WHAT’S ON
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Lily battle steps onto global stage
NATURE Conservation Margaret River Region’s community-powered Arum Lily Blitz is set to be showcased on the international stage this year, as the innovative WA program continues to grow in scale, impact and ambition.
e Arum Lily Blitz model will be presented at the 2026 Australasian Weeds Conference in Christchurch, New Zealand, highlighting how local people, land managers and conservation groups are working together to tackle one of the South West’s most damaging invasive weeds.
e major cross-Tasman conference brings together weed researchers, biosecurity experts, land managers and policymakers from Australia, New Zealand and the Paci c Islands to share innovations and strengthen collaboration in weed management.
Nature Conservation’s Arum Lily Blitz coordinator Obelia Walker said the opportunity to present the Blitz internationally was recognition of the program’s success and the strength of community action.
“ e Arum Lily Blitz started as a grassroots response to a huge environmental problem here in the Margaret River Region, and it’s exciting to now be sharing that model and our learnings on an international stage,” she said.
“It shows what’s possible when communities are empowered with the right knowledge, support and resources to take action for nature.”
But she said there was still much work to be done to control arum lily locally. Now entering its eighth year, the Arum Lily Blitz has grown into the largest coordinated, landscape-scale weed control program of its kind in WA, with more than 2600 landholders now registered across over 30,000 hectares.
e Arum Lily Blitz partners with government agencies, community groups, volunteers and landholders to reduce and contain arum lily infestations. Landholders can register to access free herbicide, subsidised control on high-priority properties as well as
EXPRESSIONS of interest are now open for farmers in south-west WA to join the 2026/27 fertiliser management program, delivered through Healthy Estuaries WA and Soils – New Horizons in partnership with Lower Blackwood LCDC, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER).
With increased fertiliser and fuel prices, the program supports grazing beef, dairy and sheep farmers to better understand the agronomic needs of their soils, reduce input costs, and improve farm productivity, while also protecting local waterways.
Since 2009, more than 2,300 farmers have soil tested over 400,000 hectares and nearly 40,000 paddocks.
This combined e ort by farmers, catchment groups and government has shown that optimising fertiliser use can save participants an average of $8,700 per farm per year on phosphorus fertiliser alone.
Farmers in the program have also reduced phosphorus applications by almost 1,500 tonnes over the past
free advice and technical support. is year the program continues to expand its targeted cost-share control program, helping landholders tackle large infestations in areas of high biodiversity value and close crucial gaps in the landscape where weeds are still spreading.
Nature Conservation is also continuing to advocate for stronger State Government support and increased resourcing for arum lily management in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, where signi cant infestations remain.
Following a major community survey last year which attracted more than 500 responses, the Arum Lily Blitz has also developed a new behaviour change strategy to
10 years, helping to reduce a major source of nutrient runo into estuaries.
Through the program, farmers receive whole-farm soil testing, expert agronomic advice, and support to develop fertiliser plans tailored to each paddock and production goals.
Participants can also a end workshops to interpret their results and make informed decisions about fertiliser use.
“Farmers can make significant savings by tailoring fertiliser use to what their soils actually need,” said DWER Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator Dr Deborah Holtham.
“By replacing guesswork with science-based decisions, farmers can maintain productivity while reducing unnecessary spending and protecting our waterways.”
Joanna Wren, Executive O cer from the Lower Blackwood LCDC, said the program continues to deliver strong outcomes for local farmers.
“The most rewarding part of this program is seeing
guide the next phase of the campaign, with input from Emeritus Professor Carmen Lawrence.
“ e focus now is on embedding arum lily control as a social norm across the region — everyone doing their bit each year to care for this amazing place”, Obelia said.
“We know the program works when neighbours come together and when people feel supported rather than overwhelmed”.
e Blitz continues to provide free herbicide kits to registered landholders, with collection points available across the region through participating local businesses and the Nature Conservation o ce.
Community members are also encouraged to report infestations using the Fieldbook weed mapping app, helping improve mapping, prioritisation and strategic planning with public land managers.
Arum lilies are a serious environmental threat because they outcompete native plants, smother orchids and wild owers, reduce habitat and food sources for wildlife, and create dense toxic monocultures.
e plants emerge from underground tubers during winter, produce distinctive white owers in spring, and require persistent ongoing management using targeted herbicide treatment.
“ e success of the Arum Lily
farmers build confidence in managing their soils and inputs over time,” she said.
“It’s encouraging to see participants sharing knowledge with neighbours and returning each year to improve their results and refine their approach to fertiliser use.”
Returning participants can also refer a friend to join the program, with both farmers receiving a $100 discount on soil testing fees under the Soil Mates initiative. Expressions of interest are open until 11:59 PM on Wednesday 22 July 2026 at estuaries.dwer.wa.gov.au.
The program is open to grazing enterprises with at least 40 hectares of cleared, arable land.
For more information, please contact donna.belle@ lowerblackwood.com.au or dean.campbell@lowerblackwood.com.au or call the LCDC o ce on 9758 4021.
Blitz proves that community-led conservation can create real landscape-scale change,” Obelia said.
“Many of us choose to live here in the southwest because of our shared love for the natural environment. Protecting it is something we all have a role in.”
For larger properties where infestations are too extensive to manage alone, Nature Conservation’s Bush Regeneration Team is available for hire to assist with arum lily control.
For landholders registered with the Blitz, free herbicide can now be collected from the Nature Conservation o ce as well as from supporting businesses Busselton Agricultural Services, Dunsborough Rural, Vasse General Store, Cowaramup Agencies, Karridale Agencies and True Value Hardware in Augusta.
See www.natureconservation. org.au to nd out more, register, and receive free herbicide, information and resources.
e Blitz is funded by WA’s State Natural Resources Management Program.
Obelia also o ered thanks to the Weed Society of WA for supporting the New Zealand conference presentation through a travel grant, helping ensure Western Australian conservation initiatives are represented internationally.
This activity is a part of Healthy Estuaries WA, a State Government program; and Soils - New Horizons, a bilateral partnership agreement between the Australian Government and the State Government of WA (DPIRD). Previous fertiliser program participants, Peter and Deb Latch.
Arum Lily Blitz coordinator Obelia Walker (centre) with Bush Regeneration Team members Natham Hammer and Eddy Rodda. Photo: Trevor Paddenburg
Can I apply?
Through Healthy Estuaries WA, the program is open to beef, dairy and sheep grazing enterprises that are over 40ha of arable land in one of the funding catchments: Peel-Harvey, Leschenault, VasseWonnerup, Geographe, Hardy Inlet, Wilson Inlet, Torbay Inlet or Oyster Harbour The program is also open to farmers outside these catchments through the Soils - New Horizons program
What’s included?
• Soil testing, advice and support valued at over $5000
• Soil sampling and chemical analysis of all eligible paddocks
• Results and advice at a local workshop
• One-to-one agronomic advice
• Plant tissue testing
ANDERSEN COLLECTION
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Funds boost for Angels
A LOCAL organisation supporting families a ected by cancer has received a welcome funding boost thanks to the Commonwealth Bank team in Margaret River.
River Angels Inc. has been selected by sta at Commonwealth Bank Margaret River to receive a $1,500 donation through the bank’s national Community Donations Program.
e program allows branch teams across Australia to nominate local organisations they believe are making a meaningful di erence in their communities, helping fund essential services, programs and equipment.
Margaret River Branch Manager Julie Kiker said River Angels was chosen in recognition of the vital support it provides to local families facing some of life’s most difcult challenges.
“ e work River Angels does to provide much-needed support for Margaret River regional families who are suffering through or have been impacted by cancer has a meaningful impact on people across our local community, and we’re proud to support the important role they play,” Ms Kiker said.
River Angels provides practical and nancial assistance to people undergoing cancer treatment and their families, helping ease some of the pressures that can accompany a diagnosis.
Ms Kiker said community organisations o en lled important gaps in support services and relied heavily on local backing to continue their work.
“Community organisations play an essential role in supporting people when it matters most, and we’re proud to
support that work,” she said.
“Our teams live and work in the community and have a strong understanding of local needs and the organisations responding to them.”
e Community Donations Program has been operating for eight years and has supported hundreds of grassroots organisations. is year alone, the program will distribute more than $600,000 to community groups nationwide, with every branch across the country taking part.
Ann-Marie Harvey (left) collects the generous donation for River Angels, from CBA Margaret River’s Kelsi Gibson. Image supplied.
Iwouldlike to suggest that there is as need for street trees to be included in the upgrade of the footpaths of Witchcli e .
In the increasing summer temperatures , the danger of skin cancer is increasing.
It may be the case for having footpath trees for shade, and temperature reduction for footpath pedestrians.
A duty of care of the Augusta Margaret River Shire.
More trees less cars.
Another ambulance ramping record for May prior to the winter u season, spells major problems for Western Australians and particularly the elderly.
Also spare a thought for the dedicated hospital sta who are working in extreme pressure and in under resourced facilities, with a tsunami of winter illness on the horizon.
Let’s just be honest, the WA government and its ve health ministers haven’t got a clue what to do.
However, there may be a solution.
Now with 300 elderly patients taking up valuable hospital beds waiting for aged care beds, it may
be time to utilise the expansive $300 million ‘White Elephant” Perth productions studios in Malaga.
ese could be lled with camper beds and used to produce a sequel to “ e Perfect Storm” with George Clooney , a disaster in more ways than one.
e extras could be included in the production budget at no additional cost, with the blockbuster produced by our “WA powerhouse” Premier Roger Cook and directed by Health Minister Meredith Hammat.
Any resemblance to real events would, of course, be entirely coincidental.
e state’s newest production facility could potentially end up hosting more admissions than auditions.
In the end, it would be a tting production.
A state-of-the-art lm studio standing ready to house emergency beds, a health system under pressure and a government insisting everything is on track.
e only real mystery is whether it’s a disaster movie, a comedy, or a documentary because right now, it’s showing signs of being all three.
Deliberate
or otherwise, there are two comments in this letter (Ian Forsyth, Letters, June 3) which must be addressed.
e rst is that the City is recommending a maximum of 200 trucks a day, not a minimum, so the let-
ter writer’s implication that 200 trucks a day will happen every day for the 5 year life of the quarry is just plain wrong.
e second refers to “there is the potential risk of invisible silica micro-particulate particles” - this is a complete untruth - there is no risk of silica micri-particulate particles posing any sort of health hazard other than dust.
e nasty ne grained particles are derived from grinding and crushing and drilling etc where extremely ne dust is generated. Nothing like this will happen at the proposed quarry site.
There is a strong chance this might happen with Yallingup part of Caves Road too.
Melia Brent-White
Dear Frank, thank you for a beautifully crafted post detailing this awful proposal.
We all need to protest against destruction of our precious wildlife and the ancient magnificent trees they depend on for their homes.
We can not allow this magnificent site be turned into an environmental disaster for our wildlife, our roads, our fresh air, the safety of our roads.
This is a respected tourist centre not an industrial site.
Sue Briggs
While you have Bob Brown’s ear get him to stop the wind turbines planned for the bay or is it just NIMBYism?
Surely if a dusty paddock is worth protecting, Geo Bay and wildlife from minute corals to giant whales is worthy of the same.
Peter Marsh
Great observations Frank.
When are we, as a species, going to start valuing more the trees that give us our oxygen.
When are we, as a community, going to value and protect our natural surroundings.
People don’t fly from all over the world to see a sand mine on the way to get their Injidup Spa selfie , or to get cleaned up by trucks on Caves Road. Caves Road is currently si ing at 80kph. Cowaramup Bay Road has recently been reduced to 70kph because of sand mine truck operation.
Up till mid 1980s- No development west of Caves Road due to fire risk along coast - no water and protect integrity of natural coastline plus a few remaining pastoral areas. From Burke to McGowan, things have changed.
Andy Jones
Peruvian passion, on a plate
KIM SEIDLER FOOD & WINE
ON A small main street better known for cafés and country charm, a Peruvian chef who grew up treating the family table as sacred is now pouring his memories, passion and homeland pride into Tigermilk & Co in Cowaramup.
It’s the South West’s first taste of elegant Peruvian cuisine — modern, fun and fresh.
The room is intimate, the menu deliberate, and the work deeply personal. The Lima-born chef, Augustin “Augy” Ortega, whose career spans some of the world’s most celebrated kitchens, is finally cooking the way he has always dreamed.
In Peru, food is a way of life. It’s how families connect, how ancestors are honoured, and how a nation tells its story.
To understand how that spirit translates onto the plate at Tigermilk & Co, you have to go back to where it started for Augy – at his family table in Lima.
“I was raised by a wonderful family,” he said.
“We always had beautiful daily family meals. My mum and dad are from the north, where the food is just amazing.
“The table was sacred; every day, we had to sit down together and share that space as a family.”
Those meals ignited a passion that eventually led him from Peru to Canada, where
he spent a decade working his way up through the kitchens of Montreal’s Marriott Chateau Champlain.
“Those chefs were tough, but I learned so much,” he said.
“It was really inspiring.”
Australia followed, with stints in leading Brisbane restaurants including Urbane, Deer Duck Bistro and GOMA, before moves to Melbourne, Fremantle and eventually the South West. He spent three years at Amelia Park Lodge and later led the kitchen at The Grove, but increasingly felt the need to create something that was entirely his own.
“I got tired of working in places where I couldn’t fully express myself,” he said.
“So I knew then that it was time to open something of my own.”
Before doing so, Augy returned to Peru for eight
months, immersing himself in the cuisine he loved.
He worked at world-renowned restaurants including Maido in Lima and learned from ceviche master Javier Wong.
“I’m so grateful for my experience with Javier,” he said. “He is a master of the art of ceviche.”
The vision for Tigermilk & Co was born during that trip while travelling through northern Peru with his partner, Kylie Smith.
“We saw this vision when we were in Peru,” he recalled.
“We could actually see the place we wanted to create.
“The artwork on the walls, the style of music, the feel of the room, the sense of welcome at the door.”
When the right space became available in Cowaramup, he was ready.
“I’ve always wanted to make a global-inspired Pe-
One ring, three films and 12 hours of adventure at HEART next month
WHAT’S ON | CINEMA
MIDDLE-earth is returning to the big screen, with Arts Margaret River inviting fans old and new to celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Lord of the Rings trilogy at Nala Bardip Mia –Margaret River HEART.
Over two days in July, audiences will have the opportunity to experience Peter Jackson’s award-winning fantasy epic as it was meant to be seen - on the big screen with surround sound, comfortable theatre seating and fellow fans.
The special event will feature all three films in the trilogy, taking viewers from the peaceful hills of the Shire to the fiery depths of Mordor across nearly 12 hours of adventure.
The marathon begins on Friday, July 10, with The Fellowship of the Ring, which introduces Frodo Baggins and his quest to destroy the One Ring before it falls into the hands of the Dark Lord Sauron.
The journey continues on Saturday, July 11, with The Two Towers, as Frodo and Sam venture deeper into danger while the legendary Battle of Helm’s Deep unfolds.
The trilogy concludes that evening with The Return of the King, the Academy Award-winning finale that follows the final battle for Middle-earth and Frodo’s desperate mission to complete his quest.
Arts Margaret River says the screenings offer a chance for longtime Tolkien fans to revisit
one of cinema’s greatest achievements, while introducing a new generation to the beloved story.
To help fuel the adventure, moviegoers can pre-order meals from Little Hand Dumplings, which will be served between Saturday’s screenings.
Tickets are available individually, with a discounted bundle available for those brave enough to tackle the full trilogy.
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy screenings take place at Margaret River HEART on July 10 and 11. For tickets and information, visit www. artsmargaretriver.com
ruvian cuisine restaurant,” he said.
“A showcase of local wines and produce with those incredible Peruvian flavours.
“I want to give people an experience of the incredible modern Peruvian cuisine that’s coming out of Lima today.”
For Augy, every dish is deeply personal.
“It’s my background in flavours,” he said. “It’s the bold, fun essence of my home. My dishes are an offering of pride from my homeland.”
While the food showcases Peruvian culture, he says hospitality remains at the heart of the experience.
“For me, the most important thing is having guests say, ‘Thank you for this wonderful experience’.
“This is what gives me the most joy.
“I’m always creating to give them new experiences
each time. It’s just me and the kitchen at work; I do it all from scratch.”
He puts just as much thought into presentation as flavour.
“If the plate arrives and it visually sets your taste buds off, everything starts with the right energy,” he said.
Then he laughed.
“But it’s all about the sauce.
“The source… is in the sauce, because it’s not recipes. It’s all about memory
taste – the taste that comes from my childhood.”
Talk to Augy about what Tigermilk & Co means to him and the emotion sits close to the surface.
“I feel very proud and excited,” he said.
“This has been a long time coming. It’s rewarding to see people so happy.”
Tigermilk & Co is open Thursday to Sunday. Bookings are essential. Call Augustin on 0483 885 117.
September shows to end with dance party
WHAT’S ON | DANCE
An uplifting celebration of dance, connection and community will take over the Studio Theatre at Nala Bardip Mia – Margaret River HEART this September when All In arrives for two special performances.
Presented on September 11 and 12, All In is an immersive contemporary dance experience created by acclaimed director and choreographer Miranda Wheen in collaboration with Dance Makers Collective and local performers.
The production explores the power of dance to bring people together, encouraging audiences to reflect, connect and celebrate through movement. Featuring original music by award-winning composer Fiona Hill and performances from some of Australia’s leading dancers alongside local dance groups, All In promises a unique and intimate theatre experience.
Organisers describe the show as a joyful reminder of how dance can foster social connection, spark emotion and create shared experiences between performers and audiences.
The production culminates in a lively dance party atmosphere, with audiences invited to embrace the energy and celebration of the evening.
Performances will be held at 7.30pm on Friday, September 11 and Saturday, September 12.
Tickets are $40 for adults, $35 concession, $30 for Arts Margaret River members and $20 for youth under 18.
The show runs for 75 minutes with no interval and is recommended for audiences aged 12 years and over. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Bookings and all info at www.artsmargaretriver.com
Augy’s food comes straight from the heart - and the kitchens of his childhood, with his Peruvian family recipes inspiring the flavours and techniques on the Tigermilk menu.
Chef Augustin ‘Augy’ Ortega and partner Kylie Smith were travelling through northern Peru when inspiration struckleading to the establishment of Cowaramup’s latest hotspot, Tigermilk & Co.
TOYOTA CERTIFIED
CLASSIFIEDS
Death Notices
BAILEY
The Funeral Service for the late Mr James Ronald (Jim) Bailey of Augusta, formerly of Rosa Brook, will be held in the Augusta Hotel, 53 Blackwood Avenue AUGUSTA, commencing at 11.00am on FRIDAY (12.6.2026).
Jim's service will be webcast via his tribute at barrettfunerals.com.au Place a tribute at barrettfunerals.com.au
CALNEGGIA
The Funeral Service for the late Mr Len Joseph Calneggia of Rosa Brook will be held in the Rosa Brook Community Hall, 1230 Rosa Brook Road, Rosa Brook commencing at 11:00am NEXT SATURDAY (20.06.2026).
Len's Service will be webcast via his tribute at barrettfunerals.com.au
Place a tribute at barrettfunerals.com.au
SHEEP MANURE
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 Sundays 10am 34 Station St Busselton Sundays 5.30pm 132 Caves Road www.surfsidechurch.org.au
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
Players on the move in Round 5
FOOTBALL MARGARET RIVER
It was another round of matches in the glorious sunshine this week for the young players from Football Margaret River.
Most teams headed out of town this weekend, with few games held in Margaret River.
U8 Falcons
The Falcons enjoyed perfect winter conditions and produced another enthusiastic team performance. Strong teamwork and plenty of effort were on display throughout the match, with players supporting each other well in attack and defence. Billy was named Player of the Day.
U8 Breakers
The Breakers impressed against Busselton at Churchill Park, enjoying a strong outing in the sunshine. Beau Brooks and Solomon Gould were recognised for their efforts with the Two Cracks Coffee awards.
U9 Magic
Magic adapted brilliantly to a six-aside contest against BCFC Gunners in Busselton. Excellent passing and smart use of space created several scoring opportunities, while strong defensive teamwork limited the opposition’s impact. Zephyr earned Player of the Day after a superb save in goals drew the biggest reaction of the match.
U9 Raptors
The Raptors produced an outstanding all-round display in a convincing win over Dunsborough. Beau led the scoring with a hat-trick, while Eddie was named Player of the Match after an influential performance that included a goal and several key assists. Strong teamwork and defensive efforts were highlights throughout.
U10 Raptors
The U10 derby against the Rovers produced plenty of excitement, with the Raptors showing continued improvement. Strong
pressure across the field and some excellent attacking passages created opportunities before Arlo finished with two goals to earn Player of the Day honours.
U11 Dragons
The Dragons travelled to face Dunsborough Storm and emerged victorious after a hard-fought contest. After being level at halftime and weathering a strong challenge early in the second half, the Dragons regained control to
secure the win. Connor’s tireless running earned him Player of the Day.
U11 Serpents
The Serpents enjoyed another sunny day of football against the Capel Pups. Louis was named Player of the Day after an impressive display featuring strong teamwork, pace and excellent footwork.
U12 Roos
The Roos headed to Busselton for an early morning clash and produced a determined defensive effort. Didi was awarded Player of the Match after a focused performance in goals, regularly coming forward to reduce scoring opportunities.
U12 Storm
The Storm continued to show improvement, maintaining pressure on the ball and combining well across the pitch. Sunny was recognised for his best game of the season, while Billy and Elki were also standout contributors.
U13 Breakers
Despite being a player short, the Breakers battled hard against Roar in Dunsborough. Kai impressed in midfield to share Player of the Day honours with Marshall, whose work rate never dropped. Mireya’s pace and Ronan’s continued development were also highlights.
U17 Mustangs
The Mustangs pushed ladder leaders Australind Tigers all the way in a competitive home fixture. Despite creating several chances, the Mustangs were unable to find the net and eventually went down 3-0. Reef made a strong return from injury, while Sid, Bobbie and Ollie were among the standout performers in a determined team effort.
Freezin’ for a reason at Shark Park
NICKY LEFEBVRE
THE BIG FREEZE
THE Dunsborough Sharks Football Club helped raise almost $7,000 for Motor Neurone Disease research and support when its annual Sponsors Day doubled as a community Big Freeze fundraiser.
Held at Shark Park on May 31, the event brought together players, sponsors, volunteers and supporters for a day of football, fundraising and icy entertainment in support of FightMND.
The highlight was the club’s DIY Big Freeze, with a series of brave participants taking the plunge in the popular ice bucket challenge.
Dunsborough Sharks sponsorship coordinator Heidi Goldstone said the event had generated an incredible community response.
“The Big Freeze ice bucket challenge was exactly that — freezing — but buckets and buckets of fun,” she said.
Club president Joe White
led the fundraising efforts, raising $1,000 through the day’s auction, while local MLA and club sponsor Libby Mettam also joined in the challenge after attending the event.
The fundraiser was supported by local charity Ride the Wave for MND, with co-founder Melanie Watts praising the community spirit on display.
“Despite the crazy weather, everyone still came down, which was awesome,” she said.
“There was so much atmosphere and we had between 150 and 200 people come through during the day.”
The event raised $6,900 for FightMND and helped continue the conversation around Motor Neurone Disease, while highlighting the power of local communities to rally behind an important cause.
“It’s about creating awareness, supporting research and giving people hope for the future,” Ms Watts said.
Ben Scott cops a drenching thanks to his mum!
Melanie Watts, co-founder of Ride the Wave for MND, with Libby Mettam. Below: Ms Mettam stepped up to take on the challenge.
Find freedom on the bowling green
KIM SEIDLER
WHAT’S
ON |
SPORT
THERE are moments in sport when everything else falls away—when it doesn’t matter what you can or can’t see, what you’ve lost, or what life has thrown your way.
What matters is the feel of the bowl in your hand, the sound of it rolling across the green, and the people beside you cheering you on.
That’s what blind and vision-impaired lawn bowls offers.
On Friday, 12 June at 12.30 pm, the Busselton Bowling Club invites the community to come along and experience it for themselves.
The Australian Blind Bowlers Association (ABBA) and Vision Impaired and Blind Bowlers of WA (VIBBWA) are hosting a free come-andtry day for anyone in the south west with low vision or blindness.
This event is all about playing the sport together—on the same green, with the same equipment, alongside sighted players.
On the green, everyone is welcome and equal. It’s just about enjoying yourself…and letting that competitive spirit fly free!
Howard Dickinson, President of ABBA, has spent years watching the sport transform people’s lives.
“Lawn bowls is a sport for all, young or old, sighted or vision-impaired,” Howard said.
“It’s a very social sport, so it’s great for those who may feel their world is shrinking around them.”
On the green, vision-impaired bowlers are supported by a sighted director who helps them line up and judge distance - a partnership built on trust, communication, and a shared sense of purpose.
Yet the joy of the game and the freedom to play it their own way are entirely theirs.
“The real benefit is that they get to share experiences in an environment that is totally focused on what they can do, not what they can’t,” Howard said.
That focus on ability over limitation has changed lives.
Curtis Hawke lost his sight in an industrial accident three years ago.
He came along to a bowls event, tried it, and found something he didn’t expect.
“Finding my niche on the bowling green three years ago was a game-changer, especially following in my dad’s foot-
steps,” Curtis said.
“At the beginning, the biggest challenge was learning to fully trust my director to help me line up and judge the distance, but we’ve come such a long way together.”
Howard worked closely with Curtis, who had to adapt to left-handed bowling because of his injuries.
Two years later, Curtis won two gold medals at the National B&VI Bowling Championships and has since been selected to represent Australia at the International Blind Bowlers Association World
DUNSBOROUGH DUO SHINE AT DENMARK CHAMPIONSHIPS
PADDLEBOARDING
DUNSBOROUGH competitors delivered outstanding performances at the 2026 Stand Up Surf Shop WA SUP Championships in Denmark, with local paddlers claiming multiple State Titles against the state’s best stand-up surfers.
Held at Parry Beach, the championships attracted competitors from across Western Australia, with surfers battling for State Titles and Team WA selection positions across a range of divisions.
Veteran Dunsborough competitor Richard Wain was one of the event’s standout performers, claiming a clean sweep of both the Over-60 Men’s and Over-60 Men’s 9ft State Championships.
Wain praised the conditions on offer, saying competitors enjoyed plenty of opportunities throughout the day.
“I think we were super lucky today because all the competitors had a heap of chances,” he said. “There were lefts and rights, so everyone had a good opportunity to score.”
Fellow Dunsborough paddler Jacenta McKenna also enjoyed a
successful championship, taking out the Over-40 Women’s State Title and finishing runner-up in the highly competitive Open Women’s division.
The Open Women’s title was successfully defended by Denmark’s Isi Campbell, who posted the highest heat total of the entire event with an impressive 16.50 points from a possible 20.
Campbell said she was thrilled to compete on home waves.
“It’s an event I’ve looked forward to every year now for the past three years, but it’s nice to have it at home,” she said. “I’m glad we got good weather and great waves.”
Campbell’s victory further cements her reputation as one of Australia’s leading stand-up paddle surfers.
Surfing WA Contest Director Pete Carrol said the event once again showcased both the high standard of competition and the strong community spirit that defines the sport.
“The quality of surfing was excellent across every division, but what stands out most is the community spirit,” he said.
For Martin, bowls gave back what vision loss had taken away.
“Lawn bowls gives me an avenue to play sport and socialise as an equal,” Martin said.
“I was always a strong, independent individual, and lawn bowls has reopened that door, allowing my competitive spirit to return. For me, bowls is about fun, competition and freedom.”
“The best comment I have received is that I bowl like a sighted person!” he laughed.
Howard has heard stories like Martin’s and Curtis’s many times over his years at ABBA—and they never lose their power.
Championships in New Zealand next year.
“What I love most about playing B&VI lawn bowls is the incredible team spirit and the casual social life—there is nothing better than sharing stories, a laugh, and coffee with people who truly understand your journey,” Curtis said.
Martin Down, a VIBBWA member, has about three per cent vision after losing sight in one eye at age 12 and experiencing a blood flow issue in his remaining eye five years ago.
“For those new to the sport, it can be wonderful, as it gives them a sense of belonging and a feeling of worth,” Howard said.
“More than one loved one of a new B&VI bowler has told me confidentially that lawn bowls has given their loved one a new sense of purpose—and possibly made the difference between flourishing and literally giving up on life.”
Mark, a fellow bowler, sums it up perfectly: “Bowls gave me a place where I’m not just participating—I belong.”
That sense of belonging is at the heart of everything ABBA and VIBBWA do. Both organisations have supported blind and vision-impaired bowlers for decades, working with federal government support to bring the sport to communities across Australia.
Beyond social play at their local club, bowlers can test their skills and choose to compete at state, national, and international levels—ABBA has just selected its team for the International Blind Bowlers Association World Championships in New Zealand next year.
On 12 June, a group of vision-impaired bowlers—including one with 100% vision loss—will travel to Busselton with their sighted directors to demonstrate how B&VI lawn bowls works. A coaching session will follow, open to anyone curious about giving the sport a go.
Whether you’ve never held a bowl before or have been playing for years and are now experiencing vision loss, you are welcome.
The Blind Bowls Come and Try Day takes place on Friday, 12 June at 12.30 pm at Busselton Bowling Club. Entry is free.
Blind and vision impaired bowlers say taking up the sport has changed their lives forthe better, thanks to the help and support from fellow players, and an inclusive environment where everyone is welcome.
The winners of the 2026 WA SUP Championships in Denmark celebrate the conclusion of another great competition on the south coast. Photos: Pedro Bonfante/SWA
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