THE STAR IS AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION FOR LOCAL PEOPLE BY LOCAL PEOPLE ESTABLISHED 2021
02 - 10 : NEWS
Years of youth work recognised.
11 - 15 : LIFESTYLE
Arts Trail celebrates local artists’ talents.
“For all your tree related needs” Mobile:0447 792 200 ajts@westnet.com.au www.adamjenkinstreeservices.com.au
18 - 20 : SPORT
Bridgetown bowled over in Pennants.
“The world is awash with lithium and we don’t need to get it out of a forest, we can get it out of places that are less damaging to the environment.”
Mining threatens Dalgarup forest
Amining exploration application covering 321 square kilometres southwest of Bridgetown is being vigorously opposed by Bridgetown environmentalists.
They claim if mining goes ahead it will devastate an internationally recognised biodiversity hotspot, threaten water resources, and cost the local tourist industry $1.8 million each year in lost revenue.
RISING FROM THE ASHES
Flinders Prospecting Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Australian mining company IGO, which has a share in Talison’s Greenbushes mine, has applied for a mining exploration licence for lithium, tantalum, and tin, though lithium is its main target.
While recognising the global need for lithium in the global energy transition, the BridgetownGreenbushes Friends of the Forest, and the
It’s been almost three years in the wilderness, but like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, the Bridgetown-Greenbushes Star is back!
When the paper abruptly ceased production back in April 2023 it was a devastating personal blow.
I was looking forward to producing a monthly tabloid paper to meet the needs of the Bridgetown and Greenbushes community into the future, and hopefully handing over the reigns in the long term.
Sadly the closure of the state’s only independent newsprint press, Ive, abruptly put an end to that, as it soon became clear that the 7 West Media group had no interest in printing a competing paper.
The Bridgetown-Greenbushes Star wasn’t alone. Right across the state independent country newspapers competing with 7 West Media’s papers folded.
Blackwood Environment Society claim the process needed to extract lithium from the hard rock deposits in the area is particularly energy intensive and environmentally destructive.
They claim there are far less damaging ways to obtain lithium elsewhere.
“The world is awash with lithium and we don’t need to get it out of a forest, we can get it out
CONTINUED
But now your paper is back, thanks to the Post Newspapers.
The Post publishes award-winning suburban newspapers across Perth’s western suburbs under the stewardship of its legendary founder and Managing Editor, Bret Christian.
Fed up with relying on 7 West Media, who were abusing their monopoly on the state’s only newsprint press, he acquired his own press last year, and is only too keen to see other independent newspapers flourish by printing them as well. I, for one, can’t thank him enough for that.
So welcome back to your very own BridgetownGreenbushes Star, with all the news that’s fit to print about your community.
I hope you enjoy it!
Mark Schneider, Editor
JENNY DEWING
Jenny Dewing, Jon Steer and Alison Wright are determined to stop exploration in Dalgarup Forest.
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Mining threatens Dalgarup forest
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
of places that are less damaging to the environment,” said Jenny Dewing, President of the Blackwood Environment Society.
It’s a point that’s disputed by IGO.
The company says that while some reports suggest brine-based lithium extraction can be less energy intensive, this method is not applicable in Western Australia.
It points out that the geology of WA hosts only hard rock lithium deposits, meaning hard rock extraction is the only available option.
Any future proposal would still be subject to rigorous assessment under the relevant regulatory framework, the company said.
Mining Certainty
While IGO stresses that it’s only applying for an exploration licence at this stage, the Blackwood Environment Society claims that once it’s granted, full scale mining operations are a certainty, and that mining will continue to expand.
The area is rich in biodiversity, with 80 per cent of the native plant species having high conservation value in a large continuous tract of land that’s important to maintaining that diversity.
It’s home to many endangered mammals and birds, including quokkas and cockatoos.
Mining will devastate the forest, say the critics.
“Just take a look at Greenbushes and just try to imagine that over the Dalgarup area,” said Jon Steer, Vice President of Bridgetown-Greenbushes Friends of the Forest.
“The amount of clearing will be huge, the amount of rock waste piled up will be huge, and the other factor that’s often forgotten about is the impact on water.
“Whenever you mine you have to dewater it. Where’s that water going to go and what impact is that going to have?” Mr Steer said.
The impact on water will go well beyond the minesite itself, he said.
Water
The environmentalists claim that exploration and mining threatens surface water with its freshwater fish and crayfish in an era of declining rainfall, when irrigated agriculture is also drawing on those diminishing supplies.
However, IGO say that water use is strictly regulated by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER).
Any mining proposal must show that water use is efficient, minimised and sustainable, especially in climate impacted forest areas, they say.
IGO argues that any future mining proposal would need approval from both State, and potentially Commonwealth environmental regulators.
The company claims that it will mitigate any future environmental impact by avoiding those impacts wherever possible, minimise them when avoiding them isn’t possible, rehabilitate disturbed areas, and finally, by using offsets if significant impacts remain.
They argue that it’s an approach that helps ensure responsible environmental management.
In a prepared statement IGO said it’s committed to responsible stewardship and to operate with care for our people, communities, and the environment.
It added that it is also proud of its role in delivering battery minerals critical to the global energy transition.
Half the area covered by the exploration applications is currently dieback-free, according to Bridgetown’s environmentalists.
Dieback
“Just take a look at Greenbushes and just try to imagine that over the Dalgarup area.”
JON STEER
Dalgarup
They claim that exploration and mining will spread the disease.
“They’ll say they have a dieback management plan ‘we’ll do this, we’ll do that’, but realistically, how do you scrub down a machine out in the bush?” said Alison Wright, President of Bridgetown Greenbushes Friends of the Forest.
IGO, however, say they’ll be doing everything by the book.
They point out that dieback management in State Forest is governed by Department of Biodiversity Conservation Attractions’ (DBCA) Phytophthora Dieback Management guidelines.
IGO will follow these guidelines in any future exploration or mining activity.
Tourism
The conservationists argue that mining’s impact doesn’t end with its environmental impact.
It will devastate tourism, they say, arguing that the Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi Trail will be devalued by losing its continual path through the bush, by increased noise and air emissions along the way, and by the general loss of a valued wilderness experience.
“It’s huge detraction from the quality of those walks,” Mrs Dewing said, adding that the Donnnelly Village heritage accommodation uses all of the forest around Donnelly, and that many popular picnic areas are in the middle of the tenement area.
IGO, stresses the economic positives of potential mining.
In Western Australia, the Department of Energy and Economic Development (DEED, formerly JTSI) identifies that mining projects can contribute economically through local contracting, employment, rates and royalties, and broader regional economic activity.
It says that at this stage, no exploration or mining proposal exists, so any future benefits would be speculative.
Shire Opposed
The Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes shares the conservationists’ opposition to mining.
It’s written to Flinders Prospecting asking them to withdraw their application for mining within the Dalgarup Forest.
Shire representatives have also met with the WA Minister for Mining, David Michael, and the WA Minister for the Environment, Mathew Swinbourne.
Minister Michael told them that he couldn’t consider the proposed licences until they’d been processed by the Warden’s Court.
It’s a procedural point that’s disputed by environmentalists.
Minister Swinbourne said he’d ask the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions about progress in adding an extra 400,000 ha to conservation reserves that was detailed in the Forest Management Plan of 2024-25, a move that would stop mining in the forest.
The environmentalists’ case against the exploration licence next heads to a hearing in the mining warden’s court on the 6th of March.
PHOTO: MARK SCHNEIDER
YOUTH WORK RECOGNISED FOR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Years of helping youth
Bridgetown’s Citizen of the Year, Dr Sarah Youngson, has been improving the lives of young people for over 14 years.
Even before the founding of Blackwood Youth Action (BYA) back in 2013 she was heavily involved in a much-needed drop-in youth centre in Mandurah.
Moving to Bridgetown, she soon realised there were no support services for young people and set about working to do something about it.
Today BYA operates three centres in Boyup Brook, Manjimup and Bridgetown providing health, and particularly mental health, services.
Dr Youngson provides outreach GP services to the Manjimup BYA office as part of BYA’s mental health project, which is based on a World Health Organisation model.
The tiered model includes a base of schools-based programs about healthy relations and consent.
The next tier is about early intervention and the social determinants of health with an emphasis on helping young people with education and training.
One important project is RYDE, which helps learner drivers get their hours of driver training completed with volunteers so they can get their driver’s licenses.
“We’ve had huge success with that,” Dr Youngson said, adding that a driver’s license was vital for young people in the region.
Near the top level of BYA’s model is case management for young people, with access to housing, financial support and any other help they need to overcome life challenges.
Finally, the highest peak of BYA’s model is psychological services, which is run by adolescent psychologist, and Chair of BYA, Rebecca Jones.
Sunshine and blue sky held the rain at bay just long enough for Shire President Stephen Carstairs to welcome seven of Australia’s newest citizens to the fold at the annual Australia Day Ceremony at the pool on the 26th of January.
But as the Shire President was drawing proceedings to a close the rain and wind swept in, sending people dashing for shelter.
“Australia Day brings people together,” joked Shire CEO Garry Adams as people huddled under the breakfast marquees for shelter from the wind and driving rain.
Earlier in proceedings Mr Carstairs noted that bringing people together with compassion, integrity and determination was one of the many things that saw Youth Mental Health Specialist Dr Sarah
Youngson earn this year’s Community Citizen of the Year Award.
“Her leadership in suicide prevention has been profound. Through initiatives such as the Pyramid Project, local suicide prevention networks, and the establishment of a community Safe Space operating year-round, Sarah has helped reduce stigma, strengthen resilience, and save lives,” Mr Carstairs said.
The Rotary Club of Bridgetown’s years of community building was recognized with the Active Citizenship Award.
“Through dedication, collaboration and tireless volunteer effort, the Rotary Club of Bridgetown continues to deliver lasting benefits for our community,” Mr Carstairs said.
Citizen of the Year, Dr Sarah Youngson, on Australia Day.
Residents blast Talison’s noise and dust
The blast from Talison’s Greenbushes mine at 9.15am on Monday the 9th of February could be heard as far afield as Kangaroo Gully and the top of Reverend’s Ramble in Bridgetown, but blasting isn’t necessarily the biggest concern of Greenbushes’ residents.
It’s dust and the movement of loaded B-double trucks thundering through the town that annoys many of them.
Retired social work lecturer Dr Tom Barrett has called Greenbushes home for 17 years and is particularly concerned about the dust.
He’d like to see Talison commission a comprehensive independent assessment on Greenbushes’ residents
to determine the impact of dust on their health.
He said the very fine dust gets everywhere, constantly covering cars and homes.
“Some people have complained about coughing and eye irritations”
- Dr Tom Barrett
“I know the mine has done studies on this, from what I’ve read and say that there’s not a lot of contaminants in the dust that’s being emitted, but other things I’ve looked at say it’s supposed to contain silica, for example, and other contaminants,” Dr Barrett said.
“And it’s very fine and we’re constantly inhaling it now, which is a concern for COPD and other related respiratory conditions.
“Some people have complained about coughing and eye irritations,” he said.
A statistically significant study across a wide age group in Greenbushes could reveal whether or not there’s a problem, he said.
“It would give some idea of whether inhaling the stuff was causing issues, and if not it would be great relief for the townspeople that it’s no worse than normal dust,” he said.
He has mixed feelings about the prospect of moving residents out of town, saying that it raises the question of where people would move to.
“I didn’t come here with the idea of moving,” he said.
Stanifer Street residents Rick and Edna Fryer are also fed up with the dust that gets everywhere, and say it’s made worse by the movement of B-double trucks that run past the front of their home of 15 years.
Back then they liked the town’s quiet peaceful life with nice people.
“At that time the mine coexisted quite well with the community and everyone got along well,” Mr Fryer said.
“Things changed considerably when Talison started to ramp up everything,” he said, adding that ‘everybody’ got the impression that they weren’t really concerned about the residents.
The trucks are the couple’s biggest problem. Mr Fryer described them as loud and invasive.
He’s recorded the sound of passing trucks at up to 80 decibels. Anything above 85 decibels is considered harmful.
He said the main access to the mine runs straight through the town and he’d like to see that changed.
TPrevious managers had plans for a bypass road that never came to fruition, he said.
For Mr Fryer the dust is a bigger problem than the blasting, and it’s made worse by the trucks who stir it up.
He shares the community concerns with the health impacts of the dust.
“The dust is horrific. You can dust inside the house every day. Where it gets in, I don’t know, but it’s there.
“Every morning you have to clean the windscreen of the car before you go out.”
Dust on his solar panels is an even bigger problem.
And he argues that the road isn’t wide enough to accommodate the B-double trucks that pass through it.
“The road out there should not be used for what it’s been used for, it’s as simple as that,” he said.
“If you’re walking down the footpath it’s scary.”
Talison working to address problems
alison acknowledges that dust is a key concern for Greenbushes residents, but says things are improving.
“Dust exceedances halved in 2025 compared with 2024, and the last exceedance linked to operations occurred in February 2025,” a Talison spokesperson said.
“This improvement reflects a combination of increased dust suppression, additional watercarts, better use of wind forecasting, adjusted blast scheduling, improved street sweeping, and our Dust Trigger Action Response Plan.”
Realtime dust data from the mine is publicly available at www.talisonlithium.com/monitoring.
However, it recognises that improvements in monitoring data don’t always translate to people feeling that things have improved.
“We continue to work with the Stakeholder Reference Committee and the Grow Greenbushes Forum on further measures, including potential
support for cleaning solar panels and vehicles,” a spokesperson said.
Talison said it regularly tests dust generated by its operations, with analysis conducted by independent, NATA accredited laboratories.
Sampling
Its testing includes monthly samples over 8-hours for Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS), respirable dust and asbestos.
It samples for metals every six days by a HighVolume Sampler.
Respirable dust consists of smaller particles of dust that are associated with serious and often irreversible health effects.
All RCS samples to date, except one anomaly in May 2024, have been below detection limits. Respirable dust and asbestos were below the Practical Quantitation Limit.
Workforce exposure is monitored in line with Australian Standards and assessed against Safe
Work Australia Workplace Exposure Standards, with results reviewed by an independent Occupational Hygienist.
In areas of known exposure risk appropriate personal protective equipment, such as respiratory protection, is required.
Monitoring
Any work groups that have a known higher exposure risk of Respirable Crystalline silica also complete health monitoring for early detection of lung changes in line with Regulatory requirements.
Talison’s also progressing an expanded environmental monitoring program to support a long-term health risk assessment for the community.
Rick and Edna Fryer are fed up with the dust and traffic on Stanifer Street.
Dr Tom Barrett is concerned about the dust from the mine.
Two council resignations in two days
The Bridgetown-Greenbushes Shire lost two councilors in two days with the resignations of Councilor Tracy Lansdell on the 5th of February followed by Councilor Stephen Butler on the 6th.
Ms Lansdell has taken up the position of Community Development Officer with the Shire, and as an employee she’s no longer eligible to stand as a councilor.
She has been a councilor since 2021 and the Shire President from January 2025 to October 2025.
“While I’m leaving the council table, my commitment to our community remains as strong as ever,” Ms Lansdell said in a message on her Facebook page.
“I’m genuinely thrilled to focus fully on direct community engagement - working on the ground, building connections, and supporting initiatives that empower people.
“This hands-on work has always been where my heart is.
“I’m deeply grateful to the councillors I’ve had the privilege of working alongside since 2021, and for the experiences, collaborations, and relationships formed both locally and beyond during my time on council.
“Thank you all for your continued support. I’m excited for what lies ahead and truly look forward to working with the fabulous Shire team in my new role.”
The Shire thanked her for her leadership, dedication, and contribution to council and the community, while wishing Mr Butler well and also thanking him for his community service.
Mr Butler was elected in October 2025 and has resigned for personal reasons.
Simon Robinson and Andrew McRae, the next highest polling candidates from last October’s election, were sworn in as councilors at a ceremony on Thursday the 12th of February.
of Bridgetown-Greenbushes.
Is the path less travelled a dangerous trip?
Steere Street’s footpath is rapidly becoming the path less travelled for older Bridgetown residents, with many avoiding it because of the many cracks and ridges caused by the trees that line the road.
One of them is Jackie Howe, who relies on a mobility scooter to get around town.
Her Facebook post on the 13th of February revealed widespread concerns among older residents, especially mobility scooter users, though pedestrians have also reported stumbling in the dark.
Mrs Howe said the path is dangerous for pedestrians, scooter riders, mobility scooter users, and even people pushing prams.
“But the mobility scooters, they feel it more because they’ve got no suspension, and you’re fragile, you’ve got no suspension, no seat belt, you’ve got nothing round you,” Mrs Howe said.
“And goodness knows what it does to your mobility scooter.”
She said that while Nelson Street is also a problem, Steere Street is a bigger one.
“You want your independence, that’s what I reckon.”
She thinks the tree roots are causing the problem and thinks an engineering solution may be called for.
“I wouldn’t want to see the trees go, but on the other hand it should be fixed,” she said.
The Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes said it recognised that sections of the Steere Street footpaths need attention.
“I wouldn’t want to see the trees go, but on the other hand it should be fixed”
- Jackie Howe
“That is the main hub of the town … you have Drs’ surgeries, you’ve got the library, you’ve got the gym, the swimming pool, the whole lot that you really want to go to, especially as you get older you want the library and the Drs, and it’s almost inaccessible for someone who’s not able to drive anymore,” she said.
“As part of Council’s broader footpath asset management and long-term financial planning processes, officers will continue to assess condition, methods and cost implications across the network,” a Shire spokesperson said.
A report outlining potential approaches and associated cost considerations for future footpath renewal programs will be presented to Council in due course to inform budget workshops and prioritisation discussions, they said.
While footpaths have been identified as a priority within the Council Plan, Council hasn’t committed to specific streets or funding allocations for 2026/27 at this stage.
It said that any changes to funding levels for footpath maintenance or renewal will need to be considered alongside other Council priorities as part of the overall budget process.
Andrew McRae and Simon Robinson have been sworn in as new councillors for the Shire
Jackie Howe is unimpressed by the state of Steere street’s footpath.
Talison working to address problems
This includes an expanded air monitoring network and water, soil and vegetation sampling within a 10 km radius of the Greenbushes Lithium Operation.
Community sampling began in February, and installation of the new monitors will also take place throughout the month.
For further information, community members can contact: gbcontact@talisonlithium.com.
Blasting
As for the blasting, Talison says that it’s doing its best to reduce the impact on residents.
In January 2026 Talison investigated a blast that exceeded regulated airblast levels. Internal and external investigations confirmed it was a routine presplit blast, which is used to create clean, stable pit walls for safety, and can be louder than standard production blasts.
Changes
Following the investigations, Talison implemented several changes to reduce noise impacts.
These include optimising firing sequences, increasing the use of sand to cover blast holes, and reducing the number of holes fired simultaneously.
These measures are now in place for all presplit blasts. While all blasts since the initial limits were exceeded have remained below regulatory airblast limits, Talison said it acknowledges the increased impact residents report feeling.
It’s investigating potential external contributing factors, particularly towards Bridgetown, and continues refining blasting practices to minimise impacts wherever possible.
Blast notices are displayed in the Greenbushes townsite and are now also posted the day before on the Bridgetown and Greenbushes Facebook community noticeboards.
Giving a voice to country youth
The National Drug Research Group at Curtin University wants you to join their study that’s seeking to explore the experiences of “partygoing” country youth indulging Alcohol and other drug use, perceptions of risks and harms that young people experience in party situations, as well as benefits and strategies to staying safe at country parties.
Requirements
• Youth aged 18 - 24 years old.
• Live or have previously lived rurally in WA Wheatbelt, SouthWest and Great South ern (excluding within 30 kilometres of large regional areas such as Bunbury or Albany).
• Experienced country parties while living in the country i.e. you can reflect on earlier experience if you don’t currently live in the country.
Your Role
• Participate in an in depth 1 to 1.5 hour interview by virtual Teams meeting and by phone.
• Contribute to a study with the potential to inform future policy and services for Australian youth.
• All participant data will be grouped, and no one will be named or identified in the study results.
Benefit
Past studies conducted by the NDRI have incorporated youth perspective into the development of future programs. We cannot guarantee participants will receive any direct benefits from this study, but there is potential for future benefits to other young people. You will be reimbursed for your time.
How to Register
Contact Nyanda McBride to see if you meet the study entry criteria, and if so set an interview date and time. n.mcbride@curtin.edu.au or text 0429 936 793
Residential parks laws open for public comment
Western Australians are being encouraged to have their say on the laws governing residential parks, as the Cook Government begins a review to assess their effectiveness.
Reforms introduced in January 2022 strengthened protections for long stay tenants by improving mandatory disclosure requirements, removing without grounds terminations for site only agreements, prohibiting market rent reviews, and preventing operators from terminating fixed term agreements when a park is sold.
To support the review, the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety’s (LGIRS) Consumer Protection division has released a public discussion paper inviting community members, long stay tenants, park operators, local governments, and other stakeholders to provide feedback.
Consultation is open until Friday, 20 March 2026.
The review will consider key issues including whether tenants are adequately informed of the risk of being required to vacate a park, and if they receive sufficient information to inform their options when this occurs, whether operators need additional powers to address violent or threatening behaviour, and whether awareness of tenant and operator rights and obligations can be improved.
Further matters for consideration include whether rent increase notices should use clearer calculations to help tenants understand and verify the basis for a rent increase, and whether written agreements are being used as required under the Act.
Further information about the review, including details of how the WA community can have their say, is available on the LGIRS Consumer Protection website: www. consumerprotection.wa.gov.au/resiparkreview
MONTHS OF VOLUNTEER WORK BEARS FRUIT
Bridgetown’s Historical Society has taken another bold step forward with the official opening of its Orcharding Museum on Wednesday the 4th of February.
Speaking at the event, Historical Society President, Mary Elgar, said the new museum honours the work done over 160-odd years since orcharding started in Bridgetown.
“John Allnutt, and his amazing wife Kate, were the leaders of this industry that sustained Bridgetown for so long, starting in 1863,” Mrs Elgar said “Nelson Grange was the birthplace for so many pome and stone fruit varieties, but also the birthplace of the scourge of the district in blackberries.”
The museum has an array of historical orcharding machinery on display as well as detailed information panels covering the history of packaging sheds, apple varieties, dehydration methods for export, apple tourism, and more.
Mrs Elgar said it was a credit to the tradies “who did the hard yakka” and to the grant money from the Shire that enabled it.
But she also paid tribute to the countless hours of volunteer work from members of the Historical Society who brought the project to fruition.
“It is all too easy to be disparaging about rural museums, as mere repositories for ‘old stuff’, crowded and boring,” she said.
“Our museums show that being rural isn’t a hindrance to creating vibrant museums that will stand the test of time.”
WASH TRAILER SHED OPENS
Transition Bridgetown’s wash trailer has a new home at the Ashbil Community Gardens thanks to a grant from Lotterywest and funding for a water tank from Talison Lithium.
The Bridgetown-Greenbushes Shire also helped the cause with a service agreement paying for the wash trailer insurance.
The shed was officially opened on the 31st of January with a ribbon cutting event followed by a well-attended morning tea.
volunteers.
Jenny Dewing, Jennifer Schofield and Ingrid Barker cut the ribbon to officially open the shed.
PHOTO: MARK SCHNEIDER
Years of work have come to fruition for Mary Elgar and her hard-working
Historical machinery brings the museum to life.
Repair Cafe getting bigger and better
The Shire’s lesser hall was a hive of activity early on Saturday 21st of February as a range of skilled and enthusiastic volunteers set up shop for another of Transition Bridgetown’s Repair Cafes.
They may have started slowly, but as the word gets out the regular Repair Cafes are now starting to gather pace, with 42 visitors bringing no less than 51 items along for repairs in February.
With 48 items brought back to life and a successful repair rate of 94 per cent, February’s event was the most successful yet for Transition Bridgetown, which runs the event in conjunction with the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes.
“The high repair success rate reflects both the skill of the volunteer repairers and the collaborative spirit of participants,” said Transition Bridgetown’s Lisa Gibson.
The range of repairs available covered electrical and mechanical devices, textiles, tools, jewellery, wood, ceramics and glass.
“By repairing 48 items that may otherwise have been discarded, the Repair Café contributed directly to landfill diversion and waste reduction,” Ms Gibson said.
The Repair Cafe challenges the throw-away culture that’s so damaging to the environment by normalising repair as a practical and achievable option within the community.
And on top of all that it’s a great social event, with locals gathering for a chat and the chance to enjoy some really delicious morning tea.
If you’ve got something broken at home don’t throw it, stow it, and bring it along to the next Repair Cafe at the Lesser Hall to give it a chance at a second life.
Pete Seaward’s power tools workshop was a new feature of last month’s Repair Cafe.
Disclosure: the editor is a member of Transition Bridgetown.
For advertising features that really punch through, you can rely on the Bridgetown-Greenbushes Star
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COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL
The Downunder Country Music Weekend celebrates traditional country music and bush poetry.
With artists including Campfire Country, Shane Dickson, Early Kyle, Bill Rowley, Terry Bennetts, the Lansdell Family, and Rob Gunn to name a few.
There’s also old time dancing, bush poets and line dancing.
This is a great country music weekend
FRIDAY MARCH 20th - SUNDAY MARCH 22nd
Tickets available at the gate.
ON YER BIKE!
Pull on your lycra and saddle-up, because it’s time for the Rotary Tour of the Blackwood!
The Tour raises money and awareness for Blackwood Youth Action’s mental health projects across the Warren Blackwood Region.
There’s a course for everyone, including the 130km Full Tour, the Half ‘n’ Best, the Not-So-Cosy and the new Numbat Gravel Experience.
SATURDAY MARCH 28th
See www.blackwoodtour.info for details.
CEMETERY GHOST WALK BLACKWOOD REGEN FEST
Join Ada, the friendly ghost of Greenbushes, as she takes you for a stroll through the cemetery.
She will tell you tales of interesting women of the town.
$10/head which includes entry to the Greenbushes Discovery Centre.
This can be payable at the Centre or in cash at the Cemetery.
SUNDAY MARCH 8th 10am
BLACKWOOD RIVER ARTS TRAIL
Here’s your chance to engage with talented artists from across the Blackwood River Valley region.
Whether it’s painting, photography, jewellery, ceramics, mosaics, creative writing, music, theatre, or anything else, you’re sure to find the Blackwood River Arts Trail a thoroughly engaging experience.
Be sure to pick up your copy of The Arts Trail Guide for a comprehensive quide to what’s on along the trail.
SATURDAY MARCH 28th - MONDAY APRIL 6th
It’s on again - Brigetown’s annual expo of all things regenerative!
Do yourself and the planet a favour and head to the Ashbil Community Garden for a free celebration of everything sustainable. You’ll find free workshops and stalls from local producers, community groups and artisans.
Enjoy fabulous food and great coffee. There’s even a fashion parade!
SATURDAY MARCH 21st 9am - 1pm
BRIDGETOWN TROTS
It’s always a great day out at the Bridgetown Trots whether you win, lose or just break even for the day.
The Home of The Trots in the Lower South West is a harness racing tradition with a rich history dating back almost a century.
It’s country racing at its best, with food and drinks and a host of family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained.
SUNDAY MARCH 22nd 12pm
Bridgetown Sports Ground
People and Places Art Awards return
Following a ten-year hiatus and a successful relaunch in 2025, the Bridgetown-Greenbushes People and Places Art Awards return in 2026 for their second year back — bigger, bolder and ready to once again celebrate the talent of artists from near and far.
Hosted in the galleries of the Bridgetown-Greenbushes Visitor Centre, this much-loved awards program showcases both local creatives and visiting artists, capturing the spirit of our region through portraiture and landscape.
Two Exhibitions
The 2026 awards will unfold across two themed exhibitions:
The Archies – Portrait Exhibition (June 2026)
The awards program opens with The Archies, a portrait exhibition celebrating identity, character and community.
• Registrations close: 4pm, 27 May 2026
• Exhibition dates: 3 – 30 June 2026
• Opening night: 3 June 2026
Landscapes Exhibition (July 2026)
In July, the focus shifts to the natural beauty and built environments that define our region and beyond.
• Registrations close: 4pm, 24 June 2026
• Opening night: 1 July 2026
• Exhibition dates: 1 – 31 July 2026
Prize Categories
The People and Places Art Awards offer generous prizes across both exhibitions, encouraging participation from established artists, emerging creatives and young people.
Portrait Awards (The Archies)
• Best Portrait – $1,000
• Best Local Identity – $750
• Youth Category (12–24 years) – $500
• People’s Choice – $500
Landscape Awards
• Best Landscape – $1,000
• Best Local Landscape – $750
• Youth Category (12–24 years) – $500
• People’s Choice – $500
“Showcases both local creatives and visiting artists, capturing the spirit of our region through portraiture and landscape.”
The Youth Category continues to foster the next generation of artists, while the People’s Choice awards invite the community to have their say.
Be Part of the Return
The revival of the People and Places Art Awards marks an exciting chapter for arts and culture in Bridgetown-Greenbushes.
With strong community support and growing interest from artists across the region, the 2026 program promises vibrant exhibitions, well-attended opening nights, and a celebration of creativity that reflects the heart of our community.
Artists are encouraged to submit their work and be part of this evolving tradition. Registrations are now open.
Whether you are an artist, art lover or proud supporter of local culture, don’t miss the opportunity to experience the 2026 BridgetownGreenbushes People and Places Art Awards at the BridgetownGreenbushes Visitor Centre galleries.
For more information and to enter, see the website https://www. bridgetown.wa.gov.au/community/visitors-centre/bridgetown-greenbushesart-awards/2026-people-and-places-bridgetown-greenbushes-art-awards. aspx
Downunder Country heading our way
Some of WA’s best country performers are heading to the Showgrounds on the 20th, 21st and 22nd of March for the annual Downunder Country Music Weekend.
The event’s been running strong since 2011, though Covid brought an unwanted interruption, stopping the music for three years.
Organisers David and Therese Higginson say that while attendance has been down after Covid it still attracts an enthusiastic crowd of about 400 music fans from as far afield as Geraldton and Esperance.
It’s particularly popular with caravanners, with up to 200 finding a temporary home on the oval for the long weekend.
The Higginson’s own band, Campfire Country, will be one of the feature performers alongside “That Guy” Duncan Calder, Connie Kris Anderson, Darren Gillis, and many more.
Seven of the artists are entirely new to the Bridgetown stage.
Previous artists have been winners at the Tamworth Country music Festival, with one even stirring up the crowd at the legendary Grand Ol Opry in Nashville, Tennessee.
Therese and David Higginson are the driving force behind Downunder Country.
Local legends The Sisters of Corn will feature in the Gospel section on Sunday.
“The event is a non-stop concert on the outdoor stage,” Mr Higginson said.
“In the meal breaks we have line dancing and old-time dancing in the hall on the Showgrounds.”
Bush poetry is also a big part of the show.
He said the Bridgetown Agricultural Society had been “brilliant” helping them and it was a really good set-up.
SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL FOR GREENBUSHES BUILDER
Australians might be struggling through the worst housing shortage in decades, but Greenbushes builder Ryan Hyde reckons his tiny homes fashioned from shipping containers could go a long way to solving some of that problem.
Tucked away on the end of a gravel track between Bridgetown and Greenbushes, Mr Hyde’s building business is putting his metal working and carpentry skills to good use, creating stylish and liveable little spaces that can be picked up and put down almost anywhere.
They come complete with toilets and washrooms, full insulation and even double glazing. Optional extras include a hot water system, ceiling fans or reverse cycle airconditioning.
And while the median house price in Bridgetown is now hovering around $700,000, a well-appointed shipping container home from the Hyde Building Co. can be had for around $115,000.
While they may not suit everyone, they could be a great choice for single people, Air B ‘n’ Bs, or temporary accommodation.
Mr Hyde thinks his, and similar modular homes, could go a long way to solving the housing shortage if it wasn’t for red tape that frequently gets in the way.
Because while his homes meet all the building codes, shires sometimes reject them for no good reason other than their difference.
He thinks that Australia’s homes are just too big.
“Obviously the size of buildings that we live in is a little bit ridiculous,” he said.
“You don’t have to travel far around the world to realise that we’re on a massive scale compared to other people
“There are a lot of people in our society that would be quite happy to live in a one-bedroom unit on a block, but they’re not allowed to.
“This could serve a big part of the market I think, and it’s not just what we do – containers – modular prefabs, these concepts that have been around for a long time, we really need to start grabbing the bull by the horns and start using them.”
“There are a lot of people in our society that would be quite happy to live in a onebedroom unit on a block, but they’re not allowed to.”
Ryan Hyde’s tiny homes offer an affordable alternative to conventional housing.
ARTS TRAIL CELEBRATES
LOCAL TALENT
BRIDGETOWN ARTISTS SHINE
Among the featured artists at this year’s Arts Trail is Bridgetown painter and mixed media artist Su Berghuis-Garde, whose work explores her ideas of home.
Through painting, drawing, stitching, printmaking and writing she responds intuitively to thoughts, memories and passions, transforming deeply personal themes into shared universal experiences that connect us through images.
John Sanders’ ambitious metal sculptures include a full-size horse sculpture.
The Hester Brook artist enjoys transforming weathered materials into new forms that celebrate their history while breathing new life into them.
His practice continues to evolve, guided by curiosity, craftsmanship and his love of working with reclaimed metal.
It’s a long journey from Bridgetown to the Pilbara, but the state’s rugged north is the inspiration for much of Vivienne Litson’s ceramics.
Her early years in the region taught her a deep appreciation for Artesian water and our dependence on it which springs to life in her beautifully crafted ceramics.
The 2026 Blackwood River Arts Trail is shaping up as one of the most vibrant celebrations of creativity the region has seen.
What began as the Nannup Art Trail in 2020 has evolved into a multi week showcase spanning Bridgetown, Nannup, Balingup, Greenbushes and the surrounding areas.
This year’s trail features more than 37 venues featuring fine art, sculpture, textiles, ceramics, woodcraft and more.
The open studio format remains at the heart of the event, giving visitors the rare chance to step inside working studios, sheds, converted farm buildings and backyard workshops to see works in progress and talk directly with the makers.
Workshops, demonstrations and artist talks are scheduled throughout the event, giving emerging creators a platform and offering hands-on experiences for families and visitors.
Local cafés, wineries and small businesses have joined in, hosting pop-up exhibitions and extending opening hours to accommodate the influx of art lovers.
Bridgetown and Greenbushes boasts twelve venues this year including two that are new to the trail.
The Black Cockatoo Distillery on the river in Eedle Terrace is opening its doors just in time for the event.
This lovely venue will be hosting painter and ceramicist Rozanna Johnson.
The guide book is now available at the Visitors’ Centre and other venues around town. It’s also online: www.blackwoodriverartstrail.com.
The Blackwood River Film Festival is also not to be missed, with screenings in Bridgetown on the 4th April at the Repertory Theatre.
For many artists, the trail’s more than an exhibition—it’s a lifeline. Sales, commissions and new connections forged during the event often sustain their practice for the year ahead.
For the community, it’s a reminder of the creative talent embedded in the region’s hills, forests and river valleys.
As the Blackwood River Arts Trail enters its next chapter, its blend of artistry, hospitality and placebased storytelling continues to set it apart.
Sue Berghuis-Garde
Vivienne Litson
LOWER SOUTH WEST TALENT SET TO SHINE AT BRIDGETOWN AUTUMN CARNIVAL
The Bridgetown Trotting Club will celebrate the strength of harness racing in the Lower South West when it hosts its annual Autumn Carnival meetings on Sunday, March 22nd and Sunday, April 12th.
Although the club conducts just two race days each season, its footprint in the region is far broader.
More than 40 local participants — many of them family-based operations — are involved in owning, training or breeding standardbreds, creating a network of year-round racing activity.
That grassroots involvement continues to deliver results on the track.
This season alone, horses with Lower South West connections recorded 77 wins and amassed more than $1 million in prizemoney — a remarkable return for a regional community.
Among the highlights has been the success of local owner Peter Bloxsome, whose racing interests earned more than $200,000 this season.
His consistent performer Arionrock secured five wins and recently captured the Albany Cup.
Breeding strength in the district has also been evident, with Graeme “Grumpy” Waters-bred Majic Bay and This Time Jacko each recording five victories during the season.
Manjimup connections have enjoyed significant success through Lazi Dais and Thelittle Master, the latter recently claiming “The Nights of Thunder” at Gloucester Park.
The pair have combined for more than $150,000 in stakes earnings.
Greenbushes owner-trainer Ray Jones enjoyed a productive Busselton season with his newcomer
Dawson, while Lavra Joe has returned to openclass competition at Gloucester Park.
Club representatives say the Autumn Carnival is about more than racing success.
“Bridgetown may only race twice a year, but harness racing runs through this community,” a club spokesperson said.
“It’s a chance to showcase local talent, bring families together and celebrate what regional racing contributes to the broader industry.”
The carnival features kid’s activities alongside full on-course canteen, betting and bar facilities, offering a relaxed, family-friendly day out.
With strong regional representation and continued metropolitan success, the Autumn Carnival promises to again highlight the Lower South West’s important role in Western Australia’s harness racing landscape.
Local trainer Graeme “Grumpy” Waters and the stylishly dressed Flying Coppa.
Boyup Brook triumphs in Pennants Grand Final
Team Captain Anne Waters’ bottom lip was pouting after the Bridgetown Ladies team’s disappointing loss to Boyup Brook in the Pennants Grand Final on Wednesday the 11th of February.
The loss came following a “cut-throat” semi-final victory also over Boyup Brook the previous week at the neutral Donnybrook club.
That win sent Bridgetown straight to a home Grand Final.
But revenge was just around the corner for the Boyup Brook visitors.
Early on Bridgetown’s first team found themselves struggling at 10-0 down before launching an inspiring comeback to draw 18-18 with Boyup Brook.
“They obviously pulled out all the stops,” Mrs Waters said.
However its second team couldn’t match Boyup Brook’s, going down 17-13 in a disappointing end to the season for the Bridgetown ladies.
“We tried to claw back every end, but they were just too good,” she said.
“The skipper didn’t perform – myself I mean,” she said with a laugh.
Pennants is the keen competitive edge of Bridgetown’s Bowling Club, with a season that runs from October to February each year, though there’s plenty of scope for a social game of bowls all year if the weather’s good.
Social games are run on Sunday and Thursday mornings.
There are also corporate competitions with local businesses nominating teams from their staff.
Bowls remains one of the most democratic of sports, being available for all ages and athletic abilities.
“There are plenty of people out there who play with a stick if they can’t bend or if they have a bad back,” Mrs Waters said.
“At one stage when people did start using a stick it had to be for medical reasons. Now anyone can use a stick,” she said.
“In our league we have had people in their 80s and early 90s,” she said.
While she’d like to see more young people involved she appreciates that it’s difficult for them with work commitments and many going further afield for work.
It’s a different situation in Perth, where there are plenty of young people taking up the game and playing competitively.
In its heyday many years ago the Bridgetown club had three full greens, but today it’s reduced to just one synthetic green.
Synthetic greens are now the norm locally, being cheaper and easier for the club’s volunteers to maintain than the traditional grass.
Mrs Waters says that bowls brings out the different personalities in team skippers and as a skipper she always aims to encourage her players and bring out their best.
“We’re proud of our girls,” she said.
“We tried to claw back every end, but they were just too good.”
Karen Pankhurst sends one down in the Ladies Pennants Grand Final.
