Busselton Dunsbororigh Sept 3, 2025

Local students reap rewards from sound bath meditations

With increasing awareness around burnout, anxiety, and academic pressure, educators are turning to evidence-based, alternative practices like Sound Bath meditation to promote mental and emotional health within schools.

Georgiana Molloy Anglican School (GMAS) is leading the way in wellbeing initiatives by integrating Sound Bath meditation into its Professional Development and student support programs. is holistic approach is helping students and sta manage stress, improve focus, and enhance emotional regulation.

A Sound Bath meditation involves the use of soothing tones from instruments such as singing bowls, gongs, and

chimes.

e slow rhythms help calm the nervous system, creating a deep sense of relaxation and safety.

Rooted in over 5,000 years of Eastern healing traditions and adapted for modern wellness, Sound Bath med-

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itation is widely recognised for reducing stress, releasing tension, and bringing mental clarity.

Health and wellness practitioner Melia Brent-White transitioned from a career in the local wine industry a er facing chronic illness and

found her calling in complementary therapies in 2012.

“My rst Sound Bath experience in 2015 had a profound e ect on me. I was amazed at how quickly my mind could settle with sound. Since then, I’ve been dedicated to sharing this with others, and it’s been incredible to see the impact it has,” said Melia.

GMAS incorporates Sound Bath meditation into other school settings, including exam preparation, camps, and student retreats. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

One student re ected, “It’s one of the only times my mind has been still.”

Melia has seen growing interest among both students and teachers.

“It’s been fantastic to see how well-received the Sound Bath sessions have been. e demand is being driven by the community itself—once people experience it, they want more because they feel the bene ts,” said Melia.

GMAS Wellness Coordinator, Trudi Carr, has been impressed with the results and explained how it can help people to achieve a calmer state of mind.

“Sound Bath meditation works by helping to quiet the analytical side of the brain and activate the intuitive side, promoting deep relaxation. is shi in brainwave activity makes it particularly e ective for beginners and those who struggle with traditional meditation,” said Trudi.

City updates Council plan

e City of Busselton Council has adopted an updated version of its current ten year Council Plan 2024-2034, complete with a brand new Service Portfolio.

Following delivery of a number of key actions in the original plan, which was adopted by the Council last October, the City has now published an updated suite of key actions to be delivered over the next four years.

Mayor Phill Cronin said Council had made “signi cant progress” in the rst year of the plan.

“It was time for us to refresh this list and revise our four-year focus,” he said.

“Some actions have been adjusted or added in this revision based on Council Decisions made during the past year, but the vision and strategic priorities identi ed by the community remain the same.

“We intend to undertake another review of the plan in 2026. It is important that this guiding document remains up to date and focused on the future given a lot can change in a year,” he said.

He also said: “We are also delighted to have adopted the City’s rst ever Service Portfolio which is a new approach that we are using to present the City’s key service areas to the community.” e Service Portfolio explains the intent of each service, links to Council Plan actions and outcomes, and provides a summary of resourcing and delivery costs. is is yet an-

other transparency measure, and in time we will be able to monitor and report on key service metrics through this portfolio to assist us with decision making.”

To view the revised Council Plan document, and Service Portfolio visit www.busselton.wa.gov. au/documents/13610/council-plan-2024-2034

Busselton water future in focus

Community members who want to contribute to the South West’s water future are encouraged to have their say by joining one of two new groups.

As the region grows, Busselton Water is planning for the future and is seeking the input of locals to help inform decisions.

To facilitate this, it has created the Customer Reference Group (CRG) and the Customer Insights Group (CIG) in collaboration with Geocatch.

“Our water supply in the South West is facing challenges on several fronts - with a growing population, a nite groundwater supply and a drying climate,” Water Minister Don Punch said.

“Ensuring the region has a sustainable supply of water for generations to come is vital, so it’s important to get it right.

“I am pleased Busselton Water has reshaped its community engagement framework to provide a voice for the community, and I encourage customers who have time to put their hands up and apply.

“ e Community Open Day will provide a great opportunity to see behind the gates at an operating water plant, and to learn more about the local water supply and these new community engage-

ment groups.”

e CRG will involve in-person participation for individuals who can attend four two-hour sessions over the next 18 months.

ese sessions will be held on weekdays in the late a ernoon or early evening.

e CIG has been designed for community members who are unable to commit to the CRG but can participate in short, online activities or surveys that will take no more than 10 minutes to complete.

e groups will explore four themes: water usage and conservation initiatives, capital works programs, pricing strategies and the role of technology. Residential customers, business owners, academics, industry professionals, community service providers, schools, and local clubs and associations are all encouraged to join. Participants will be compensated for their time, with credits applied to their Busselton Water account. Applications are open and need to be submitted by 30 Sept 2025. Further info can be found on Busselton Water’s website.

ose interested can also attend a Community Open Day on Sunday, 31 August at Busselton Water Plant 2 from 1pm-4pm to nd out more.

Chambers of commerce vote to join forces in future

The Dunsborough Yallingup Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DYCCI) announced on Friday that it had voted at its Annual General Meeting on August 28 to unify with the Busselton Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

A spokesperson for the Chamber said the decision would allow both organisations to present “a collective, stronger voice for local business across Busselton, Dunsborough, Vasse, Yallingup and the wider region”.

”This unification strengthens advocacy, expands networking and learning oppor-

tunities, and enables more support for members through shared resources, programs and events.”

The Chamber said no immediate changes would be made, with a transition group set to oversee the alignment of systems and governance over the coming months.

“We are grateful for the trust placed in both organisations and look forward to building on the strong foundations already in place, championing local enterprise, fostering collaboration and delivering practical outcomes for our region,” the spokesperson said.

Artist explores rural landscapes

Artist Gerald Ashcro will unveil a new body of work created over recent months.

‘Chasing the Light’ marks a signi cant moment in the artist’s evolving practice, revealing a renewed and deeply personal connection to the landscape.

rough applications of oil paint and a palette rich in earthy tones, Ashcro takes viewers on a journey across pastoral and coastal scenes.

ese works are not just depictions of place, but emotional responses to time spent immersed in nature. ey re ect a return to the familiar landscapes that hold memory, evoke feeling, and stir a deep sense of belonging.

Following a successful period exploring abstraction, Ashcro felt an irresistible pull back to the natural world. e collection is the result

of that quiet reconnection, each painting a meditation on presence and perception.

Ashcro ‘s work invites viewers to pause, re ect, and reconnect with their own experiences of place and time.

‘Chasing the Light’ is more than a visual journey; it is an invitation to rediscover a shared sense of wonder, nos-

talgia, and reverence for the natural world.

An opening function will be held on Saturday 6 September at 11am, o ering visitors an opportunity to meet the artist, view the exhibition, and enjoy light refreshments in the historic surrounds of the Old Courthouse Complex.

New format for Chess Festival

e 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.

e 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.

“ e 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-theboard tournament for the rst 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.

Hi I’m Rollo

Hi,

I’m Bella

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 Willamena

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.

A 5 month old one-of-a-kind kitten with a personality as striking as my looks! I’m the ultimate mix of playful and affectionate - I meow sweetly for your attention, flop onto the floor for a dramatic roll, and happily melt into bliss during head scratches. Whether I’m curled up beside you for cuddles or entertaining you with my silly antics, I’ll fill your home with joy, love, and laughter. I’m currently living with a kitten who’s slightly older than me and I love to follow him around - playing, exploring the house and climbing to great heights. I’ll do well in a home with another feline friend. I also get along with my medium sized gentle foster dog. My adoption fee is $300.

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

Another one sold by Jason Dragstra

Creative collaborators combine canvas and clay

Longtime friends and creative collaborators, Carol Mulhearn and Rebecca Miller will open their joint exhibition at the Day Room Gallery at the Old Courthouse this month.

‘Brush and Earth - Adventures in Canvas and Clay’ brings together two distinct practices in a shared celebration of place, friendship, and artistic exploration.

The vibrant and joyful exhibition juxtaposes expressive, large-scale landscape painting with whimsical, hand-built ceramic sculpture, offering viewers an imaginative and richly textured journey through coastal forms, stories, and materials.

Miller’s work captures the energy and movement of the coastal landscapes she has known all her life.

Through bold brushwork and layered textures, her paintings evoke the emo-

tional connection between self and place - grounding the viewer in the moods and rhythms of the natural world.

In contrast, Carol Mulhearn turns to clay as a medium for storytelling and play. With a background in textiles, Mulhearn infuses her ceramic sculptures with warmth, humour, and personalityfrom character-filled dogs with individual stories, to elegant whales that embody the serene beauty of the sea.

Many works incorporate timber, wire, and hand-felted wool, blurring the lines between sculpture, craft, and narrative. Together, their works converse across materials

- brush and earth - exploring themes of friendship, imagination, and the enduring inspiration of nature.

An opening function will be held on Saturday 13 September from 11am to 1pm, where you can meet the artists and enjoy light refreshments.

All welcome.

The event is proudly sponsored by Rocky Ridge Brewing co and Flame Tree Wines Margaret River. Brush and Earth - Adventures in Canvas and Clay will run from September 8 to September 28 in the Day Room Gallery. For more information, visit www.busseltonculturalprecinct.com.au

WE BUY VEHICLES

Green light for sporting space

e City of Busselton Council has voted to proceed with the construction of a new multi-sport pavilion at the Dunsborough Lakes Sporting Precinct.

Cr Cronin said the City had already engaged an architect and worked with local clubs to nalise the design.

“While this project was already well progressed and fully funded, the Council decided to put this on hold to enable Elected Members to engage directly with those clubs earlier this month,” he said.

e decision was made at the August 27 Council meeting, with the City con rming the project had been included in the 2025/26 annual budget before being placed on hold for a consultation process.

“ is decision follows years of consultation with local sporting clubs through which the City’s Sport and Recreation Facilities Strategy was developed,” City of Busselton Mayor Phill Cronin said.

“ e decision to move forward with the pavilion is fully in line with that plan and will enable us to complete this critical project for Dunsborough which the City commenced work on 18 months ago.

“ is decision will now provide those clubs and their members with some certainty moving forward.”

Cr Cronin said with the project now progressing, ”we can dedicate resources to more assertively exploring opportunities for other strategic sport and recreational solutions to meet the growing needs of the whole community – and that will include looking at the needs of all sports”.

“Once the pavilion has been built, this precinct will provide additional playing space that is crucially needed by our sporting clubs.” he said. Council said the decision to proceed with the project also included a commitment to continuing to investigate options for sites for a future District Sport and Recreational Facility, investigating options for indoor courts at Dunsborough and bringing forward the eastern extension of playing elds at the Dunsborough Lakes Sporting Precinct to provide a site for soccer to build a clubhouse. It said the outcomes of those investigations would be discussed in a further Elected Member workshop in 2026 and would also inform a review of the Sport and Recreation Facilities Strategy.

$15,990 Door 1.8Litre

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

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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.

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

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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.

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$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.

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

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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.

Stones & 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 to-

day. The intricate craft captured her imagination, leading her to explore metalsmithing through books and videos until a newspaper clipping changed everythingsomeone 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 cul-

tures, drawing inspiration from both her American heritage and her adopted 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.

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.”

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

A Pleasure to Deal With

Our experience with Hannah was a pleasure and made the transaction easy from listing to settlement. Her smiling temperament reinforced her local knowledge and desire to be of service. Nothing was too difficult or bothersome and we were always at ease with her. Arrangements and timing were diligently kept and no doubts arose about what was happening next. After a number of real estate agent dealings over the years this was the best by far and leaves a lasting impression of professionalism.

SELLER | 3 Triller Close, Geographe

Outstanding Service and Support from Hannah at Ray White Busselton

We had the absolute pleasure of working with Hannah from Ray White Busselton during the purchase of our property and we couldn't recommend her more highly. From our first interaction, Hannah was professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly responsive. She made what could have been a stressful process feel seamless and enjoyable, always going the extra mile to ensure everything stayed on track. Her local insights and warm, genuine approach set her apart. Thank you, Hannah – you made all the difference!

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Our team, our experience, our technology, our marketing and our global reach come together to deliver a service beyond expectations. That's All of Us, working for you. Contact Hannah to make your next move a success.

Steven Skelly - Sunday 21st September Mexicola Executive

Christine Manfield - Sunday 5th October

Creative

Guy Grossi - Sunday 16th November

Devoted restaurateur of the Grossi empire Guy will bring his passsion and famiglia joy to our kitchen for an exclusive Sunday

Make the most of warmer days

IN YOUR PATCH

TERRI SHARPE

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 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.

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 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 as flower production is usually 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 barrier placed between the lawn and surrounding garden beds.

Failure to insert a decent barrier between lawn and garden beds will cause you years - yes years - of pain as lawn runners move into those beds and create an unsightly, out-ofcontrol, mess. Not only unsightly, these grasses steal nutrient from other plants, can choke waterways and other natural habitats, and often move into our natural bushland. If you are going to have lawn, please install a decent, deep, barrier like steel edging sunk to a depth of at least 15cm, to help reduce your future workload and protect our native bushlands. Any edging will require maintenance, but a lot less than if you do nothing or put in an inferior edge like rocks, wood, or plastic.

Happy springtime everyone. Get those tomatoes in the ground!

of Melissa Catherine Cristinelli of Busselton, formerly of Manjimup, will be held in the Bantry Chapel, 105 Bussell Highway Busselton, commencing at 11.00am on MONDAY (8.9.2025).

SHEEP MANURE

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 participationbased 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

Geo Bay swim on shortlist

The Cool Water Classic has been named one of the five best small regional events in Australia

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

THE Yahava KoffeeWorks Cool Water Classic is delighted to announce it has been named a National Nominee in the Best Small Regional Event category at the Australian Event Awards.

As a National Nominee the Yahava KoffeeWorks Cool Water Classic has been assessed as one of the top five best small regional events in Australia and will now undergo a further assessment to determine the best small regional event.

Winners will be announced at the Australian Event Awards Ceremony on Wednesday 15 October 2025.

In just its second year the Yahava KoffeeWorks Cool Water Classic has gone from strength to strength attracting more than 400 swimmers for the 20km swim along the picturesque Geographe Bay between Dunsborough and Busselton.

Event Director Sam Moore said, "We are honoured to be one of five national nominees in the Best Small Regional Event category at the Australian Event Awards.

"To see how the Yahava KoffeeWorks Cool Water Classic

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.”

has grown over the first two years has exceeded our expectations, and now to be recognised as a national nominee and one of the top five small regional events reinforces the unique nature and value of the event.

"The Yahava KoffeeWorks Cool Water Classic wouldn't be possible without our partners, and we extend our thanks to Yahava KoffeeWorks, Ray White Stocker Preston, City of Busselton and the Western Australian Government through Tourism WA for their ongoing support.

"And a special thank you to everyone who has participated in the event, supported their friends and family, volunteered or contributed and of course to the entire Geographe Bay region who have helped make it a must do event on the calendar.

"We look forward to welcoming even more participants this November for the 2025 edition and to continue growing the event into the future."

The 2025 edition is being held Saturday 15 November, 2025 with entries open for solos, duos and teams at www.geobayswim. com.au

Kid-friendly ride added

CAPE to Cape MTB, Australia’s largest and most popular mountain bike stage race is getting even bigger with the addition of Cape Kids, a kids ride and community event to start the 2025 edition, Wednesday 15 October in Margaret River.

Taking place the day before the official start of the four day event, Cape Kids in the heart of Margaret River township will bring kids and the local community closer to the race than ever before.

Designed to provide the local community an opportunity to get involved in the event and for kids of all ages the chance to ride on a closed course similar to Cape to Cape MTB.

Held at Nippers Oval, the fun starts at 3.00pm before the kids ride rolls out from 4pm. To be as inclusive as possible, there will be rides for those under 10, 10-13 and 14+.

All participants in Cape Kids will receive a C2C race plate to display proudly on their bikes and a participant medal.

Beyond the event itself, Cape Kids is giving back to the South West community, with part proceeds supporting the Margaret River Off Road Cycling Association (MRORCA) who are long-time Cape to Cape MTB supporters through volunteering, trail building, and maintenance - and Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation

(PCHF), which helps more than 10,000 children from regional WA access world-class care at Perth Children’s Hospital every year.

“The South West and Margeret River have been supporters and hosts of Cape to Cape MTB for close to 20 years and the launch of Cape Kids will bring the local community even closer to the event,” Cape to Cape MTB Coowner and Race Director Bill Hayes said.

“Cape to Cape MTB has always been a community event and we know there are lots of kids out on the trails and we wanted to provide an opportunity for them to join in with the event. We hope to see many of them go on to ride the event in the coming years.

“Having some of Australia’s best mountain bikers there to chat and sign autographs is sure to inspire the next generation and encourage more people to get out on the trails in a beautiful part of the world with some of the best trails around.

“We are proud Cape Kids will further support the local MTB community and MRORCA and Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation with the important work they do.”

Shire of Augusta Margaret River

President Julia Jean-Rice said the event would be a great way to start the Cape to Cape MTB.

“Mountain biking is part of our identity – from our unique trails to the passionate riders who call this place home,” she said.

“The new kids-focused event in the heart of Margaret River will give

children the chance to be a part of this iconic event, while also creating a welcoming space for families to connect, participate, and celebrate the sport and the outdoor lifestyle we all love.

“Events like these build community, inspire healthy lifestyles, and ensure our major events continue to grow in ways that benefit everyone.”

Entries for the Kids Ride are open at capetocapemtb.com.

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

Magpies take down Bulls

JASON CROWE

BUSSELTON have won through to the second Semi Final in the Tronox Women’s Qualifying Final, defeating Harvey Bulls by eight points at Hands Memorial Oval on Saturday.

It would be goal for goal in an entertaining opening term, with Caitlin Shales giving the Bulls the early advantage, but soon after Sarah Lang would reply for Busselton to level the scores.

Emma Faulkner kicked a good goal from long range to give the Bulls back the lead, but a goal to Beth Beckett right on quarter time, leveled the scores again.

Keeley Foster put the Magpies in front for the first time in the match early in the second quarter, before Taleishia Cann kicked Busselton’s second goal for the quarter, as the black and whites started to dominate.

With less than a minute to play, Faulkner kicked the Bulls first score for

the quarter to reduce the margin to eight points at half time.

The Bulls meant business in the third term, which would be a physical encounter, with Faulkner kicking the only goal of the term, with Busselton holding a one point lead at the final break.

The Bulls would dominate the early proceedings of the final term, with scores level for six minutes, with the Bulls unable to get a clear kick at goal to get reward for effort.

A quick transference of play saw Christie Daniels convert and put the Magpies into a Second Semi Final against Bunbury.

The Bulls will be in the first Semi Final and will play either Donnybrook or Harvey Brunswick Leschenault who play on Sunday in the Elimination Final at Kelly Park.

Busselton’s womens side delivered a solid performance against Harvey. PHOTO: Sharyn Newlands

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