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Welcome to The Perth Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Perth Royal Show

• WAFL Grand Final 2024

• A deep-dive in to the life of Rolf Harris

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”

– Arthur Ashe

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Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which Perth beach was the site of the first recorded shark attack in Western Australia in 1923?

A) Scarborough Beach

B) Cottesloe Beach

C) City Beach

D) Leighton Beach

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The Perth suburb known for having the highest number of art galleries per capita in Australia is B) Fremantle

News

💼 Business

KPMG launches Perth Microsoft practice. (link)

⚽️ Sports

Who is James Overy? Australian teenager signs for Man United after Perth Glory stint. (link)

HoopsFest tips off in Perth. (link)

🏦 Finance

Australia’s Hiring Strength Persists as Unemployment Steady. (link)

Australian Property Market: Rental Crisis ‘To Last Years’. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚽️ Casual 5s Football
The Football Centre, Osborne Park
Monday, September 23rd | 10:00 am - 11:30 am | (more info)

🏉 AFL Grand Final Day
Optus Stadium, Burswood
Saturday, September 28th | Time: Not specified | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Buckcherry
Astor Theatre, Perth
Tuesday, September 24th | 7:30pm | (more info)

🎸 Hiatus Kaiyote
Astor Theatre, Perth
Friday, September 27th | 6:30pm | (more info)

🎤 Ne-Yo
RAC Arena, Perth
Sunday, September 29th | 6:30pm | (more info)

🎵 Parkway Drive with I Prevail and The Ghost Inside
HBF Stadium, Perth
Sunday, September 29th | 4:30pm | (more info)

Family

🎨 SPRING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Core Cider House, Pickering Brook
Monday, September 23rd - Sunday, 6th October | 11:00am - 4:00pm | (more info)

👪 Pingelly FAM Festival 2024
Pingelly Town Oval, Pingelly
Saturday, September 28th - Saturday, September 29th | (more info)

🌸 S&R Blossom Festival 2024
S&R Orchard, Walliston
Monday - Sunday, September 23rd - 29th | 9:00 am - 4:00 pm | (more info)

👾 Pixel Expo 2024
Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, Perth
Saturday - Sunday, September 28th - 29th | (more info)

 🎨AWESOME Festival
Perth Cultural Centre, Perth
Tuesday - Saturday, September 24th - 28th | 10:00am - 2:00pm | (more info)

🎡 Perth Royal Show 2024
Claremont Showground, Claremont
Saturday, September 21st - Saturday, September 28th | 10:00am - 9:00pm | (more info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city. 

This week, I typed in “A winter wonderland Perth covered in snow and ice sculptures” and this is what I got. 

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Perth Historical Events

Establishment of the Perth Mint (June 20, 1899)

The Perth Mint was officially established on June 20, 1899, as a branch of the British Royal Mint. It was created in response to the discovery of significant gold deposits in Western Australia during the 1890s gold rush. The Mint’s primary purpose was to refine gold from the region and produce sovereigns and half-sovereigns, gold coins used throughout the British Empire. Its establishment marked a crucial step in transforming Perth into a significant hub of the gold trade, as it became an essential facility for refining gold and minting currency, directly supporting the local economy.

The Perth Mint was designed by George Temple-Poole, a prominent government architect, and is one of the oldest operating mints in the world today. Its heritage-listed building, located on Hay Street in Perth, reflects a blend of Federation Romanesque style with local materials and architectural details. Initially, it was established to address the logistical challenges of transporting gold to London for refining and minting. By providing a local facility for these processes, the Perth Mint played a critical role in the economic development of Western Australia, particularly during a period when the gold rush was drawing thousands of prospectors to the region.

Since its establishment, the Perth Mint has evolved from a colonial institution into a world-renowned leader in precious metals and numismatic products. It continues to operate today, producing gold, silver, and platinum bullion, as well as commemorative coins, and has expanded into a tourist attraction, offering guided tours that highlight its historical significance and modern-day operations. The Mint remains an iconic institution in Perth, symbolizing the city’s rich mining heritage and its role in the global gold market.Famous People From Perth

Rolf Harris (1930 - 2023) - Entertainer and Artist

Early Life and Education

Rolf Harris was born on March 30, 1930, in Bassendean, a suburb of Perth, Western Australia. He was the son of Cromwell Harris, a Welsh migrant, and Agnes Robbins, an Australian. Harris grew up in a creative environment, showing a talent for art and music from a young age. He attended Perth Modern School and later studied at the University of Western Australia, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He furthered his studies in art at Claremont Teachers' College, solidifying his foundation in both visual arts and teaching.

Career Beginnings in the UK

In the early 1950s, Harris moved to London to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. He quickly gained popularity as a television personality and musician, known for his unique blend of music, art, and comedy. He created several television shows, such as The Rolf Harris Show and Rolf's Cartoon Club, which were immensely popular with both children and adults in the UK and Australia. Harris is also credited with popularizing the "wobble board," an instrument he invented, and songs like "Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport," which became an international hit.

Artistic Contributions

Harris was also an accomplished visual artist, known for his quick-draw style and use of bold, expressive strokes. His paintings often featured Australian landscapes, wildlife, and iconic figures. He gained significant recognition in the UK, where he painted a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in 2005 to mark her 80th birthday. His work was showcased in numerous exhibitions, and he became a member of the Order of Australia in 1989 for his services to entertainment and the arts.

Personal Life and Legal Issues

Despite his achievements, Harris's later life was marred by controversy. In 2013, he was arrested in the UK as part of Operation Yewtree, an investigation into historical child sexual abuse. He was subsequently charged and convicted in 2014 on twelve counts of indecent assault, for which he served time in prison. These revelations led to the loss of many honors, including his CBE, and his works were removed from galleries and public spaces. Harris remained a controversial figure until his death, with his legacy overshadowed by these serious criminal convictions.

Connection to Perth

Although Rolf Harris spent much of his career in the UK, his connection to Perth remained strong throughout his life. Born and raised in Perth, his formative years there were critical in shaping his artistic and musical talents. He frequently returned to Australia and often reflected on his upbringing in Perth as a foundational influence on his creative career. Despite the controversies later in his life, his early connection to Perth as a native son is an indelible part of his story.

Key Achievements

Throughout his career, Rolf Harris achieved significant milestones, including being a pioneer of television entertainment in the UK and Australia, inventing the wobble board, and creating hit songs like "Jake the Peg" and "Two Little Boys." His work in visual art, especially his portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, was widely recognized. Harris received multiple awards, including the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1968, Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1977, and Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2006, although most of these honors were revoked following his criminal convictions.

Legacy

Rolf Harris passed away on May 10, 2023, in England. Despite a career filled with notable accomplishments in music, art, and television, his legacy is now largely defined by his criminal convictions and the impact of his actions on his victims. The story of Rolf Harris serves as a complex narrative of a talented entertainer whose reputation was ultimately destroyed by serious crimes and moral failings.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think. 

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy. 

-Matteo Banzon

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