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FREE /SEPTEMBER

2026

THE STAR IS AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION FOR LOCAL PEOPLE BY LOCAL PEOPLE

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02 - 11 : NEWS

13 - 16 : LIFESTYLE

19 - 20 SPORT

Tricia finds a home

Turning green waste into garden gold Cameras capture the Southwest

Netball Juniors wind-up Bridgetown Bulldogs’ momentous year

Respite care hard to find

Leisure Centre’s costs reviewed A confidential external review has examined the increasing costs of running the Leisure Centre.

$1.3 million loss last year has seen the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes turn to outside consultants to produce an operational review of the Leisure Centre. The cost of running the Centre now accounts for 18 per cent of the Shire’s rates. Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes CEO Garry Adams told the Bridgetown-Greenbushes Star that the costs had increased by half-a-million dollars in three years. Most of that increase was due to salaries and wages. The review looked at reducing the Centre’s running costs without reducing the benefits it provides. Efficiency “Our aim is to run the Leisure Centre and the swimming pool in a way that meets community needs but does it as efficiently as possible,” said Mr Adams. “There are times when the Leisure Centre is staffed when it’s not really being used by anyone, and so we’re looking at staffing it according to need, rather than having people sitting there when there’s very few, if anyone, using the facility.” The Shire is looking at different operating models to get the best value for money for ratepayers, he said. The details of the report have been kept confidential, mainly because it relates to people’s employment status and the staff structure, according to the Shire. The report also examines delivering a greater range of programs for users, and looking at how

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$1.3 Million Budget Black Hole!

CONTINUED PAGE 3

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BRIDGETOWN-GREENBUSHES STAR SEPTEMBER 2026

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NEWS

BRIDGETOWN-GREENBUSHES STAR SEPTEMBER 2026

Leisure Centre’s costs reviewed CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 they can access the facility without it being staffed with technology such as swipe cards. Prices are also being reviewed to make facilities such as the pool more affordable. “Part of that review was community engagement, so there was over 250 responses to our survey, and there was a large number of people who said they would use the centre, more, and in particular the pool more, if it could be provided at a lower cost.” Pool heating The pool has recently had new heat pumps installed powered by solar panels and batteries that were provided by a grant from Talison. That will enable the pool to be opened for a longer season. Memberships, fitness programs and service delivery arrangements are all being reviewed. The Shire said that current bookings, programs and activities will continue normally while it progressively introduces the changes. It’s thanked those who contributed feedback during the consultation process. However, the plan to minimise staff and use swipe card technology has been criticised by the former Chair of the Centre’s Initial Advisory Committee, Mark Hollett, who these days is just an interested observer of its operations. He said the initial advice from other communities with successful recreation centres 23 years ago before the Leisure Centre opened was “don’t do turnkey”. “If you don’t have a manager, or you don’t have people manning the Rec Centre, that had

been a disaster for everybody that reported back to our Advisory Group,” Mr Hollett said. “They said you had to have a manned centre.” “That was one of the strongest messages that came back at the time.” Cracking start He thinks the Centre got off to “a cracking start” under the initial manager, the late Natasha Grosse, who encouraged users into the Centre to use it.

You can have a rec centre that is not charged with making money, that’s not the idea of it, but the primary thing is that it’s well used ... But once the Shire became fully involved in running it the Centre’s users drifted away and stopped using it, which had an immediate financial effect. “Of course when that happens what does that do economically,” Mr Hollett said. “You can have a rec centre that is not charged with making money, that’s not the idea of it, but the primary thing is that it’s well-used, that’s the main thing – it’s well used.”

Better management He believes that rather than lessening the role of managers to save money, what the Centre needs is better management. It’s a view shared by Mr Hollett’s wife, Di, who was employed to run exercise programs at the Centre for many years. She now hires space to run an independent exercise class. She’s an enthusiastic supporter of the Centre but believes it’s had a chequered history of management. “You can’t do that social inclusion and wellbeing with turnkey, you just can’t,” she said. It puts too much of a burden on volunteers who run sports to do the work that should be done by managers, she thinks. Left to flounder She believes some of the Centre’s managers have been “left to flounder” without the administrative support of the Shire. They think the loss of the creche has been a problem for a lot of the younger women who used to use the Centre. “That was like the first nail in the coffin in a way,” Mrs Hollett said. “When things fell in a pretty big hole because their management structure wasn’t as sound as it should have been people just went looking elsewhere,” she said. She thinks demographic change in Bridgetown has seen a lot of older people now using the facilities. They’re both full of praise for the Centre’s Quinn McLachlan, who’s now lost his job, and who they describe as “super helpful” for the Centre’s users.

NEWS

BRIDGETOWN-GREENBUSHES STAR SEPTEMBER 2026

Bridgetown Hub happenings

Information Sessions Several interesting FREE information sessions over morning tea are scheduled on a Wednesday this September to raise your curiosity and broaden your understanding, all from 9:30am. Please bring a share plate if you can. • The first week in September is Adult Learner’s Week. On 2nd of September we have invited Lyn from the University of the Third Age (U3A) in Donnybrook to talk about U3A, its history in WA and her experiences learning as an adult. Join us to explore whether we could start a U3A in Bridgetown. • On 9 September we will focus on Domestic Violence and find out from Harbour Outreach what support services are available locally and much more. • A new activity is our MindDance class on 16 September with Sarah, Senior Dance Teacher from Helping Minds. This gentle movement activity is delivered over Zoom is good for your brain and body and tailored to seniors. We finish up with a chat over morning tea. • Another morning tea will be hosted on 23 September by Julie Milloy, the Regional Coordinator of Carer’s WA Southwest. We aim to connect people in an unpaid caring role. Julie will outline what support is available for Carers in the Southwest. Tania Rubery is hosting a Soup Club on Saturday 5 September over lunch to bring people together over a cup of soup and a good chat. Free event no need to bring anything! Book with Tania directly.

Cooking Classes Several cooking classes will be hosted at the Hub this month. Tash from Tash’s Cottage Industries will teach how to prepare Fermented Foods, including Sauerkraut, Kimchi and Kombucha. Her second class will focus on Fondue and Boullion, taking the mystery out of cooking with stock. Creche is available for Tash’s classes. Julie Knopper will offer another Thermomix home cooking class for adults and a second school holiday class Thermomix cooking for Kids targeting children 8 years and older. Bookings required through Humantix. Playgroup We will again have to cancel our regular playgroup sessions for September and our Homeschool Market too, as well as birthday parties and more. Still, our playgroup community will meet on Tuesday mornings at Memorial Park even on foggy, cold mornings, just to stay connected! Our playgroup leader Tania will be there to support the group. We plan to be back at the Hub after the October School holidays.

Our Bridgetown Bump & Baby group is meeting regularly every Tuesdays over lunch at the Hub. Smiling starts will be back at the Hub on the 29th. Mobile Foodbank The mobile Foodbank Services will continue at their new location St Paul’s Church, on Phillips Street on the second and fourth week of September. Dates are 8th and 22nd of September. Please get your referral from the Bridgetown Hub before the event. Renovations A huge thank you to our wonderful Bridgetown Hub family for your patience and understanding as the renovations of our beloved Terminus Building continue to take longer than expected. As many of you are aware, asbestos was discovered in the soil beneath the verandah. Removing the contaminated soil comes with a significant additional cost, and the works have been delayed while we worked to find a qualified contractor and determine how these unexpected costs could be covered. We’re incredibly grateful to Talison Lithium for stepping in and covering these additional costs, allowing these vital works to continue. Your support means so much to our Bridgetown community. The asbestos removal is scheduled to take place in mid-September, with the aim of returning to normal operations in Term 4. Thank you again to everyone for your patience, understanding and ongoing support. We can’t wait to welcome you all back to our beautiful Terminus Building! You can find more information from 9761 2139 or admin@bridgetownhub.com.au.

NEWS

BRIDGETOWN-GREENBUSHES STAR SEPTEMBER 2026

H ousin GOOD NEWS! g C risis TRICIA’S FOUND A HOME

Bridgetown people have responded to the pensioner’s plight.

n a world beset with climate change, environmental disasters, wars, the threat from AI, and other harbingers of doom it’s always nice to hear a bit of good news. So here’s some: Tricia Walton, whose housing plight was front page news on last month’s Bridgetown-Greenbushes Star has found a home. The disabled pensioner was living in a cold, damp shed in Balingup, paying $300 per week for it, and she was desperate to find something better. Accommodation around Bridgetown and Greenbushes is hard to find, and is rarely affordable for those on a low income. Thinks were looking bleak for her, but now she’s found a much better place to call home. She has the generosity of Bridgetown people to thank for improving her life. People have donated money and she now has a roof over her head thanks to a reader who knew her but was unaware of her situation, and who offered her accommodation. At the time of writing she was also housesitting for Estelle Rowcliffe Carlson while she was taking part in the Shitbox Rally raising money for the Cancer Council. “I just want to thank the Bridgetown community leaving messages of support – it’s nice to know that you’ve got a beautiful town like this and beautiful people to support you,” Ms Walton said. “And I appreciate everything everybody’s done.” She has a message for people keen to help others. “If people do have a granny flat or a spare room and they want to help someone who’s homeless, just do your background checks, because not all homeless people are bad.” She said that while there are good and bad people, some people end up homeless for all sorts of reasons. “Just do your background checks, that’s all you have to do, or ask around.

Tricia Walton wants to thank Bridgetown people who responded to her story in last month’s Bridgetown-Greenbushes Star. Desperately seeking solutions to homelessness.

ricia Walton’s story of homelessness has ended well but sadly there are many others in the Bridgetown-Greenbushes areas struggling to put a roof over their heads. Too many people in our community are living in their cars, couch-surfing, or surviving in tents or other sub-standard accommodation through all kinds of weather. Sadly, it’s a story that’s all too common in towns and cities across Australia.

Bridgetown Alek & Tiffany Mitchell • • • •

Tyres Wheels Batteries Suspension

74 Hampton St T: 08 9761 2818 bridgetown@tyresaandmore.com.au

But at the same time there are people with spare rooms, granny flats or other accommodation that they’d be willing to provide to good people who are doing it tough through no fault of their own. The challenge is to bring them together. The Bridgetown-Greenbushes Star is looking to find ways to do just that and I hope to bring you some solutions in the coming months. In the meantime if you think you’ve got some answers to our ongoing homelessness crisis please get in touch.

Earthmoving Landscaping Supplies Domestic Water Carting Quality Controlled Concrete Sand, Bluemetal, Mesh Supplies

Call Craig on 0419 702 107 craig@padoust.com.au www.padoust.com.au Lot 24560 South Western Highway Bridgetown

BRIDGETOWN-GREENBUSHES STAR SEPTEMBER 2026

NEWS

BRIDGETOWN-GREENBUSHES STAR SEPTEMBER 2026

GREEN WASTE TO COST MORE The volume and increasing cost of managing green waste has seen the Shire of BridgetownGreenbushes resort to charging residents $32 for every cubic metre of it entering the tip. It’s a move that has raised some ratepayers’ ire on local social media sites. “Last year we spent around $140,000 on managing green waste and that represents almost two per cent of our rate base,” said Shire CEO Garry Adams. “So we decided to move to a more equitable system where people can use their tip passes, so it’s five tokens per cubic metre, or $32 a cubic metre.” The aim is to encourage people to recycle or reuse as much of their waste as possible through mulching or composting. Contamination is a problem, creating additional costs for the shire. Other West Australian councils are facing similar pressures, with rising volumes, contamination issues and limited processing options making green-waste management increasingly difficult across the state. Mr Adams said that if it were perfectly clean the big composting companies would take it away for free, but even the smallest amount of contamination means the Shire has to pay to have it removed.

See story page 13

TALISON OPEN DAY WILL SHOWCASE MINE OPERATIONS Talison Lithium will bring its 2026 Open Day into the heart of Greenbushes on Saturday 19th September, with a community event at the Greenbushes School Oval from 10am to 3pm. The day will showcase the people and innovation behind one of the world’s largest hard rock lithium operations, with interactive displays, family activities and chances to meet staff. A new shuttle service will take visitors to the internal mine lookout, with closed in shoes required. The smoke free event includes managed parking and welcomes children over seven. Talison says it looks forward to a day of discovery, connection and community fun.

TREES DAMAGING FOOTPATHS HAVE TO GO The Bridgetown-Greenbushes Shire says it doesn’t want to cut down its street trees, but the damage some of them are doing to footpaths, especially on Hampton Street, means that some of them just have to go. “Cutting down trees is always a last resort for us, obviously we try to create a streetscape where we have as many trees as possible,” said Shire CEO Garry Adams. “It’s not something we take lightly, we consider all other options first.” “But where it starts interfering with infrastructure or creating safety issues then unfortunately we have to deal with those particular trees and compensate for that in other areas of the Shire.” “Where we remove trees we’ll always plant other trees and we’ll be more conscious of always planting the right species of tree in the right locations.” That’s something that local governments around the state haven’t always got right, with the wrong trees being planted, only to create problems later. Across Western Australia, several councils are now grappling with ageing plantings, increased storm damage, and rising maintenance costs. Residents want safer footpaths and better shading, but meeting those expectations is becoming harder as budgets tighten and older trees begin to fail. The trees in front of the Pottery Restaurant in Hampton Street are a particular problem for the Shire.

The trees in front of the Pottery Restaurant have damaged the paving and restricted access so that the path no longer complies with Australian standards for accessibility.

NEWS

BRIDGETOWN-GREENBUSHES STAR SEPTEMBER 2026

Biosecurity headed for the airwaves.

ith threats to agriculture and the natural environment coming from all directions in the form of insects, weeds and feral animals, a large part of the challenge for those working on the front line is keeping people informed about those threats. Newsletters and media stories are one way of achieving that, but now Blackwood Biosecurity is turning to one of the fastest growing new media forms in the world – podcasting – to get their message out. Avid Listeners Australians are avid podcast listeners, with an audience that’s grown by 37% over the last two years. In fact over half of us take in audio or video podcasts each month, making Australians the biggest consumers in the world of the new medium. Blackwood Biosecurity have turned to Thomas Moir, who’s uniquely qualified to produce their podcast. He’s a fourth generation sheep farmer from Wilga with a background in music, drama and voiceover work who runs a podcasting business, VoiceMate, from a studio on his farm. He’s also hosted the Rural Focus show on radio station MMM for three-and-a-half years. He’ll be using his interviewing skills and technical expertise to promote the work of Blackwood Biosecurity. While It’s still early days for the concept he expects each episode will run for about 15 to 20 minutes, but could run longer if the guests are particularly engaging.

Blackwood Biosecurity have found a new way to get their important message across to the public.

“A lot of people are listening to podcasts now because they can do it in the car or if they’re on a farm, they can do it while they’re operating machinery.” - Thomas Moir

Reach the audience The popularity and convenience of podcasts are a good way to reach Blackwood Biosecurity’s audience, he thinks. “A lot of people are listening to podcasts now because they can do it in the car or if they’re on a farm, they can do it while they’re operating machinery,” Mr Moir said. “Whereas you can’t read while you’re operating machinery or driving on a main road. “So podcasts have become incredibly popular.”

He added that these days podcasts were more listened to than commercial radio. “The hope with Blackwood Biosecurity is to promote a bit more understanding about who they are as an organisation, how they’ve come about, what sort of services they offer, and how they work with government, but also work with communities.” Disclosure: Author Mark Schneider is a committee member of Blackwood Biosecurity.

NEWS

BRIDGETOWN-GREENBUSHES STAR SEPTEMBER 2026

Respite care hard to find in Bridgetown

chronic shortage of respite care around Bridgetown has carers searching for solutions whenever they need a break from their caring duties. Neither Geegeelup Village nor the hospital is set up for respite care. Bridgetown is far from unique, however, with carers experiencing similar problems statewide. Peak body Carers WA says that growing demand and increasingly complex caring roles are placing the state’s 320,000 unpaid carers under pressure. The organisation has seen sustained growth in demand for support services, including a significant increase in presentations earlier this year, with pressure being felt across metropolitan Perth, Bridgetown and the broader Southwest. As demand outpaces available resources, greater investment is needed to help carers sustain their caring responsibilities and to protect the systems that depend on them. Regional, rural and remote carers face particular barriers to accessing disability, aged care, mental health and respite services, and are more likely to experience isolation, psychological distress, financial stress and poorer health outcomes. Carers WA’s consultations consistently identify significant unmet support needs in regional communities, with respite remaining one of the most common service gaps. For many carers, respite isn’t just a break; it’s essential support that enables them to continue caring safely and sustainably for people. However, carers frequently report limited availability, long waitlists, workforce shortages and difficulty identifying suitable respite options, particularly in regional areas.

Geegeelup can’t provide respite care. Carers WA isn’t funded as a crisis service, and many support programs operate within specific funding and eligibility parameters. They strongly encourage carers to seek support early, so the organisation can help build resilience and capacity, connect them with local supports and explore preventative options before challenges escalate. It says it prioritises support based on available funding and community need, which can result in waiting periods when demand exceeds service capacity. “Carers make an enormous contribution to our community and economy every day. Investing in respite and support services is essential to sustaining carers and the health, disability and aged care systems that rely on them.

We will continue to advocate for the investment needed to ensure carers can access support before they reach crisis point,” said Richard Newman, CEO of Carers WA. Geegeelup Village’s General Manager Sean Mahoney said that the aged care facility was in no position to offer respite care because of financial, staffing and vacancy constraints. “We’re full, we’re always full, we’ve always got people waiting … we’re basically 100 per cent occupied,” Mr Mahoney said. Dedicating a room for respite care would require the dedication of a lot of staff members for a brief period and put unwanted financial stress on Geegeelup. “There’s so much need, demand is so much higher than capacity, and there’s not a person out there that says demand is going to lessen off.” A spokesperson for the WA Country Health Service said it’s committed to providing high-quality healthcare and patient-centred aged care services. “We know respite care is an important part of providing carers with an opportunity to rest, attend appointments or take a break from their caring responsibilities. “Planned respite care in the South West can be provided through local nursing homes and four WA Country Health Service Multipurpose Services in Augusta, Boyup Brook, Nannup and Pemberton. Support for carers is also available at Carers WA and through the Bridgetown Community Resource Centre.

We’re full, we’re always full, we’ve always got people waiting … we’re basically 100 per cent occupied

BRIDGETOWN-GREENBUSHES STAR SEPTEMBER 2026

Soup and Pitch promises food and funding for worthwhile community projects

he Transition Bridgetown team have developed a fresh new twist for their next community gathering, tapping into the wealth of ideas bubbling away across the district. SOUP + Pitch is a micro funding dinner designed to celebrate and support creative, community focused projects — a simple concept with a powerful track record. The idea began in Detroit in 2010 and has since inspired successful events across the world, including popular SOUP nights hosted by Transition Town Vincent in WA. For Bridgetown’s event, four local ideas will be selected, with entrants receiving pitch craft guidance from the Blackwood Valley Toastmasters to help refine their presentation skills.

Each participant will have four minutes to share their dream project with an attentive audience, who will then vote for the idea they most want to see come to life. As votes are cast, hearty soup will be served and conversation encouraged, creating a warm and collaborative atmosphere. The formula is simple: SOUP + BREAD + VOTE = $10, with the winner taking the full pool of funds raised on the night. They’ll also be invited to share their next steps and return at the OFFICIAL following SOUP event to report on their progress. It promises to be an inspiring evening — a chance to unlock community potential, spark new initiatives and amplify great ideas. Save the date: 30th September at the Bridgetown Tennis Club. More information from transitionbridgetown19@gmail.com.

ssentials: eID, Health & Farm Management

you meet eID requirements, improve livestock health and get more value from your eID data. Tuesday 22 September 2026 10am to 12pm Bridgetown Hall –- Lesser Hall ESSENTIAL FREE EVENT - LUNCH PROVIDED FREE EVENT REGISTRATION 1 Steere Street Bridgetown

ENT – Lunch Provided – Registration Essential

equirements – tags, NLIS, livestock movements and compliance

management tool – turning livestock data into useful on-farm

alth – advice and insights from a DPIRD field veterinarian

NEWS 10

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS

he Blackwood Chamber of Commerce has been surprised and pleased by the response to its inaugural Business Excellence Awards which were launched at the Chamber’s AGM at Karma Llama lounge on the 4th of August. “In just the first few weeks, 89 local businesses have already been nominated and our community has cast more than six hundred votes to back them,” said Chamber President, Tracey Hodgkins. “Let that sink in. 89 businesses. Over 600 votes. Before tonight. Before the official launch.” “That is not telling the community these awards matter – that is the community telling us.” The early momentum shows how strongly people value local enterprise and how eager they are to celebrate the businesses that shape everyday life in the Blackwood region. She encouraged people to nominate the businesses they love and to tell others to do the same. The awards in each category will be decided by the community’s votes, with voting being done online through the Chamber’s website. “It is fair, it is transparent, and it puts the decision exactly where it belongs – with the The Business community these businesses serve,” Ms Excellence Hodgkins said. Awards have Voting closes on the 3rd of September, brought an with finalists announced on the 24th of September. encouraging The Awards Night will be held on the 17th of response from October at the Bridgetown Town Hall.

Bridgetown people.

BRIDGETOWN-GREENBUSHES STAR SEPTEMBER 2026

NEWS

Forests in focus The fight for the forests will be brought into sharp focus when Bridgetown’s environmental groups stage a photography competition to capture the forest’s beauty.

orest areas threatened by lithium mining will come into sharp focus from next April when local environmentalists invite entries to a photographic competition set in the areas threatened by mining. Bridgetown-Greenbushes Friends of the Forest and the Blackwood Environment Society are sponsoring the event which is open to amateur and professional photographers. Jennie Stock, president of the Bridgetown Camera Club, will be the competition’s judge and the entries will be exhibited at the Visitor Centre. Photos must be taken within the area under threat, and with Spring around the corner it’s a great opportunity for keen photographers to get into the forest and start clicking. At this stage there’ll be no prize money but the winning entry will be transformed into a jigsaw puzzle. The Bridgetown Camera Club will be heading out into the forest in Spring to do some photography, so visiting photographers will have some tough competitors from the many “Local talented locals to contend with. environmentalists Local environmentalists see it as a see it as a great great opportunity to raise community opportunity to raise awareness of the threat to the local community awareness forest posed by lithium prospecting, and of the threat to the eventually mining. local forest posed by They fear that could permanently alter lithium prospecting, large sections of the Dalgarup ecosystem, and eventually mining.” including fragile habitats, water catchments and the wildlife corridors that support many of the region’s most vulnerable species. PHOTO: MARK SCHNEIDER

HISTORY 12

BRIDGETOWN-GREENBUSHES STAR SEPTEMBER 2026

Elephant shenanigans in Bridgetown

Story by Mary Elgar, Bridgetown Historical Society Inc.

Project Officer Bridgetown-Greenbushes Suicide Prevention Network Make a difference in mental health and wellbeing across the Blackwood region. The Bridgetown-Greenbushes Suicide Prevention Network (Bee Gees) is seeking an enthusiastic and community-minded Project Officer to support the delivery and growth of local mental health and wellbeing initiatives. This rewarding role will coordinate wellbeing programs, support community events, engage volunteers and stakeholders, assist with funding opportunities, and help strengthen the longterm sustainability of Bee Gees programs.

Role details: This position is classified as Level 3 SCHADS award, offered on a casual contractor basis at 6 hours per week with capacity to increase to 10 hours per week if required, offering flexible working arrangements, until 30th June 2027. PHOTO: BRIDGETOWN HISTORICAL SOCIETY

All hell broke out in Bridgetown the day the circus came to town.

or well over 60 years, circuses have come regularly to Bridgetown: Hyland’s, Soles Bros, Perry Bros and Wirths’, spending a couple of nights in town before moving on. The circus troupes travelled by train to Bridgetown and used their elephants to pull the small train vans containing the animals and equipment off the railway and up Steere Street, where they erected their marquees and mini zoos in the Recreation Grounds behind the Catholic Church. Circuses were huge events and the whole town went to the shows. At one time, during the 1920s, Frank ES Willmott, MLA, JP, father, orchardist at ‘Applewood’, and owner of the Bridgetown Hotel, went up to Perth for parliamentary work whilst the circus was in town. His sons, Sykes and Frank Jr. remained in town. Drunken yarns After a busy afternoon show, the elephant’s Mahout needed refreshment. He tied his elephant by an ankle chain to a verandah post at the back of the Bridgetown Hotel and wandered inside to have a refreshing drink. Sykes Willmott, also having a refreshing beverage in the hotel, soon got chatting to the Mahout who spun him a yarn about the strength and endurance of elephants. Sykes, an enterprising young fellow, fell for the spin and quickly cooked up a plan: buy the elephant and use the animal to pull trees on his father’s property.

A quick handshake, passage of money from one hand to the other and the deal was done. Vague care and maintenance instructions were left with Sykes and the Mahout disappeared into the night. Bravely accompanied by onlookers and knowit-alls, Sykes wandered down to his elephant, still chained to the back verandah, and nominated Freddie Veale as the new Mahout. Poke it Amidst loud cheers, Freddie clambered onto the elephant but it wouldn’t move. Until someone had the brainwave of poking the elephant with a stick. Suddenly, all hell let loose as the elephant careered off with Freddie on board but dragging the verandah post with him. Suffice to say the verandah crashed and Sykes was in a pickle. Fortunately, his brother Frank was on hand and located the Mahout. He was persuaded to undo the deal he’d made with Sykes and take his elephant back to the circus. Over the next couple of weeks, the brothers and their friends scrabbled to get the verandah reinstated so that no damage was visible. When FES Willmott, MLA, JP, came home, he was none the wiser to the damage done to his hotel and to this day, this event was a well-kept family secret – now out in the open! My grateful thanks to Del Willmott, Frank Willmott Snr’s grandson, for giving me this story – it’s a corker!

About You You will have: • Experience in project coordination, community development, or health promotion • Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills • A passion for mental health and community wellbeing • Strong organisational and reporting abilities • The ability to work independently and collaboratively • Experience with grants, funding applications, or community projects (desirable)

Essential Requirements • • •

Current Driver’s Licence National Police Clearance Working With Children Check

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a respected community organisation dedicated to improving mental health outcomes and building stronger, more connected communities. Location: Bridgetown, WA For further information or a copy of the Position Description, please contact suicideprevention. southwest@sjog.org.au or contact Sarah at 0421 068 854. Applications close 5pm on Friday 4 September 2026.

LIFESTYLE

BRIDGETOWN-GREENBUSHES STAR SEPTEMBER 2026

Turning green waste into garden gold T Permaculture wisdom from Mike Kaye

he Shire has recently introduced a charge for domestic green waste, and I know many locals are disappointed by the change. Rather than seeing it as a problem, I see it as an opportunity to put one of Permaculture founder Bill Mollison’s most famous principles into practice: “The problem is the solution.” Instead of treating green waste as something to dispose of, we can transform it into one of our garden’s most valuable resources. Every branch, leaf and blade of grass contains stored energy. Plants use sunlight, water and nutrients to create lignin, cellulose, proteins and other organic compounds. When these materials are returned to the soil, they feed beneficial microbes, increase soil carbon, improve water retention and recycle nutrients back into the garden. Better still, using your own green waste can reduce the need for purchased fertilisers and watering over time. Here are a few simple ways to make the most of your garden waste: Composting is the best-known option. By combining “brown” carbon-rich materials, such as dry leaves and small branches, with “green” nitrogen-rich materials like fresh grass clippings, weeds and manure, you can produce nutrient-rich compost. Compost can be made using hot composting, cold composting or simply by allowing piles of woody material to decompose naturally. For hot composting, a carbon-to-nitrogen ratio of around 3:1 is a simple rule of thumb and helps generate enough heat to destroy many weed seeds. Chop and Drop Chop and Drop is my favourite low-effort method. I simply cut branches and prunings into smaller pieces with a machete or pruning chainsaw and spread them directly around fruit trees and garden beds as mulch. Over time they break down naturally, feeding the soil while suppressing weeds and retaining moisture. Hügelkultur (German for “hill culture”) involves building raised garden beds over logs, branches and other woody material before covering them with soil. As the wood slowly decomposes, it releases nutrients, stores moisture like a sponge and increases soil carbon. Even standard raised beds can benefit from placing sticks and logs in the bottom before adding soil. Weed Tea is an excellent way to turn unwanted weeds into liquid fertiliser. Fill a large bucket or bin about three-quarters full with fresh weeds, cover them with water and weigh them down with a brick so they remain submerged.

IMAGE: ADOBE STOCK IMAGES

Don't dispose of your garden waste, turn it into compost for better garden health. Cover loosely with a lid or cloth and allow the mixture to ferment for four to six weeks. Strain the liquid and dilute it at approximately one part weed tea to ten parts water before applying it to your plants. Biochar is another valuable soil amendment. It is made by heating woody material with very little oxygen, creating stable carbon that can remain in the soil for hundreds of years. One simple method is to burn woody material in a pit until you have a bed of glowing coals, then thoroughly extinguish it with water. Once cool, crush the charcoal into small pieces and “charge” it by soaking it in compost, manure or

liquid fertiliser before adding it to your garden. This prevents it from temporarily tying up nutrients and helps establish beneficial soil microbes. Our gardens produce an incredible amount of organic matter every year. Rather than paying to send it away, we can use it to build healthier soils, grow stronger plants, conserve water and reduce waste. What may seem like a cost today could become one of the best opportunities to create more productive and resilient gardens. So get out there, give it a go, and remember — sometimes the problem really is the solution.

LIFESTYLE 14

BRIDGETOWN-GREENBUSHES STAR SEPTEMBER 2026

There are some really impressive photographers who call Bridgetown home.

Jennie Stock is the President of the Bridgetown Camera Club.

Cameras Capture the Southwest Some of Bridgetown’s best photography was on display at the Visitor Centre.

t’s no secret that Bridgetown is home to some talented and renowned artists, but that talent doesn’t end with painters, sculptors and ceramicists, because there are some impressive photographers who call Bridgetown home as well. Some outstanding examples of their work were on display at the Goorbilyup Gallery in the Visitor Centre from the 3rd to the 31st of August. The exhibitors were all members of the Bridgetown Camera Club. It may be one of the West Australian Photographic Federation’s smaller clubs, with 15 members, but it’s one that punches above its weight in statewide competitions.

Thirty-five photos were on display at the gallery illustrating the exhibition’s theme of “Capturing the Southwest” with shots ranging from performances at the Bridgetown Blues, to dogs, landscapes and seascapes. Some landscapes had a painterly quality to them, with Gary Louth’s works particularly outstanding. Others were definitely abstract, with Lisa Hague’s Cypress Tree Balingup another one that really caught the eye. It was a cleverly captured multiple exposure image that really demonstrated the photographer’s mastery of the technique. It was no surprise that it carried a “sold” sticker, as did several others in the exhibition. The good news for buyers was that they weren’t limited to just the formats on display. Club President Jennie Stock said that the images could all be reproduced in a larger format, printed on canvas, or even acrylic. All buyers had to do was contact the photographer. Some of the images were already framed, while others were mounted on mattes ready for framing.

The club aims to help and encourage people of all levels of photography from beginners to advanced to learn and enjoy photography in a relaxed, fun and friendly atmosphere. You don’t even need a camera. Mobile phones can take some amazingly good images these days. Its monthly meetings are held on the 1st Wednesday of the month from February to November at the Arts and Craft Centre at 67 Steere Street. Members are challenged each month to produce images covering a variety of subjects, with judges giving useful feedback on their photos. The club is always looking for new members, so if clicking shutters is your thing, contact Jennie on 0408 906 726.

LIFESTYLE

BRIDGETOWN-GREENBUSHES STAR SEPTEMBER 2026

WHAT’S ON

EMILY BARKER & LUKE DUX

TALISON OPEN DAY

THE KITCHEN SINK

Emily Barker returns to her hometown with her guitar playing friend, Luke Dux to perform songs spanning her 13 albums and poems from her two books. Emily first graced our space as a 16 yearold some 30 years ago, performing with three school friends - that spine tingling moment is replicated every time she sets foot on our stage. Her songs continue to move audiences deeply.

Talison’s Open Day is an opportunity to discover the people, innovation and teamwork behind the world’s largest hardrock lithium operation. Talison is bringing the event into the heart of Greenbushes with displays, activities, and entertainment at the Greenbushes School Oval. A feature of this year’s event is a shuttle bus service to the internal mine lookout. No bookings or ticket is required.

The Kitchen Sink is an irresistibly funny play about a working class family with big dreams making small changes. With his skill for acute observation, emotional empathy and his love of eccentricity, Author Tom Wells has penned an affectionate portrayal of a family attempting to adjust in a changing world. It’s directed by Grace Hitchin and features music by Dolly Parton. Tickets from Trybooking.

SATURDAY 19th SEPTEMBER 6pm -9pm Bridgetown Pottery Restaurant

SATURDAY 19th SEPTEMBER 10am -3pm Greenbushes School Oval

FRIDAY 4th SEPTEMBER Bridgetown Repertory Theatre

BLACKWOOD CLASSIC

SOULHEART BLUES BAND

SOUP AND PITCH

The world’s longest dinghy race sweeps down the Blackwood from Bridgetown through Nannup and ends in Augusta a 250 kilometre stretch that tests the endurance of competitors and their machines alike. Competitors brave rocks and rapids, with the Bridgetown to Nannup stage particularly gruelling. It all makes for spectacular viewing for Bridgetown residents and visitors. SATURDAY 26th - MONDAY 28th SEPTEMBER

The Soulheart Blues Band will play a very special AFL Grand Final After party at the Freo on Saturday the 26th of September. They’re a six-piece electric blues band made up of seasoned musicians who’ve performed on stages across Australia and around the world with a mix of originals and blues classics to get your heart thumping. The band says it can’t wait to play at such a legendary venue with fantastic staff, great food and ice old drinks. SATURDAY 26th SEPTEMBER Freemasons Hotel

Transition Bridgetown is launching SOUP + PITCH, a micro-funding dinner supporting creative community projects. Originating in Detroit and adopted widely, the event will feature four local ideas, with presenters coached by Blackwood Valley Toastmasters. Each has four minutes to pitch before the audience votes over soup. For $10, the winner takes the pool and returns next time to report progress. WEDNESDAY 30th SEPTEMBER Bridgetown Tennis Club

LIFESTYLE

BRIDGETOWN-GREENBUSHES STAR SEPTEMBER 2026

PUZZLES

WHICH WORDS 1 LEXICAL (a) In a state of drowsy dullness (b) Having to do with words (c) With convincing force

2 MASTICATE (a) To become mature (b) To kill indiscriminately (c) To chew

SUDOKU

8 4 6 2 7 3 1 9 5

3 1 9

3 9 1 4 8 5 6 7 2

Seek Skid Teen Vein Yes

7 2 5 6 9 1 3 4 8

Dunk Fed Idle Knife Led Pay Piglet

DOWN 1 Trade punches 2 Tie up 3 British royal 4 Meat

F-N Y×I F-T N÷I H+Y Y+C F÷I

9 7 8 1 4 2 5 6 3

Add Ankle Bed Bike Deck Diet Does

C F H I N T Y

5 6 2 9 3 8 4 1 7

I G L E T V D O E S E S L T D I K E E E N I F E C D D U N K

2 6 8 5 1 6 9 4 8 5 5 9 2 4 9 4 8 4 8 2 7 1

Solutions

4 1 3 5 6 7 8 2 9

P A Y B K A

ACROSS 1 Thick piece 5 Sheet of stamps 6 Teen affliction 7 Coral formation

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

1 5 7 3 2 6 9 8 4

Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

6 8 4 7 5 9 2 3 1

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.

2 3 9 8 1 4 7 5 6

QUICK THINK

MINI WORD FIND

QUICK THINK ACROSS: 1 Slab, 5 Pane, 6 Acne, 7 Reef. DOWN: 1 Spar, 2 Lace, 3 Anne, 4 Beef.

E-QUATIONS 7

he cartoon Space Junk gives a darkly comic twist to the familiar Star Trek introduction. Instead of celebrating exploration, it imagines humans travelling into space to contaminate, plunder and “trash like never before.” It warns that after polluting land, oceans and the atmosphere, humanity is now carrying the same habits into orbit. Space junk includes dead satellites, discarded rocket stages, tools, paint flakes and fragments from collisions, all travelling at several kilometres per second. A tiny piece can damage a satellite, a major collision can generate thousands of fragments. Modern civilisation relies heavily on satellites for communications, navigation, banking, weather forecasting, disaster monitoring, defence and scientific research. They help track fires, forests, oceans, ice sheets and climate change. But debris has been accumulating since Sputnik 1’s launch in 1957, and the danger’s grown through explosions, weapons tests, collisions and increasing satellite constellations. Scientists warn of Kessler Syndrome, a chain reaction in which collisions create more debris and render orbital regions unsafe. Earth orbit is a shared environment owned by no one. Orbital waste is increasing faster than regulation or cleanup systems. Prevention is essential. Satellites need end of life plans, deorbiting systems and designs that minimise collision risks. Operators must remain responsible for what they launch, supported by strong international rules. Space is valuable and vulnerable, it mustn’t become humanity’s next dumping ground.

E-QUATIONS C:15, F:24, H:1, I:3, N:9, T:23, Y:8

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/ Letters have a number value

SPACE JUNK

P I G L E T A V D O E S Y E S L T D B I K E E E K N I F E C A D D U N K

Cartoons by Rowland Benjamin and Tim Wilson

WHICH WORDS: 1 (b) Having to do with words 2 (c) To chew

ECO FREAKO

C:15, F:24, H:1, I:3, N:9, T:23, Y:8

F H

N T

15 24 1

9 23 8

BRIDGETOWN-GREENBUSHES STAR SEPTEMBER 2026

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COMPUTERS

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LIFESTYLE 18

BRIDGETOWN-GREENBUSHES STAR SEPTEMBER 2026

Balingup Medieval Carnivale Three ladies in the height of medieval fashion.

Pretty in green.

Fight! Fight!Fight!

The Dancinq Queens.

The Sisters of Corn were in fine voice.

“Death” in Balingup.

Medieval Covid mask.

BRIDGETOWN-GREENBUSHES STAR SEPTEMBER 2026

SPORT 19

BRIDGETOWN-GREENBUSHES STAR SEPTEMBER 2026

NETBALL JUNIORS WIND-UP

Junior netballers ended their season with a medal presentation at the Leisure Centre.

unior netball wrapped up for the season on Tuesday 20th August at the Bridgetown Leisure Centre, where 42 enthusiastic young players were recognised with participation medals. The presentation marked the end of another energetic season for the Bridgetown Netball Association, which continues to play a vital role in fostering grassroots sport and community involvement. The Association runs programmes for children as young as five, guiding them through progressive skill development

until they reach the Seniors competition, open to boys and girls up to 16. Beyond its regular season, the Association also offers representative netball opportunities for players aged 12 and over who wish to further develop their abilities. These squads compete at regional carnivals and metropolitan events in Perth, giving local athletes valuable exposure to higher level competitions. On Monday 24th August, a specialised skills clinic was held at the Leisure Centre, facilitated by local coaches and led by Riley Culnane — an advanced accredited coach, GIG WANL coach, and one of the region’s most respected netball mentors.

Culnane, known for her strong focus on athlete development and tactical awareness, guided participants through attacking strategies, movement patterns, and game sense activities designed to sharpen decision making on court. The clinic was followed by an engaging nutrition session delivered by Kavya Veerasekaran of New Seasons Nutrition. She spoke about fuelling for performance, healthy habits, and the importance of balanced eating for growing athletes. The combined clinic offered Bridgetown’s young netballers a valuable blend of skill, knowledge, and inspiration as they look ahead to future seasons.

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