night of jazz is coming to the Albany Town Hall on 11 February 2023 

featuring Albany locals and the best musicians Perth has to offer. The night 

promises to be an incredible celebration of female artists from the 50s, 60s and 

70s featuring the songs of Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald and many, 

many more. We catch up with local performer and organiser Meghan McNally. 

What inspired this amazing idea of a celebration of women in jazz? 

I wanted to create an all-female concert honouring some of my favourite and most 

influential artists. I also wanted to work towards a solo project that would challenge me 

as a musician and a singer and that would inspire me to step out of my comfort zone. 

These particular songs are big numbers that most people will know and love. I also 

wanted to bring some old friends down from Perth for a project, it’s always wonderful 

to have something to work on and look forward to. 

Where did your journey as a jazz singer begin and what have been your major 

influences? 

I could list many singers and artists but my biggest influencer was my dad. Growing 

up he used to play loads of blues and swing jazz records. I loved it. He encouraged me 

to join the Kalamunda Youth Swing Band (KYSB) when I was around 12 and I stayed in 

it until my mid-twenties playing the trumpet. I was given the opportunity to sing as a 

soloist and as part of a The Andrew Sisters Trio with the band and it changed the way I 

saw myself as a musician, it ignited a deep passion within me. Dad also took myself and 

Mum to see as many live swing jazz bands as possible which was always inspiring. 

As well as a jazz musician you are also a teacher is that right, what is your area of 

expertise? 

My role as a music teacher is amazing. I get to run a music program at a school I love 

with very talented students. I teach a classroom music program from years 7- 12 that 

integrates western art and contemporary music contexts. I teach theory, history, aural, 

composition, and vocal lessons during the day. Then after school and at lunch times 

I run choirs and rock bands or whatever ensembles the kids need. I also coordinate 

concerts and showcases and take the students on trips, camps and organise incursions. 

Recently WAYJO (Western Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra) toured down here with 

WAAPA and performed for our music students and this year I am joining the WAAPA 

crew delivering the Diploma course which is a dream come true especially as I get to 

work with ex-students. 

Jazz can be an acquired taste for some people not used to its less conventional 

musical forms, can you remember the moment you first fell in love with Jazz music? 

I remember when I started performing with KYSB as a young teenager and I fell in love 

with the joy that our music brought to the band members and the audiences. I used to 

stand up the back with my trumpet section dancing and singing and many other players 

would be doing the same thing. The swing dancers would be tearing up the dance floor 

and I would be watching in awe because they were laughing out loud and beaming the 

whole time. I fell in love with our repertoire and would come home and find as much 

music as I could that was similar. I was intoxicated by the joy and energy and wanted to 

be immersed in it as much as I could be and I’ve been hooked ever since. 

What music can people expect on the night and who are the female musicians coming 

from Perth? 

People can expect a fantastic tribute to female artists like Etta James, Aretha Franklin, 

Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington and Eva Cassidy to mention a few. We have chosen to 

honour these women because their music is timeless and beautiful. I believe that our 

all-female ensemble offers a level of depth, emotion and expression that audiences will 

love as well as being fun, energetic, heartfelt and poignant. 

Julia Anwar is our second featured vocal soloist. She has played in various cover 

bands, her own original trio, and as a solo artist in Perth and regional WA, including 

appearances at Nannup and Fairbridge Music Festivals. Music performance took a 

backseat for a while so Julia could focus her creative attention on Spanish Flamenco, 

dancing and teaching under the stage name, Julia Lopez (her grandmother’s maiden 

name) in both Australia and overseas. 

Gemma Farrell is our guest horn player (PHD candidate and jazz studies lecturer at 

WAAPA) is an award-winning saxophonist, composer and bandleader who directs her 

own female jazz orchestras in Perth. I was particularly inspired by her work with her 

Artemis Orchestra, a predominantly female big band that performs the original music 

of Australian women, non-binary and transgender people. Gemma was one of three 

finalists for the 2022 Australian Women in Music Awards in the Humanitarian category. 

24 LOVE LOCAL 



what's on 

People can expect a fantastic tribute to female artists like Etta James, 

Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington and Eva Cassidy to 

mention a few. 

Meghan McNally 

LEFT TO RIGHT: Holly Norman, Jesse Lea, Leah Van Der Meulen 

She was one of 16 Australian musicians nominated for the Freedman Fellowship Award 

in the Jazz Category in 2022. Gemma has released eight albums as a leader. 

Holly Norman is a drummer, percussionist, singer-songwriter and composer based in Perth, 

WA. As a musician and wellbeing practitioner, she has designed and presented therapeutic 

programs for Arts Wellbeing Collective (Arts Centre Melbourne), Support Act and Orchestra 

Victoria. Holly has appeared as a guest artist with The Cat Empire, the Australian String 

Quartet and the West Australian Symphony Orchestra. An alumnus of the University of 

Miami and WA Academy of Performing Arts, Holly is a serial collaborator, having worked 

with Black Swan State Theatre Company (2018), producing and leading the awardnominated 

FRINGE WORLD show Good Songs For Bad Lovers (2016), and touring the west 

coast of the US as a core member of Junkadelic Brass Band (2015). Holly was recently a 

participant in the Australian Art Orchestra’s Creative Music Intensive in Tarreleah, Tasmania. 

Jesse Lea, our pianist, is a singer-songwriter and music educator. Between studying at 

WAAPA and teaching at secondary schools she has toured worldwide in an original band 

to the US, Canada, UK, Europe, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and around Australia 

on many album releases. Jesse is a regular session musician for local and international 

original bands accompanying on electric bass guitar, voice, piano or acoustic guitar. 

She has a passion for performing and supporting her students to unleash their talent 

fearlessly as it was not such an easy feat for her growing up as a shy student. 

Leah Van Der Meulen is an accomplished electric and double bass player, performing 

professionally in Perth for over 20 years. Experienced in a range of musical genres, she 

performs regularly with Junkadelic Brass Band, Mama Red and the Dark Blues, KNiKi, 

Endeavourous and 3 Aces Down, as well as sessionally with other groups. Leah has 

toured Australia and internationally, including the Port Fairy Folk Festival in Victoria 

(AUS) and Honk Fest West in Seattle (USA). 

What are you looking forward to the most about the event? 

I can’t wait to perform with Gemma, Jesse, Julia, Leah and Holly, it’s a dream come 

true to work on a project like this. But I’m most looking forward to singing these songs 

for my parents. They have supported and encouraged my journey as a musician since I 

was a child, this is for them and I want to make them proud. Tickets for this sensational 

event are available online or instore at Paperbark Merchants. 

Albany Harbourside 

Apartments and Houses 

Offers a range of fully self-contained 

accommodation options, ideally located in the 

town centre and Middleton Beach. Soak up the 

history and spectacular scenery of the amazing 

South Coast. 

Excellent facilities, great locations. Welcoming corporate clients, families and couples 

www.albanyharbourside.com.au 

info@albanyharbourside.com.au 9842 1 769 8 Festing Street, Albany 

LOVE LOCAL 

25 



what's on 

CINEFESTOZ ALBANY 

Lights, Camera and Action 

CinefestOZ Albany returns to the Great Southern in 2023 to continue to celebrate film, 

community and filmmaking. CinefestOZ Albany is a four-day immersive film experience 

from 27 to 30 April, allowing an audience of movie lovers to experience and celebrate 

the very best in Australian film. 

Film lovers and stars will converge to share the excitement and enjoy the highlyanticipated 

film program, with events spread across the region’s cinemas and 

picturesque venues. 

Building on the success of previous festivals, the 2023 Film Festival will bring more films 

and more activities for film lovers, filmmakers and community. The program features 

an Opening Night screening and event, followed by an exciting line-up of premiere film 

screenings, filmmaker in-conversation events, gala red carpet night, short film sets, the 

Cinesnaps schools program and a dedicated Industry Conference. 

The Kinjarling Koort – Noongar for ‘Albany Heart’ is a highly anticipated free community 

event held over the weekend to celebrate the Menang community and local 

filmmakers. This special aspect of the festival will once again come alive in the centre of 

the city with a myriad of activities to do with film, story-telling, and our community. 

The Saturday night Gala Event is a chance to frock-up and celebrate film. All of this as 

well as the chance to rub shoulders with filmmakers and special guests while enjoying 

all the breath-taking beauty Albany has to offer. Save the date and come and join in! 

For more information visit cinefestoz.com and follow CinefestOZ Albany on Facebook. 

EDEN GATE 

Blueberry Farm 

Find us at the 

Albany Farmers 

Market every Saturday 

morning and the 

Good Food Shed every 

Sunday morning. 

We offer fresh and frozen 

blueberries, fresh double blueberry 

muffins, hand crafted blueberry 

ice cream, a range of blueberry 

preserves, Blueberry Blitz 

Bluemonade and our legendary 

alcoholic blueberry liqueur. 

Enjoy the relaxed, laid back and 

pleasant atmosphere of WA’s 

first blueberry farm. Open from 

1st December to 27th February, 

Thursday, Friday and Monday, 

10:30 to 16:00. We’d love to 

have you visit but please 

let us know you’re coming 

by calling ahead. 

SPINATHON 

2023 

SAT 18 & SUN 19 FEB 

For more information, to sign up 

and/or to donate, head to 

mycause.com.au/events/spinathon 

For updates follow us on Facebook or visit our website: www.albanyhospice.org.au 

685 Eden Road, Youngs Siding 

Tel: (08) 9845 2003 

info@edengate.com.au 

Proudly supported by: 

All funds raised go to Albany Community Hospice to ensure specialist palliative care 

continues to be provided to the community free of charge 

26 LOVE LOCAL 



ALBANY I WESTERN AUSTRALIA 

For more information 

please visit cinefestoz.com 

and follow us on Facebook 



what's on 

NEW EXIBITION 

FROM MIX ARTISTS 

Art Meets Science in Immerse 

STORY AMANDA CRUSE | PHOTOS BARBARA MADDEN 

Art meets marine science as 20 contemporary artists from MIX Artists present a 

fascinating new exhibition, Immerse, at the Albany Town Hall. 

MIX Artists was formed in 1999 by a group of Great Southern artists who taught or studied 

fine arts at university or TAFE. At the time, tertiary fine art studies were delivered at the 

Albany TAFE campus, and art diploma courses were also available. The artists were seeking 

opportunities to make and exhibit their art, and so MIX started as a way to pool the energy 

and ideas required to create those opportunities. They became an incorporated association 

in 2005 which enabled the group to apply for funding for projects under its own steam, 

rather than being auspiced by another body. Today there are 30 artists in the group, with 

individual artists residing all throughout the Great Southern. 

MIX Artists Chairperson Annette Davis says MIX’s focus is on contemporary art. 

“This means that the art-making starts with an idea, and the artist explores ways to 

convey that idea. We encourage our members to consider ideas and experiment, and to 

reject and refine ideas through the creative process.” 

MIX’s exhibition projects always focus on a thought-provoking theme, and for the 

Immerse exhibition the group entered a collaboration with The Western Australian 

Marine Science Institution (WAMSI). 

“We start by researching our topic,” explains Annette. “We learn from experts in 

the area so for Immerse, we had presentations from marine scientists, facilitated by 

WAMSI. We also engaged with UWA marine science students during their field trip at 

Camp Quaranup. 

“Individual artists then did further research on their area of interest, and WAMSI put 

artists in touch with relevant researchers and sources.” 

Annette says the group were thrilled to be able to draw on such extensive knowledge 

and experience. 

“Working with WAMSI was a fantastic experience as it gave each artist an opportunity 

to learn from scientists who deeply care about the marine ecosystem. Similarly, the 

marine scientists were keen to see how we could convey scientific information and 

reach a new audience.” 

The group reconvened several times during the research and artwork development 

period over nine months to share ideas, feedback and suggestions from each 

other. Annette says this process is very helpful. 

“It’s an avenue for professional development as we learn about and share different 

ideas on approaches, materials and techniques. The discussions also contribute to the 

cohesion of the resulting exhibition.” 

After diving into their research, the artists re-surfaced with imaginative takes on 

pressing issues facing the marine environment such as the threats of plastic pollution, 

increased acidification, rising sea levels, and the destructive practice of deep-sea 

trawling. Some artists have been inspired by seagrass and its important role in the 

marine ecosystem while others focussed on the role of marine scientists and their 

28 LOVE LOCAL 



what's on 

research and data. There are also pieces exploring the impact of structural change on 

the finely balanced coastal environment. 

The Immerse exhibition is made up of 30 artworks from 20 MIX members including 

Susan Angwin, Kerrie Argent, Christine Baker, Lynley Campbell, Ann Copeman, Jenny 

Crisp, Annette Davis, Kevin Draper, Phoebe Duff, Anne Grotian, Catherine Higham, 

Robyn Lees, Barbara Madden, Jill O’Meehan, Terri Pikora, Nat Rad, Lizzie Riley, Renee 

Tan, Margaret Sanders, and Jo Wassell. The artworks include paintings, drawings, 

photographs, sculpture, installations, and textile works with many available to purchase. 

As a way of giving visitors to the exhibition a chance to find out about the artists’ ideas 

and art-making processes, each artwork has a QR code which links to background 

information and images on MIX Artists’ website. 

Immerse will be exhibited at the Albany Town Hall and open to the public from 20 

January to 25 February 2023 and will tour to the Collie Art Gallery from 6 May to 11 

June 2023. 

The public are also invited to a free event - Dive In – Art and Science in Conversation – to 

be held at the Albany Town Hall auditorium on Saturday 4 February from 2pm to 3.30pm. 

The session will include talks by Larry Blight (Noongar cultural educator), Ann Copeman 

(MIX artist and co-curator) and Dr Jenny Shaw (Director of Research at WAMSI), followed 

by a conversation between marine scientists and three exhibiting artists. 

OPPOSITE PAGE LEFT: Oceanic Clear Felling by Robyn Lees. OPPOSITE PAGE RIGHT: Meadow 

Dance by Lynley Campbell. ABOVE: Wetlands by Kevin Draper. BELOW: Posidonia Australis: 

Prototype for Listening by Catherine Higham. 

The conversation will explore the points of connection between artists and scientists. 

Artists Kevin Draper, Robyn Lees, Ann Copeman and Lizzie Riley will join Dr Jenny Shaw 

and Dr Kieryn Kilminster (Principal Scientist, Estuaries, at Department of Water and 

Environmental Regulation) for what promises to be both a fascinating and illuminating 

guided discussion. 

Immerse has been supported by the Department of Local Government, Sport and 

Cultural Industries, the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, Southern 

Ports Authority, the WA Marine Science Institution, and the Albany Town Hall. 

www.mixartists.org 

A M I X A R T I S T S ’ E X H I B I T I O N 

GREAT SOUTHERN 

bingo 

NEW 

START 

TIME 

WEDNESDAY 

Doors open 5.45pm, eyes down 6.30pm. 

At the Beryl Grant Community Centre 

15 Townsend Street, Lockyer 

Ages from 12 and over. 

Enquiries 0438 841 663 

20 JANUARY – 25 FEBRUARY 

ALBANY TOWN HALL 

SPECIAL FREE EVENT 

DIVE IN 

ART AND SCIENCE IN CONVERSATION 

SATURDAY 4 FEB 2PM 

Hear from artists and scientists about this fascinating project 

Department of Water and Environmental Regulation 

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development 

TUES-SAT 10a m -5p m 

MIX 

ARTISTS Inc 

Photograph by 

Jarvis Smallman 

EVERYBODY’S BEEN ON 

ALBANY’S RIVERBOAT! 

www.albanyaustralia.com 

9am Full 36k, 4 hour “SHELTERED WATER CRUISE” 

Billy tea, coffee, wildlife & 

Captain Kalgan’s famous HOT damper. 

Aussie seniors $95 - we reckon you’ve earned the discount 

BUT IT REALLY PAYS TO BOOK 

9844 3166 

Not so rough, 

it’s only 

PLUS 

Natural Raw 

Honey Tasting 

LOVE LOCAL 

29 



what’s on 

THE LIGHTHOUSE 

GIRL SAGA 

WA’s Compelling WW1 Story to Open in Albany 

STORY ALISON WELBURN 

From the company that brought you the ground-breaking productions of AB Facey’s A 

Fortunate Life and Sydney II: Lost and Found, THEATRE 180 presents another powerful 

fusion of live theatre and cinema with THE LIGHTHOUSE GIRL SAGA. Opening on 23 and 

24 February at Albany Entertainment Centre which overlooks the same body of water 

the ships anchored in 108 years ago, THE LIGHTHOUSE GIRL SAGA is a sweeping story of 

ordinary people living in extraordinary times. It’s a tale of courage, resilience, hope and 

love. 

A bold adaptation by two of WA’s leading and award-winning playwrights, Jenny Davis 

OAM and Hellie Turner, this epic production blends four award-winning novels by 

Albany author, Dianne Wolfer: Lighthouse Girl, Light Horse Boy, In the Lamplight and 

The Last Light Horse into a magnificently compelling theatrical event. 

Once again using the immediacy of theatre with the visual impact of cinema, the third 

production in the popular and award-winning CineStage genre, THE LIGHTHOUSE GIRL 

SAGA takes the format of staging live theatre in cinemas even further. Bold and striking 

visuals, evocative sound and innovative staging transports the audience with the First 

AIF convoy as it embarks from King George Sound and farewells Australia from the 

beacon of the lighthouse at Breaksea Island, to the hell of Gallipoli, the mud in the 

trenches at the Western Front and the peaceful horizons in country Victoria. 

Journey with Fay, Charlie, Jim, Rose (and Sandy, the only warhorse to return to 

Australia of the 136,000 sent to war) across seas and through the mire of war as 

their intersecting stories culminate in the forging of the ANZAC spirit and a love that 

conquers all. 

THEATRE 180 Artistic Director Stuart Halusz says this is the company’s most ambitious 

CineStage production to date. 

“The surging narrative of Dianne Wolfer’s Lighthouse Series of books has found its way 

into the Australian psyche, from the desks of primary school students to teenagers and 

adults alike, the interconnected stories offer something for everyone.” 

“Embedded in the ANZAC legacy and juxtaposed against the brutality and futility of 

war is a deeply felt love story: love of country, love of family, love of horses and the 

Australian bush, and of course the young love that blossoms between two people who 

find themselves even amidst the chaos of a world at war,” Halusz said. 

Book tickets at www.theatre180.com.au or at Albany Entertainment Centre. 

BELOW: Behind the scenes filming in Albany with the 10th Lighthouse Troop, Albany. 

30 LOVE LOCAL 



gig guide 

Everything we put in the Gig Guide is correct at the time of 

printing, to the best of everyone’s knowledge. But be warned, 

things can and do change. 

WHO + WHAT WHERE WHEN 

ALBANY ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE 

The Eagles Experience Albany Entertainment Centre 2 February, 8pm 

Adam Harvey & Beccy Cole Albany Entertainment Centre 4 February, 8pm 

Crying Over Spilt Milk Albany Entertainment Centre 5 February, 3pm 

360 Allstars Albany Entertainment Centre 10 + 11 February, 7.30pm 

Neil Diamond Tribute Albany Entertainment Centre 16 February, 8pm 

Lottery West Films 2023 Albany Entertainment Centre from 16 February 

Eric Bibb – Ridin’ Tour Albany Entertainment Centre 17 February, 7.30pm 

The Lighthouse Girl Saga Albany Entertainment Centre 23 + 24 February, 11am + 7pm 

Elvis The Vegas years Albany Entertainment Centre 25 February, 7.30pm 

Don’t Mess with the Dummies Albany Entertainment Centre 26 February, 4pm 

EXHIBITIONS 

Dinosaur Explore Museum of the Great Southern to 5 February 

Leeuwin to Le-Grand Photography Denmark Visitor Centre to 13 February 

Immerse – MIX Artists Albany Town Hall to 25 February 

FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL EVENTS 

Progress - WA Women in Jazz Albany Town Hall 11 February, 7pm-9.30pm 

Tambellup Family Fun Day Tambellup Oval 12 February, 1-4pm 

WHO + WHAT WHERE WHEN 

MARKETS 

Make a Scene Pop-up Gallery Patterson’s Arcade, York Street Each Mon to Sat, 10am-4pm 

Albany Farmers Market Collie Street, Albany Every Saturday 8am to noon 

Stirling Terrace Indoor Markets Old Auction Room Every Sat and Sun 9am to 3pm 

Centennial Markets Centennial Park, Albany Every Sat and Sun 9am to 1pm 

Albany Boatshed Markets The Boatshed, Princess Royal Drive Every Sunday, 9am to 1pm 

Kwoorabup Community Markets Denmark High School, Denmark Every Sunday, 10am to 2pm 

Kendenup Markets Kendenup Town Hall 11 February, 9am to 1pm 

Walpole Community Markets Pioneer Park, Walpole 4 and 18 February, 8am to 1pm 

Midway Markets – Narrikup Hannan Way, Narrikup 25 February, 12noon to 4pm 

OTHER 

Art After Dark Networking Event Albany Town Hall 2 February, 5-7pm 

Dive In – Art and Science in Conversation Albany Town Hall 4 February, 2-3.30pm 

Digital Drop In Albany Public Library Every Wednesday, 10am-noon 

Film Harvest – Independent 

and Arthouse Films 

Orana Cinemas Albany 

Every Wednesday, 6.15pm 

It’s FREE to promote your event in the 

AURORA MAGAZINE Gig Guide! 

If you would like to be included for the March edition, contact 

us at gigguide@auroramagazine.com.au before 

the 5pm Sunday 26 February deadline. 

CRYING OVER SPILT MILK 

Fresh from winning a 2022 Adelaide Fringe Comedy Award, Albany born and bred (now 

Darwin based) comedian and new parent Amy Hetherington presents Crying Over Spilt 

Milk in a ‘home-town’ show at Albany Entertainment Centre. 

A hilarious, full-on hour of stand-up about the joy, pain and madness of parenting, 

Crying Over Spilt Milk is packed with truth bombs and relatable content. Audiences are 

invited to join the infectiously likeable Amy for stories about sleep deprivation, weird 

advice from strangers, sore nipples and crying over spilt milk. 

Amy’s own little one joins her on stage, and ticketholders are advised they too can bring 

bub. Crying Over Spilt Milk is a perfect show for new parents, would-be parents, or 

never-would-I-ever be parents. 

LOVE LOCAL 

31 



ESSENTIALS FOR AN ECO FRIENDLY 

HOME AND LOW WASTE LIFESTYLE 

LOCAL. 

LOW WASTE. 

SUSTAINABLE. 

Join the refill 

revolution! 

Minimise single-use plastics in your home by switching over to 

refillable products. We stock a variety of Australian made eco 

products with effective plant-based formulas. 

Bring in your own containers, buy new from our glass amber 

bottle range or utilise the free recycled jars instore. 

Laundry refills // laundry powder and presoaker • borax 

eucalypt and lemon myrtle laundry liquid • washing soda 

lavender and ylang ylang laundry liquid • fabric softener 

front loader laundry liquid • oxygen bleach • soap nuts 

Kitchen and cleaning refills // dish liquid • disinfectant 

dishwasher powder • rinse aid • vinegar • bicarb • hand wash 

all purpose concentrate citric acid • epsom salts • tea tree oil 

mould remover and tile cleaner • liquid castile soap 

Skincare and bathroom refills // shampoo • conditioner 

body wash • deodorant creme • moisturising lotion • face creams 

MON-FRI. 8.30AM-5PM // SAT. 9AM- 1PM 

9 MINNA ST, ALBANY // 08 9841 6171 

ALBANYECOHOUSE.COM.AU 

Shop our products online or instore

Issue 55 Aurora Magazine February 2023

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?