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LOCAL landholder, conservation
volunteer and Five Senses Co ee founder Dean Gallagher is helping lead the ght against invasive arum lilies in one of the South West’s most precious landscapes.
Dean and his family live on 50 acres of thriving native forest at Quindalup, rich with old trees, seasonal wild owers and abundant wildlife, right alongside the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.
As part of Nature Conservation Margaret River Region’s Arum Lily Blitz, Dean has been tackling arum lilies on his own property while also volunteering with local conservation groups working to protect nearby bushland and reserves around Yallingup.
“Our property is basically a native forest complete with all the biodiversity that goes with it,” Dean says.
“ e vegetation is all the same — the only thing that separates private land from the national park are the rebreaks.”
Arum lilies may look harmless, but they spread aggressively through bushland, outcompeting native plants and threatening habitat for wildlife.
at’s why local volunteers, landholders and community groups are working together to stop the weed

before it takes over.
e Yallingup Land Conservation District Committee has also been supporting major control e orts in the area, including fully funding arum lily treatment last year at Duddy Road Reserve — a highly visible infestation site on the way to Smiths Beach.
Yallingup LCDC’s Jen Mitchell said community involvement was
making a real di erence.
“ e volunteer e ort around Yallingup has been incredible,” she said.
“People are stepping up because they care deeply about protecting the natural character and biodiversity of this special place.”
Dean sees the work as part of a bigger responsibility.

“I feel I’m more a custodian than an owner,” he says.
“ is property belongs to future generations, and I feel the weight of responsibility to preserve it for them.”
With a keen eye and steady commitment, Dean spends each season spotting and removing arum lilies as they emerge.
And his advice for other landholders?
“ e greater your e orts to understand what you have and how fragile it all is, the easier it will be
to be motivated to protect it,” Dean says.
“Get a bird book. Get a wild ower book. Learn something.
“It will dial up your appreciation.”
Dean’s story is a reminder that conservation starts at home — and that community-led action can create real landscape-scale change.
Join the Blitz and help protect our natural places, one plant at a time.
See www.natureconservation.org. au to nd out more.














AN award-winning contemporary circus production inspired by the stories of children and families at Queensland’s only youth hospice will be performed in Margaret River later this month.
e Margaret River Circus School will host We Live Here as part of a WA tour by leading Queensland circus
company, Cluster Arts.
e acclaimed production blends storytelling with contemporary circus, using acrobatics, physical theatre and humour to explore themes of resilience, family, chaos and the importance of shared moments.
Based on the experiences of parents, siblings and guests of Hummingbird House - Queensland’s only

children’s hospice - the show has been praised for balancing heartfelt storytelling with upli ing performances suitable for audiences of all ages.
e production stars three professional circus artists alongside three emerging performers and has enjoyed sold-out seasons at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane Festival, Metro Arts and the WA State eatre Centre.
Margaret River Circus School’s Casey Wood said the local performance was a special opportunity for the community.
“We’re very excited to have such a well-known Queensland circus company include our little circus school as one of the stops on its WA tour,” she said.
“It’s a rare chance for local audiences to experience a nationally recognised production right here in Margaret River.”
e performance will begin at 6pm on Saturday, August 22, at e Circus Hub, 3/24 Auger Way.
Tickets are available at www.trybooking. com/1621023





Wednesday
Dementia Australia Witchcliffe 2nd & 4th Wednesdays 10am– 12pm Druids Hall
Wednesday 8 July: Heidi from Advocare
Wednesday 22 July: Poetry by Molly Hall




Over








A DOCUMENTARY exploring the debate over hydraulic fracturing in the Kimberley will be screened in Margaret River this month as part of a community information event.
Parents for Climate Margaret River, Frack Free Kimberley and the Margaret River Youth Climate Collective are hosting a screening of Fighting Giants at e Common from 6pm on ursday, August 13.
e documentary examines proposals for gas development in the Kimberley and the campaign against hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as fracking.
Following the screening, anti-fracking campaigner Simone van Hattem, from the Lock the Gate Alliance, will provide an update on the current situation in the Kimberley, while Ellie Ward, from Parents for Climate Margaret River, will discuss ways community members can become involved.
Organisers say the event aims to raise awareness of concerns surrounding proposed gas exploration in the National Heritage-listed Martuwarra Fitzroy Riv-

er catchment, where Texas-based company Black Mountain has plans to drill.
According to the organisers, the project is currently awaiting a nal decision from WA Premier Roger Cook and Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn following an EPA assessment and appeals process.
e group also points to the South West’s own history with fracking, noting
hydraulic fracturing took place in the Whicher Range in 2004 before the practice was banned across much of the region in 2018.
Tickets to the screening cost $10 and include a complimentary beer donated by Rocky Ridge Brewing Co.
e event begins at 6pm at e Common in Gnarabup, with tickets available via the QR code on the event poster or through the Humanitix booking platform.












FOR most people, planning a holiday is about choosing where to stay and what to do.
For others, it starts with a more basic question: will they be able to access it at all?
Margaret River resident Steve Bebbington understands the challenges around accessibility.
Following a car accident that left him with a C6 spinal injury, he continues to travel regularly with his wife and three children, but every trip requires detailed planning.
Before booking accommodation, Steve needs information about doorway widths, bathroom layouts, bed access and whether specialised equipment such as hoists can be used.
He said a lack of accurate information can turn what should be an exciting holiday into a stressful experience.
The good news, he says, is that many businesses are already more accessible than they realise.
Modern accommodation often includes features such as wider doorways and step-free showers, but operators may not advertise them.
Simply providing better descriptions and measurements online can

give travellers greater confidence when choosing where to stay.
Steve believes small changes can also make a significant difference.
Something as simple as ensuring a restaurant has a table that can comfortably accommodate a wheelchair can improve a visitor’s experience and help them feel included.
He has also seen encouraging progress across the region, including accessible beach initiatives and improved community facilities that make it easier for people with disability to enjoy local attractions.
Helping visitors navigate those
choices is Accessible Holiday Homes.
Founded by physiotherapist Rich Davison and occupational therapist Sarah Lindsay, the business assesses accommodation and provides detailed information so travellers can determine whether a property will meet their needs before they arrive.
Davison says communication is one of the most important aspects of accessibility.
Rather than focusing solely on physical changes, he believes clear and accurate information allows people to make informed decisions and enjoy a more relaxing holiday experience.

There is also a strong economic argument.
Davison noted that Australians with accessibility needs spent $29.2 billion on tourism in 2024, representing around 17 per cent of tourism spending nationwide.
He said these visitors often travel with family members or support workers, stay longer and are likely to return when their needs are met.
Local business owner Rebecca de Burgh from Wild Lot Distillery has embraced that philosophy.
She has focused on making visitors feel comfortable by clearly communicating what they can expect and creating a welcoming environment with accessible pathways, flexible seating and staff training.
For de Burgh, accessibility is not about ticking every box.
It is about taking practical steps that help more people feel included and confident enough to visit.
Ultimately, accessibility is about opening doors, both literally and metaphorically.
Better information, thoughtful design and a willingness to help can make the Margaret River region more welcoming for visitors of all abilities, while also creating

opportunities for local businesses.
As Steve Bebbington observed, the region remains “full of possibilities”.
Capes Conversations is a podcast series created by the Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association, hosted by Kellie Tannock, and broadcast on Radio Margaret River. Listen at radiomargaretriver.com



Revitalise your space with new curtains, blinds, shutters, sheers or outdoor blinds to create a home that feels bright and calm in all seasons.


HOBSONS CARPET COURT 124 Strelly St, Busselton P 9752 2555



CAN the right mix of pasture species improve feed quality and extend feed availability for a dairy or grazing herd?
Do diverse pastures help farms manage climate risk?
Would a multi-species mix ourish on your farm?
ese are some of the questions South West farmers will explore at an upcoming Dairy Resilience Field Day hosted by Lower Blackwood LCDC as part of its Dairy Resilience Project, a national initiative led by Soils for Life.
e eld day will take participants into the project’s demonstration site in Warner Glen, where they’ll walk through paddocks showcasing di erent pasture species and hear from local agroecologist Mark Tupman and agronomist Graham Mussel about the role multispecies pastures can play in productive dairy systems.
Rather than promoting a one-size- tsall solution, the event will explore how increasing pasture diversity can contribute to healthier soils, more resilient pastures and improved livestock performance, while encouraging discussion about how these ideas could be applied under local farming conditions.
“ is eld day is about giving dairy farmers the opportunity to see these pastures for themselves, ask questions and have honest conversations about what might work on their own farms,” said Donna Belle, Project O cer with Lower Blackwood Landcare.
“Every farm is di erent, and multispecies pastures won’t be the right t for every property.
“ is practical eld day gives farmers the opportunity to see the trial for themselves, ask questions, share ideas and take away practical insights they can apply to their own farming system.”
e paddock walk will provide participants with the opportunity to examine each of the pasture species, discuss their characteristics and potential role within dairy pastures, and hear how diverse pasture mixes can contribute to productivity, pro tability and long-term farm resilience.
“It will be an excellent opportunity for discussion and knowledge sharing not only with our guest presenters, but with other producers.”
e event forms part of the Dairy Resilience Project, which is helping South West dairy farmers explore practical approaches to improving productivity, soil health and business resilience through peer learning, demonstration sites and on-farm discussion. With places limited, Lower Blackwood is encouraging interested dairy and grazing farmers to register early.
Where: Blackwood Springs Farm, 1220
Warner Glen Road, Warner Glen
When: Friday 21 August, 10am-1pm Bookings are essential through the Lower Blackwood website: www.lowerblackwood. com.au/events
is event is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program under the Natural Heritage Trust.


Kate Ceberano returns for encore performances across the nation after last year’s sell-out tour and hit live album.
Sunday, September 6























THE Margaret River Beer Co. wants locals to discover a new side of the region with the launch of Jewel, the latest limited-release beer in a series inspired by Margaret River’s iconic natural landscapes.
e IPA takes its name and inspiration from Jewel Cave, near Augusta, with the brewery continuing its tradition of creating beers that celebrate the places and stories that make the South West unique.
Head Brewer, Ryan Allen said the desire to create a classic IPA naturally t Jewel Cave, named for its crystal formations.
“It’s a bright, clear, clean style,” he said.
“We haven’t reinvented the IPA, but we have our own style in how we use and inte-
grate the malt and hops.”
Marketing Manager, Xandea Burns said the Jewel release is about more than just a new beer.
“People connect to moments in Margaret River and we want people to come here, we want people to love this area,” Xandea said.
“ is is our way of backing the region.”
Jewel Cave is managed by the Capes Foundation.
Jewel Cave manager, Rikki Andrew was excited to see a local business drawing inspiration from the cave’s natural features.
“ e caves have fascinated visitors for generations, and anything that encourages people to learn more about these remarkable underground landscapes helps to build ap-



preciation for their conservation and care,” Rikki said.
e launch also re ects Margaret River Beer Co.’s long-standing commitment to the community with Xandea acknowledging the importance of local support, particularly during the quieter winter months.
“Locals are the most important,” she said.
“ e people that supported the brewery when it started 10 years ago are still the people that support us the most now.”
Jewel will launch August 7 at Margaret River Brewhouse.



















CANCER Council WA is calling on South West residents and businesses to get involved in the 40th anniversary of Da odil Day, with a goal of raising more than $5.5 million nationally for life-changing cancer research.
“Da odil Day is about rallying together and supporting people who have faced cancer head-on and honouring the ones we lost too soon,” South West Regional Cancer Prevention Coordinator Emma Handreck said.
“ ere are so many ways to get involved. You can take part in the Da odil Day Dip, host a yellow-themed fundraiser, buy fresh da odils or merchandise from a Cancer Council WA stall, or simply donate online.
“You can also wear yellow and share your support on social media using #Da odilDay.

However you choose to participate, you’ll be helping bring us closer to a future free from cancer.”
Ms Handreck said almost 15,000 West
It’s time to complete your Census.
Australians are diagnosed with cancer each year, with around 40 people receiving the diagnosis every day.
“ anks to investment in research, cancer survival rates have increased from around 50 per cent in the 1980s to more than 70 per cent today,” she said.
“Cancer doesn’t rest, and neither do our researchers. By going yellow this August, you’re helping improve cancer prevention, treatment and survival.”
Da odil Day falls on ursday, August 20, although supporters are encouraged to get involved throughout the month.
To donate, register for the Da odil Day Dip or nd out more, visit da odilday.com. au.

If you know where you’ll be on Census night, Tuesday 11 August , you can complete the form for your household as soon as you get your instructions. Complete online, on paper or with help from us.


YOU may assume the culprit captured in this month’s photo was caught on camera during the night.
It was in fact just a er 4pm. e sun was still shining.
e top 20 percent of my avocado tree has been stripped of almost all leaves and any new growth and potentially new season owers I’ll need for avocado fruit production.
It’s frustrating. But what can one do? Spraying chili and garlic mixes had no e ect. Netting gets eaten.
Various possum-rid products bought from hardware stores did nothing.
Collection of dog urine sprayed around the tree also had no e ect. What has worked?
We did see minimal improvements when we hung dynamic lier in small breathable bags all over the tree.
By far the most successful solution has been exclusion of the tree from surrounding fences, walls, roof tops, other trees, and the ground.
Possums like to climb, and they like to remain high. If the jump is too large between surrounding structures and the tree in question, they won’t jump.
If exclusion doesn’t work, they must be climbing the tree from the

ground up, although this is rare. Place a wide steel collar around the trunk. Good luck. It’s a tricky situation and a solution can be time consuming – but so worth it when successful.
I almost missed my leaf curl spraying window. Every year those spring buds seem to form earlier, catching me o -guard.
For maximum e ectiveness against this dis guring fungal disease that looks like blisters on your stone fruit leaves, apply just before buds burst into ower.
But speaking from experience, it is still worth applying a er that window if you miss it.
It’s also time to check citrus for citrus leaf miner and gaul wasp.
Cut away infected areas and apply white oil plus neem.
Citrus leaf miner in particular is very di cult to control.
Regular spraying helps but it’s unlikely to eradicate it completely.
Consider what surrounds your citrus as competition for resources, particularly water, nutrients, and space, will a ect the overall health of your tree.
e weaker the tree, the more susceptible to pests and diseases it becomes.
It’s a good time to clear space
for spring planting, getting those seedlings ready in seed trays and the poor person’s hothouses that I spoke of last month.
Find any clear container, place your seed trays in a sunny spot on the ground, and ip the container over covering your tray.
You’ll likely be surprised just how warm it can get in that conned space.
Be sure to check moisture content daily.
You get a bonus of seedling protection in those trays as well, ensuring that slugs, snails, slaters, parrots, rats and possums can’t touch the tender new growth.
Get them to a good size in those containers before planting out.
What to plant in August?
Peas, silverbeet and chard, potatoes, sweet potato slips can go into the ground and don’t worry if they look a bit sad as they’ll improve very quickly, onions, rhubarb, strawberries, and beetroot.
Start early variety tomatoes and zucchini in a hothouse, plus both bush and climbing beans.
We’ve had solid harvests of brassicas and of course an abundance of citrus this season.
If you’ve got excess consider dropping it down to the Margaret River Community Pantry.
ey’ve been very short on leafy greens over the winter months –likely a re ection of poorer picking conditions. Silverbeet, in particular, grows year-round in sun or shade. If you have a spare bed, consider planting some for the Pantry. Remember, every leaf counts and will be appreciated by people who don’t have access to a backyard patch or are perhaps doing it particularly tough this winter.
Leafy greens like kale, chard and silverbeet are especially appreciated by the Community Pantry right now.
Give the Coordinator a call on 0448 717 098 or drop it around to the yellow church hall at 28 Tunbridge street ursdays between 3 and 5pm.
Pantry pickers can even pick for you if you’re short on time or motivation.
Good luck in the ever-present ght against pests in your patch. If anyone has a tried and tested successful method regarding control or elimination of any of the pests mentioned in this article feel free to contact me at terrisharpe@hotmail. com to share your solutions.














































































NICKY LEFEBVRE
FROM THE COVER COWARAMUP surfer John Haddow has defended his Australian longboard crown, leading an outstanding performance by the Indian Ocean Longboard Club at the 2026 Australian Longboard Championships on the Tweed Coast.
Haddow claimed back-to-back Over-70 Men’s Australian titles, while fellow South West surfers Shae Sheridan finished runner-up in the Over-40 Women’s division, Paul Burke placed third in the Over-55 Men’s event and Lola Boykett finished fourth in the Junior Women’s division in her first national championships.
More than 200 competitors from across Australia took part in Australia’s longest-running surfing event.
For Haddow, the victory comes less than two years after he began competing at state and national level. The veteran surfer also received the prestigious Wayne Deane Spirit of Longboarding Award in recognition of his contribution to the sport.
The national title carries special significance for Haddow, who has dedicated his recent surfing to the memory of his granddaughter Mina, who died from childhood brain cancer in 2025.
As he strode from the water, Haddow tapped the message across his chest — “Together, we will cure childhood cancer” — a powerful reminder that this victory was about far more than another national title.
“Can’t believe I’ve just won the Over-70s Australian Title! Unbelievable,” Haddow said.
“We want to be able to do some work for cancer now. That’s what it’s

all about. That’s why I’m here.
“We’ve got to do something about cancer, and that’s why I’m fundraising.”
Haddow also praised the camaraderie within the WA team.
“This is my second year of competing in the Australian Titles. “I’ve never done a state round before this, but it’s worked out well for me.
“The WA team have been around us all the way.
“We’ve worked together as a team. “I’ve never seen anything like it, and it’s really, really good.”
Dunsborough surfer Shae Sheridan also enjoyed a memorable championships, claiming second place in the Over-40 Women’s division at her first Australian Titles after progressing through a series of challenging heats.
“I’ve had the most amazing week on the Tweed Coast,” she said.
“To make it through to the fi-
nals I had some seriously challenging heats, including knocking out previous national champions and finalists. “Every heat I surfed, my scores improved as I became more comfortable surfing the beachie rights... something very different from what I’m used to at home.”
Sheridan said the support of the WA team was one of the highlights of the week.
“It was also so great watching all of the other West Aussie competitors surf.
“There were some incredibly close heats, exciting moments and plenty of cheering from the
crew.”
“To walk away with second place in the Over-40 Women’s in my first Australian Titles... I’m pretty stoked!”
She thanked her family, the team and the Indian Ocean Longboard Club for their support throughout the event.


JUNIOR SOCCER
Football Margaret River players returned to the field under clear but chilly conditions for another strong round of junior football, with plenty of impressive individual performances and teamwork across the age groups.
The Under 7 Lightning travelled to Capel and impressed despite having no substitutes, with Ziggy, Zephyr, Alfie and Everly all starring. Everly was named Player of the Day.
The Under 8 Falcons enjoyed an entertaining contest against Dunsborough, with Finn earning Player of the Match after scoring a fine goal and working tirelessly in attack.
The Under 8 Breakers defeated the Dunsborough Knights thanks to second-half goals from Fionn and Lucas. Fionn and Sophie shared Player of the Match honours.
The Under 9 Magic produced a spirited performance away to GMAS Vipers, with captain Elbi unanimously named Player of the Day after an outstanding defensive display.
The Under 9 Messi Kids battled hard against the GMAS Wolves, showing excellent teamwork and resilience in an exciting match.
The Under 9 Raptors delivered one of their best performances of the season, with Eddie and Bo each scoring hat-tricks, Leo adding two goals and Lachie also finding the net. Eddie was named Player of the Match.
The Under 10 Mavericks continued their winning form, with Chase Gard
ner and birthday boy Louie Bruggler sharing Player of the Day honours after both scoring.
The Under 11 Hornets were involved in a hard-fought defensive battle against GMAS, with Leo Raimbert recognised as Player of the Day.
The Under 11 Dragons kept a clean sheet in a determined win over Dunsborough Storm. Fred was Player of the Day for his commanding display in midfield.
The Under 11 Serpents fought out a thrilling 3-3 draw with MacKillop Thunder, with Harry earning Player of the Day after an excellent performance in goal.
The Under 12 Storm produced a huge effort without any substitutes against BCFC Falcons, with Gal Berlot recognised as Player of the Day.
The Under 13 Breakers fought out an entertaining draw with the Titans after coming from behind, while Sienna earned Player of the Day for her strong defensive efforts.
The Under 14 Stingrays recorded an impressive 7-3 victory over Busselton, with Bobby Atkins scoring twice and Taj McCrickard named Player of the Match.
The Under 17 Mustangs completed a dominant 5-1 win over Busselton.
Bobbie scored twice, with Stirling adding two more and Ethan also on target as the side built momentum ahead of next week’s FIFA Cup quarter-finals.

BUSSELTON has returned to the top of the South West Football League ladder after a commanding 55-point victory over Harvey Brunswick Leschenault, while Augusta Margaret River kept its winning form rolling with a 171-point demolition of Harvey Bulls and Dunsborough suffered a 46-point defeat to Collie.
The Magpies strengthened their unbeaten season with a 17.8 (110) to 8.7 (55) win over the Lions at Sir Stewart Bovell Park.
After leading by 13 points at quarter-time, Busselton took control through the
Tenardi dominated through the midfield and Tony Notte added three majors as the Magpies reclaimed first place on the ladder.
The win sets up a blockbuster clash with thirdplaced Donnybrook this Sunday at VC Mitchell Park.
At Gloucester Park, Augusta Margaret River produced its biggest win of the season, crushing Harvey Bulls 26.16 (172) to 0.1 (1).
The Hawks steadily built their lead before exploding with 18 goals after half-time, including a remarkable 10goal third quarter.
Byron George was un-

middle stages before putting the result beyond doubt with four unanswered goals in the third term.
Liam Creighton starred with five goals, while Mitch
er’s finals hopes were officially ended following Carey Park’s loss to South Bunbury. The Hawks now turn their attention to a tough away trip against second-placed Bunbury this weekend.
Dunsborough found itself chasing the game from the opening bounce against Collie after conceding seven unanswered first-quarter goals.
The Sharks fought hard after the disastrous start but were unable to recover, going down 15.12 (102) to 7.14 (56).
Jake Green, Darcy Miller and Caleb Stephens battled strongly for Dunsborough, while Stephens was assisted from the ground late in the match with an apparent ankle injury.
The Sharks will look to bounce back when they travel to Harvey to face the Bulls.
Donnybrook climbed to third on the ladder after thrashing Eaton 24.11 (155) to 5.2 (32), while South Bunbury returned to the winners’ list with a 12.8 (80) to 6.6 (42) victory over Carey Park.







stoppable with eight goals, while
and Billy
among the Hawks’ best.
Despite the emphatic victory, Augusta Margaret Riv-
With three rounds remaining, Busselton sits on top of the ladder, ahead of Bunbury, Donnybrook, Harvey Brunswick Leschenault and South Bunbury.

Under 7s Lightning squad leads the charge as teams tackle Round 10 opponents | Page 19
