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THE much-anticipated Yulunga Games returned to Margaret River Independent School for a fourth year, bringing students together for a fun- lled celebration of movement, teamwork and Aboriginal culture.
Introduced by Physical Education Specialist Tom Curtin, the Yulunga Games feature a series of traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander games that have been adapted so children of all ages and abilities can participate.
“Yulunga”, meaning playing in the language of the Kamilaroi (Gamori) people of north-western New South Wales, re ects the spirit of the day as students enthusiastically embraced each challenge.
Activities included Jumppin, inspired by traditional spear shing techniques; Chiba, a mock warfare game played with sponge balls; and Gorri, a disc-bowling game that tested students’ aim and coordination.
e annual event continues to be a favourite on the school calendar, giving students the opportunity to develop their physical skills while learning about the rich cultural traditions of Australia’s First Nations peoples in an engaging and active way.
MORE than 100 musicians will take to the stage at Margaret River HEART next month as two community concert bands celebrate milestone anniversaries with a special performance.
‘Music of the Heart’ will bring together the Margaret River Concert Band, celebrating its 25th anniversary, and the Leeming Concert Band, marking 30 years, for a one-night-only concert on Saturday, August 1.
The event will also feature the Margaret River Senior High School Concert Band, showcasing the region’s next generation of musicians alongside experienced performers in a celebration of community music.
Audiences can expect a varied program featuring stirring classics, contemporary favourites and concert band masterpieces, with organisers promising an entertaining evening for music lovers of all ages.
The concert celebrates not only the anniversaries of the two bands, but also the friendships and community connections that have been built through music over decades.
Organisers say the evening will highlight the power of music to bring communities together.
The event is supported by the Lions Club of
Margaret River, Arts Margaret River and Margaret River HEART.
Music of the Heart will be held in the Nala Bardip Mia Main Theatre at Margaret River HEART from 7pm to approximately 9.15pm on Saturday, August 1.
Tickets are $15, with free entry for children aged 12 and under.
Bookings and further information are available at artsmargaretriver.com
ONE of Australia’s most signi cant contemporary plays will come to the stage at Margaret River HEART next month, o ering audiences a moving exploration of Aboriginal history, resilience and identity.
Yirra Yaakin eatre Company will present e 7 Stages of Grieving on Friday, August 21, bringing Wesley Enoch and Deborah Mailman’s acclaimed work to the South West.
First performed in 1995, the production was considered a landmark in Aboriginal theatre, challenging audiences to re ect on Australia’s shared history through storytelling.
irty years later, Yirra Yaakin premiered a new pro-
duction in WA, marking the rst time the play had been staged by an Aboriginal theatre company.
Performed by a single actor, the production follows ‘Everywoman’ as she journeys through seven de ning stages of Aboriginal history – Dreaming, Invasion, Geno-
cide, Protection, Assimilation, Self-Determination and Reconciliation.
Blending cultural knowledge, personal memories and lived experiences, the play explores themes of identity, loss, survival and hope while celebrating the enduring strength and resilience of Aboriginal people.
e production stars Shontane Farmer and is directed by Bobbi Henry, with a talented creative team bringing the show to the stage.
e performance begins at 7.30pm in the Nala Bardip Mia Main eatre at Margaret River HEART on Friday, August 21.
For bookings and further information visit artsmargaretriver.com
ST THOMAS More Catholic Primary School students are helping shape the future landscape of Margaret River, returning for a second year of native tree planting as part of an ambitious revegetation project at the Arbour estate.
Seventy- ve Year 2, 3 and 6 students rolled up their sleeves on Wednesday, joining environmental specialists Tranen Revegetation Southwest to plant native seedlings across the emerging masterplanned community.
e annual event builds on last year’s successful planting day, which has now evolved into an ongoing community partnership designed to create a greener, more biodiverse future for the town.
More than 13,000 Karri and Marri trees will be planted throughout the estate this winter as part of a long-term vision to recreate the natural character of the nearby Boranup Forest within Margaret River’s newest residential neighbourhood.
Students also installed personalised plaques bearing their names alongside the areas they helped revegetate, creating a lasting connection to a landscape they will be able to watch grow for decades to come.
St omas More Catholic Pri-
mary School Assistant Principal Marian Rowe said the partnership provided valuable hands-on learning while helping students understand their role as environmental custodians.
“We’re delighted to partner with Yolk Property Group for the second year running, giving our students a meaningful opportunity to care for their local environment,” Ms Rowe said.
“Experiences like this deepen their connection to the land and show them how their actions can positively shape the future of Margaret River.”
Yolk Property Group Chief Executive O cer Tao Bourton said the initiative demonstrated how developers, schools and environmental specialists could work together to support thoughtful regional growth.
“ ese students are helping create a living landscape for future residents and future generations of Margaret River,” Mr Bourton said.
“Every year, new students contribute to the next stage of revegetation, creating a lasting connection between the school, the community and the environment around them.
“We want Arbour to re ect the natural beauty Margaret River is known for, while showing that growth can be done thoughtfully and sustainably.”
e tree planting forms part of a broader commitment to balancing residential growth with environmental conservation.
e developer said approximately 30 per cent of the Arbour estate has been set aside as public open space—around three times the Shire of Augusta Margaret River’s standard requirement for new developments.
Revitalise your space with new curtains, blinds, shutters, sheers or outdoor blinds to create a home that feels bright and calm in all seasons.
CARPET COURT 124 Strelly St, Busselton P 9752 2555
A remarkable collection of photographs from 1981 has o ered a fascinating glimpse into Margaret River’s past. Shared by former carpenter Tom Casey, the images capture the construction of the rst rammed earth units behind the town’s main street, life around Prevelly Park, salmon shing on local beaches, and the classic cars, fashions and familiar faces of the era.
Tom also recalls working alongside apprentice Ricky Gath, who would later become one of WA’s bestknown surfers and the inventor of the surf helmet.
e Mail would love to hear from readers who recognise the people or places in the photographs or have memories during this time, or years gone by.
Do you have old photo-
graphs of Margaret River or the surrounding region tucked away in a shoebox or family album?
We’re keen to share more of our community’s history. Email your photos, along with any stories or information about them, to editorial@margaretrivermail.com. au.
Every photo helps preserve another piece of our region’s story.
One of
renowned for.
On Saturday, 18 July, ARIA
change, solitude, and resilience.
Doors open at 6pm, with welcome drinks, followed by dinner at 6.45pm, and Katie on stage at 8pm.
Tickets start at $130 for general admission, with $250
U3A:
U3A will offer 27 long and short courses in Semester 2 from August to December 2026.
The courses will be listed at u3amr.org.au/courses from Monday 20 July for your planning. You can apply for courses online or in person. On-line applications open on Monday 27 July at 11:30 am.
Or apply in person at the Margaret River Community Centre on Monday 27 July from 11:30 am-1:00 pm.
Do not pay for your membership or courses until you have been advised that your application is successful.
Course payments and enrolment can be made online from Monday August 3 or paid in person at THE HEART on Monday August 3 from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm.
For those who have not paid their membership for 2026, the fee for the remainder of the year is only $25 with courses costing either $10 or $15 each Contact admin@u3amr.org.au if you have questions about the enrolment process.
e Margaret River Region Open Studios (MRROS) is gearing up for another big year, with a new ambassador program launched and local artists continuing to highlight the event’s role in building creative careers.
Now in its 13th year, the award-winning event will return from September 12 to 27, opening the doors to more than 150 artists’ studios across the region and inviting visitors to experience art where it is created.
A new team of regional ambassadors has been appointed to help promote this year’s event, with representatives from Busselton, Dunsborough-Yallingup, Cowaramup and Margaret River working to connect more people with the region’s thriving arts community.
Among those stories is Dunsborough artist Holly Perry, who credits ve years of participation in Open Studios with helping establish her successful full-time art career.
e ambassadors include Cindy Mather from Jacksons Drawing Supplies (Busselton), Emma Skinner from Yallingup Galleries, artist Lauren Wilhelm (Cowaramup) and radio host and tourism advocate Janine Carter (Margaret River).
ships with your community, collectors, interior designers and curators.” is year, she is looking forward to welcoming visitors into her new studio space.
Open Studios ambassador Andrew ornton Hick said the initiative would help tell the stories behind local artists while strengthening the Margaret River Region’s reputation as one of Australia’s leading cultural tourism destinations.
“ e ambassadors bring authenticity, reach and passion for the arts,” he said.
“ eir role is not only to promote Open Studios but to help tell the broader story of creativity that de nes this region.”
Beginning by exhibiting from her parents’ backyard, Ms Perry now works from her own Dunsborough studio, creating portraits, gurative watercolours and intricate cut-paper sculptures while receiving commissions throughout the year.
“Open Studios has connected me to so many wonderful collectors and art lovers. It’s an invaluable experience as an emerging artist,” she said.
“MRROS has helped me learn how to better talk about my work, how to present it, and connect with other South West artists. It’s an opportunity to build relation-
MRROS chair Jacquie Happ said the event continued to grow in popularity, attracting around 15,000 visitors and generating more than 110,000 studio visits during last year’s 16-day event.
She also welcomed the return of Private Properties as principal partner for a third consecutive year, alongside local supporters including Shelter and Way nder. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and book accommodation early ahead of this year’s Open Studios festival. To nd out more and see the full program, visit mrropenstudios.com.au
We are seeking community feedback following the trial of a dusk-to-dawn closure of the Barrett Street Weir car park (Feb-Apr 2026), introduced to address illegal camping and peak season pressures
We want to know:
What did you think of the closure?
Did it reduce anti-social behaviour or illegal camping?
Should it continue in future summers?
Your input will help shape future decisions
Learn more and share your feedback before 5pm on Wednesday 15 July by visiting yoursay amrshire wa gov au/weir-closure
Expressions of Interest are now open for the Augusta Townsite Community Working Group (2026–27) We’re looking for community members to help guide the next phase of Augusta townsite based projects including Augusta Streetscape Plan and others
For more information and to express interest visit yoursay amrshire wa gov au/augusta-townsite
Expressions of Interest close 5pm Wednesday 15 July 2026
SMALL SWAPS CHALLENGE
We’re inviting our community to take part in a simple challenge for Plastic Free July
This initiative is part of our Caring for Our Place program, supporting simple actions that help protect our environment
There are 4 x $100 vouchers to be won, from local businesses supporting plastic free July
For more information and to enter visit our Facebook page facebook com/AMRShire/
Winners will be announced in August
Expressions of interest (EOIs) are now open to anyone interested in running a mobile food van at locations across the Shire The opportunity is for a period of up to two years at eight locations across Augusta, Cowaramup, Witchcliffe, Gracetown, Margaret River and Prevelly
Pick up an EOI information pack from our off f ices or request a copy by: Email: permits@amrshire wa gov au Phone: (08) 9780 5266
EOIs close 4pm Wednesday 29 July 2026 and must be submitted to the CEO via email permits@amrshire wa gov au or delivered to the Shire of Augusta Margaret River off f ice in Margaret River
COMMUNITY INFORMATION SERIES
Death may one of life’s certainties, but it’s not always easy to talk about End of Life Matters is a community information series presented by the Shire of Augusta Margaret River, in partnership with the Augusta Community Resource Centre, exploring death, dying and end-of-life planning Facilitated by various agencies and presenters, the sessions aim to create space for participants to reflect on what matters most, and help people feel empowered to have important conversations with loved ones and health care professionals
Palliative Care | Wed 22 July, 10:30am – 11 45am
Voluntary Assisted Dying | Wed 5 August, 10am – 11am Advance Care Planning | Details to be confirmed
All sessions are at the Augusta Community Resource Centre and morning tea is provided To learn more and RSVP go to amrshire wa gov au/endoflifematters
We are reviewing our Firebreak Notice The Notice sets obligations for how all private owners should prepare their properties to address the impact of fire We want to ensure local fire management requirements are contemporary, effective, and reflective of community values
As part of this process, we are convening a Community Jury, a demographically representative group of community members
The Community Jury will work together to understand the issues and challenges and make recommendations to the Shire's CEO on the content of the next Firebreak Notice
For more information and to express interest in participating, please visit yoursay amrshire wa gov au/f / irebreak-notice-review
WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK
Essential works to repair the bridge on Treeton Road, between Oldfield Road and Clayton Road, are set to begin next week The bridge will be completely closed, day and night, during the first week of works Detours will be in place, with local access maintained WINTER GRADING
Our Works team is continuing our winter grading program across our unsealed road network Drainage and shoulder works are happening alongside grading SHIRE-WIDE DRAINAGE MAINTENANCE & STORM CLEAN-UP
Our crews are continuing ongoing drainage maintenance and storm clean-up across the Shire.
See something needing attention? Please contact our Customer Service team or visit amrshire wa gov au/report-it-request-it
STUDENT voices have the power to make a di erence – something Year 6 student Alix Underwood from Margaret River Independent School (MRIS) learned recently a er receiving a personal reply from Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese.
Alix wrote to the PM asking for a ban on industrial krill shing.
“Krill shing de-
pletes a whale’s food source, a ects breeding success and creates a detrimental carbon impact,” Alix explained.
Year 6 MRIS students wrote letters to politicians, community leaders and world leaders as part of a classroom activity exploring active civic engagement.
Students learned that writing to elected representatives is a meaningful way to share their ideas, ask questions and
raise awareness about issues that matter to them.
Students learned that lawmakers pay close attention to the concerns of their communities — including those of young people who are not yet old enough to vote — and these letters can help in uence conversations.
In Alix’s case, it even resulted in a personalised response from the very top.
JULY 15TH
MARGARET River Senior High School students proudly represented the South West at Country Week 2026, joining more than 4,200 students from across Western Australia for one of the state’s biggest annual school sporting and cultural events.
A contingent of 122 students and 13 staff travelled to Perth for the week, competing across a wide range of sports while also taking part in leadership, cultural and educational activities.
The school made a memorable start when Stella Tucci and Henry Thierfelder were selected as MCs for the official opening ceremony, while School Captains Neve Lentjes and Sam Joyce proudly led the Margaret River team into the arena.
Margaret River students were also recognised for their sportsmanship, with Jemima Anderson, Grainne Hately and Sam Joyce receiving RAC Active Achiever Awards.
Several staff members were acknowledged for their long-standing commitment to Country Week, with Chanel Livesey receiving a five-year service award, Paul Farmer recognised for 10 years, and Shane Joyce honoured for 15 years.
Across the week, Margaret River teams recorded a string of impressive performances. The girls’ AFL side celebrated multiple wins, while victories also came in basketball, soccer, hockey, indoor cricket and
both boys’ and girls’ volleyball. The dance team impressed in both Commercial Dance and Lyrical Fusion, while the debating teams competed in a series of closely contested debates.
Away from competition, students attended the Student Leaders Forum, hearing from Brayden Ainsworth of The Happiness Co. on leadership, resilience and wellbeing.
Another highlight came with a visit to Mineral Resources Park, where students toured the West Coast Eagles’ training facility, watched Perth Football Club train and heard from former Margaret River SHS student and AFLW star Ella Roberts, who shared her journey from school sport to the elite level.
School leaders praised students for their determination, resilience, sportsmanship and school spirit throughout the week.
Margaret River turned on one of its classic winter days as heavy rain set in for the arrival of Perth side ARCs, who had made the long trip south to take on the three South West clubs.
It was also a homecoming of sorts for several Beetles players who began their rugby journey in Margaret River before joining the Busselton club.
ARCs opened the day with a win over the Bunbury Barbarians before being beaten pretty soundly by the Bunbury Bulls.
That set the stage for the day’s final match against ARCs. The Perth side brought plenty of size, but the Beetles refused to take a backwards step.
Hyrum Jenkins and Bronno Stevens repeatedly putting their bodies on the line to cut down the bigger runners before they could build any momentum, setting the tone for a determined defensive effort across the park.
But the story of the day belonged to Brooklyn “Zinnie” Daken.
play around the ruck with confidence and composure. His energy never dropped, his service was sharp, and his defence inspired those around him.
With the Beetles trailing by five points late in the match, Zinnie produced a crucial tackle to stop ARCs in their tracks.
From the very next breakdown, Hyrum Jenkins pounced for a trademark jackal to win possession before selling the dummy, slicing through the defence and scoring beside the posts.
The Beetles opened against the Bulls in a hardfought contest, eventually going down by the margin of a converted try.
Despite the result, there were plenty of positives, none more entertaining than prop Zaiden Joynes, who left the quicker Bulls defenders scratching their heads after showing a turn of speed that had teammates wondering if he’d been playing in the wrong position all along.
Maybe there’s a winger hiding inside that front rower after all.
Nicknamed after All Black legend Zinzan Brooke to avoid confusion with the team’s other Brooklyn, the Southland-born halfback has shown flashes of his talent all season.
Perhaps the driving rain felt a little like home, because this was the day he finally showed everyone what his coaches and teammates had known was there all along.
Despite being one of the smallest players on the field, Zinnie tackled with fearless commitment, repeatedly bringing down opponents twice his size while directing
He calmly converted his own try to seal a thrilling victory.
The win lifted the Beetles to an outstanding five victories from six matches against Perth opposition this season, a remarkable achievement for a South West club that continues to punch well above its weight.
Week after week, the young Beetles are proving they can match it with some of the State’s strongest junior sides, and if these performances continue, they’ll keep earning the respect of every Perth team that makes the trip south.
THE Augusta Margaret River Hawks are entering the second half of the South West Football League season with plenty to play for, with the club highlighting strong player development, growing participation and an exciting run towards the finals.
While recent results, including last weekend’s derby against Busselton, haven’t gone their way, the Hawks say there is plenty of optimism across both the football and netball programs.
THE club has faced its share of challenges this season, with injuries, illness, Country Week commitments and player absences testing depth across all grades.
Despite that, training numbers remain strong and the club says the commitment from players continues to reflect a positive culture both on and off the field.
One of the season’s biggest success stories has been the strength of the club’s development pathway. Youth players continue to progress into the colts, while several colts have earned opportunities at league level.
Under coach Grant Garstone, the colts remain firmly in finals contention, sitting second on the ladder while continuing to develop as a group.
The women’s football program has also continued to grow under Damian Drake-Brockman, with new players joining throughout
the season and younger footballers making the most of opportunities in a reduced SWFL youth competition.
At league level, the Hawks have continued to challenge the competition’s best sides with an uncompromising style of football, while fielding a squad made up almost entirely of local players.
Off the field, volunteers have continued to improve club facilities and strengthen operations, with the committee crediting the many people who give their time behind the scenes.
With several rounds remaining, both the league and women’s teams remain in the finals race, while the reserves continue to show significant improvement in one of the league’s most competitive competitions.
The Hawks also have two home
games remaining, including a major club celebration against Harvey Bulls featuring Past Players Day and the 1996 Reserves Reunion.
The club is continuing to welcome new players, volunteers, committee members and sponsors as it looks to build for the future.
ACROSS the Hawks netball program, the focus has been on steady improvement, with all five teams continuing to develop throughout
the season.
From the Under 16s through to the Masters side, coaches have praised players for their growing confidence, teamwork and commitment.
The junior teams have shown impressive improvement in decision-making, communication and court awareness, laying strong foundations for the future.
Meanwhile, the Reserves and League squads continue to build combinations and trust on court, with players embracing their roles and putting the team first each week.
The Masters team has also continued to play an important role within the club, demonstrating the enjoyment, sportsmanship and lifelong friendships that community netball can provide.
Club officials said the progress across all grades reflected the dedication of players, coaches and volunteers, with plenty of excitement building as the Hawks head towards the business end of the season.
It was a memorable weekend for the South West Football League’s local clubs, with Busselton claiming derby honours in the annual Busselton Toyota Cup, Dunsborough recording an emphatic 10goal victory over Eaton, and Augusta Margaret River left searching for answers after a strong first half faded away.
With the Nutrien Ag Country Championships bye now upon the competition, all three clubs head into the break with plenty to reflect on before Round 16.
Augusta Margaret River went down to undefeated Busselton 15.19 (109) to 4.7 (31) in the annual Busselton Toyota Cup at Sir Stewart Bovell Park.
The Hawks made an encouraging start, leading early in the contest and remaining well in the game throughout the first half before trailing by just 19 points at the main break.
However, Busselton’s pressure lifted after half time, with the Magpies shutting the Hawks out completely in the third quarter before conceding only three behinds in the last.
Despite the disappointing second half, Zac Dronow continued his impressive season and was named among the Hawks’ best.
The Hawks now have the league bye for the Nutrien Ag Country Championships before returning to action in Round 16 against Carey Park at Kelly Park.
Sharks power to third win
Dunsborough produced one of its strongest performances of the year, defeating Eaton by 60 points, 13.9 (87) to 4.3 (27), in wet conditions at Glen Huon Reserve.
The Boomers struck first within the opening minute, but Dunsborough quickly settled, with Mick Sherry kicking two first-quarter goals to help the Sharks establish control.
In difficult conditions, the second term became a hard-fought battle, with goals to Jake South and Darcy Miller helping Dunsborough build a 20-point half-time lead.
The Sharks put the result beyond doubt after the break, booting six goals to one in a dominant third quarter. Miller added another two majors for the term as Dunsborough handled the slippery conditions far better than the home side.
The convincing victory gives the Sharks their third win of the season and plenty of confidence heading into the competition bye. Dunsborough will return in Round 16 when it hosts Donnybrook.
e Augusta Margaret River Junior Football Club has thanked the Lions Club of Margaret River for its generous support in helping provide new training shirts for the club’s youth boys’ and girls’ teams.
e signi cant contribution has helped reduce costs for local families while ensuring junior players can train and represent the club with pride.
e club also acknowledged the support of Redgate Sheds and Patios and Uni ed Solutions, whose contributions helped make the initiative possible.
Club representatives said the Lions Club’s ongoing commitment to support
ing local youth and community sport continued to make a meaningful di erence throughout the region.
ey said partnerships with community organisations played an important role in creating positive experiences for young athletes, helping foster teamwork, con dence, resilience and a strong sense of belonging.
e club extended its thanks on behalf of its players, families, coaches and volunteers, saying the Lions Club’s generosity would have a lasting impact on the next generation of footballers both on and o the eld.
