Go Blue for June is a month-long community fundraising campaign supporting Busselton Hospice Care Inc and the incredible care they provide to terminally ill South West residents and their families.
Throughout June, local businesses, volunteers and community groups come together through fun, meaningful and community-focused events designed to raise awareness, encourage connection and help fund vital Hospice services.
This year’s campaign includes community events such as the Blue Dress Amble, Blue High Tea, Qigong sessions, Quiz Night and the Winter Solstice “Take the Plunge” fundraiser, along with exciting donation prizes valued at thousands of dollars.
Whether you attend an event, purchase a fundraiser item, share the campaign or make a donation, every contribution helps make a real difference.
Palliative Care WA supports our valued member Busselton Hospice Care Inc and their Go Blue for June campaign.
Palliative Care WA supports people to live, die and grieve well by empowering the community, being a voice for the palliative care sector, and developing the sector more broadly.
We thank Busselton Hospice for the compassion, dignity and care they provide when support matters most.
Proudly Supporting Our Community When It Matters Most
The Lions Club of Dunsborough is honoured to stand alongside Busselton Hospice Care Inc. for their Go Blue for June campaign. Every dollar raised helps provide vital end-oflife care, compassionate grief counselling, and essential bereavement support to local families in their time of greatest need. Together, we can ensure no one in our community walks through grief alone.
Are your sprinklers wasting bucketloads?
Your sprinklers should now be turned off.
Thank you to everyone who has turned their irrigation off to comply with the mandatory Sprinkler Switch-off. You’re helping to save billions of litres of precious drinking water for the hotter months ahead when we need it most.
The Sprinkler Switch-off started on 1 June, so it’s time to act if you haven’t already.
Sprinkler Switch-off
Warm welcome back to Weld
NICKY LEFEBVRE
FROM THE COVER
The lights are back on, the curtains have risen, and one of Busselton’s most treasured cultural landmarks is once again taking centre stage.
After almost four years of closure and extensive renovations, the heritage-listed Weld Theatre has officially reopened, marking the beginning of a new chapter for community theatre in Busselton.
The reopening was celebrated in style with a red-carpet gala evening, where patrons arrived dressed to impress for the Busselton Repertory Club’s “Welcome Back to the Weld” event.
The gala launched the club’s production of All Because of Agatha, directed by Sara King, and showcased the community’s enduring love of live performance.
According to the Busselton Repertory Club, the evening was a huge success, with patrons embracing the occasion and helping celebrate the long-awaited return of the historic venue.
The club paid tribute to the volunteers whose “blood, sweat and tears” helped prepare the theatre for reopening after nearly four years, as well as the cast, crew, frontof-house team, caterers and local businesses that supported the milestone event.
The enthusiastic response has demonstrated just how much the Weld Theatre has been missed, with strong ticket sales and packed audiences welcoming live theatre back to the heart of Busselton.
For the wider arts community, the reopening represents far more than the return of a building.
Acting Up Academy of Performing Arts founder Terry Thompson (pictured below left, in yellow) said local performing arts groups had eagerly awaited the theatre’s return.
“Acting Up Academy of Performing Arts has been operating in Busselton and surrounding areas for nearly 20 years. We have always had a close relationship with Busselton Repertory Club as the custodians of the heritage-listed Weld Theatre,” he said.
“It has been somewhat difficult to stage some of our performances over the past few years while the Weld Theatre has been closed for renovations.”
Mr Thompson said the reopening would provide valuable opportunities for young performers and community groups alike.
“We have observed for some time now how drama and performance opportunities give young people an avenue to develop self-confidence and expression that they wouldn’t get otherwise,” he said.
“Our young people are the future of our community, and having a vibrant environment for young children and young adults to advance their creativity and ‘come out of themselves’ is just so important.”
Acting Up is already planning future productions, with new shows in development and hopes of helping make the Busselton Cultural Precinct a major feature of next year’s Busselton Fringe Festival.
The success of the Weld Theatre reopening, Mr Thompson said, highlights the community’s appetite for live performance.
“The recent stage production by the Repertory Club is just one indication of how local live theatre performance has been sadly missed over the last few years,” he said.
“There was overwhelming demand for tickets and the Weld Theatre was the mecca for seven sold-out shows.”
The reopening of the Weld Theatre comes alongside the recent opening of Saltwater, creating exciting new opportunities for arts and culture in Busselton.
“Both the Weld Theatre and Saltwater will be available for generations to come, for our present-day youth and adults of tomorrow,” Mr Thompson said.
“Be brave and grab a ticket for the next show. I somehow think you won’t be disappointed.”
For performers, volunteers and audiences alike, the reopening of the Weld Theatre represents more than the return of a building. It is the return of a gathering place where stories are shared, talents are nurtured and community connections are strengthened through the magic of live performance.
Busselton Repertory Club President John McCallum and Vice President Judy Walshcut the cake to mark the milestone moment for the Weld Theatre and the local theatre community. All photos thanks to Abby Murray Photography.
MUSIC TO HELP HISTORIC BELL TOWER RESTORATION PROJECT
THE sounds of swing, jazz and big band classics will fill St Mary’s Anglican Church this month as the community comes together to help preserve one of Busselton’s historic landmarks.
The church is hosting a special fundraising concert, ‘Can You Hear the Bells?’, on Saturday, June 13, with proceeds supporting restoration works on the church’s heritage-listed bell tower.
The event will feature the award-winning Perth Pocket Big Band, led by Busselton-raised musician Erin Royer, who has built a reputation as one of Western Australia’s accomplished saxophonists and musical directors.
For Erin, the concert is more than just another performance.
Returning to her hometown to support the preservation of a muchloved local landmark makes the event particularly meaningful.
The Perth Pocket Big Band features 17 musicians and two vocalists, delivering an energetic mix of swing, jazz and contemporary favourites guaranteed to get toes tapping.
Organisers hope the afternoon will not only raise valuable funds but also remind the community of the important role St Mary’s has played in Busselton’s history.
The concert runs from 2.30pm to 6pm on Saturday, June 13 at St Mary’s Anglican Church, Busselton, with a licensed bar operating throughout the event.
Tickets are $30 for adults and $25 concession.
For tickets and bookings, visit TryBooking at trybooking.com/DMNEA.
GEOCATCH is inviting the community to come along and plant some native seedlings at its 2026 tree planting day on Sunday 14 June in Broadwater, from 10am to 12:30pm.
e planting day will build on previous years’ e orts, connecting areas of bushland along the Holgate Road foreshore, providing vital habitat for the critically endangered Nguraren (Western Ringtail Possum) and extending urban habitat for birds and other native wildlife.
Whether you are a passionate conservationist or simply looking for a rewarding way to spend a Sunday morning outdoors with family and friends, people of all ages and experience levels are welcome to attend.
GeoCatch Executive Manager, Drew McKenzie, said the planting day is a great opportunity to make an environmental impact while connecting with your local community.
“ is is our major community planting for the year with nearly 1,000 plants.
“ ese events are such a good opportunity to make a tangible positive impact for our local environment and get our hands dirty
working alongside each other,” said Mr McKenzie.
“By working collectively, we can strengthen important habitat corridors and directly support the recovery of our bushland, wildlife and foreshore reserves.”
is year’s event continues to be supported by the City of Busselton and Busselton Water and for the second year running Georgiana Molloy Anglican School students from Eagle House have raised funds and will also volunteer their time to prepare the planting site.
Following a successful Nguraren Night Stalk and education session,
a donation towards native habitat planting has been made on behalf of a local TV production crew shooting in our region.
GeoCatch invites everyone to come along to this free event, get their hands dirty, and be part of a community e ort to reconnect more of the fragmented habitat along the Holgate Road foreshore. ere are also a series of educational signs at the foreshore packed with facts about the Nguraren and tips on how you can help this critically endangered species.
To register for the event, visit www.geocatch.asn.au
Erin Royer will return to Busselton along with the award-winning Perth Pocket Big Band.
The planting day will build on previous years’ efforts, with locals out
seedlings along the Holgate Road foreshore.
Boots & bling on show for glam cocktail party
DENIM jackets, sparkling accessories and plenty of smiles were on display as locals gathered at the Hilton Garden Inn Busselton for the launch of Go Blue for June 2026.
The Diamonds & Denim Cocktail Party brought together community members, supporters and local businesses for a stylish evening overlooking the Busselton foreshore, all in support of Busselton Hospice Care Inc.
Guests embraced the theme with a creative mix of casual denim and glamorous touches, creating a vibrant atmosphere as they enjoyed food, drinks and the chance to connect with others while supporting an important cause.
The event o cially launched Busselton Hospice Care’s annual fundraising campaign, which helps
fund free support services for people living with life-limiting illness, their carers, and those experiencing grief and bereavement.
Throughout the evening, guests were reminded of the vital role the community plays in ensuring these services remain available to local families.
As the sun set over Geographe Bay, the combination of glitz, generosity and community spirit made for a memorable night, with funds raised helping Busselton Hospice Care continue its compassionate work across the region.
The event marked a strong start to this year’s campaign, which will see businesses, community groups and individuals come together throughout the month to support the organisation’s work.
WHEN people in the Busselton community face some of life’s most di cult moments, they are o en supported by someone they’ve never met before — a volunteer willing to sit, listen, help and simply be present.
at network of care has grown signi cantly this year, with Busselton Hospice Care Inc. (BHCI) welcoming and training 36 new volunteers who are now ready to support people living with life-limiting illness, their carers, and those experiencing grief and bereavement.
e new recruits bring BHCI’s volunteer workforce to almost 180 people, re ecting both the growing need for support services and the willingness of local residents to step forward and help.
CEO James Jarvis said the achievement was only possible because of strong community backing, particularly through the organisation’s annual Go Blue for June campaign.
“Go Blue for June is more than a fundraiser—it’s a powerful expression of who we are as a community,” he said.
“ e support we receive enables us to recruit, train and sup-
port volunteers who walk alongside people at some of the most important and vulnerable times in their lives.”
BHCI volunteers provide companionship, practical assistance and emotional support to people navigating serious illness, caring responsibilities, end-of-life care and bereavement.
Collectively, the organisation’s volunteers had already contributed more than 8,200 hours of service by the end of April and are on track to deliver almost 12,000 volunteer hours during the current nancial year.
As Australia’s population ages and more people live longer with complex illnesses, the demand for hospice support continues to grow.
“People are living longer with life-limiting illness, and the journey can be complex and isolating,” Mr Jarvis said.
“Our volunteers ensure that no one has to face that journey alone—but we can only do this with ongoing community support.”
e importance of the volunteer program has attracted attention beyond Busselton.
A documentary lmmaker has been following the latest volunteer training program, while
three interstate hospice organisations have also been observing the volunteer journey as part of a broader project exploring the role volunteers play in end-of-life care.
e footage is expected to contribute to a feature-length documentary examining hospice volunteering and community care, with the lm expected to screen locally in the future.
BHCI is now encouraging residents, community groups and local businesses to support this year’s Go Blue for June campaign by hosting fundraising events, making donations, turning workplaces blue or helping spread the message online.
“Every action—big or small— helps us keep our services free and accessible to those who need them most,” Mr Jarvis said.
“It also strengthens the compassion and connection that denes our community.”
At the heart of the organisation’s work is a simple belief: everyone matters, and no one should have to die or grieve alone.
To learn more or support Go Blue for June 2026, visit: www. busseltonhospicecareinc.org.au and www.facebook.com/BusseltonHospice
Volunteers are the cornerstone of Busselton Hospice Care Inc’s services across the region, supporting locals living with life-limiting illness, and their carers, as well as those experiencing grief and bereavement.
There were plenty of revellers decked out in denim for Busselton Hospice Care Inc’s Diamonds & Denim cocktail party at the Hilton Garden Inn, including BHCI CEO James Jarvis and Chair, Jenny Monson (bottom left). Photos: Abby Murray Photography.
Jetty guide is the best in the West
TWO South West tourism professionals have been recognised among Western Australia’s best, taking home major honours at the Perth Airport WA Tourism Conference dinner in Carnarvon.
Busselton Jetty’s Chantell Field and SurfPoint Resort’s Nic Chirico were celebrated for their outstanding contributions to the tourism industry, with both women recognised not only for their professional achievements but for the passion and community spirit they bring to their work every day.
Field was awarded the prestigious FACET Golden Guide Award, which recognises excellence in tour guiding and visitor experiences across Western Australia.
e judges praised her extensive marine biology knowledge and her engaging, enthusiastic approach to sharing the underwater world of the Busselton Jetty with visitors.
For anyone who has joined one of the Jetty’s underwater experiences, the recognition will come as little surprise.
Field’s enthusiasm for marine conservation and education has become a hallmark of the Busselton Jetty experience, helping visitors leave with a deeper appreciation of the region’s unique marine environment.
While the awards ceremony took place in Carnarvon, Field was celebrating her aunt’s 70th birthday in Vietnam and watched the results unfold from overseas via FaceTime as her colleagues accepted the award on her behalf.
“Honestly, I don’t even really know where to begin,” she said.
“I am beyond honoured and genuinely overwhelmed to receive the FACET Golden Guide Award.”
“It’s funny to think that a passion for the ocean, conservation and spending my days talking about sh — and occasionally to the sh — while sharing the underwater world with visitors could somehow lead me to a moment like this.”
Field said tourism was ultimately
about creating meaningful experiences.
“It’s about creating moments people remember, helping them connect with a place and hopefully leaving with a new perspective or appreciation they didn’t have before,” she said.
“At the end of the day, I’m just a girl who loves the ocean and cares deeply about helping people better understand the marine world and why protecting it matters.”
Meanwhile, SurfPoint Resort’s Nic Chirico was named winner of the Individual Excellence by a Tourism Professional Award.
Judges highlighted Chirico’s strong connection to community and the signi cant work she under-
takes beyond the boundaries of her own business.
Known throughout the region for her support of local events, tourism initiatives and community organisations, Chirico has become a respected gure within the South West tourism sector.
Her award recognises the broader contribution tourism professionals can make to the communities they serve, helping strengthen both the visitor economy and the social fabric of regional towns.
As well as the two winners, Sandie Jouan from Broadwater Resort Busselton and Alecia Macdonald from Busselton Jetty were nalists in the Individual Excellence in Customer Service category.
Tourism Council WA Chief Ex-
ecutive O cer Evan Hall said the awards celebrated the people behind Was visitor experiences.
“ e WA tourism industry is made possible thanks to the passionate people who tirelessly work towards showcasing WA to visitors,” he said.
“ e individual awards provided an opportunity for these people to be recognised for their commitment to creating innovative and friendly experiences for Western Australia’s visitors.”
For the South West, the success of Field and Chirico re ects the strength of a tourism industry built not only on world-class attractions and accommodation, but on the people who bring those experiences to life.
Chantell said she was “beyond honoured” to receive the 2026 FACET Golden Guide Award.
Chantell accepted the award via video call from Vietnam, where she was on holiday with family.
The dedicated guide was praised for her extensive knowledge about the world beneath Busselton Jetty, and her passion for educating visitors to the iconic structure.
Caves Road sand mine plan is simply madness
It was with alarm that I read about the proposed open sand mine planned more or less opposite Swings & Roundabouts Winery in Yallingup.
It just seems completely incongruous to place a 9.1-hectare open sand mine eye sore in the middle of an iconic tourist corridor.
When you look at the development application, there are a multitude of reasons why this is a bad idea, but the two biggest and most obvious concerns are traffic congestion and air quality health hazards.
The proposal seeks approval for 200 large 19-metre truck movements per day, operating from 7am to 5pm along Caves Road and Wyadup Road.
Madness is all I can say when one considers the likely fallout — traffic congestion, safety concerns, noise, and probably damage to the roads. Caves rd is already heavily used by tourists, cyclists, school traffic, winery visitors, and local residents.
The second issue is also obvious: dust from a sand mine. No matter how they attempt to mitigate it, there is going to be a significant amount of dustit’s a sand mine after all.
In addition, with the quartz-rich sand in the area, there is the potential risk of invisible silica micro-particulate particles, which constitute a known health hazard in a populated residential and tourist area.
The company involved, Cape Sands, appears to be a shell company with little or no operating track record, which I would suggest is concerning given the sensitivity and scale of this proposal.
Sand developers want to remove a quarter of a hectare of native vegetation.
Doesn’t sound like much until you go and look. From a satellite it’s a few blobs in a paddock.
When you go out on country to have a look and lean on the big old Jarrah gate post and have a gander, those blobs are paddock trees. Big, old, trees.
Having parked off to the side of Wyadup Road to get a good look at the paddock and the beautiful trees, mostly Marri trees, I wondered how many of them would be bulldozed, and how significant are they?
The Council also appears to want to rush this through and has provided only the minimum mandatory public submission period of 28 days.
There is always a lag time in public awareness, and this is simply not enough time for the public, business community, tourism operators, and other stakeholders to conduct proper due diligence on a complex proposal involving a 9.1-hectare mine in a tourism and residential hub.
This area generates millions of dollars in tourism spending each year, and the tourism industry and broader community deserve adequate time to properly assess the potential impacts.
I would strongly urge the Council to extend the June 12 deadline for public submissions.
At present, it genuinely feels like this proposal is being rushed through.
Ian Forsyth
I mean they just zoom past outside the car window on any mission down to or back from scenic Injidup Bay.
What are the trees worth? What is their value?
That is when I heard the croaking, the squawking. The sound of a black cockatoo fledgling. No, wait, there were two brand new baby Baudin’s black cockatoos calling on the wind.
I had to use the long lens, that my brother usually uses for taking surfing photos, to identify these endangered birds.
They were in a beautiful paddock Marri tree that I see, after a bit of reading, has been named, “tree 8”, in the development proposal documents.
The plan is to turn this scenic rural vista, this grazing paddock, on a very nice road trip drive to an area of beautiful coastline into an industrial site, a sand mine.
It creates one question, of many, if
this situation could be considered a matter of national environmental significance (MNES)?
As we have two families of endangered, iconic, Western Australian black cockatoos foraging in a honkey nut laden Marri tree that will likely be part of the proposed vegetation clearing.
But these rare birds have selected this particular tree, in this particular season, as an important resource.
Just on that MNES thought, what does it mean.
If we look at the law, one defined area is “Nationally listed threatened species.”
Baudin’s cockatoos are listed as endangered in both national and state environmental listings.
Land clearing for mining is a major threat to their existence.
There has been some excellent environmental survey work done and deeply buried in the development proposal for this Injidup locality proposed sand mine site (Appendix I of Appendix D*).
Findings such as paddock trees are considered higher quality than trees in forest areas as they have higher resource yield for wildlife.
There are 38 mature trees within the proposed mining site boundaries.
Looking at the tables of details on the woodland 37 of the trees have a diameter at chest height of greater than 50cm, making them all significant trees as that 50cm measurement in Jarrah and Marri trees indicates they will likely develop large nesting hollows.
One tree has a trunk diameter measured as 140cm. 21 of the trees have diameters greater than 100cm.
Tree 8 has a trunk diameter of 111cm and multiple small hollows, a potential wildlife ‘hotel’, though no hollows suitable yet for cockatoos.
All these trees are well on the way to becoming potential cockatoo nesting hollow trees as they have been growing for decades, if not centuries.
Tree 8, for example, the one with the foraging cockatoos is equivalent to a 260 year old forest Marri tree.
Of course you should read the full environmental report before making a public submission on the sand mine proposal.
There are clear recommendations to retain and fence off the large trees on the proposed mine site, especially as the rehabilitation proposed after the sand resources are exhausted is to return the paddock to pasture, only pasture.
The trees seem to have gone missing in the site rehabilitation part of the proposal.
I have yet to see trees retained in a mine site.
For more information there is a well informed community campaign that contains all the links to the public submission form and project proposal detailed paperwork.
Visit https://tinyurl.com/nemmyrc8 or find ‘Protect Our Pits - Injidup Sanctuary’ on Facebook.
Public comments close on June 12. Frank Bear, Yallingup
Residents have been quick to voice their concerns and join the ‘Protect Our Pits’ campaign, adornign the region in protest stickers and signs, as the June 12 deadline for public comment approaches.
Bringing premium results to your neighbourhood.
Crunchy visit helps promote healthy habits at Vasse Primary
STUDENTS at Vasse Primary School were encouraged to crunch on vegetables, drink water and get moving recently as part of Cancer Council WA’s annual Crunch & Move event.
The school welcomed Cancer Council WA South West Regional Cancer Prevention Coordinator Emma Handreck and Crunchy the Mascot, who helped students celebrate the importance of healthy eating and regular movement throughout the school day.
Crunch & Move forms part of Cancer Council WA’s Crunch&Sip program, which encourages schools to allow students to eat vegetables and fruit and drink water during class time to support learning, concentration and
wellbeing.
Ms Handreck said the event had become a favourite among students and schools across the South West.
“Crunch & Move is all about encouraging students to take regular brain breaks by refuelling with healthy snacks like vegetables and getting active throughout the day,” she said.
“Taking time to refresh and recharge helps students stay focused for longer and supports their overall health and wellbeing.”
Vasse Primary School Deputy Principal Tracey Bruse said the school had been part of the Crunch&Sip program for many years and strongly supported its
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
DrCarole Peters is not telling the whole truth when she criticises prescribed burns based solely on their health impacts (Prescribed burn smoke doesn’t pass pub test, BDMail, May 20).
The 2020 report in the Medical Journal of Australia to which she referred found the health costs of smoke from prescribed burns was higher in some years than the health cost from bushfires but the same report also showed that the death rate, hospital admissions and emergency department attendances were approximately twice as high for smoke from bushfires compared to smoke from prescribed burns.
Contrary to her claim, bushfires in south west WA are decreasing since prescribed burning was expanded after the devastating 1961 Dwellingup fires, so her call to reduce or eliminate prescribed burns will lead with absolute certainty to more bushfires.
In turn, more people will die from bushfire smoke, be admitted to hospital and seek treatment at emergency departments as the area of native vegetation subject to prescribed burns reduces and the area burnt in bushfire increases.
Dr Peters hides other relevant information in her effort to argue against prescribed burns. On average, between 10 and 16 Australians die each year from the direct effect of bushfires. Since the federal government assesses a human life as having a value of some $6 million, this means that the cost of bushfire deaths averages between $60 and $96 million.
Western Australia contains ten percent of the nation’s human population so statistically our annual cost of lives lost to bushfires is between $6 and $9.6 million.
Further, on average, some 84 houses are destroyed by bushfires each year in Australia. Applying the same statistics to WA, this means that 8 houses each with a nominal value of $400,000 are lost each year to bushfires at a cost of $3.2 million, to which must be added the loss of priceless personal contents within each destroyed house.
Her denial of the existence of 50,000 years of Aboriginal burning in south west WA is inexplicable as is her refusal to accept that the destruction of plants and animals is much greater from bushfires than from prescribed burns, as shown by the 2019/2020 bushfires in the eastern states.
As sure as night follows day, a reduction in WA’s prescribed burning program will lead to more bushfires, with a greater loss of life and higher hospital admissions.
And I haven’t even considered the modest cost of WA’s annual prescribed burning program compared with the much greater cost of trying to fight out of control bushfires!
Bernie Masters, College Grove
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Email editorial@busseltonmail.com. au to share your opinion and make your voice heard.
benefits.
“We have been a Crunch and Sip school for many years and believe it is a fantastic way to
support good health,” she said.
“Having time for Crunch and Sip allows students time to have a short break from learning,
have a healthy snack and drink of water. It aids in refuelling their bodies ready for the next learning session.”
The visit from Crunchy brought students together in the school quad, where they enjoyed healthy snacks outdoors, spent time in the fresh air and even shared a dance with the mascot.
“It was great to have Emma and Crunchy come to our school to promote Crunch and Move,” Ms Bruse said.
“It helps create excitement across the school and reinforces our healthy lunchbox message to our families.”
The school was recently recognised as an official Crunch&Sip school, acknowledging its
long-term commitment to promoting healthy eating and wellbeing among students.
Ms Bruse said strong support from parents had helped make the program a success.
“Our parents have a good understanding of a healthy lunchbox and support us to share the important message with their children,” she said.
“When we all have the same attitude towards healthy eating, it helps ensure our students are fuelled correctly every day, which allows them to feel better, so they can learn and grow.”
Schools interested in joining the Crunch&Sip program can find more information through Cancer Council WA.
Comedy roadshow sets sights on Saltwater
SOME of Australia’s sharpest comedic talent is heading to Busselton next month as the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow rolls into Saltwater Busselton for one night only.
e touring showcase will take over the venue on Saturday, July 11, bringing a hand-picked line-up of comedians direct from Australia’s largest comedy festival.
Hosted by Tim Hewitt, this year’s Roadshow features Dan Rath, He Huang, Daniel
Connell and Sez, delivering a mix of stand-up, storytelling, observations and o eat humour designed to keep audiences laughing from start to nish.
For almost 30 years, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow has travelled the country, taking the best of the festival beyond the big-city stages and into regional communities.
e Busselton performance o ers locals the opportunity to experience a slice of the internationally renowned festival without leaving the South West.
Organisers describe the Roadshow as a showcase of
Farm Business Transition and Livestock Transport Business Transition grants now available
Grants are now available to assist producers and the livestock transport sector move away from the live sheep exports by sea trade. You must have a connection to the trade from 1 July 2020.
Eligible sheep producers affected by the phase out can now apply for up to $75,000 in funding to develop business plans and support the adoption of alternative farming systems and practices. Applications close for sheep producers 15 July 2026
Eligible livestock transport businesses impacted by the phase out can now apply for a grant of up to $40,000 to transition to other transport-related activities that may require further investment. Applications close for livestock transport businesses 13 July 2026
A range of activities are eligible for funding. All applications require matching co-contributions.
To find out more or to apply, visit www.agriculture.gov.au/2028
both established comedy favourites and exciting emerging performers, with a carefully curated line-up designed to appeal to a wide range of comedy tastes.
Previous audiences have praised the event for its fastpaced format and variety of acts.
Scenestr described the show as “a seamless and ultra-hilarious evening”, while e Sunday Times said the Roadshow “has everyone’s humour covered”.
e performance is recommended for adults
only and may include coarse language, adult themes and material that some audience members may nd o ensive.
e Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow will be held at Saltwater Busselton on Saturday, July 11 from 7.30pm.
e show runs for approximately two hours, including a 20-minute interval.
Tickets and information via saltwaterbusselton. com.au
Music lovers are invited to discover the next generation of Western Australian talent when the StarStruck Busselton Concert comes to Saltwater Busselton on June 19.
Presented by WAAPA’s Advanced Diploma Music Artist students, the performance will showcase a range of original songs and emerging artists in an intimate live se ing. The all-ages concert o ers audiences the chance to hear fresh voices and new music from some of the state’s most promising young performers.
The concert begins at 7pm and runs for approximately 60 minutes. Tickets and information can be found atwww. saltwaterbusselton.com.au
One of Australia’s most popular comedians is heading to Busselton this winter, with Luke Kidgell bringing his latest stand-up show, Good Intentions, to Saltwater Busselton on July 17.
Fresh from touring the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Europe, Kidgell is known for his quick wit, viral crowd interactions and unpredictable live performances.
In Good Intentions, the comedian promises plenty of laughs as he a empts to prove that, despite what audiences may think, he really does mean well.
The 18+ performance starts at 7.30pm and runs for approximately 90 minutes.
Tickets and information can be found atwww. saltwaterbusselton.com.au
Tim Hewi will host the Melbourne International Comedy Festival at Saltwater on July 11.
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Cold days, bare roots and winter wisdom
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
Fiery new era begins
KIM SEIDLER
AN ACCLAIMED chef is sharpening her knives, and a bold, boisterous menu is ready to deliver smoke, crackle and flame-fired comfort this winter at Willespie Estate.
Willespie, one of the region’s founding wineries, is stepping into a new era of wine and food under fresh ownership.
“They’re approaching Willespie with fresh eyes, an openness to new ideas, and a real curiosity about what this next chapter can look like,” General Manager, Melissa Aisbet said.
This new chapter opens with a double celebration: fifty years in the Wilyabrup sub-region and a winter lunch series featuring acclaimed chef Melissa Palinkas.
Named WA Good Food Guide Chef of the Year in 2019 and awarded a chef’s hat in the 2020 Good Food Guide Awards, Melissa is known for bold, produce-driven cooking grounded in nose-to-tail and root-to-shoot principles.
At Willespie, she’s leaning into seasonal cooking guided by Fire and Place.
“Being out in the countryside in the cooler months down south is the best time of
year for this kind of fire-andhearth-fuelled food,” Melissa said.
Launching on 30 May, Melissa brings two dining experiences to the Willespie
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.
verandah, centred around a purpose-built asado fire pit.
The Long Table runs on Saturdays at $120 per person, with optional wine pairings, while Braizen on Sundays offers a more casual flamefired lunch experience at $45 per person.
“The concept is about connecting food and people,” Melissa said. “You pull up a seat, chat with strangers, and just enjoy a lazy lunch in an incredibly beautiful spot.”
Expect dishes including saltbush and koji focaccia with native dukkah, charred cuttlefish ‘dan dan’, flamekissed Jersey beef with negi shio onion and horseradish
sauce, and chocolate stout cake with miso butterscotch.
Braizen on Sundays centres on a single hero dish cooked over coals, with the opening menu featuring slow-cooked pork shoulder with potato dumplings, oyster mushrooms, mustard sauce and native bush apple.
“This one is definitely for locals to savour on a Sunday,” Melissa said.
For Willespie’s new owners, Melissa’s residency marks the beginning of a people-focused new direction for the estate.
“A renewed sense of welcome, first and foremost,” Ms Aisbet said.
“A cellar door that feels open and lived-in rather than transactional, hospitality that makes people want to stay a while, and storytelling that lets visitors in on what’s actually happening in the vineyard and the cellar—not just what’s in the bottle.”
Founded in 1976 by Kevin and Marian Squance, Willespie Estate celebrates fifty years this year.
The Long Table runs every Saturday from 30 May to 4 July 2026, and Braizen every Sunday from 31 May to 5 July 2026.
Bookings are essential, visit willespie.com.au
If you took measures to
Getting ready to the light asado this winter is Willespie winemaker Nathan Schultz, cellar door manager Jo, Chef Melissa Palinkas and agricultural consultant Ana. Photos: Lauren Trickett Photography
Step into Willespie’s cellar door, with new ownership and management promising ‘a renewed sense of welcome’.
Ginger and his sister Tuppy have always been together and need to find a new home together. They’re 12 year old friendly cats who are comfortable with visitors and they’ve lived happily with other cats and a couple of dogs. Ginger is a sweet, cuddly gentleman who enjoys long naps during and loves snuggling up with his favourite human, whether it’s on the couch or in bed. He also loves bird-watching from the window! Tuppy is the sweetest girl who loves to find the perfect spot to curl up and nap the day away. In the evenings, she loves a good play session with her favourite toys, especially when her human dangles them just right! Tuppy makes the cutest little noises when she gets pats, and her absolute favorite time of day is dinner time. Their adoption fee is $250.
Hi, I’m Lola a 10 year old lady who’s shy at first and will find a cozy place to chill while I settle, but in a quiet home I’ll soon come out of my shell. I love having my own space and will usually pick a favourite room where I feel safe and relaxed. Once I’m comfy, I’m incredibly affectionate with a loud, happy purr – and if I’m not getting enough attention, I’ll gently head bump you or demand pats! As a mature lady, I enjoy a calm lifestyle and spend most of my time lounging, but do have the occasional playful burst and love chasing laser pointers and feather toys. I’m happy to sleep on the bed or curl up in my cozy cat bed. I have a great appetite, so my food intake will need to be monitored as I can overeat if given the chance. Although I get along with my male foster cat, I would thrive best in a quiet home as the only pet, where I can relax and feel secure. My adoption fee is $150.
A NEW food tourism experience is bringing together two of the region’s passionate local producers, o ering visitors the chance to hunt for one of the world’s most prized ingredients before enjoying it at the table.
see what goes into producing tru e — the land, the dogs, the patience involved.
“ is experience lets people step into that story, then enjoy the reward of it at the table.”
dients, allowing the prized fungi to take centre stage.
“Tru e is all about simplicity and timing. When it’s fresh, you don’t need to overcomplicate it,” he said.
Rústico at Hay Shed Hill has partnered with Margaret River Tru e Farm to launch Hunt & Lunch, a seasonal winter experience that takes guests from the tru e orchard to a ve-course degustation lunch.
Hi, I’m Rosie! A 7 month old soft, silky, shiny and sweet girl. I’m a bit like a delicate rose that’s soft to touch and pretty to look at but if you try to pick me up my thorns can prick you as I don’t really like be lifted. I can be shy but also loving and follow you watching everything you do. Especially if you’re in the kitchen (where my favourite thing is – food - or the toilet. Once I trust you, I just want to be with you. I love toys and my carers laps, so if you’re sitting on the sofa, watch out as I may jump up and make myself at home! When I’m getting cuddles, I purr so loud I can be heard in the next room. Once I start feeling safe I don’t mind new people or visitors but will keep my distance. I’m not sure about loud children. I’ve made good friends with my carers dog and love their cats too. Being outside in a safe environment is fun but I mostly like being inside curled up somewhere warm sleeping away the day. At night you’ll probably find me snuggled in between your feet. My adoption fee is $330.
e experience begins at Margaret River Tru e Farm, where guests join owners Ben and Charmaine Warner for a guided tru e hunt through oak and hazelnut groves alongside trained tru e dogs Alby and Tazzy.
Guests will also enjoy a tru e tasting at the farm before travelling to Rústico at Hay Shed Hill for a long-table lunch designed to showcase the region’s winter produce.
Rústico owner Vanessa Phillipson said the partnership was a natural t.
“It’s been a very brave and exciting journey for Ben and Charmaine, and we’re thrilled to help them share their story and showcase Margaret River Tru e Farm through this unique experience,” she said.
“We’re letting the ingredient lead — layering it through the menu in a way that builds avour across the whole experience.” e experience re ects a growing trend towards immersive food tourism, where visitors can connect directly with producers and gain a deeper understanding of where their food comes from.
Hi, I’m Chip or as my foster carers like call me, Chippy! I’m a 1 year old shy tabby boy who needs some love and understanding. But, once I feel comfortable and confident, I will quite happily acquire your favourite spots on the sofa or chairs and call them mine. I can be chatty at meal time, but only to ensure I don’t miss out. I love my chirpy ball and worm toys to play with and I like to sit and watch the world go by from the windows. I’m litter trained and enjoy my food, so I have a special puzzle to get my biscuits from. I do like eating treats from your hands and call upon you to brush me, scratch me under my chin, or give me a head massage. I’m not a huge fan of being picked up or sleeping on beds, but am trying out different ones during the day. I will, however, find a spot close enough to make sure I can still see you at night. I really am a nice boy who just needs some patience and time. My adoption fee is $330.
Hi I’m Rollo
A 1 year old super playful, chatty and loving young boy. I love playing with my foster-cat friend and doing zoomies. I am super friendly and affectionate towards all humans and love a nice snuggle especially rolling onto my back for pets when I see my foster humans coming! I haven’t been exposed to dogs or young children. However I’m a very confident boy and my foster carers think I would warm up quickly to other pets or children after a gentle introduction period. I love my older cat friend at my foster home and would happily share a home with other friendly felines. I would best suit a family or home where people are home often to give me lots of pets and cuddles as I’m super social. If you think you could be my new family, I would love to meet you and show you how affectionate I can be! My adoption fee is $275.
Hi, I’m Daphne! A beautiful 7 year old girl with amazing yellow eyes and a calm voice. I’m seeking a home with a single lady as I don’t like men due to bad experiences in my past. At first I can be a bit shy but I’m curious and brave and as soon as I feel safe I’m affectionate and sweet. Loud noises can make me uneasy, so a calm person or family with older children would suit best. I never lived with a dog and I’d prefer to be your only cat. When the woman I live with gives me ear scratches, cheek and back rubs, I’m on cloud 9. I sleep on the end of her bed or the cat tree to have a good nap. I’m not a lap cat and don’t particularly like to be picked up but being outside in the enclosed area, playing with strings and chase balls is super exciting. I’m clean and toilet trained. My adoption fee is $300.
Hi, I’m Bella
A 2 year old beauty with no beastly behaviours. I love scratches and pats, and adore toys with bells. I can be very shy to start with, but given time and space. I enjoy everyone’s company. I used to live with another cat, but have been a solo pet with my carers. I am untested with dogs and children. I love to play with all sorts of toys, and entertain my foster Mum with my zoomie antics. I enjoy the comforts of being inside and love to watch the outside world through windows. My ideal home would be a safe space where I can play and nap, and keep someone special company. My adoption fee is $275.
e Warners have spent years building the farm into a respected local producer of premium black tru es, with a strong focus on sustainability, education and sharing the story behind the product.
“We’ve built this farm from scratch, so being able to share it in this way is really special,” they said.
“Most people never get to
“At the same time we get to expand and develop the utilisation of the Rustico Ride and what a better way than providing a Foodie Tour experience that looks a er our guests from the time we pick them to getting them home safely.”
Head Chef Mike McAllister has created a ve-course menu centred around fresh tru es and seasonal ingre-
Each Hunt & Lunch experience includes return transport via e Rústico Ride from Dunsborough, Cowaramup or Margaret River, a guided tru e hunt, farm tasting experience and vecourse degustation lunch.
Optional reserve wine pairings are also available.
e experience runs for a limited time during the winter tru e season, with numbers strictly capped.
For more information, available dates and bookings, visit: rusticotapas.com. au/hunt-and-lunch-experience
Hi, I’m Rue! A 4 month old sweet boy who can be a little timid at first but once I get to know and trust you, my true personality shines. I’m incredibly playful and curious, always exploring and entertaining myself with my favourite toys. I absolutely adore food and am not shy about letting my carers know it’s mealtime! Expect some very cute, baby-like “demands” when I’m hungry. I get along beautifully with other cats and will happily seek them out for cuddles. I have a soft spot for cosy blankets - that’s my cue to come over, make biscuits, and settle in for a nap with you. At night, I’m a total snuggle bug and love curling up on my carers chest for a good sleep. I also have a playful habit of proudly carrying my toys (especially hair ties!) around the house like little treasures. My adoption fee is $330.
An adoption fee of $300 applies for cats and $700 for dogs which assists to cover the costs of desexing, microchip, microchip ownership transfer, flea and worm treatment, vaccinations and vet checks. Successful applicants for dogs will be contacted for an interview and a property inspection (as it is vital we rehome our animals to a safe, secure and suitable home). If you are able to offer any of these animals the best of homes, please email busselton@safe.org.au, contact 0488 518 963 or visit www.safe.org.au
Ben and Charmaine Warner from Margaret River Truffle Farm will partner with Rústico at Hay Shed Hill to celebrate tru e season with a guided tru e hunt through oak and hazelnut groves, before a tru e tasting and a curated 5 course lunch.
Photos: @withbaxter
The Warners have built their truffle farm from scratch - and Rustico Head Chef Mike McAllister’s menu puts the delicacy at centre stage, surrounded by the region’s finest fresh produce. Photos: @withbaxter
EOFY AT BUSSELTON TOYOTA
TOYOTA CERTIFIED
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.
Raising a pint to the region’s brewers
CRAFT beer has become a familiar part of life in the Margaret River region — enjoyed a er a surf, shared at family lunches, or discovered by visitors exploring beyond the cellar doors. But behind every pint is a story shaped by collaboration, sustainability and a strong sense of community.
In a recent episode of Capes Conversations on RMR101.9FM, local brewers and growers shared how the Margaret River beer scene has grown from humble beginnings into a nationally respected industry — without losing its local heart.
Margaret River’s cra beer story began in the mid–1990s with Bootleg Brewery, standing alone in wine country. Over time, a small group of independent breweries followed, choosing quality, place and hospitality over rapid expansion.
Today, that shared approach has evolved into the South West Brewers Alliance, a collective formed in 2021 by local brewers who recognised they were stronger together.
“I guess it started as a bit of a support group,” alliance chair Iliya Hastings explains. “We were all new businesses trying to work out what our future looked like in a wine–focused tourism region.”
By formalising the group, local brewers gained a stronger voice
with government, suppliers and the broader tourism industry — while maintaining a culture of generosity and shared learning.
“In our industry, the general culture is we all get on,” Iliya says. “If we all rise, we’re all better o .”
While brewery doors might compete for customers, the region’s collective approach has helped Margaret River gain a strong reputation well beyond the South West.
“For a region our size, we probably win more brewing and hospitality awards than almost anywhere,” Iliya says. “ at comes down to the quality of the people, the beer, and the experiences being o ered.”
at togetherness is also behind initiatives like the Margaret River Region Beer Trail, a new self–guided digital trail developed in partnership with MRBTA and the City of Busselton. e trail helps locals and visitors discover breweries, plan their journey and learn what makes each venue unique.
While great beer brings people through the door, sustainability is increasingly shaping what happens behind the scenes.
Rocky Ridge Brewing has been a national leader in this space since opening in 2017. Co–founder Mel Holland says sustainability was part of the business from day one — not a marketing add–on, but a values–
based decision.
“Certi ed sustainable is about doing the right thing across your whole supply chain,” Mel explains.
“Carbon neutrality is about understanding and o setting the impacts of your operations. ey’re di erent paths with the same goal.”
Rocky Ridge now operates 100 percent o –grid with solar, captures and reuses carbon dioxide from fermentation, and continues to re ne water and waste practices — a significant challenge in a water–intensive industry.
While sustainability may not command a higher price point, it does build trust and loyalty.
“People want to know who they’re buying from and what that business stands for,” Mel said. “ at connection really matters.”
at focus on authenticity and place extends to the paddock, with Margaret River Hops emerging as a new link in the local beer supply chain.
Established in 2023, the hop farm had its rst harvest in 2024 and now supplies dozens of breweries across WA.
Co–founder Dirk Funnekotter says hop growing in the region is challenging — but rewarding.
“WA is a marginal growing region for hops, but that doesn’t mean it can’t work,” Dirk says. “You just need
to work a bit harder.”
With deep agricultural roots and strong relationships with cra brewers, the business is helping breweries tell a fuller local story — one that starts in the soil.
“ ere’s something powerful about being able to say your beer was brewed here, with ingredients grown here,” Dirk says. “People care more about that than ever.”
What stands out across the industry is that success hasn’t come from scale or speed — but from care, collaboration and connection. From brewery oor to hop eld, the Margaret River beer scene re ects the same values that de ne the wider community. “ ese are family–run businesses, built by passionate people,” Iliya says. “And people can feel that when they walk through the door.”
So next time you raise a middy or pint at your local, you might spare a thought for the growers, brewers and hospitality teams behind it — and appreciate that what’s in your glass is very much a product of this place.
SOUTHWEST’S HOME OF SPORT
The South West Brewers Alliance was formed in 2021 to unite the region’s brewers and develop the industry as a collective.
Session gives juniors new skills on the field
SOCCER
DUNSBOROUGH Town
Football Club (DTFC) delivered another outstanding development opportunity this afternoon, with junior players and coaches taking part in a specialised goalkeeping workshop led by Technical Director Jack Eades.
The session introduced a range of new skills and techniques, with several budding young keepers already beginning to shine between the posts.
The workshop formed part of the club’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality development pathways for all junior players.
DTFC was also fortunate to be joined by two of the club’s senior goalkeep-
ers — Women’s Premier League keeper Melissa Broome and Men’s First Team keeper James Cross — who generously volunteered their time to support the session.
Melissa and James shared their experience, knowledge and passion for the game, offering hands-on guidance and encouragement to the next generation of DTFC goalkeepers.
Melissa said the opportunity to work with young players is always rewarding.
“Seeing juniors throw themselves into learning, improving and having fun is what makes sessions like this so special.
“If we can help inspire even one future goalkeep-
er, it’s worth every minute.”
James echoed the importance of early development and exposure to specialised training.
“Goalkeeping is a unique role, and giving kids access to proper coaching early on makes a huge difference. The enthusiasm today was brilliant.”
Opportunities like this are invaluable for player development, helping build confidence, technical foundations and a love for the game among our young local footballers.
More workshops are planned.
For more about the club, visit dunsboroughtownfc. com.au or @dunsboroughtownfc on social media.
Busso trio make journey north
CRAIG JENKINS
JUNIOR RUGBY
WITH local rugby in the South West having a bye weekend, three Busselton Beetles players made the long trip to Mandurah to link up with the Bunbury Bulls, in what is the beginning of more exchanges between local and Perth teams.
Bodhi Robson and Brooklyn Marler put in strong shifts in the front row, taking on the physical work up front and providing a solid platform all day.
Hyrum Jenkins slotted in at lock before moving to his preferred position in the midfield, proving a valuable asset to the Bulls’ fast backs by
tackling, jackling, and combining well in the backline.
The U11s match came first, with Mandurah showing why they are regarded as one of the stronger sides in their local competition.
It was a hard-fought contest from start to finish, with little separating the sides, but the Bulls dug deep and edged it in a tight one, 14–10.
The U11/12s group then played a game of three halves against the Mandurah side due to the large numbers involved.
The Bulls came away more comfortably in the U12s, putting together some strong passages of play to take control of the game, with Hyrum among the try scorers, crossing for three tries as part of a strong team performance.
The players thoroughly enjoyed the day, despite the big drive there and back, and it was a valuable experience playing against strong opposition and combining with the Bulls, with plenty of new friendships made.
There was a very happy but tired trio of Beetles on the long trip home.
Mandurah fielded strong numbers in the U12s, with 25 players, while the Bulls had 23—including the three Beetles boys.
The club says more workshops - like the recent goalkeeping skills session - were on the way to help young players develop their game. Photos: Supplied.
Three Busselton players headed to Mandurah to play for the Bunbury Bulls (below), taking advantage of a bye week for the local South West junior competition. Photos supplied.
Nine straight for powerful Magpies
JASON CROWE
SWFL
BUSSELTON have won their ninth straight game, when they accounted for the Collie Eagles on Saturday afternoon in round ten of the South West Football League season.
The Collie Recreation Ground has been kind to Busselton in recent years and it proved to be again, with the Magpies winning by 52 points on a bleak, cold afternoon in Collie.
The Eagles started brilliantly, kicking two of the first three goals inside the opening ten minutes, one of which was kicked by Matthew Burton.
Burton would leave the ground shortly after and took no further part in the game, which would be a big hole to fill for the Eagles.
Leading by 15 points at quarter time, Busselton dominated the
second term, with Liam Creighton looking particularly dangerous upforward, finishing the day with four goals.
To their credit, the Eagles matched it with the ladder leaders in the third term, and outscored
Hockey juniors impress on field
THE South West Junior Carnival at Bunbury Hockey Stadium saw Busselton Hockey Association proudly represented by eight teams across multiple age divisions.
Despite challenging conditions, with persistent rain and strong winds throughout the weekend, players demonstrated outstanding determination, teamwork and sportsmanship.
Busselton Hockey Association fielded teams in the 5/6 Boys, 5/6 Girls, two 7/8 Boys teams, 7/8 Girls, 9/10 Boys and two 9/10 Girls divisions, showcasing the strength and depth of junior hockey across the region.
A special congratulations goes to the 9/10 Girls Championship Team, who achieved
an impressive third-place finish in their division.
Their commitment and resilience in difficult weather conditions were a credit to themselves and the association.
The carnival was a fantastic success, and Busselton Hockey Association extends its gratitude to all players, parents, coaches, managers and volunteers whose efforts made the weekend possible.
Their support and dedication ensured eight Busselton teams were able to participate and enjoy a memorable carnival experience.
Well done to everyone involved for representing Busselton Hockey Association with pride both on and off the field.
Busselton by two points, to trail be 33 points at the final break.
A four goals to one final term gave the visitors a 52 point win, their ninth consecutive win over the Eagles.
Ben Ganzer, Mitch Tenardi and Bailey Sanford who played his 150th League game played well for the Magpies, while Josh Elliott, Jayce Fontana and Odinn Kirk were amongth the better players for the Eagles.
Busselton will have the bye in round eleven which is a split round due to the AFL match on Saturday, while Collie will head to VC Mitchell Park to take on the Dons, where they won in season 2025, knocking Donnybrook out of finals contention.
Busselton 13.15.93 def. Collie Eagles 5.11.41
Hawks Win In Gale
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
Longboard champions crowned
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.”
The championships attracted competitors from across Western Australia, showcasing the continued strength of longboarding throughout the state and the South West’s significant contribution to the sport.
The Eagles worked hard to make their round ten clash with Busselton a decent contest, but didn’t have enough in the tank to overcome the in form Magpies. Photo: Sharyn Newlands.
The winners celebrate a successful weekend in Denmark. Photos: Pedro Bonfante/SWA
Imelda Ensor. Photo: Banworth Photos
Bodhi Armstrong. Photo: Banworth Photos
Abby Ralston. Photo: Banworth Photos
Maximum vehicle braked towing
Ask us about the Toyota Tundra today
Maximum vehicle braked towing capacity is subject to state and federal regulatory requirements. Before towing, customers should consider the vehicle’s limitations, including towing capacity specifications, gross vehicle mass (GVM), gross combined mass (GCM), 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.
