Busselton Dunsborough Mail | April 1, 2026

Decisions matter: Police urge caution

SOUTH West police have joined a state-wide call for extra care on roads, and busy tourist areas this week, ahead of Easter holiday crowds arriving in the region for the long weekend.

e Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) and WA Police chaplains were in Dunsborough on Monday to bless the emergency services and their vehicles, and to launch the South West Emergency Services Easter Safety Campaign.

Dunsborough Police Station ocer in charge, Sergeant Jon Adams, said the launch was a chance for personnel from DFES, WA Police, St John Ambulance, State Emergency Service, Volunteer Marine Rescue, Surf Lifesaving WA, and the Department of Transport, to spread the message during one of the busiest times of the year.

“ e Easter period traditionally brings higher tra c volumes, long road trips and increased risks on both metropolitan and regional roads,” Sgt Adams said.

“For our South West communities, this includes a signi cant inux of visitors, making safe driving even more important.”

Sgt Adams urged drivers to allow extra time, and to expect roads to

St Mary's

be busier than usual.

He said o cers would be out in force across the state with increased patrols and stops, as a Double Demerits period kicks in from 12.01am on ursday, April 2 until midnight on Monday, April 6.

“Our priority is preventing further trauma on Western Australian roads,” Sgt Adams continued.

“Too many families have been le with permanent grief following decisions that could have been avoided. We don’t want any more families su ering preventable loss.”

Sgt Adams said local patrols would be active around key holiday

locations, as well as major routes into Dunsborough, and popular tourist areas.

“ is includes a strong focus on the Fatal Five - speeding, impairment through alcohol or drugs, distraction, fatigue and the failure to wear restraints.

“Targeted operations will be in place across the long weekend to identify these behaviours early and intervene before harm occurs.”

While Double Demerits is a costly consequence to drivers committing o ences, Sgt Adams said police priority was not on issuing infringements, but preventing loss of life.

“If you are doing the right thing, you have nothing to worry about,” he said.

“Every infringement re ects a risk that could have led to tragedy.

“Every fatal crash has consequences that extend far beyond the scene, and our o cers are committed to taking rm enforcement action to keep road users safe.

“Whether you are a local resident or visiting for the holiday period, your decisions on the road matter.

“Please look a er one another this long weekend.

“We want everyone who comes to Dunsborough to enjoy their time here and to get home safely.”

Busselton Margaret River region tops list of collision hot spots

NEW NRMA Insurance data has revealed the top animal collision hotspots across WA, with Collie, Margaret River and Busselton the three most at-risk locations.

All located in the South West region, together they make up WA’s biggest hotspot, accounting for almost a third (31.3 percent) of all accidents in the state.

NRMA Insurance Executive Manager Claims Nick Kirkovski said the combination of seasonal conditions and a surge in holiday travel created heightened danger.

“Animal encounters on Australian roads increase through autumn and winter as the days become shorter and wildlife activity peaks at dusk, dawn and night,” said Mr Kirkovski.

“Wildlife can appear on the road with little warning, which is why it’s so important for drivers to stay alert, particularly when travelling long distances in regional areas these school holidays.”

Kangaroos were by far the most common animal involved, accounting for 84 percent of all animal collisions.

Margaret River Discovery Co’s Sean Blocksidge said in the South West region, kangaroos were “100 percent guaranteed”.

“Spending all day on country roads, you get pretty tuned in to it,” he said.

“Eyes up, scanning constantly, expecting the unexpected.”

But with plenty of drivers heading down south for the holidays who aren’t as familiar with the habitual side-of-the-road-scan, Sean o ered a friendly reminder.

“Unfortunately that split-second surprise usually ends badly — for the roo and for whoever’s behind the wheel,” he said.

“Slow it down, stay sharp, and assume there’s a kangaroo just o the road thinking ‘yeah nah… she’ll be right’.

“Because that’s exactly when it won’t be!”

MARRI Reserve in Dunsborough is showing encouraging signs of recovery following the bush re that passed through the area in February last year.

e City of Busselton issued an update on the reserve last week, and said winter rains had helped native vegetation regenerate, with seeds successfully establishing and many trees and grass trees already resprouting across the reserve.

e reserve is an important conservation area, home to numerous rare ora species, threatened ecological communities and rare native fauna, including the critically endangered Black Cockatoo and Western Ringtail Possum.

Temporary fences along Marri Drive and Naturaliste Terrace have been removed, allowing public access to return along the internal limestone re access tracks.

e City said the removal of the fences marked an exciting milestone in the reserve’s recovery.

“I would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank the Marri Reserve Recovery Team (made up of multiple agencies) and Friends of Marri Reserve for their collaborative e orts in guiding the recovery of the reserve and addressing key challenges during its most fragile period,” Mayor Phill Cronin said.

“ eir time and expertise have been vital in protecting the reserve and supporting its long-term health.”

To help protect the fragile new growth, the City is currently installing internal reminder fencing, to help visitors remain on the limestone re tracks, and to prevent the spread of weeds and phytophthora dieback, while also protecting young plants and newly established seedlings.

e City said vegetation adjacent to Cape Naturaliste Road was taking a little longer to regenerate.

“In this section there is still signi cant open ground where seeds have yet to establish and some trees have not yet resprouted.

“To give this area the best chance to recover, the temporary fence along Cape Naturaliste Road will remain in place for now and will be assessed for a longer-term solution.

“ e re access track connecting to Cape Naturaliste Road is still open to the public.”

If you would like to be involved in recovery and join the Friends of Marri Reserve, please contact City Environment O cers on 9781 0444.

Learn at the library

ere’s plenty of holiday fun and informative sessions at the Busselton Dunsborough Libraries in coming weeks, with a series of events aimed at adults and kids of all ages.

Kids aged 4 to 12 are invited to drop in for an a ernoon of arts and cra s.

e library will provide a “truckload” of cra y supplies- participants just need to bring their imagination and enthusiasm. e event is free, no bookings are required, but parents and guardians must remain for the duration.

Busselton Library

1pm-4pm ursday, April 9

Dunsborough Library

2pm-4pm Friday, April 10

Visit busseltonlibrary.com.au for more information.

Adults and seniors are invited to boost con dence with technology through Connected and Con dent: Digital Skills for Everyday Life, a four-week course at Busselton Library.

Designed for those wanting to better understand their phones, tablets, or computers, the program o ers practical, hands-on learning in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Sessions will run on April 8, 14, 22 and 28, with all classes o ered free of charge. Bookings are required, and in-

terested participants can register by contacting the library on 9781 1777.

Residents are encouraged to take part in an informative and compassionate discussion at Busselton Library on Wednesday, April 22, from 10:30 am to 12 noon, focusing on the o en-avoided topic of voluntary assisted dying.

e event is free, open to all members of the community, and refreshments will be provided.

Visit busseltonlibrary.com.au to register.

Home-schooled children aged 8+ are invited to join a hands-on gardening club designed to spark a love for plants and nature.

Participants will explore how seeds grow, discover the magic of soil, and learn how caring for the environment helps our planet thrive.

Each session features a mix of gardening adventures, arts and cra s, cooking tasty treats and guest speakers.

e club meets fortnightly on Mondays from 2 pm to 3 pm at Dunsborough Library, with Term Two sessions scheduled for May 11, May 25, June 8, and June 22.

Children should bring snacks, water bottles, hats, and gardening gloves, and parents of participants under 12 must remain in the library. To register or learn more, visit Dunsborough Library or call 9756 7111.

City’s position leaves more questions to ask

The most recent Council meeting and the follow up media release on clarification of the City of Busselton’s position in relation to industrial scale wind turbines being proposed in the Geographe Bay, leaves more questions than answers.

For nearly two years, a large portion of the Geographe Bay community has raised serious concerns about the proposed offshore wind turbine project.

We have written, attended meetings, consulted, and engaged in good faith.

Yet through all of this, our local council has remained conspicuously unable or unwilling to form a clear position.

There comes a point where silence is no longer neutrality, it is failure.

This ongoing indecision is not harmless.

It is actively fuelling division within our community.

Those with legitimate concerns about environmental impact, visual amenity, and long-term economic value are increasingly dismissed as fringe or radical voices, rather than

residents asking reasonable questions about a project that will fundamentally alter the character of our coastline and local community forever.

This will be the largest intergenerational industrial offshore wind infrastructure project in this region’s history.

Leadership matters most when issues are complex and contentious.

Instead, what we are seeing is fence-sitting dressed up as prudence.

The repeated implication, spoken or otherwise, is that because this is a federally driven project, it somehow sits outside the responsibility of local government.

That is simply not good enough.

Local councils exist to represent their communities, particularly when those communities feel unheard by higher levels of government, which has been the direct case for all concerned.

Choosing not to take a position sends a clear message, that the concerns of residents are secondary to political conve-

nience.

The result is a growing sense of frustration and worse, helplessness.

People who care deeply about the future of Geographe Bay are left feeling abandoned by those elected to advocate on their behalf.

Regardless of where one stands on the project itself, the community deserves clarity, leadership, and a council prepared to state unequivocally where it stands.

One must ask the question, “If our locally elected representatives won’t speak for us, one has to ask, who will?”

Because in the absence of leadership, silence doesn’t calm a community it fractures it.

And right now, that fracture is widening by the day.

Andrew Wynne, Yallingup

Last week I had the pleasure (almost) of attending the emergency dept due to a fall.

As it turned out I had fractured 3 bones in my left wrist.

The reason for this letter is to

Have your say: Do you agree that the City of Busselton Council should take a stance on wind farm proposals in Geographe Bay? Email us at editorial@busseltonmail.com.au

thank the staff from reception, nurses, doctors and x ray staff for their, not only professionalism but their caring service. At all times during my over 4

hours stay, they were happy but caring for all the patients in tow. Thank you to them all!

Keith Sims, Busselton

Finn’s future in focus

THE City of Busselton has announced the appointment of its latest Youth Trainee for 2026, with a talented young local stepping into the role.

Finn Batley was selected through the ongoing partnership between the City’s Youth Services team and Rio Tinto and will undertake a full year of hands-on work experience with the City.

A Dunsborough local and former St Mary McKillop College student, Finn brings focus, grit and a strong sense of community to the role.

“Finn’s appointment reects the incredible potential and talent of our local youth, and I am pleased the City can support her journey,” Mayor Phill Cronin said.

“Investing in young people is essential, particularly in an increasingly complex and challenging world.

“Supporting young people to build con dence, capability and real-world experience is important.”

e program is designed to give young people opportunities to build skills, gain con dence and look ahead to a future in their own community.

Alongside a full year of hands-on work experience, the program o ers a strong support network, mentorship and clear pathways into further work, learning and long-term career development.

“For more than a decade, the City of Busselton and Rio Tinto have worked in partnership to support opportunities for local young people in the community,” Rio Tinto General Manager Communities Molly Singline said.

“We congratulate Finn on her appointment and look forward to seeing her thrive under the excellent mentorship of the City’s Youth Services Team.”

Finn will work alongside the City’s Youth Services team to support programs, events and initiatives that connect with and engage young people across Busselton and Dunsborough.

Judi

Ask us about

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Possum project is a sign of success

IF you have wandered along the Holgate Road foreshore in Broadwater recently you may have noticed a series of bright and eye-catching educational signs packed with facts about the Nguraren (Western Ringtail Possum), and tips on how you can help this critically endangered species.

e signs are secured on recycled jetty timber posts and you can also spot two possum boxes, a safe place for possums in the area in which to make their home.

Around the foreshore area you can see native trees growing that have been planted by the community during past GeoCatch tree planting events in recent years, creating much-needed habitat for the Western Ringtail Possum.

GeoCatch project o cer, Nicole Lincoln, who coordinated the project, said she was very happy with the result.

“ e signage looks fantastic and will be there for years to come, educating passers-by on the plight of the Western Ringtail Possum and importantly, how the community can get involved and support e orts to ensure the survival of this critically endan-

gered marsupial,” Nicole said.

“It was a team e ort getting the signage from conception to installation using local businesses

Total Horticultural Services and e Box.”

e project was supported by funding from the State Natural Resource Management Program, the City of Busselton, Busselton Water and delivered by GeoCatch.

Declared critically endangered in 2017, the Western Ringtail Possum is particularly vulnerable when navigating roads and backyards in urban areas, especially if

they run into domestic dogs and cats.

You can play your own part in protecting the marsupial by joining GeoCatch’s annual Ringtail Tally, which launches today, Wednesday April 1.

e citizen science project, in its eleventh year, will span four weeks until May 2, and anyone can be involved in collecting data. ere is a new online form option to record your tallying, and the hard copy data sheet is still

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available too.

e Ringtail Tally plays a vital role in improving understanding and awareness of possums living in urban areas.

e data collected helps track population trends, informs future planning decisions, and guides conservation e orts across the region.

Since the Tally started in 2016, it has expanded beyond the original Geographe Catchment area.

Nature Conservation Margaret River, Leschenault Catchment Council, Oyster Harbour Catchment Group and Wirambi Landcare now run the project with their local communities making it a truly regional event.

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

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

Everyone who participates in the Tally will enter the draw to win a hand-made possum box by the Busselton Men’s Shed, which can be installed in backyards to create a home for a possum to move into.

To register and take part in the 2026 Ringtail Tally, visit geocatch.asn.au

DIVERSITY DAY DELIVERS

IT WAS a celebration of culture, creativity and colour on Sunday March 15 as the local community joined forces to celebrate the rst Busselton Multicultural Festival.

Held at the Busselton Foreshore Amphitheatre, the festival brought performers, artists, educators and cultural representatives together to highlight the diversity of the local community.

Participants enjoyed the costume parade, international food stalls, drumming and dancing exhibitions, and cultural workshops during the free event, which was supported by the City of Busselton, the O ce of Multicultural Interests, Lotterywest, and the Building Busselton Town Team.

All photos thanks to Abby Murray Photography.

A GROUP exhibition showcasing the works of four talented Western Australian female artists will open this month at Yallingup Galleries.

‘Contemporary Woman’ features artworks from Tatiana Amaral, Victoria Paxton, Tammy Andrews, and Vania Lawson, each o ering a distinctive exploration of strength, emotion, and connection to place through their individual practices.

Bringing together painting, collage, and ceramics, ‘Contemporary Woman’ creates an intimate dialogue between material, landscape, and feminine

perspective. e exhibition highlights the diverse voices shaping contemporary art in Western Australia, where process and intuition intersect with deeply personal narratives.

Perth-based Vania Lawson presents luminous landscapes that capture the shi ing light of ocean and sky.

Brazilian-born Tatiana Amaral creates intricate collaged compositions using cotton paper, acrylic, and pigment. Her tactile, meditative process burning, shaping, and placing each element by hand, builds richly layered works that re ect both her

heritage and her connection to the WA landscape.

Tammy Andrews, based in Esperance and a Curtin University graduate, brings a sensuous energy to oil painting. Known for her thick, expressive brushwork and impressionistic compositions, Andrews embraces the sculptural qualities of paint to create works that feel both grounded and emotive.

Ceramic artist Victoria Paxton hand-builds sculptural stoneware forms that balance movement, tactility, and quiet presence. Working slowly and intuitively, Paxton allows the clay

to guide each piece, resulting in forms that feel both organic and architectural.

Together, the artists o present a compelling celebration of contemporary female practice, where diverse materials and approaches converge to explore landscape, identity, and emotional resonance.

An early catalogue is available upon request.

‘Contemporary Woman’ runs from 11–19 April, with Opening Night from 5 pm Saturday 11 April.

For more information visit www. yallingupgalleries.com.au

Big Ideas

Bold Conversations Brilliant Stories

Lester returns for launch

BELOVED WA author Natasha Lester is heading back to Busselton next month for a special event to launch her latest novel, e Chateau on Sunset.

Appearing at Poppy & Pip Cafe with Dymocks Busselton, Lester will meet fans and chat about the latest work, while sharing snacks and bubbles to celebrate.

Lester worked as a marketing executive in the beauty industry before she returned to university to study creative writing, and has since established herself as one of Australia’s most popular ction writers, bas-

ing her stories on strong and accomplished women at important points in history.

e Chateau on Sunset is the New York Times bestsell-

ing author’s tenth book, and centres around an orphan who grows up surrounded by the beautiful and the broken in one of the world’s most infamous hotels - the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles.

e historical novel reimagines Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre within the glamorous, dark setting of the Hollywood celebrity haunt, from the 1950s to the 1970s.

Natasha Lester is at Poppy & Pip Cafe on ursday, May 21. For more information and to book, visit www.trybooking.com/DJZGH

eggsellent Easter in the South West is

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SUZY FRENCH ART

Suzy French is an Australian artist who lives in the Margaret River wine region, she creates modern landscape artwork on aluminum composite panels.

Suzy has been painting with oils for many years. A dedicated artist, she has had 11 highly successful solo exhibitions, and numerous collaborative shows. Her work is held in collections through-out the country and overseas.

The development of the process to create artwork on ACP has been a major break though in her art practice. This is a technique rarely seen in Australia, it has given her work a point of difference and a more contemporary edge. Totally archival, it will never warp with the weather, and can be used in an outdoor living space.

Dunsborough Art Society Easter Exhibition and Art Sale Yallingup Hall Caves Road Yallingup

Open daily 10am - 4pm Friday 18 April 2025 Until Monday 21 April 2025

Nirvana Estate Studio Beckett Road - Metricup.

ENTRY: Turn off Bussell Highway onto Beckett Road. Turn down the first gravel track on your right & come on through the open gate. You will travel 750m through forest and over the little bridge to the studio door. There is plenty of parking and room to turn a van in the gallery carpark. Please drive slowly & stay on the designated roadsmoking prohibited. No dogs, with thanks.

NEW Studio opening hours. Friday to Sunday 10am to 4pm suzyfrenchart.com.au

Colours of Country: Celebrating Our Stories

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Second time’s a charm for triathlete

NICKY LEFEBVRE

As athletes, supporters, families, and friends gathered in Dunsborough last weekend for the start of Asia-Pacific Championship week and the opening round of the 2026 XTERRA World Cup, one visiting competitor was preparing to tackle a race which had last year ended in disappointment.

Takehiro Irokawa - a 25 year old professional triathlete, was back in the South West to take part in the Elite category of the XTERRA World Cup, a points-based, global offroad triathlon competition spanning Oceania, Europe, North America, and Asia.

The only competitor in the XTERRA World Cup Elite division from his home country of Japan, Irokawa began competing in triathlon just three years ago, building on a background of road cycling, mountain bikes and school swimming championships.

A graduate of Yamagata University, and currently pursuing his PhD at the University’s Graduate School of Organic Materials Systems, Irokawa also acts as a guide for Japan’s para-triathlon team.

Last year’s XTERRA event saw Irokawa suffer an untimely tyre puncture during the race, leav-

ing him disappointed with his result - and determined to return to Dunsborough to have another crack at the gruelling race.

He arrived last week to a warm welcome, landing with a local family who had made a connection with him last year and were keen to support him in achieving his dream, a journey which, despite some sponsorship arrangements, can be financially challenging.

With a safe place to stay in the region and a determination to improve on last year’s results, Irokawa set his sights on earning those valuable points to contribute to

his global World Cup ranking. Training began in earnest on Wednesday - despite his arrival from Perth airport in the middle of the night - and suffered his first tyre puncture in that first training session. With repairs made, it was time to look to the weekend.

Saturday brought 18°C air and water temperatures, with steady rain and choppy conditions following the passage of tropical cyclone Narelle further north.

One long-time local surfer described the conditions in Geographe Bay, where athletes would tackle the swim section of the race, as the “worst the entrants could have encountered here”.

Irokawa and his fellow competitors covered a 1.5km swim, a 30.2km mountain bike ride through Meelup Regional Park, and a 10.5km trail run across challenging coastal terrain.

It was during the bike ride that Irokawa noticed something wasn’t quite right with his bike, but chose to push on, determined to reach the finish line with a decent time.

The slow puncture which had once again put his bike leg at risk, was no match for the focused young man, and he crossed the line in an impressive 8th place.

Reflecting on his return to the South West, and the hospitality and support he received from his local hosts as well as the triathlon

racing community, Irokawa said it was “an amazing week”. “[This was] truly a special memory for me.”

The 2026 Western Australia Margaret River Pro Pre-Event Community Notification

Event setup: 30 March to 14 April

Easter: 3 April - 6 April

Relationships Australia WA Margaret River Pro Trials : 10 April

Athlete Training Day: 15 April

Main Event dates: 16 - 26 April (4-6 days of competition)

Event pack down: 27 April - 3 May

Surfers Point - Changed traffic conditions to Surfers Point 30 March - 3 May.

Full Surfers Point Car Park closure 10 April - 3 May.

Surfers Point to Rivermouth footpath closure 14 - 27 April (You can access the Rivermouth on foot using the Rivermouth Road footpaths at any time).

Parking - Will only be available at McLeods Paddock, Wallcliffe Road opposite the Margaret River Golf Course on the weekend of the event. The shuttle bus will run on a continuous loop from Surfers Point to McLeods parking area. Parking will be available at Riflebutts Reserve during weekdays.

Buses - Will only run on weekends - leaving from McLeods Paddock, Wallcliffe Road opposite the Margaret River Golf Course to Surfers Point. Buses will run from 8am - 4pm depending on the competition schedule. There is no time schedule with buses running on a rotation.

Traffic Management - Local Gnarabup/Prevelly/Gracetown residents will be issued with a Resident’s Pass. Please ensure the sticker is placed on the inside of your right-hand side of your windscreen.

Message Boards - There will be visual message boards on Wallcliffe Road near the Margaret River Skate Park and near the Margaret River Golf Club. These will provide information regarding if the site is at capacity. If this is the case, please consider watching the event online at www.worldsurfleague.com, or at participating local businesses as indicated in the event guide.

On Surfing Competition days Riflebutts dog exercise area will be closed however the dog beach section will remain open.

There will be NO DOGS allowed on the event site.

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SHEEP MANURE

Busselton swimmers head to Nationals

IT’S 5.30 am on a cold mid-winter morning. The sky is still dark, and the air bites with a sharp chill.

While most teenagers are still in bed, ten young swimmers from Busselton are already in the water, training for their team and their dream.

Now, in April 2026, those early mornings have paid off. Ten Busselton Swimming Club athletes, aged 13 to 18, are heading to the Gold Coast to compete at the Australian Age National Swimming Championships - Australia’s premier event for emerging talent. For some, it’s their first time; for others, their fourth.

For all, it reflects months of dedication and a strong, supportive community.

Founded in 1956 at the Busselton Jetty, the club has long been built on community and family.

“Our club is committed to encouraging participation and fostering a genuine love of swimming for everyone,” said Club Secretary Ceri Rayne. “We aim to inspire and empower swimmers to pursue their goals - both in the pool and in life - by creating a cohesive, welcoming environment, with quality coaching, excellent swimming programs, strong family support, plenty of fun, and a true sense of belonging for every member.”

With 88 members training out of Geographe Leisure Centre, the club also runs open-water programs preparing swimmers for major events.

This year’s national team includes Macy Dargue, Grace Ferguson, Mia Forrest, Lily Morelli, Kyle Naude, Archie O’Beirne, Pamoana Pirikahu, Brooklyn Rayne, Madison Rayne and Marcus Van Rooyen, supported by Head Coach Andrew Sexton and Team Manager Martin Van Rooyen.

Andrew, who joined the club in 2018, said, “When the Head Coach role at Busselton came up, I jumped at it. It was so refreshing to arrive in a small town where the pools were clean (not green) with proper lane ropes and a local community that genuinely cared about their facilities and their sport.”

Since 2020, he has coached multiple swimmers into national top rankings—but says the team’s unity matters most.

“To have 10 national representatives in 2026 from a performance squad of just 12—and to now have national-level surf lifesavers and triathletes joining us—is a great reflection on our program,” he said.

“I couldn’t be prouder. But even more gratifying is the way this squad has grown in maturity and how they train together as a group, because swimming is a very, very hard sport to train for on your own.”

Training up to eight sessions a week, the squad faces the added challenge of outdoor winter mornings.

“By far the hardest part, aside from the time it takes to become a top swimmer, is those winter 5.30 am outdoor sessions,” Andrew said.

“It’s tough enough for a coach who is fully dressed in thermals, but our

swimmers tough it out year in, year out. And those down south winters can be brutal!”

For first-time qualifiers Mia Forrest and Marcus Van Rooyen, the achievement is huge.

“We’re so relieved and proud to have qualified and to be able to achieve personal goals,” they said.

“But, more than that, we’re so excited to compete in something we truly love and grateful for the chance to take another step forward performing at our best against some of the strongest competition in the country with our team.”

More experienced swimmers Archie O’Beirne and Madison Rayne say the team spirit stands out.

“Being able to race together as a team is awesome because we encourage and support one another.

“It’s an amazing feeling, competing against the best and seeing how we compare coming from a small regional club.”

The club’s progress has been strong in recent years, with multiple medals at country and state championships, relay records, and recognition as a Swimming WA Regional Finalist Club of the Year in 2024.

For parents, the journey is deeply rewarding.

“The dedication and discipline required to reach this level are never lost on us. Proud doesn’t even begin to describe how this feels,” Ceri said.

“When our children touch the wall, check their time, and then look to us for that confirmation that they’ve qualified.

“The smile that spreads across their face is unlike anything else— pure happiness, validation, and relief that all their hard work has paid off!”

With the championships approaching, Andrew remains focused on mindset.

“It may seem like a cliché, but my only hope is that the kids are able to relax and realise their full potential,” he said.

“The work is nearly done, and our preparation has gone well. I believe we have a good chance to achieve some fantastic results on the Gold Coast… as long as the swimmers can master the things under their control… we should see a great outcome!”

“I am sure every coach will know what I mean when I tell the young swimmers it’s not about the result, it is about the process!

“Get that right, and the results will come,” he laughed.

The Australian Age Swimming Championships run from 4 to 18 April on the Gold Coast and will be streamed live on Nine Now.

To find out more about joining Busselton Swimming Club, contact registrar@busseltonswimmingclub. com.au, visit the website, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

BUSSELTON’S Women’s South West League side delivered an impressive performance in Round 2, securing a confident 4–1 victory over Associates in their first home game of the season.

Backed by a supportive home crowd, Busselton set the tone early with sharp attacking play and relentless pressure in the forward line.

The young forward group proved particularly exciting, showcasing speed, skill, and composure beyond their years to create multi-

ple scoring opportunities and keep the opposition on the back foot.

The 4–1 result reflects a strong all-around team performance and signals a promising season ahead.

Last week, the team suffered a narrow 1–0 loss to Exies in Bunbury.

In what was a tightly fought match, Busselton matched their more experienced opponents across all areas of the field, showing early signs that this newlook squad could be a force to watch in 2026.

After last week’s tough start, and under the guidance of new coach Matt Milner the side featured a wave of fresh young talent; demonstrated skill, composure, and determination throughout this week’s contest.

With a blend of youthful energy up front and a solid defensive foundation, Busselton has laid down an early marker as a side to watch in the competition.

Wests Men’s South West League Team took the bye this weekend.

Magpies win grand final rematch

JASON CROWE

BUSSELTON remain undefeated after two rounds of the South West Football League season, after they defeated South Bunbury at Hands Memorial Oval on Saturday evening.

The match had plenty of expectation after last years epic Grand Final, and the match lived up to the hype, in a high quality match, that had it all, freak goals, high marking, plenty of hard tackling and some individual brilliance.

The big crowd didn’t have to wait long for the opening goal, with Nathan Murray converting after receiving a free kick after laying an excellent tackle on a Busselton defender.

With misty rain falling Harrison Allardyce slotted a good goal from a set shot in the pocket to give the Magpies the lead.

Liam Creighton kicked a long range goal on the run to give the visitors a five point lead at quarter time. Allardyce received a free kick in the opening minute of the second term to give the Magpies an eleven

point lead, but that would be short lived, as Bodhi Nordahl kicked accurately after receiving a 50m penalty.

The Tigers had plenty of possessions but couldn’t find the major opening, kicking three straight behinds, narrowing the deficit to two points.

Creighton would kick his second from close range to give the Magpies some breathing space, and they would go to half time with all of the momentum, as Mitch Tenardi goaled after the siren.

The start of the third term saw a weather event, no-one thought would happen, as the sun came out for the first time in days, in what was a frenetic third term, with eight minutes elapsing before a score – a behind to the Tigers, before kicked truly from a set shot.

Busselton were dominate, and the Tigers were under enourmous pressure, as Busselton led by a game high 22 points.

Out of no where, the Tigers kicked three goals in four minutes, two of them by Kade Wallrodt.

The first, Wallrodt threw his boot at the ball near the goal post, hitting the outside of his boot and going through the major opening.

The second was a snap out of a pack, and all of a sudden at three quarter time, the margin was four points.

In a tight final term, Ethan Bowman would give the Magpies some breathing space after taking a mark in a pack of players, with the resultant goal putting Busselton ten points in front with eighteen minutes to play.

Busselton seemingly had

the match in their control, but up popped Wallrodt again, slotting a set shot, and all of a sudden the margin was five points.

There would be no last minute heroics on this occassion by the Tigers as Ryan Ekert snapped a good goal, giving Busselton a twelve point victory, just the second time in 140 clashes between the two sides that the Magpies have won by twelve points over the Tigers, the other was 28 years ago.

Busselton 8.7.55 def. South Bunbury 6.7.43

QUICK START SEES LIONS SINK SHARKS

IN ROUND 2

JASON CROWE

Seven first quarter goals by Harvey Brunswick Leschenault saw them account for Dunsborough, at the Dunsborough Playing Fields on Saturday evening, in round two.

The seven goal onslaught by the Lions in the first quarter set up the victory as the visitors led by thirty points at quarter time.

The final margin would be thirty two points, as the home side rallied, and if not for some inacurate kicking in front of goals in the last term, the margin could well have been much less.

Dunsborough though would be on the back foot from almost the outset, with the Lions first term seeing multiple players

convert from all angles, seemingly unable to miss, setting up their first win of the season.

Jack Fletcher was a standout, not only in the ruck, but around the ground, also chiming in with two goals, to be one of the best players on the ground, while James Finucane and Beau Sellick got plenty of the footy.

Ryder Phillips played well for the Sharks and was a handful for the Lions defenders, kicking four goals.

After the Easter break, Dunsborough will host Carey Park, while the Lions will take on the Boomers at Glen Huon Reserve. Harv Bruns Lesch 14.8.92 def. Dunsborough 8.11.59

Saeed leads end of season honours

ALLAN MILLER CRICKET

THE CURTAIN came down on its most successful ever season when the Busselton-Margaret River Cricket Association held its windup and trophy presentation at the Barnard Park Pavilion on Sunday night.

A record number of 20 teams competed in the A, B and C-Grade divisions of the BMRCA this season, and the competition also claimed two major prizes by winning the Men’s A-Section Championship at Country Week in Perth (skippered by Fraser Oates) and also the Women’s B-Section Championship (skippered by Emma Bresser).

In addition, the BMRCA also successfully hosted the Australian Country Cricket Championships in January for the first time, impressing WA Cricket as well as interstate officials with its effort.

St Marys captain Zoraiz Saeed was rewarded for a record season with the bat when he claimed the two major individual awards at Sunday’s windup.

Saeed topped the A-Grade Cricketer of the Year award list with 1025 points to win the trophy presented by BMRCA patron Libby Mettam MLA, closely followed by Cowaramup skipper Fraser Oates on 988 points and Hawks allrounder Grant Garstone on 954 points.

Seed also polled a record 26 votes from the umpires to win the House Medal for the A-Grade Best and Fairest award, followed by the Cowaramup pair of Fraser Oates on 21 points and Nathan Coulter-Nile on 17 points.

The St Marys skipper’s 790 runs in the home-and-away games also earned him the Vic Clamp A-Grade Batting Aggregate trophy, while Coulter-Nile, who starred for Cowaramup this season, performed an unusual double by winning both the A-Grade Batting Average trophy (380 runs at 63.3) and the A-Grade Bowling Average trophy (23 wickets at just 4.1 runs each).

Outstanding young bowler Sean Zahra won the Busselton Toyota

A-Grade Bowling Aggregate with 39 wickets, while Vasse wicketkeeper-batsman Ajith Rajapaksha won the Fielding Award with 34 points.

St Marys 16-year-old left-arm spinner Kieran Zahra won the Ron Bell Memorial Most Improved Junior, while Dunsborough’s Darby Tas took the Total Horticultural Services Most Improved Senior award.

Zoraiz Saeed won the Busselton MultiService Outstanding Performance award for his rare double of 101 runs and 5-15 in the same A-Grade game for St Marys versus Dunsborough.

Fraser Oates was named the Barry House Player of Country Week

for his outstanding performances with bat and ball in Perth.

Cowaramup claimed the two most prestigious team awards on Sunday when they won both the Yates Shield for the A-Grade Minor Premiership, and the Barnard Cup for the A-Grade Premiership.

Yates descendant Mike Yates presented the Yates Shield (now in its 102nd year) to Cowaramup skipper Fraser Oates while Barnard descendant Anne Fennessy presented the Barnard Cup, this year celebrating its centenary.

Dunsborough scooped the pool for the other major team awards, taking out both the B-Grade Premiership for the Barnard Shield and the C-Grade Premiership for the Penfold Shield, in addition to winning the Bovell Bowl for club attainment.

A new individual award this year, the Mike Adams Memorial President’s Award to honour a person for their voluntary services to the cricket association, was awarded to Danny Weston, while BMRCA president James Gannaway was recognised for his efforts with a WA Cricket honour, the Country Volunteer of the Year Male award.

The Umpire of the Year award, sponsored by Dunsborough Veterinary Hospital, went to Ben Clarke.

The George Kemp Memorial B-Grade Cricketer of the Year

award was won this year by Hawks skipper Shane Joyce on 777 points, followed by Dunsborough’s Cam Morris on 625 points and Cowaramup’s James Paull on 587 points.

Joyce also claimed the George Penfold Memorial B-Grade Batting Aggregate on 617 points, the Grassias Turf Management B-Grade Batting Average with 68.6, and the Mike Adams Memorial Fielding Award, while Yallingup-Oddbods veteran James Trewren won the B-Grade Bowling Aggregate with 29 wickets and Dennis Amour won the B-Grade Bowling Average with 20 wickets at 10.1.

Nannup captain Lachlan Smith polled 839 points to be a clear winning of the C-Grade Cricketer of the Year award, sponsored by Margaret River Cowaramup Electrical Services, followed by Dunsborough’s Simon Smith on 587 points and Hawks’s Michael Earl on 549 points.

Lachlan Smith also won the C-Grade Batting Aggregate trophy with 629 runs, while Dunsborough’s Bruce Siney won the C-Grade Batting Average trophy.

The C-Grade Bowling Aggregate trophy was shared by Buddika Mahesh and Darren Cameron with 19 wickets each, while Tom O’Sullivan won the Bowling Average trophy, and Mathew Lepidi and Lachlan Smith shared the Fielding Award.