TWELVE local authors living with a disability will share their stories with the wider community later this month when Artzability launches a new collection of books at Margaret River HEART.
Under the guidance of Kate Heaslip, founder of e Book Incubator, authors followed the award-winning From Storyboard to Print process to cra and develop their own 32-page book.
e resulting collection is as varied as the authors themselves. Using photography, collage, painting, and text, the works o er intimate glimpses into the authors’ lives re ecting their interests and experiences
in everyday life.
e collection captures a wide range of stories and perspectives.
One author writes about a love of dance, another shares memories of making traditional sauce with Nonna, while others explore farming life, volunteering, local theatre and small business ventures.
Supported by dedicated support workers throughout the process, each participant was encouraged to tell their story in their own way, resulting in a collection described as both authentic and thought-provoking.
Artzability has supported
National photo show heading here
ONE of Australia’s most respected and internationally recognised photography exhibitions is set to arrive in Margaret River later this month.
Established in 2004, the Head On Portrait Awards have grown into one of the most prestigious photography competitions in the country, a racting thousands of entries from emerging and established photographers across the globe.
The awards are celebrated for championing bold, original and thought-provoking portraiture, showcasing works that push beyond traditional ideas of what a portrait can be.
From intimate candid moments to highly stylised studio compositions, the exhibition explores identity, emotion, cul-
ture and the human experience through a wide range of photographic approaches.
Organisers say the exhibition is designed not only to celebrate technical excellence, but also to challenge audiences to see the world di erently.
“The prestigious Head On Photo Awards celebrates the world’s best in photography, illuminating the perspectives, styles and forms that break new ground,” organisers said.
“We want to challenge emerging photographers to bring audiences new ways of seeing the world.”
A defining feature of the awards is their unique blind judging process, where artists’ names are hidden from the judging panel.
This means every image is assessed purely on its impact, creativity and storytelling strength, regardless of the photographer’s background, profile or career stage.
The portrait category in particular has become known for highlighting innovative approaches to portrait photography.
Prizes are awarded to artists who demonstrate a strong visual understanding of portraiture while expanding the boundaries of the genre.
The resulting exhibition features an eclectic mix of posed and candid works, public and private moments, and portraits that range from quietly contemplative to visually striking.
The arrival of the Head On Portrait Awards also reflects
the region’s growing reputation as a destination for arts and cultural experiences, with local organisers continuing to bring nationally and internationally recognised exhibitions to the South West.
Whether visitors are passionate photographers, lovers of visual storytelling or simply curious to experience compelling contemporary art, the exhibition promises a fascinating insight into the many ways portraiture can capture the complexity of human life.
The Head On Portrait Awards exhibition runs from May 29 to June 25, Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm.
For more information, visit artsmargaretriver.com
adults living with disability in the Margaret River region for almost 20 years, creating opportunities for creative expression, social connection and community participation.
Artzability representative Gail Warren was especially thankful for the support of the Shire of Augusta Margaret River and Lotterywest which allowed this project to come to fruition.
Organisers say the project highlights the importance of representation in the arts and provides a platform for voices that are not always widely heard.
More than a book launch, this event is an invitation to connect and be inspired. It fosters vital conversations around representation and the essential role of disabled voices in the arts.
Ultimately, the Voices of Resilience launch a rms that diverse stories belong at the heart of our culture, strengthening the fabric of the entire Margaret River community.
e Voices of Resilience book launch will be held at Margaret River HEART on Monday, May 25, from 6pm to 8pm. Entry is free, with registrations available through Arts Margaret River.
Artist Noli Rictor, photographed on country in Tjuntjuntjara, Great Victoria desert. Photo: Philip Gostelow
WORDS IN MOTION AT LITERARY FEST
THE 2026 Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival once again transformed the region into a vibrant hub of storytelling, creativity and conversation, with readers, writers and artists gathering across a packed weekend of events.
From thought-provoking panel discussions and intimate author interviews to hands-on workshops, book signings and lively audience Q&As, the festival celebrated the power of literature to connect communities and spark new ideas.
Visitors travelled from across the South West and beyond to hear from an impressive lineup of acclaimed authors, journalists, poets and emerging voices, with venues throughout Margaret River buzzing with conversation throughout the weekend.
Alongside the literary program, festivalgoers enjoyed music, food, local wine and the warm community atmosphere that has become synonymous with the annual event.
ese photos capture just some of the many moments shared across the festival — from insightful discussions on stage to quiet conversations between sessions, creative workshops, and the joy of readers meeting their favourite writers.
You’re all invited to visit and celebrate with us in our Dunsborough store this month! Come in for a free jewellery cleaning, a special treat or two, and just maybe a new sparkly treasure (don’t worry, all the best stuff is half price)!
Journey on the Great Whale Highway
EACH year, as cooler weather settles over the South West, one of nature’s most remarkable journeys unfolds just o our coastline.
Humpback and southern right whales begin their long migration from Antarctica, travelling north along WA’s coast before returning south months later.
O en described as a natural nursery, Augusta’s calm, sheltered waters o er mothers and calves a safe place to rest and grow before continuing their journey.
From the shoreline, it’s not uncommon to spot a tail slap, a breach, or a young calf surfacing alongside its mother.
Beyond the spectacle, there’s a growing e ort to better understand and protect these ocean giants.
A small but powerful piece of technology is now helping researchers build a clearer picture of whale movements along our coast.
Installed at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, a thermal imaging camera is quietly scanning the ocean day and night, detecting whales as they pass.
Dr Jason Howe from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development says the system provides around-the-clock data to help researchers track migration patterns over time.
“It gives us a much more complete
picture of what whales are doing each season,” he explains.
“Once we understand that better, we can tailor our management plans to protect them.”
e project is part of a broader effort to reduce whale entanglements in shing gear, working closely with industry to balance conservation with commercial activity.
e research also relies on community input.
Locals, shers and visitors can log sightings through the Marine Fauna Sightings app, helping build a shared understanding of where whales are traveling.
While some researchers watch
whales, others are listening.
Dr Capri Jolli e from Geographe Marine Research studies whale behaviour through sound, a eld known as bioacoustics.
Her work focuses on how whales communicate, particularly in places like Geographe Bay, which plays a unique role in the migration of multiple species.
“All three of our great whales, blue, humpback and southern right, use the bay,” she says.
“It’s one of the few places in the world that you can actually see the whales from shore, which is quite incredible to see something so large in such shallow water.
“ e bay has a sandy bottom, which makes it some great opportunities to observe them with drones, as well as from the beach and from boats.”
Whale communication is complex. Humpback songs can travel vast distances and are believed to play a role in mating, while quieter “social sounds” help coordinate behaviours between individuals.
Southern right whale mothers are known to “whisper” to their young, keeping communication low to avoid attracting predators.
Dr Jolli e says understanding these sound patterns is key to understanding whale behaviour.
She describes whales as ecosystem engineers as they help circulate nutrients through the water column.
Even something as simple as whale waste acts as a fertiliser, supporting plankton growth and strengthening the entire marine food chain. eir presence is also a sign of a healthy ocean.
“Healthy oceans have whales,” Dr Jolli e explains. “ ey’re an important indicator that the ecosystem is functioning as it should.”
In Augusta, whale season is not only observed but also celebrated.
e annual Whale Song Festival, led by the Augusta Community Resource Centre, brings locals and
visitors together to mark the migration. Designed to brighten the quieter winter months, the festival combines art, education and community spirit.
Festival Director Wendy Matthews says the idea is simple: celebrate the connection between land, sea and people.
“It’s about bringing the community together, having fun, and recognising how special this environment is,” she says.
“ e whole area is very biodiverse on the land as well as in the marine area of Cape Leeuwin and Flinders Bay.
e festival brings people down to the water’s edge, celebrating the marine life and especially the whales at this time of year.”
e program includes everything from family activities and street parades to art installations and lm screenings, with strong involvement from local schools, artists and community groups.
Augusta Whalesong Festival is on May 29 – 1 June.
A whale breaches in the waters o Augusta on the far South West coast.
Photo: Tim Campbell/MRBTA
Winter waters packed with action
APRIL and May mark the peak of the Australian Salmon run in local waters.
Schools of salmon, some weighing up to 9kg — have been caught all along the Cape-to-Cape coast, especially early morning and late a ernoon, o ering great beach and reef angling.
Now that the salmon have slowed, crew are having plenty of fun chasing Herring, a great sh to target for beginners, with their aerobatic tendencies when hooked causing plenty of excitement.
If you can nd a good gutter Tailor, Mulloway and plenty of Pink snapper are showing consistently on beaches from Augusta to Willyabrup, whole herring and salted mulies the bait of choice.
Rock shing and Drone Fishing during the calmer days o ers the chance to catch demersal species including Dhu sh and good numbers of pink snapper.
e Augusta Boat harbour has been shing well for Southern Calamari, with natural jig colours working well.
Casting Micro-Jigs and small stick-baits o the rock-walls has produced Tailor, Skippy and some great pink snapper.
Winter is a great time to sh between the Capes, with the sight of whales always a possibility!
If you’re lucky enough to seek sunnier waters, we’ve stocked up on all the gear for your Northern Adventures.
AS the days become shorter and the water temps begin to cool, we had had some low swell o ering both boat and shore diving.
For local spearos, May is worth diving the last of the warm water before it drops below 20°C.
We are currently seeing crays in deeper water, many have tar spot, so it takes a bit of extra work for get a few keepers.
We are also seeing good demersal sh in the shallows. It’s worth shore diving as the pink snapper have been extra con dent this season and have been seen in schools.
Large skippy (Silver Trevally) are also around at the moment. You will see them in schools of 5-10 sh on the shallow reefs. King sh had been seen and the odd single sh has been speared.
e water temperature remains surprisingly temperate, hovering around 19-21°C.
However, we’ve seen some 4-metre SW swells recently, which can cause poor visibility.
Your best bet for clear water is tucked into the more sheltered shallow bays or during the weather windows of o shore Easterly winds.
e West Coast demersal closure
is in full e
for boat-based shers so target species have shi ed to King George Whiting and the hopes of Yellowtail King sh.
While land-based spear shing is still permitted for demersal species, remember that WA Dhu sh are o -limits for all types of spear shing.
With the winter surf picking up, keep an eye on the long rage forecast to nd weather windows. Dive safe, dive with a buddy, and enjoy getting wet.
Young local angler Otis has had some cracking days out recently, and shared his catches with the DSC&O team. Send us your photos to get your fish and your face in the Mail!
Community party shows the beauty in doing
FROM THE COVER
THE Margaret River Community Centre held a meet and connect lunch last week during Australian Neighbourhood House and Community Centre Week.
A group of 35 people enjoyed a special Soup Kitchen meal and the chance to meet and spend time with other tenants and volunteers whose groups operate from the Community Centre.“We provide a workplace for 13 different groups,” said Lydell Huntly, Centre Manager.
“This, in addition to all the visiting agencies and community members, makes for a very vibrant hub.”
Funding was secured from LinkWest to bring together the people who make up the community within the Community Centre.
It was a chance to gather feedback and guage how people value the community services hub.
A Postcard Wall was mobilised to gather feedback from attendees at the lunch, as well as the evening Soup Kitchens, the Community Centre for Seniors, art classes and a range of other activities across the week.
“People provided interesting perspectives on what being connected in your community feels like – sharing, caring, tolerance - and identified a range of reasons why they value the Community Centre.”
Comments on the wall included “This place is the heart of Margaret River. A place where people, care and share and help each other” and “Margaret River would be broken without it”.
Another postcard captured: “Connection is feeling a part of the community. That you have something to contribute and receive. That you are there to lend a hand and equally have people you can call on, if and when you need. I do feel connected to my community. It feels rich and comforting knowing I play a part in the wider web of people who live here.”
The Postcard Wall will remain in the foyer of the main building for a couple more weeks.
For more information about the Community Centre, its permanent tenants and regular visitors, and all the associated community services and activities, visit www.mrcc. com.au.
duty
Arrkutja Tharra, Kungka Kutjara, Two Girls, 2023 (video still)
SMALL ACTIONS AREN’T SO SMALL
One 10¢ container may not seem like much, but add another and another, and suddenly you’ve got something big.
When you return your containers, they’re recycled to live another life, and you earn a 10¢ refund — yours to keep or donate to a good cause. It’s proof that every 10¢ container is worth saving.
A well patronized evening whist drive was organised by the Margaret River Country Women’s Association and ably chaired by Mrs. L. Chandler.
It was held in the rest room on Wednesday November 19th to raise funds for cleaning up the C.W.A grounds. More than su cient for that purpose was raised.
e winners of the whist were Mrs. H. Brockman and Mr. Forrester and Mrs. Boyd and Mrs. Whitewood (playing as a gent) won the consolation prizes. A sum of 32/- was realised.
While one cannot be sure why Mrs. Whitewood had to play as a gent, this recorded evening was not the only fundraising whist game played in the early years of the local C.W.A.
The Country Women’s Association Margaret River branch formed in 1931, quickly became a life line for many of the rural women on the Group Se lements.
The association became a wonderful source for women to share information and for support when hard times hit.
The C.W.A. hall on Town View Terrace with its iconic blue and white logo was opened 70 years ago in 195. It is the second one built in Margaret River, the first was located on Bussell Highway near the centre of the town.
Then known as a C.W.A. Rest Room, it provided a much-needed facility for outlaying families who were in town for business or shopping and needed time out to rest before hitching up the horses and heading back out to the farms.
It also doubled as a room for the C.W.A. monthly meetings. The C.W.A were very heavily involved in fundraising, and many competitions took place in cooking, sewing, singing and reciting.
The funds raised from these activities would go to causes close to their hearts mostly involving the welfare of women and children. Still active today the Margaret River C.W.A. along with groups at Rosa Brook and Rosa Glen continue tosupport and provide for their communities.
The Margaret River Historical Society is preserving history for the generations.
If you would like to know more about how you can help or become a member, please contact Viv Halsall on 0415780331 or come and visit us at The Old Se lement on Tuesdays 10am to 12:30pm or Thursdays 1:30pm to 4pm.
THE 2026 Edible Gardens Festival has o cially sold out all open garden tickets, festival buses, the inaugural long table lunch and almost every workshop — with only limited places remaining for the popular native bee workshop in Witchcli e.
Almost 600 people per day — including children attending free — will visit the festival’s six open gardens this weekend across the Margaret River region, while more than 250 people will attend workshops and demonstrations. Another 60 attendees secured tickets to the festival’s rst-ever seasonal long table lunch celebrating local produce and growers.
e festival’s green transport initiative has also proven popular, with 50 people per day using the sold-out bus service.
One of this year’s standout Sunday gardens is the return of a much-loved permaculture property not featured for ve years.
Owned by permaculture elder P.B Foreman and Swabodhi Francis, the property showcases regenerative food growing and sustainable living, featuring chooks, worm farms, compost, biochar, a winter pond, owering natives, a netted orchard and a straw-bale passive solar home.
organiser Trevor Pad-
said the property had le a lasting impression on visitors when previously featured.
“It’s one of those gardens that really changes how people think about sustainability and food growing. “ ere’s so much wisdom here, but it’s also warm, practical and incredibly inspiring,” he said.
Trev said the festival’s h consecutive sell-out re ected people’s desire for positive, community-focused experiences.
“In a world lled with bad news, war, price hikes and environmental issues, this festival is a real and genuinely positive way for people to become greener, learn practical skills and feel more connected to community,” he said.
e only remaining tickets are for the “5-Star Hotels for Busy Bees” workshop at Witchcli e Hall, where participants will learn about native bees and take home their own bee hotel.
Festival
denburg
P.B. and Swabodhi and their garden. Photo: Trevor Paddenburg
TOYOTA CERTIFIED
CLASSIFIEDS
Juniors continue impressive season
ROUND 3 brought a mix of sunshine and wintery weather across the region, with travelling teams chasing blue skies while home sides battled the colder conditions. Despite the changing weather, there was no shortage of teamwork, goals and smiling faces across another fantastic weekend of junior soccer.
e River Dogs travelled to Dunsborough to face the Hawks and delivered a strong team performance lled with great passing, solid defence and plenty of goals. Darcy earned Player of the Day for an all-round performance featuring accurate passing, tough defence and some excellent nishes.
under made the trip to Dunsborough for their rst away game and impressed with a strong defensive display. Cassian was named Player of the Match a er his powerful and accurate kicking helped lead the team.
e Shadows continued their strong start to the season against the Dunsborough Brumbies. Early goals and excellent teamwork set the tone, while Harry earned Player of the Match a er scoring twice and running hard all game.
Wet conditions didn’t dampen
spirits as the Falcons took on another Margaret River derby. Coach Gordo’s focus on positioning showed clear improvement across the team, while Estelle claimed Player of the Day a er an energetic performance.
e Ninjas enjoyed another strong outing at Rapids Landing, showcasing excellent passing and teamwork in a high-scoring second half. Leo and Henry both impressed in goals, while Mack, Eli and Stone earned Player of the Day honours for their e ort and sportsmanship.
e Breakers enjoyed a fantastic home game against the Falcons, highlighted by positive sportsmanship and teamwork. Lucas made a
successful return from injury, while Lucas and Finnbar took home Player of the Match awards.
Messi Kids produced another exciting performance against the Rattlesnakes, controlling possession and creating plenty of attacking opportunities. Quinn, Ezra and Max all scored, while Sonny earned Player of the Day for his outstanding defensive work.
e Raptors showed excellent improvement against the Dragons, particularly in defence and positional play. Ruby’s strong defensive e ort earned her Player of the Day.
e Mavericks battled hard in their rst home game against CSC
Colts. Angus Collins and Louie Bruggler were named Players of the Day for their determination and team spirit.
e Hornets secured a terri c win with six goals and strong defensive pressure throughout. Dylan earned Player of the Day, while Arlo capped o the game with a goal on the nal whistle.
e Dragons delivered a composed display against the GMAS Braves, controlling possession with smart passing and teamwork. John earned Player of the Day a er an excellent all-round performance in defence and attack.
e Serpents put on a strong at-
tacking display against the Capel Cubs in a high-scoring clash. Finn earned Player of the Day a er scoring twice in the second half.
e Breakers dominated against the GMAS Titans with a commanding 10-0 win. Lennox starred in mid eld with several goals, while Will impressed in defence as both players shared Player of the Day honours.
A er working hard on tackling at training, the Stingrays bounced back strongly with a 4-0 win over Vasse.
Oscar Atkins earned Man of the Match a er a hardworking display and a goal.
e Warriors secured an impressive win in Capel, using the opportunity to work on more controlled and intentional play. Catto earned Player of the Match for his attitude, passing and defensive work.
e Mustangs played out a thrilling 4-4 draw against Australind Leopards in one of the matches of the round. Alex opened the scoring before goals from Stirling and Kai kept the Mustangs in front during a tense second half.
Riley earned Player of the Day for his intelligent defending and outstanding improvement.
Locals ready to line up at Trigg
SURFING
SOME of the South West’s best surfing talent will head to Perth this weekend as the 2026 Corsaire Aviation King of the Point returns to Trigg Beach, with a strong contingent of surfers from the region chasing titles in one of WA’s longest-running surf competitions.
First held in 1980, the event has become a proving ground for generations of WA surfing champions, with many of the South West’s biggest names having claimed victory over the decades.
Former winners include Mike McAuliffe, Dave Macaulay, Jake Paterson, as well as Margaret River’s Jacob Willcox and Yallingup’s
Claire Bevilacqua.
This year, a new wave of South West surfers will look to continue that tradition.
Reigning King of the Point and current WA State Champion Macklin Flynn (Cowaramup) enters the event as one of the surfers to beat after claiming the title last year.
He will be joined by fellow local surfers Okie Fraser, Ben Spence and Jolan Bonelli, with the South West contingent set to face strong competition from Perth-based challengers.
In the women’s division, Margaret River’s Ruby Berry will chase a third Queen of the Point crown,
while Olive Hardy, Willow Hardy and Cowaramup’s Grace Cook are also expected to feature strongly.
Competitors are predicted to face classic autumn Trigg conditions this weekend, with shifting peaks and variable winds likely to test even the state’s most experienced surfers.
More than $10,000 in cash and prizes will be contested across multiple divisions, with the prestigious King and Queen of the Point titles once again forming part of the Think Mental Health Pathway to the Pro series, helping surfers build momentum towards the World Surf League Margaret River Pro Trials.
Big first term sets up Bulldogs win
BUNBURY defeated the Hawks at Gloucester Park in round eight of the South West Football League premiership season, with a dominant first quarter setting up the win.
Bunbury kicked seven goals in the opening quarter, four of which came in the first ten minutes of the quarter, before the Hawks could even score.
Miles Bridgland would kick the Hawks first, but that only led to a further three goals to Bunbury, as the Bulldogs took a 36 point lead to quarter time.
The second term was much more balanced, but the Bulldogs did kick the first two goals of the second quarter as the margin ballooned out to 49 points before Ben Watson stemmed the bleeding kicking a much needed goal for the Hawks.
Trailing by 42 points at half time, the Hawks needed a quick response in the third quarter. Neither team could find the major opening in the opening nine minutes and it would be Bunbury who found it first, but Harvey Fisher replied straight away for the Hawks, before Bunbury kicked away at the end of the term to lead by a game high 65 points.
Jack Gouge was proving a handful and finished the match with four goals.
The final term saw the Hawks outscore Bunbury, but the damage had well and truly been inflicted by that stage, with Bunbury running out 59 point winners.
Mackenna Taylor and Brenton Hilton along with Trae Field gathered plenty of possessions for Bunbury, while Jed Spence again led the way for the Hawks.
Bunbury will play Dunsborough in round nine at PC Payne Park, while the Hawks will have the bye before an away game against Donnybrook in round ten. Bunbury 15.13.103 def. Aug Marg River 6.8.44
Seven goal blitz for Creighton
Busselton forward Liam Creighton starred in the Magpies’ 40-point win over Donnybrook at Bovell Park on Saturday, kicking seven goals in difficult wet conditions during round eight of the South West Football League season. Creighton opened the scoring early and added goals in every quarter, including three in the final term, despite briefly leaving the field after a heavy collision in the third quarter. Donnybrook led by five points at quarter time, but
to
a nine-point lead into half time before pulling away late.
and Ethan Bowman impressed for Bus-
Ruby Berry. Photo: Hugo Barao/SWA.
Busselton adapted better
the greasy conditions, taking
Kelton Kemp
selton, while Mitch Kings and Jacob Kendle battled hard for the Dons. Busselton 12.9.81 def. Donnybrook 5.11.41
The Hawks outscored Bunbury in the final quarter, but it was too little too late for the home side, copping a 59 point loss.
Photo: Theron Kirkman
Liam Creighton was unstoppable for the Magpies in their latest victory on home soil.
REEL REWARDS
Salmon schools sweep the South West coast | Trails & Tides - Page 8
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