Busselton Dunsborough Mail | February 25, 2026

GIFT OF MUSIC LIVES ON

When Ishbel Casselton visited her husband Bob at Capecare Dunsborough, there came a time when his ability to communicate with her began to decline.

Determined to continue reaching him on an emotional level, Ishbel searched for another way to connect.

Bob had always loved music — especially listening to Ishbel play the piano. When Ishbel mentioned this to family friend Jason Cavallaro during a visit from Perth, the conversation took an unexpected and generous turn.

“I told Jason I would love to get a piano for Capecare so I could play for Bob,” Ishbel said.

“Without missing a beat, Jason replied, ‘You can have mine.’ I almost dropped on the spot.”

Soon after, Jason’s piano was delivered and given pride of place in the dining room of the Bunker Bay wing at Capecare Dunsborough.

The impact was immediate.

When Ishbel began to play, Bob’s face lit up.

“Through the piano, we were able to continue using music as a connector right up until Bob’s passing,” she said.

Bob sadly passed away in January, but the gift of music continues.

Jason’s generous donation has touched not only Ishbel and Bob, but also residents, staff, and visiting family and friends throughout the Dunsborough community.

Capecare volunteer Barton Hatherley now plays the piano during his Tuesday morning visits, and residents especially enjoy singing along to much-loved old-time favourites.

And this is no ordinary piano. Ishbel shared that the instrument originally came from the Japanese Embassy in Perth.

The Ambassador’s daughters learned to play alongside Jason’s daughters, and when the Ambassador’s family returned to Japan, the piano was gifted to Jason - who has now generously passed it on to Capecare.

“It is a beautiful piano,” Ishbel said.

“We are so lucky to have it.”

Crucial help for pet owners

CANCER Council WA has launched a new initiative to help cover the cost of pet boarding or pet sitting for West Aussies undergoing cancer treatment, particularly those who must travel to Perth for care.

Cancer Council WA’s Melanie Marsh said thanks to support from the Petstock Foundation, the Pet Boarding Support Fund will provide crucial emotional and practical relief for people facing one of the toughest times in their life.

“Undergoing cancer treatment can be one of the most difficult periods in a person’s life – physically, emotionally, and financially,” Ms Marsh said.

“We frequently hear from patients, particularly those from regional and remote areas, who are deeply worried about leaving their pets behind.

“Boarding costs can be substantial, often averaging around $500 for a typical 10 to 12-day stay, and that’s on top of the other costs of travelling for treatment.

“This new support fund through the Petstock Foundation is designed to reduce that stress.

“By helping cover the cost of pet boarding or trusted pet sitters, we hope to give patients peace of mind so they can focus on their recovery, knowing their beloved pets are in safe hands.”

One patient already helped by the Pet Boarding Support Fund is Dongara resident Sally Brazendale.

Sally was able to travel to Perth for treatment for breast cancer, while her rescue border collie, Luca, was cared for at a boarding kennel with costs covered through the program.

“Travelling to Perth for treatment involved so much planning, and one of my biggest worries was who would look after Luca while I was away,” Sally said.

“I had arranged a pet sitter, but they backed out at the last minute and I was desperate.

“Thanks to the financial assistance, Luca was well looked after when things were tight and I was desperate.

“I’m so grateful for the support. I’ll be going to Petstock for wormers and everything from now on.”

The Petstock Pet Boarding Support Fund will be administered by Cancer Council WA’s accommoda-

tion and cancer support staff, who already provide emotional and practical support to patients staying at Crawford and Milroy Lodges and throughout WA.

Eligible patients will be able to access a one-off payment of up to $500 towards boarding or sitting costs, with patients able to choose their preferred provider anywhere in the state.

Although primarily focused on supporting regional and remote patients, the Petstock Pet Boarding Support Fund will also be available to metropolitan patients who are struggling with pet care during their treatment.

The pilot phase of the program will assist at least 10 cancer patients and their pets over the next 12 months, with feedback from recipients used to shape and expand the program over time.

Modern twist on sustainable living

THE annual Edible Gardens Festival returns to the region from May 22 to 24, with tickets now on sale and expected to sell quickly.

e not-for-pro t sustainability festival o ers three days of open productive gardens, live demonstrations, gardener talks and in-depth, hands-on workshops.

For the rst time, the festival kicks o on Friday with an expanded line-up of in-depth workshops.

e weekend continues with open gardens, demonstrations, and more workshops, o ering inspiration and practical tips for home growers of all levels.

Among the open garden program is Kirsty and Bart Whitehouse’s Burnside property – a modern twist on permaculture, where native plantings attract birds and bees, veggies thrive in raised beds, and a netted orchard over ows with fruit (and is home to a happy ock of chooks).

Salvaged materials have been cleverly repurposed into a

systems maximise sustainability. Once a bare cow paddock just seven years ago, this abundant garden is as creative as it is productive.

When they throw their doors open to the community for the Edible Gardens Festival, Bart will aos be running a Garden Demonstration sharing water-wise tips on greywater and rainwater capture & use.

Meanwhile, Rebecca de Burgh from Wild Lot Distillery will also run a demonstration on using native botanicals to avour food & drinks, and Laura Bailey and Lawson Armstrong

ly farmed barbecue and farm shop.

“Whether you’re a rst-time grower or a seasoned gardener, the Edible Gardens Festival is the perfect way to learn, share and be inspired,” says festival organiser and permaculture teacher Trevor Paddenburg.

“From permaculture design and rare fruit to mushroom cultivation and backyard bees, the program is packed with ideas for every garden and lifestyle.”

Early-birds who grab a day ticket before April 1 will go into the running to win one of three prizes – a $100 gi pack from

Tickets remain at 2025 prices: $20 for a single-day open garden ticket (free for children 16 and under).

Workshops are $25 each, including the new Friday session.

A er selling out for the past four years, early booking is strongly recommended.

Festival-goers can also take advantage of the $10 festival bus, which runs to all gardens

catch every gardener talk and demo. Margaret River Mitre 10 is again o ering ticket-holders receive a 20 per cent discount on fruit trees, potted plants and vegetable seedlings.

Meanwhile, the expanded workshop program includes a wide variety of topics taught by local experts.

For more information and to book your tickets, visit

We are a locally owned and operated occupational therapy practice servicing children and adults in Busselton and across the South West region.

We are a locally owned and operated Occupational Therapy practice seeing children, adults and aged care clients in Busselton and across the South West region.

What we do:

What we do:

•Sensory processing & emotional regulation

• Assistive equipment and home modifications

•Handwriting, fine motor & self care skill development

• Rehabilitation after injury or illness

•Rehabilitation after injury or illness

•Assistive equipment and home modifications

• Functional capacity assessments

• Capacity building therapy

•Functional capacity assessments

We are a locally owned and operated Occupational Therapy practice seeing children, adults and aged care clients in Busselton and across the South West region.

• Falls education and prevention

•Falls education and prevention

seeing children, adults and aged care clients in Busselton and across the South West region. What we do:

What we do:

We are a locally owned and operated Occupational Therapy practice seeing children, adults and aged care clients in Busselton and across the South West region. What we do:

•Support managing changed behaviours in dementia

•Sensory

• Sensory processing & emotional regulation

•Handwriting,

•Sensory processing & emotional regulation

•Sensory processing & emotional regulation

•Sensory processing & emotional regulation

• Fine motor and self care skill development

•Rehabilitation

Please contact us for employment opportunities for Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology via admin@baysideindependence.com.au

•Handwriting, fine motor & self care skill development

•Handwriting, fine motor & self care skill development

•Handwriting, fine motor & self care skill development

• Support managing changed behaviours in dementia

•Assistive

•Functional

•Falls

•Rehabilitation after injury or illness

•Rehabilitation after injury or illness

•Rehabilitation after injury or illness

•Assistive equipment and home modifications

•Assistive equipment and home modifications

•Assistive equipment and home modifications

•Functional capacity assessments

•Functional capacity assessments

For further information or to see how we can assist you visit our website email us at admin@baysideindepence.com.au or phone us on 9743 6399

•Support

•Functional capacity assessments

•Falls education and prevention

•Falls education and prevention

•Falls education and prevention

•Support managing changed behaviours in dementia

•Support managing changed behaviours in dementia

Please contact us for employment opportunities for Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology via admin@baysideindependence.com.au

•Support managing changed behaviours in dementia

Please contact us for employment opportunities for Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology via admin@baysideindependence.com.au

Please contact us for employment opportunities for Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology via admin@baysideindependence.com.au

Government of Western Australia WA Country Health Service

Patient Assisted Travel Scheme

The Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS) provides financial subsidies for eligible WA country residents to reduce the cost of accessing the closest specialist health services where not locally available.

In 2025, we helped more than 35,000 rural and remote residents to access PATS. It’s just one of the ways we’re helping to make it easier for country patients travelling for specialist health services.

PATS is a subsidy program funded by the Government of Western Australia administered through WA Country Health Service.

Scan the QR code to learn more or search online for the latest information patient assisted travel scheme

Call out for creatives

ARTISTS from Busselton to Augusta can now register for Australia’s largest Open Studios art event.

is year’s Margaret River Region Open Studios (MRROS) will be staged for 16 days, from 12 to 27 September and all artists within the City of Busselton or Shire of Augusta Margaret River are invited to enter.

Much visited and longtime MRROS artist Leon Pericles AM said the reasons to sign up for Open Studios were plentiful.

“I have witnessed rsthand the transformative role MRROS plays in supporting and empowering artists like me, while simultaneously enriching the cultural landscape of our region,” Leon said.

“ e opportunity for artists to engage directly with their audiences in an intimate, welcoming, and low-pressure setting is invaluable.

“It provides a relaxed and informal environment which allows for genuine interaction and exchange of ideas.

“Visitors aren’t pressured to purchase, so they’re more open to learning about the artistic process.

“For my own practice as a printmaker, the event has

been a godsend. My work is o en intricate and not always easy to understand, but MRROS gives me the space to demonstrate my processes and engage with people.”

Emerging artist Soni Lamond said last year was her rst as a participating artist in the Open Studios event.

“ e opportunity to showcase my art and tap into the momentum of such a well-respected event was huge for me,” Soni said.

“I was welcomed into the MRROS family and have enjoyed the sense of community, building genuine connections with other local artists.

“ e lead up to the event is a lot of work, ensuring I had enough paintings to show and preparing my studio for people to visit but the experience was fantastic in helping to push my art practice forward.”

MRROS Chair Jacquie Happ said it would be an exciting year for the event and artists.

“With some new artist development opportunities planned, there’s no better year for artists to register for Open Studios,” she said.

“Whether you’re an emerging artist, or professional, you are welcome to participate in Open Studios.”

Other opportunities pro-

vided to artists include mentoring, marketing and exposure, creative event hosting, and creating connections between artists and art lovers.

ere are several new participating board members for the event’s 13th iteration; Vice Chair Susanne Finn, Secretary Cindy Nasato, Treasurer Susan Montanari and other members Andrew ornton Hick, Janine Pittaway, Toni Salmon and Camille Reid.

In 2025 the event saw more than 100,000 studio visits and about 15,000 visitors to the region in 16-days. If artists do not have a suitable studio to open to the public, MRROS can assist in connecting them with a like-minded host venue.

Artist registrations are open for a limited timefrom 1 to 31 March 2026 - and can be submitted via www.mrropenstudios.com.

au

Enquiries are welcome to art@mrros.com.au, and for more information, visit mrropenstudios.com.au, or visit the event’s Instagram, Facebook and YouTube accounts.

Sponsorship enquiries are also most welcome and can be made to art@mrros.com. au and details are available on the website.

CAPE Naturaliste College Year 12 students were dressed to impress to celebrate their nal year of high school on February 7 at Eagle Bay Brewing Co.

e students arrived in style, walked the red carpet, then enjoyed canapes overlooking Meelup Regional Park.

A er a delicious three course meal, students danced the night away, enjoying a warm evening under a star- lled sky. All photos thanks to Kaptimage.

Protection priorities ignored at Smiths

Wellmight our local member ask in WA parliament, “Why has decades of science and detailed planning been thrown in the bin? What in uence is so great that the EPA would ignore science and formal planning?”

e 2026 EPA Report on the Smiths Beach development proposal contains universally and local community condemned bizarre ndings that need a closer look.

“Ms Mettam said the EPA Report must be thoroughly and publicly investigated. e community have every reason to feel railroaded by this Report.” ( e Mail, 18/2/26, p2., ‘Beggars belief’...)

But rst things rst. ere is a small opportunity to appeal the EPA Report with the WA Appeals Convenor.

Please write an appeal on report 1802, the decision by the EPA on the Smiths Beach proposal.

ere will be quite a few reasons to appeal. If you have internet access, check the savesmithsbeach.org website to lead you in.

e community railroaded, decades of science and formal planning binned, and bizarre ndings.

If that was not enough to press pause on this trainwreck of a development proposal and sort out the mess.

e Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has a purpose and priorities that have also been disregarded in this case.

e EPA purpose used to be, “Use our best endeavours to protect the environment.”

Prority means to put some things ahead of others.

ree stated EPA priorities are based on environmental protection.

“Protect and enhance WA’s unique biodiversity.”

“Ensure inter-generational protection of WA’s signi cant environmental assets.”

“Minimise the risk of environmental harm from climate change.”

ere is a de nite lack of environmental protection being applied at Smiths Beach.

e developer’s priorities seem to have

trumped the EPA’s own priorities in this EPA Report.

Has the climate changed so much between the clear and logical environmental protections applied in the 2009 EPA report on Smiths Beach and 2026?

We have learned a lot more about the risks and pressures on the environment in the intervening decades, and logically the environmental protections at this unique WA environmental asset should have increased in this subsequent report.

e con ict is evident between these stated environmental protection foundations and the ndings of the Smiths Beach report.

Ioen hear people say that Smiths Beach is just another stretch of coastline.

As a local botanist who has spent years walking and observing the western headland, I can say with con dence that it isn’t.

What makes Smiths di erent is not simply its beauty. It is the way the western headland sits and wraps around the bay as a single, intact landform.

It is seen and experienced from many points along the Yallingup–Cape Naturaliste coastline, where it forms part of a shared coastal landscape that still reads as natural and unbroken.

Up close, the headland is not uniform vegetation.

Granite outcrops, shallow soils and subtle changes in exposure create a mosaic of plant communities within a relatively small area.

It is this combination of geology and vegetation, held together in one coherent system, that gives the place its character. ere are not many coastal areas nearby that present in this way.

Many people assume the community is ghting the entire development. at is not the case.

In 2009, the EPA identi ed a developable footprint and deliberately excluded the western headland.

at boundary recognised that this was the most intact and sensitive part of the site.

While development was not universally welcomed, many accepted that a line had been drawn.

e current proposal moves that line further west. It also removes the previously proposed National Park cession and leaves sections of the Cape to Cape Track within private tenure rather than adding them to the conservation estate.

e Cape to Cape Track is not just a walking trail.

It is part of the identity of this region and a continuous coastal corridor valued by locals and visitors alike.

Securing sections of the western headland as National Park would have strengthened long-term protection along that corridor. at opportunity now appears to be slipping away.

at is why many of us are lodging appeals. It is not about stopping everything.

It is about protecting the part of Smiths that is genuinely di erent, and ensuring that decisions made here do not quietly lower the bar for other coastal headlands in the future.

Once fragmented, it cannot be put back.

FRINGE FUN FEST FRINGE FUN FEST Sat 21st March 10am - 2pm Mitchell Park, Busselton FREE Family activities including local musicians, circus acts, dancing, and roving performers

Program & tickets at www.busseltonfringe.com.au

Hi I’m Rollo

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

Hi, I’m Bella

Hi, I’m Pip I’m a sweet 2-year-old tabby girl with soft stripes, big thoughtful eyes and a calm, gentle nature. I’m not the kind of cat who rushes to say hello and like to take my time getting to know new people. I’m a sensitive girl, loud noises and busy environments can make me nervous so I’m hoping for a peaceful home I can truly relax in. I absolutely adore head scratches and once I trust you, I’ll lean into your hand and purr with all my heart. I’m independent and enjoy alone time, but I also love gentle moments of connection and quiet time. I’m perfectly fine living with other cats and also get along with my medium-sized foster dog. I enjoy brief intervals of play with my current cat companion and could benefit from a calm feline friend. I’m looking for a family who will give me space to settle, time to build trust and a cosy spot to hide when I need. My adoption fee is $330.

Hi, I’m Tommy A big, fluffy 2-year-old boy - suspected Main Coon or Norwegian Forrest mix owing to my size with grinchy paws and large thumpers. I’m a friendly boy who loves to give head boops, happily follow you around the house or sleep by your side while you work. I have a playful nature and love hunting or sneak attacking, having a lie-in and cuddle and am a surprisingly non-disruptive bed companion despite my size. I enjoy a pamper session and will come running to you when I see my brush. I have perfect manners and will ‘assist’ you to open the cupboard or pantry door when fetching my food. I am fine with other cats with slow introductions but am scared of dogs and am untested with small kids but should be OK with gentle kids. My adoption fee is $300.

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

Clear lack of science behind motion to Council

Geo B from Ambergate, (Letters 18 February), patiently tried to explain to Martine Shepherd that her motion from the Council AGM was not supported by evidence.

It is unlikely, however, his sage advice will be heeded.

e motion put to Council simply ventilates a range of internet conspiracy theories.

None of the people behind it have quali cations in marine biology, cetology, or radar technology.

When asked what evidence she had to back her allegations about wind farms, Ms Shepherd quoted President Trump’s Ministry of War and One Nation Senator Malcolm Roberts.

(Senator Roberts has accused NASA of faking data on climate “as part of a global conspiracy.”)

As an anti-vaccination campaigner, Ms Shepherd’s grasp of scienti c evidence is open to question.

While her online pro le associates her with a wide range of conspiracy sites and rabid opposition to renewable energy.

None of the points in her motion is supported by peer-reviewed science.

Much of it has been debunked as propaganda from the fossil fuels industry.

e biggest threat to whales, sea-

grass, marine life, and national security is not wind farms - it’s climate change.

Major environment groups, including Greenpeace, support wind energy as critical to protecting ocean biodiversity from this threat.

DrCarole Peters is not a scientist and does not understand the science of re and its interactions with the natural environment (Letters, February 16).

A large section of the Fitzgerald River National Park has not been lost as she claims but has simply been burnt in a lightning-started bush re.

e vegetation will regrow, just as it has for millions of years, and the areas of regrowth will provide excellent food resources for our rarest parrot, the Western Ground Parrot, which requires young vegetation in which to feed as well as long unburnt areas in which to roost and nest.

Her opposition to the state’s current prescribed burning program ignores the 60,000 years of Aboriginal burning which created the ecosystems that existed at the time of European settlement in 1788 and it would be the height of foolishness to ignore this re history.

Her demand that we should extinguish small res early is exactly what our re authorities seek to do but res start at night and in dangerous weather conditions when a rapid response is not possible.

Asking re crews to attack res burning in heavy fuels which would be the result of the reduced prescribed burning program she is calling for would be dangerous and irresponsible.

Dr Peters is a theorist who lacks practical hands-on re ghting experience.

She should listen to the professional ecologists and foresters who overwhelmingly accept the need for continued prescribed burning.

DrCarole Peters assertions about the suppression of the recent bush re in the Fitzgerald River National Park and DBCA’s re policy cannot go unchallenged.

To suggest that the re authorities did not respond promptly to the bush re, which was ignited in two locations by lightning strikes, and stood back from the re in order to light up more bush is erroneous and o ensive.

Her criticism of backburning reects her lack of appreciation of the scale of the national park and the

access challenges.

Well known to experienced re managers as a form of indirect attack, burning back from a safe location is a strategy utilised where access, time or re behaviour limits direct attack right at the re edge.

Does Dr Peters really believe that park managers and surrounding landowners wanted a larger re in the middle of summer and deliberately delayed responding??

No level of resources can halt a large re, which has developed incredible power and momentum, by direct attack.

e experiences of the United States, which provides huge resources into their re suppression, over the last two decades and has regularly sought support from Australia and other countries, is evidence of that.

I agree with Dr Peters’ position of additional resources to keep bushres small, in particular to high value areas outside of the main population centres, but not solely as a ‘rapid response’ approach and at the expense of the suite of bush re mitigation approaches, which include fuel reduction, which are currently practiced.

However, that is a matter for the State Government and funding of their agencies.

In light of the recent bush re DBCA will no doubt review any future plans it had for cool season burns, not because there will be a move to ‘rapid response’ only as a means of curtailing large bush res, but because of the extent of this recent re.

A bush re in the Fitzgerald River National Park should not be able to run the length of the park and threaten surrounding communities and farmland, and impact conservation values.

Strategically placed and carefully managed low fuel zones and access for re crews are the only way to prevent a repeat of the recent events in the Fitzgerald River National Park.

A re management policy based solely on rapid response is doomed to failure and would be an ill-considered and irresponsible approach by the Government of Western Australia.

It would inevitably result in towns, farms and the natural environment being devasted by large bush res, and the loss of human life.

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Friendships blossom thanks to group

KIM SEIDLER

The Busselton Friendship and Learning Group celebrated its 25th anniversary on 3 February, marking a quarter century of connection, companionship and community.

What started as a handful of people gathering to learn something new has blossomed into a warm and welcoming place for many, a weekly highlight where friendships flourish over morning tea and lively conversation.

When founder Faye Neep moved to Busselton in 2001, she had just one person in her circle.

Twenty-five years later, that circle has grown to 80 friends - and she’s still counting.

Faye’s inspiration came from a similar group she attended in Bunbury.

“I loved the one I used to attend in Bunbury, and when I moved to Busselton, I thought, why not start one here?”

The group grew rapidly.

Within just two years of its 2001 founding, membership had swelled to 80.

Today, the group maintains a steady membership of 50, including Faye and several original members who continue to attend regularly.

Each Tuesday, the group gathers with a purpose: to open their minds and learn something new.

A surprise speaker would drop in to share their knowledge or educate the group on a particular topic.

However, over time, what unfolded was far more meaningful than anyone had anticipated.

“It’s a wonderful way for every-

one to learn new things and discover what is happening in the community, but the best outcome was that over time we all became great friends,” Faye said.

Current coordinator Patricia Tabor personally understands the difference this group can make in someone’s life.

She joined in 2022, not long after her husband passed away.

After moving to Busselton in 2021 and knowing only two couples, she found that the group offered more than just social connection - it offered hope.

“Joining the Group was a godsend to me and introduced me to a whole new circle of friends,” Patricia said.

“Joining the Group filled a void in my life, and before long, I became involved with arranging outings which I thoroughly enjoyed.”

For two years, Patricia has organised fun excursions for their members.

This year, she stepped into the coordinator role, describing it as “quite a challenge” for someone who considers herself “more of a behind-the-scenes sort.”

The group’s name says it all.

“Our weekly meetings provide a friendly space where people can relax, enjoy the beautiful company of others, and feel truly at ease,” Patricia explained.

“We love the socialising and sharing morning tea, and we have guest speakers most weeks who cover a wide range of topics.

“It’s so wonderful for both the mind and the soul.”

Over the years, the group has welcomed a wide range of guest speakers.

Representatives from wildlife rescue groups, the Sea Rescue team, GeoCatch, Fisheries, Busselton’s Mayor, the Fire Department, Aged Care, and the Department of Consumer Affairs have shared their experiences and knowledge.

Each presentation gives members insight into what’s happening in their community and often opens the door to new interests and greater awareness.

Tuesday mornings are just part of the fun.

Three times a year, the group ventures out together for special excursions, creating memories beyond the usual meeting room walls.

The annual Christmas wind-up lunch has also become a muchloved tradition, a chance to reflect on the year’s good times over a shared meal.

While most members are wom-

en aged between 70 and 90, don’t let the numbers fool you - these spirited ladies bring energy, laughter and a genuine zest for life to every gathering.

The several gentlemen who’ve joined the group seem to think so too, enjoying the joyful company and warm camaraderie on offer every week.

“Everyone gets something out of the group, whether it’s a new companion, a laugh, a smile, or a new interest in life for them,” Faye said.

“It’s an inspiring and uplifting group. When people walk out the door, they feel brighter.”

The 25th anniversary celebration embodied everything the group represents. Members gathered for a party that honoured their shared history and continued commitment to connection.

“Our party was enjoyed by all, with morning tea beautifully catered by Busselton CWA Belles

and entertainment by local musician Tim Cross,” Patricia said.

“He played his guitar and sang, and had us all singing along with songbooks generously loaned by the CareSong Group.

“It was a very happy occasion enjoyed by all. The perfect celebration for such a special group.”

From a small circle of friends to a thriving community group, the Busselton Friendship and Learning Group has spent 25 years creating a place to share stories, ideas, and learn.

“If you’d like to join our group, just drop into St Mary’s Hall in Albert Street any Tuesday morning from 8:45 am.

“You’ll be made very welcome!

“We have some wonderful guest speakers lined up over the next few months, covering a range of interesting topics, which we’re sure you’ll love.”

Busselton Toyota

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.

$19,990

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

$20,990

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

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.

Another one sold by Jason Dragstra

Busselton

Australind

Australind

Enquiries:

MAJOR MILESTONE

THIS weekend, the Margaret River Hawks Cricket Club (MRHCC) celebrated one of their greatest milestones ever achieved in their 46-year history, as Michael Earl pulled on the baggy yellow for the 450th time — a remarkable achievement that places him among the most loyal and enduring servants in club history.

Across his 450 matches to date, ‘Plugger’, as he is known, has amassed 6,841 runs including four centuries and 23 half-centuries.

He holds one of the clubs highest individual score records with 185 runs.

As many a suffering opposition bowler can attest, when Plugger gets going he is near impossible to remove and can take the game away rapidly.

In addition to his supreme batsmanship, Plugger has been just as dangerous with the ball in hand, taking 361 wickets at an average of 18.12.

As big an asset as he is on the field, it’s Plugger’s off-field efforts and dedication to his club that are most impressive.

He has been a long-serving committee member and is the current President of the MRHCC, following in the footsteps of his father, Ian Earl.

Plugger is always the first to

suggest new initiatives for the Hawks and is always the first to roll up his sleeves and get them done.

To play 450 games of cricket at any level is extraordinary. To do it at one club, across eras of teammates, captains and opposition whilst making such significant contributions off-field speaks volumes about Plugger’s character, commitment to the club and love for the game.

To cap off this impressive milestone, Plugger celebrated the way he’d want - a memorable win with his teammates against Saint Mary’s Cricket Club, contributing a significant 31 runs to the winning total of 258.

Vasse puts the heat on YOBS

ALLAN MILLER

LED by their indefatigable wicketkeeper-batsman Ajith Rajapaksha, bottom side Vasse enjoyed a morale-boosting performance with their second win in three weeks in the top division of the Busselton-Margaret River Cricket Association on Saturday.

Batting first in their A-Grade encounter against Yallingup-Oddbods at Bovell Park, Vasse ran up the excellent total of 8-222 from 50 overs, thanks to bold batting from Rajapaksha (84 off 86 balls, 7 fours and 3 sixes) with assistance from skipper Jeremy Murphy (32) and English import Rob Healy (25 not out).

YOBS are in a rebuilding phase with teenagers Jude Foley (3-28) and Jye Simpson opening the attack, while another youngster in Lochlan Gilbert (1-17) also found success at the crease.

Left-armer Scott Young (2-16) and medium-pacer Mark Sauzier (3-32) soon had the YOBS top order in trouble, and only young Will Jasper (29) showed resistance as the favourites tumbled to be all out for 93 in 30 overs.

garet River Hawks to maintain their grip on second place, and a potential double-chance in the finals.

Toby Dunning (4-36) and Judd Truscott (50 runs).

The remaining B-Grade game at Churchilll saw both teams take full advantage of the conditions, Hawks totalling 7-258 from their 45 overs with Mathew Cocivera smashing 87 from 54 balls (8 fours and 6 sixes) and St Marys responding with a proud 9-246 to fall just 12 runs short, with skipper Matt Miller hitting an unbeaten 88 for the vanquished.

Cocivera capped a great allround performance for Hawks by taking 4-54.

Saints teenagers Sean Zahra (taking a superb 4-13 off 10 overs) and left-armer Ryley Barrow (3-26) were chiefly responsible for Hawks totalling only 109 all out, of which Hayden Wynd (29) topped the runscoring. The home side was untroubled in storming to an eight-wicket win, with skipper Zoraiz Saeed (57 not out) and Nick Barr (45) knocking off the first 81 runs before Barr fell to stand-in skipper Grant Garstone.

Ladder leaders Cowaramup showed yet again they knew how to manufacture a win when they scraped home in a one-wicket thriller over Dunsborough at Cowaramup Oval.

Dunsborough enjoyed plenty of good starts with seven batsmen reaching double figures, only to be restricted to 157 all out thanks to Fraser Oates (215 off 10 overs) with Connor Oates and Tom Coulson taking three wickets apiece.

A thrilling round of B-Grade cricket resulted in two one-wicket wins and a run-fest at Churchill Park in which over 500 runs were scored.

At Bovell Park, YOBS scored a pulsating win against Vasse with veterans James Taylor and James Trewren having a day to remember for the victors.

In C-Grade cricket, top side Dunsborough Blue suffered their first loss of the season after 12 straight wins, with Yallingup-Oddbods the victors in a thrilling 2-run margin.

Playing on the small oval at Bovell Park, YOBS had Seve Toovey to thank for their win when he topscored with 48 runs in a 40-over total of 8-160, then taking 3-33 including the vital last wicket of Dunsborough Blue skipper Mat Lepidi as the visitors were dismissed for 158.

The Bulls enjoyed a great start in their chase to score 158 and at one stage were 1-84 before both Josh Curtis (38) and Fraser Oates (53) were stumped going after the bowling.

Fast bowler Anthony Quinn (4-29) and offspinner Joe Peckham (3-27) incited a middle-order collapse and the Bulls found themselves 9-151 and still needing 7 runs to win, before teenagers Ben Cook and Charlie Moulton ultimately got the home side over the line.

At Barnard Park, St Marys scored a vital win over Mar-

After dismissing Vasse for 165, with Taylor grabbing 5-35 and Trewren taking 3-26, YOBS looked headed for defeat at 9-142 in reply, only for the same pair to lead YOBS home by adding 26 runs unbroken for the tenth wicket, Trewren scoring 10 not out and Taylor 18 not out.

Mat Kammann (49 runs) and Dion Horncastle (3-37) were best for Vasse.

It was a similar story at Cowaramup, where the home side totalled 179 (Griffin O’Neill hitting 75), only to see visitors Dunsborough respond with 9-180 to win by the same margin.

Dunsborough’s best were

At Nannup the home side held off St Marys by only 14 runs, 155 all out to 141 all out.

Not even a teenager, Len Mattock, aged just 12, took two wickets in two balls in a losing cause for Saints.

Dunsborough White were victorious over Vasse by three wickets, with Simon Smith hitting 82 for Dunsborough, while Margaret River Hawks had the better of YOBS Academy at the Nippers Oval, with Jack Green scoring an unbeaten 108 off just 92 balls to lead the way for the home side.

State’s top sailors descend on Geographe Bay

RACE WEEK 2026

LAST week, Geographe Bay became Western Australia’s premier sailing stage as Raceweek returned for another spectacular edition.

More than 80 yachts sailed through crystal-clear water, with spinnakers billowing in vibrant colours under the South West’s summer sun, as boats rounded the mark near Busselton Jetty.

The week-long regatta has firmly cemented its place as the must-do event on WA’s annual racing calendar, drawing sailors from Albany to Geraldton and attracting some of the country’s most accomplished sailors.

Legendary boat designer Julian Bethwaite and renowned America’s Cup sailor Skip Lissiman were among those who made the journey south to compete at one of Australia’s most remarkable sailing venues.

What sets Raceweek apart is its embrace of everyone who simply loves being on the water.

The regatta has earned an enviable reputation for delivering exceptional sailing across all skill levels, from relaxed ‘jib-and-main’ cruisers to the high-octane thoroughbred Division One and Two fleets and sports boat crews.

Sunday morning saw the competition

launch under sunny skies, with the sport boat course in full flight before midday.

Spectators gathered along the foreshore were treated to a thrilling display of highspeed sailing as the Viper, VX One and Flying Fifteen fleets rounded a turning mark next to Busselton Jetty before racing back out to sea under full spinnaker—a colourful show of speed and skill.

The larger keelboat fleet soon followed, greeted by a perfect 15- to 20-knot southerly breeze that delivered what sailors call ‘champagne conditions’—flat water and consistent wind.

With nine racing divisions on the course, those watching from shore were treated to front-row seats as the fleets traversed a series of marks just off the Busselton foreshore in their first of many passage races for the week.

Raceweek Director Scott Olney said the event offers more than just competitive racing.

“While we look to provide fun and competitive racing on one of Australia’s most remarkable sailing venues, there’s also a strong social aspect to the event,” he said.

Once the day’s racing wrapped up, a carnival atmosphere took over at the Geographe Bay Yacht Club.

Competitors filled the club each evening as the sun dipped below the horizon, swapping stories from the day’s adventures and savouring the region’s culinary offerings.

Shelter Brewing has supported the regatta for three years running, helping to quench competitors’ thirst alongside West Wind Gin and a rotation of local caterers and food trucks, ensuring no one went hungry!

While there was plenty of fun to be had, the event still had a serious side; after all, this is a race!

Throughout the week, competitors completed a full series of passage and windward-leeward races under clear blue skies and varying wind conditions.

Mr Olney said the weather cooperated beautifully.

“We had great weather again this yearsomething for everyone.

“I saw lots of smiling faces, so I think we’re getting the right mix of racing to suit the conditions,” he said.

A huge congratulations to all the divisional winners, who managed to triumph in their respective and competitive fleets, including: Division 1 (IRC) – ‘RF 66’ (W. Hammond, RFBYC) Division 2 (Super 30s) – ‘Don’t Pan-

ic’ (D. Davenport/K. Stevenson, RFBYC) Division 3 (S97s) – ‘Tera’ (S. Plunkett, RPYC) Division 4 – ‘Exhil-R-8’ (J. Ayres, GBYC) Division 5 (Premier Cruising) – ‘Wicked’ (R. Evans, SoPYC) Division 6 (Short Handed) –‘Selkie’ (A. Stock, GBYC) Division 7 (Jib & Main A) – ‘Tilt’ (G. Salter, FSC) Division 8 (Jib & Main B) – ‘Veriaties’ (G & J Gammon, RPYC) Division 9 (Multihull) – ‘9 Lives’ (M. Hannaford, RPYC) Vipers/VX One – ‘Protopia’ (C. Sutherland, RFBYC) Flying Fifteens – ‘Blue Bottle’ (B. Sheridan, SoPYC)

The organisers extend their sincere thanks to Race Director Scott Olney and his team for delivering this event each year, and to the volunteers, sailors, and supporters who make Raceweek such a special occasion and a showcase for the south west region.

They also offer their heartfelt gratitude to all event sponsors, including the City of Busselton, Shelter Brewing, Geographe Bay Yacht Club, Royal Perth Yacht Club, and the many others who make Raceweek possible.

If you couldn’t join us this year, be sure to mark your calendar - Raceweek 2027 will return to Geographe Bay at the same time next year, welcoming sailors and spectators for another week of exciting racing and genuine South West hospitality.