Out and About

Well done to the Socceroos for qualifying for the FIFA Men’s World Cup seven times: 1974, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and this year 2026. With lots of cheering from the Green and Gold Army, they had a euphoric start on 13th June winning their opening match 2-0, then after two more games, came second in their Group to advance to the round of 32. Alas they then lost in a nerve-racking penalty shootout. Better luck next time! In September the Socceroos’ World Cup homecoming will be hosted in Queensland with a series of 2 friendlies against Brazil – The 1st will be at Brisbane’s Lang Park on 25th September, the 2nd at Townsville on 29th September.

Socceroos to play Brazil at Lang Park in first home game after World Cup – ABC News

On 3rd June 2026, the 80th Anniversary of the Italian Republic was celebrated at a large reception at Montgomery Hall in Mount Claremont, hosted by the Consul of Italy in Perth, Sergio Federico Nicolaci and his wife Nicole.

The evening featured speeches by the Consul, Deputy Premier of WA Rita Saffioti, and Leader of the State Opposition Basil Zempilas. References were made to the many ways in which Italians have fundamentally shaped Western Australia.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Italian immigrants were the backbone of the Goldfields’ mining and timber industries, working tirelessly to support the state’s early economic growth. Italian migrants pioneered the state’s first permanent commercial fishing fleets based in Fremantle. They also cultivated the Swan Valley’s vineyards and established vital market gardens in the Spearwood and Bibra Lake areas, sustaining local food supplies. The Re Store, founded by the Re family, revolutionized how Western Australians shopped for food, introducing local communities to imported Italian ingredients. Italians have established deep-rooted community welfare and aged care services such as the Italo-Australian Welfare & Cultural Centre (IAWCC) established in 1956 and Villa Terenzio founded as the Italian Aged Care Home in 1972. Annual events, including the Italian Film Festival, are now major fixtures on WA’s cultural calendar, promoting culinary and language dialogue.

Great to take a Tour of the very impressive new $853 million Edith Curtin University Campus in the heart of the City of Perth, which opened in February 2026, and features 8 public performance and rehearsal venues for the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, being:-

> Aboriginal Performance Theatre: an 80 seat, dedicated venue for First Nations song and dance

> Dance Theatre: a specialized space for dance performance and rehearsal

> Flex Theatre: 152 seats, highly adaptable, with a flexible layout

> Jazz and Contemporary Venue: a club-like venue for jazz, soul, and blues, accommodating up to 200 people

> Music Rehearsal Space: dedicated space for rehearsals

> Playhouse Theatre: 238 seats for drama, musical theatre, and opera

> Playhouse Theatre Rehearsal Space: dedicated rehearsal space for theatre productions

> Recital Hall: 368 seats for orchestral and chamber music

These venues are designed to support over 300 annual public performances.

Photo with Elizabeth Re and some key members of Artrage – Elliot Brannen (Head of Corporate Services) Sue Meaghan (Board Member), Jo Thomas (CEO), and Ezra Hefter (Hon Treasurer). Established in 1983, Artrage is a prominent Western Australian not-for-profit registered charity and arts organisation, best known as the creator and producer of the Perth’s annual Fringe World Festival which enriches the cultural fabric of Western Australia – Lotterywest WA is a major sponsor.

Here with Elizabeth Re is Fiona Perrella, a well deserved winner of the Fringe World Children’s Events Award for 2026. In 2012 Fiona established Strength Heroes which creates unique art and play based experiences and works with children, families, educators, schools and communities. Workshops and programs take children from crying to trying to flying so that they bounce forward when mistakes happen or they face a challenge.

At the Fringe World Awards Ceremony for 2026 with Matt Hale – Hypnotist and Fringe World Winner Magic & Illusion Award, Elizabeth Re, Kathryn Preston – Festival Director FringeConnect City of Stirling, and Winner of Spirit of the Fringe Award, and David Goncalves – Deputy Lord Mayor of Perth.

Here Elizabeth Re with friends, Georgia, Kate, and Greg, and singer Laura Corcoran who was star of Perth Fringe event “Frisky’s Reshuffle” in the Lotterywest De Parel Spiegeltent at The Pleasure Garden, Russell Square, Northbridge. Elizabeth was called up on stage several times to spin the wheel and determine the next era of music to be sung, with rearranged pop songs and improvisations. Impressively Frisky managed to incorporate the names of all the audience guests she interacted with into the lyrics.

Scenes from “NonnaMia!”, a Perth Fringe event held at The Courtyard at the State Theatre of Western Australia. This fun evening of Italian classic songs featured Italian born Etta D’Elia with her jazz band, and special guest comedian “Maria Pappagallo” (James Liotta). The photo with Elizabeth Re and Anita Carbone is with guest accordion entertainer Frank Miranda.

As a prelude to the “Year of the Horse” beginning 17th February, a 2026 Chinese New Year Concert was held at the Taryn Fiebig Concert Hall in Churchlands, Perth. The very impressive concert was hosted by The Chung Wah Association, in conjunction with Huaxing Arts Group, and presented by the many voices of the Australian Golden Voice Choir. As a long-time supporter, City of Stirling Councillor Elizabeth Re was invited on stage to be included in this Group photo. Receiving flowers included Elizabeth and “Charlie” Shan Dan who deftly played a demanding program on the Fazioli piano.

One of the many Fringe World shows for 2026 was the “Cabaret Time Machine” at the State Theatre Centre of WA, featuring the very versatile and quick witted musical improviser Isabella Valette. On this occasion, based on an audience vote of choice of period, we were whisked to the late 1700s to meet Marie Antoinette. Photographed meeting the Queen of France are Elizabeth Re with friends Greg and Alison.