Busselton Dunsbororigh Oct 8, 2025

Movie night to aid local youth

THE Rotary Club of Busselton Geographe Bay will host a movie night at Orana Cinemas on Thursday, October 23, with funds raised being directed to support programs for disadvantaged young locals.

The night will feature a screening of soon-to-be released Australian movie

The Travellers, directed by Bruce Beresford, filmed in WA and starring Luke Bracy, Bryan Brown and Susie Porter.

Rotary president Graeme Atherton said ticket sales would go towards the club’s donations to local high schools and Jobs South West, helping disadvantaged students cover educational costs, and to assist school leavers to enhance their job prospects by obtaining their driving licences.

“Our donations to Busselton Senior High School and Cape Naturaliste College help students and their families with costs

such as school supplies and uniforms, attendance at educational events, canteen vouchers, hygiene and health promotion and shopping vouchers for struggling families at Christmas time”, Mr Atherton said.

“Our support for Jobs South West helps disadvantaged school leavers with the costs of driving lessons.

“Having a licence can be a gateway to employment, especially in trades and industries where reliable transport is essential.”

Tickets include admission to the movie, a choice of popcorn or ice cream and a drink from the Candy Bar – plus an invitation to join Rotary for a pre-movie glass of wine and nibbles.

Tickets are priced at $30 for standard seats and $35 for Bogarts seats and are now available at www. trybooking.com/DFURA.

Program puts funding choices in local hands

THE City of Busselton has opened applications for its popular ‘You Choose’ community funding program.

Community groups, individuals, schools and local businesses are invited to apply for a share in a funding pool of $100,000, with grants of up to $20,000 for projects or initiatives which aim to enhance neighbourhoods or benefit the community.

The program gives fellow residents the power to decide which projects receive funding through a participatory budgeting process.

In 2023/24, the program funded initiatives including:

• A fire-wise garden in Dunsborough

• Expansion of Busselton’s Perinatal In-Home Services

• Vet support for Pets of Older Persons (POOPS)

• Efforts to help save the snake-necked turtle

• Emergency egress improvements for mobility-impaired visitors to Busselton Jetty

• Restoration of St Mary’s Anglican Church garden

• The creation of Vasse Community Gardens

• The Dunsborough Community Repair CoOp

“The program is a great example of community led decision making,” Mayor Phill Cronin said.

“In 2023/24 we distributed $96,304 to eight fantastic projects.

“The great success of this program is that the community gets to choose the projects they care about most.”

Applications open 6 October and close 9 November 2025.

Community voting will take place in January 2026.

For more information visit

yoursay.busselton.wa.gov.au

Honour for late local

A BELOVED member of the local community was honoured last month at an investiture ceremony to deliver Order of Australia medals to WA’s worthy recipients.

Busselton resident Dr Colleen Liston was at Government House to accept the medal on behalf of her late husband, Richard Liston OAM.

Receiving the honour for her adored partner, Colleen said Richard was “a humble man, who just got on with things”.

“With a live and let live approach, whilst never seeking praise or accolades, he was a humanitarian who, within the Busselton community especially, was quietly admired, respected, and looked up to.

“Without any airs or graces about him, he was an accepting and tolerant man who could connect with people from all levels and all walks of life and was a rock for many.”

Richard joined the Busselton Oral History Group in 2007 when members were looking to digitise 400 hours of taped oral histories, and took on the task.

He was an inaugural member and treasurer of the Naturaliste University of the ird Age. In 2014 he was awarded Active Citizen of the Year by the City of Busselton,

particularly for his work with BOHG and the U3A.

Richard was an active member of the Vasse Bowls Club, the Historical Society, Busselton Jetty Inc, and supported CinefestOZ since its inception.

He also helped run the Mah Jongg Group for NatU3A and, over many years, taught a number of members to play.

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Next stage in jetty research

BUSSELTON Jetty’s ground-breaking Marine Pharmacology Project has entered an exciting new phase, with sponge samples collected from beneath the Jetty now being processed for potential medical applications.

In collaboration with The University of Western Australia (UWA), WA Museum, the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and Biota Pipeline, this research is unlocking the chemical secrets of Busselton’s unique underwater ecosystem.

Over three days, the Jetty Dive Team carefully collected 30 sponge samples under a new scientific methodology co-developed with the WA Museum.

These were catalogued at the WA Museum Research & Collection Centre before being processed by Associate Professor Gavin Flematti from UWA’s School of Molecular Sciences.

The resulting assays will be delivered to Emeritus Professor George Yeoh and his team at the Harry Perkins Institute, where they will be tested for effectiveness against liver cancer cells.

The project is now part of the Biota Pipeline, a world-class medical research initiative at the Perkins, designed to accelerate the discovery of new molecules with therapeutic potential from WA’s extraordinary natural biodiversity.

The Pipeline aims to transform early discoveries into viable treatments more quickly, creating long-term health, economic and community benefits.

Lisa Shreeve, CEO of Busselton Jetty, said the collaboration demonstrates the power of combining conservation, science and community.

“We are thrilled to see the Marine Pharmacology Project moving from ocean to laboratory,” she said.

“These sponges, found only in unique environments like Busselton Jetty may hold the key to new medicines. This isn’t just about potential cures, it’s about showcasing WA’s biodiversity and ensuring our community plays a role in global scientific discovery.”

Associate Professor Gavin Flematti, UWA School of Molecular Sciences, added: “Marine sponges are an exceptionally rich source of potential drug compounds, producing molecules with properties that could fight infection, cancer or inflammation.

“With Busselton Jetty and the Biota Pipeline supporting this research, we now have the structure in place to accelerate the drug discovery process and transform promising lead candidates from the reef to the clinic more efficiently than ever before.”

Professor Peter Leedman AO, Chief Executive Officer of the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, said: “The Biota Pipeline represents a new era for medical discovery in Western Australia.

Projects like the one at Busselton Jetty harness the state’s unique biodiversity for the benefit of global health while also creating opportunities for local researchers, jobs and future innovation.”

A birthday bash for the ages

KIM SEIDLER

WHEN four neighbours reach 100-plus years old, there’s only one thing to do - throw a party!

Capecare’s new Community Centre was alive with laughter and stories as they celebrated their inaugural ‘100 Club’ gathering, honouring four remarkable and spirited clients who continue to live independently in their Busselton homes.

“When our Community team realised we had four clients who had reached 100 years of age, we couldn’t let it pass without celebrating!” Capecare CEO Tim Nayton said.

“We’ve created the ‘100 Club’ to bring together our incredible centenarians, their families and our staff as an annual event.”

Each member helps to weave a storied map of the past century, combining a lifetime of adventures, triumphs, challenges, tales of love and loss, and wisdom—lives lived to the fullest and worth celebrating!

At 106, Joan Harlow’s life is full of adventure.

Growing up in Nedlands, she spent the summers of her youth swimming in the Swan River and attending dances and balls.

University beckoned a young Joan; however, she mastered secretarial skills instead, becoming secretary to the Collector of Customs in Fremantle during World War II.

Marriage to naval officer Roy led her to Jakarta, where she taught herself Malay before fleeing during the war of independence.

She returned to Perth and settled in Peppermint Grove.

Despite life’s challenges, including the tragic loss of their son at age 21, Joan’s resilience, curiosity, determination, and

faith never wavered.

The devoted Catholic wrote a textbook on Christianity, completed her Bachelor of Arts at the age of 75, earned a music degree, and only recently gave up driving.

Her secret to longevity?

“Coles ready meals, sesame wholemeal bread, and no fried foods!”

Since 2018, Joan has received support from Capecare, including personal care, domestic assistance, health services, and respite.

Born in Collie, George Ferris, 102, built a life on determination and skill.

From coal mining to bus driving at the mines, then running a BP garage in Busselton, George never stopped learning.

“I taught myself to repair machinery and attended night school for bricklaying and welding,” he said.

While proud of his many skills and achievements, George considers his greatest to be providing for his beloved wife, Anne, and their four children. Together, they explored the world, creating precious memories across the UK, Europe, and Canada.

Even after five bypass operations and the loss of his beautiful Anne, his spirit hasn’t dimmed, and he continues to live with zest and gratitude.

Today, Capecare supports George with personal care, social activities, allied health services, and respite care.

Music still flows through Hubert Davies’ life at 104.

The former Welsh steelworker brought his love of jazz to Australia, following his daughter Jennifer to WA.

His musical mojo never

faded - at 98, he was quick to step in as brush drummer for a Fremantle band.

Between keeping Jennifer’s kitchen knives sharp and maintaining his collection of over 400 clocks, Hubert embraces modern life, which, for a boy who grew up without the gift of electricity, he’s pretty chuffed.

The centenarian can now add “mastering Google and online banking” to his skill set.

For the past year, Hubert has enjoyed being part of the Capecare community, receiving physiotherapy, social visits, and cottage respite, while spending quality time with Jennifer.

Violet Hayter (100) attributes her longevity to hard work and living by her simple yet powerful philosophy: “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say it at all.”

Growing up in wartime Portsmouth, she faced early hardships, losing her mother at 7 and her father at 13.

Life took her from working in the services during the war and travelling around England, to 43 joyful years of marriage, two sons, and eventually a new chapter in Australia.

After her husband’s passing over 20 years ago, Violet moved to the South West to be closer to her sons.

Once a keen knitter and sewer until her hands no longer allowed it, she now takes great joy in driving her gopher down to the boat ramp on sunny days.

Since 2018, Violet has made her home in a Capecare independent living unit, where she receives support with personal care, social visits, allied health services, and nursing care.

Story Continued Page 7

Wellness Expo returns to Yallingup this month

e South West’s premier celebration of mind, body and spirit returns on Sunday 26 October 2025, when the Yallingup Wellness Expo once again lands in the heritage gardens of Caves House Hotel.

Visitors can wander through a vibrant market village of local wellness products, join interactive classes, and hear from leading practitioners – all while knowing 100 percent of net proceeds support local charities Radiance Network South West and Safe Space Busselton.

Celebrations begin the day before with a special pre-expo program at Yallingup Hall on the Saturday, featuring a meditation workshop, hypnosomatic journey, circle of sacred union and inner dance workshops, culminating in a sound journey with acclaimed sound healer Julian Silburn.

Sunday’s program includes yoga, pilates, breathwork and meditation sessions, sacred dance performances and workshops.

More than 30 market stalls will showcase natural products, therapies and sustainable solutions.

ere will be chill-out zones to relax between sessions, food and drinks available throughout the day, and live music at Caves House Hotel to wind down the a ernoon.

From Page 4Capecare Community Manager Lesley Cunningham deeply admires these four remarkable individuals and feels truly grateful that Capecare is part of their life story.

“ ey remind us that life is about resilience, family, friendship and the simple joys of everyday living,” she said.

“Our sta love spending time with each of these cherished clients and learn so much from them.

“In turn, we feel privileged to assist them to live well at home for as long as possible.”

For over 60 years, Capecare has supported the South West’s older

Event founder Devi Harpal says the Expo’s unique appeal is its inclusivity.

“We love that our event attracts everyone – from the wellness curious to the spiritually seasoned. You can dip your toe in or dive all the way in, and either way you’ll leave feeling inspired, connected and upli ed.”

For tickets and program information, visit www.yallingupwellnessexpo.com

residents by providing a range of services, including personal care, domestic assistance, nursing support, and community transport.

eir new Cottage Respite centre o ers private suites with all the comforts of home, while the Community Centre welcomes visitors for day activities.

“Capecare is a genuine community-based organisation,” Mr Nayton said.

“Supporting our community isn’t just our mission - it’s our privilege, especially when we can celebrate lives lived with such spirit.”

To learn more about Capecare’s community services, visit capecare. com.au/community-services

EVENT AND ROAD CLOSURE

Changed traffic conditions and limited road closures will be in place to ensure event safety

Another one sold by Jason Dragstra

The entire market continues to exceed expectations but the homes in Old Broadwater Farm estate are really generating some fantastic results. This property was no exception, with an amazing off market deal from a cash buyer straight off the database. This off market sale created a seamless and stress-free settlement time frame for both parties and generated a street record in the process. Are you wondering what your home could be worth? If so call me today.

Rare chance to meet author

e Inspire + Collaborate initiative will welcome an inspirational leader, writer and survivor as keynote speaker for its next event - Invisible Leadership, to be held at Wise Wine on Tuesday 21 October.

Rabia Siddique is a woman who has, seemingly, lived a thousand lives.

An international criminal and human rights lawyer, former British Army ofcer, author, hostage and violence survivor, mother of teenage triplet boys and global change maker, she has walked paths most can only imagine.

Any one of her roles and experiences places her in a unique position to share insights and profound wisdom, which she has been doing on stages around the world for over a decade.

At Invisible Leadership,

Hi, I’m Bella

Rabia will speak on what it really means to lead as a woman in the modern world.

Her keynote will explore themes of resilience, courage, compassion and authenticity — challenging the loud, linear model of leadership and highlighting the o en unseen and undervalued strengths women bring to leadership roles.

Organisers said the event was for all women in business and community, no matter their role or the size of the business, and follows on from a series of successful events from Inspire + Collaborate’s team.

“Invisible Leadership is a call to embrace the qualities that make leadership truly inclusive, sustainable and powerful,” a spokesperson said.

Guests will enjoy bubbles on arrival, complimentary

wine and gin tastings, and a menu of canapés cra ed by Wise Wine’s award-winning team, while soaking in the venue’s stunning ocean views.

is event is proudly supported by Community Bank Busselton & Dunsborough, Acton Belle Real Estate, Hanson Property Settlements, Innovation Cluster and e Small Business Lounge, with special thanks to the City of Busselton’s Economic Development and Marketing Grants Program.

Invisible Leadership will be held at Wise Wine on Tuesday 21 October, 5:30–8:30pm.

Tickets are $60 per person (including welcome drink & canapés) and are available now via Humanitix.

Seats are limited and expected to sell out quickly.

2 year old beauty with no beastly behaviours. I love scratches and pats, and will be yours forever if I get under chin scratches. I used to be very shy but am now very confident and comfortable in my carers home and will even come out to meet new people if they are calm and sitting down. I have a beautiful temperament and will show affection and chat to everyone in the house. I used to live with another cat, but have been a solo pet with my carers for the last few months. I’m untested with dogs and children. I love to play with all sorts of toys, and will make a game out of just about any random object. I entertain my foster mum with my zoomie antics and acrobatics. I enjoy the comforts of being inside, but love to watch the world through windows. My window hammock is possibly my favourite spot in the house. My ideal home would be a safe space where I can play and nap, and keep someone special company. My adoption fee is $275.

Hi, I’m Archie

A 4-year-old Tabby boy with a cute ginger belly! I’m a very friendly boy who only took a few days to settle in with my foster Mum. I love affection and being stroked. I roll over and stretch out so you can give me belly rubs and I have a loud purr. I enjoy curling up on my foster Mums lap on the couch for pets and a sleep. I know the sound of my foster Mums car and will wait by the door for her to come inside. Sometimes I even chirp with excitement! I like it when my foster Mum picks me up for a cuddle and kisses and rubbing our noses and cheeks together. I enjoy spending my days watching the birds outside the windows and snoozing on my foster Mums bed, in the cat tower, in a sunny spot by a window or in a comfy bed. I love food and walk around rubbing myself on my foster Mums legs when she’s preparing my food, and I always escort her to my eating mat in case she forgets the way! I also love cat grass to munch on. I’m a clean boy and use my litter trays. I am a strictly indoor cat. I cannot be homed with a dog and am untested with other cats. I’d love a quieter home with a single person/couple or a family with older kids and no other pets where I can get all the love and attention I enjoy and deserve.

Hi, I’m Bean!

Hi I’m Rollo

A 1 year old super playful, chatty and loving young boy. I love playing with my foster-cat friend and doing zoomies. I am super friendly and affectionate towards all humans and love a nice snuggle especially rolling onto my back for pets when I see my foster humans coming! I haven’t been exposed to dogs or young children. However I’m a very confident boy and my foster carers think I would warm up quickly to other pets or children after a gentle introduction period. I love my older cat friend at my foster home and would happily share a home with other friendly felines. I would best suit a family or home where people are home often to give me lots of pets and cuddles as I’m super social. If you think you could be my new family, I would love to meet you and show you how affectionate I can be! My adoption fee is $275.

A 1 year old girl who likes to think I’m the perfect mix of playful kitten and sweet grown-up cat. I love chasing toys, exploring new places, and when I’m all tired out, I’ll find the coziest spot to curl up for a nap. I’m a gentle soul with a sweet temperament, and I love to “chat” with my peopleyou’ll always know what’s on my mind because I’m talkative in the cutest way. I also love snuggles and will happily curl up with you when it’s time to relax. I might take a little time to get to know you, but once I do, I’ll be your loyal sidekick - purring, head booping, and keeping you company. I’m spayed, vaccinated, and litter-trained, so really, I’m all ready to go home! There’s just one thing - I’d really like to be the only pet in the house. That way, I get to soak up all the love (and give it right back to you!). My adoption fee is $330.

Hi, I’m Marcy!

A 6 year old girl and my foster Mum says I’m the sweetest, most gentle girl you could imagine. Brave from the very start, I explored my new foster home on my very first day. I’m the perfect mix of independent and affectionate - happy to do my own thing but also eager to be by your side. I’m very clean, love watching birds through the window, chatting to my foster Mum with my sweet little voice, and following her around like a loyal shadow. I’m litter trained and an inside cat. I don’t like other cats getting close to me so would be suited as an only cat in my new home. I’m fine with small dogs and untested with kids. My adoption fee is $275.

Hi, I’m Bella

A 2 year old beauty with no beastly behaviours. I love scratches and pats, and adore toys with bells. I can be very shy to start with, but given time and space. I enjoy everyone’s company. I used to live with another cat, but have been a solo pet with my carers. I am untested with dogs and children. I love to play with all sorts of toys, and entertain my foster Mum with my zoomie antics. I enjoy the comforts of being inside and love to watch the outside world through windows. My ideal home would be a safe space where I can play and nap, and keep someone special company. My adoption fee is $275.

up on your lap or next to you for a cuddle. If you don’t find me on the sofa, I will be on a bed or maybe a window sill watching the world go by. I am partial to sitting on peoples work to be the centre of attention, I also like hiding the stationary to play with later. I am an indoor cat and litter trained. I love stretching out for belly rubs and love a good head scratch. I’ve lived with cats and calm dogs and am fine with gentle kids. My adoption fee is $275.

An adoption fee of $300 applies for cats and $700 for dogs which assists to cover the costs of desexing, microchip, microchip ownership transfer, flea and worm treatment, vaccinations and vet checks. Successful applicants for dogs will be contacted for an interview and a property inspection (as it is vital we rehome our animals to a safe, secure and suitable home). If you are able to offer any of these animals the best of homes, please email busselton@safe.org.au, contact 0488 518 963 or visit www.safe.org.au

Wrong fire, wrong scale, wrong time

Wecan sense the warmth and light of the new season. e seasonal edges are blended with remnant cold dissipating into longer daylight warmth.

Signals all around us and we are receptive. Our common senses in variable degrees are sight, hearing, smell, touch and taste.

But senses in common do not mean that common sense is in each individual. Common sense is formed in the space, if we grow it well, between community members. It is nurtured through thinking, and discussed, then agreed upon. Common sense is dynamic and adaptable to change.

Let’s go to the forest. You can listen to the forest through your nose or your eyes. It is common sense to use all your senses to listen to country, to listen to boodja, to listen to where we live. is is shared knowledge, and is called, “Boodja ni” (place listening).

Colour, song, perfume, texture, an amalgamated connec-

tion to time and place, and we within it.

Kambarang is the land communicating to us with these gi s at full volume at the time of birth and owers.

e world around us is bursting with energy, and we receive these signals of rejuvenation and renewal.

e season is a safe time, a Goldilocks porridge, not too hot, not too cold, not too wet, not too dry, with calm winds, and lengthening daylight.

A time when it is safe to spring new life into the world, boldly in a pollinator attractive oral display, or snuggled securely in nests, pouches, burrows and hollows where helpless hatchlings and joeys grow.

No need to run, bound, y or ee. e dangers are few. For now, we are safe from large summer bush res.

Kambarang springtime is a time to be outside and enjoy the forest and woodlands at their fullest energy giving display. Bush re smoke in the forest is an instinctive warning signal.

Every home has a smoke alarm.

Choking smoke from largescale burn o s is a violent intruder. It is one consequence of large-scale burn o s.

Common sense tells us that burning during the breeding season is wrong. It is discordant with the natural time-place. Wrong re, at the wrong scale, at the wrong time. Large-scale human-lit intentional re has destructive biodiversity impacts. “ is leads to questions, tensions, and controversies— among experts, managers, and the public—about how wild re risk should be managed, and how much risk can be e ectively reduced through prescribed burning.” “... the scienti c basis for the design of the prescribed burning program was [is] awed and needs to be reviewed,”(Cannon & Clement, 2025, People and Nature journal).

It is common sense that we should walk together in the knowledge that is most caring for the land.

Let’s be sensible.

Property Planning for Small Landholders

help people create a long term plan to produce a safe sustainable and productive landscape

Ready to turn your rural dreams into a practical plan? In this second instalment of the Heavenly Hectares series sustainable land management expert Chris Ferreira returns to guide you through the essentials of property planning Tuesday 14 October 5pm to 7pm

Tickets $10 each,

Suited to all semi-rural landholders and people living on larger blocks

How dung beetles can boost farming & tourism

DUNG beetles may be small, but their impact is big.

e underground powerhouses are quietly transforming paddocks across the Geographe Catchment, improving soil health, reducing bush y populations, and enhancing pasture productivity.

GeoCatch’s upcoming event, Discovering Dung Beetles, invites farmers and community members to take a closer look at the vital role these insects play in sustainable farming systems.

Held on-farm, the paddock walk will o er a hands-on opportunity to see how dung beetles improve soil structure, increase water in ltration, all while helping to control bush ies and parasites.

e paddock walk is part of GeoCatch’s broader initiative to monitor dung beetle activity across the catchment, in collaboration with the Southern Forests Community Landcare

and Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

e project focuses on monitoring dung beetle activity across the catchment, with the goal of identifying which species are currently present and which are most e ective for local conditions.

A key aim is to understand how dung beetles can help

reduce y populations in high-tra c tourist areas, supporting both agricultural productivity and regional tourism.

e eld walk will take place on ursday 9 October from 9am to 11am at one of GeoCatch’s Dung Beetle Monitoring Sites in Marybrook.

For more information or to register for the event, visit geocatch.asn.au.

THE City of Busselton Council has voted to approve both the Local Planning Scheme Amendment and the Local Structure Plan (LSP) for Lot 6 Commonage Road.

Approved at the council meeting on Wednesday September 24, the plan included a number of changes put forward by the City, which will now be reviewed by the WA Planning Commission and the Minister for Planning.

“ is development is expected to deliver up to 470 new dwellings, supporting a future population of approximately 1,200 people,”

Mayor Phill Cronin said.

“As part of its decision, the Council took into account community feedback and recommended a number of changes to the plan to better protect the local environment and community values.”

Changes made by the Council included amend-

ments to protect existing bushland and maintain views across the site.

A 20m bu er has also been recommended to run along the southern boundary next to the Environment and Conservation zone, and bu ers along Commonage and Genoli Roads have been increased to 30m to support vegetation protection and enhancement.

A proposed tourist site within the Environment and Conservation area was deleted, while a ‘small scale’ shopping centre was retained in the north east corner of the site.

e City said the development would also be able to connect into the proposed Dunsborough East structure plan area to the east, creating new east–west connections and a possible future roundabout at the intersection of Biddle and Commonage Roads.

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From dreams to reality: workshop helps landholders with planning

GEOCATCH has announced the second instalment of the popular Heavenly Hectares workshop featuring sustainable land management expert Chris Ferreira, to be held in Busselton next week.

e ‘Property Planning’ Workshop is designed to help small landholders transform their rural dreams into practical, sustainable property plans.

is next session responds directly to feedback from participants who wanted more guidance on how to apply sustainable principles to their own properties.

Chris will guide participants through how to assess their land, set clear goals, and design a property layout that works with the natu-

ral environment, and will explore how to incorporate sustainability strategies such as windbreaks, re-wise design, and water-wise prin-

ciples, while also supporting biodiversity and soil health. Whether you’re mapping out paddocks, designing water systems or future-proof-

ing your land, this hands-on session will give you the tools to start to create a clear vision for your property.

GeoCatch Project O cer

Lisa Massey said the event is a direct response to the enthusiasm shown by local landholders.

“Feedback from our August workshop was clear. People are eager to learn how to apply sustainable practices to their own properties.

“ is event is all about turning that interest into action, with practical tools and expert guidance to help shape a property plan.” e workshop will be held on Tuesday 14 October at the Youth and Community Activities Centre, Busselton Foreshore from 5pm to 7pm. Registrations are essential – tickets are limited.

For more information and to register visit geocatch.asn.au

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Crowds soak up the stoke at Yallingup

SURFING WA

The South West Log Fest returned over the weekend with a celebration of traditional longboarding that drew competitors from across Australia and around the globe to the Yallingup region.

The invitational event, now in its third year, showcased world-class longboarding with heats run at Injidup Carparks on Saturday before shifting to Bunker Bay for a finals day of punchy, barrelling beach breaks. Across the weekend more than 350 spectators lined the beaches, creating an electric atmosphere.

“Saturday at Carparks was classic West Australian longboarding. It solid, bumpy and so much fun, with around 200 people on the beach,” said event organiser Evan Ledger.

“On Sunday we moved to Bunker Bay and had another 150-plus spectators right on the shoreline, only 20 metres from the end section. The atmosphere was unreal.”

Dunsborough local and current State Champion Jack Medland was the standout of the weekend, capturing his maiden South West Log Fest crown after back-to-back runner-up finishes over the last two years.

Medland, who also co-owns Moonshine Surfboards with Ledger, triumphed over a

stacked field of interstate and international talent including surfers from New Zealand, California, Indonesia, Greece and across Australia.

“The standard this year was incredibly high, even in round one the heats were stacked,” said Ledger.

“To see Jack win in front of a home crowd after coming so close the past two years was really special. The support on the beach was deafening.”

Also impressing was reigning Whalebone Classic champion Georgia Young (Perth, WA), who finished fourth in a women’s draw, which was brimming with talent from across the globe.

Other highlights included “Wave of the Comp” honours, which went to young Kiwi standout Jack Tyro who posted a perfect 10-point ride in the men’s semi-finals, and Fremantle’s Tahlia Oliver, who lit up the teams event with a 9.20 ride.

Oliver then went on to win the crowd-favourite teams event alongside Shaun Mannion, Danni Kalemusic, and Nicolas Muto.

Beyond the surfing, the weekend included packed social events, from live music and film premieres at the Moonshine Workshop to an after-party in Dunsborough that drew more than 500 people.

Women and girls called to cricket comp

ALLAN MILLER

WOMEN aged 13 and older are being encouraged to play cricket in Busselton-Margaret River this season.

“Join us in a friendly and safe environment –no prior experience is necessary,” said coordinator Pieter Bresser.

“Our association prioritises a fun and supportive cricket experience where everyone can enjoy the game. Don’t worry if you have not played before, all skill levels are encouraged to participate.”

“Whether you’re a seasoned player or a novice, we welcome you to be part of our vibrant community.”

“We also have a few initiatives to get things moving on a positive note for women’s cricket. We have eight very good women ready to play for the BMRCA in the Bunbury league and for the BMRCA in Country Week. We have the real possibility of making this happen.”

For any inquiries or more information about women’s cricket, contact Pieter at petebress@ gmail.com

Teams embrace fresh look for summer season

ALLAN MILLER

Since time immemorial cricket has been a sport played in white clothing with a red ball.

Now, after centuries of tradition, the white flannels and the red cherry are being ditched.

The grand old game will take on a fresh new look when cricket fixtures for the new season get under way around the Busselton-Margaret River region on Saturday, October 18.

Coloured clothing and a white ball are coming in for the first time in the homeand-away games.

According to Busselton-Margaret River Cricket Association president James Gannaway, the change was precipitated by the experiment at last season’s Country Week in Perth.

“The feedback from all the players who went to Country Week was that they enjoyed playing the tournament in coloured clothing for the first time,” Gannaway said.

“It was discussed at the BMRCA committee meetings and the majority of the clubs were in favour of changing the long-standing tradition of playing in whites – so we are doing what they are asking.”

“It’s a reflection of what players see on TV and keeping up with the times. We are trying to retain as many young players in cricket as possible.”

“We are also looking forward to seeing the umpires in sky blue shirts for the first time.”

Interestingly enough, the call to bring in coloured clothing and a white ball was made time and time again, more than 10 years ago, by a veteran cricketer who has now retired from the game: Danny Hatton from St Marys Cricket Club.

Hatton’s repeated plea to introduce coloured clothing fell upon deaf ears of the BMRCA committee, but it now looks like he was ahead of his time.

The local competition is also in a great condition as the new season kicks off.

For the first time there will be six A-Grade sides, six B-Grade sides and eight C-Grade sides competing in the BMRCA’s home-and-away league.

Cowaramup’s No. 2 side has been elevated from C-Grade to B-Grade, making the competition stronger than it has ever been before.

At last month’s AGM Gannaway was re-elected as BMRCA president, while Elle Weston (secretary) and Al Wilkie (treasurer) were also re-elected to their positions.

Elle and Danny Weston have been busy in the past month creating the fixtures.

Other BMRCA committee members this season are Darcy Carroll (vice-president), Neil Langenhoven, Matt Snaddon, Jacob Beamish, Curtis Bacich, Ben Shepherd and Nathan Whitfield.

Busselton-Margaret River is also getting ready to host the Australian Country Cricket Championships this summer.

The championships run from Saturday, January 3 to Saturday, January 10.

Games between the State sides will be held at all five turf grounds in our region: Barnard Park and Bovell Park in Busselton, Dunsborough, Cowaramup and Margaret River.

“It’s a great honour for us to host this prestigious Australia-wide event,” Gannaway said. “We are not sure at this stage if we will be able to fit in a T20 competition for our local teams, this is yet to be determined by our committee.”

Senior Country Week in Perth will run this season from Sunday, January 18 to Saturday, January 24.

“We are planning on sending three and possibly four sides to Country Week for the first time,” Gannaway said.

Finalists prepare for sports awards

NICKY LEFEBVRE

Next week will mark an exciting moment for one young local athlete, when the winner of the 2025 Busselton Freight Rising Sports Star program is announced.

The ceremony will take place at a gala awards evening on Monday October 20, where the twelve finalists from across the year will be joined by family and friends to celebrate the achievements of our brightest young sporting talents from a wide range of disciplines.

One of those finalists will be crowned the year’s ultimate winner, taking home a $4000 cash prize.

The runner up athlete will receive $2000 and an encouragement award will see one finalist take home an $800 prize.

“Each monthly winner has demonstrated exceptional skill, commitment, and sportsmanship,

earning them a spot in the prestigious Rising Sports Star program,” Busselton Freight Services’ Ingrid Moss said.

The Rising Sports Star program, sponsored by Busselton Freight since 2008, recognises the region’s talented young athletes and encourages them to pursue excellence in their chosen sports.

Past winners have gone on to represent Western Australia and Australia, compete in elite national competitions, and earn scholarships from organisations such as the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) and the South West Academy of Sport.

The awards night promises to be a celebration of dedication, talent, and achievement, with the community eagerly anticipating who will take home this year’s coveted Rising Sports Star award.

2024/25

FINALISTS

Cruz Uros

Surfing

Lucas Ransley

Outrigging

Rosie Gillett

Surfing

Jeremy Collis

MTB Enduro & Downhill

Asher Bourke

Cross Country

Levi Amiss

Para Athletics

Chloe Collis

Mountain Biking

Bella Moore

Mountain Biking

Poppy Stevens

Rugby Union

Brooklyn Rayne

Swimming

Grace Ferguson

Swimming

Kalen Bennett

Running