Busselton Dunsbororigh Sept 17, 2025

Lifestyle landholders score top tips to level up at home

THERE was a large turnout of semi-rural and lifestyle landholders at the recent GeoCatch Heavenly Hectares Workshop with Chris Ferreira from e Forever Project on 21 August.

e session was packed with 35 landholders eager to learn how to tackle problem spots and plan for the future of their acreage property.

Sustainable land management expert Chris Ferreira shared his experience and insights on creating a sustainable, low-maintenance block plus e ective tools and strategies for stock, weed and re management, soil health and water e ciency and tips on planning and layout.

“ ere are many di erent aspects to managing an acreage block and managing it well,” GeoCatch’s Lisa Massey said.

“With our work across the catchment, we meet many

landowners who are new to managing larger properties or are not familiar with the par-

ticular land management issues we have in the Geographe Catchment.

Hi I’m Rollo

“Our small property management workshops are always popular,” Lisa said.

Hi, I’m Bella

| @acu_hub_dunsborough

“It is marvellous witnessing participants with the same aspirations and who are all experiencing similar problems learn together and regain their passion for their land.”

Attendees were full of inspiration and plans for their property, including re-resistant gardens, weed management, and a focus on healthy soils.

“I plan to plant more trees, sample soil and improve re risk management and I now know what type of plants to plant on my property,” one attendee said.

Another aimed to use less herbicide while others wanted to create shelter belts and improve their pasture diversity.

GeoCatch plans to run a property planning masterclass with Chris Ferreira in the near future.

Subscribe to stay in the loop at geocatch.asn.au

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.

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.

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.

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

Home of the year

A Quindalup home overlooking Geographe Bay has won the 2025 HIA Wespine South West Home of the Year.

e award was taken out by Phil Kelleher Homes at a ceremony held at Tiller Farm on the weekend.

Other results include Home Group WA’s ‘ e Denver’ in Dalyellup, winning Display Home of the Year, and a home in the Witchcli e Ecovillage by Eco Homes Group taking out the GreenSmart Sustainable Home of the Year.

PIQUE was celebrated for their Yelverton project, winning Modular and Prefabricated Housing of the Year, while an Adrian Zorzi project in Eagle Bay won Renovation / Addition Project of the Year.

South West Building Company won Small Commercial Project of the Year for delivering Dunsborough’s rst foreshore café, and Summit Homes Group picked up Townhouse Development of the Year for their Margaret River project.

A Geographe home gave ProLiving Design and Construction the Spec Home of the Year and Residential Design of the Year.

Tallwood Custom Built Homes took out the $900,000 to $1.6 million category for a Witchcli e project, as well as Outdoor Project of the Year at Quindalup.

Excellence in Service awards went to South West Building Company, Home Group WA South West, and Dale Alcock Homes South West.

Student entrepreneurs take message to market

CAPE Naturaliste College students, Liam Phillips, Mia Morrison and Alex Grau Banks, impressed the locals at Origins Markets earlier this month, showcasing two innovative student-run businesses making a di erence in the community. e market buzzed with activity as they demonstrated how young entrepreneurs can combine business acumen with environmental responsibility and community support.

“‘Greening Cards’ represents the creative spirit of sustainability in action,” explained teacher, Lenka Bassham. Students from the Business Management and Enterprise course developed a unique approach to greeting cards and bookmarks, cra ing each piece from recycled paper embedded with seeds.

“When customers no longer need their cards, they can plant them directly in the ground, creating new life from what would otherwise be waste.

“ is social enterprise goes beyond simple recycling – it’s about creating a cycle of renewal that bene ts both the environment and the community.”

e second business, ‘ReWood & Resin’, showed the beauty that can emerge from reclaimed materials.

“Liam collects scrap wood pieces and transforms them into practical homeware items including key racks, rings, coasters, and boards,” Ms Bassham said.

All pro ts from this venture are donated to Blind Sports WA, demonstrating how student enterprises can create ripple e ects of positive impact

throughout the community.

Liam Phillips brings a unique perspective to the project.

Despite being partially blind in his le eye and managing ADHD and autism, Liam exempli es determination and perseverance.

“I am determined to overcome the challenges that life throws my way and I will always persevere,” he said.

Ms Bassham said the projectg provided students with real-world experience.

“ ese initiatives demonstrate how education can extend beyond the classroom to create meaningful impact in the community.

“ rough creativity, sustainability, and community focus, these students are proving that business can be a force for positive change.”

Campaigning vs complaining?

AS a voter in the upcoming elections, I am deeply concerned by the behaviour of some of the candidates.

They repeatedly resort to posting disparaging remarks on social media, aimed at the City’s administration and current Councillors.

Whilst healthy debate and scrutiny are vital in any democracy, the constant stream of negativity goes way beyond constructive criticism.

Local government should be about community leadership, respectful dialogue and a genuine commitment to working together for the benefit of the community.

Posting accusations and personal criticism that target the Mayor and other Councillors may attract attention, but it does nothing to show leadership, vision or the ability to work collaboratively.

Unfortunately, mudslinging undermines trust and only acts to discourage constructive participation.

Let’s not forget, the Mayor and Councillors were democratically elected by the community.

We deserve candidates who bring forward ideas, solutions and a positive vision for the future of the City.

The role of an elected member should be to unite, not divide. I would urge you to search Google and Facebook for information on the candidates as it will soon become clear who the main perpetrators of this negativity are.

I feel it raises serious questions about how they will behave in a Council chamber if elected.

Please choose carefully and vote for those who will act with integrity and engage with others respectfully, both inside and outside the Council Chamber rather than those who resort to online disparagement as their main campaign strategy.

Brian Linaker, Dunsborough

ON Wednesday the 27th August, I watched the live streaming of the City of Busselton’s Council meeting with disappointment regarding the 5-4 vote against Cr Mc Nish’s amendment to the motion 14.1.

This was to apologise to the Busselton community that they did not have a timely say in determining input into the Saltwater project which may have changed the outcome, as well as to alleviate some of the concern in the community over this contentious issue.

The City failed to advertise the Saltwater’s business plan before construction commenced, stating they received legal advice not to do so, due to their interpretation of the Local Government S3.59 Act however the current legal advice was to the contrary.

Mayor Cronin spoke against Cr Mc Nish’s amendment citing that no mistake was made by the city therefore no apology was needed due to the legal advice being incorrect.

He stated, “it was not the Council’s function to criticise or apologise for previous Council’s decisions made by councillors or council.”

An interesting point of view when Prime Ministers of Australia and the CEO of Qantas have seen fit to apologise for predecessor decisions by utilising good leadership.

Cr Lee speaking for the amendment expressed that “there was nothing wrong in apologising as it shows not only good leadership but that we understand and feel the community sentiment about this project”.

Cr Cox speaking against the amendment stated that there was “no proof of a majority of the community that were against this project” however she failed to remember the original Catalyse survey costing nearly $34k which

proves that the majority, being 64 percent of the community did not want the building currently under construction.

She also stated that only a small group coming to council or writing letters are the only ones not happy with the Saltwater, is pure assumption.

The community was happy with an Entertainment Centre, but it became a contentious issue when the Convention Centre was added without any community consultation and thereby increasing the cost by 50 percent.

Although the fixed price contract of $38m remains, the project cost has risen to $51.5m so far.

That figure is also rising with many hidden extra costs including loan interest, legal fees, architect fees, consultant costs, surveys etc.

The councillors who voted against this amendment are in denial and are not facing the true facts.

It certainly was not good financial judgement, and the community still deserve an apology.

It’s no wonder that Mayor Cronin and Cr Cox voted no to this amendment as they are the only two original councillors’ remaining that voted to proceed with the Saltwater.

Norma Sims, Busselton

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

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Share your thoughts on these and any other issues affecting the region.

Email editorial@busseltonmail.com.au to join the conversation - we can’t wait to hear from you!

Record crowds at orchid showcase

DESPITE the wild weekend weather, the Busselton & Districts Orchid Society’s Annual Show drew a record crowd to Churchill Park, where orchid lovers were treated to a stunning display grown by passionate members.

Visitors enjoyed not only the spectacular oral exhibits but also the chance to chat with the Club’s Members who were on hand to share tips and insights on

cultivating the perfect orchid. Winners in each category were proudly displayed at the front of the Hall, showcasing the impressive skills of the local growers.

e Club meets every third Saturday of each month except December & January and welcomes new membersno experience necessary, just a love for orchids.

Prestigious trophy for Howard Park duo

HOWARD Park Wines’ Je and Amy Burch have been honoured with the WA wine industry’s most prestigious honour, collecting the Jack Mann Memorial Medal at the 2025 Perth Wine Show.

e medal, established by the Wine Press Club of Western Australia in 1989\ recognises individuals who have made an outstanding, long-term contribution to the state’s \wine community.

e Burch family has spearheaded a number of pioneering approaches to winemaking in its almost four decades of operation, including multi-regional blending across the distinct climates of the Great Southern and Margaret River regions.

As the winery approaches its 40th anniversary next year, Je and Amy continue to be a driving force of the family business, which they now run alongside their son and daughter, Richard and Natalie.

“I’m so proud to see Je

and Amy’s commitment formally recognised, having watched them pour their time, energy, and passion into this industry over many decades, making countless sacri ces along the way,” son Richard Burch, Sales and Marketing Director at Howard Park said.

“For me, it’s all their generosity of time that speaks volumes.

“ e years spent on industry committees, Je ’s leadership of the Agricultural Produce Commission,

their support of viticultural research, and the private tastings for Len Evans scholars are just some of the ways that they contribute. Above all, I’m proud of the way they’ve introduced so many people from all walks of life to the world of wine.”

Past winners include Tom Cullity, Denis and Tricia Horgan, David Hohnen, Di Cullen, Bill Pannell, and Dorham Mann OAM, Virginia Willcock and Vanya Cullen OAM.

building workshop Catio

Learn how to create beautiful outdoor spaces to protect your cat and wildlife

Cat Behaviouralist Dr Heather Crawford - how to transition your cat to a catio. Learn how to design, enrich and build your own catio. How to use different fixtures, fittings and netting.

$200 Catio Rebate scheme for cat owners * Advice on cat ownership, catio construction, wildlife and gardening

*Conditions apply

Saturday 4 October 10am - 12.30 pm

Croquet club to start community program

THE Busselton Croquet Club will launch a new Community Croquet program aimed at bringing in new players keen to take part in the popular pastime. Find a mate to pair with, and enjoy a game of croquet a er work, with a six week competition program. Club mem-

bers will be on hand to teach you the basics, and you can even stay for a burger a er the game.

Games will begin from ursday November 6, running from 5.30pm to 7pm. Players will play in pairs, and mallets are provided.

Cost is $120 per person for the 6 week program, with burgers supplied (BYO refreshments).

Register by October 17 via sec.bsncc@ gmail.com or www. busseltoncroquet.org. For more information contact 0417 939 313 or 0476 220 744.

Women’s collective marks second historic roundtable

e South West Aboriginal Women’s Collective (SWAWC) has wrapped up its second Roundtable on Wadandi Boodja, bringing together over 100 Aboriginal women from Bunbury, Manjimup, Collie, Busselton and surrounding towns for two powerful days of dialogue, connection, and collective action.

Building on the success of the inaugural Roundtable in January, which launched the Collective, this second gathering showed the momentum and determination of Aboriginal women to shape a strong and united regional voice.

From yarning circles to leadership panels, women shared stories, built connections, and strengthened pathways for change.

Some of the key priorities identi ed include advocating to the WA Government to fund

a new women’s refuge in the South West and calling for equity in education funding, with girls’ school programs resourced at the same level as boys’ programs.

In addition, the Roundtable celebrated the addition of the Remarkable Aboriginal Women in the South West, a project developed to recognise the matriarchs and trailblazers who

have come before.

Two women were recognised at the roundtable, Phyllis McGuire and Gloria Khan.

Phyllis McGuire’s daughter and roundtable participant Michelle Munns re ected on its importance.

“ is history is so important. Recognising our matriarchs and trailblazers ensures their strength and legacy continue

to guide us.

“ ey paved the way for the opportunities we are building today, and it’s up to us to honour them by continuing this work for our daughters and granddaughters.

“We need to remember, honour and respect our women who have laid the path for our future, and never forget the signi cance it has made to our Community.”

SWAWC Chairperson

Michelle Woosnam said the Roundtable re ects the collective promise to future generations.

“ e work that we do is all voluntary. It really does come from the heart.

“Some of the women said that it comes from wanting their grandchildren not to be experiencing the same things we are experiencing in this lifetime.

“We have made a promise

to our children and grandchildren that we are going to make change.”

SWAWC has grown from its rst Roundtable to representing Aboriginal women on the world stage at the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) and his now strengthening its local and regional networks.

e Collective has also been invited to the Kimberley Roundtable in October, a gathering of 12 Aboriginal women’s collectives from across the country.

Sherri Zacher from Metricup spoke about the importance of women learning from each other.

“Being able to come together in a culturally secure space and hear from our Elders, young people and women from all over the region does not happen o en.”

Jason’s Success Story

As momentum builds year on year, it’s clear: auctions aren’t just for prestige properties. They’re a powerful, proven strategy for achieving outstanding results. It’s a method Jason strongly recommends, because when combined with the right marketing campaign, smart selling strategies, and experience, auctions consistently deliver.

And the proof is in the results:

Jason’s Auction Highlights

$8.691 million in total sales (9 x auction properties)

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Above reserve outcomes driven by competition

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Whether you're planning ahead or just a little curious, let’s have a relaxed, no-pressure chat. No obligations, just some friendly insight to keep you in the know, and if the time’s right, a tailored strategy for your property.

Jason Cooper

0407 770 426

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0407 775 693

mandi.cooper@raywhite.com

Busselton Caravan & Camping Show returns

Following overwhelming support from the South West community last year, the Busselton Caravan & Camping Show will return to Churchill Park on Saturday and Sunday, September 20-21 from 9am-4pm each day.

Created and delivered by Caravan & Camping Western Australia, the peak industry body for caravanning and camping, the show will display the best caravans, campers, trailers, equipment and accessories plus information on where to go for your next adventure.

On site experts will also make

sure your gear is safe, functional and suitable for your needs.

“Following the tremendous response to our inaugural year, I am excited to announce that tickets are now on sale.

The South West is home to one of WA’s most passionate caravan and camping communities and we’re delighted to bring this event back to Busselton - right in the heart of the region. The show is bigger and better than ever with more brands, new products and fantastic show deals,” said Caravan & Camping WA Chief Executive Officer,

Carol McCracken.

“I encourage everyone to join us for a great day out – there is something to suit every member of the family. I look forward to welcoming you.”

City of Busselton Mayor, Phill Cronin said: “Following the extraordinary success of last year’s event, we are thrilled to welcome the show back to Busselton for its second year. The show offers something for everyone — from expert advice and exciting exhibitors to family-friendly activities and inspiration for your next adventure.

We look forward to welcoming visitors, exhibitors and industry professionals to our region once again.”

Whether you are new to the outdoor adventure lifestyle or a seasoned road tripper, there is something for everyone at the Busselton Caravan & Camping Show.

Highlights include: Caravans, Camper Trailers and Motorhomes

The best in caravans, camper trailers, motorhomes, campers, camping equipment and accessories, with displays from leading manufacturers and dealers. Visitors can explore a wide range of products in one place and receive expert advice before they buy.

Family Fun Zone

The show is not just for the big kids!

The Family Fun Zone will delight every member of the family with farm animals, face painting, and giant lawn games – included free with entry.

Live Entertainment

Sit back, relax and enjoy live and local entertainment daily.

Demonstrations

Upskill in the Demonstration Zone with live demonstrations daily, including how to reverse your caravan with a spotter and learn about understanding caravan weight management.

Interactive Displays

Learn about the care undertaken by first responders as you explore the St John WA ambulance.

Food and Beverage

Relax and enjoy a great selection of food and beverage options including craft beers from Busselton local brewery, Shelter Brewing Co.

Plus, pop in to Shelter Brewing Co in the lead up to the show to buy your show branded beer cans!

Passport to Freedom Competition

This offers show visitors the chance to win incredible prizes and is free to enter; visitors can simply scan and enter at any of the entry points across the show to be in the draw to win.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for concession card holders and children under 16 are free.

It has been my pleasure to have successfully worked with Michelle again. Michelle has a very caring and friendly personality and is an absolute gem. She is very hardworking, experienced and honest agent who gives accurate appraisals, which is a breath of fresh air. She helped me through a very difficult time with compassion and understanding and not once made me feel pressured in any way. Michelle also made it her mission to help me find and downsize into a smaller home

I can’t thank you enough Michelle, for again, going above and beyond and exceeding my expectations in all aspects of selling my home. I would highly recommend Michelle to anyone who was looking to sell or purchase a new home or land. Believe me, you’ll thank me for it!

SELLER IN BROADWATER

Ensuring my clients’ success is always my main focus. Call anytime for a no-obligation chat, I’m here to help!

AUSTRALIA by Train & Cruise

Join

an inspiring evening as we showcase some of the most unique and unforgettable travel experiences across Australia and the globe. From luxury rail adventures to extraordinary small-ship expeditions, this is your chance to discover what’s new and exciting in the world of travel. Enjoy a relaxed evening with delicious refreshments, exclusive insights, and the chance to connect with expert representatives from Journey Beyond and PONANT.

EVENT DETAILS:

Book with Helloworld Travel Dunsborough and SAVE a further 5% on all cruisescombinable with 30% Ponant Bonus Offers, Ponant Yacht Club and Free SOLO supplement.

Terms. Event offer is an additional 5% saving available for any new bookings deposited between 16th and 31st October 2025. Offer combinable with Ponant Bonus, Ponant Yacht Club and Free SOLO supplement. Up to 30% Ponant Bonus is yield managed and subject to availability at time of booking. Book early for highest Ponant Bonus savings. See your Helloworld Travel Dunsborough Consultant for full booking terms and conditions.

WHEN: Thursday 16th of October 2025, commencing at 5:30pm

WHERE: Dunsborough Country Club, 40 Gifford Rd, Dunsborough, WA 6281

RSVP: Ph: 08 9755 3122 or Email: dunsborough@helloworld.com.au

Please RSVP by Friday 10 October 2025

Spots are limited, so we recommend securing your place early!

OUTBACK SPIRIT

Book through Helloworld Travel Dunsborough to access Early Bird pricing on 12-day Tasmania Wilderness Explorer tour and save up to $1400pp for travel on selected departures in 2025 and 2026. Terms & Conditions apply.

INDIAN PACIFIC

Book through Helloworld Travel Dunsborough and have second passenger in Gold Twin Cabin travel for free. Applicable to specific travel dates and journey sections only. Terms & Conditions apply.

GHAN NORTHBOUND (ADELAIDE TO DARWIN), GREAT SOUTHERN, VINTAGE RAIL JOURNEYS

Book through Helloworld Travel Dunsborough and receive 20% off Everyday fare for travel on selected dates in 2026. Terms & Conditions apply.

Suspended on slender, solid beech legs and crafted from a cosy woven fabric, the Redfern sofa echoes modern Scandinavian design with its focus on simplicity, minimalism and comfort.

Built for the road, born from experience

WA ingenuity meets outback gritGypsy King Caravans is the vision of seasoned adventurers Jason Lamb and Scott Earley, owners of the award winning RV Solutions dealership in Rockingham.

After decades of towing almost every configuration imaginable - from $260,000 luxury rigs to bare bones camper trailers - they kept coming back to the same frustration: there wasn’t a single caravan that truly

combined serious offroad capability, full offgrid independence, lightweight practicality, and a real-world price tag.

So, they set out to build it themselves.

For three years, Jason and Scott poured their know-how into designing a van that wouldn’t just survive the harshest tracks but would thrive there.

They scoured Australia for ideas, travelled to Europe’s largest caravan show in Düsseldorf, and trialled

countless prototypes.

By 2024, the dream became reality: Gypsy King Caravans, launched with innovative layouts for couples and familiesall engineered for rugged terrain, yet refined enough to make months on the road feel effortless.

100% Australian owned and built, Gypsy King reflects the lifestyle of its founders. You’ll often find Jason and Scott touring with their families, testing new builds, and uncovering Australia’s best kept secrets, one dirt track at a time.

Roughing it Like Royalty

Every Gypsy King OG model leaves the factory with premium offroad features as standard - no hidden upgrades required:

• Dual shock independent suspension

• Riveted aluminium GK Tough Frame

• 420ah lithium battery bank

• 840W solar system

• 3,000W inverter

• Dust reduction system

• 330L fresh water storage Grey water tanks with bypass

• D035 offroad coupling

…and a starting price from $89,990 with a six year warranty, positioning Gypsy King as a genuine alternative to far more expensive rigs.

Many caravans offering similar inclusions, tip the scales with tare

weights nearing 3,000KG, forcing owners into costly GVM upgrades or the need for heavy-duty “yank tanks.” Gypsy King flipped the equationengineering vans with the lowest practical tare to unlock payloads of around 1,000KG (often more) within a 3,500KG ATM.

The result: a full-spec, offgrid caravan that remains towable by Australia’s most common vehicles - making the big lap lifestyle more attainable than ever.

This robust offgrid package turns remote landscapes into fully functional campsites. From corrugated desert tracks to windswept coastal bluffs, Gypsy King Caravans empower travellers to go further, stay longer, and travel lighter.

Catch the Gypsy King range in person at the Busselton Caravan & Camping Show, September 2021, and talk to the team who built a caravan they genuinely roam in themselves.

Each row, column and 3x3 square should contain each of the above scrambled letters only once.

Can you figure out what 9-letter word will be formed in the first row or column:

Thrilling win for boardriders club

MARGARET River Boardriders Club have claimed a long-awaited victory at Trigg Beach, taking out the opening event of Series 13 of the Australian Boardriders Battle (ABB) in a nail-biting nal that went right down to the wire.

Competing in tricky 1–2 onshore waves under mostly sunny skies, the South West powerhouse secured their rst ABB win since 2021 to book their place at the 2026 Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final in QLD.

Each club elded a team consisting of two open men, one open woman, one over35 master, and one under-18 junior surfer, with every ride counting towards the team’s total.

Led by Jerome Forrest, Ben Spence, Okie Fraser, Kaleisha Launders, and Brodie Mulik, Margaret River edged out Trigg Point in the dying

moments thanks to a clutch 6.57 from Spence with just 10 seconds le on the clock. eir combined total of 33.11 was enough to secure the win, with Trigg Point nishing less than a point behind on 32.16, and Scarborough rounding out the podium on 27.38.

Forrest said the team’s consistency in the nal made all the di erence.

“Everyone surfed really well and today paid o ,” he said.

“It’s such a tricky event where it o en comes down to the last surfer, but we all managed to post above-average scores and that was enough to get us across the line.

Forrest said the nal was “nerve-wracking”.

“When the clock is at 30 seconds and you’re wondering if a wave will even come, then to come out on top was epic,” he continued.

“ e suspense is why we do this sport.

“We’ve got a really solid team this year, and we’ll carry this momentum to Burleigh.

“We’re all really excited.”

Trigg Point earned their ticket to Burleigh with a

gritty second-place nish on home soil, and Scarborough Boardriders Club grabbed the last grand nal berth, nally breaking into the top three a er years of near misses.

e Yallingup Boardriders’ squad of Zac Ogram, Mav-

erick Wilson, Kade Martin, Emma Catlin, and Cruz Uros impressed with fearless sur ng to nish fourth in the pack, (23.81), while Mullaloo (19.24) and Trigg Juniors (16.96) showed the future of WA sur ng is in strong hands.

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

STEEL BUILDING PRODUCTS & SOLUTIONS

Busso triumphant in torrential conditions

BUSSELTON (4.12.36) defeated Bunbury (3.2.20) at Hands Oval on Sunday - in some of the worst conditions seen at the venue.

Gusts of up to 56kmph at times had the goal posts bending almost in half.

e match was witnessed by a smaller preliminary nal crowd, 1383 people braving the elements.

Trae Field kicked a great goal on the run, allowing the wind to do the rest as the Bulldogs took the early lead.

at would be the only goal, as the ball lived almost exclusively on the outer side, Busselton doing a great job of defending.

Would one goal be enough with the breeze? e answer appeared to be ‘yes’, with Busselton also managing just one goal with the wind in the second.

at would come a er Kane

Mitchell managed to slot through a goal at the southern end, which brie y gave the Bulldogs a twelve point lead.

Busselton’s goal would come from Liam Creighton who converted from 30m out to narrow the margin to one point at half time.

e Magpies didn’t score in the third term, Cameron Lamonaca giving Bunbury their only goal.

Ryan Ekert converted a set

shot early in the nal quarter, and when Brodie Howell goaled at the nine minute mark, Busselton were in front for the rst time in the match.

Busselton were constantly on the attack but couldn’t nd the major opening, managing six consecutive behinds, before Ky Meers goaled in the nal minute of the match, sending the Magpie faithful into raptures and the team into a grand nal against South Bunbury.

Thrilling count ends in tied vote

Nathan Bradbury and Michael Sherry tied, also on 24 votes.

Harvey Brunswick Leschenault’s Ty Anderson and AMR Hawk, Jed Spence, tied for the Hayward Medal in a thrilling count which came down to the nal round.

Anderson and Spence were tied on 24 votes, with Spence having to wait for nal votes a er Augusta Margaret River had the bye in the last round.

Anderson failed to score a vote in the Lions loss to South Bunbury leaving the pair tied.In a very close count, six players were still able to win or tie with two rounds remaining, with Aidan Austen of Busselton nishing third on 21 votes, with South Bunbury duo, Mitch Bain and Jye Clark nished fourth and h with twenty and nineteen votes respectively.

Anderson is just the seventh player to go back to back in the medal count, rst held in 1946, with Simon Moore the last to do so in 2021 and 2022.It is just the eighth time there has been a tie, the last occurring 20 years ago when

e Lions have now had a player win the award ten times, while for the Hawks it is their eleventh success.

Anderson thanked his club and his team mates and confessed he didn’t think he played as well this season as last season, despite also winning the Media Player of the Year and Coaches Player of the Year Awards.

Spence, who said he moved from South Australia to Margaret River for the lifestyle, said he was super grateful, he had gotten a lot out of the season, and that he had made many connections since moving to the Hawks.

e Hawks’ Leroy Anderson won the Under 21 Rising Star award and League Leading Goal Kicker went to Magpie Liam Creighton.

Busselton’s James deMorton joined a three-way tie for the Colts Medal, scoring 17 votes alongside Kalani Downes of Harvey Brunswick Leschenault and Taj Houlahan of Carey Park.

Hailstorm hits women’s final

DONNYBROOK (2.3.15) are into the Tronox Women’s Grand Final for the very rst time, a er they defeated Busselton (1.4.10) in abyssmal conditions at Hands Oval on Sunday.

e match had every facet of weather conditions, with very strong winds, rain, sunshine and then to cap it o , a hailstorm which turned Hands Oval to a sheet of white.

e opening quarter almost went without a score, with a rushed behind recorded with two minutes le on the clock to Busselton, as both sides struggled in the conditions with

saw wind-gusts of up to 56kmph, which at times had the AFL-standard goal posts almost bent in half.

Courtney Zappara kicked the opening goal of the match, eight minutes into the second quarter, running into an open goal to score a rare goal at the southern end of the ground.

Within minutes Beth Beckett snapped a good goal for Busselton and at half time, scores were level.

Zappara would bob up again midway through the third term to kick the Dons seven points clear, with the quarter halted a er an injury to Zoe Worsfold which saw two

Ambulances and a Medivan on the oval.

At the time of writing, Worsfold was still having tests.

During the delay, the hailstorm hit the oval, preceding an exciting nal term.

Busselton dominated a good portion of the nal term but were not able to score the goal to draw level or hit the front, as the Dons defence stood resolute.

A behind narrowed the margin to ve points, but the Dons held on in a desperate last few minutes to move into their rst ever Grand Final, where they will play the defending champions, Bunbury.