The Shire of Kalamunda has a number of properties which are not connected to the Water Corporations scheme water supply, including some food premises. Drinking water can pose a threat to health if contaminated with physical, chemical or microbiological hazards.

The Shire's Health Service has commenced a non-scheme water pilot study to determine what types of water sources are being used for potable water by residents without scheme water access and how, or if, they treat any water for safety.

Residents who have received the questionnaire are encouraged to return either via post PO Box 42 6926 or via the administration. For further information or to become involved in the study please contact the Shire of Kalamunda Health Services on 9257 9999.

No one could believe how popular the July School Holiday Programme at Hartfield Park was going to be. The first of its kind to be offered by the Shire, the school holiday programme was an immense success - and was booked to capacity almost every day.

Recreation Centre Coordinator John Langley said, "Primary School aged children aged between 5 and 12 were able to come along for the modest fee of $10.20 and enjoy three hours of sport, fun, arts and crafts. The programme was very well received by members of the community."

On the final day attendees celebrated in true party style and participants were presented with Certificates recognising their highlights and personal growth during the two weeks.

Darren Jones, Manager of Community Development at the Shire of Kalamunda said, "We are very focused on providing quality activities for youth within the Shire of Kalamunda, and are subsequently extremely pleased with the outcome of the first School Holiday Programme ran by Hartfield Park Recreation Centre. As part of our continuous improvement program, we look forward to feedback from the community in relation to future activities."

To find out more about programmes on offer at Hartfield Park to register for the October School Holidays contact the centre via phone on 9359 1700 or via email hartfield@kalamunda.wa.gov.au. Hartfield Park Recreation Centre is located at 199 Hale Road in Forrestfield and is open every day.

Local Lesmurdie resident Mr Kenneth Steele was officially acknowledged at the Shire of Kalamunda July General Services Meeting.

Shire President Donald McKechnie presented Kenneth with a Shire of Kalamunda Achievement Award in recognition of his devotion for being an advocate for carers of relatives with a mental illness.

Cr McKechnie said, "I would like take the opportunity to formally congratulate you Kenneth on being awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community as an advocate for carers of relatives with a mental illness."

The Order of Australia is particularly significant because it is the pre-eminent way Australians recognise the achievements and service of their fellow citizens

The Friends of Ray Owen Group or FROG as they are more commonly known will hold a community planting day on the 15^th of August in the bushland of the Ray Owen Reserve, Lesmurdie. FROG are one of the larger Friends Groups that assist the Shire of Kalamunda in maintaining the condition of the local bushland areas and have recently formed an excellent working relationship with Boral Resources. This year Boral have kindly donated 1000 locally endemic plants to add to the groups efforts to re-vegetate degraded areas of the reserve this planting season. Members of FROG would like to invite anyone interested in having a go to join them in planting the seedlings next Saturday week. Participants are invited to register on the day at the main car park, near the BMX track, at 8:00am on Saturday morning. 

Shire of Kalamunda Environmental Coordinator Giles Glasson said, “Bushcare Volunteering in Kalamunda is alive and well, with 45 groups currently registered consisting of more than 330 enthusiastic volunteers. These volunteers willingly give of their time to care for the flora and fauna of the local patches of bushland throughout the Shire. Friends Groups vary from 1 or 2 people to large well organised groups, tackling complex management situations. The Shire encourages residents to take part in bushcare groups by providing support and resources such as plants and regular free training.”

This year Children's Book Week falls between 22nd and 28th August. The Kalamunda Library Service is hosting its traditional opening night at the Lesmurdie Community Library on Friday 21 August 2009 at 7pm during which winners of the Shire's annual Children's Book Week art competition are presented with their prizes.

During Children's Book Week the four Shire Libraries have organised a series of visiting author sessions for the primary schools within the Shire which will feature several guest children's literary figures.

Eleanor Forrestal, a Perth born children's author, who has penned several award-winning books catering for our youngest readers to our young adult readership, will be the guest presenter at the opening night. Elaine will also be enthralling students at each of our branch libraries during Children's Book Week on Thursday 27th August.

Karen Treanor, local author of the 'Scoot Scoot Bandicoot' series of books about her adventurous backyard bandicoots, Bounce and Pounce, will be inspiring children about our native fauna at High Wycombe Library on Wednesday 26th August.

Jayne Lyons is the author of the hilarious titles, '100 percent Wolf' and '100 percent Hero' and is scheduled to raise quite a few laughs at each of the Shire's libraries on Thursday 27th August.

Friday 14th August 2009
WOODLUPINE FAMILY & COMMUNITY CENTRE
88 Hale Road Forrestfield (Off Woolworths Drive)
2.00pm to 3.30pm

Plans for the new Kalamunda Community and Cultural Centre continue to cause excitement.

The Shire of Kalamunda put out an Expression of Interest for Architects Services, and had received over 10 expressions by the July cut off.

It is expected that an architect will be engaged by early September.

The Kalamunda Community and Cultural Centre will be located between Williams Street and Railway Road in Kalamunda, next to the Kalamunda History Village.

QUIT Targa West will be bigger and better in 2009 with organisers responding to increased competitor interest and lifting the cap on the number of entrants to the highest in the event?s history.

Celebrating its fifth anniversary in 2009, and with a new date of 20 - 23 August, QUIT Targa West is continuing to firm as one of the premier tarmac rallies in Australia.

Organisers are crediting the introduction of the Australian Classic Tarmac Rally Championship to the Australian motorsport scene for an increase in classic crews showing interest in QUIT Targa West 2009.

'The increased focus on classic cars has been welcomed by crews and the numbers we are seeing have already shown signs that its introduction has encouraged new drivers to come out and give tarmac rallying a go,' QUIT Targa West Clerk of Course Ross Tapper Clerk of Course said.

'There is no doubt the classic cars are among the crowd favourites and the event this year will provide even more for the fans out in the spectator areas.'

While entry numbers have been increased in 2009, places are still limited to ensure QUIT Targa West maintains the event experience it is known for.

'It has been a priority to open the experience up to more crews while maintaining the close-knit feel of the event,' Bob Schrader, Race Director said.

'A large amount of effort has gone into reviewing the organisation of the 2009 rally, specifically road closure time frames - to ensure local residents and visitors to the shires of Chittering, Toodyay and Kalamunda will not be affected by the increase in competitor numbers,' Schrader continued.

So come along and join us by parking your car at our two park and ride locations, Stirk Park Kalamunda or Maida Vale Reserve on the corner of Ridgehill Road and Old Midland road. Hop onto Targa's Spectator bus and get a birds eye view of the event.

All information is available on the official website website of QUIT Targa West www.targawest.com Supported by the Shire of Kalamunda.