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VISITORS to Surfers Point can now explore new cultural interpretive signage celebrating Wadandi culture, stories and connection to Country on Wadandi Boodja (Saltwater People’s Country).
ree interpretive signs have recently been installed at the iconic coastal location, sharing cultural knowledge about Songlines that connect land and sea across Wadandi Boodja.
e project was led by the Undalup Association, represented by Wadandi Traditional Custodians Dr Wayne ‘Wonitji’ Webb and Zac ‘Waalitj’ Webb, and delivered in collaboration with project partners including Parks Australia and the Shire of Augusta Margaret River.
Featured stories include Mammung Biddi-wah (Whales’ Path), Ngari (Salmon) and Wooditj Kaarbin Kwala (Old Man Groper), highlighting the deep cultural connections between the coastline, ocean, wildlife and seasons.
e project draws on cultural mapping undertaken by Wadandi Traditional Custodians to help guide biodiversity surveys and inform the management of Australian Marine Parks.
ese surveys have identi ed ancient riverbeds and shorelines that remain important cultural features and help tell the story of the con-

nection between land and sea.
Visitors are encouraged to walk the boardwalk, explore the signs and look out across the surrounding landscape, connecting the stories to the coastline before them.
Dr Webb said the project invites people to slow down and listen to Country.
“Whilst living, travelling, visiting and holidaying on Wadandi Boodja, we ask people to walk so ly on Country and take the time to listen to Boodja as she/Wongi (Talks),” he said.
Zac Webb said sharing these stories helps deepen understanding of the region.
“ ese stories have been passed
DO you have bookkeeping skills and experience doing tax returns online?
Are you wanting to volunteer at the Margaret River Community Centre (MRCC) one morning a week from August-October?
The free Tax Help program coordinated by the Australian Tax O ce and aims to help people who earn less than $70 000 per year to complete straight-forward tax returns and help people get familiar with using My Gov.
“We have been so fortunate to work alongside wonderful long term volunteers over the years including Ken Hunt, Susan (Sunni) Hayes and Alison Rotelli,” said Leanne Su on from MRCC.
“It is great to be able to provide a service, to help educate people to gain the skills, particularly when lodging first returns”, said Sunni. “Once they have the skills they don’t need to come back.”
“Some of the older citizens of Margaret River don’t use computers but they are organised with their paperwork so it makes the job easy to help them.
“Other people need to do their tax to get their Centrelink payment and others can’t believe their luck when they realise they will be ge ing a tax return.
“It’s very rewarding seeing people walking out smiling,” said Sunni.
“This year we are looking for a new volunteer to learn the ropes while we still have Sunni as a mentor for her fourth and final year as a tax help volunteer at the MRCC,” said Leanne.
The ATO provide training and guidance for new volunteers so if you have any inclination to help local people to get on top of their tax return situations, please get in touch with the MRCC on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays or email contact@mrcc.com. au with your expression of interest.


down through generations and are deeply connected to the coastline, ocean and seasons.
“Sharing them helps people understand the cultural signi cance of this place and the importance of caring for Wadandi Boodja as one continual cultural seascape,” he said.
“ e signs also feature Ngari Koondarmung (Salmon Dreaming) by my grandmother Wadandi Matriarch Vilma Webb, re ecting the deep connection between seasons, culture and Country.”
Shire President Julia Meldrum said the project created an opportunity for residents and visitors to learn more about Wadandi culture while visiting one of the region’s
THE new car park at the Margaret River Lions Shed has been declared a great success following its rst Saturday opening.
e 50-bay parking area proved extremely popular with customers and was completely full by 8.30am, with a steady ow of vehicles coming and going throughout the morning.
e new facility not only provided easier access for shoppers attending the Lions sale day, but also greatly reduced parking pressure on surrounding local businesses and nearby streets.
Margaret River Lions members said the positive response from

This

coastal locations.
“ ese signs provide residents and visitors with an opportunity to learn more about Wadandi culture, language and connection to Country while experiencing one of the Shire’s most iconic coastal locations,” she said.
e project was funded through

customers and the wider community exceeded expectations and con rmed the need for additional parking in the area.
e car park will now operate every Saturday sale day, opening at 7.15 am and closing at 12 noon.


the Australian Government’s Our Marine Parks Grants program, managed by Parks Australia, and delivered in collaboration with the National Environmental Science Program Marine and Coastal Hub, the University of Western Australia, the Undalup Association and the Shire of Augusta Margaret River.

Margaret River Lions would like to thank the local community for their continued support of the Lions Shed and its fundraising activities, which help support local community projects and organisations.





e Margaret River Horse and Pony Club swapped serious riding for costumes, cakes and community spirit this week, raising an incredible $1,628 for Cancer Council Australia through its Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser.
Since its inception in 1993, the Australia-wide event has grown into one of the country’s largest community campaigns, raising hundreds of millions of dollars.
e Horse & Pony Club had originally hoped to raise $500, but the generosity of members, local businesses and the wider community saw the total soar to more than triple that amount.
Riders and horses embraced the fun of the day, dressing in yellow-themed out ts and decorations while supporters enjoyed homemade sweet and savoury treats, ra es and plenty of tea and co ee.
Margaret River Horse and Pony Club President Lindsey Cowan said the club was overwhelmed by the support shown by the community.
“We are absolutely thrilled

with the result and so grateful to everyone who donated, attended, baked, bought ra e tickets or simply came along to support the day,” she said.
“Cancer a ects so many
MARGARET RIVER gym-goers can expect a fresh look and expanded fitness o erings later this year, with Plus Fitness Margaret River entering a new chapter under new ownership.
Local residents Nathan Parsons and Sanjai Andersen have taken over the popular 24-hour gym, with plans for a major renovation and equipment upgrade ahead of an o cial relaunch on September 1.
The pair announced the change this week, describing the move as an opportunity to build an even stronger fitness community in Margaret River.
As part of the planned revamp, members can expect new state-of-the-art gym equipment, facility upgrades and the introduction of free HIIT classes and surf-specific training circuits led by a personal trainer.
people in our community, and it was wonderful to see everyone come together, have some fun and raise money for such an important cause.”
e club also thanked

the many local businesses and individuals who generously donated ra e prizes, including wine, vouchers, horse and human therapies, horse feed products, equine dentistry services, carrots and other items that helped make the fundraiser such a success.
Club coach Rachel Brennan even donated her morn-
ing’s coaching fees to the cause.
“ e atmosphere on the day was fantastic,” said Lindsey.
“ ere were lots of laughs, some very creative horse and rider costumes and a real sense of community spirit. We are incredibly proud of what everyone achieved together.”

Mr Parsons said the goal was to create a welcoming environment that supports members of all fitness levels, whether they are training for sport, improving their health or simply looking
to stay active.
“We’re really excited to be taking over Plus Fitness Margaret River and becoming part of the lo-

Funds raised will go directly to Cancer Council Australia to support cancer research, prevention programs and support services for Australians impacted by cancer.
To donate to the Biggest Morning Tea campaign, and nd out more, visit www. biggestmorningtea.com.au/ donate
cal fitness community,” he said.
“We want the gym to be a place where people feel supported in achieving their goals, both in and out of the water, and we’re looking forward to meeting everyone and helping build a strong community atmosphere.”
The change in ownership follows the departure of previous owners Alex and Tahlia Mickiewicz, who recently established their own fitness business, Cowbells & Dumbbells, in Cowaramup.
Mr Parsons and Mr Andersen said they would continue operating the gym while renovation works and equipment upgrades are completed ahead of the September launch.
The new owners are encouraging residents to visit the gym and take advantage of free trial opportunities as they prepare for the next phase of the business.
More details about the redevelopment and upcoming programs are expected to be announced in the coming months.
































A RESPECTED local conservationist and ornithologist has chosen to leave a gi in his Will to Nature Conservation Margaret River Region, ensuring his commitment to protecting the environment will continue long into the future.
Dr Boyd Wykes, a former board member of Nature Conservation and founder of Owl Friendly Margaret River Region, said the decision re ects a desire to give back to the region he now calls home.
“ e Margaret River region is a place with a lot of value — it’s really special,” Dr Wykes said.
“I’ve reached an age where I’m paying attention to my Will and thinking about what will happen with the wealth that comes from being in my generation.
“I have children and they will inherit some of what we leave, but I always want to give back. I want some of that money that has come to me to go back to this region.”
Dr Wykes spent his professional career conducting ornithological research, consulting in environmental education and managing environmental and heritage matters for the WA Government.
Since retiring to Margaret River in 2011, he has dedicated much of his time to volunteering in the local conservation sector, including serving for many years on the board of Nature Conservation Margaret River Region.
During this time, he began researching an unexpected population of South West Masked Owls in the Margaret River area — work that led to the discovery that rodenticides widely used by householders and businesses posed a major threat to owls and other wildlife through secondary poisoning.
In response, Dr Wykes helped lead a small group of volunteers to establish the Owl Friendly Margaret River campaign, raising awareness about the impacts of rodenticides and promoting safer alternatives.
Dr Wykes said leaving a bequest was a way of ensuring his commitment to protecting the local environment would continue a er his lifetime.
“ e world is in trouble in


so many ways — there are really big issues,” he said.
“For someone such as me, focussing locally is where I feel I can make the greatest di erence, and that can keep me sane.
“Putting back into the environment here is my meaning in life now, and through leaving a bequest, that will continue a er my death.”
Dr Wykes said he particularly valued that Nature Conservation Margaret River Region is an independent community organisation.
“It’s a unique local conservation group because it’s not beholden to government,” he said.
“It can speak out and be truly representative of this community.”
Nature Conservation Margaret River Region delivers community-driven conservation across the region, including bushland restoration, coastal care, citizen science, education programs and hands-on work with local schools.
Bequests help ensure this work can continue and adapt
to future challenges.
“Leaving a gi in a will is a deeply personal decision,” said Nature Conservation’s CEO Aaron Jaggar.
“It’s not about wealth — it’s about values, care for place and a commitment to the future.
“Every bequest, no matter the size, strengthens our ability to protect this extraordinary region over the long term.”
Including Nature Conservation in a will is simple and exible.
With a percentage or residual gi , the bequest can adapt to changing circumstances, while ensuring it continues to support the conservation work they care about most.
People considering a bequest are encouraged to speak with their family and solicitor.
Nature Conservation offers con dential information and support at every stage. Find out more at www. natureconservation.org.au or phone 9757 2022.
Guests enjoyed an unforgettable a ernoon of ne food, world-class champagne and great company when Vintners Wine Bar hosted Antoine Billecart of the renowned Billecart-Salmon Champagne house in Witchcli e.
e sold-out event celebrated a longstanding friendship between McHenry Hohnen founder Murray McHenry and Antoine Billecart, a relationship that stretches back decades and across continents.
Since the founding of McHenry Hohnen, a glass of Billecart-Salmon Champagne has been poured into the rst grape pressing of each vintage for good luck — a tradition that continues today.
e connection between the two families runs even deeper, with Antoine’s children having spent time working in the McHenry Hohnen vineyards, while McHenry Hohnen winemaker Jacopo Dalli Cani has visited the Billecart-Salmon estate in France to learn more about the art of champagne making.
Guests were treated to a guided tasting led by Antoine, paired with a menu created by Vintners chef Nico Delorme, while one of the highlights of the day was the serving of an enormous 15-litre bottle of Billecart-Salmon Champagne.
e a ernoon was lled with stories, laughter and exceptional wines, celebrating not only a prestigious champagne house but also a friendship that continues to connect Margaret River and France through a shared passion for great wine.



















EXCITING progress is being made on Margaret River Independent School’s long-awaited hardcourt redevelopment, with works set to commence in July following the signing of a contract with Byte Construction.
e project will transform the existing hardcourt into a fully covered, all-weather multipurpose facility.

While the footprint will remain the same size, the upgraded space will feature a refurbished sports surface, mesh fencing and a Colorbond roof designed to complement the Performing Arts Centre (PAC). Made possible through
funding from the Australian Government Capital Grants Program, the project represents a signi cant investment in the future of the school.
Margaret River Independent School (MRIS) Principal Rachel Fox said the new facility would provide students with a safe, all-weather space for sport, learning and school events, while MRIS Chairperson George Firth said it was pleasing to see the project moving for-
ward despite some necessary design changes to minimise costs.
Site works are scheduled to begin during the July school holidays to minimise disruption to students and sta .
Parent volunteers are needed to help remove the current fence before construction begins.
Please contact the o ce on 9757 7515 if you can assist.






A POWERFUL new exhibition celebrating the stories, resilience and cultural legacy of respected Noongar Elders is coming to Margaret River HEART this winter. Ngaluk Waangkiny — meaning “Us Talking” in Noongar — will be on display at Nala Bardip Mia from July 2 to August 3, with an o cial opening event on July 2 from 6pm to 8pm.
Developed by Community Arts Network (CAN) and touring regionally with ART ON THE MOVE, the multi-media exhibition honours ten respected Elders from Boorloo (Perth) through photography, oral histories and documentary storytelling.
e project explores themes of identity, truth-telling, resilience and connection to Country and community, while recognising the Elders’ lifelong contributions to justice and cultural recognition.
Lead artist Cole Baxter will also host two photography workshops for young people aged 9–12 and 13–17 on July 13.
e regional tour has been supported through the State Government’s Regional Exhibition Touring Boost program. More information is available at www.artsmargaretriver.com


TERRI SHARPE
IN YOUR PATCH
Winter. Some call it the quietest season for the garden and perhaps they are right.
But it doesn’t have to be! It’s as busy as you want it to be.
Citruses are well on their way. I’ve noticed a few examples of early fruit drop – green mandarins and oranges dropping from trees before they are ripe.
This can be caused by a few factors but is most likely an environmental stressor like over or underwatering or extreme temperature fluctuations.
I have noticed we’ve had some very cold mornings with minimums of only five or six degrees while the daytime temperatures have been in the low twenties.
That’s a quite a fluctuation.
Fruit trees will also drop as s shedding mechanism when there’s simply too much fruit to sustain, sacrificing up to thirty per cent to ensure those that remain receive available water and nutrients.
Avocados also do it, especially as younger trees.
Don’t panic! It’s quite a natural process and as your tree matures, she’ll hold more fruit for you. It’s time to plant bare root stock.



Roses if you’re a fan of those, or many of the deciduous fruit trees that go dormant for winter, like stone fruits, cherries, and pomegranates.
If you’re sitting on clay soil, make sure to build up your soil first by creating a mound in which to then plant your tree.
I’ve seen examples of avocados, guava, citrus, and stone fruit all doing very well in mounds.
What to plant in the plot? Lettuce, all Asian greens, beetroot, carrots, radishes, lettuce, onions, there’s still time for garlic and peas but get a move on, and for some-




thing different, why not try asparagus?
If you applied an exclusion net or dipel to your brassicas you should be harvesting broccoli. I always have great success with Marathon Broccoli down here.
All the Asian greens have been doing well and because they’re such fast growers – reaching maturity in sometimes less than a month – you can easily plant two rounds in one season or succession plant over several weeks.
Cabbages and cauli take a bit longer, apart from Chinese cabbage that’s also so fast you can

plant two rounds in the one season.
If you didn’t apply dipel or an exclusion net I would imagine you have at best a few holey looking specimens of Asian greens and pretty much no cabbages, broccoli, or caulies.
My first round of coriander must have been planted too early (too warm) as it grew well but then went to seed.
So much for the so-called warm weather varieties. In my experience, don’t waste your money. I planted a second crop in May and they are growing well.
Now is a great time to focus on preserving. We use excess citrus to make marmalades.
I hated them as a child but as I, and my palate, matured, I’ve grown to love the tart, slightly sour, taste.
We make a mandarin marmalade that is very tasty – this year in the microwave (thanks for that tip, Loris).
A quick mention of the Edible Gardens Festival. I don’t know how Trevor Paddenberg does it, but every year is quite spectacular. Each garden offers something for everyone – even to a seasoned gardener like me.
I particularly enjoy the range
and diversity of the gardens on offer and the different experiences shared by property owners.
Pleasingly I saw many of my South Regional TAFE Certificate II in Horticulture students wandering around, gaining valuable design, growing, and harvesting tips along the way.
This semester, the Certificate II in Horticulture at the Margaret River campus is opening a limited number of places for a semester II start, offering a rare opportunity to start the course at the end of July.
If you have an interest in growing, permaculture, edibles, identifying and controlling pests and diseases, keeping your indoor plants alive, pruning, planting, propagating, and more, contact South Regional TAFE Margaret River campus on 6371 3800 or visit www.southregionaltafe.wa.edu.au
Happy winter gardening.
Given our low rainfall so far this year and the disturbing larger trend of decreasing rainfall with each passing year, may the heavens open.
Terri Sharpe is Coordinator and Garden Specialist of the Margaret River PS Kitchen Garden Program and a Horticultural lecturer at South Regional TAFE.










































































































MARGARET River Horse and Pony Club (MRHPC) recently hosted the first round of its three-event Dressage Championship Series.
Led by committee president Rachel Brennan, the club delivered a full program featuring Pony Club, Equestrian WA (EA) Competitor and Participant Adult Rider classes.
Dressage is both an equestrian sport and a method of horse training. Riders perform a memorised sequence of movements within a 20m x 60m arena, with marks awarded for accuracy, harmony between horse and rider, and the horse’s willingness and way of going.
The event provided an opportunity for several new horse-and-rider combinations to make their debut.
Local adult rider Annette Milne competed with her young horse, Lake Muir Aldo. Aldo is a brumby rescued from the bush around Lake Muir and is proof that, with the right training and care, brumbies can excel in a wide range of disciplines.
MRHPC secretary Anthea McPhee also debuted her new horse, Davrol Diggity, in the Participant classes, while Cowaramup rider Maree Hinchcliffe and her horse Valdemar Lea enjoyed their first outing together.
One horse that caught the eye was Notable Welsh Hero, an impressive 18.2-hand Shire gelding ridden by Busselton’s Louisa Chapman. “Hero” scored 68.214 per cent in the P1.2 test, an excellent result for such a large horse.
The highest score of the day came in the Participant classes, where local rider Amanda Doig and her young horse
Clayton Freddo achieved an outstanding 76.000 per cent.
Freddo is a Waler horse from Clayton Station in outback South Australia. More than 130,000 Walers served Australia during World War I, earning a reputation for stamina, reliability and good temperament. Freddo is an outstanding example of this uniquely Australian breed.
The highest Pony Club score was achieved by MRHPC member Isabella Lavendar aboard Limehill Buzz Lightyear, with 72.333 per cent.
In the EA Competitor classes, Beth Bremner and her stock horse, Pindari Absoloot Power, recorded the highest score with 72.232 per cent.
The series also introduced the new Horsemanship and Harmony Awards, sponsored by Huxley Equestrian, recognising excellence in presentation and partnership between horse and rider.
Series One winners were:
• Pony Club – Sian Roberts and Trapalanda Downs Rhambeau
• Participant – Amanda Piggott and Willowglen Gideon
• EA Competitor – Beth Bremner and Pindari Absoloot Power
Several local riders also celebrated milestones by moving up the grades and competing in new classes. Ashlyn O’Brien stepped up to Novice, Kate Clapin progressed to Elementary, and Acacia Chen competed at Prix St Georges level. Vasse para-equestrian rider Imogen Boyle also completed two para dressage tests.
All photos: Morrison Photography










SOUTH West surfers have returned home with a strong haul of results after competing at the 2026 West Coast Suspension WA Longboard State Titles in Denmark.
Dunsborough surfer Jack Medland claimed the Open Men’s State Title, edging out fellow Dunsborough competitor Ryan Clark in one of the closest finals of the weekend. Medland scored 15.30 points to narrowly defeat Clark’s 14.34, while Cowaramup’s Kai Flynn also made the final, finishing fourth.
The region’s strength was on display across multiple divisions.
Dunsborough’s Paul Burke was one of the standout performers, securing a remarkable double by winning both the Over 50 Men’s and Over 55 Men’s State Titles.
His score of 17.16 points in the Over 50 final was the highest heat total recorded across the entire event.
Cowaramup surfer John Haddow added another State Title to his longboarding résumé, winning the Over 70 Men’s division.
In the junior ranks, Gracetown’s Lola Boykett was crowned Under 18 Girls State Champion after an impressive performance, highlighting the depth of emerging surfing talent in the region.
Dunsborough’s Madeleine Barrett also reached the Open Women’s final, finishing third against a strong field of competitors from across the state.
Surfing WA Contest Director Pete Carrol praised the event and the quality of competition.
“What makes longboarding special is the way it brings generations together,” he said.
“This weekend we saw junior surfers competing for their first State Titles while some of WA’s most experienced surfers continued to perform at an incredibly high level.”






AUGUSTA Margaret River have prevailed over a gallant Dunsborough in gale force winds at the Dunsborough Playing Fields on Sunday afternoon. With wind gusts of up to 80kmph, the Hawks managed the conditions better in the opening term, keeping Dunsborough scoreless with the aid of the conditions.
The Sharks fought back in the second term, getting within two points of the Hawks at half time, but it would be third term where the match was won, with the Hawks kicking four goals to one, to lead by twenty five points at the final break, which in the conditions was always
going to be a tough task.
Dunsborough kept the Hawks goal-less in the final term, but managed just one goal in the wet conditions, with the Hawks winning by 19 points, their seventh consecutive win over the Sharks.
Both sides will have the bye in round eleven, with the Hawks remaining in fourth place on the ladder.
Augusta Margaret River 6.11.47 def. Dunsborough 4.4.28
BUSSELTON won their ninth straight game, defeating the Collie Eagles by 52 points.
The Collie Recreation Ground has been a happy hunting ground
for the Magpies in recent years and Saturday proved no different, with Busselton running out convincing winners on a bleak, cold afternoon.
The Eagles started strongly, kicking two of the first three goals inside the opening 10 minutes, including one from Matthew Burton. Burton left the field shortly afterwards and took no further part in the game, creating a significant challenge for the home side.
Leading by 15 points at quarter time, Busselton took control in the second term, with Liam Creighton proving particularly dangerous up forward and finishing with four goals.
To their credit, the Eagles matched the ladder leaders in the third quar-
ter, outscoring Busselton by two points, but still trailed by 33 points at the final change.
A four-goals-to-one final term sealed a comfortable victory for the visitors and their ninth consecutive win over Collie.
Ben Ganzer, Mitch Tenardi and Bailey Sanford, who celebrated his 150th League game, were among Busselton’s best, while Josh Elliott, Jayce Fontana and Odinn Kirk battled hard for the Eagles.
Busselton will enjoy the bye in round 11 during the split round, while Collie travel to VC Mitchell Park to take on Donnybrook.
Busselton 13.15 (93) def. Collie Eagles 5.11 (41)



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