Service lives on
DEDICATED members of the community have been working over recent months to highlight the importance of service and sacri ce by locals ahead of ANZAC Day 2026.
Volunteer group e Friends of Margaret River Cemetery spent countless hours researching, creating and then marking graves and niche walls at Margaret River and Cowaramup in tribute to the local men and women who undertook military service.
A er a warm reception for their tributes last year, and ongoing work to improve the cemetery, the Friends this year stepped up their research.
Pauline Graves took on the enormous task of compiling biographies for each of the marked graves, with service records and a little background on their lives.
Pauline’s husband Brian Graves manufactured stakes from recycled timber to which the stories are attached.
“It was a mammoth task this year as over 300 service personals are represented in the tribute, so thanks to those who o ered their time to help out in some way,” Friends spokesperson Rachel Hassall said.
e group was formed two years ago, to contribute to the Cemetery’s 50 year improvement plan.
With a cohort of just four people, the Friends have
meetings with representatives from the Shire, to discuss changes to policies and improvements at the site.
“We also regularly attend the cemetery to clean away any rubbish, dead owers and weeds from the graves and the surrounding bush and report to the Shire if we see anything that needs their attention,” Rachel said.
Community feedback has been positive on the back of the group’s ANZAC Day and International Stillbirth and Pregnancy Loss Day tributes, and Rachel said plans were underway for histories of local people at the cemetery to be installed with QR Codes.
e tribute display will be available to view until April 30, a er which time it will be removed and stored.
“We hope to expand on the community engagement with other projects in the near future.”
RSL CALLS FOR HELP
Margaret River RSL Sub Branch has launched a GoFundMe campaign to hon-
our the 20 servicemen and women who were buried in unmarked graves at Margaret River.
Pauline Graves’ research work with the Friends of the Margaret River Cemetery noted the lack of headstones, plaques, or commemorations.
A spokesperson said the Sub Branch was “shocked”.
“ ey had nothing. Just a simple mound of dirt.
“Nothing to indicate that they ever existed. Only an entry in the cemetery records to show who was there.”
e discovery became the catalyst to mark those lonely graves with an appropriate recognition from the community.
“We haven’t asked the government for funds - and we won’t.
“We are asking our community to not be forgetful.
“Let this be an opportunity to remember and respect those who came before us and who served their country.
To nd out more about the campaign and donate, visit gofund.me/1e5c1cd36
It’s long been known that Cowaramup people look after each other - and this story is no different, with a couple of local groups stepping in to help the Cowaramup Tennis Club return its courts to tip top condition, in an eyecatching brilliant shade of blue.
Turn to Page 15 to read all about the project... (and how Pickleball is on its way to Cowie!)...
Members of the Cowaramup Tennis Club with representatives from local community groups Cowaramup Lions Club and the Cowaramup Hall Reserves and Residents Association Photo: Nicky Lefebvre
Tributes have been placed upon graves and plaques at Margaret River and Cowaramup to honour our local servicemen and women ahead of ANZAC Day.
491 Metricup Rd, Wilyabrup
By Wesley Enoch & Deborah Mailman
DESPITE wild weather lashing the coast, a packed audience of community, conservationists and partners gathered on Friday for Nature Conservation Margaret River Region’s annual Coastal Forum — united by a shared commitment to protecting one of Australia’s most treasured shorelines.
Hosted with the support of the World Surf League and Line in the Sand, the forum brought together leading voices in conservation, cultural land management, and community science to explore the future of coastal wildlife across the Capes region.
Nature Conservation’s Coastal Ofcer Chloe Deakin, who coordinated the event, said the strong turnout re ected the deep connection people feel to the coast — and their desire to be part of its future.
“ is coastline means so much to so many people, and that really showed on Friday night,” Ms Deakin said.
“Even with the wind and rain, people showed up because they care — not just about what’s happening now, but about what we can do together moving forward.”
e forum featured a diverse lineup of speakers, including Nature Conservation CEO Aaron Jaggar, Line in the Sand treasurer David Martin, Indigenous Protected Area Coordinator David Guilfoyle, and BirdLife Australia’s Tegan Knowles. Together, they shared insights
spanning wildlife and feral animals monitoring, cultural land management, and on-ground conservation e orts.
e audience included Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis, Wadandi custodiams Zac and Wayne Webb, and former WA chief scientists Peter Klinken.
Mr Jaggar opened the evening by highlighting the importance of collaboration in shaping the region’s conservation future.
Mr Martin presented ndings from the Capes Fauna Initiative, a remote camera monitoring program capturing data on native and feral species across the Cape to Cape.
Mr Guilfoyle o ered a powerful perspective on rethinking the role of dingoes — not as a problem to manage, but as a keystone species essential to restoring ecological balance.
And Ms Knowles shared insights from BirdLife Australia’s
beach-nesting birds program.
Ms Deakin said one of the strongest messages from the evening was the need to bring together diverse ways of knowing — from science and data to Traditional Owner knowledge and community stewardship.
“What’s becoming really clear is that when we combine good science, cultural knowledge and community action, we start to see a pathway forward that is much more powerful than any one approach on its own.”
Importantly, the forum focused not just on challenges — but on practical, collective action.
“ is wasn’t about leaving people feeling overwhelmed,” Ms Deakin said. “It was about helping people understand that they have a role to play — whether that’s contributing data, supporting conservation programs, or simply sharing what they’ve learned with others.”
Ms Deakin said the forum was just one step in an ongoing, community-wide e ort to better understand and protect the region’s unique coastal ecosystems.
“What gives me hope is the level of care in this community,” she said.
“When people come together like this — bringing their knowledge, their perspectives and their willingness to act — that’s where real change begins.”
$10 MILLION FOR SCHOOL
COWARAMUP Primary School will bene t from an injection of funds from the WA Government into new schools, infrastructure upgrades, and improvements over the next four years.
Premier Roger Cook announced the $754 million investment within the 202627 State Budget, which includes $10.7 million for a new childhood education block at Cowaramup PS.
“Our Budget is delivering a strong investment in education for all young Western Australians regardless of where they live,” he said.
Parents, educators and community leaders have been campaigning for upgrades to the ageing Cowaramup school campus for years, calling for improvements to existing buildings as well as new facilities needed to support the rapidly growing township.
Funds have been earmarked for upgrades and capacity expansions at schools across the State as well as for brand new campuses, with the Cook Government predicting 11 new primary schools and two new high schools to open in WA.
David Martin, Tegan Knowles and David Guilfoyle.
Peter Klinken and Wayne Webb.
Aaron Jaggar, Ann Ward and Jackie Jarvis at the annual coastal forum held at Surfers Point on Friday.
To
We’re
Changes to beach access this month
WA’s Parks and Wildlife Service has announced the temporary closure of two staircases at popular South West beach locations.
e service said both Moses Rock staircase in Wilyabrup and the South Point staircase in Gracetown would be closed for structural repairs as ongoing issues are addressed at both sites.
Moses Rock will be closed from Wednesday April 22 to Wednesday May 6, or until further notice.
ere will be no beach access during this period, however the carpark will remain open and visitors can still access the Cape to Cape Track and Quinninup Falls Track.
e South Point stairs will be closed from Monday April 20 to Saturday April 9, or until further notice.
A spokesperson apologised for any inconvenience, and encouraged visitors to use the Huzzas staircase to access the South Point surf break.
A BELOVED South West festival will retun over the WA Day long weekend, a er a three year hiatus.
e Augusta Whalesong Festival will be held in Augusta from 29 May to 1 June, and organisers say this year’s program has something for everyone.
“We believe we have put together a festival that has something interesting for every age group and the town of Augusta is looking forward to seeing locals and visitors attend and be involved.”
e festival was established to celebrate the annual migration of whales to the very South West corner of Australia, and puts a focus on the biodiversity and spectacular natural attractions Augusta has to o er.
From the Opening Ceremony at the new Men’s Shed Whale Tail on the foreshore of the Blackwood River, to the Whale Frolic cocktail party, sand sculpture at the local supermarket, ra es, community art mural and more, there is a packed schedule of entertainment and actitivites for all ages.
Events like the cocktail party, the Leeuwin Biddi Guided Walk and Sundowner and the free screening of Ocean with David Attenboroughare ticketed, with prior registration required on the website.
e centrepiece highlights of the festival will take place on Saturday May 30 in the centre of town, and at the Augusta Boat Harbour on Sunday May 31.
A free Whalesong map will point out where and when the main activities are taking place, and there’s plenty of fun for kids, with a special Whalesong Passport with 12 locations to receive stamps and collect free-
WHAT’S ON
bies along the way, and a colouring competition with great prizes on o er.
An event spokesperson said organisers were thrilled to be bringing the festival back.
“ e Augusta Community Resource Centre wish to thank our generous nancial sponsors - the Shire of Augusta Margaret River, the Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association, the Lions Club of Leeuwin and the Augusta Margaret River Bendigo Bank.
“We also wish to thank Subsea Wines, Rare Foods and Wild Lot Distillery for their contribution to our ticketed events over the weekend.
“ anks also to our inkind supporters and volunteers who have worked with us to ensure we have a great event with variety,
for everyone to enjoy.”
With Augusta’s wild and exhilarating weather promising to keep organisers on their toes, they are encouraging the public to embrace the change in season which brings the whales to the region each Djeran period.
“We are keeping our ngers crossed that the o en- ckle weather of Augusta in late Autumn is kind to us over the WA Day long weekend and we look forward to clear blue skies, light winds and to welcome you to celebrate our visiting whales.”
e Augusta Whalesong Festival will be held in Augusta from Friday May 29 to Monday June 1.
To nd out more, see the program and book tickets, visit whalesongfestival.com. au.
Make your way to Augusta on the WA Day Long Weekend for a celebration of the annual whale migration and the best of the South West on show, at the much-loved Whalesong
ON Friday last, our esteemed secretary Mr. J. Trinder was riding his horse to Karridale to attend a Road Board Meeting, when 10 miles out he came upon a strange, covered object in the middle of the road.
His horse being skittish took fright of the billowing monster and proceeded to bolt into the bush throwing its rider with great force against a log.
e consequences of the fall resulted in a list of injuries in icted on the unfortunate man.
A deep gash over the eye, severe twisting and bruising of the right knee and a bad wound from the hip to the knee.
Somehow despite his grave injuries Mr. Trinder managed to nally reach Karridale where he was given rst aid by Mr. Allnut and a li home with Mr. N. McLeod.
A week on and Mr. Trinder, under medical supervision is still resting in bed and unable to put his foot to the ground.
On closer inspection the strange object that caused the accident was a disabled car that had been le in the road and covered with a white sheet.
The owner of the car was never recorded in the papers but as all vehicles had to be licensed at the time and there were only a few in the district, it wouldn’t have taken long for the authorities to find them and the o ending object removed.
The compulsory Statewide licensing system was introduced in 1910; the system numbered all vehicles from the number 1.
However, WA country vehicles would adopt le ering before the numbers, denoting the District Road Boards the vehicles were licensed under.
Local plates were registered with the le ers AU under the Augusta Road Board 1891-1924, formed before the Augusta-Margaret River Road Board and remained that way until recent times.
The Margaret River Historical Society is preserving history for the generations.
If you would like to know more about how you can help or become a member, please contact Viv Halsall on 0415780331 or come and visit us at The Old Se lement on Tuesdays 10am to 12:30pm or Thursdays 1:30pm to 4pm.
Community Notices & Tenders
Tenders
CURRENTLY OPEN
Tender RFT 02-26 Tur ners Street Jetty Replacement Closes 2pm Wednesday 8 May
Applications must be uploaded through Tenderlink: https://portal tenderlink com/amrshire
Anzac Day 2026
SERVICES, SHIRE HOURS & ROAD CLOUSRES
S a t u r d a y 2 5 A p r i l
Local ANZAC Day services will be held in Augusta and Margaret River Services are delivered by local RSL sub-branches and community groups, with support from the Shire Lest we forget
A U G U S T A S E R V I C E S
Hosted by Karridale-Augusta RSL | RSL Memorial Park (corner Osnaburg Street & Turner Street)
6 20am – dawn service
10 30am – main service
Gunfire breakfast follows the dawn service and sausage sizzle lunch after the main service at the Augusta Bowling Club
M A R G A R E T R I V E R S E R V I C E S
Coordinated by Margaret River RSL | Memorial Park (corner Willmott Ave & Town View Tce)
5 45am – dawn service
11 30am – main street march
11 50am – main service R
Waste services: operating as usual
Libraries: closed
Margaret River Recreation Centre: closed
Augusta Recreation Centre: open as usual
Customer service (Margaret River & Augusta): closed Reopening
Tuesday 28 April at 9am
Waste services: operating as usual
Libraries: closed Reopening Tuesday 28 April at 10am
Margaret River Recreation Centre: open 8am–2pm Aquatic Centre closed
Augusta Recreation Centre: open as usual
Gnarabup Beach Sand Nourishment
BOAT RAMP CLOSURE
Sand nourishment works are happening at Gnarabup Beach from Tuesday 28 April to Friday 1 May
During this period: • The boat ramp will be temporarily closed
Shire works watch
CHURCHILL AVENUE
Drainage upgrades and kerb renewals on the eastbound lane Traffic management in place and some business impacts expected
RYANS ROAD
Works are starting for drainage renewal with new kerbs and asphalt to follow
WARNER GLEN ROAD
Tree clearing works under stop and go traffic started this week
WIRRING ROAD
Maintenance works including pruning, drainage and verge clean-up on the sealed section near Bussell Highway
MAIN STREET, MARGARET RIVER
Street light replacements between Wallcliffe Road and Willmott Avenue Northbound lane closures on 20–24 April and 29–30 April, with detours in place Some stop and go traffic control in the southbound lane on 29-30 April Reuther Car Park remains open via Fearn Avenue
WALLCLIFFE PATH
Construction of the final section between Kevill Road and Caves Road is in progress Traffic management is in place, please drive slowly
WALLCLIFFE ROAD
Works will begin shortly to install audible lines, with stop and go traffic management in place
JINDONG–TREETON ROAD
We have begun culvert installation and will keep you updated as project milestones are achieved Road remains closed, with local access only
Temporary Aquatic Centre closure
THURSDAY 23 APRIL TO MONDAY 27 APRIL
The Margaret River Aquatic Centre will be temporarily closed from Thursday 23 April to Monday 27 April while contractors undertake warranty maintenance works to repaint the anti-slip surface in the pool bulkhead area
During this period, the pool will be closed to the general public However, Margaret River Swim School lessons will continue as scheduled
Gym & Courts remain open (no changes to usual hours), except where noted below
Closure details:
Thu 23 April – Aquatic Centre closed | Gym & Courts open as usual
Fri 24 April – Aquatic Centre closed | Gym & Courts open as usual
Sat 25 April – Full Centre closure (ANZAC Day public holiday)
Sun 26 April – Aquatic Centre closed | Gym & Courts open as usual
Mon 27 April – Aquatic Centre closed | Gym & Courts open 8am–
2pm (ANZAC Day observed)
Tue 28 April – All Rec Centre facilities reopen as normal
We appreciate your understanding while these important maintenance works are completed to keep our facilities and community safe
Ben’s big honour as YouTube channel takes off
A MARGARET River student has collected a top honour at the 2025 Student Awards hosted by South Regional TAFE.
e awards recognise students across each of the TAFE’s 12 campuses, and their outstanding performance, academic excellence and demonstrated leadership in vocational education and training.
Each campus awards one person as its top student, and this year the award went to Benjamin Lindberg, who studied a Certi cate III in Music.
Noted for his “prodigious” e orts, the young local had already completed a Certi cate IV in Screen and Media before continuing his studies by enrolling in Music in 2025.
During that time, he taught himself to play the guitar, further developed his piano skills, and took the opportunity to play on stage at the Nannup music festival.
“I had no idea I was going to win Student of the Year but it was a lovely surprise and my heart was beating fast,” Ben said a er the win.
He said the performance elements and learnign guitar were highlights of his time studying with TAFE lecturer Chris Archibald.
“I also learnt lots of practical things that I am going to use a lot in my life whether I choose to pursue music as a career or not.
“I think South Regional TAFE is a good place for people who either have a strong interest in something or who are looking for something that is going to inspire you.
“For me, I got to dabble in lots of di erent areas, and it has been a great bridge between di erent things.”
Ben’s commendation noted his attention to classword, and his willingness to share his knowledge with others.
Ben also created his own YouTube channel, ‘ e Clay Mason’, with meticulous creations of handmade clay models, paired with original music.
It has 6000 subscribers and counting.
“Each winner is a fantastic ambassador not only for their training area but as a future leader in their regional community,” South Regional TAFE Managing Director Blair Marsh said.
“Access to training opportunities that align with industry needs is even more important in regional areas and South Regional TAFE is dedicated to supporting our students to achieve their goals and ultimately success in their careers.”
Enrolments for Semester 2 intake open on 30 April and applications are invited across a range of industries.
Visit www.southregionaltafe.wa.edu.au/courses to nd out more.
THE Tipping Point project is partnering with Parents for Climate to invite the local community to give thanks for an abundant year of nurturing weather and to Celebrate the Rain in Memorial Park, Margaret River on Sunday, May 10, 3-5pm.
e mists of Djeran season are rising on the horizon and the rst rains have brought a welcome cover of green again to the region’s former dusty hillsides, plains and valleys.
It’s nearly one year since the smoke-and-water ceremony when three generations of Wadandi women invited children to share a handful of healing water with enormous iconic puppet creature, Wounded Wild, ‘til she took ight to call in the rains.
Witnessed by 600 community members, a light rain began to fall and a rainbow magically appeared as she rose with her cast of puppeteers, to audible sighs of wonder from the parade characters and large assembled audience. And the rains continued to fall …
“ is year we’re calling out to all our native creatures to invite them to y, roll, dance and tumble in again, dressed up in their colourful costumes; and to children and parents to join in with a new approach to the water ceremony,” said community artist, Margot Edwards.
“Rather than a street parade this year, we invite everyone to dress up and bring a small container of water from a favourite place, be it the coast, the river, or from your garden, to add together in a little ‘temporary’ pond in the park, then give an o ering from the communal waters to your favourite animal, forest or ocean characters to drink,” she said.
Margot and Parents for Climate’s Ellie Ward have been meeting this month at Gathered Organics where the puppet, now healed by the abundant seasons and renamed Wondrous Wild, has been seen ying in and out of her airie-nest.
A new Bush Mask and Costume-making workshop on Saturday, May 2 from 10am-12noon at Gathered Organics will allow parents and kids to make an animal mask (or enhance last year’s) and create a simple animal costumes to match. $5/ person. Register via events.humanitix.com/bushmask-and-costume-making-workshop
Margot is available to meet with lead artists from last year’s many performance groups – dance, choir and circus - to discuss how last years performance elements can best translate to Memorial Park. First to come on board are the Wondrous Wild’s puppeteers and the dancing Karaks (red-tail cockatoos).
Contact Margot on 0420 940 123, if you and your group can join the project to perform your routine from last year again in the new setting.
“We will be honouring mumma boodja again this year and celebrating the life-giving rains she brings,” said Ellie Ward.
Ben Lindberg (left) receives his Student of the Year Award from South Regional TAFE Managing Director Blair Marsh.
Busselton Toyota
2015 Hyundai i30 Active X 5 Door Hatch 1EUZ 771. Automatic transmission, 1.8Litre petrol and travelled 120,672kms, well maintained and trade-ins welcome.
$19,990
Toyota Yaris Ascent 5 Door Hatch 1GKV 955. 5 speed manual transmission, 1.3Lire petrol and travelled 64,562kms, very fuel efficient and trade-ins welcome.
$20,990
2017 Subaru Forester 2.5iL 4D Wagon BSN 64GA. Automatic transmission, 2.5Litre petrol, 152,961kms travelled, good service history and trade-ins welcome.
Automatic transmission, 1.5Litre 4cylinder petrol with balance of 5 year unlimited km warranty and travelled 64,184kms. Trade-ins welcome.
CLASSIFIEDS
MARGARET RIVER UNITING CHURCH 60 Tingle Avenue
We are an inclusive and affirming church with a contemplative sprituality and a passion for social justice.
Worship Sundays at 9:30 Meditation Thursdays 13:00 Intergen Playgroup Thursdays 9:30 www.margaretriverunitingchurch.org.au
MARGARET RIVER BAPTIST CHURCH 28 Tunbridge Street, Margaret River
Seeking to follow Jesus Christ, share the Good News and care for God's world. Weekly Sunday worship at 10am
All are welcome to connect with our vibrant family minded community. www.margaretriverbaptist.org.au www.facebook.com/margsbaps 9757 3881
SMALL ACTIONS AREN’T SO SMALL
One 10¢ container may not seem like much, but add another and another, and suddenly you’ve got something big.
When you return your containers, they’re recycled to live another life, and you earn a 10¢ refund — yours to keep or donate to a good cause. It’s proof that every 10¢ container is worth saving.
CLUB SERVES UP A FRESH LOOK
THE Cowaramup Tennis Club has started 2026 with a wonderful facelift, after extensive court re-surfacing works returned its courts to a stunning brilliant blue! Club President, Anita Donaldson, said that court resurfacing is the largest ongoing expense for the Club, happening about once a decade.
“It’s something we budget for and save for over a long period of time for sure,” she said. “Being able to maintain and constantly improve our facilities is a key goal of the Club’s Committee, and capital expenditure such as this reflects prudent financial management from Committees past and present.”
Two local groups, the Cowaramup Lions Club and the Cowaramup Hall Reserves and Residents Association made significant donations toward the cost of the court resurfing also. The Lions Club donated $10,000 toward the project and CHRRA donated $20,000.
Les Heywood, representing Cowaramup Lions, said the group always endeavours to support local fundraising efforts.
“Lions sees these type of donations as investments in the local community and its facilities. Anything that encourages fitness, health, social activities, we see it as a huge positive for physical and mental health opportunities in our town,” Les said.
“We are hugely grateful for this financial contribution from CHRRA and Lions,” Anita said.
Another benefit of the resurfac-
ing effort included the marking for pickleball on the Club’s dedicated hire court, and the Club has now purchased Pickleball nets, paddles and balls.
“Pickleball is such a growing sport in Australia and around the world.
“There aren’t many facilities with the court markings for it in the South West, and we thought this was a great way to include Pickleball amongst the activities available in the area.
Avid Pickleball fans and players, Fran and Bob Oates, have offered to hold regular Pickleball sessions at Cowaramup. They will include a coaching/learning element of the game, skills, and games.
“Once we nail down a start date, we’ll let the community know.
“We plan to hold an initial free session for people to come and experience Pickleball at the Club,” Anita said.
Riders impress at show
THE first event for 2026 at the Margaret River Horse and Pony Club was held recently, the Show Horse event with official and unofficial classes.
A smaller number of competitors attended with the largest classes being the unofficial horses and adult riders classes.
The Show Horse event is organized by Anna Johnston and her band of merry helpers.
It’s a great opportunity for local official riders to collect points for the Royal Show and Horse of the Year events, while allowing unofficial riders to ‘have a go’ at the precision riding and turn out requirements of a Show Horse event.
Anna even managed to ride, a testament to her organisational skills and the support provided by the Pateman stables team.
Past MRHPC rider, Nellie Zarr returned to Margaret River to judge the unofficial pony classes and junior riders.
It was a clean sweep for Laura Mc Donald, winning First ridden pony and first ridden rider before taking out the Champion First Ridden.
Champion rider under 17 years was Sian Roberts on Trapalanda Downs Rhambo with Margaret River rider Sunny Cowan on YuleTara from Paris with Love Reserve Champion rider.
Best presented on the day in the pony ring was Makayla Bromley on Dottie.
Champion pony was YuleTara from Paris with Love with Sunny Cowen. This is a relatively new combination, and they are certainly going to be ones to follow in the future.
The Reserve Champion was Dottie and Makayla Bromley.
The Unofficial Horse and Adult rider ring was under the experienced eye of judge Jill Hancock.
These classes are very popular with local and visiting adult riders, including MRHPC Secretary Anthea Burdett who debuted her new horse Darvel Diggity.
Anthea and Diggity were the Reserve Champion horse over 15hh.
Penny Hepburn, a very familiar face to the Cowaramup PS community, won her hack class on Bramley Royal Jester before taking out Champion Horse over 15 hh.
Jaylene Lindberg on Smokey won Champion Horse 14-15 hh, with Lucy Ryan and Hunter collecting the Reserve ribbon.
Champion senior rider was Rhiannon Stewart on Lavar and Reserve was awarded to Ross Love and Clayton Callabono. Judge Donna Button sashed locally bred Windy Hill Phloriano and Anna Johnston as Champion Show Hunter Pony.
Vasse rider Imogen Boyle and Drumeden Royal won Champion Junior Rider and Champion Galloway 14-15 hh. Imogen is a talented Virtus rider, competing in both Show Horse and Dressage events.
She qualified and recently competed in the Show Horse Council of Australia Grand National event in NSW.
Margaret River’s Beth Bremner won Champion Senior Rider and Reserve Champion horse over 15 hh on Pindari Absoloote Power.
Looty is an Australian Stock Horse, a breed that usually excel in the fast paced equine sports of campdrafting and polocrosse, but his stunning grey colour and impeccable manners gives him that sought after ‘look at me’ show ring quality.
Reserve Champion rider was Rosa Brook local Ashlyn O’Brien, and riding Natalie Ladyman’s JVH Saviour, the pair also won Champion Show Hunter over 15 hh.
Good luck to all the MRHPC riders who are competing in the Interschool event at the State Equestrian Centre in Perth this week, results to follow.
On Sunday May 3, the first of the three event Dressage series will be held. For entry details visit www.facebook. com/MargaretRiverHorseandPonyClub
Wild waves greet world’s best surfers at Main Break
ACTION is expected to recommence today at the 2026 Margaret River Pro as the remaining competitors look to the quarterfinals in both the men’s and women’s events.
Stop 2 of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) arrived in town last week, with the world’s top surfers keen to take on Margaret River’s famed Main Break.
Local wildcard Bronte Macaulay caught up with fellow competitors Isabella Nichols (AUS), Miguel Pupo (BRA), Jack Robinson (AUS) and Gabriela Bryan (HAW) at the Surfers Point event site ahead of her first round, where she was eventually bested by Aussie, Sophie McCulloch.
“It’s been so nice seeing everyone again and catching up with them,” Macaulay said.
“I did this and travelled the world for 10 years and now I haven’t left the state for two years which I love.
“Life definitely looks different now but that’s how I like it. I do love to compete so getting this opportunity is amazing.
“I feel like I get the best of both worlds.”
Margaret River-raised Jack Robinson was also keen to get back to his beloved hometown break.
“It feels good to be back at home where it all began,” Robinson said.
“I feel so confident surfing this wave and know it better than anyone.
“Even the crew who live here would go to surf up and down the coast and I would just surf here because it was easy. I’d surf here and just paddle across to The Box.
“I think I’ve surfed here more than anyone. I’ve been doing this a while now and feel comfortable with all of the highs and lows so I’m keen to start my year here and now.”
Sunday, blustery, onshore conditions greeted surfers on the second day of competition, with the completion of women’s Round Two and men’s Round Three seeing the Quarterfinalists decided in bumpy fourto-six foot surf.
Robinson faced an epic showdown, when he faced three-time World Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA).
Competing in their first head-tohead heat, Medina was able to find more critical backhand hits in the shifting lineup and take the lead in a locked head-to-head history after six previous matchups.
“[Jack Robinson] is one of the best here,” Medina said.
“He’s an amazing surfer and person. I’m a big fan of Jack, and I’m happy with the win.
“It’s hard when it’s windy like this; it looks like we are snowboarding or something, even the snow is glassier.
“Hopefully, we’ll have clean conditions so we can put on a good performance. But we’ve got to go through these tough conditions as well.
“It’s already a good result, but I
want to go more.”
The four women’s World Champions left in the draw set the standard for Round Two, with Molly Picklum (AUS), Caroline Marks (USA), Caitlin Simmers (USA) and Carissa Moore (HAW) all claiming heat wins.
Picklum’s combined two-wave total of 15.50 was the highest of the event for the women, taking down Australian veteran Sally Fitzgibbon in the same round for the second event in a row.
Reigning World Champion Yago
Dora (BRA) and 2019 World Champion Italo Ferreira (BRA) also moved into the Quarterfinals after their defeats of Connor O’Leary (JPN) and Joao Chianca (BRA) respectively.
Joined by Samuel Pupo (BRA), it marks the second event in a row that
Brazilians make up half of the men’s Quarterfinalists.
Women’s Quarterfinal Matchups
HEAT 1: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) vs. Sawyer Lindblad (USA)
HEAT 2: Caroline Marks (USA) vs. Lakey Peterson (USA)
HEAT 3: Molly Picklum (AUS) vs. Luana Silva (BRA)
HEAT 4: Caitlin Simmers (USA) vs. Carissa Moore (HAW)
Men’s Quarterfinal Matchups
HEAT 1: Samuel Pupo (BRA) vs. Joel Vaughan (AUS)
HEAT 2: Crosby Colapinto (USA) vs. Gabriel Medina (BRA)
HEAT 3: Yago Dora (BRA) vs. George Pittar (AUS)
HEAT 4: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Ethan Ewing (AUS)
Joao Chianca of Brazil surfs in Heat 7 of Round Three at the Margaret River Pro. Photo: Beatriz
Jack Robinson takes a moment before Heat 4 of Round Three. Photo: Hannah Anderson/WSL
Imogen Boyle, Anthea Burdett, Ashlyn O’Brien, Beth Bremner and Anna Johnson. Images thanks to Michelle Morrison Photography.
Anita Donaldson and Les Heywood check out the newly resurfaced courts in Cowaramup.
Hawks derby devastation
BUSSELTON defeated Augusta Margaret River at Gloucester Park on Saturday a ernoon - in one of the most lopsided derbies in many years - ins the opening game of round four of the South West Football League premiership season.
When the two sides met in June last year, the margin was 89 points, while on this occassion it was 87 points, however, Augusta Margaret River were held to just one goal in perfect conditions, eclipsing a record that has stood since 28 July 1974.
at was the date of the Hawks previous lowest score (4.4.28) against the Magpies, but the Hawks didn’t even come close to it this week, Billy Goodwin kicking the home side’s only goal, with just two minutes remaining
in the second quarter.
e 87 point margin is also the second largest margin in a Derby since 2006.
Busselton, who were fresh o the club bye, dominated from the outset, keeping the home side scoreless through the rst quarter, leading by 28 points at quarter time.
e second quarter saw the play tighten up as the Hawks tried to get back in the game, but trailed by 34 points at half time.
A er half time, Busselton would kick nine goals, while
the Hawks managed just ve behinds in the second half.
Mitch Tenardi and Tony Notte again played well, while Liam Creighton kicked four goals.
e result sees Busselton the only undefeated side in the competition, while the Hawks drop to seventh on the ladder.
e Hawks will play on ANZAC day against Carey Park, while Busselton will host Eaton on Sunday.
The Busselton Magpies were simply too strong for the Hawks on Saturday, with the home side managing just one goal against their South West rivals. Photos thanks to Theron Kirkman/@theronfoto