Augusta Margaret River Mail | March 18, 2026

CHARGES LAID OVER CAR CHASE

POLICE NEWS

LOCALS have shared terrifying accounts of a stolen vehicle which was driven the wrong way up Margaret River’s Main Street on Friday night.

“Basically, before the chase he hit a van that [was parked] up at the front of the bottle shop and ran away,” Win Utami said.

“I saw him being chased from the bottom of the town, and we thought ‘that’s it’ but he came for a second round, turning around at the front of the Drapery, straight away went in the wrong direction at the front of Mai Tardi. There was so many kids too and families.”

Another commenter said he was driving near Pearl’s Bar at the top of the Main Street when he saw the ute “going towards me on the wrong way of the road...I just had time to park up the Troopy on the grass and let this idiot pass by... that would have been a head to head accident!”

Police confirmed on Saturday morning that a 28 year old man from Safety Bay had been charged with multiple offences, including Steal Motor Vehicle, Endanger life, health or safety of a person, Dangerous Driving, and Reckless driving to escape pursuit by police.

It is alleged the man stole the red Landcruiser from Mandurah at around 3.15pm on Friday afternoon and drove in a dangerous manner, forcing a vehicle from the road in Metricup around 6.35pm. The occupants of that vehicle were not injured.

The male continued to drive towards Margaret River, before being sighted by police.

“The vehicle was tracked to an area at the end of Grace Road in Boranup

where the 28-year-old man was taken into custody and conveyed to Bunbury Police Station,” a WAPOL spokesperson said.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to contact Dunsborough Police Station on 9781 3030, quoting reference number 130326 1910 16743.

POLICE have also charged several people with more than 30 offences following a three-day operation targeting the distribution of illicit drugs at key entry points into the South West.

Operation Pontoon was led by Busselton Police with assistance from the WA Police Canine Section, Busselton Detectives, South West Traffic, and a number of smaller stations from across the district.

At Busselton Margaret River Airport, more than 550 passengers and 280 items of luggage were searched and drug detection dogs provided 12 positive indications, resulting in the seizure of cannabis and illegally obtained prescription medication.

On Bussell Highway, more than 2,000 drivers were subject to breath and drug testing, while searches resulted in the seizure of a range of illicit drugs including methylamphetamine, heroin and MDMA, along with associated paraphernalia and suspected stolen or unlawfully obtained property. Six motorists were charged after testing positive for illicit drugs in their oral fluid.

Another six motorists were detected in excess of the 0.05 blood alcohol limit, and one was charged with DUI.

Two drivers were detected without valid driver’s licences; one vehicle was impounded and another issued with a surrender notice.

Farmers encouraged to rethink plans in face of rising pressures

AGRICULTURE

WITH rising input costs and increasing climate pressures, farmers across the Lower Blackwood region are being invited to take a step back and rethink how their properties work through a Whole Farm Planning Course starting in April.

Delivered by the Lower Blackwood Land Conservation District Committee (LCDC), the four-day program will help farmers better understand how water, soils, biodiversity and infrastructure interact across their farms, and how smarter planning can improve both productivity and resilience.

The course will run from 13–14 April and 13–14 July at the Margaret River Men’s Shed, giving participants practical tools to map and plan their properties using real landscape data.

Lower Blackwood LCDC Executive Officer Joanna Wren said the program was about helping farmers make informed decisions in an increasingly complex farming environment.

“Farmers are constantly balancing productivity, costs and environmental pressures,” Ms Wren said. “Whole farm planning helps bring all those pieces together so farmers can see how their landscape func-

tions and make decisions that work for their business long term.”

She believes mapping their landscapes often reveals opportunities farmers hadn’t previously considered.

“Many farmers know their land incredibly well, but when they start mapping how water moves through the landscape and how soils vary across a property, new patterns emerge and that understanding helps farmers identify where changes can improve productivity, reduce risk and make the most of the natural assets on their farm.”

A key element involves participants working with satellite imagery of their own properties, and

building maps showing landforms, soil types, water movement, infrastructure and vegetation.

The course is facilitated by David Hardwick, an agroecologist with over 20 years’ experience in rural landscapes, farming and food systems and Partner in independent agriculture consultancy Soil Land Food.

The course is supported through the AMR Shire’s Environmental Management Fund, so can be offered at just $110 for all 4 days, with morning tea and lunch provided. Places are strictly limited. For more info, email community@ lowerblackwood.com.au or visit www.lowerblackwood.com.au

Voyager Community supports local grassroots organisations in the Margaret River Region with financial assistance for projects that impact our community in the areas of well-being and environment.

Applications are now open via www.voyagerestate.com.au/community with further information on the criteria.

Applications are now open until April 24th at

MEMBERS and guests of the Margaret River Business Network gathered at the new Idée Fixe cellar door to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 4.

“It was the perfect setting to come together, connect and celebrate the incredible women in our community,”MRBN chief executive Annie McFie said.

Guests enjoyed glasses of Brut Rosé and Blanc de Blancs, paired with delicious bites from Little Hand Margaret River, while being serenaded by the beautiful sounds of Megan Core Music.

Shire of Augusta Margaret River President Julia JeanRice opened the event and re ected on the theme ‘Give to Gain’.

She spoke about the importance of generosity, not only in resources, but in time, support and opportunity and how a culture of abundance can help improve outcomes for women and girls in our communities.

Her message encouraged attendees to consider how acts of generosity can create ripple e ects that strengthen both individuals and the broader community.

Erin O’Neil, Marketing Manager (EU, UK and US) for the Heytesbury Group, shared insights into the women working behind the scenes at Idée Fixe and across the Heytesbury businesses, while Judith Fordham spoke candidly about her own journey as a lawyer, scientist and single mother.

Judith encouraged attendees to be bold and courageous in their ambitions, and spoke about the importance of women supporting one another.

“ e evening was a wonderful reminder of the power of connection, encouragement and celebrating one another’s achievements,” Annie continued.

“Supporting women through mentorship, collaboration, friendship and advocacy is something that matters every day of the year.

“A huge thank you to everyone who joined us to raise a glass to the incredible women around us.

“Here’s to continuing to li each other up and creating more spaces where women can thrive.”

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS

ARLY

rgaret s h ull-time e iploma ctively ww P ease hildcarejobs@mrcc

Margaret River Community Centre for Children is seeking qualified early childhood professionals

We are a not-for-profit centre within the Old Hospital Heritage Precinct in the heart of town Full-time and part-time positions available

We are looking for educators with a strong understanding of the EYLF Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care required We will also consider candidates actively working towards their diploma www mrcc com au/childcare

Please submit your resume to Amber Fairbrass at childcarejobs@mrcc com au

A nurturing environment providing exceptional care, a sense of belonging to the broader community, and curiosity for learning

Vasse depot ready to go for easy recycling

events.

Recycling just got easier for Vasse residents.

MR Refund has opened a new Containers for Change depot at 34 Commerce Road, o ering a convenient Drop & Go service to the fast-growing community.

MR Refund has always prioritised simplicity and efciency.

Managing Director Jackie Dickson says the goal is to eliminate as many barriers to recycling as possible.

“We wanted to create a service that makes recycling quick and easy for people,” she said.

“With Drop & Go, customers can simply drop o their containers and get on with their day while we take care of the counting.”

e Vasse depot joins MR Refund’s established sites in Dunsborough and Margaret River, adding another refund point to the local network.

e new location improves access to recycling for residents and businesses while helping to keep refund dollars circulating within the community — something Jackie says matters to the whole team.

“We’ve built strong relationships with local businesses, events and community groups, and it’s a priority for us that refund money stays in the local economy,” she said.

Alongside its depots, MR Refund provides container collection services for homes, businesses, and

Local wineries, hospitality venues, accommodation providers, sporting clubs, and community groups use the service to manage their containers e ciently and improve recycling outcomes.

For people with unpredictable schedules or a late-night cleaning burst, 24-hour drop

“With Drop & Go, customers can simply drop their containers and let us do all the hard work.”

From 1 July 2026, the Containers for Change scheme will include wine and spirit bottles, expanding the range of containers eligible for refunds and providing new recycling options for households and businesses across

boxes are available at all manned depots as well as in Cowaramup and Nannup.

is allows drink containers to be recycled whenever it suits you.

Drop & Go refunds are processed using Containers for Change member numbers, with payments deposited directly into customers’ bank accounts.

Jackie says this not only saves time for customers but also helps the business operate smoothly within the limits of regional industrial space.

“Nobody wants to spend time waiting around in a noisy, smelly depot.

Western Australia.

“As the scheme grows, we’re making sure our services and infrastructure are ready to support increased recycling across the South West.”

e new Vasse depot is now open at 34 Commerce Road.

MR Refund also has depots in Margaret River and Dunsborough, and bag drop locations in Cowaramup and Nannup.

For more information about Drop & Go, container collection or 24-hour drop box locations, visit mrrefund.com.au or contact the team directly.

Community support awarded

MIND-ED has been recognised for its contribution to suicide prevention, receiving the Communities in Action Award at the 2026 Western Australia LiFE Awards.

Presented by Suicide Prevention Australia, the LiFE Awards (Living is for Everyone) honour outstanding leadership, innovation and commitment to suicide prevention across the country.

e award recognises MindEd’s work in the region, connecting community members with trusted support, delivering preventative education and strengthening collaboration between local services, organisations and community groups.

the collective e ort of people across the region working to strengthen community wellbeing.

‘ is recognition belongs to our whole community,” Ms Statz said. “ e work of suicide prevention is never done by one organisation alone; it happens through collaboration, conversation and people looking out for one another.

“We’re proud to be part of a region that cares deeply about connection and supporting each other through di cult times.”

Mind-Ed delivers community workshops, suicide prevention training and local engagement initiatives designed to build mental health aware-

Mind-Ed team member Peter Durey attended the awards presentation on 11 March at the Scarborough Surf Club, representing the organisation and the broader partnerships that support this work across the region.

All State and Territory LiFE Award recipients are automatically considered for the National Awards, with recipients to be announced at the National Suicide Prevention Conference in Sydney on 29 April.

Mind-Ed continues to work alongside local services, schools, businesses and government partners to strengthen mental health awareness and ensure people know

Review of the week

Had Stinson to supply and install the solar system as part of the build. Great product and looks working well. Hiccup in connecting it to my phone, but it works out eventually.

Shout out to Zain Amjad for helping me to connect the inverter to the app. He’s been so patient throughout the process and a nice person to work with.

Ricky Ng

Nothing but the best

Increased

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Please contact us for employment opportunities for Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology via admin@baysideindependence.com.au

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Riverside art trail delights

locals on day of discovery

A LARGE crowd gathered beside Wooditchup Bilya on Saturday to celebrate art, culture and connection to the river at the launch of the Wooditchup Bilya Wongi – Margaret River Talking Land Art Trail.

e free community event, hosted by Nature Conservation Margaret River Region, Wardandi custodians and local artists as part of the inaugural 2026 River Celebration Month, transformed the riverside trail between the Old Settlement and Lover’s Bench into a vibrant community art and nature experience.

Families, locals and visitors followed the immersive art trail throughout the a ernoon, exploring a series of ephemeral artworks guided by the knowledge and deep connection to Country of Wardandi custodians and artists Nan Vivian Brockman-Webb and Mitchella Hutchins alongside land artists Elaine Clocherty, Kyllie Deltondo and Mick Hart and weaver Cynamon Aeria.

Re ecting the collaborative care needed to protect the river, the trail includes creative

contributions from the community, Artzability, and students from nine schools across the Margaret River catchment.

e temporary artworks will remain in place for the coming months, many made from local natural materials le to return to nature, allowing visitors and locals to walk the path at their own pace to experience the installation and its evolution.

Nature Conservation’s Protect Wooditjup Bilya manager Hannah Weir said the event created a powerful sense of community connection to the river.

“It was incredibly moving to see so many people come together beside Wooditchup Bilya to celebrate the river through art, culture and shared care for Country,” Ms Weir said.

“We encourage the community to take their time to stroll along this living gallery — enjoy the artworks and natural beauty, take in the stories and connect to place,” she said.

“We are all stewards of this landscape, and everyone living in the Margaret River catch-

ment has a role to play in protecting the river.”

Sta and volunteers from Nature Conservation, BirdLife Australia and Owl Friendly Margaret River shared practical ways the community can get involved in conservation, including tackling invasive weeds and controlling rats while protecting native wildlife.

e art trail launch is a part of River Celebration Month program, which continues until March 22 with a series of events focused on river stewardship and conservation.

Your next opportunity to get involved is the River Stewardship Sundowner and Movie Night this Wednesday evening, March 18.

Beginning with a short panel discussion on river stewardship, the evening will conclude with a special screening of the documentary River - enjoy this cinematic lm on the big screen at the Margaret River HEART.

More information about upcoming events can be found at www.natureconservation. org.au.

Colours of Country: Celebrating Our Stories

This special exhibition Colours of Countr y is a celebration of stories of Josh Whiteland, Kim Kiosses and John Sara Our three Noongar artists share their deep connections to the places they live, come from & carr y through their ancestors

Opening Night: Saturday March 28 at 5PM th

RSVP to admin@yallingupart.com (for drinks & catering)

Exhibition Dates: March 28th-April 15th

Gallery opens 10AM-4PM daily

3057 Caves Road, Yallingup (at the entrance to Yallingup Maze) (closed Good Friday & Easter Sunday)

Community Notices & Tenders

Tenders

CURRENTLY OPEN:

Applications must be uploaded through Tenderlink: https://portal tenderlink com/amrshire

Shire works watch

VICTORIA PARADE, AUGUSTA

(Air-Conditioning)

Upgrade works are underway along Victoria Parade to fix long standing drainage and pavement issues

The project includes installing new sub soil drainage, renewing kerbs and pavement, upgrading drainage pits and replacing damaged asphalt sections

Works are expected to be completed before Easter (weather permitting)

During construction, short term detours and road closures will be in place

Local access will be maintained at all times

ROSA BROOK ROAD

Upgrade works on Rosa Brook Road (between Jindong Treeton Road and Darnell Road) are continuing with final pavement works and sealing under stop and go traffic control No property access impacts Works are expected to be completed by Easter (weather permitting)

GLENARTY ROAD

Glenarty Road is now open

Bridge upgrade and road reconstruction works are progressing well, and the previous closure between the southern end of the Glenarty Road bridge and the Wilson Road intersection has now been removed The Bridge will be closed and detours in place for part of the day on Tuesday 24 March to lay the final application of asphalt on the bridge deck The closure will be outside of school bus times

JINDONG–TREETON ROAD BRIDGE UPGRADE

Bridge replacement works have now started The road remains fully closed between Osmington Rd and Treeton Rd, with local access only Detours remain in place for heavy vehicles

WA W LLCLIFFE ROAD

Crews are finalising works Stop and go traffic management is in place

Please allow extra travel time and consider taking an alternate route where possible

MARGARET RIVER

Works to install universal pit covers are happening this week on Fearn Avenue, Hermitage Driver and Railway Terrace Stop and go traffic management will be in place

Showcasing our Shire

MAJOR EVENT GRANTS NOW OPEN

Applications are now open for our Major Events Grants Program The program supports events of State or National significance that promote our region, attract visitors, boost the local economy, and create memorable experiences for residents and visitors

Events being held in the Shire between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027 are eligible, and applicants can request up to $20,000 financial and/or up to $5,000 of in-kind support per year

Applications close at 5pm on Wednesday 22 April 2026

Find out more at: www amrshire wa gov au/grants

Prohibited Burning Period extended

After consulting with our local volunteer Fire Control Officers and other government agencies, we’ve decided to extend the Prohibited Burning Period until midnight on Saturday 28 March 2026 (unless advised otherwise)

This means no burning of any kind is permitted, anywhere, anytime, throughout the Shire, including campfires or firepits, burning garden refuse, solid fuel BBQs (including pizza ovens), or fuel reduction burns

For the most up-to-date and reliable information in an emergency listen

Preparing for the Pro WHAT LOCALS NEED TO KNOW

The world’s best surfers will return to Surfers Point from 16–26 April for the Western Australia Margaret River Pro Here’s what you need to know about access to Surfers Point and Rivermouth

Key dates

Event setup: 30 March to 14 April

WA Trials: 10 April

Main Event window: 16 to 26 April

Event pack down: 27 April to 3 May

Access

Mainbreak remains open throughout, except when the comp is on Surfers Point Car Park will be partially closed during setup and closed in full from 10 April to 3 May

Surfers Point Road (from Rivermouth Road) will be closed during the event

Rivermouth Car Park will be closed on competition days

Rivermouth will be accessible on foot via Rivermouth Road at all times

The footpath from Surfers Point to Rivermouth will be closed 14–27 April

More info: https:// / www amrshire wa gov au/recreation-leisure/eventsand-workshops

Kids Club Vacation Care

The Rec Centre’s Kids Club holiday program is bursting with fun for children aged 4–12 years, running 7am – 5 30pm each day Bookings are now open!

Check out the full program of activities & enrol at: recreation amrshire wa gov au/childcare/vacation-care/

‘People power’: Youth calls for action

KIM SEIDLER

IMAGINE a world where the air grows heavier, birdsong fades to silence, and the ground beneath our feet cracks and crumbles.

Forests are the guardians of our existence - regulating our climate, sheltering countless animals, nourishing us with food and water, and providing the very air we breathe. To live without trees would be to barely live at all.

On Sunday, 22 March at 11 am, the Margaret River community will gather at Reuther Park to stand up for those forests.

The March for the Forest, organised by 16-year-old student Harper McKinney and Ellie Ward from Parents for Climate Action, is one of 13 marches happening across Australia that day, with thousands expected to demand an end to native forest logging and forest mining nationwide.

Australia ranks among 24 global deforestation fronts responsible for 80 percent of the world’s forest loss - and it’s the only developed country on the list.

Despite promising the United Nations we’d end deforestation by 2030, we’re heading in the wrong direction.

Local school student Harper is passionate about his home and the

health of the planet, and believes that the collective power of people and communities can make a difference.

“The last time the Margs community showed up to save the forests from logging, people power worked,” he said.

“Now we need to stand up to end forest mining. I think the community is onside and wants to show the government and Alcoa that we have had enough of their bauxite mining.”

A recent deal has added more complexity to the conversation.

Gallium extracted from the Jar-

rah Forest could potentially be used in missiles for conflicts in the Middle East.

Paddy Cullen from the Bob Brown Foundation expressed his concerns about the proposed expansion.

“Alcoa wants to massively expand bauxite mining in the Jarrah Forest for aluminium, and under pressure from Donald Trump, Australia has agreed to mine bauxite for gallium used in US missiles.”

According to Paddy, scientists say that the expansion of bauxite mining would destroy the homes of three species of black cockatoos - all threatened with extinction

- and many other species in the world’s most biodiverse temperate forest.

“We don’t want to be linked to Trump’s wars and should not supply him with the gallium he needs for his missiles,” Harper added.

“I am also concerned about the devastating effects of prescribed burning.”

Paddy also shared his view on the government’s stance.

He says the government admits that Alcoa has been illegally clearing forests for years but has given it a free pass to carry on, citing national interest.

Instead of legal action, Alcoa must spend $55 million on remediation - though Paddy notes that scientists say restoration is impossible.

“We need to tell the government that mining must be phased out of the forest with a fair transition for workers, just as we ended forest logging in 2024,” he said.

“People power ended logging, and people power can end forest mining too!”

Water Corp has indicated that this expansion would be “a certainty” to contaminate water supplies across large parts of the metro area and the South West.

The damage, they say, would cost billions to repair and affect future generations.

Ellie Ward from Parents for Climate Action shared a broader perspective on what’s at stake.

“Forests are vital for regulating the climate and providing habitats for billions of animals, not to mention the air we breathe.

“Yet, instead of protecting the trees, Australia is a global leader in deforestation and extinction,” she said.

“Every single tree counts, and we need to stand up for them!”

The march will feature speakers including Jane Hutchison, Convenor of WA Forest Alliance, live music, and a solidarity march through Margaret River.

A simultaneous rally will be happening at Forrest Place in Perth.

Harper and Ellie are counting on the Margaret River community to show up once again, to deliver a unified message: phase out mining in the forests, protect threatened species, safeguard water supplies, and honour Australia’s commitment to end deforestation!

The March for the Forest takes place at 11 am on Sunday, 22 March at Reuther Park, Margaret River.

The 2026 Western Australia Margaret River Pro

Pre-Event Community Notification

Event setup: 30 March to 14 April

Easter: 3 April - 6 April

Relationships Australia WA Margaret River Pro Trials : 10 April

Athlete Training Day: 15 April

Main Event dates: 16 - 26 April (4-6 days of competition)

Event pack down: 27 April - 3 May

Surfers Point - Changed traffic conditions to Surfers Point 30 March - 3 May.

Full Surfers Point Car Park closure 10 April - 3 May.

Surfers Point to Rivermouth footpath closure 14 - 27 April (You can access the Rivermouth on foot using the Rivermouth Road footpaths at any time).

Parking - Will only be available at McLeods Paddock, Wallcliffe Road opposite the Margaret River Golf Course on the weekend of the event. The shuttle bus will run on a continuous loop from Surfers Point to McLeods parking area. Parking will be available at Riflebutts Reserve during weekdays.

Buses - Will only run on weekends - leaving from McLeods Paddock, Wallcliffe Road opposite the Margaret River Golf Course to Surfers Point. Buses will run from 8am - 4pm depending on the competition schedule. There is no time schedule with buses running on a rotation.

Traffic Management - Local Gnarabup/Prevelly/Gracetown residents will be issued with a Resident’s Pass. Please ensure the sticker is placed on the inside of your right-hand side of your windscreen.

Message Boards - There will be visual message boards on Wallcliffe Road near the Margaret River Skate Park and near the Margaret River Golf Club. These will provide information regarding if the site is at capacity. If this is the case, please consider watching the event online at www.worldsurfleague.com, or at participating local businesses as indicated in the event guide.

On Surfing Competition days Riflebutts dog exercise area will be closed however the dog beach section will remain open.

There will be NO DOGS allowed on the event site.

The power of real life storytelling

Margaret River’s creative community is invited to celebrate the launch of Living Stories – Voices of Resilience, a new book project from Artzability, at Margaret River HEART Nala Bardip Mia from 6pm on Monday 25 May.

e event marks the ofcial launch of a collection of stories written by 11 local authors living with disability, sharing diverse perspectives shaped by lived experience.

e book highlights creativity, courage and the power of storytelling within the Augusta Margaret River community.

Artzability has been providing weekly creative opportunities for people living with disability in the Augusta Margaret River region for more than 17 years, with a focus on creativity, inclusion and community connection.

e launch event will bring the community together to celebrate the authors and their work, o ering an opportunity to hear about the project and the ideas behind it.

e collection features bold and authentic stories that reect the strength and imagination of the region’s local creative community.

More than simply a book launch, the evening highlights the importance of representation and accessibility in the arts.

By sharing their work with the wider community, the authors contribute to an ongoing conversation about inclusion and the value of diverse voices in storytelling.

Living Stories – Voices of Resilience is a free community event.

Registration is required, and places are limited.

To book and for more information, visit www.artsmargaretriver.com

MOBILE VEHICLE WEIGHING

SOUTH WEST FOOTBALL LEAGUE 2026 FIXTURES

ROUND 9

Saturday 23 May 2026

Carey Park v Busselton KP 3.00pm

Donnybrook v Harv Bruns Lesch VCMP 3.00pm

Sunday 24 May 2026

ROUND 6

Saturday 2 May 2026

Busselton v Dunsborough SSBP 3.00pm Harv Bruns Lesch V Aug Marg River BO 4.40pm

Sunday 3 May 2026

Carey Park v Harvey Bulls KP 3.00pm Bunbury v Donnybrook PP 3.00pm Eaton v South Bunbury GHR 3.00pm

ROUND 7

Saturday 9 May 2026

Donnybrook v Eaton VCMP 3.00pm

Carey Park v South Bunbury KP 3.00pm

Sunday 10 May 2026

Collie Eagles v Dunsborough CRG 2.10pm

Harv Bruns Lesch v Busselton BO 3.00pm

Harvey Bulls v Aug Marg River HO 3.00pm

ROUND 8

Saturday 16 May 2026

Eaton v Carey Park GHR 3.00pm

Busselton v Donnybrook SSBP 3.00pm

Sunday 17 May 2026

South Bunbury v Collie Eagles HMO 3.00pm

Dunsborough v Harvey Bulls DPF 3.00pm

Aug Marg River v Bunbury GP 3.00pm

Collie Eagles v Eaton CRG 2.10pm

Harvey Bulls v South Bunbury HO 2.40pm Bunbury v Dunsborough PP 2.40pm

ROUND 10

Saturday 30 May 2026

Harv Bruns Lesch v Carey Park BO 2.10pm

Collie Eagles v Busselton CRG 2.10pm

Sunday 31 May 2026

Dunsborough v Aug Marg River DPF 12.45pm

Bunbury v South Bunbury PP 2.40pm

Eaton v Harvey Bulls GHR 2.40pm

ROUND 11

Saturday 6 June 2026

North Melbourne v Fremantle HMP 12.15pm

Sunday 7 June 2026

Donnybrook v Collie Eagles VCMP 3.00pm

Harv Bruns Lesch v Harvey Bulls BO 2.40pm

ROUND 12

Saturday 13 June 2026

Aug Marg River v South Bunbury 2.40pm

Carey Park v Donnybrook KP 2.40pm

Sunday 14 June 2026

Collie Eagles v Harv Bruns Lesch CRG 2.10pm

Harvey Bulls v Busselton HO 2.40pm

Bunbury v Eaton PP 2.40pm

ROUND 13

Saturday 20 June 2026

Busselton v South Bunbury SSBP 2.40pm

Harv Bruns Lesch v Dunsborough BO 2.40pm

Sunday 21 June 2026

Harvey Bulls v Collie Eagles HO 2.40pm

Donnybrook v Aug Marg River VCMP 2.40pm Bunbury v Carey Park PP 2.40pm

ROUND 14

Saturday 27 June 2026

South Bunbury v Eaton HMO 2.40pm

Dunsborough v Busselton DPF 2.40pm

Sunday 28 June 2026

Aug Marg River v Harv Bruns Lesch GP 2.40pm

Donnybrook v Bunbury VCMP 2.40pm

Harvey Bulls v Carey Park HO 2.40pm

ROUND 15

Saturday 4 July 2026

Busselton v Aug Marg River SSBP 2.40pm

Bunbury v Harv Bruns Lesch PP 2.40pm

Collie Eagles v Carey Park CRG 2.10pm

Sunday 5 July 2026

Harvey Bulls v Donnybrook HO 2.40pm

Eaton v Dunsborough GHR 2.40pm

ROUND 16

Saturday 18 July 2026

Collie v Bunbury CRG 2.10pm

Dunsborough v Donnybrook DPF 2.40pm

Harv Bruns Lesch v South Bunbury BO 4.40pm

Sunday 19 July 2026

Eaton v Busselton GHR 2.40pm

Carey Park v Aug Marg River KP 2.40pm

ROUND 17

Saturday 25 July 2026

Aug Marg River v Collie Eagles GP 1.10pm

Harv Bruns Lesch v Eaton Bo 2.10pm

Sunday 26 July 2026

Donnybrook v South Bunbury VCMP 3.00pm

Harvey Bulls v Bunbury HO 3.00pm

ROUND 18

Saturday 1 August 2026

Dunsborough v Collie Eagles DPF 2.40pm

South Bunbury v Carey Park HMO 2.40pm

Busselton v Harv Bruns Lesch SSBP 2.40pm

Sunday 2 August 2026

Aug Marg River v Harvey Bulls GP 2.40pm

Eaton v Donnybrook GHR 2.40pm

ROUND 19

Saturday 8 August 2026

Collie Eagles v South Bunbury CRG 2.10pm Carey Park v Eaton KP 2.40pm

Sunday 9 August 2026

Harvey Bulls v Dunsborough HO 2.40pm

Donnybrook v Busselton VCMP 2.40pm Bunbury v Aug Marg River PP 2.40pm

ROUND 20

Saturday 15 August 2026

Busselton v Carey Park SSBP 2.40pm Harv Bruns Lesch v Donnybrook BO 4.40pm Sunday 16 August 2026 South Bunbury v Harvey Bulls HMO 2.40pm

v Collie Eagles GHR 2.40pm Dunsborough v Bunbury DPF 2.40pm

ROUND 21

Saturday 22 August 2026

Aug Marg River v Dunsborough GP 3.00pm

Carey Park v Harv Bruns Lesch KP 4.40pm

Sunday 23 August 2026

Harvey Bulls v Eaton HO 3.00pm

Busselton v Collie Eagles SSBP 3.00pm

Bunbury v Bunbury HMO 3.00pm

3

GRAND FINALS Saturday 19 September 2026

Big Ideas

Conversations

Lions seek tax solution

MEMBERS of the Margaret River Lions Club were delighted to welcome Federal Member for Forrest, Ben Small to their latest shed sale last weekend.

“ is was not Ben’s rst visit, he has previously spent tome learning about our operations and how Margaret River Lions supports the local community,” a club spoksperson said.

“Ben was a very popular visitor to the shed sale last Saturday.

“His positive and approachable manner allowed him to meet chat and interact with volunteers and customers from the wider community and enjoyed the good humour and social interaction on what was a very busy sale day.”

e Lions said the club was was caught in a ‘closed loop’ with the Australian Tax o ce, a er repeated attempts to remove the requirement for the Lions to pay GST on all sales at the shed.

e sales run fortnightly and o ers shoppers the chance to secure thousands

of household, outdoor and personal items at discount prices.

“Ben, like many people , was surprised to learn that the Margaret River Lions is required to pay GST on all sales at the shed, despite Australian Taxation o ce (ATO) guidelines indicating that GST should not apply to second- hand donated goods,” the spokesperson said.

It is understood Mr Small wrote to the Assistant Treasurer seeking clari cation and a solution to the matter,

and has since met with that o ce, with the Assistant Treasurer committing to giving the matter his “personal attention”.

“While Margaret River Lions does not endorse any political party, we are certainly pleased that our Federal member is actively assisting in our e orts to resolve this issue and help us become GST free.

“Which would then allow us to positively support more of our local community.”

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Busselton Toyota

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Donald Anzac

Most loved husband, best friend and lighthouse to his family.

Mother of Tony (dec), Susan, and Shane. Father-in-law to Marie and John. Gar to Sarah and Matt, Joshua and Asher, Ellie and Peter, Georgia and Tim, Mitchell and Laura, Jonathon, Jackson and Emily, Bailey and Ruby, Abbey and Mitchell. Great Gar to Riley, Isabelle, Grace, Hunter, Layla, Chase, Sailor, Hamelin, Daisy, PJ, Theo, Jaegar, Alouarn, Alfie, Rosie, Elsie Lou, Dusty, Otis, Bobbi, Sadie, and Billy.

- Forever loved and always in our hearts26/04/1934 - 15/03/2026

SHEEP MANURE

MARGARET RIVER UNITING CHURCH 60 Tingle Avenue

We are an inclusive and affirming church with a contemplative sprituality and a passion for social justice. Worship Sundays at 9:30 Meditation Thursdays 13:00 Intergen Playgroup Thursdays 9:30 www.margaretriverunitingchurch.org.au ELLIS

Also available at Busselton Stockfeeds

MARGARET RIVER BAPTIST CHURCH

28 Tunbridge Street, Margaret River Seeking to follow Jesus Christ, share the Good News and care for God's world. Weekly Sunday worship at 10am All are welcome to connect with our vibrant family minded community. www.margaretriverbaptist.org.au www.facebook.com/margsbaps 9757 3881

Coaches look to finals as season start looms

JASON CROWE - SWFL

AFTER a horror run with injuries in 2025, there is an air of expectation at Gloucester Park in 2026, with the Hawks looking to return to finals football, after finishing seventh last season, their worst in the last ten years.

The Hawks won the premiership in 2021 and 2022, but have been on the slide down the ladder since that point, but with large numbers at training, and a team free of injury, the Hawks are looking to elevate back into the top five.

League Coach, Blake Anderson, is not only looking to make finals, but to win them as well.

“We are looking forward to seeing a team brand of footy where we don’t rely on individuals, but instead players playing important unheralded roles, that we’ll celebrate internally.

“In terms of results, the expectation is to be playing finals and to win finals,” Anderson said.

Like many Coaches, Anderson think that Bunbury will be right in the mix come September.

“I believe Bunbury are the team to beat. They’re always a tough side to play against and have a great mix of strong locals along with some quality marquee players.

“The team I think could be the big improver is Eaton. They’ve brought in some quality recruits over the off-season and played some competitive footy last year without necessarily getting the wins on the board, so they could take a big step forward this season.”

The Hawks start the 2026 season with an away game, playing Eaton at Glen Huon Reserve in the opening match of the season, on Saturday, 21 March.

Round two will see the Hawks play Donnybrook at home, before a trip to Collie in round three after the Easter break.

Busselton will be looking to go one step further in 2026, after losing last year’s Grand Final by one point, in what most pundits say was one of the best Grand Finals of the modern era.

The Magpies have retained almost all of last years side, and with one of the competitions best players returning, Mitch Tenardi may be the player that assists Busselton to Premiership glory.

League coach Matt Jamieson is looking forward to what the season holds.

“We will continue to look at growth across all grades.

“We are to see guys that have now played 30+ league games take the next step to consolidate themselves as good league players, to compliment our experience”, Jamieson said.

“The guys will be better for the disappointment of last season. I am looking forward to seeing Mitch Tenardi lead our midfield and our forward line to get better with Liam and Ryan leading from the front.

“Our pre season has been great in the limited time we’ve had but can’t wait to get back into it.”

Jamieson also suggested he believes the competition will be closer in 2026.

“I think the competition overall shall improve with some of the bottom half teams retaining and recruiting well. I think both Bunbury and South’s will be hard to beat.

“Bunbury obviously have recruited strongly and South’s will look to go again after two solid seasons. I feel Carey Park will continue to improve will some good signings and they weren’t that far behind the top three last year”.

Busselton start the season with a home game on Saturday, 21 March against Bunbury. Round two will see a Grand Final rematch with Busselton heading to Hands Oval to take on South Bunbury, before having the bye in round three and then traveling to Margaret River to take on the Hawks in the first of two Busselton Toyota Cup matches in round four.

With just 13 days until Round One, Dunsborough are looking forward to the challenge in 2026, their fourth season in the competition.

After finishing ninth in 2023, the Sharks have finished eighth in both 2024 and 2025, Dunsborough have added some new players to the League side for 2026, with Coach Chayce Creedy promising an attacking game style from the Sharks.

“We have a number of new players joining our league side which we hope will make us more attacking and watching some of the young graduating colts develop into senior footballers will be a fun watch”, Creedy said.

“It has been a hard grind to get numbers consistently and retaining local players is a challenge at the moment so we will just keep trying to build a culture where people feel valued and safe and have a load of fun in a very tough competition”.

That tough competition will be evident straight up, with the Sharks to play reigning premiers, South Bunbury, at Hands Oval in Round One under lights, with Creedy suggesting the Tigers will be hard to beat yet again.

“You have your perennial clubs like Souths and Busselton who will both be dangerous, but I think Bunbury with their local talent and who they have been able to bring in should be a formidable outfit”, Creedy said.

“I respect Collie and how they go about it and the fact they have been able to retain most of last years squad, they should keep improving and I expect to be a big improver”, Creedy added.

After playing the Tigers in round one, Dunsborough will host Harvey Brunswick Leschenault in round two and then Carey Park in round three to start their season.

Hawks host scratch matches

This week, the Hawks’ coaches look back on their teams’ performances as they njoyed their first hit outs on one of the hottest days of the year...

WOMEN’S

Damien Drake-Brockman

Well, what a week in footy! Everyone was up and about, ready for our first hit out against another SWFL team.

Thursday training was solid, thanks to Retravision for coming down and having a chat.

Well done to Johnno 2 - or was it Johnno1 - who won the prize for closest to the pin?

The next day, we got word that our opposition didn’t have enough numbers.

So rather than cancelling, we put the word out.

Thanks to Shelley and Kris for pulling a few masters girls together, also big thanks to the young girls for stepping up.

The club’s future is looking good if these young girls are coming through.

So at 1pm, we had an intraclub with 38 girls and women all ready to go.

The day was lets say, rather warm, but everyone out there showed a level of resilience to the heat that I was so proud of.

With regards to our first hit out, I was very happy with the way everyone played.

A few surprised me, and a few girls continued on their fine form from last year.

We all know there is a bit of

work to do if we want to mix it with the stronger clubs, but this crew are ready for the challenge.

I’m excited for our first game against Eaton and I know the girls are frothing to get out there and start building our legacy.

COLTS

Grant Garstone

A great hit out by the Colts. Got off to a slow start in the first quarter, but then gained some control in the second half of the quarter.

Second quarter seemed to be all ours.

Great pressure from our midfielders, even when Dunsborough had the ball, our midfielders pressure forced them into our forward line resulting in us hitting the scoreboard.

Third quarter was very even, with some good footy being played at both ends of the ground.

The last quarter, Dunsborough hit the scoreboard a bit more than the Hawks.

All in all a pretty good effort on

a hot day with not a lot of interchange available.

Some good signs from some of the younger guys playing their first season.

LEAGUE

Blake Anderson

A solid hit-out for the boys today as the Margaret River Hawks hosted Dunsborough in our final practice match before Round 1. With a young and relatively inexperienced side, the team brought great intensity and effort right across the four quarters. It was a valuable opportunity to test ourselves against quality opposition while also working through different in-game scenarios that may arise during the season.

We were able to practice a number of setups and structures that we’ve been building throughout the pre-season, as well as trial several players in different positions, and they showed some really promising signs.

Perfect 10s as State Titles decided

SURFING WA

Margaret River turned on a classic three-day run of surf as Western Australia’s best junior surfers went to work at Surfers Point for Round 1 of the 2026 Club Med WA Junior Surfing Titles.

Over three days of competition, close to 100 junior surfers from across the state tackled Margaret River’s world-class waves, with consistent left-handers and offshore winds creating ideal conditions throughout the event window.

Day one saw the biggest surf of the event, with competitors taking on powerful 6–8 foot waves at Main Break.

The high-performance condi-

tions continued into the weekend, easing slightly to 4–6 foot on Saturday before a fun 2–4 foot lineup welcomed the younger divisions on Sunday

The surf proved to be the standout feature of the opening stop of the series, providing plenty of opportunities for competitors to showcase their skills on one of Western Australia’s most iconic waves.

Among the highlights of the event was a perfect 10-point ride from Jake Scott on day three, while reigning WA Under-18 Girls Champion Olive Hardy delivered the highest heat total of the competition with an 18-point heat score, including a 9-point ride in the opening minute

of her first heat.

State titles were decided across multiple divisions, with Ace Flynn (U18 Boys), Olive Hardy (U18 Girls), Cruz Macdonald (U16 Boys) and Lily Naylor (U16 Girls) claiming victory on day two.

The final day of competition saw the younger divisions take centre stage, with Jordy Anderson (U12 Boys), Rosie Annesley (U14 Girls) and Nate Spooner (U14 Boys) securing the Round 1 titles.

The Under 14 Girls final delivered one of the most exciting moments of the event, with Rosie Annesley launching a powerful backhand attack on the buzzer to edge out Ily Fraser in a clutch performance.

A Grade favourites set to defend Barnard Cup

ALLAN MILLER

FIVE different clubs will be represented in this Saturday’s Busselton-Margaret River Cricket Association senior grand finals, following some surprise results in last weekend’s semi and preliminary finals fixtures held in Cowaramup, Dunsborough, Busselton and Margaret River.

Cowaramup have earned the right to host the A-Grade and B-Grade grand finals after their victory over St Mary’s in last Saturday’s A-Grade qualifying final at Cowaramup.

The Bulls will go into the Barnard Cup playoff as hot favourites to defend their crown from last year, following their strongest ever performance in the Yates Shield which resulted in 13 wins from 15 home-and-away appearances.

Their opponent this Saturday will be St Mary’s, after Zoraiz Saeed’s young side dispatched Dunsborough in the preliminary final at Barnard Park on Sunday with a convincing five-wicket victory.

Saturday’s elimination final at Dunsborough saw the home side total 9-190 (Phil Watts hitting 50 and Rumesh Silva taking an outstanding 4-14 from 10 overs) and then dismiss Margaret River Hawks for an even 100 (Anthony Quinn taking a brilliant 4-12 from 10 overs), to keep Dunsborough’s hopes alive.

Meanwhile this Saturday’s B-Grade grand final, being played on the adjacent oval at Cowaramup, will feature Dunsborough and Vasse.

Led by a match-winning knock of 68 from Cam Mor-

ris, Dunsborough scored a seven-wicket win over Margaret River Hawks in the B-Grade qualifying final at Dunsborough last Saturday to secure the first berth in the grand final playoff for the Barnard Shield.

Meanwhile Vasse have shot from fourth-place qualification in B-Grade to earn a spot in the season decider after defeating Yallingup-Oddbods on Saturday and then causing a boilover by beating Margaret River Hawks with 10 balls to spare in the preliminary final on Sunday, with Aaron Mott hitting 52 runs for the victors.

Hawks led the B-Grade competition for most of this season and will be sorely disappointed at missing out on the big day.

This Saturday’s C-Grade grand final for the Penfold Shield, which will be played at Margaret River, will be contested between Dunsborough Blue and Yallingup-Oddbods.

Dunsborough Blue defeated Dunsborough White by a narrow two-wicket margin in an all-Dunsborough second semi-final at Dunsborough Lakes Sporting Precinct on Saturday.

Then YOBS, after defeated Nannup at Churchill Park in the elimination semi on Saturday with Simon Godridge and Lucas Trewren taking three wickets each, caused an upset win on Sunday by downing Dunsborough White at Dunsborough Playing Fields in a thrilling finish with just one ball to spare.

Last weekend’s first round of A-Grade finals featured some standout performances from batsmen who have already had excellent seasons

in the home-and-away competition.

Cowaramup skipper Fraser Oates (92) and Nathan Coulter-Nile (70 not out) continued their exceptional form when they were primarily responsible for their side’s five-wicket win over St Marys with seven overs to spare, thanks to a 122-run partnership between the two.

And St Mary’s A-Grade captain Zoraiz Saeed continued his incredible year when he notched 86 runs on Saturday against Cowaramup and then an unbeaten 61 in Sunday’s win over Dunsborough.

Saeed teamed with Nick Barr (53 off 45 balls) to add 110 for St Marys’ first wicket, chasing Dunsborough’s total of 152 all out, to all but ensure their side of the win.

Saeed has now scored 937 runs this summer at an average of 67 and he is believed to be the only batsman in BMRCA history to have scored in excess of 900 runs in a single A-Grade season.

This Sunday’s Under-16s T20 competition grand final at Margaret River, starting on turf at 9am, will see Hawks take on St Marys, after Hawks defeated St Marys in the major semi-final last Saturday and St Marys defeated Dunsborough off the last possible ball in Sunday’s preliminary final.

Meanwhile, Sunday’s Under-14s 30-overs-a-side grand final, starting on Margaret River synthetic at 8am, will be an all-Dunsborough affair between Dunsborough Whites and Dunsborough Blues.

Surfing Western Australia High Performance Pathway Coach Mia McCarthy said the event highlighted the depth of emerging talent coming through the state’s junior ranks.

“There’s lots of incredible talent in Western Australia and it’s really exciting to see the level these young surfers are already performing at,” McCarthy said.

“For these groms, competing at a wave like Surfers Point is an incredible rite of passage. It’s something they’ll remember forever.”

U18 Boys winner Ace Flynn said the challenging conditions made for an unforgettable experience.

“Those waves were pretty solid –

pretty scary at times,” Flynn said.

“But I’ve got so many mates in this comp and we all just support each other and surf together. It’s a really good vibe.”

Surfing WA Regional Operations Manager and Contest Director Kim Clift said the event window delivered ideal conditions for the state’s best junior surfers.

“The juniors were blessed with an amazing forecast, with pumping surf and offshore winds right across the event window,” Clift said.

“To see them take on waves of that size and quality at Surfers Point and rise to the occasion was incredible. The future of WA surfing is looking very strong.”