Augusta Margaret River Mail - February 25, 2026

SUSTAINABLE SANCTUARIES

Locals set to open the gates for three days of hands-on learning and inspiration | Page 3

Government of Western Australia WA Country Health Service

Patient Assisted Travel Scheme

The Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS) provides financial subsidies for eligible WA country residents to reduce the cost of accessing the closest specialist health services where not locally available.

In 2025, we helped more than 35,000 rural and remote residents to access PATS. It’s just one of the ways we’re helping to make it easier for country patients travelling for specialist health services.

PATS is a subsidy program funded by the Government of Western Australia administered through WA Country Health Service.

Scan the QR code to learn more or search online for the latest information patient assisted travel scheme

Collaboration seeks to connect and support

Modern twist on sustainable living

THE annual Edible Gardens Festival returns to the region from May 22 to 24, with tickets now on sale and expected to sell quickly.

e not-for-pro t sustainability festival o ers three days of open productive gardens, live demonstrations, gardener talks and in-depth, hands-on workshops.

For the rst time, the festival kicks o on Friday with an expanded line-up of in-depth workshops.

e weekend continues with open gardens, demonstrations, and more workshops, o ering inspiration and practical tips for home growers of all levels.

Among the open garden program is Kirsty and Bart Whitehouse’s Burnside property – a modern twist on permaculture, where native plantings attract birds and bees, veggies thrive in raised beds, and a netted orchard over ows with fruit (and is home to a happy ock of chooks).

Salvaged materials have been cleverly repurposed into a greenhouse, deck and tea house, while greywater and irrigation systems maximise sustainability. Once a bare cow paddock just seven years ago, this abundant garden is as creative as it is productive.

When they throw their doors open to the community for the Edible Gardens Festival, Bart will aos be running a Garden Demonstration sharing water-wise tips on greywater and rainwater capture & use.

Meanwhile, Rebecca de Burgh from Wild Lot Distillery will also run a demonstration on using native botanicals to avour food & drinks, and Laura Bailey and Lawson Armstrong from Margaret River Organic Farmer will host a regeneratively farmed barbecue and farm shop.

“Whether you’re a rst-time grower or a seasoned gardener, the Edible Gardens Festival is the perfect way to learn, share and be inspired,” says festival organiser and permaculture teacher Trevor Paddenburg.

“From permaculture design and rare fruit to mushroom cultivation and backyard bees, the program is packed with ideas for every garden and lifestyle.”

Early-birds who grab a day ticket before April 1 will go into the running to win one of three prizes – a $100 gi pack from Lazarus Horticulture.

Tickets remain at 2025 prices: $20 for a single-day open garden ticket (free for children 16 and under).

Workshops are $25 each, including the new Friday session.

A er selling out for the past four years, early booking is strongly recommended.

Festival-goers can also take advantage of the $10 festival bus, which runs to all gardens each day and allows visitors to catch every gardener talk and demo. Margaret River Mitre 10 is again o ering ticket-holders receive a 20 per cent discount on fruit trees, potted plants and vegetable seedlings.

Meanwhile, the expanded workshop program includes a wide variety of topics taught by local experts.

For more info and to book, viist www.ediblegardensfestival.au

Building Friendship Ninjas at MRIS

When we get friendships right in schools, children flourish. This is the mantra underpinning the URSTRONG program at Margaret River Independent School (MRIS).

In 2026, URSTRONG sessions have commenced for students from Year 1 through to Year 6, under the guidance of MRIS Wellbeing Officer, Julia Knight. Julia explains that the program helps create a universal culture of kindness across the school.

“It helps students establish and maintain healthy relationships, guides them to manage conflict with kindness, and increases their overall resilience.” Research consistently shows that positive relationships are at the heart of wellbeing and learning. Through URSTRONG, students are supported to build the skills they need to navigate friendships with confidence and empathy.

Julia said students learn to become “Friendship Ninjas.”

“They learn how to stand up for themselves and their friends, how to make new friends, and understand that friendships change — and that’s okay.”

The URSTRONG program forms an important part of the social and

emotional learning framework at MRIS. It supports the school’s approach to behaviour management by fostering autonomy, mastery, and purpose in the students, helping to create a happy, harmonious school environment where every child can thrive.

WHAT’S ON

‘Not

enough’: Plea for more action on poisons

DEAD owls collected by members of the public around Margaret River have contributed to an important study on lethal rat poisons.

Scientists at Edith Cowan University have released results of research into the cause of death of Masked Owls collected in Western Australia’s rural south west and in Perth.

Lead researcher, Associate Professor Rob Davis, described the data from liver tests as shocking and cause for a ban on public sale and strict regulation on the use of deadly ‘second generation’ rat poisons that are killing owls as well as other native wildlife and family pets.

e animals sicken and die of internal bleeding after eating rodents that have consumed rat baits up to 18 days prior.

Dr Boyd Wykes, Coordinator of Owl Friendly Margaret River, said that a current Government review of rodenticides has proposed new regulations that completely fail to protect wildlife.

He said the regulator, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), has recognised that these poisons pose an unacceptable risk and then failed to take into account the overwhelming scienti c evidence, overseas bans and best practice.

“We are calling for Environment Minister Murray Watt to require the APVMA to ful ll its legal obligation to protect wildlife”, he said.

“It’s a travesty when we live in a country that makes much of its commitment to conserving biodiversity and endangered species.

“Grass roots campaigning isn’t enough.

“ e team from Owl Friendly Margaret River has shown that Masked Owls have shi ed from native prey to survive on the rats and mice associated with people.

“We have been campaigning for years to raise community awareness of the need to switch to safer rodent control.

“ e new research drives home the sad fact that while these baits are freely available on supermarket and hardware shelves and widely used by commercial operators, our campaigning has not saved our precious owls from poisoning.”

Dr Wykes said the current APVMA proposals won’t prevent wildlife deaths.

“We have evidence that the

Employment Opportunity

Artistic & Festival Director

major pathway for poisons entering the food chain is wildlife eating dead and dying rodents as well as directly accessing outdoor bait stations.

“Given that poisoned rodents leave a bait station and sicken and die elsewhere over many days, placing baits in outdoor bait stations will do nothing to prevent secondary poisoning of wildlife.

“It makes no di erence whether the bait stations are placed by householders or by professional pest controllers.

“ e regulator’s proposals of bait stations, changes to wording on the labelling and selling unlimited poison in smaller packets will not prevent poisoning of wildlife.

“We are calling for urgent Government action to ban these products.”

Arts Margaret River is a not-for-profit organisation that celebrates the rich arts and cultural heritage of the Margaret River region. The Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival is our flagship event and has grown to become the biggest in WA.

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Festival Director to oversee the organisation and delivery of our annual Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival. As the Festival Director, you will be responsible for leading the strategic planning, programming, and execution of this highly anticipated literary event. This is a contract position based in the stunning Margaret River region of Western Australia. This position can be adapted to one full-time or two part-time positions for the right candidate/s. Contract term 16 months.

Visit tinyurl.com/festivaldirector for a job description and submit your job application by March 15.

The Show must go on

Organisers of the Margaret River Agricultural Show say now is the time for community-minded locals to join the committee and help carry the cherished annual event into the next chapter.

e plea comes a er the Margaret River Agricultural Society’s Annual General Meeting was adjourned earlier this month, because all crucial committee roles remained vacant.

Outgoing President Lara Armstrong said volunteers were needed to ll several key positions, including President, Treasurer, Secretary, Trade Space Secretary, Sponsorships and Exhibition Hall Managers.

“ ese roles sound big, but they’re really about sharing the workload and keeping a wonderful community tradition alive,” Lara said.

“ e Show is pure community magic, bringing livestock and pavilion displays, family entertainment, sideshow rides, reworks and local businesses together

e Show team - a small but dedicated group of locals who put aside some time amongst work, family life and running their own businesses - has made a name for itself thanks to the joyful smiles and positive attitudes which greet Show stallholders, traders, entrants and ticketholders.

Regular committee meetings allow the team to socialise and track the progress of planning the beloved event.

“Being part of the team behind it is incredibly re-

Lara said.

e Agricultural Society said experienced members were available to support incoming volunteers and ensure knowledge is passed on.

“If you care about community and want to make a real di erence, there’s a role for you.

“We nd friends stepping in and sharing the roles works particularly well.

“Previous committee members are also on hand to help guide the roles and ensure an easy transition.”

We are a locally owned and operated occupational therapy practice servicing children and adults in Busselton and across the South West region.

We are a locally owned and operated Occupational Therapy practice seeing children, adults and aged care clients in Busselton and across the South West region.

What we do:

What we do:

•Sensory processing & emotional regulation

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We

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•Functional capacity assessments

We are a locally owned and operated Occupational Therapy practice seeing children, adults and aged care clients in Busselton and across the South West region.

We are a locally owned and operated Occupational Therapy practice seeing children, adults and aged care clients in Busselton and across the South West region.

•Falls education and prevention

• Falls education and prevention

What we do:

What we do:

•Support managing changed behaviours in dementia

•Sensory

• Sensory processing & emotional regulation

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•Sensory processing & emotional regulation

• Fine motor and self care skill development

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

•Handwriting, fine motor & self care skill development

•Rehabilitation after injury or illness

• Support managing changed behaviours in dementia

•Rehabilitation after injury or illness

•Rehabilitation after injury or illness

•Assistive equipment and home modifications

•Assistive equipment and home modifications

•Assistive equipment and home modifications

•Functional capacity assessments

•Assistive equipment and home modifications

•Functional capacity assessments

•Functional capacity assessments

•Falls education and prevention

For further information or to see how we can assist you visit our website email us at admin@baysideindepence.com.au or phone us on 9743 6399

•Functional capacity assessments

•Falls education and prevention

•Falls education and prevention

•Falls education and prevention

•Support managing changed behaviours in dementia

•Support managing changed behaviours in dementia

•Support managing changed behaviours in dementia

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

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

•Support managing changed behaviours in dementia

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

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

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 -

“Anyone in the community is welcome to join us and we know there’s so much experience and many skills out there,”

Vice President and farmer Leanne Ablett said.

“But gee, we’d love to see more farmers get involved, especially younger crew.

“And we could really use some fit and strong helpers for the physical jobs around show time!”

Lara said as the Show approached its 97th year, there were plenty of exciting new developments on the way.

“We truly believe there is an appetite for the Show to continue for future generations,” she said.

“With a few more helping hands, it ab-

solutely can.”

Community members interested in learning more - with no obligationare encouraged to get in touch prior to the Society’s Annual General Meeting, 6.00pm, 10 March 2026, at Community Bank office, 1 Charles West Avenue.

The Margaret River Agricultural Society acknowledges the ongoing support of major sponsors Retravision, the Shire of Augusta Margaret River and Cleanaway and looks forward to building the Show’s next chapter.

Enquiries can be made to Lara Armstrong, President, via president@margaretrivershow.com.au or on 0403 822 634 .

For all Show info, visit www.margaretrivershow.com

MIXED RESULTS FOR TOURISM OPERATORS

THE region’s tourism organisation says the summer holiday trading season has seen diverse results for businesses.

The Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association (MRBTA) said while most operators found the period between December 24 and January 4 very busy, there were differing reports on the remainder of January trading.

After surveying its members, the MRBTA said wineries and restaurants appeared to experience the biggest drop in visitor numbers, which occurred soon after New Year, while for some, the per-person spend increased compared to previous years, helping to offset some of the revenue loss.

Of the accommodation respondents, half reported they were on par with the previous summer or slightly ahead, while the other half were down on business.

Attractions also experienced variable visitation over the summer trading period.

Businesses in every sector saw shorter booking lead times and more walk-ins, making it more difficult for businesses to plan staffing and budgets.

There was a notable number of visitors from the United Kingdom, indicating promising prospects for sustained recovery of the international market which is yet to reach its pre-COVID 19 levels.

“‘Busy-ness’ in town centres doesn’t always correspond with spend in local businesses,” explained MRBTA CEO, Sharna Kearney.

“The two weeks around Christmas and New Year are one of the busiest times of the year in the region.

“In addition to visitors staying in commercial accommodation, or utilising their family holiday home, many locals are also enjoying time off from work and hosting friends and family.”

Ms Kearney said as tourism and hospitality spending is discretionary, “it is often aligned to broader economic conditions”.

“The mixed result reported by businesses suggests that some segments are being more cautious with their spending.

“This is consistent with national and international visitor survey data that shows visitor spending in our region has fallen from its 2023 high of $1.5 billion.”

In the survey, many businesses noted the growing numbers of patrons from within the local community, which follows the significant growth in population the region has been experiencing.

The MRBTA said their member businesses were cautiously optimistic about 2026.

“Planning is underway for new initiatives such as value-add experiences, redevelopments and events, at the same time as keeping a watchful eye on increasing business costs such as insurance, and interest rate changes.”

Community Notices & Tenders

Residents encouraged to apply for rebates

Did you know we are offering rebates to help households get started with home composting and worm farming? It’s an easy way to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill

Eligible items include:

Compost Tumbler – rebate up to $80

Bokashi Buckets – rebate up to $50

Compost Bin – rebate up to $40

In-ground Worm Farm – rebate up to $40

Tiered Worm Farm – rebate up to $80

Pet Waste Composter – rebate up to $50

To learn more or apply, visit: www amrshire wa gov au/compost-rebate

Margaret River Aquatic Centre

TEMPORARY CLOSURE

The Margaret River Aquatic Centre is hosting a school swim carnival on Friday 27 February between 9am and 3pm

The pool will be closed to the general public while our local students race for a ribbon

Please plan your swim ahead of time and check pool availability membership amrshire wa gov au/ResourceAvailability

Proposed shop & showroom

HAVE YOUR SAY DAP APPLICATION

The Shire is seeking community feedback for a proposed Shop (Hardware Store) and Showrooms at 44 (Lot 256) and 34 (Lot 100) Clarke Road, Margaret River

For more information about the proposal and to have your say, please visit yoursay amrshire wa gov au/P225994

Consultation closes Monday 9 March at 4pm

Margaret River library

TEMPORARY CLOSURE

The Margaret River Library is currently closed while the roof is replaced Reopening Tuesday 17 March The Augusta Library remains open with full services Digital library services are available 24/7 at amrlibraries com

Road works within the Shire

ROSA BROOK ROAD

Upgrade works on Rosa Brook Road (between Jindong Treeton Road and Darnell Road) are continuing

Full road closure will be in place for culvert renewals and road reconstruction between 7am and 6pm (Monday to Friday) The closure will apply to the section between Jindong-Treeton Road and Darnell Road Detours will be in place

Stage 3 (from early March)

Final pavement works and sealing under stop and go traffic control

GLENARTY ROAD

Bridge upgrade and road reconstruction works on Glenarty Road are continuing in February and March 2026

While the road closure is in place we will also be taking the opportunity to improve the road surface The road closure between the southern end of the Glenarty Road bridge and the Wilson Road intersection will remain in place while we finish these works, which should be before Easter

JINDONG–TREETON ROAD BRIDGE UPGRADE

Bridge replacement works on Jindong-Treeton Road are scheduled to begin in the first week of March The road will be fully closed between Osmington Rd and Treeton Rd for around eight weeks while the ageing timber bridge is removed and replaced with a new concrete culvert

Local access to homes and businesses will remain open, and Semini Custom Feeds will continue operating as usual Heavy vehicles will need to follow the detour via Osmington Road

More updates will be shared once works begin

Rec Connect is back! FOR LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL TEENS

Rec Connect returns with more Friday night fun and games! This popular program offers high school students (years 7–12) a regular, safe and welcoming space to hang out, connect with friends and enjoy a variety of activities – or just relax and unwind

Hosted by the Margaret River Recreation Centre, Rec Connect will feature Friday night sessions, running from 7pm to 8 30pm Sessions for Term 1 2026 include: 20 February, 27 February, 6 March, 13 March, 20 March, and 27 March

This is a FREE ticketed event All ticketholders must sign in at the front counter upon entry Register for tickets at: membership amrshire wa gov au/Ticket/Buy

Rec Connect was developed by the Shire’s of Augusta Margaret River’s Community Development and Recreational Services teams in response to the needs of young people in our community

Panto shoots for the stars

NICKY LEFEBVRE

Tickets are officially on sale for the next installment of the Margaret River Theatre’s Group’s popular pantomime series, with the 2026 production promising another comedy-packed performance of entirely local actors, dancers and musicians.

This time, the cast and crew from the not-for-profit community theatre group will bring to the stage ‘Cinderella in Space’, an intergalactic take on the traditional fairytale, with Cinderella a lowly cleaner working in a high-tech space lab.

Director Fran Gronow said there were plenty of sci-fi twists in store for audiences.

“For starters, this panto is set in space,” Fran told the Mail this week, with a nod to her team of set designers and construction crew.

“I cannot begin to tell you how hard the set designer and builders have been working on this epic pantomime set, it’s out of this world!”

Pantomimes are a great way for the whole family to enjoy live theatre, with audience participation a major element of each and every show.

The format follows a tradi-

tional well known fairytale, contorted into a raucous comedy with contemporary references, music and jokes.

Fran said as well as the quirky script and dazzling sets, the production would feature a live band - a first for an MRTG pantomime.

She praised the efforts of her 46-strong cast of adults and teens.

“I am blown away by the talent in Margaret River,” she said.

“At every rehearsal, everyone is supporting and cheering each other on.”

With such a large cast, the behind-the-scenes team are working hard to finalise the technical and visual elements of the show.

“I am so very thankful for my costume department,” Fran said, herself familiar with the pressure of sewing

countless costumes.

“We have a cast of 46... that’s A LOT of costumes!”

A long-time pantomime performer and director, Fran said she was particularly excited to share the latest production with hometown audiences, to demonstrate the talent and effort the region boasts by the truckload.

“The best part of directing this show is working with all the amazing people in this town, from the incredible cast to the brilliant crew, and being involved in a collaborative project while seeing my vision come to life.”

‘Cinderella in Space’ will take off at Margaret River HEART Nala Bardip Mia from 7pm on March 6, 7 and 13. Matinee shows will run at 1pm on March 8 and 14. Tickets are on sale now at artsmargaretriver.com or at the HEART Box Office.

Busselton Toyota

2015 Hyundai i30 Active X 5 Door Hatch 1EUZ 771. Automatic transmission, 1.8Litre petrol and travelled 120,672kms, well maintained and trade-ins welcome.

$19,990

2017 Toyota Yaris Ascent 5 Door Hatch 1GKV 955. 5 speed manual transmission, 1.3Lire petrol and travelled 64,562kms, very fuel efficient and trade-ins welcome.

$20,990

2017 Subaru Forester 2.5iL 4D Wagon BSN 64GA. Automatic transmission, 2.5Litre petrol, 152,961kms travelled, good service history and trade-ins welcome.

Yaris Cross Hatchback 1HTL 826. Automatic transmission, 1.5Litre 4cylinder petrol with balance of 5 year unlimited km warranty and travelled 64,184kms. Trade-ins welcome.

CLASSIFIEDS

(Sue) 12.11.1960 – 17.02.2026 Passed away peacefully at home in Margaret River with her loving husband Les by her side. Beloved wife of Les, adored mum of Dane, Brooke and Joel, mother-in-law of Mel, Martina and Daniel, and much-loved Nana of Arlo, Ezra, Giacomo, Franco, Layla and Ollie. Sue had a great sense of adventure and a deep love of the outdoors, and brought warmth, patience and kindness to everyone around her. Forever loved and deeply missed.

SHEEP MANURE

Sundays 5.30pm 132 Caves Road www.surfsidechurch.org.au

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

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

is seeking to increase our Relief Pool with experienced and caring Teachers and Teaching Assistants

In addition, we are looking for 0.2 FTE Teaching Assistant available on Wednesdays for 1 year fixed term. Immediate star t.

Please email your interest along with your resume to: o ice@mris.wa.edu.au

Community & country shape the trail

A vibrant collaborative arts, culture and nature program — guided by Wardandi custodians Nan Vivian Brockman Webb and Mitchella Hutchins, and land artist Elaine Clocherty, with support from Nature Conservation Margaret River — will launch River Celebration Month this March 2026.

The celebrations begin with the Wooditchup Bilya Community Art Workshops on Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8, gathering under the trees beside the Margaret River Old Settlement before moving onto the River Trail meandering along the Wooditchup Bilya (Margaret River) to connect through creativity, storytelling and shared stewardship.

Locals and visitors are warmly invited to these hands-on workshops to learn and create art with professional artists and cultural knowledge holders, contributing directly to transforming the trail into an immersive outdoor gallery - the Wooditchup Bilya Wongi –Margaret River Talking Land Art Trail.

The workshops weave together Wardandi cultural leadership with artistic and ecological practice, guided by Nan Viv and Mitchella ensuring deep cultural connection and meaning.

Participants can explore ephemeral land art practices with internationally recognised artist Elaine Clocherty and local artist Mick Hart or join weaving workshops with local artist Cynamon Aeria.

The artworks are shaped by place, in response to land and waters, as “Nature is the most amazing artist,” shared Mitchella.

“As collaborative artists we are trying to enhance her beauty - nature - and acknowledge and celebrate the local Wardandi culture.

“Here in the Southwest we really do appreciate our nature - we hope to share this and for people to become aware that they are walking on ancient Land.”

The Wooditchup Bilya Wongi –Margaret River Talking Land Art Trail launches with a free community celebration on Saturday 14 March.

Community members are invited to join Nan Viv, Mitchella and Elaine from 10am to co-create a land artwork, followed by a formal opening from 1–5pm featuring environmental stalls, cultural yarns, artist talks and river conservation presentations.

“It’s about the community having a relaxing afternoon and kicking back together, friends making art.” said Nan Viv.

“All the artworks show the incredible abundance of the area from the soils, barks and plants.”

Elaine adds that, “Land artworks, created with respect using local natural materials, will tell the stories of the creatures who live here and the life the bilya supports, helping us deepen our connection to its cultural history, ecological significance, and the life-giving qualities of our Wooditchup Bilya.”

The trail, “one of the most gorgeous walks in Margs” says Elaine, will showcase ephemeral artworks by an incredible team of local artists - Nan Vivian Brockman Webb, Mitchella Hutchins, Elaine Clocherty, Cynamon Aeria, Mick Hart and Kyllie Deltondo.

Contributions will also be included from local community, Artzability - a program for young adults with disabilities - schools including Augusta Primary, Margaret River Primary, Margaret River Independent, Margaret River Senior High, Montessori, Rapids Landing Primary, St Thomas More Primary, and the local homeschooling community.

With a River Sundowner, documentary screening of River and guided paddles throughout March, there are multiple ways to join River Celebration Month (March 7–22).

“We invite people to slow down, listen and experience Wooditchup Bilya,” said Protect Wooditjup Bilya project manager Hannah Weir.

The Wooditchup Bilya Wongi –Margaret River Talking Land Art Trail reflects a collaborative partnership between Wardandi custodians, artists, Nature Conservation Margaret River Region, schools, community and the Shire - united in celebrating and caring for the river.

The project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Festivals Australia program.

Tickets and program details: www.natureconservation.org.au

Unseen surf footage to highlight threat to Scott Reef

WHAT’S ON

A surfer-led environmental action group will host a special event at The Common in Gnarabup tomorrow, featuring unseen surf footage shot at Scott Reef – one of Australia’s most remote and rarely surfed breaks.

The event will also include an update on fossil fuel giant Woodside’s controversial plans to surround the reef with up to 57 gas wells.

‘Wild Waves Forever’ comes at a critical juncture, with the WA Environmental Protection Agency’s recommendation to the Western Australian Government on Woodside’s amended proposal expected early this year.

Josh Kirkman, CEO of Surfers for

Climate said for surfers, Scott Reef represented something increasingly rare - a world-class wave that remains untouched by development, crowds, or commercialisation.

“Once drilling starts, it’s changed forever,” he said.

“You can’t drill 57 gas wells around a reef and expect the waves to stay the same.

“The ocean floor changes, the reef structure is compromised, and even if there’s still waves, the entire character of the place is destroyed.”

Aiming for broad community support, the group is specifically reaching out to fly-in-fly-out workers who are often familiar with WA’s

pristine marine environments.

Attendees who work FIFO will receive two free Gage Roads beers on arrival instead of the standard one, with all ticket proceeds supporting Surfers for Climate’s work.

“This isn’t a political issue, it’s about protecting the natural assets that make WA epic,” Kirkman said.

“Whether you’re a surfer, fisher, diver, or just someone who loves the ocean, Scott Reef is worth saving.”

Wild Waves Forever is on at The Common from 6pm to 10pm on Thursday February 26. Tickets available at events. humanitix.com/wild-waves-forever-margaret-river

Vasse puts the heat on young YOBS

ALLAN MILLER

LED by their indefatigable wicketkeeper-batsman Ajith Rajapaksha, bottom side Vasse enjoyed a morale-boosting performance with their second win in three weeks in the top division of the Busselton-Margaret River Cricket Association on Saturday.

Batting first in their A-Grade encounter against Yallingup-Oddbods at Bovell Park, Vasse ran up the excellent total of 8-222 from 50 overs, thanks to bold batting from Rajapaksha (84 off 86 balls, 7 fours and 3 sixes) with assistance from skipper Jeremy Murphy (32) and English import Rob Healy (25 not out).

YOBS are in a rebuilding phase with teenagers Jude Foley (3-28) and Jye Simpson opening the attack, while another youngster in Lochlan Gilbert (1-17) also found success at the crease.

Left-armer Scott Young (2-16) and medium-pacer Mark Sauzier (3-32) soon had the YOBS top order in trouble, and only young Will Jasper (29) showed resistance as the favourites tumbled to be all out for 93 in 30 overs.

Ladder leaders Cowaramup showed yet again they knew how to manufacture a win when they scraped home in a one-wicket thriller over Dunsborough at Cowaramup Oval.

Dunsborough enjoyed plenty of good starts with seven batsmen reaching double figures, only to be restricted to 157 all out thanks to Fraser Oates (2-15 off 10 overs) with Connor Oates and Tom Coulson taking three wickets apiece.

The Bulls enjoyed a great start in their chase to score 158 and at one stage were 1-84 before both Josh Curtis (38) and Fraser Oates (53) were stumped going after the bowling.

Fast bowler Anthony Quinn (429) and offspinner Joe Peckham (327) incited a middle-order collapse and the Bulls found themselves 9-151 and still needing 7 runs to win, before teenagers Ben Cook and

Charlie Moulton ultimately got the home side over the line.

At Barnard Park, St Marys scored a vital win over Margaret River Hawks to maintain their grip on second place, and a potential double-chance in the finals.

Saints teenagers Sean Zahra (taking a superb 4-13 off 10 overs) and left-armer Ryley Barrow (3-26) were chiefly responsible for Hawks totalling only 109 all out, of which Hayden Wynd (29) topped the runscoring.

The home side was untroubled in storming to an eight-wicket win, with skipper Zoraiz Saeed (57 not out) and Nick Barr (45) knocking off the first 81 runs before Barr fell

to stand-in skipper Grant Garstone.

A thrilling round of B-Grade cricket resulted in two one-wicket wins and a run-fest at Churchill Park in which over 500 runs were scored.

At Bovell Park, YOBS scored a pulsating win against Vasse with veterans James Taylor and James Trewren having a day to remember for the victors.

After dismissing Vasse for 165, with Taylor grabbing 5-35 and Trewren taking 3-26, YOBS looked headed for defeat at 9-142 in reply, only for the same pair to lead YOBS home by adding 26 runs unbroken for the tenth wicket, Trewren scoring 10 not out and Taylor 18 not out.

Mat Kammann (49 runs) and Dion Horncastle (3-37) were best for Vasse.

It was a similar story at Cowaramup, where the home side totalled 179 (Griffin O’Neill hitting 75), only to see visitors Dunsborough respond with 9-180 to win by the same margin.

Dunsborough’s best were Toby Dunning (4-36) and Judd Truscott (50 runs).

The remaining B-Grade game at Churchilll saw both teams take full advantage of the conditions, Hawks totalling 7-258 from their 45 overs with Mathew Cocivera smashing 87 from 54 balls (8 fours and 6 sixes) and St Marys responding with

a proud 9-246 to fall just 12 runs short, with skipper Matt Miller hitting an unbeaten 88 for the vanquished.

Cocivera capped a great allround performance for Hawks by taking 4-54.

In C-Grade cricket, top side Dunsborough Blue suffered their first loss of the season after 12 straight wins, with Yallingup-Oddbods the victors in a thrilling 2-run margin.

Playing on the small oval at Bovell Park, YOBS had Seve Toovey to thank for their win when he topscored with 48 runs in a 40over total of 8-160, then taking 3-33 including the vital last wicket of Dunsborough Blue skipper Mat Lepidi as the visitors were dismissed for 158.

At Nannup the home side held off St Marys by only 14 runs, 155 all out to 141 all out.

Not even a teenager, Len Mattock, aged just 12, took two wickets in two balls in a losing cause for Saints.

Dunsborough White were victorious over Vasse by three wickets, with Simon Smith hitting 82 for Dunsborough, while Margaret River Hawks had the better of YOBS Academy at the Nippers Oval, with Jack Green scoring an unbeaten 108 off just 92 balls to lead the way for the home side.

The Hawks true all-rounder

THIS weekend, the Margaret River Hawks Cricket Club (MRHCC) celebrated one of their greatest milestones ever achieved in their 46-year history, as Michael Earl pulled on the baggy yellow for the 450th time — a remarkable achievement that places him among the most loyal and enduring servants in club history.

Across his 450 matches to date, ‘Plugger’, as he is more commonly known by his teammates and opposition, has amassed 6,841 runs including four centuries and 23 half-centuries.

He holds one of the clubs highest individual score records with 185 runs.

As many a su ering opposition bowler can attest,

when Plugger gets going he is near impossible to remove and can take the game away rapidly.

In addition to his supreme batsmanship, Plugger has been just as dangerous with the ball in hand, taking 361 wickets at an average of 18.12.

As big an asset as he is on the eld, it’s Plugger’s oeld e orts and dedication to his club that are most impressive.

He has been a long-serving committee member and is the current President of the MRHCC, following in the footsteps of his father, Ian Earl.

Plugger is always the rst to suggest new initiatives for the Hawks and is always the rst to roll up his sleeves and get them done.

To play 450 games of cricket at any level is extraordinary.

To do it at one club, across eras of teammates, captains and opposition whilst making such signi cant contributions o - eld speaks volumes about Plugger’s character, commitment to the club and love for the game.

To cap o this impressive milestone, Plugger celebrated the way he’d wanta memorable win with his teammates against Saint Mary’s Cricket Club, contributing a signi cant 31 runs to the winning total of 258.

Well done, Plugger.

A heartfelt thanks and congratulations from the MRHCC.