Augusta Margaret River Sept 3, 2025

A celebration of local music

KIM SEIDLER

Four standout regional acts will come together to bring music, good vibes, heart, and soul to Southern Sounds, a one-night celebration of local music, at Margaret River Men’s Shed on Friday, September 12.

The showcase, part of WA Music Week 2025, features award-winning soul grooves, folk musings, altcountry, and raw blues from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm.

When Western Australian Music (WAM) announced a call for events, local musician Tanya Ransom recognised it as her opportunity to showcase the south west’s amazing original talent.

“Being a regional musician, I’m a strong advocate for celebrating regional music,” she said.

“With so many local artists releasing new music, the timing was perfect to bring everyone together.”

The Southern Sounds lineup features the upbeat grooves of local Margaret River Producer and Brightsider’s Dan White.

Fresh from claiming Second Runner Up and Best Regional category at WAM’s 2025 Song of the Year Awards with “The Hunger” - a

collaboration with fellow performer Lemon Myrtle - Brightsider releases new single “A Little Bit of Something” on September 5.

Lemon Myrtle brings her own set of heartfelt folk songs to the evening, “weaving stories that bring us closer to ourselves and each other.”

Tanya Ransom adds her signature blend of folk blues and alt-country to the mix, her powerful vocals finding that sweet spot between tough and tender.

With a new album due next month, she’ll share stories that paint vivid narratives through song. Completing the lineup is Bridgetown’s Tracey Barnett, bringing fifteen years of raw, honest blues-rock to the stage.

Her latest single, “Raise Your Head”, showcases her signature blend of gritty guitar riffs and infectious melodies while carrying a powerful message about resilience.

“It’s a diverse group of musos, but there’s something lovely that ties our music together,” Tanya explained.

“We’ve all shared the stage together over the years – so there’s good energy there.”

The friendships fuel the vibe, adding another layer to what promises to be an intimate evening of original

music.

The Men’s Shed, with its industrial charm yet cosy atmosphere, offers the ideal intimate space for this community-focused event.

“When I saw the venue, I knew it was perfect for this performance, and then we got chatting about them wanting to support local musicians— it just all fell into place,” Tanya said.

Southerns Sounds format encourages genuine connection between artists and audience.

“It’s a listening concert, which

makes it more intimate. That connection feels stronger in this type of setting,” Tanya said. “Musicians have the opportunity to talk about their songs and creative processes. We’re sharing work we’ve put our hearts into.”

This direct connection between artist and audience matters more than ever.

“It’s been a tough few years for creatives,” Tanya shared.

“Creating new music costs a lot of money, and funding isn’t always

There are not enough words to recommend him highly enough as an agent and as a human, but some that come to mind are - extremely knowledgeable, patient, a good listener, organised, kind and thorough. Tim was so much more than an agent selling a house, he was someone I could trust at a difficult time. Anyone wanting to sell a property in Prevelly or the Margaret River region should reach out to Tim. SELLER, PREVELLY

available. With streaming services providing minimal returns, coming to shows and buying merchandise makes a real difference to local artists.”

Radio Margaret River will provide food and drinks at this all-ages licensed event.

“We want it to be a nice community gathering where everybody’s welcome,” Tanya said.

“It’s about people coming together, discovering new music, and seeing what artists are creating in our region.”

Green light for Cowaramup housing development

The WA Planning Commission has approved Goldfields’ Cowaramup Country Local Structure Plan, unlocking a 20ha parcel of land on Bussell Highway, walking distance from the centre of Cowaramup’s rural township.

Located in the southwest of Western Australia, Cowaramup sits at the heart of the Margaret River wine region.

Goldfields has a significant presence in the region, with its Spindrift residential estate near Margaret River township well advanced and welcoming new residents.

The new Cowaramup residential estate will extend development to the southern edge of the town and provide much needed connectivity for residents.

Gareth Wilson, Goldfields’ State Director in WA, said the new residential estate will help ease local supply shortages by offering more housing choice for Cowaramup families seeking to live close to town.

“Cowaramup is experiencing a residential land and housing shortage,” he said.

“In the last 12 months the average house price has risen to almost $1.1 million and rental vacancy is near zero.

“Our new estate will deliver 184 residential lots and a 2ha mediumdensity site.

“Lots will range from 380m2 to 1,900m2 to cater to the broader market.

“In addition, residents will be able to enjoy areas of public open spaces across the site, including a park where existing mature trees will be retained where possible,” said Mr Wilson.

Lachlan Thompson, Goldfields’ CEO, said plans for the new estate reflected Goldfields’ broad, longterm vision for Western Australia and offered a rare lifestyle opportunity in the southwest.

“Our new Cowaramup residential estate will build on the success of our popular Spindrift community in nearby Margaret River.

Goldfields acquired the Cowaramup site in November 2024.

Construction is scheduled to commence before the end of 2025.

“The town is surrounded by some of Western Australia’s finest nature walks, pristine beaches and one of the world’s leading wine regions. Cowaramup is an exceptional place to live.”

WHAT’S ON

Free workshop to score AI tips

a reduction in stress.

“It’s important that small regional businesses can remain relevant and competitive in an increasingly technical world.”

LOCAL small business owners within the Margaret River region will have the opportunity to learn how to save time and boost productivity with artificial intelligence (AI) and automation at a free hands-on workshop on Tuesday, 9 September 2025.

Delivered through the Australian Federal Government’s Digital Solutions Program and facilitated by Business Foundations, the workshop gives regional small business owners practical skills to include and embrace AI into everyday business operations.

A endees will learn:

• How AI tools like ChatGPT can create marketing content in minutes

• Building time-saving automations

• Reducing repetitive admin tasks to reclaim valuable time

• Practical strategies to use AI ethically and effectively

The session will be led by Brooke Wright of Wright Way Virtual Solutions and Digital Advisor at Business Foundations and hosted by Margaret River Chamber of Commerce.

“The business landscape in the Augusta Margaret River Shire consists overwhelmingly of sole traders and micro businesses (97 percent),” Annie McFie from the Margaret River Business Network said.

“Which means business owners generally cover all aspects of business operations including marketing and communications.

“Improved capability with digital solutions results in time saving, improved marketing and

The Digital Solutions Program is a federally funded initiative providing affordable digital support to small businesses through 1:1 advisory sessions, free in person workshops and online webinars.

In WA the program is delivered by Business Foundations.

The workshop will be held in the AMR Shire Mainbreak Room on Tuesday, 9 September 2025 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. To Register, visit events.humanitix.com.

Stones and stories shaped in silver

KIM SEIDLER

FROM the Native American turquoise of Oklahoma to the iridescent opals of Australia, Lisa Cloud’s journey as a jeweller mirrors the natural treasures she works with - unique, multifaceted and shaped by the landscapes that surround her.

This September, she opens her metal smithing studio as part of the Margaret River Region Open Studios, sharing her craft and a collection of handmade pieces.

Being homeschooled had its perks. By 15 and still studying, she was working full-time at a local bead shop, where she discovered her talent and love for the art of jewellery making.

“I taught beading and wire working classes and custom work,” Lisa said.

“I loved helping people bring their visions to life, and I’ve never stopped making jewellery since!”

Growing up in the US, Native American jewellery surrounded Lisa, including treasured pieces from her grandmother that she still keeps in her studio today. The intricate craft captured her imagination, leading her to explore metalsmithing through books and videos until a newspaper clipping changed everything - someone was selling their unused metalsmithing kit.

“I bought that kit, taught myself, and as you can see, the rest is history!”

Margaret River became her home in 2017, and along with it came a discovery that rocked her artistic world… literally.

“I found opals! I’d never seen them before. I couldn’t believe Mother Nature created these incredible stones, and they just came out of the ground like this. It blew my mind.”

Now, her work melds two cultures, drawing inspiration from both her American heritage and her adopted

so. Feed your soil with a good layer of manure and a soft mulch that will supress weeds and also add a layer of organics as it slowly decomposes.

Australian home.

Each piece starts with the stone itself.

“It’s the heart of the design; the rest comes to life around that one precious focal point. I really want the opal to speak more than my work,” Lisa explained.

“These stones represent hundreds of thousands of years of Earth’s history that you get to wear. I put my own touch on it, but they’re just so magnificent on their own.”

As a surfer, morning walks to the waves allow her to hunt for sea glass and incorporate these ocean-polished treasures into designs made with recycled silver.

“Living here in Margs has pulled me closer to nature. Working with opals and sea glass gives me that same connection and fuels my ethos for sustainability.”

Visitors to Lisa’s Open Studios will see her most ambitious and heartfelt work yet. “These pieces represent

everything I’ve been holding back from, spending eight to ten hours or more on each one. “This year, I’m truly creating pieces that speak to me and make me feel like an artist. I’ve never been so proud of my work in over ten years of metalsmithing.”

While Lisa can’t demonstrate her craft during Open Studios - “I work with fire and it’s very loud!” - visitors will see her equipment and learn about her metalsmithing processes, recycled silver and jewellery making. Her grandmother’s Native American pieces will be displayed alongside her own work, bridging her past and present as an artist.

SEPTEMBER is a wonderful month to find time for the garden.

Why?

We have some beautiful fresh mornings, warm sunny days, and enough moisture to not necessitate any hand watering. If you haven’t pulled out all brassicas to make way for spring and summer plantings, do

No dig gardens are definitely what science now recommends – we want to keep the structure of the soil intact allowing microorganisms to flourish.

The only time I ever now turn my soil is if it is highly compacted. Even then, I grow a root crop first in the hopes of avoiding any major hand restructuring or turning.

After the root crop I sow a green manure crop. And then, only after that, would I ever dig or turn the soil.

That very action disturbs the natural layers and activity within the soil itself – the very things we are trying to encourage. So please, dig in only as a last resort.

What to plant in September? The first of our early season tomatoes –yes, it’s time! Sweet corn, cucumbers, zucchini, tromboncino, rockmelon, watermelon, potatoes, and all the staples including lettuce, beetroot, carrots, silver beet, and chard. If we get a particularly wet and cold September, hold off until the later part of the month.

I attended the Nannup Flower

Creating custom pieces holds a special place in Lisa’s heart. “When someone brings their vision for a loved one’s gift, it’s pure magic. You see the care in every detail they choose, how well they know that person. When they trust me to translate their love into a piece of jewellery — that’s everything. Watching them say ‘I had this made for you’ makes all the hours of crafting worthwhile.”

Festival in August and picked up some great organic, locally grown tomato varieties that we will propagate at TAFE Margaret River and Margaret River Primary School, including a tomato that looks like a bunch of fused grapes – keep an eye out for those on the Honesty Stall come summer. What to harvest in September?

Ginger and turmeric are both ready.

Tops of plants should be fully browned off and dead before harvesting. If you managed to see flowers in summer on your ginger, turmeric or galangal you can expect a fairly good harvest

Margaret River Region Open Studios run from 13-28 September. Follow @ feralcloud or visit: shopferalcloud. com

a sure indicator of good growth underground.

Finally, it’s time to start lawn maintenance. Bare patches need aerating and a layer of lawn seed added.

Fertilise sparingly and not when heavy rain is expected or you’ll wash it all into nearby drains and waterways.

Start mowing more regularly as the warmer temps will see warm varieties really start to power. I see many new homes with excellent preparation for lawns before they are laid, but no

Community Notices & Tenders

CinefestOZ

CinefestOZ is back this week with 90+ films and special events, and you can enjoy the magic of film through FREE events and community screenings at Nala Bardip MiaMargaret River HEART

Deadly Day - Friday, 5 September at 5pm

Celebrate First Nations filmmakers, artists, and storytellers with a feast of free feature films, documentaries, and shorts

Free Screenings Program - Saturday, 6 September from 2pm

Catch the Cinesnaps Student Competition finalists + winner on the big screen, followed by festival favourites Frostbite and Runt

Pay What You Want - LIFEBLOOD - Saturday, 6

September at 12:30pm

Pay $1, pay $40 – it’s up to you! This special screening showcases a captivating nature documentary about the Kimberley’s Martuwarra Fitzroy River

Full program: cinefestoz com

Proudly supported by the Shire’s Major Events Grants Program

You may have noticed speed limit changes on some local roads where the limit has dropped to 70 km/h

Roads like Cowaramup Bay Road and Redgate Road have been rated just one star out of five for safety They’re narrow, have large trees on the verge and lack key safety features

Lowering speed limits is one of the most effective ways to reduce serious crashes and save lives The rollout is now complete, with all new signs installed

Share your thoughts: yoursay amrshire wa gov au/safer-speeds-trial-2 More info: saferspeedstrial com au

Renewable Energy Policy consultation Spotlight

We’d like to hear if the community supports the development of a Renewable Energy Local Planning Policy

We’ve developed an Issues and Options Paper to help shape a potential Renewable Energy Local Planning Policy This is your chance to review the Paper and share your thoughts on what should be included in a future Policy

Carpark access be limited on some days, but the footpath to the

and walk trail will remain open Portable toilets will be

Works are expected to be completed by mid-September

For enquiries, please contact: Dave Gunn dgunn@amrshire wa gov au - 08 9780 5243

Faster format for chess fest

THE South West Chess Festival returns this month, with a new Allegro format allowing players a faster rate of play for more games in the day.

Held on the weekend of September 13 and 14 at the Margaret River Community Centre, the festival comprises both the traditional Open and the new Allegro competition.

The Allegro is played with a faster time control of only 15 minutes per player, allowing more games in a single day, the added time pressure giving games more of an edge from move one.

“The Saturday Allegro event is limited to novice and medium strength players and we are

hoping that some South West locals can take the opportunity to try out an over-the-board tournament for the first time,” Event organiser Ian McAteer said.

Running on both the Saturday and Sunday is the classical South West Open, which Mr McAteer said was “always a popular tournament for those looking to test themselves against stronger opponents from Perth and the eastern states”. To enter, visit TryBooking (Open: www. trybooking.com/DBMFG) and (Allegro: www. trybooking.com/DBNIQ) For info, contact Ian at swopenwa@gmail. com

If someone is controlling and does something bad over and over, it can make you feel scared, shame and no good

and it’s not part of our culture ...it’s called

Look up on the internet wa.gov.au/familyviolence

$15,990 Door 1.8Litre

$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.

$15,990

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.

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

welcome.

$30,990

$26,990

2018 Mazda CX-5 GT 4x4 Wagon 1GOZ 660. Automatic transmission, 2.5Litre petrol, 125,323kms travelled and well appointed car. Trade-ins welcome.

2022 Toyota C-HR Koba Wagon BSN 12DE. Automatic transmission, 1.2Litre turbo petrol, 54,277kms travelled, balance of 5 year unlimited km warranty and trade-ins welcome.

Trade-ins welcome.

$30,990

2022 Toyota C-HR Koba Wagon BSN 12DE. Automatic transmission, 1.2Litre turbo petrol, 54,277kms travelled, balance of 5 year unlimited km warranty 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.

$28,990

2022 Toyota 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

SHEEP MANURE

Blazing comeback for young Gropers

A COUPLE of weekends ago, rugby fans witnessed two remarkable and very similar comebacks.

One came on the international stage, with the Wallabies overturning the Springboks in South Africa.

The other? A little closer to home— when the Under-12s Gropers staged an extraordinary rally to topple the Bunbury Barbarians in their final regular-season clash.

The Gropers had had the upper hand all season, but the Barbarians arrived determined to flip the script.

From the opening whistle, they threw everything at their rivals—smashing into rucks, spreading the ball wide, and utilising their pace. Scoring three tries in the opening 15 minutes gave them a commanding start, most of the damage coming down the right-hand touchline.

It was a baptism of fire for newcomer Tait Peters on the wing, but far from shrinking, he threw himself into every contest, putting his body on the line against wave after wave of attackers.

The Barbarians simply had numbers and speed on their side. With two conversions added, the scoreboard read

19-0 and the Gropers looked rattled.

Sensing their spirits slipping, the coach pulled the team together under the posts with a simple reminder:

“This isn’t over, you’re still in this.”

Vice-captain and self-proclaimed team motivator Banjo Bradley spat out his mouthguard, grinned, and replied: “Yup, let’s go.”

And go they did. The turnaround began with forwards Blake Chapman and Carson Spriggs, who bulldozed through defenders, made thumping tackles and set the tone up front.

Captain Hyrum Jenkins—who could easily earn the moniker “Labelmaker” for the way he puts his mark on every ruck and contest—was once again everywhere. If there was a breakdown to clear, a jackler to disrupt, or a loose ball to chase, Jenkins was first on the scene, stamping his authority on the game.

His work was relentless, the kind of unseen graft that turns the tide of a match. One such effort saw him hold up an opponent in a dominant front-on tackle, strip the ball, and flick it wide to centre Rhys Williams, who drawing the

defence then sent Barney Chanin flying down the wing.

With some dazzling sideline dancing footwork, Chanin touched down in the corner to finally put the Gropers on the board.

Moments later, Markus van de Merwe, from halfway, cut the Barbarians’ backline to ribbons with a trademark sidestep, charging nearly the length of the field before being dragged down just shy of the line. Banjo Bradley, a terrier all game, was on hand to pounce, scooping up the ruck ball and diving under the posts. Jenkins’ conversion closed the gap to 19-12 at half-time.

With their confidence restored, the Gropers stormed into the second half. Halfback Noema Sanson kept play moving with crisp service and trademark snipes, while Oscar Chanin danced and dummied his way through defenders from first-five and made spectacular runs down the flanks.

The backs capitalized, running in two more tries to put the Gropers ahead for the first time at 26-19. Van de Merwe then added a spectacular and somewhat

dramatic score in the corner, pushing the lead out to 33 unanswered points.

But the Barbarians weren’t done. Seizing on a rare Groper mistake, they struck back with a converted try to narrow the margin to 33-26, setting up a tense finish.

The Gropers though were not going to let this one get away, and showing the teamwork and grit they had developed this year, they regrouped quickly and went back on the attack. With time winding down, the crowd of parents and supporters, who had been riding every moment on the sideline, cheered them on as talisman Jai Smith produced a deft offload to Tane Kaweroa who, in beast-mode all game, powered through defenders to seal the match at 36-26.

It was a performance that summed up everything this young Groper side has become known for: grit in the tough moments, flair when opportunities open up, and an unshakable resilience when the odds seemed stacked against them.

To overturn a 19-point deficit and score 33 unanswered points against a fired-up rival was nothing short of extraordinary. It was the kind of comeback that doesn’t just win a game—it defines a season.

And on that weekend, just as the Wallabies would do hours later on the world stage, the Gropers showed they too could rise to the challenge, deliver under pressure, and produce a result their supporters will talk about for years to come.

STEEL BUILDING PRODUCTS & SOLUTIONS

GetCareers, formerly known as The Apprentice and Traineeship Company, has evolved over four decades into one of the South West’s leading providers of training, education, and employment solutions With a strong community focus, GetCareers partners with local businesses, schools, and job seekers to create sustainable career pathways and develop skilled workforces across Western Australia

Operating f rom off ices in Busselton, Bunbury, Mandurah, and Perth, the organisation offers end-to-end workforce solutionsincluding apprenticeships, traineeships, labour hire, and training services From recruitment and onboarding to payroll, mentoring, and compliance, GetCareers manages the full employment process, allowing businesses to focus on growth

Recent expansion into health support services training reflects GetCareers’ commitment to meeting workforce needs in vital community sectors

Whether you're hiring, upskilling, or seeking skilled labour, GetCareers is your trusted workforce partner each nfo@getcareers

SPORT

20 years of wins for young Margs surfers

THE 2025 Think Mental Health WA School Surfing Titles wrapped up in sunny offshore conditions last Friday, with Margaret River Senior High School cementing its reputation as the state’s premier surfing school by claiming an incredible 20th consecutive Champion School crown.

After ten qualifying events across WA, students from 21 regional and metropolitan high schools converged at Trigg Beach for the state final of Surfing WA’s largest participation-based event of the year. Across the season, more than 400 teams from 40 schools competed, with the finale showcasing the depth of junior surfing and bodyboarding talent and highlighting the value of surfing in modern school sport.

The Titles provide a key steppingstone for young athletes, with winning surfing teams securing their place at the Australian Junior Surfing Titles in Wollongong later this year.

The South West powerhouse proved unstoppable, taking out five of the eight divisions on offer and finishing well clear in the overall standings.

Their dominance stretched from surfing to bodyboarding, with both seasoned competitors and rising stars

stepping up when it mattered.

In the Senior Girls Surfing final, Mia Jacobs and Asha Clarke edged out teammates Stella Annesley and Under-16 State Champion Poppy Redman-Carr in a nail-biting heat decided by just 1.5 points.

“Mia’s a really good surfer so it was

good to be with her,” said Clarke.

“Our school is very supportive, and I’m excited to represent WA at the National Titles.”

The Junior Boys Surfing division also went Margaret River’s way, with Ethan Anderson and Jahli Clarke defeating St Mary Mackillop’s Cruz

Uros and Jake Richards in a one-point thriller.

“The heat was really close, we were lucky to find a couple of good ones each,” said Anderson.

“Thanks to our parents, teachers, Surfing WA and Think Mental Health for a great event.”

The Junior Girls Surfing final was another all-Margaret River showdown, with Grace Cook and Leila Fraser overcoming Under-14 State Champion Ily Fraser and Betsy Englert.

“It’s so special to win with Leila, she’s such a strong surfer,” said Cook.

“This is Margaret River’s 20th win in a row, so it feels amazing to be part of that.”

In the bodyboarding divisions, Margaret River continued its charge with Flynn Anderson and Jetaya Hammond taking out the Senior Boys, and Stella Annesley and Sienna Bowdell successfully defending their Junior Girls title.

Methodist Ladies College’s Bronte Scott and Sabah Phillips also backed up last year’s win to secure the Senior Girls Bodyboarding crown, while Scotch College powered to victory in the Junior Boys Bodyboarding final.

Comet Bay broke Margaret River’s streak in the Senior Boys Surfing final, with Mandurah duo Jack Bulloch and Zach Hlaing defeating John XXIII College’s Ben and Jake Scott.

Surfing WA Regional Manager Kim Clift praised both the performances and professionalism on display.

“We had kids from Exmouth through to Albany, and the standard of surfing was outstanding,” he said.

“The level of preparation from the students has gone through the roof. Congratulations to Margaret River Senior High School on once again proving they’re the best surfing school in WA, and good luck to all those heading to Nationals.”

Margaret River SHS Surf Academy coach Mark Meyer said that the commitment and teamwork of the students is just as impressive as their results.

“It’s fantastic to see surfing embedded in the school curriculum. These kids put in huge hours training, and it’s rewarding to see that effort pay off,” Meyer said.

“What’s just as impressive is how supportive they are of each other as a state team.”

LAND PLAN FOR COWIE SCHOOL SURF STARS