Latest news with #SuzanneMigdale
Perth Now
7 days ago
- General
- Perth Now
Stirling launches state's first regular Auslan Storytime
In a WA-first, the City of Stirling has launched an Auslan Storytime program to bring early literacy to deaf and hard-of-hearing families regularly. Run in partnership with Deaf Connect, the free storytime sessions involve book reading led by a deaf storyteller in Auslan, supported by an interpreter. Designed for children up to five, the sessions blend signing, reading, singing, talking and play to support early language development in an inclusive setting. Auslan Storytime has gained popularity in the eastern states, but the City of Stirling said this is the first time it's been offered regularly in the state. The program began fortnightly sessions starting at 10:30 am on Thursday, July 24, at Stirling Libraries – Osborne, and will continue throughout the 2025 school year. This comes after an official launch was held on Saturday, June 28, attracting a strong turnout of 37 families. Stirling Deputy Mayor Suzanne Migdale said the launch's success showed strong demand for inclusive and accessible activities. Credit: City of Stirling Stirling Deputy Mayor Suzanne Migdale said the success of the June launch demonstrated strong community demand for more inclusive and accessible activities across the City. 'The energy and enthusiasm for Auslan Storytime at the launch event demonstrates the need for programs supporting early literacy for deaf and hard-of-hearing families,' Deputy Mayor Migdale said. 'The City of Stirling is proud to support Deaf Connect in the delivery of this program to make our libraries a more inclusive place for all families.' Currently, around 3.6 million Australians experience some degree of hearing loss. With an aging population, this figure is projected to more than double to about 7.8 million by 2060, according to the Department of Health. At birth, roughly one in every 1,000 Australian babies is diagnosed with hearing loss, a number that rises to two in every 1,000 by the time children enter school. Auslan, short for Australian Sign Language, is the primary language used by deaf and hard-of-hearing Australians, helping to break down communication barriers. Roughly one in every 1,000 Australian babies is diagnosed with hearing loss at birth. Credit: BRIAN MITCHELL / Getty Images Although focused on improving early literacy and library engagement for deaf and hard-of-hearing families, the City believes the storytime program benefits the wider community by promoting greater inclusion and deaf culture awareness. It is also said to benefit hearing families by teaching basic Auslan signs that can aid pre-verbal communication and strengthen parent-child bonding. The City's Auslan Storytime program is supported by funding from the State Government through the State Library of WA's Better Beginnings program. The free sessions can be booked online at
Perth Now
02-07-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Stirling ratepayers hit with $59 hike under new budget
The City of Stirling has formally adopted its 2025-26 budget, locking in an average residential rates rise of 4.5 per cent, which equates to about $59 more per residential property. A surplus of $4.5 million is expected. In a last-minute attempt to reduce the rate increase, Stirling deputy mayor Suzanne Migdale argued at Tuesday's council meeting the proposed rate rise was too high amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures and called for an increase of 3.95 per cent. 'The Consumer Price Index, our most objective measure of inflation, currently sits at 2.8 per cent ... By contrast, the proposed 4.5 per cent increase in local government rates represents an uplift that is approximately above that index,' Cr Migdale said. 'In purely economic terms, this is difficult to justify, and in human terms it becomes even harder ... We cannot build civic strength at the cost of household stability.' City of Stirling deputy mayor Suzanne Migdale. Credit: Supplied Cr Migdale argued that given Stirling's 'strong fiscal foundations', ratepayers deserved to be rewarded. 'Over the last two decades, our strategic property investments have yielded exceptional, unprecedented, significant returns well above forecast,' she said. 'In any private enterprise, such extraordinary gains would typically lead to dividends distributed among shareholders. 'In our case, our community is our shareholder base. The fairest dividend we can offer right now is rate relief.' Corporate services director Ingrid Hawkins said dropping rates to 3.95 per cent would provide ratepayers with an average saving of $7.43 but would cost the city $946,000. Mayor Mark Irwin urged councillors to support the proposed budget as presented, given the budget had been in development since October and councillors had participated in multiple workshops to review its details. 'There's a flow-on effect. It's not about just changing a figure; everything through the budget and the corporate business plan (would be affected),' Mr Irwin said. Mayor Mark Irwin wasn't up for debating the rates rise on the night of its adoption. Credit: Supplied 'I really don't think after four half-days sitting around discussing budget deliberations, I don't think you need to sit here tonight and argue about per cents. I don't think it's worthy of debate.' Cr Migdale's amendment was lost, keeping the rate increase at 4.5 per cent. The City of Stirling expects to generate $174 million this year from rates, which will help fund its $332m expenditure plan. The 2025-26 budget includes a $119.5m capital works program, with $24.9m allocated for infrastructure renewals such as roads, drainage and footpaths; $8m for capital building works; and $14.5m for parks and reserves. Major capital works include upgrades to the Carine Regional Open Space parkland, the start of the Hutton Street extension to Walters Drive, and the renewal of the Balcatta Recycling Centre's waste drop-off and transfer station. The budget also provides funding for safety improvements to Scarborough Beach precinct and advances the concept design and cost planning for the Hamersley Community Hub. Although the city's rate rise is higher than several neighbouring local governments, Stirling CEO Stevan Rodic said the city had developed a strong budget. 'The city continues to be in a solid financial position, remaining debt-free, with its finances aligned to strategic priorities,' Mr Rodic said. 'This 2025-26 budget charts a path to achieve the vision and priorities set out in the city's strategic community plan and will ensure that we create a bright future for everyone living, working and enjoying the City of Stirling.'
Perth Now
13-05-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
How one Perth council is making Facebook Marketplace exchanges safer
The City of Stirling has rolled out a 12-month trial aiming to give people a safer place to exchange items purchased and sold online. It intends to provide a more secure option for people using online selling platforms, such as Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree, through having CCTV surveillance and passive public surveillance in a public space. The site at 679 Beaufort Street in Mt Lawley was chosen as it was deemed the most suitable location without the need for 'significant investment'. Your local paper, whenever you want it. The city believes the site has most of the key features for a good exchange location: free parking, accessible seating, good lighting, a public toilet and access to public transport. Mayor Mark Irwin said this was an emerging safety issue that was only going to become more prominent. The Mt Lawley location was considered the most appropriate site for the trial. Credit: Google Maps 'A lot of people who use these online platforms are happy to make exchanges at their house or at someone else's house — and that's fine,' he said. 'A safer exchange site just gives members of our community another option and allows them to meet in a public place where they may feel more comfortable. 'If this trial is successful, we will look at the possibility of creating safer exchange sites in other areas of the city.' Last year Victoria police created 35 exchange sites outside police stations after a trial in 2022. There are currently no plans announced to replicate the Victorian model in WA, so this would be the first of its kind in the State. The area is now fitted with signage and the city is encouraging community members and local businesses to share their feedback. The trial was proposed by deputy mayor Suzanne Migdale and will run for 12 months from May 6, with support from WA Police.
