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Exactly one year a er she was swept out to sea and presumed lost forever, a porcelain sculpture from Margaret River’s REDSEA Gallery has been found again — resting quietly on the ocean oor o Gnarabup Beach.
e remarkable discovery has sparked fascination among gallery sta and the local community, turning what began as an unfortunate accident into an unexpected story about art, nature and the passage of time.
e sculpture was one of a collection of porcelain gures a ectionately known by gallery sta as the “Swimming Women”.
In June last year, three of the sculptures were taken to Gnarabup Beach for a promotional photoshoot.
During the shoot, one of the delicate ceramic gures was unexpectedly swept away by the ocean.
Despite immediate e orts to recover her, the sculpture disappeared beneath the waves.
e gallery appealed to the public at the time in the hope someone might nd her, but no trace of the
artwork was ever discovered. at was on June 19, 2025.
A year later, almost to the day, the story took an extraordinary turn.
A visitor to REDSEA Gallery recently mentioned that someone they knew had spotted a ceramic gure while snorkelling o Gnarabup Beach.
e sculpture appeared partially buried in the sand beneath the water and had become part of the underwater landscape.
e snorkeller had even taken a photograph.
“When they showed us the im-
age, we were astonished to discover that it was our missing sculpture,” gallery spokesperson Tenille told the Mail
e photograph revealed the porcelain woman still lying on the sea oor, apparently having survived a year of storms, currents and shi ing sands.
Rather than attempting to retrieve the sculpture, the gallery has embraced the idea that she has found a new home beneath the waves.
“We’re not asking for anyone to recover or return the sculpture,” Tenille said.
YOUNG @ HEART CONCERT SERIES EXPANDS
WHAT’S ON | LIVE MUSIC
A popular community music program that has become a Monday morning fixture in Margaret River is set to make its Augusta debut next month.
Arts Margaret River has announced that its Young@HEART concert series will launch in Augusta (Taalinup) on Monday, July 6, bringing free live music performances to the Augusta Centennial Hall on the first Monday of each month.
The initiative, which began at Margaret River HEART during the COVID-19 pandemic, was originally developed to encourage arts participation among older residents.
Since then, it has grown into a much-loved community program welcoming people of all ages, while continuing to a ract a strong senior audience.
The Augusta series will open with a performance by local musicians Kevin McDonald, Asha Henfry and Kate Fi on.
The concerts will run from 10am to 11am on the first Monday of each month, excluding public holidays, with tea, co ee and biscuits available for a small donation.
Arts Margaret River says the expansion of the program reflects the strong community response the Young@HEART series has re-
ceived since its inception.
The Augusta concerts are free to a end and open to all ages.
Further announcements and program details will be available through Arts Margaret River.
Young@HEART Augusta begins on Monday, July 6, from 10am to 11am at Augusta Centennial Hall.
“We see her as part of the marine environment now, and we’re simply fascinated to follow her journey and the life she may be creating beneath the surface.”
e gallery has now shared the story on its social media pages, including video footage and images of the missing artwork, and is inviting divers, snorkellers and ocean lovers to keep an eye out for her.
Anyone who spots the sculpture is encouraged to photograph or video it, and tag @redseagallery.au so the gallery can continue docu-
South Western News - January 29, 1932.
Sca ered reports over the past week from the extreme southwest. It has been reported that on the 19th January tremors had been felt like a mild earthquake or the result of such a disturbance. The greatest severity was noted on the west coasty between Cowaramup Bay and the Leeuwin.
The light house keeper at the Leeuwin reported the shock took place at 11:19pm and shook the building for several seconds.
It was also felt at the Margaret River Hospital. Mr. M. Terry, the well-known surveyor stated that it appeared to have all the characteristics if a “quake” and in the absence of information concluded it was connected to an upheaval out at sea.
In some houses crockery and windows were said to ra led and one dog howled so piteously that the owner was forced to leave his bed and go to the animal.
Government Astronomer (Mr. H.B. Curlewis) in Perth stated that there was no trace whatever of any movement on the Perth Seismograph sheet.
In view of that fact, it was more than probable
menting her unusual journey.
“It seems she’s found a new home beneath the waves and has become part of the marine landscape at Gnarabup,” Tenille said.
e story has struck a chord because it feels uniquely Margaret River — a blend of art, coastline, chance and community curiosity.
For now, the missing Swimming Woman remains exactly where she is, resting beneath the waters o Gnarabup Beach, quietly writing the next chapter of a story nobody could have predicted.
that the tremors were more likely to be a local disturbance near the earths surface, like a collapse of some underground cavern or several of these as there are a large number of these on the fringe of the continent.
It may also have been caused by the faulting of rock masses under severe strain.
That there had been some sort of disturbance e ecting parts of the coast, although it had not been felt by them, was the opinion of the coastal fishermen who noticed that the ground swell at sea the next day was unusually heavy while the water for many miles was discoloured.
IN 1923, e Perth Observatory was tted with a new sensitive Milne-Shaw horizontal pendulum seismograph, capable of recording earth disturbances from around 2,500 -3,500 kms away - including in the ocean - but was poor at recording close ones.
A er contacting a historian at the Observatory, who cross-checked with South Australian seismograph records, they con rmed that one of Mr Curlewis’ hypotheses of the tremors is a possibility.
Based on the evidence given by shermen, a “faulting of rock mass” better known as a subterranean quake, was the most likely scenario for all the shaking that went on that January night.
The sculptures were at the beach for a photo shoot last year when a wave carried away one of the ‘Swimming Women’. Images supplied.
Local swimmers have spotted the missing statue on the ocean floor - appearing to have been claimed by a resident octopus to adorn its ‘front yard’.
The first performance will feature local musicians Kevin McDonald, Asha Henfry, and Kate Fitton.
STUDENTS MARK NAIDOC DAY
WITH ART, CULTURE & STORIES
COWARAMUP Primary School came together to celebrate culture, community and connection during a vibrant NAIDOC Day celebration that brought students, families, sta and community members together.
e day began with a wholeschool assembly presented by Room 13’s Year 3/4 students, with this year’s NAIDOC theme, “50 Years of Deadly”, woven throughout the proceedings.
Students and sta were privileged to welcome several special guests who generously shared their knowledge, stories, language and cultural experiences.
Proud Wardandi matriarch Vivian Brockman Webb delivered a Welcome to the school assembly before joining Elaine Clocherty to lead the school’s annual land art activity.
Working alongside students, the pair helped create artworks inspired by texture, colour and form using natural materials gathered from the local environment.
e activity provided students with an opportunity to strengthen their connection to Country through creativity and hands-on learning.
e school also welcomed Margaret River Senior High School Aboriginal and Islander Education O cer Elizabeth Hull, along with 16 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, who assisted with a series of NAIDOC-themed activity rotations.
Students took part in bracelet making, storytelling and face painting, while special guest speaker Cli on Girgirba shared stories about his culture and connection to the land.
Teacher Millie Grlusich said the day was a wonderful celebration of culture, respect and community.
“We extend our sincere thanks to all our special guests, community members, sta and families who helped make the day such a memorable and enriching experience for our students,” she said.
e annual celebration continues to provide valuable opportunities for students to learn about and celebrate the histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Building Friendship Ninjas at MRIS
Gathering in Makuru: Celebrating Season, Culture and Connection
When we get friendships right in schools, children flourish. This is the mantra underpinning the URSTRONG program at Margaret River Independent School (MRIS).
The fourth Noongar season, Makuru, will be celebrated at Margaret River Independent School with a special Seasonal Celebration bringing together students, families and staff on Friday, June 26.
In 2026, URSTRONG sessions have commenced for students from Year 1 through to Year 6, under the guidance of MRIS Wellbeing Officer, Julia Knight.
Julia explains that the program helps create a universal culture of kindness across the school.
MRIS Principal Rachel Fox said Makuru is a time for connection, reflection and gathering, making it a meaningful occasion to celebrate as a community, particularly as it coincides with National Reconciliation Week.
and deepen their connection to Country, including opportunities to become guides on the school’s oncampus bush trail.
“It helps students establish and maintain healthy relationships, guides them to manage conflict with kindness, and increases their overall resilience.”
“Families will gather in the school’s Outdoor Classroom, where our Wadandi mentor, Sam Webb, will join us for an evening of storytelling, shared food and connection around the fire,” Rachel said.
Research consistently shows that positive relationships are at the heart of wellbeing and learning. Through URSTRONG, students are supported to build the skills they need to navigate friendships with confidence and empathy.
Julia said students learn to become “Friendship Ninjas.”
“To make the evening even more special, students will light lanterns they have created at school this term. As the days become shorter and darker, these lanterns symbolise warmth, comfort and hope. We look forward to sharing this meaningful experience together as a community.”
“They learn how to stand up for themselves and their friends, how to make new friends, and understand that friendships change — and that’s okay.”
A key part of this learning is the Year 3 Wadandi Mentoring Program, led by Noongar in the Bush mentor Sam Webb. Throughout the year, Sam shares his knowledge of Wadandi culture, language, bush tucker, traditional dance, Noongar seasons and the importance of being “on Country”. Indigenous perspectives and connections to Country are woven throughout the MRIS learning journey, supporting the school’s commitment to educating the whole child and fostering respect, understanding and connection within the community.
The celebration reflects MRIS’s ongoing commitment to Indigenous education and cultural understanding. Students across the school participate in programs that build cultural knowledge
The URSTRONG program forms an important part of the social and
emotional learning framework at MRIS. It supports the school’s approach to behaviour management by fostering autonomy, mastery, and purpose in the students, helping to create a happy, harmonious school environment where every child can thrive.
Firebreak Notice Review
COMMUNITY JURY
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, eff f ective, 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 www yoursay amrshire wa gov au/firebreak-notice-review
Tenders
IPQS 022502 – Request to Join a Panel of Suppliers for Weed Management Services - closes 10am (A (AWST) T Tu T esday 7 July 2026
Applications must be uploaded through Te T nder Portal: portal tenderlink com/amrshire
July Short Course Swim Program
JULY 13-17 | MARGARET RIVER SWIM SCHOOL
Our short course stroke correction program returns to the Rec Centre this July Perfect for kids wanting to boost confidence and skills over the winter break
When: 13–17 July (5 days)
Stages: 1–9
Cost: $91 first child | $81 sibling | KidSport eligible New enrolments $10 | Renewed enrolments $5
Enrolments now open: membership amrshire wa gov au/Course/Enrol Private lessons are also available – email swimschool@amrshire wa gov au
Inflatable Fun Day
Shire works watch
ROTARY PARK
We’re doing drainage works at Rotary Park on Thursday 25 June To allow space for large machinery, the northern end of the car park will be closed from 7 30am to 5pm with limited parking available The playground and facilities will remain open
MEMORIAL PARK TOILETS
Building works are happening at Memorial Park The female toilets are open to the public and a temporary male toilet is available inside the main entrance Some car park bays are closed during the works
FARMHOUSE PARK
Works to renew the Farmhouse Park playground have started The playground is temporarily closed during construction
WA W DANDI TRACK
Maintenance and drainage works are continuing on a section of the Wadandi Track, north of Gnarawary Road, to improve surface conditions ahead of winter These works will be ongoing until the end of June
WINTER GRADNG
Our Works team has kicked off our winter grading program across our unsealed road network Drainage and shoulder works are happening alongside grading
of Health Disability and Ageing will share information and answer questions
30am - 11 30am, 24 June at Augusta Community Resource Centre For more information and to register visit https://www amrshire wa gov au/recreation-leisure/events-andworkshops/understanding-aged-care
Barrett Street Weir
YOUR SAY
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
Visit https://yoursay amrshire wa gov au/weir-closure to learn more and share your feedback before 5pm on Wednesday 15 July
Big swells switch fish focus to rivers
WITH the Salmon season coming to an end, and large early winter swells o the Capes, local shers have turned their eye to the more protected bays and rivers of the region.
Following the recent storms, Busselton Jetty and the outer rock wall at Augusta Boat Harbour have been ring for large Pink Snapper, but remember - just be careful when shing o the rocks.
e Blackwood River has been very shy with Salmon Trout, Herring, King George Whiting and the odd XL Samson Fish amongst recent catches.
Large Southern Calamari have also been caught at night on the turn of tide, small jigs matching the river prawns getting the best results.
Drone shing is popular with many great reports both locally and up North from our customers.
It’s been great to hear the sharks haven’t been too bad up north this month, we’ve seen some great catches including large Red Emperor, various Cod species, Cobia and the odd Spanish Mackerel, although they have been few and far between.
If you’re feeling down this winter, get out, have an explore and take a rod, you’ll feel great…. Especially if you get a feed!
THANKS TO cool water moving in and consistent large swells, Spearos of the Capes have moved their attention to a northern getaway, with many targeting Spanish Mackerel, Tuna, Large Coral Trout, Bald Chin Groper and other pow-
erful species.
e ‘Fish of a lifetime’ is a possibility every dive and getting your gun setup to succeed is so important.
If you need any re-rigging, new parts, a general service or just want to have a chat about what you need, come and see Luke and Dean at the store, they’ll get you ready to go.
WITH the heavy rains over the last
weeks, our forests have come to life. Fungi season is here!
Stop, look and be amazed at the amazing colours, shapes and sizes of these amazing lifeforms.
Bushwalking is a great winter hobby, learning about nature as you go, the kids will love it too.
All you need is some good boots, a rain jacket and a smile and you can turn a miserable day into an adventure.
Every trail tells a di erent story and every log a surprise.
Drop into the store and check out ‘ e Magical World of Fungi’ by local legends Jane Scott and Patricia Negus - a great book with beautiful watercolour illustrations of many local fungi species.
See you out there!
Local fisherman Bryce landed this impressive snapper while drone fishing, which has become increasingly popular up and down the WA coast.
It was a catch & release moment for young angler Kalani, who made this impressive catch and sent in his photo to the DSC&O store.
Cortinarius archeri - commonly known as the “Purple Emperor” - is just one of the impressive species of fungi you can spot on the stunning trails around the South West.
Protecting nature, supporting farms
LOCAL farmers and landholders are being encouraged to take part in the Enhancing Farm Biodiversity Project, with funding and practical support now available to help protect remnant bush, establish native shelterbelts and strengthen the natural assets that support productive farms.
Delivered by the Lower Blackwood LCDC in partnership with Nature Conservation Margaret River Region, and funded through the WA Government’s State NRM Program, the project will support eligible landholders across the Shire of Augusta Margaret River and the Lower Blackwood Catchment.
For many farms, the most valuable biodiversity assets are already there: a patch of remnant bush, an old line of paddock trees, or a less productive area that could be better used for shelter and habitat. With the right support, these areas can help protect stock, improve pasture, reduce wind impacts, connect habitat, and support birds, insects, and other wildlife.
Funding support is available for activities such as stock exclusion fencing, weed control, native seedlings and shelterbelt establishment. The project will also support the use of local native species and practical planning to ensure works are well-suited to the site and have the best chance of long-term success.
Lower Blackwood LCDC Program Manager Rebecca Archer said the program was about helping landholders improve their properties in ways that delivered real, practical benefits.
“Farmers understand their properties better than anyone, and many already know where shelter, fencing or revegetation could make a difference,” Ms Archer said.
“This project is about helping landholders turn those ideas into practical, well-planned on-ground works. That might mean fencing off an existing patch of bush, planting a native shelterbelt, improving connectivity between remnant areas, or using a less productive part of the farm in a way that delivers longterm value.”
“We’re not asking people to take on another massive job,” she said. “We’re here to help make these projects achievable. Sometimes it just takes a bit of support, a bit of funding and someone to help get the ball rolling.”
Farmers and community members across the region will be able to access workshops, field days and one-on-one guidance as part of the program.
Expressions of Interest are now open. Landholders who are interested in protecting remnant bush, planting native shelterbelts, or exploring what might be possible on their property are encouraged to contact the project team for an initial conversation.
For more info, contact Declan McGill on 0499 037 126 / declan. mcgill@lowerblackwood.com.au, or Cass Jury on 0427 070 951 / cass. jury@natureconservation.org.au.
More information is available at www.lowerblackwood.com.au/enhancing-farm-biodiversity.
‘Like
nowhere else on Earth’
FROM the Margaret River to the coastlines, forests and wetlands that make this region famous, a growing community movement is working to protect a place that is quite literally like nowhere else on Earth.
Nature Conservation Margaret River Region (NCMRR) has launched its end-of-financialyear campaign, Like Nowhere Else on Earth, highlighting both the region’s extraordinary natural values and the need to safeguard them for future generations.
The Margaret River region sits within one of just 36 internationally recognised Biodiversity Hotspots on the planet, home to an extraordinary concentration of unique plants and animals found nowhere else.
It is also home to the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, Western Australia’s most visited national park, attracting more than 4.2 million visits each year.
Yet despite its global significance, the region’s natural environment faces growing pressure.
The Wooditjup Bilya (Margaret River) has experienced around a 20 per cent decline in rainfall and a 50 per cent reduction in streamflow over recent decades, placing increasing pressure on ecosystems already challenged by habitat loss, invasive species and climate change.
Nationally, just 0.6 per cent of the Federal Budget is directed towards protecting and restoring
the environment, leaving communities, landholders and conservation organisations to fill the gap through practical action on the ground.
Nature Conservation works with volunteers, landholders, scientists, schools and community members to restore habitat, protect waterways and tackle invasive species through programs including the Arum Lily Blitz.
Nature Conservation CEO Aaron Jaggar said the campaign was about celebrating what makes the region special while recognising the responsibility to protect it.
“This is one of the most remarkable natural landscapes on Earth, and people know that instinctively,” Mr Jaggar said.
“We live in a globally recognised biodiversity hotspot. We have Western Australia’s most visited national park on our doorstep. Millions of people come here every year because of the forests, rivers, coastline, wildlife and natural beauty that make this place unique.
“But these places can’t be taken for granted. The river that gives our region its name is under pressure. Biodiversity is declining. Invasive species continue to spread. Climate change is reshaping ecosystems.
“At the same time, nature funding remains nowhere near where it needs to be. When only 0.6 per cent of the Federal Budget is allocated to the environment,
community action becomes even more important.
“The good news is that local people can make a genuine difference. Every tree planted, every weed removed, every volunteer hour and every donation contributes to healthier ecosystems and a stronger future for nature.”
Programs across the region rely on volunteers, partnerships, grants and community support to continue and grow.
As the end of financial year approaches, Nature Conservation is encouraging people to support practical conservation work through tax-deductible donations.
“EOFY is an opportunity for people to back the work that’s happening on the ground right now,” Mr Jaggar said.
“This campaign is called Like Nowhere Else on Earth because that’s exactly what this region is. If we want future generations to experience the same healthy rivers, thriving forests and abundant wildlife that we value today, we all have a role to play in protecting them.
“Protecting a place like this isn’t something one organisation can do alone. It’s something an entire community builds together.”
To learn more about the Like Nowhere Else on Earth campaign or make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.natureconservation.org.au.
Cass Jury from Nature Conservation Margaret River Region (left) with Declan McGill, Lower Blackwood LCDC and landowner, Kate Tarrant.
Volunteers at one of the regular planting and rehabilitation days hosted by Nature Conservation MRR around the region.
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CLASSIFIEDS
Local support spurs young rugby squad
RUGBY
THE Margaret River Gropers Junior Rugby Club is preparing for a big weekend of home games, while recognising the important role local sponsors play in supporting junior rugby across the South West.
Club sponsorship coordinator Craig Jenkins stated, “We really wanted to recognise the backing from the businesses and organisations that have come on board to support us recently.
“It’s a great feeling to know the local community believes in us as a club.”
Junior rugby in Margaret River is supported by businesses such as Retravision Margaret River, Westside Tilt Tray, Trade Hire Margaret River, Yahava Margaret River, Sportspower Margaret River and Doral Mineral Sands, as well as the continued ongoing contribution of
the Lions Club of Margaret River.
“All of this support continues to help provide opportunities for lo-
win Tyres Margaret River holds a special place in the club’s history, having played a key role in establishing the Gropers and continuing that support through to today.
That support contributes to a strong club environment where young players can develop their skills, build friendships and enjoy the benefits of team sport.
There’s a full schedule of games set for the weekend and the club is looking forward to a strong turnout at the home ground and is encouraging the wider community to come down, support the teams and enjoy a great day of junior rugby.
Local businesses interested in supporting the club are also invited to get involved as junior rugby continues to grow in the region.
Fast feet & big smiles: Junior players show strong progress
WITH just three matches at Gloucester Park and three at Rapids Landing, Round 7 felt unusually quiet by Football Margaret River standards. Despite the lighter junior schedule, there was still plenty happening around the club, with the Jillaroos back at home on Friday night and senior fixtures drawing crowds to Gloucester Park on Sunday. It all added up to another busy weekend for the FMR family...
U7 Lightning
The Lightning produced one of their most evenly matched performances of the season against Mackillop Panthers in Busselton. Improved passing skills were a highlight, while Ziggy Williams earned Player of the Day honours for his excellent sportsmanship and continued growth throughout the season.
U7 Shadows
The Shadows overcame a determined Huskies side in a match full of energy and teamwork. Teddy opened the scoring before the team combined brilliantly through the middle of the pitch. Kai and Ted impressed with their passing combinations, Kayden was outstanding in defence, and Jimmy’s relentless pressure created opportunities throughout. Mika was named Player of the Match after a strong defensive display featuring several crucial saves and clearances.
U8 Falcons
The Falcons were in terrific form against Mackillop Sharks, racing out of the blocks with goals from Winston, Marco, Ashton and Marshall during a dominant opening period. Eleanor earned Player of the Day honours after working tirelessly throughout the match in her first season of football.
U10 Mavericks
Despite a frosty morning at Churchill Park, the Mavericks were full of energy. Harry Dorman was outstanding once again, while guest player Zephyr Dodd made a strong impact, scoring with a classy left-foot finish. Both players received Player of the Day recognition.
U11 Hornets
The Hornets fought out an entertaining 3-3 draw with Storm in Dunsborough. Arlo was excellent in goals, while Leo, Sam and Dylan all made important defensive contributions. Harvey scored twice, including a rebound from a saved penalty, and was named Player of the Day for his match-winning efforts in attack.
U11 Dragons
The Dragons travelled to Dunsborough for a hard-fought clash with Dunsborough Fire. In one of their closest matches of the season, the Dragons showed excellent game awareness, smart passing and strong decision-making under pressure. A special thank you went to Hornets players Arlo and Leo for filling in. Arlo earned Player of the Day after producing a series of outstanding saves in goal.
U11
Serpents
The Serpents delivered a strong performance against the Adders in Vasse, moving the ball well and showing continued improvement as a team. Jayden was named Player of the Day after scoring a brilliant goal and leading the attack with confidence.
Storm
U12
Despite the result not falling their way against Vasse Venom, Storm impressed with their teamwork and ball movement. The side produced some excellent passing football and continued to grow in confidence.
Daisy Lane was recognised as Player of the Day for her consistently strong performances throughout the season.
U13 Breakers
The Breakers faced fellow Margaret River side the Legends in chilly conditions. Drayke produced several outstanding saves and shared Player of the Day honours with Isaac, who consistently created attacking opportunities. Lennox scored a superb goal, while Mireya and Fynn both impressed with their work rate across the pitch.
U13 Legends
The Legends enjoyed a strong 7-1 victory over the Breakers, making excellent use of possession and teamwork throughout the match. Leading 4-0 at half-time, they maintained their focus after the break to complete an impressive performance. Ziggy was named Player of the Game for his energy, defensive work and constant involvement around the contest.
U14 Stingrays
The Stingrays secured a hard-earned 2-0 win over Busselton to move into second place on the ladder. Bobby Atkins continued his strong form with another goal before Alby Blakemore sealed the result late in the match after sustained pressure from the home side.
Also founding supporter Leeu-
cal players to take part in the game, and the players are really proud to look at the names of the sponsors on their playing kit,” Craig continued.
To find out more and make contact, visit www.facebook.com/ juniorgropersrugby
The Gropers Junior Rugby Club is a vibrant and successful sporting organisation, thanks to the support of local businesses and community groups who help with funding and provide practical help. Image supplied.
The Queen of Cloudbreak
FROM THE COVER
Margaret River windsurfer Jane Seman has once again proven herself among the world’s elite, claiming victory at the Fiji Surf Pro after a dominant performance in some of the biggest and most demanding conditions seen on the World Windsurfing Tour this season.
Held at Fiji’s legendary Cloudbreak reef break, the four-star event featured towering waves exceeding four metres and strong cross-offshore winds, creating one of the most challenging competitive environments in professional wave sailing.
Seman, who previously won the event in 2022, returned to the famous break and left no doubt about her credentials, sweeping all three finals heats to reclaim the Cloudbreak crown.
Her campaign began in spectacular fashion, posting the highest score of the entire day’s competition in the opening run.
Seman consistently found the biggest waves of the day and attacked deep, critical sections of the reef, delivering performances that had spectators holding their breath.
Rather than taking a conservative approach as conditions intensified, the Margaret River athlete continued to push the limits in the second run, selecting two of the best waves of the heat and execut-
ing clean, controlled turns in some of the most challenging sections of the break.
The second victory secured the overall title with a run still remaining, making her mathematically uncatchable and completing a clean sweep of the women’s finals series.
Despite suffering a huge wipeout and losing 10 minutes during the final run, Seman still claimed a third consecutive heat win to finish the event unbeaten.
Speaking after her victory, Seman said Cloudbreak remained one of the most special and de-
manding locations on the world tour.
“I just love this wave so much.
“Winning here in 2022 was special, but today in those conditions — with those huge sets and perfect wind — it’s as good as it gets in windsurfing.”
The result is another major international achievement for the Margaret River athlete and further reinforces her reputation as one of Australia’s leading windsurfers, particularly in powerful wave conditions where commitment, precision and decision-making are critical.
Behind Seman, fellow Australian Sarah Kenyon finished second overall after improving throughout the event, while Spain’s Maria Andrés rounded out the podium in third place.
The competition was notable not only for the quality of sailing but also for the extreme conditions.
Organisers described it as one of the most powerful Cloudbreak swells seen on the World Windsurfing Tour this season.
Across the event, competitors dealt with waves exceeding four
metres, strong offshore winds and multiple equipment failures, with four complete equipment breakages recorded.
The Fiji Surf Pro attracts many of the world’s best wave sailors to one of the planet’s most famous reef breaks, making Seman’s clean sweep all the more impressive.
For Margaret River, it is another reminder that world-class athletes continue to emerge from the region’s unique coastal environment, taking local talent onto the international stage and competing successfully against the world’s best.
Pies victorious in two point thriller
SWFL
BUSSELTON held off a fastfinishing South Bunbury to record a thrilling two-point victory at Sir Stewart Bovell Park on Saturday.
In front of a large crowd, the Magpies started brilliantly, kicking five first-quarter goals to open a 19-point lead at the first break.
Jon Meadmore’s goal in his 250th League game was a highlight as Busselton took early control.
South Bunbury responded strongly in the second term, kicking four goals in the opening nine minutes to hit the front.
The Tigers’ accuracy in front of goal proved crucial, with the visitors leading by nine points at half-time.
The contest remained fierce after the break. Busselton gradually worked its way back into the game through Callum Gannaway and Mitch Tenardi, but Tyson Lane’s fourth goal restored South Bunbury’s advantage heading into the final quarter.
Ryan Ekert finally broke free after being held goalless for three quarters, kicking two important final-term goals as Busselton regained the lead.
before the Dons kicked away with three late goals to establish a decisive break.
Augusta Margaret River mounted a final-quarter challenge, reducing the margin to 11 points, but Donnybrook steadied to secure the 13.9 (87) to 12.6 (78) victory.
points to record a fifth consecutive victory.
The Sharks remained in touch early, trailing by just eight points at quarter-time, before the Lions gradually took control with a strong second quarter and dominant second half.
Tony Notte extended the margin before Nathan Murray’s late major reduced the deficit to a single point. The match went down to the wire, with Meadmore adding a behind in the dying stages before the siren sounded with South Bunbury in possession just forward of centre.
DONNYBROOK moved back into the South West Football League top five with a hard-fought ninepoint win over Augusta Margaret River at VC Mitchell Park.
Busselton 10.11 (71) defeated South Bunbury 11.3 (69).
Dons Leap Into Top Five
The Hawks were competitive throughout and trailed by just four points early in the third quarter
Kaspa Donovan kicked four goals for the Hawks, while Jed Spence and Kieran Yakas were among their best players.
Lions Make It Five Straight HARVEY Brunswick Leschenault continued its impressive form, defeating Dunsborough by 63
Jesse Crichton kicked four goals, while Ty Anderson, John Manuel, Jai Rout and Zavier Williams all added two as the Lions ran out convincing 17.8 (110) to 7.5 (47) winners.
The result further strengthens Harvey Brunswick Leschenault’s grip on a top-five position heading into Round 14.
Busselton’s Jon Meadmore celebrated his 250th game in style this week, landing a goal in the first quarter and proving essential to the Magpies down-to-the-wire win. Photo: Sharyn Newlands
The Sharks kept things competitive in the early stages of their clash with HBL, before the Lions tookcontrol in the second half. Photo: JLG Photographics
Jane Seman (centre) with her fellow female winners at the Fiji Surf Pro.
Seman previously won the event in 2022, and swept all three finals heats to reclaim the crown.
SUPER STINGRAYS
Young footballers work hard to secure victory against Busselton | Football Margaret River | Page 18
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kerb weight specified by the manufacturer, and ensure that individual front and rear axle load limits are not exceeded as also specified by the manufacturer. Vehicle payload calculation is GVM less kerb weight or as otherwise specified in the vehicle owner’s manual. Actual payload is affected by any added load to the vehicle, including the number of occupants, luggage, accessories, and tow ball download weight. It is important to consider the actual payload, to ensure the fully loaded vehicle remains within the specified GVM limits.For more details, please refer to the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual/ Toyota Basic Towing Guide or consult your authorised dealer. Toyota recommends use of a Load Distribution Hitch (LDH) when towing loads greater than 2.2T as specified in the Owner’s Manual. Based on road conditions, a LDH may not be suitable. Refer to Toyota Basic Towing Guide. Toyota Genuine LDH sold separately at additional cost. Warranty conditions apply. Refer to Toyota Warranty Advantage Guide. Pre-production model shown.
