Augusta Margaret River Mail | March 25, 2026

Screen stories put dingo tales in new light

KIM SEIDLER FROM THE COVER

In the Wadandi language, moort means family.

Not only the people who share your blood, but also the companions who walk beside you, hunt with you, and sit with you around the warmth of the karla - the campfire.

For thousands of years, dingoes were part of that family, moving through story, song, life, culture, and Country across Australia.

When they disappeared from Wadandi Country by the 1960s, it wasn’t just an animal that was lost; it was kin.

On Tuesday 10 March, Margaret River HEART hosted a powerful evening of film and conversation, inviting the community to see the dingo through new eyes - not as a pest or problem, but as family, as protector, as a missing piece in a landscape longing for balance.

Two films, Moort: Calling Dingo Back to Country and Wooleen: Utilising Dingoes as a Management Tool, were screened, followed by a panel discussion and audience Q&A exploring the deep cultural, spiritual and familial connections between First Nations people and Dingo, as well as the ecological and practical roles of Australia’s only land-based apex predator.

Alix Livingstone, Founding Director of Defend the Wild and co-director of Moort, has dedicated years to shifting perceptions around the Dingo.

Her organisation works nationally with partners to protect Australia’s apex predators and their habitats, especially dingoes, in line with the aspirations of Traditional Custodians.

“As Boss of Country, Dingoes play a vital role in maintaining balance within our ecosystems,” Alix said.

“They ensure macropods stay in check, stopping overgrazing. They also eradicate introduced species such as goats and foxes, which helps protect at-risk species.

“Dingoes are essentially to Australia what wolves are to the US and Europe, and yet every day they are being destroyed through widespread, government-funded killing programs.”

Moort was born from a ranger exchange between Minyumai, Girringun, Tjaltjraak, Undalup and Nowanup Aboriginal Corporation to share knowledge on Dingo significance and monitoring projects.

Alix co-directed the film with Sonya Takau, founder of Dingo Culture, a platform dedicated to supporting and elevating the Aboriginal voice for the Dingo.

Alix says it’s impossible to separate dingoes’ cultural importance from their ecological role; the two

MOBILE VEHICLE WEIGHING

are deeply interconnected.

“Dingoes are very culturally significant to many Cultural Custodians across the continent,” she shared.

“To Western Australia, Dingo is kin - living alongside people for thousands of years.

“Dingo Songlines run through the country of many custodians and are central to the culture, identity and Lore of Aboriginal peoples.

“As a nation, we need to respect these connections by protecting culturally significant animals.”

The screening created a rare space to hear directly from Elders and senior knowledge holders about their connection to Dingo.

“Here in Margaret River, we had the privilege of sitting with Elder Uncle Wayne Webb and Wadandi Custodian Zac Webb to hear about the Dingo Songline that runs through Wadandi Country,” Alix said.

“Sadly, dingoes have been eradicated from this area for the last 150 years.”

Zac spoke from the heart about Dingo with deep respect.

“In our language, moort is family,” Zac shared.

“The Dingo is an integral part of our families - of hunting and companionship, around the keelip (camps), the maya (houses) and the

karla (campfires).

“It’s that kind of companionship and relationship we share with Dingo — it’s deep.”

When Dingoes were eradicated from Wadandi Country, the loss was profound.

“We’re still saddened because it’s like losing a family member. It’s not just us who feel sad about losing that family, Country feels this sadness too - not only through their absence, but in the environmental changes and what’s been lost in the landscape.”

“Moort highlights this enduring relationship and urges Australia to walk a path of coexistence and Dingo protection,” Alix said.

“The campaign behind the film is asking decision–makers to remove Dingoes as pests from biosecurity legislation and to end widespread government–funded 1080 poison baiting and strychnine–laced foothold trapping.”

The evening continued with the screening of Wooleen: Utilising Dingoes as a Management Tool, a film created by Landholders for Dingoes that demonstrates what can happen when pastoralists adopt a different approach.

Zac emphasised the importance of seeing real examples from ‘people of the land’.

Story Continued Page 8

Count the night away

IT’S almost time to get those torches and binoculars out for the region’s annual headcount of one of our most beloved native animals.

Nature Conservation Margaret River Region is calling on the community to take part in the 2026 Ringtail Tally, a citizen science program helping protect the critically endangered Western Ringtail Possum.

Running from 1 April to 2 May, the annual tally invites residents to count possums in their backyard or local bushland, building a clearer picture of how the species is faring across the region.

To launch this year’s tally, a special Night Stalk will be held along Wooditjup Bilya on Friday April 2, giving families and community members the chance to learn how to spot possums and contribute to the survey.

e guided evening walk will introduce participants to the Gnauren (Western Ringtail), o ering insights into its habitat, behaviour and the challenges it faces. Attendees will also learn

practical spotlighting tips to help them take part in the tally at home.

“Armed with a torch and a sense of curiosity, participants will help record sightings that feed directly into conservation research,” says Nature Conservation o cer Lauren Scanlon.

“Each observation contributes to a growing dataset that helps scientists track population trends and inform on-ground protection e orts.”

e Ringtail Tally is open to everyone, whether they attend the Night Stalk or not.

Participants can submit as little as one survey, although

regular counts throughout the month are encouraged.

Surveys can be completed in a backyard, street or nearby bushland, and multiple sites can be monitored.

is year, the program moves fully online, making it easier than ever to record and submit sightings via phone or computer.

“By taking part, the community plays a direct role in safeguarding one of the region’s most iconic and threatened species,” says Lauren.

To register for the Night Stalk and for more info on the Ringtail Tally, visit www. natureconservation.org.au

Easter in the vines

Bounce on down to Bettenay Wines & Margaret River Nougat Company for an egg-stra special Easter Egg Hunt from 11am to 3pm on Sunday April 5.

Families, friends and wine lovers are invited to take part in the event, which returns for its second year promising an even more memorable day at Bettenays lakeside cellar door.

Guests can look forward to a series of exciting Easter egg hunts for both kids and adults. Children will delight in discovering chocolate treasures hidden throughout the grounds, while adults can join in their own hunt with exclusive prizes scattered among the vines and gardens.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, talented artists from Face Painter Extraordinaire will be on hand to transform little faces into colourful characters, and families will have the chance to capture some special moments when the Easter Bunny hops by.

Live music from Chris Hawker will set the tone for a relaxed afternoon, performing from 12pm to 3pm and the Charcoal Chef will be serving up his delicious menu, alongside Bettenay Wines’ premium wine selection and much-loved handcra ed nougat.

“ is event o ers something for everyone,” Danica Bettenay said.

“Whether it’s the thrill of the hunt, gourmet food and wine, or simply

enjoying a relaxed Easter celebration in a stunning vineyard setting.”

Guests are encouraged to unwind with a picnic blanket and soak up the stunning vineyard and lake views.

Children $10 BF (1+ years): Easter egg hunt, face painting and photo opportunity with Easter Bunny.

Option to bring lunch or purchase food on the day

Adults $45 BF (18+): Easter egg hunt, two glasses of wine or beer, choice of lunch from Charcoal Chef.

For info and bookings, visit events.humanitix.com/easter-egg-hunt-and-festivities-2026

River Speedway has thanked local Lions Clubs for their support, after a significant financial donation gave the green light to the adoption of a new race timing and tracking system.

Speedway President Alex Williams said the support from the Cowaramup, Leeuwin and Margaret River Lions Clubs - each club donating $3,000allowed the speedway team to join a number of other tracks around WA in using the MyRacePass system.

“Drivers can purchase a unit, which goes on their car and communicates with the system.

“Racing fans can also use the MyRacePass app to track their favourite drivers and keep score

across various race locations.”

The system provides real-time race data, including live timing, lineup, and results, and allows for future planning for online ticket sales, and race management tools.

Linda, who is usually tasked with keeping track of every single driver and vehicle across a packed night of racing, said the upgrade would give hardworking volunteers like herself a chance to enjoy race days without piles of paper.

“This system will generate a list of drivers, together with the grid draws for each division,” she said.

With New Stars, Top Stars, Reproduction Sedans, V8 Dirt Mods and Street Stocks to keep track of,

Linda and Alex said the new system will make a huge difference to the running of each race night, and help race officials and drivers maintain accurate and up to date records.

“It’s a really fantastic thing to be able to use and will make things much easier for us all.”

John Phillips from the Margaret River Lions was on hand last week to check out the track and learn more about the upgrades.

“The Speedway is part of the fabric of Margaret River, and is a big part of the community,” he said.

“I haven’t been up here before and it’s really amazing! We were very pleased to support the club for this project.”

A New Chapter for Wadandi Connections at MRIS

Building Friendship Ninjas at MRIS

Celebrating Aboriginal culture is a pivotal part of the curriculum at MRIS thanks to the school’s unique Wadandi Mentor learning program.

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.”

Last week, Year 3 students welcomed their new Wadandi mentor, Sam Webb, who visited for his first session with the class. Sam steps into the role following Josh Whiteland, who has dedicated more than a decade to guiding students through this important cultural program. Through the mentorship, students explore a rich range of knowledge, including bush tucker and traditional medicines, the Noongar seasons, dance, and other cultural practices. The program plays an important role in fostering respect, understanding, and a strong connection to Aboriginal culture, while recognising the traditional custodians of this land.

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.”

Review of the week

Very satisfied by the prompt and informative service given. Carl went out of his way to give me all the battery options and pricing and the install was completed on time. Highly recommended.

David H

“We are deeply grateful to welcome Sam Webb as our new Wadandi mentor at MRIS. His knowledge, generosity and connection to Country bring an invaluable depth to our learning community. Through his guidance, our children are developing a genuine understanding of the land they live on here in Margaret River - its stories, its history, and its living culture. Learning about Country in a local and authentic way fosters deep respect, belonging, and responsibility in our children, helping them to thrive as connected and culturally aware young people.”- MRIS Principal, Rachel Fox

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.

Nothing but the best

Expert uncovers the secret life of bats

COMMUNITY volunteers caring for the Margaret River have helped nurture more than 2,500 native plants while learning about one of the region’s most fascinating and misunderstood animals — bats.

e latest Friends of Wooditjup Bilya volunteer day, organised by Nature Conservation Margaret River Region, combined hands-on conservation work with a talk from bat researcher Kelly Sheldrick from the Conservation Council of WA.

Volunteers spent the morning weeding and watering a key revegetation site along the upper Margaret River, covering the entire stretch of 2,500 native plants, alongside landholders Dirk and Ben Funnekotter.

e restoration e ort is showing strong results, with around 90 per cent survival and some plants already growing to more than two metres tall.

A er the eldwork, volunteers were joined by Sheldrick, who is currently conducting bat research in the region’s caves in partnership with the Capes Foundation.

Despite nishing overnight bat surveys at 3:30am, she still joined the group to share insights into the region’s bat populations and their critical ecological role.

Sheldrick told volunteers that bats are among the most diverse

and bene cial mammals on the planet.

“ ere are more than 1,500 species of bats worldwide, found on every continent except Antarctica,” she said.

“In Western Australia we have 42 species, including nine in the south west.”

Bats play a vital role in ecosystems through pollination, seed dispersal and pest control. Globally, research estimates bats save agriculture around $22.9 billion each year by consuming crop pests.

Sheldrick also shared exciting ndings from local cave surveys,

EXHIBITION

including evidence of a maternity roost of around 500–800 chocolate wattle bats — a large colony for south-west species and an important site for conservation.

Many local bats rely on caves, tree hollows and crevices for roosting, highlighting the importance of protecting mature trees and natural habitat.

e talk also addressed common misconceptions about bats and offered practical advice for residents, including being mindful when pruning trees that may contain hollows used by wildlife.

Friends of Wooditjup Bilya volunteer days regularly bring com-

munity members together to care for the river while learning from scientists and conservation practitioners working in the region.

More information about bat conservation, including guides on bat boxes, pruning and what to do if you nd a bat in your home, can be found at: ausbats.org.au/bat-factsheets.

Nature Conservation Margaret

River Region thanked its partners and collaborators including the Conservation Council of WA, WA Bat Network, Australasian Bat Society and the Capes Foundation for helping build community knowledge about bats and their role in healthy ecosystems.

e Friends of Wooditjup Bilya program is funded by the Shire of Augusta Margaret River.

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)

yallingupaboriginalart

Community Notices & Tenders

Shire works watch

WALLCLIFFE PATH

Construction of the final section between Kevill Road and Caves Road is underway this week Traff f ic management is in place - please drive slowly

DRUIDS GROUNDS, WITCHCLIFFE

Irrigation upgrades and turf repairs start this week in the grassed area between Druids Hall and the public toilets Toilets remain open via Bussell Highway, while the grassed area will be closed Expected to be finished before Easter

LEEUWIN

TRAIL

Timber treatment works on the boardwalk are happening this week Only half the boardwalk will be closed at a time and the trail remains open Please follow signage and take care around crews

GLENARTY ROAD & BRIDGE

Glenarty Road is now open Bridge upgrade works continue, with minor stop and go delays expected The bridge will close for a few hours next week to allow final asphalt works - detours will be in place outside school bus times

ROSA BROOK ROAD

Pavement works and sealing are complete between Jindong-Treeton Road and Darnell Road Line marking and guidepost installation will follow in the coming weeks No property access impacts Works expected to be finished before Easter, weather permitting

WALLCLIFFE

ROAD

Line marking is complete Night works will begin shortly to install audible edge lines, with stop and go traff f ic management in place Please take an alternative route where possible

WA W RNER GLEN

Intersection upgrades are continuing along Warner Glen Road, including sealing, drainage improvements and preparation for asphalting Stop and go traff f ic will be in place throughout Completion is expected before Easter, weather permitting

VICTORIA

PARADE, AUGUSTA

D i d t d d i l di b il

Ellis Street Precinct Concept Plan

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT THE REVISED ELLIS STREET PRECINCT CONCEPT PLAN!

Community feedback on the original draft has been carefully considered, and the plans have now been revised to reflect this input

For more information and to contribute feedback please visit Your Say between 17 March and 7 April 2026: www yoursay amrshire wa gov au/ellis-street-jetty-precinct

Augusta licence plates

LIMITED NUMBER AVAILABLE

Motorists have a rare opportunity to purchase early number Augusta licence plates

Twenty five AU plates will be available in person at the Shire Offices in Margaret River on Tuesday 21 April from 9am First in, first served No reservations One set per person Bring existing WA plates and a current WA driver’s licence A $32 plate change fee applies

Expressions of Interest

LND/145 MOBILE SAUNA WITHIN RESERVE 41545

Expressions of interest are invited to operate a mobile sauna within Rivermouth car park, Reserve 41545, for a maximum five (5) month term, 1 May to 30 September 2026

To learn more: Pick up an EOI document from Shire offices, request a copy by email permits@amrshire wa gov au or call 9780 5266

Expressions of interest must be received by 4pm Wednesday 1 April 2026

Tenders

Applications must be uploaded through Te T nderlink: https://portal tenderlink com/amrshire CURRENTLY OPEN

Te T nder RFT 03-26 HVA V C Servicing and Maintenance (A ( ir-Conditioning) Closes 2pm Wednesday 8 April

Kids Club Vacation Care

APRIL SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM

Have you planned your Easter school holiday adventures and activities yet?

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

Big Ideas Bold Conversations Brilliant Stories

“It’s about working with pastoralists and landholders, especially with people like Dave from Wooleen, and seeing the e ects that it actually has when you allow the dingoes to come back.”

Dave Pollock manages Wooleen Station in the Murchison.

When the wool industry collapsed, he transitioned to cattle, but his land had become badly degraded— overrun with kangaroos and goats.

“ e roos take it to one stage, then the goats to the next, destroying the entire land, turning it into a dust bowl,” Zac said.

“ ere was no regeneration or growth. By Dave not shooting the dingoes and letting them reintroduce themselves back to Country, the population of grazers went down, and the river became clearer.”

“When Country gets healthier, so does your stock,” Zac explained.

“ ey assumed there would be predation on the calves, but the mothers didn’t have to walk so far and leave their young ones to get water, so it had a really positive ow-on e ect. And the dingos did all the work!”

Alix describes Wooleen as a striking real-world example of how coexisting with apex predators can bene t both pastoral livelihoods and fragile ecosystems.

“It shows us how allowing dingoes to return has helped restore ecological balance, reduce overgrazing and support healthier Country,” she said.

Zac acknowledges the complexity of the issue, particularly in farming communities like Margaret River, where dingoes haven’t been present for over a century.

“It’s an important topic, and it’s very sad, as many people don’t realise dingoes

once lived across all of Australia, including our region, not just the desert.

“When pastoralism, agriculture and farming moved in, they clashed with Dingo because of that perception of ‘my animals are my production,’” Zac said.

“ ere’s also that deep carefarmers care immensely about their animals, and they’re not just going to sit by and watch them be attacked.

“You can see how that has shaped attitudes within the agricultural community.”

What gives Zac hope is seeing farmers start to think differently, like Dave at Wooleen.

“It’s so refreshing to see landowners realising that there are other ways,” he said.

“I think we all focus too much on our di erences instead of our common ground.

“We’re all protectors. No one wants to see the sheep get mauled, and you also don’t want to see the Dingo get shot.

“It’s about bringing those conversations to life so people can talk it through and nd a positive way forward for all.”

He also sees a need for better support.

“With the Biosecurity Act, there’s money poured into destroying dingoes using 1080 baits and strychnine-laced foot traps, but there isn’t the same support for pastoralists and farmers to do things like at Wooleen.

“ ere are no real avenues or opportunities - that’s where we think some of that funding could be redirected.

How could we manage it di erently? Where can we learn from other farmers and

pastoralists?”

“If we don’t have baseline dingo data across Australia, how can we be wiping them out and not knowing how many are le in the populations?

“Will it get to a point where they need protection because they’re nearly gone? Or do they become a thylacine- the last one locked up in a cage?” Alix is encouraged by the network of custodians now leading that work.

“On this current screening tour, we’ve visited all the places we went a year ago as part of making this lm, and the Tjaltjraak Aboriginal Rangers have begun their dingo monitoring project on Country and are already collecting exciting data,” she shared.

What Zac hopes people take away from Moort and Wooleen is a deeper understanding of what is at stake.

“I just wish for the general public and everyone to gain awareness and an understanding of what’s occurring, so we can collectively across Australia work together to keep our iconic species alive,” he said. e lms and conversations that followed were never about pointing ngers or dismissing concerns.

ey were about opening space for a di erent story, one where family returns to Country, where balance is restored, and where people from all walks of life can nd common ground in protecting what matters.

To learn more about Defend the Wild’s work, visit their website at: https://www. defendthewild.org

Green thumb shortlisted for national nod

LOCAL LEGENDS

BUNNINGS has recognised Margaret River local Terri Sharpe as a Community Legend, celebrating her work with the Margaret River Community Pantry as part of the Bunnings Community Legends Awards.

Terri is one of five Community Legends recognised nationally through the annual awards, which shine a light on everyday Aussies who strengthen pride, inclusion, resilience or wellbeing in their communities.

A long-time local and one of our region’s hardest working volunteers, Terri has two main passions in life – education and horticulture.

She is a founding member of the Community Pantry, coordinates the Kitchen Garden Program at Margaret River Primary School and is a Horticultural Lecturer at Margaret River TAFE.

She has shared her knowledge with Mail readers over the years through her monthly In Your Patch columns, focused on local gardening tips, sustainable living and Kitchen Garden updates to make the most of your edible crops.

It was through her Kitchen Garden work that Terri became aware of how much good food was going to waste, particularly during the

holidays when no one was picking up the food grown at the school.

She also knew there were people in the community who were in need.

This realisation started a chain reaction, leading to the formation of the Community Pantry, where excess food is redistributed to those in the community who needed it the most, rather than going to landfill.

Growers and suppliers from across the region deliver produce

every week, while volunteer pickers, packers and delivery drivers collect donated food from stores and homes.

Terri was nominated by a team member from the Bunnings Margaret River store, with other Bunnings locations putting forward their own local legends. Bunnings Head of Community, Partnership and Events Michelle Walter said the initiative reflected the company’s strong connection to local communities.

“In every community, there are people quietly going above and beyond to support others, often without recognition,” she said.

“The Community Legends Awards are about shining a light on those everyday Australians who make a genuine difference where they live, and we’re thrilled to recognise Terri’s amazing work with the Community Pantry.”

From the initial nominations, a shortlist of finalists will be narrowed down to an overall winner, to be announced in June, who will receive a $10,000 donation to their chosen community group or charity, as well as a $1000 Bunnings voucher and a trip for two to the 2026 Bunnings Conference.

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.

event site.

There

STRENGTH & GRACE ON SHOW FOR SUNDOWNER EVENT ON THE LAWN

Cowaramup performer Dawn Pascoe is still ying high on the energy of her latest show, at a special Arts Margaret River Sundowner event on the HEART lawn earlier this month.

Captured in full ight as she demonstrated her amazing aerial skills above the enthralled crowd, Dawn said it was important to her to work with the Shire and ArtsMR to deliver the free entertainment.

“What made it so special is that I’ve performed this work all over the state. I’ve performed it internationally, I’ve performed it all over.

“But the thing that I hadn’t done is perform to my community.”

e rst part of the show centred on circus skills with the Margaret River Circus School, with a rowdy audience keen to try some tricks, before silence descended over the crowd.

“ e place was absolutely packed,” Dawn said, noting she usually asks people not to clap or cheer while she performs at height.

“I thought, ‘oh my God, they’re not going to be with me on this one. is is going to be hard.’

“[But] as soon as I started, you could hear a pin drop throughout the whole show.

“ ey were absolutely amazing.”

South West singer songwriter Tanya

Ransom rounded out the night with a selection of her songs.

Dawn said working with Arts Margaret River had been “amazing”.

“I’ve been living in Cowie for 18 months, and they have really supported me since I’ve been here.”

She added that one of the most touching moments was “looking out, and seeing my people”.

“My neighbours, school mums, artists, friends. I saw my community.”

A dedicated member of her community, Dawn has spent a lot of time volunteering, joining local groups and looking for ways to contribute, and said it was a thrill to demonstrate what she can do to people who know her from school, walking the dog, or on the sports sidelines.

“And then they see me perform and all the pieces come together to show them who I am as a person.”

“It’s not about the skills, it’s about the heart. And performing outside Margaret River HEART was just such a beautiful, beautiful way to connect with my community.

“I feel like I’ve truly arrived now.”

Dawn now heads to the Fremantle International Street Art Festival over the Easter long weekend, before the ‘She is Strong’ tour stops at locations including Harvey and Balingup in June.

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

OF GREENING THE SOUTH WEST

Craig Smith started his career in the nursery industry in Margaret River at The Station Road Garden Nursery, and later at Margaret River Nursery and Irrigation. In 1998, Craig established his own business under the name Everyday Herbs and Perennials, where he regularly sold plants at the Margaret River, Vasse and Busselton markets.

Growing tired of hauling plants to markets, Craig decided to combine market stalls with opening his nursery to the public. It took a few months, but visitors soon began making the trip to the nursery. Since then, the nursery has grown significantly in acreage, quantity and plant variety. Stock now includes flowering perennials, grasses and native plants, as well as deciduous and evergreen trees, and a large range of fruiting trees.

Like any business, there have been growing pains along the way, but Craig is committed to continuing to grow the business in a sustainable way. He is working towards becoming a carbon-neutral business, recently switching from petrol pumps to solar powered pumps and conserving water through regular upgrades to reticulation systems and water-saving technology. In the early 2000s, the business name was changed to Everyday Potted Plants. Craig chose the name Everyday as it represents new beginnings and opportunities. Along the way, many people have come and gone, and all have played a part in the growth and success of the nursery. The business now employs two managers and six operational and nursery staff.

Just a short drive south of Margaret River, nestled among the beautiful Southwest Boranup forests, you will find our garden nursery brimming with birdlife and surrounded by gardens created and nurtured over the past 30 years. Check out our Easter Saturday Specials!

WOMEN IN BIG BAND

Sat, May 2, 7pm

Busselton Toyota

$20,990

CLASSIFIEDS

Hawks draw first blood for season

JASON CROWE

Augusta Margaret River won the opening game of the 2026 South West Football League season, with a hard fought thirteen point win over Eaton at Glen Huon Reserve on Saturday.

Eaton got off to a great start with Marlion Pickett Jnr kicking the opening goal of the season at the four minute mark.

After a spate of behinds by both sides, Sachi Radice kicked a good goal to put the Hawks in front by one point.

Eli Hill would restore the lead for the home side moments later, with Eaton leading by five points at quarter time.

Eaton were on top in the early stages of the second term, with Jack Cox and Ben McGuire kicking goals in the first five minutes to give the Boomers a handy sixteen point advantage.

The Hawks wrestled back the momentum midway through the quarter, with goals to Kaspa Donovan and Billy Goodwin, and the margin was quickly reduced to four points.

Boomers Captain Karl Collard, gave the home side some breathing space with a handy major, but in the closing minute of the first half,

Hayward Medallist Jed Spence reduced the margin again.

In very warm conditions, it was evident the weather was taking its toll, with the Hawks doing all of the attacking to start the third.

When Keelan Radice converted with ten minutes remaining, the Hawks led by twelve points, and it was extended further in the final minute with another goal to Anaru Teddy, with the visitors leading by a game high nineteen points.

The home side rallied at the start of the fourth with two quick goals, the second to Jack Cox, narrowed the margin to seven points, and the

match looked destined for a thrilling finish.

A late goal to Byron George gave the Hawks some breathing space, eventually winning by thirteen points.

Jed Spence and Kaspa Donovan played good games for the Hawks, while Jack Cox and Marlion Pickett Jnr played well for the Boomers.

Augusta Margaret River 9.13.67 def. Eaton 7.12.54

COACHES REPORTS

COLTS: Fantastic way to start the season. The colts boys went into the game with 7+ debutants and

every single one of them contributed in one way or another.

The game was a tight contest for all four quarters, with neither side giving up. Our leaders stood up through the middle of the ground and absolutely worked their butts off to give our forwards a chance.

The 5-point win was just what our young side needed as a reward for a huge pre-season. Well done to Alex Hallyburton and Anaru Teddy on making their league debuts.

RESERVES: Tough day at the office for our reserves with many players away for Round 1, we were very under-manned.

As usual though, there was no questioning our effort with a strong four quarter effort. Right up until the final siren, our boys continued to do the 1 percent including smothers, spoils and hard tackles.

Back next week with a near full squad so watch this space!

WOMENS: So here it is, it’s upon us. The moment the ladies have been training for is here. The girls were pumped but also apprehen-

sive about what to expect. We jumped out but unfortunately Eaton scored the first goal. Not to be outdone, we got the ball forward and Bonnie Hastings jumped on a loose ball and kicked the first for us.

Eaton responded with a couple more, and we couldn’t reel them back. Eaton played well and had some good girls who balanced their ship.

We had some great standouts –Tahli was great through the middle, but you can’t go past Annabelle. First game ever and finished with a goal and an awesome experience.

Now we are looking to Donnybrook who had a bye so they will be as pumped as we are. We know we have areas to work on, and the girls are all super keen to improve.

This Saturday March 28 the Hawks take on Donnybrook at home - head to Gloucester Park to cheer on your team and enjoy the thrill of the first home game of the season.

Mixed results as netball teams take on first round opponents

UNDER 16s

The girls put on an outstanding display this weekend, claiming a dominant 66–24 win over Eaton.

Their teamwork, sharp ball movement, and strong defensive pressure were excellent from start to finish. A fantastic team effort and a great result all around - well done girls! UNDER 18s

Tough result for our Under 18’s this week against Eaton Boomers, but plenty to be positive about. With several new faces coming into the side, the group showed great effort, determination, and a willingness to compete right to the final whistle.

While the scoreboard didn’t fall our way, there were some really encouraging signs in how the team is coming together.

RESERVES

Arriving in Bunbury with twitchy hands and nervous smiles, it didn’t help to think the South West Sports Centre had turned on the heating to add an element of swear to the already nervous hands of the reserves.

Watching Misty Shipway go down in the prior Masters game (doing club things and helping with numbers) clutching her knee

and being helped from the court certainly didn’t help with the emotional roller coaster.

Despite that, the only people playing with the thermostat and turning up the heat were the reserves.

Playing on centre court, they brought intense midcourt pressure, forcing errors and turnovers and capitalising on the scoreboard, taking the lead at quarter time.

A back and forth second and third had the Hawks down by 3 at the last break.

With composure and class, the ressies capitalised on forced errors, converting several turnovers and taking control of the centre passes to take the game by 2.

A full team display and a cracking result to start the 2026 campaign with confidence and promise.

Our well wishes go to Misty with her knee and hopefully brings good news with the diagnosis. Hopefully we can get you back on the court soon.

LEAGUE

A tough day out for our League netball side, but plenty of positives to take away from the contest. In hot conditions, the team put in a hard day’s work and never stopped

competing. With a youthful line-up taking the court, the group showed great energy, resilience, and plenty of promise for the season ahead.

A big congratulations to Eloise Ride and Georgia Hill on making their League debuts, a fantastic achievement and well deserved.

MASTERS

The Masters game was domination from start to finish, with everyone playing excellently as a team. Big time win 55 to 30 against

on fire in GS with her accurate shooting. Centre court was fantastic with their controlling tempo and getting the ball moving with direct leads.

The defensive end was locked in, putting the squeeze on Eaton’s attack.

We were unfortunate to lose Misty Cannings to a knee injury early in the fourth quarter, otherwise it was an epic win.

SURFERS GREETED WITH EPIC CONDITIONS AT GAS BAY FOR MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS

GAS Bay turned it on for the 2026 West Coast Suspensions WA Surf Masters Championships over the weekend, with a consistent run of swell lighting up the iconic reef break.

Competitors rose to the occasion, threading deep tubes, laying down high-quality turns and launching clean airs across

both days of competition.

No one seized their opportunities better than Macklin Flynn (Cowaramup), setting the tone early with a signature huge air to post the event’s first 9.00. He carried that momentum through to the final, finishing with a combined total of 13.84.

Flynn’s standout perfor-

mance not only secured his first Open Men’s state title but also earned him a coveted spot in the WA Trials, where he will compete for a wildcard entry into the Margaret River Pro this April.

Olive Hardy (Margaret River) delivered a composed and confident performance to claim victory in the Open Women’s final, posting a

combined total of 12.00.

The reigning Under-18 Girls state champion showcased her potential with committed turns and smart wave selection, marking her as one to watch.

Hardy will also line up in the WA Trials, following in the footsteps of her older sister Willow Hardy, who

claimed the event in 2025.

Adding to the strong showing from the Hardy family, Willow Hardy earned the women’s Wave of the Weekend honours for a powerful bottom-turn to top-turn combination on a critical section, followed by another high-performance manoeuvre that scored a 9.27.

Bulls claim back-to-back grand finals

ALLAN MILLER CRICKET

COWARAMUP and Dunsborough shared the premiership spoils when the Busselton-Margaret River Cricket Association grand finals were hosted in excellent conditions by Cowaramup Cricket Club on Saturday. It was back-to-back for the Bulls when their powerhouse A-Grade lineup performed as expected to record a solid victory over a gallant St Marys in the decider for the Barnard Cup.

Meanwhile, Dunsborough did their own double by earning two crowns in one year, defeating Vasse in a mega-high-scoring B-Grade grand final on the adjacent oval at Cowaramup, while Dunsborough Blue emerged victors over Yallingup-Oddbods in the C-Grade grand final at Margaret River’s synthetic ground.

The Cowaramup club did their town proud by creating a great pitch and outfield to host the playoffs, and there was no shortage of atmosphere as a healthy crowd attended to watch the day unfold.

St Marys were dealt a devastating blow before the A-Grade final when their key bowler in Sean Zahra –the No. 1 wicket-taker in the BMRCA this year – had to pull out due to injury.

Given the circumstances, the inexperienced Saints attack put in a huge effort to contain the Bulls to a score of 6-207 from 50 overs after Fraser Oates had no hesitation in batting first on winning the toss.

Oates carried on his own

brilliant form by topscoring with 75, taking his A-Grade aggregate this summer to 700 runs at an average of 54, while opener Chris McLean chimed in yet again with another solid knock of 43.

Strike bowler Nathan Coulter-Nile quashed Saints’ hopes of a fightback when he grabbed the key wicket of Nick Barr caught behind for 4 early in the visitors’ reply, and it was left to the father-and-son combination of Marc Ford (31) and Bailey Ford (30) to mount the toughest resistance as Saints went on to muster a respectable 152 in reply.

Given Cowaramup’s total dominance this season, anything other than a Bulls victory in the grand final would have been the travesty of the summer.

The B-Grade playoff for the Barnard Shield between Dunsborough and Vasse on the adjacent oval at Cowaramup will long be remembered as one of the great B-Grade finals.

Underdogs Vasse, who came from fourth place to earn a spot in the grand final, looked to have the Barnard Shield in the bag after posting an exceptional total of 9-262 from their 45 overs, with veteran Aaron Mott (50) topscoring and being well supported by Dion Horncastle (42), an injured Dennis Amour (35) and young Koby Mott (33).

Dunsborough’s hopes looked completely gone when in-form runscorer Cam Morris was run out at 3-69, before 16-year-old Ashton McCarthy turned the game on its head by compiling a premiership-winning

innings of 80 not out from only 57 balls, launching a succession of deliveries over the boundary with the galeforce easterly wind behind them.

Ultimately, Dunsborough cantered home with three wickets and 2.3 overs to spare as they compiled 7-265, completing what must surely be the highest scoring B-Grade grand final ever seen in local ranks.

The C-Grade grand final for the Penfold Shield was a relatively dour struggle at Margaret River, as Dunsborough Blue contained Yallingup-Oddbods to7-146 from 40 overs, with Simon Godridge topscoring with an unbeaten 43 in his 400th game for YOBS and Cody Marsden claiming 3-24 for Dunsborough Blue.

In reply Dunsborough Blue compiled 5-147 to get home with five overs to spare, Darcy Carroll scoring a match-winning knock of 50 runs.

Sunday’s Under-16s T20 competition grand final on turf at Margaret River saw Hawks score a win over St Marys with one over to spare with Sam Smith player of the match, while the Under-14s grand final resulted in Dunsborough Whites defeating Dunsborough Blues, with Beau Bromley claiming 5-12 off four overs to win the player of the match.

This Sunday will see the senior award winners unveiled when the BMRCA hosts the annual premiership dinner at the Barnard Pavilion, starting at 5pm. All players and partners are welcome.