Shenton Park's new all-day dining spot

Not subscribed? Get Perth is OK! daily — sign up here.

Thursday has arrived in a flash and it has been a busy week!

First up, Jamie goes a little deeper into WA’s uni merger story to find out why the Government is all chips in on the idea. But if you’ve had enough of hearing about it already — we’ve got plenty for you to tuck into below, including some exciting new plans for the Scarborough foreshore announced on Tuesday; a popular Kings Park playground getting the chop following safety assessments; free Friday gigs coming back to Northbridge; Feral Brewing’s legendary Tusk Day almost upon us; and Sal’s got a few bite-sized bits of food news to snack on before Friday arrives.

And with that disgustingly long sentence, I bid you adieu!

^{Troy Mutton, Editor-In-Chief, Perth is OK!}

The State Government has finally put its cards on the table.

After years of speculation, Premier Roger Cook this week announced plans to merge three WA universities. Battle lines are drawn. And while the war for territory and the fight for self-interest will grab headlines, it’s worth looking back at what got us here.

WA universities have a problem. Not a falling-off-a-cliff problem, but a slow leak. Most university rankings (and there are a few) tell a similar story: WA’s unis sit below their east coast counterparts. That’s the State’s main competition for grants, researchers and students.

Could scale be the answer? The State Government thinks so.

The Government will now develop a business case into amalgamating UWA, Curtin and Murdoch, which would create an institution of around 120,000 students. A committee of industry experts and university and student representatives will lead it, weighing up the costs and benefits and whether the universities could fund the merger themselves.

Better late than never! About a month ago, Shenton Park welcomed a new all-day diner into the fold, aptly named At Shenton. It’s bittersweet, with At Shenton taking over the former Bacco space on Onslow Road – and while we were sad to farewell the Italian restaurant (who themselves inherited the space from old-world Italian institution Galileo Buona Cucina), At Shenton has already won the locals over.

They’ve transformed the stylish restaurant into some more cosy, with a family-friendly focus that extends to a kids’ menu and dedicated playroom – but for bigger kids (AKA grown ups) there’s plenty to enjoy, with an approachable brunch and lunch menu that covers everything from pancakes, omelettes and bennies to pasta and burgers. Opening from 7am, seven days a week, they’re also open for dinner from Thursday to Saturday!

Read on for a deliciously snackable selection of the latest in Perth food news…