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02 - 11 : NEWS

13 - 16 : LIFESTYLE

19 - 20 SPORT

Camp School’s future uncertain

Perennial Plants in Permaculture Good times roll at Leisure Centre

Bulldogs’ Dog Day Afternoon Grand Final

Purple pandemonium!

This anonymous worker has blown the whistle on Talison’s poor workplace culture and lax safety standards.

TALISON’S WORKPLACE TURMOIL A WorkSafe Improvement Notice has revealed a workplace culture in crisis.

alison’s General Manager of Operations, David de Vries, has been sacked in the midst of a toxic workplace culture and a dismissive approach to safety that’s seen it served with an Improvement Notice from WorkSafe It’s facing legal action and fines if it doesn’t improve its practices. Mr de Vries left Talison on Friday the 11th of September. WorkSafe’s Improvement Notice lists a whole gamut of psychosocial hazards that the department alleges contravene the Work Health and Safety (Mines) Regulations 2022. Psychosocial hazards They include excessive job demands; inadequate resourcing; limited worker influence over workload; conflicting work expectations and role ambiguity; leadership conduct and workplace behaviours; inadequate toilet facilities; and areas of work contaminated with animal faeces.

The Notice states that the Department’s survey of the mines’ operation identifies workers’ psychological distress, tiredness, nervousness or anxiety, low mood or depression, hopelessness and feelings of worthlessness. It rejects Talison’s attempts to address WorkSafe’s concerns as inadequate and incomplete, and has threatened the company with fines of $285,000 for failing to comply with the Notice. One former Talison employee who can’t be named for legal reasons has turned whistleblower. Her employment was terminated by the company after working for them for nearly three years. She’s scathing of its work culture, saying safety concerns are readily dismissed. Under its new managers concerns which they don’t see as relevant are “swept under the carpet.” “If you do bring things up that make them look bad, or challenge them, then you basically put a big target on your back,” she said. She’s a stickler for workplace safety. “From the moment I walked in the door I fairly rocked the boat, I even challenged my coordinator

on safety topics, I constantly was brought into the office to get talked to because I spoke up too much at meetings.” Safety incidents ignored She alleges that potentially fatal incidents that were anonymously reported were routinely ignored, with only one of them investigated. Job descriptions are vague or non-existent and she got “no support whatsoever” from management. It’s particularly bad for women workers, she alleges, and says the first female coordinator in the maintenance department quit after growing tired of the “boy’s club” atmosphere. “She had no support whatsoever and she just couldn’t stand the way she was being treated as well.” She thinks the problem with Talison is that it’s grown exponentially and too fast and they don’t have the proper policies and procedures in place. That, and the pressure to make money and meet the board of directors’ expectations, is costing people their jobs. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

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BRIDGETOWN-GREENBUSHES STAR OCTOBER 2026

TALISON’S WORKPLACE TURMOIL

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Employment was becoming “like a revolving door” and a place where no one wanted to work, and the company wasn’t looking after the locals, she said. Her views have been echoed by another Talison employee who also needed to remain anonymous. He’s one of many disgruntled Talison workers who’ve been effectively silenced by legal confidentiality demands on them. Union concerns Workplace safety has also been raised by the Electrical Trades Union of WA. In March this year union members downed tools for several hours after going to work on a substation and finding it was live when they hadn’t been notified of it. Other safety incidents reported in The West Australian at the time have involved a large steel beam becoming dislodged and swinging dangerously near workers on a platform, and a ball mill used for grinding and crushing ore suddenly rotating unexpectedly. Talison admits the incidents should not have happened but that they acted immediately, shut down the areas concerned and addressed the problem. The Bridgetown-Greenbushes Star requested an interview with Talison and sent a detailed list of 13 questions concerning the workplace culture, safety,, staff turnover, and the dismissal of Mr de Vries, among over things. Questions ignored Talison refused an interview request and ignored our questions but sent a written response. “Our priority is ensuring everyone at Talison feels safe, respected and supported at work,” a Talison spokesperson said.

Employment was becoming ‘like a revolving door’ and a place where no one wanted to work and the company wasn’t looking after the locals ...

Disgruntled workers think safety has taken a back seat to production at the Greenbushes minesite. “We recognise the importance of listening to our people and continuing to strengthen the systems, behaviours and culture that support their wellbeing. “We take these matters seriously and will continue working with our people to improve our workplace and the regulator as part of that ongoing improvement.

“We do not comment on individual employment matters.” A WorkSafe spokesperson said WorkSafe inspectors conduct hundreds of site visits each year and take appropriate compliance and enforcement action, including issuing notices, in accordance with the WorkSafe compliance and enforcement policy.

NEWS

BRIDGETOWN-GREENBUSHES STAR OCTOBER 2026

Open Day shines through the rain I

The rock climbing was a hit with the young ones.

t was months in the preparation, and an impressive demonstration of the company’s role in the community, but the weather gods weren’t smiling on Talison’s Open Day on Saturday the 19th of September. But not even the wind and rain could keep Bridgetown and Greenbushes residents away from an event that was complete with big machines, demonstrations of technical know-how, as well as displays from community groups, and talks on the company’s contribution. Out on the mine’s wind-swept Internal Mine Lookout Talison employees demonstrated the technology behind mine movements and weather monitoring systems. A short walk away among the equipment was a dump truck the size of a house giving visitors a chance to climb up and take a peek into the driver’s seat. Back at the oval were contractor displays and a range of activities. The youngsters were enjoying the rock climbing. Community groups like BYA and Blackwood Biosecurity enjoyed the opportunity of showcasing their important work to the locals. “This year’s Open Day was our biggest yet, and it was fantastic to welcome so many family, friends and community members to Greenbushes to see our operation first-hand and meet the people behind it,” said to Talison’s Head of External Affairs, Joanna McKenzie “Open Day is an important opportunity for us to open our doors, answer questions and share what we do. Visitors could see the scale of the operation from the Internal Mine Lookout, learn more about our environmental monitoring and community programs, and speak directly with our teams and contractors.”

Joshua Beynon with Talison’s very own child-measuring robot.

NEWS

BRIDGETOWN-GREENBUSHES STAR OCTOBER 2026

HENRI’S WELLBEING CENTRE ENTERS NEW ERA

Emerging artists to shine at Blues

Boy and Bear will feature at this year’s Blues at Bridgetown.

lues at Bridgetown celebrates blues, roots and musical styles that expand the original forms of the genre. This year organsiers have assembled a cracking lineup of well-known and emerging artists, led by Boy and Bear, Pierce Brothers, Deak Harp and Quicksand, Rachelle Coba and Nico Wayne Toussaint and The Backsliders They’ll be joined by 19-Twenty; Andrew Winton; Anna Scionti; Art of Dysfunction; Ben Flournoy Trio; Ben Jansz; Blue and Bird; Boss Stomp; Frank Sultana Blues Band; Cam Walter Blues; Charlie Youngson Trio; Don’t Tell Daisy; El Diablo; End of Fashion; Fiona Boyes; LamBros.; Lightnin’ Jack; Lloyd Spiegel Trio; Maple, Martin Lee Cropper; Mary Myfanwy; Mitch King; Moondog Blues Band; Natural Boogie; Owen Campbell; Rhys Crimmin; Smoke Stack Rhino; Stellar Moon and The Dark Knights; Tall Shaun and The Resolution; The DooDaddies; The Gray Brothers; The Sisters Of Corn With Daun; The Steele Syndicate; Toby Beard; Zevon Lee; Tracey Barnett; Navy June; and more. Plus, there’s the legendary Saturday Street Party with a huge range of vendors selling food and wares in the main street. Tickets are on sale now, via bluesatbridgetown.com.au where all package details can be found. Blues at Bridgetown is a non-profit community association producing an annual music festival since 1993. Held in the second week of November each year, the three-day festival showcases blues and roots music, attracting visitors from across the state, interstate and overseas.

Henri Nouwen House will be officially rebranded Henri’s Wellbeing Centre at a Community Open Day.

enri Nouwen House’s 34 year history of providing counselling and support for the Bridgetown community will be embarking on a new chapter when it rebrands as Henri’s Wellbeing Centre. The organisation is expanding its commitment to providing a welcoming, inclusive space providing local support, connection and wellbeing. Henri’s provides a supportive, confidential environment to explore concerns, as well as guided relaxation, and individual support or counselling when it’s needed between sessions.

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It will celebrate the occasion with a formal opening and a family-friendly community open day on Saturday the 17th of October, starting at 10.00am at 16 Hester Street. The opening ceremony will honour the legacy of founder Elizabeth Walsh, while also unveiling the centre’s future direction. The public are invited to come along and enjoy the live entertainment, a free sausage sizzle, a jumble sale, a creative art activity and a baked goods sale.

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BRIDGETOWN-GREENBUSHES STAR OCTOBER 2026

Camp School’s future still uncertain

he future of the historic old Bridgetown Hospital, which more recently served as the Camp School, remains uncertain with the Shire keen to find out the Department’s plans for the site. The Roe Street building’s construction dates back to 1887. It’s a heritage listed building significant for its original Federation Bungalow building and its later additions that served the district as its hospital until 1978. According to the Heritage Council the building contains the original residence built for the Regional Surveyor in 1887. In 1899 it was converted into a hospital, with minor renovations completed in 1914. On the 30th April 1936 major additions to the hospital were officially opened by the Minister for Health, Mr SW Munsie. Further renovations were carried out in 1941, including additions to the nurses’ quarters. The old hospital closed in 1978 with the opening of the new one in Peninsula Road. The Heritage Council values it because the original structure is in good-to-very good condition and well preserved, saying that the original house and hospital layout gives it a very high research value. Its listing of the building says the old Bridgetown Hospital was of great social value, just like any other, but has remained very socially important, bringing school children to Bridgetown, often for their first time, as part of the Camp School experience. The sticking point in the building’s future is the asbestos in it.

The old Camp School is a valuable community resource in very good condition, but asbestos is a problem.

“So far the Department isn’t saying much about its future, other than they have no plans to demolish any of it.”

The Department of Education Infrastructure’s Executive Director Anna Brown said the Bridgetown Camp School was built during a period when asbestos was commonly used in construction. An asbestos register is maintained for the site and identifies the locations of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) across the property. The Department of Education has a comprehensive Asbestos Management Plan, which outlines procedures to ensure asbestos-related matters are managed appropriately and in time. Until 2018, the Department of Education operated the Bridgetown Camp School, at which

time Fairbridge WA Incorporated took over its operation under a leasing arrangement. Fairbridge stopped operating it in 2022 as a result of Covid, and closed it completely at the end of 2023. So far, the Department isn’t saying much about its future, other than that they have no plans to demolish any of it. They’re still evaluating options for it. While the Shire hasn’t adopted a formal position on its future, it’s keen to get an answer from the Department and to keep it on its agenda. It doesn’t want this valuable community asset just forgotten about.

NEWS

BRIDGETOWN-GREENBUSHES STAR OCTOBER 2026

Purple pandemonium erupts at the Bridgetown Club B By Mark Schneider

ridgetown’s Dockers tragics gathered at the Bridgetown Club anticipating a Preliminary Final victory and their date with destiny. For this long-suffering Dockers supporter, football isn’t a matter of life or death, it’s far more important than that. With goals in short supply early on it was an inauspicious start to the evening with little to cheer about for the faithful gathered round the big screen. The mood was downbeat and an ominous air descended upon the gathering. But the food and drinks were in plentiful supply and spirits lifted after half time with the Dockers just 19 points down by half time. Things weren’t going the Dockers’ way but hope sprung eternal when Hayden Young nailed a beauty. Was there a pulse left in the Dockers? Down by 21 points at three-quarter time, the Dockers had a mountain to climb, but yes, they still had a pulse, and a pulse was all that was needed to spring the greatest final quarter comeback in Dockers’ history. What followed was 30 minutes of purple pride and pandemonium at the Bridgetown Club with members jumping out of their seats and roaring with delight at every glorious goal. When Cox marked and kicked truly to put the Dockers in front again Wharfie Time was duly declared. Another goal from Dudley sealed it for the men in purple, the Dockers tragics in the Bridgetown Club went nuts, and the rest was history.

Above: The faithfull gathered at the Bridgetown Club to cheer every goal.

Jacky Burgess and Patrick Quinlivan.

Middy, Steve, Taylor, Kevin, Bryan and Alison relaxing at half-time.

Chris Nott, Irene Stephens and Paul Stephens.

Hazel and Terry McKay.

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BRIDGETOWN-GREENBUSHES STAR OCTOBER 2026

Her customers have been complaining about it nonstop.

The parking spot’s gone but visibility has been improved at the Steere and Stewart Street intersection.

Steere Street hazard removed The removal of two car parking spots has sparked controversy.

driving hazard that’s been an ongoing issue since 2017 has finally been eliminated with the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes’ removal of two parking places on Steere Street, but not everyone is happy about it. One of the former parking spots is on the corner of Stewart and Steere Streets in front of the newsagent, while the other is directly opposite, adjacent to the Shire’s parking area. Their removal solves the problem of a significant blind spot for cars entering Steere Street that was created when cars were parked there. Shire CEO Garry Adams said community consultation was carried out between 2019 and 2020 on the design.

“The primary objective of it was to make it safer coming out of the carpark, and also coming out of Stewart Street,” Mr Adams said. However other budgeting priorities meant the work was delayed until this year. He said at the recent council meeting a number of concerns were raised about parking in general and those two bays in particular. The Shire would be implementing some time restrictions in the civic car park, so two bays directly next to Steere Street will be 20 minute parking, while the first row of bays will be limited to two hour parking. They’re also examining an extra two bays in Stewart Street. Unhappy Hayley However, the owner of the Bridgetown Newsagency, Hayley Thorpe, is unhappy about the parking spot’s removal and says her customers have been complaining about it too. She said she’s been objecting to its removal for nine years, along with other shop owners in the street.

When she asked about it at the shire this year she said she was told that it wouldn’t be going ahead, so it came as an unwelcome surprise when workers started marking it out and going to work. Her customers have been complaining about it “non-stop” she said. “It’s a huge issue because a lot of my customers are elderly and a lot of them can’t walk far,” she said. Uneven roads, the railway and distance all posed problems for them. She also rejects that visibility was a problem, saying that it was no worse than anywhere else in town.

BRIDGETOWN-GREENBUSHES STAR OCTOBER 2026

NEWS

Transition Bridgetown chasing award T

ransition Bridgetown put its best case forward for a Tidy Towns Sustainable Communities Award on Thursday the 17th of September when judges Julie Gibbs and Linda Walker headed to the Ashbil Community Garden to hear the evidence. They told a persuasive story, with Transition Bridgetown’s Chairperson Ingrid Barker telling them about the history and valuable role of Transition Bridgetown’s Wash Against Waste Trailer and Repair Café. Transition’s volunteers talked about working on the wash trailer and of its important role in reducing waste at community events. People attending events had told them about the pleasure of using real cutlery and crockery and not having to wash up themselves afterwards. The Repair Café was also making a great contribution when it comes to diverting waste from the tip, putting into practice the mantra of “repair, don’t replace”. For people bringing items in for repair it can be a great experience to hear and learn from the talented repairers, while saving them money on replacing items into the bargain. But it’s clearly also a positive experience for the repairers who get to put their skills into practice for the community. The Tidy Towns Sustainable Communities Award recognises regional and remote communities demonstrating effective litter and environmental action, with positive community engagement. Disclosure: Author Mark Schneider is a committee member of Transition Bridgetown.

The Repair Café was also making a great contribution when it comes to diverting waste from the tip, putting into practice the mantra of “repair, don’t replace”.

Transition Bridgetown members with judges Julie Gibbings and Linda Walker.

BRIDGETOWN-GREENBUSHES STAR OCTOBER 2026

NEWS 10

BRIDGETOWN-GREENBUSHES STAR OCTOBER 2026

NEWS

Blue tractor raises mental health awareness

lue trees are appearing across Western Australia in all sorts of places, sparking conversations and raising awareness of mental illness in the community. On a brisk Spring morning on Saturday the 12th of September Bridgetown unveiled its own distinctly agricultural take on the blue tree movement in the shape of a blue tractor at the entrance to town near the tennis club. Welcoming Bridgetown’s early risers to the event, Dr Sarah Youngson acknowledged those with lived experience of mental illness and suicide and those struggling with life today. She then moved on to introduce the work of the Bridgetown-Greenbushes Suicide Prevention Network, otherwise known as the Bee Gees. “We formed three years ago after a well-known member of our community lost their life to suicide,” Dr Youngson said. “Out of our grief and sadness came a need to do something positive to avoid further losses. “One of our main goals is to destigmatise suicide and, by default, help-seeking. “This is particularly important in a rural community like ours, where ‘everyone knows everyone’ and the stigma of mental illness and suicide is very real. “We want to build skills in each and every one of us to better respond to the needs of people in distress or having thoughts of suicide. “Just like CPR, we wanted to upskill our community to know what to do when someone we care about is suffering. “We want to raise awareness of how real and how serious suicide and suicidal thoughts are. “And we want to give people hope and knowledge that they are not alone in their suffering.” She pointed out that every day nine Australians commit suicide, and every day families, friends and communities are impacted by devastating losses. Following the tractor’s unveiling those attending took a stroll to Pioneer Park before returning to the tennis club and a breakfast of bacon and egg burgers, coffee and juice. “The walk is an opportunity for us to come together and to support one another in the spirit of ensuring that no-one has to face their darkest moments alone,” Dr Youngson said. “We may be here today to walk to remember a loved one, as a personal tribute for a friend or family member, or to show our support for those in our community experiencing emotional distress or mental illness. “Through connection, compassion and hope, we have united today as a community to raise awareness, overcome stigma and commit to preventing further deaths by suicide. “For those of us who have lost someone to suicide, I really want to acknowledge though that

Dr Sarah Youngson with Mike Fletcher and Colin Booth, who helped bring the project to life. sometimes, no amount of conversation, kind words, reaching out, expressions of concern and caring, can stop someone we love reach a place of unbearable pain. “We can’t always save someone. It’s not our fault. What we can do is keep choosing kindness, love and care. And keep turning up.” The Blue Tree Project is a mental health charity that began in 2019 after the tragic loss of Jayden Whyte, a much-loved son, brother and friend to suicide in 2018. The initiative began as a grassroots project in regional Western Australia which has grown into a widely recognised and impactful global charity.

Painting trees and other landmarks blue serves as a visible invitation to start conversations about mental health. The colour is intentionally striking: it encourages people to pause, ask questions and check in with one another. The project promotes help-seeking and connection, particularly in regional communities. Bridgetown’s new blue tractor is a reminder that the community cares about mental health and that no one need suffer alone, because help is available. “This tractor has, from its inception, to creation, to today, been a shining example of community generosity and care,” Dr Youngson said.

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BRIDGETOWN-GREENBUSHES STAR OCTOBER 2026

Perennial plants for the future

Permaculture wisdom from Mike Kaye

n 2020, the bare supermarket shelves of the COVID-19 pandemic shone a spotlight on just how fragile our food system is. It’s brilliant to see more people growing their own vegetables at home. But doing so can also highlight some of the challenges of relying heavily on annual crops. On a commercial scale, annual vegetables and grains are often grown as monocultures, requiring significant inputs of fertilisers, pesticides and machinery. These practices can contribute to waterway pollution, reduce soil carbon, degrade soil structure through repeated tillage and leave us with food that may have travelled thousands of kilometres before reaching the supermarket shelf. Even in our home gardens, the challenges can be discouraging. Some modern vegetable varieties have been bred to perform particularly well with high levels of fertiliser, but may be more vulnerable to snails, slugs, slaters and disease when grown in a diverse, low-input garden. For new gardeners, repeated crop failures can quickly become disheartening. For these reasons, permaculture practitioners are often particularly interested in perennial and biennial plants. Growing for the long term Perennial plants are those that continue growing for multiple seasons. A globe artichoke, for example, can produce for several years, while an apple tree can potentially provide fruit for decades — and, in some cases, centuries. All plants are vulnerable during their early stages of life, particularly when grown from seed. However, many perennial vegetables, including rhubarb, asparagus and globe artichokes, can be propagated through crown division. This can be a reliable way to establish new plants while also creating an abundance that can be shared with friends, neighbours and the wider community. Biennial plants can also offer an alternative to constantly replanting annual vegetables. In my own garden, I grow broccolini and silverbeet, both of which can continue producing for multiple seasons under the right conditions. One of the great advantages of these plants is their ability to produce abundant seed. Each year, when you collect seed from your strongest and healthiest plants, you are effectively selecting for plants that are better adapted to your local environment. I collect broccolini and silverbeet seeds from my strongest plants in late summer and store them in a paper bag in a dry cupboard.

Permaculture offers a practical approach to better food security. Before long, you can have an abundance of seed to share with others and use to grow the next generation. You can also allow some plants to self-seed, letting them germinate naturally when conditions are right. It’s a wonderful way to work with nature rather than constantly starting from scratch. Permaculture draws inspiration from Indigenous cultures around the world that have developed ways of producing food in close relationship with their local environments. Many traditional food systems made extensive use of perennial plants, trees and other long-lived crops. In North America, Indigenous peoples made use of foods such as American chestnuts and acorns, including acorn flour. Australian Aboriginal people traditionally harvested a remarkable diversity of native foods, including wattle seeds, tubers, berries and nuts. In South America, Indigenous people have managed and shaped the Amazon rainforest for

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thousands of years, creating highly productive landscapes containing perennial food plants. Even our British ancestors made use of common land, where people could forage for nuts and graze pigs on acorns. Planting for future abundance Today, there are countless wonderful fruit and nut trees that we can plant to create abundance and greater food security for the future. Once established, many perennial plants require less ongoing labour than annual crops, while trees can provide food, shade, habitat for wildlife and contribute to healthier soils. Perhaps the most exciting thing about growing perennial food is that we aren’t simply producing this year’s harvest — we’re investing in future abundance. So plant a tree, save some seed, share your surplus and grow some food for your grandchildren! And if you’d like to share in the abundance, I’m very happy to help you get started. Mike Kaye Postcode Permaculture 6255

LIFESTYLE

BRIDGETOWN-GREENBUSHES STAR OCTOBER 2026

Local author captures a gay old time in 1960s London HOUSING CRISIS Dear Sir, I’ve just read the front-page article from the Bridgetown-Greenbushes Star newspaper, August 2026. I am disgusted that Ms Walton is paying $300 weekly for this hovel. If we didn’t have so much immigration there would be more choices for rentals. Our forefathers fought for a better Australia. Kerralie Russell Maryborough Victoria

Adrian Stead’s novel is set in 1960s London. Local author Adrian Stead’s novel reaches into the past to tell a tale of forbidden love.

t 71, Bridgetown resident Adrian Stead decided it was time to write the novel that had lingered in the back of his mind for decades. After a career in finance and commerce in the UK and Australia — work that involved producing operation manuals, training courses and highly structured writing — Adrian felt an irresistible pull to let his creative instincts take charge. The result is The Lost Sketchbook, his inaugural novel, set in 1961 London, a city and era he knows well. The book marks a dramatic shift from technical writing to storytelling, and it is only the beginning. A follow-up novel is already in development, and a companion history book, Hidden Lives, drawn from his research, is also underway. Adrian brings a strong academic and professional background to his craft. He holds degrees in English Language, Literature and Business, has worked as an educator, and is a qualified editor and proofreader — skills he happily shares with fellow writers navigating the complexities of editing. Born in England, Adrian moved from Perth to Bridgetown in 2016, settling into a picturesque home with his artist wife, Brenda, and their two cats, Pinot and Merlot. The tranquillity of the region provides an ideal backdrop for writing, but the themes of his novel are far from gentle.

“I wrote The Lost Sketchbook because I wanted to give voice to the countless queer lives that history has too often silenced,” Adrian said. The late 1950s and early 1960s were rich in art, literature and post-war optimism, yet for queer men they were marked by secrecy, fear and persecution. The Wolfenden Report — which eventually led to the decriminalisation of homosexual behaviour in the UK — was still years away, and the laws that imprisoned Oscar Wilde remained in force. His novel explores how beauty and brutality can coexist in the same moment, the same city, even the same life. The Turner/Byron sketchbook at the centre of the story becomes a symbol of desire, obsession and vulnerability. Through protagonists Robert and Jonathan, Adrian illuminates the tenderness of queer domestic life and the devastating risks of loving in a world where that love was criminal. The story honours men who lived in the shadows yet loved bravely. Jonathan’s fate reflects the tragedies many endured, while Robert’s journey speaks to resilience and longing. “Ultimately,” Adrian says, “the novel is my attempt to reclaim a piece of that history and celebrate the beauty of queer love.” Adrian’s literary tastes are eclectic — from Hardy and Dickens to Tolkien, Le Carré, Christie and Donna Leon — and his interests range from history and music to rugby and the Luton Town football club. The Lost Sketchbook is available as an ebook or paperback at adrianstead.com.

It was a pleasant surprise to get a letter to the editor all the way from Victoria, and it arrived the old-fashioned way hand-written in an envelope no less! We have readers from far and wide, apparently, but if our Victorian readers can put pen to paper what’s wrong with our locals? C’mon folks! Get those keyboards clicking, or just put pen to paper and send in some Letters to the Editor to get people thinking! Email them to editor@bridgetownstar.com or post them (remember that?) to PO Box 523 Bridgetown 6255.

Always keep that receipt Wise words from Consumer Affairs

consumer recently told us they paid cash for an end-of-lease clean, only to find the job wasn’t done properly. When they contacted the business, the operator denied the work and said they had no record of payment. Without a receipt, proving what was agreed to was difficult. Receipts aren’t just for products or meals — they’re essential for services like cleaning, plumbing, electrical work or landscaping. Under Australian Consumer Law, businesses must provide proof of purchase for transactions over $75, and must supply one within seven days for smaller purchases if requested. Proof can be a receipt, tax invoice, handwritten note or digital record. Consumers can also request itemised bills. Even without a receipt, rights still apply, but disputes are harder to resolve. Always ask for proof of purchase and keep related documents to protect yourself.

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BRIDGETOWN-GREENBUSHES STAR OCTOBER 2026

Rollerskating in Bridgetown has gone from strength to strength ...

Father’s Day saw dads and their kids getting on their skates and doing laps of the Leisure Centre.

Good times roll at the Leisure Centre Rollerskating is drawing young and old to the Leisure Centre

ather’s Day started off on a roll for many dads and their kids this year with a special session at the Leisure Centre that saw them getting their skates on and lapping the courts. Rollerskating in Bridgetown has gone from strength to strength in the four years since a six person volunteer committee took over a struggling privately-run enterprise running skating groups for youngsters in the Leisure Centre. Today it’s even making a modest profit running groups year-round from February through to December. Talison has helped with a recent funding grant, paying for hire of the two courts, while advertising and Facebook has helped promote the pastime and kept it front of mind for many of its enthusiastic skaters.

Bridgetown Rollerskating Inc.’s Secretary Ally Brennan has been skating since she was very young and is still rolling around gracefully at 60. You’ll find her smiling face on the entrance desk. Sessions run on Friday nights and Sundays on alternate weeks, with an average of 25-30 participants lapping the courts. Ms Brennan said she’d seen as many as 60 in a session. Participants don’t even need their own skates, with a big range always available for hire. There are prizes and games during the sessions, while theme nights provide plenty to keep the kids engaged, with some going all out with impressive costumes. And if you’re new to skating that’s no problem. Kylie Webb is an accredited teacher who provides lessons from 9.30 on Sunday mornings.

Right: Julie Calder (left) and Kylie Webb are keen to help skaters hire the perfect set of skates.

LIFESTYLE

BRIDGETOWN-GREENBUSHES STAR OCTOBER 2026

WHAT’S ON

Beneath the Canopy A walk for walkers Discover the secrets of Dalgarup proposed nature reserve

Blackwood Relay

BENEATH THE CANOPY

ON YER BIKE BRIDGETOWN!

Inspired by Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, this glitter-drenched tribute is a joyous celebration of music, friendship and unapologetic self-expression. The show blends powerhouse vocals, heartfelt storytelling and cheeky comedy with the disco anthems audiences love. Dragged Through The Desert delivers big voices, dazzling costumes and pure feelgood nostalgia wrapped in warmth and wit.

Discover the secrets of the proposed Dalgarup Nature Reserve in a walk with Greens MLC Jess Beckerling. You have the choice of an eight-kilometre walk, or a 12-kilometre walk if you’re feeling particularly fit and ambitious. Come an explore this beautiful forest and discover for yourself why people are so determined to save it. To find out more or to register email savedalgarup@gmail.com

To celebrate the 2026 Gravel World Championship, The Warren Blackwood Alliance of Councils along with WestCycle present the Bridgetown Rainbow Ride. It’s an all ages family-oriented event comprising a community gravel ride, kids skills activity, local vendors and more. It features a relaxed 15 km Rainbow Ride, with an additional 8 km ride option for younger riders, plus kids’ activities and a family-friendly event village.

THURSDAY 1st OCTOBER 7.30pm -9.30pm Bridgetown Rep Theatre

SUNDAY 11th OCTOBER 27km west of Bridgetown

MONDAY 5th OCTOBER 10am Bridgetown Primary School

DRAGGED THROUGH THE DESERT

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS The Blackwood Chamber Business Excellence Awards Gala is the night our region pulls out all the stops. It’s part celebration, part recognition, part the best networking event you’ll go to all year — and it all happens under one roof at the Bridgetown Town Hall. You’ll be in the company of the people who actually make things happen in Bridgetown-Greenbushes. SATURDAY 17th OCTOBER Bridgetown Town Hall

GIN AND JAZZ

BLACKWOOD RELAY

Black Cockatoo’s next Live Music on the Lawn will be a special ticketed event, featuring acclaimed Melbourne blues jazz vocalist Alma Zygier, the daughter of Aussie rock royalty Deborah Cnway and Willy Zygier with Perth pianist Harry Mitchell, who’s played with a who’s who of rock artists. Alma’s celebrated, idiosyncratic style and Harry’s award winning jazz pedigree promise an exceptional night in a beautiful setting on the lawn of the Black Cockatoo Distillery. SATURDAY 17th OCTOBER 3pm - 7pm Black Cockatoo Distillery

The Blackwood Relay has come around again with a new name, a new course and a clearer choice of how to take part. The full Five-Leg Relay takes competitors through canoeing, horse riding, swimming, cycling and running, starting near Jayes Bridge. It’s believed to be the only relay event in Australia to include a dedicated equestrian leg - a feature that makes it unique. SUNDAY 31st OCTOBER

LIFESTYLE

BRIDGETOWN-GREENBUSHES STAR OCTOBER 2026

ECO FREAKO

Cartoons by Rowland Benjamin and Tim Wilson

Piyalbajarri: Manjimup Heritage Park, Saturday 17 October at 6pm BYO picnic, blankets and chairs. Free and family-friendly.

E-QUATIONS 7

1 7

WHICH WORDS 1 AMENABLE (a) Completely surrounding (b) Submissive (c) Expressive of love

2 BENEFICENT (a) Doing good (b) Uttering a blessing (c) Greatly loved

2 1 8 5 6 9 7 3 4

4 6 9 1 7 3 5 2 8

3 9 4 6 7 2 3

7 5 3 8 4 2 6 1 9

5 2 7 9 8 1 4 6 3

2 1 3

6 3 1 2 5 4 8 9 7

SUDOKU

8 9 4 6 3 7 2 5 1

9 7 5 4 1 6 3 8 2

1 4 6 3 2 8 9 7 5

Tea Tin Toy Whom Wiring

3 8 2 7 9 5 1 4 6

Nerd Pen Ran Roan Sag Slid Tap

DOWN 1 Treaty subject 2 Thwart 3 Likewise 4 Breather

R÷D I-D R-M H÷M Y+D D×M R-H

MINI WORD FIND

Airy Day Eye Guy Harm Mat Meal

D H I M R Y Z

8 6

Solutions

QUICK THINK ACROSS: 1 Afar, 5 Role, 6 Miss, 7 Slot. DOWN: 1 Arms, 2 Foil, 3 Also, 4 Rest.

T I N S A G A E H L N U P Y A I R Y N E R D O T M I M A A O W H O M N Y

ACROSS 1 A long way off 5 Function 6 Overlook 7 Coin opening

Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

E-QUATIONS D:4, H:9, I:13, M:3, R:16, Y:12, Z:7

Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

T I N S A G A E H L N U P Y A I R Y N E R D O T M I M A A O W H O M N Y

Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.

Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using E-QUATIONS SUDOKU clues in centre cells.

WHICH WORDS: 1 (b) Submissive 2 (a) Doing good

PUZZLES

Letters have a number value

QUICK THINK

Southwest stories

iyalbajarri — meaning “Yarns” — is a one-hour storytelling and music performance by 92-year-old Thiinma Elder, stockman and songwriter Peter Salmon, created with singer/ songwriter, linguist and producer Rosie Sitorus. Presented by Southern Forest Arts at Manjimup Heritage Park on Saturday 17 October, it blends song, story, humour, Thiinma language and reflections on a life well-lived, offering an intimate window into Peter’s cultural knowledge and connection to Country. A senior Thiinma and Warriyangga knowledge-holder from the Upper Gascoyne, Peter is one of the last living speakers of Thiinma. Piyalbajarri gives audiences a rare chance to hear the language spoken and sung, alongside stories of resilience, truth-telling, family and cultural continuity. The work continues Peter and Rosie’s partnership as Ngaliju, which began with their award-winning project Warralgurniya. Rosie said the project is grounded in trust and storytelling, describing Peter as humble yet deeply connected to ancient history. Peter said performing in language honours his mother and grandfathers and keeps culture strong after years of the language being “buried.” Piyalbajarri is both performance and cultural sharing — a space to sit with stories, laugh, listen and experience the strength of language carried through voice, memory and song.

Rowland Benjamin runs Information for Action a not-for-profit environmental group that uses the internet, cartoon books, music video and theatre to explain environmental problems and their solutions. This cartoon is from his most recent book Eco Freako Cartoons Volume Two Copies of both books - Volume One and Two, can be obtained directly from Rowland at the Sunday Bridgetown market. https://ecofreakocartoons.com/

MINI WORD FIND

D:4, H:9, I:13, M:3, R:16, Y:12, Z:7

D H 4

I M R

9 13 3 16 12 7

BRIDGETOWN-GREENBUSHES STAR OCTOBER 2026

TRADES & SERVICES PAINT

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TRAILER HIRE

Timber Gyprock Plumbing Roofing Treated posts and rails Cutting Service

• • • • • • •

Doors Insulation Hardware Cement Treated Timbers Garden Sleepers Deliveries

9761 2525 Lot 46 Rose St., Bridgetown

A.R.C Lic No. AU 10856

COMPUTERS

Benn Scott 08 9761 4324 mob. 0407 389 858 bks_rac@westnet.com.au 27 Forest Street Bridgetown

ADVERTISE HERE MASSAGE

TREE CLEAN-UP

GARDENS

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TYRES

Bridgetown • • • •

Alek & Tiffany Mitchell Tyres Wheels 74 Hampton St Batteries T: 08 9761 2818 Suspension bridgetown@tyresandmore.com.au

SPORT 18

BRIDGETOWN-GREENBUSHES STAR OCTOBER 2026

Josh Power and Tim Davies in the thick of it.

GRAND FINAL 2026

Jordan Lowe reaches for the ball.

Brett Wilson flies high at the ball-up while Kale Paton waits below.

Brodie Grant watches and waits while Sam Doherty flies for the mark. mark

Kyle Wilson lays a tackle while Sam Doherty goes for the ball.

BRIDGETOWN-GREENBUSHES STAR OCTOBER 2026

Brett Wilson flies high while Hugh Mitchell watches below.

Kale Paton and Brett Wilson were in the action all day.

SPORT 19

Kojonup, the undefeated Premiers.

Brett Wilson flies hight while Hugh Mitchell watches below.

BRIDGETOWN-GREENBUSHES STAR OCTOBER 2026

DOG DAY AFTERNOON GRAND FINAL Kojonup 19.15 129 Bridgetown 6.9 45

Pictures pages 19 & 20 The Bridgetown Bulldogs’ Premiership dreams came crashing down to earth on Pemberton Oval.

efeating the undefeated Kojonup Cougars was always going to be a mountain of a challenge, and on Grand Final day at Pemberton Oval it proved a mountain just too steep to conquer for the Bridgetown Bulldogs. Sadly for the courageous Bulldogs the 84 point victory was a fair reflection of a game that was dominated by Kojonup almost from the opening bounce. Kicking with the aid of the breeze in the first quarter the Bulldogs struggled to score, with the Cougars restricting them to just 1.2 while kicking 4.4 into the wind.

If things were looking ominous even at that early stage the second quarter effectively snuffed out any thought of a Bulldogs comeback, with Kojonup piling on 7.4 for the term. Innacuracy costs The Bulldogs, by contrast, were their own worst enemies, squandering their opportunities in front of goal by adding 1.6 for the quarter. The pain continued into the second half for the Bulldogs, who to their credit, battled it out to the bitter end of an otherwise successful season. The two grand finalists were the best two teams in a frequently lop-sided season, with Bridgetown’s 11 wins and just three losses, all of them to Kojonup.

Kojonup grew in strength as the season wore on, with the gap between the ladder leaders only widening. Round 13 saw Kojonup victorious over Bridgetown by just 12 points, but round 14 saw the Cougars dish out an extraordinary 122 belting to the Bulldogs. In the process of beating every other team except the Cougars the Bulldogs handed out some huge hidings to lower teams, including a 182 point thrashing of the hapless Southerners 27.20 to 0.0. There are promising signs for the Bulldogs next season, with the Reserves running out winners in their Grand Final, when they easily accounted for Deanmill 11.11 (77) to 4.8 (32).

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