Busselton Dunsborough Mail | March 11, 2026

Abby captures the heart & soul of the region

ABBY Murray has fostered nearly 100 animals, helped raise over $120,000 for animal rescue, and donated countless hours capturing meaningful moments - from joyful family portraits to endof-life photos.

But her journey to becoming one of Busselton’s most generous photographers started with three puppies, and a camera she hadn’t used in years.

Abby was always “that” person with a camera. At weddings, on nights out, during everyday moments - she was there, capturing it all on lm.

“I think I just had a really bad memory growing up, so I always wanted to capture everything,” she said. “Even when I was really little, I was that annoying person with a camera all the time!”

For UK-born Abby, photography was just a hobby. She knew she loved it and was good at it, but no one ever encouraged her to turn that passion into a career, so it wasn’t on her radar. Instead, she moved into sales and marketing.

Originally from an area near Windsor in Buckinghamshire, Abby and her partner Gavin backpacked around Australia several times and fell more in love with the country each trip.

So when Gavin - a police o cerhad the chance to join WA Police in 2008, it felt like a dream come true.

Arriving that year, they rst settled in Secret Harbour.

eir daughter Matilda was born in 2009, followed by Evie in 2012.

Life as a police family meant constant moves—Kununurra, Kalgoorlie, Broome, and nally the south west, which, a er seven moves in 10 years, made them long for somewhere to settle.

But, before Busselton, it was in Kalgoorlie that “photo-snappy Abby” unexpectedly came back to life.

for their adoption pro les - or, as she jokes, their “Tinder pro le”.

“So I grabbed my old camera, which I hadn’t used in years, and started taking photos of the dogs for their proles”, she said.

“ en, I began snapping pictures of the kids with their friends on playdates, and with the family, so that’s really how it all kicked o …”

One mum suggested that Abby should pursue a career in children’s photography.

“I thought, I’m 42, and I nally know what I want to do in my life!”

She reached out to a photographer whose style she admired, and asked him to teach her how to photograph kids.

From there, she continued to learn on her own, and in 2018, launched her career.

Abby’s style quickly found its groove, thanks to the vibrancy of the region and its people.

“I think because I’m English, I’m used to grey, so I began to love everything bright and colourful,” she said.

“When I do shoots like the Jetty

the animals would all have been put down if it weren’t for SAFE,” Abby said.

“It’s incredibly rewarding. I’ve met wonderful, sel ess people, and I love it.”

e world of fostering has a beautiful way of making big places feel small.

Not long ago, Abby was at the jetty with her camera when a woman rode past on a bike, with a little dog sitting in the basket.

Abby recognised the dog straight away. It was Jinx, whom she’d fostered in Kalgoorlie eight years earlier.

“I had never met the new owner in person because the dog ew to Perth on the plane,” Abby said.

“But I knew that dog. I always remember dogs more than people!

“I said, ‘Is that Jinx?’ She stopped on her bike in shock and said, ‘Oh, wait, you must be Abby!’ It was so special.”

Photography has given her more than a career; it’s become a way to give back.

As well as volunteering her skills for organisations like SAFE, she also offers her services free to families facing di cult times or serious health issues

also makes photo books for each family.

“If the worst happens, the kids have some beautiful memories. I just want them to have something nice to hold on to.”

In the lead-up to Christmas, Abby put a call-out, o ering two free family shoots.

Around 25 people reached out with nominations.

“You don’t realise there are so many people going through such tough times,” she said.

“I always wonder, what more can I do? And if I can just do something small - like gi ing memories and hopefully bringing them some joythen it’s all I could ask for.”

While much of Abby’s work is full of laughter and light, some of it is deeply

Kids, Lamp Inc, Radiance, CinefestOZ, the Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival, and community events like the Women’s Triathlon.

And then there’s the everyday joy her camera brings.

“It’s a great, fun job to have because it’s never the same day twice,” she said.

“ ere’s always something going on, and it’s a great way to meet more beautiful people - especially here in the south west.”

ree years ago, Gavin’s posting brought the family to the south west, giving a family who gave so much something precious of their own: roots.

“ e community have all been really kind and welcoming to us,” Abby said.

“Now we nally have some stability…a true home… it feels unbelievably wonderful.”

‘Bright, bold and a little bit bonkers’

Busselton Fringe is back—and it’s ready to show what regional arts can do.

With sold-out favourites returning and fresh new acts making their debut, Busselton Fringe continues to prove that small–town arts can be anything but small.

Festival Director Wendy Clutterbuck says this year’s program reects a community that embraces bold ideas.

“Busselton Fringe is a celebration of what regional arts can be—brave, vibrant, and accessible to everyone,” she said. “ is year’s program has built on the success of sold-out shows in 2025, with a phenomenal mix of artists who bring heart, humour, and originality to our stages.

“Small-town festivals like ours are cultural lifelines, and we’re incredibly proud to o er a program that showcases the creative spirit of our region.”

e festival kicks o with the Fringe Fun Fest, a free, family-friendly celebration in the heart of Busselton featuring circus acts, workshops, roving entertainers, and plenty of opportunities for kids to get involved.

From there, the festival fun will spread across various venues, including e Esplanade Hotel Busselton, Geographe Bay Yacht Club, Old Courthouse Courtyard, Mitch-

ell Park, and Churchill Park Hall.

For Peter Blockey, performing at Busselton Fringe will be a rst. Growing up in the south west, he’s thrilled to return and share his story with locals through his show For the Lifetime of Deaf and Dea lind 2.

Most will have never met a Deaf person before or had any exposure to our culture, language, and way of life,” he shared.

e powerful Deaf-led theatre piece brings Auslan poetry to life through movement, visual storytelling, and choreographed signed songs.

It celebrates Deaf history, language, and identity while sharing personal and collective stories from the Deaf and dea lind community.

“Audiences can expect a visually rich and deeply human experience that explores resilience, pride and connection - whether they know Auslan or not,” Peter said.

As an independent Deaf artist, opportunities to share this work with new communities are incredibly important.

e show is proudly supported by Dea lind West Australians, funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

“ eir support has made it possible for us to bring a large team of Deaf, dea lind and hearing Auslan-users to the south west to share this work with Busselton audiences.

“It’s taken a huge amount of community support over the past six

months to make this possible, and I’m incredibly grateful.”

AIRE Flamenco will bring a unique kind of re to the festival with Latin meets Flamenco, taking audiences on a journey from Latin America and Cuba to Spain.

Maree La an and her team love the outdoor courtyard setting, the warm evening air, and the stars overhead.

“Stunning setting. Relaxed environment. Warm community,” she said.

Flamenco has been recognised as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO, and Maree is excited to share that beautiful culture with the South West.

“Flamenco and Latin music and dance are performed in communities, within families and social groups, and we are excited to showcase the culture of these incredible

art forms,” she said.

“Our show features traditional Flamenco dance and music alongside the lively rhythms of Cuba, blending Spanish and African inuences into one foot-stomping, hip-swaying unforgettable performance!”

Local indie rock duo Kullablind - Ronin Pollard and Floyd Donnan - will make the festival their o cial album launch.

“We are honoured to have the privilege of playing for such a loved festival, as we grew up here, we’re really looking forward to connecting with local music lovers,” they said.

“We are so excited to perform and give our local crowd a night to remember!”

e festival also features thought-provoking theatre, burlesque, roving performers, youth talent and sold-out favourites returning from previous years.

e event continues to grow thanks to ongoing support from the City of Busselton, accommodation partner e Busselton Motel, venue sponsors, local businesses, community groups and an enthusiastic network of volunteers known as Fringe Friends.

Busselton Fringe 2026 runs from 21 to 29 March. Tickets are available now, visit www.busseltonfringe.com.au/program2026.

Voyager Community supports local grassroots organisations in the Margaret River Region with financial assistance for projects that impact our community in the areas of well-being and environment.

Applications are now open via www.voyagerestate.com.au/community with further information on the criteria.

Applications are now open until April 24th at

New target for tea-time

THIS May, Cancer Council’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is turning 33 and people in the South West region are being encouraged to gather friends, family or workmates for a cup of tea and a bite to eat whilst raising money to fund cancer research, new treatments and education that saves lives.

Cancer Council WA South West Regional Cancer Prevention Coordinator, Emma Handreck, said Cancer Council WA was hoping to raise more than $2 million in 2026 to continue its life-saving cancer research, prevention, advocacy and support programs.

“For 33 years, Cancer Council’s Australia’s Biggest

gether many people living in the South West region over a cup of tea in support of those a ected by cancer,” Ms Handreck said.

“Since it began in 1993, Cancer Council’s generous community of supporters across Australia have raised around $240 million by hosting morning teas.

“Whichever way you choose to celebrate Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, every dollar raised in the South West region will make a huge di erence.

“It doesn’t need to be fancy - your Biggest Morning Tea could be at home with friends or family, a simple morning tea in the o ce

in the local community or at school.

“Simply register online at biggestmorningtea.com.au, set a date in April, May or June and start sending out your invites.

“All of us will be a ected by cancer at some point in our lives and every dollar raised helps support those impacted by cancer.”

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is the largest and most successful event of its kind in the country and attracts around 2000 WA hosts each year.

Anyone unable to host a morning tea can still get involved by donating directly to Cancer Council via big-

Review of the week

Zain Amjad helped us with the configuration of our Solar system and was very helpful in explaining the process to someone who was doing it for the first time.

We are based in Mandogalup and I wanted to Thank him for his patience and guidelines over the phone. I called him like 10 times. So yeah, Stinson Solar did a great job.

Dairai Blessed

Nothing but the best

We

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.

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

What we do:

What we do:

•Sensory processing & emotional regulation

• Assistive equipment and home modifications

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• Rehabilitation after injury or illness

•Rehabilitation after injury or illness

We are a locally owned and operated Occupational

• Functional capacity assessments

•Assistive equipment and home modifications

•Functional capacity assessments

• Capacity building therapy

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.

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

What we do:

What we do:

•Support managing changed behaviours in dementia

•Sensory

• Sensory processing & emotional regulation

•Sensory processing & emotional regulation

•Sensory processing & emotional regulation

• Fine motor and self care skill development

•Handwriting, fine motor & self care skill development

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

•Assistive

•Handwriting, fine motor & self care skill development

• Support managing changed behaviours in dementia

•Rehabilitation after injury or illness

•Rehabilitation after injury or illness

•Assistive equipment and home modifications

•Assistive equipment and home modifications

•Functional capacity assessments

•Functional capacity assessments

education and prevention

•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

•Falls education and prevention

•Falls education and prevention

•Falls education and prevention

•Support managing changed behaviours in dementia

•Support managing changed behaviours in dementia

•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

admin@baysideindependence.com.au

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

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 to reduce burning is unscientific

Some 40 years ago, I organised a Youth Science conference in Bunbury.

One of the presentations was on the physics of roller-coasters but do I consider myself an expert on that subject?

No, I merely was the organiser of the event.

Similarly, Carole Peters may have organised three Fire Forums but, being an educator (a term which I do not consider a personal attack but simply a statement of fact), her organising of these events does not make her an expert on re and the natural environment.

Her latest letter (Letters, March 4) is full of half truths and spurious claims.

She repeats the false claim that the re which burnt half of the Fitzgerald River National Park destroyed it.

In fact, as I have pointed out previously, vegetation in the burnt area will regrow, just as it has done for millions of years and the regrowth vegetation will provide improved food resources for the western ground parrot, one of the world’s rarest birds.

Without backburning by DBCA, potentially the whole of the park could have burnt, removing all unburnt vegetation

which is essential nesting and roosting habitat for these birds.

She is simply incorrect when she states that Aboriginal people used re on a small scale.

In October 1826, the French naturalist Jean Rene Quoy visited King George Sound two months before Major Edmund Lockyer established a settlement at what is now Albany.

Quoy observed that Aboriginal ring was so universal that “we did not see a spot which had not ...felt its e ects”, consistent with the ndings of Captain George Vancouver who visited the south coast in the spring of 1791.

Certainly, some areas of the south west were never burnt by Aboriginal people and these areas are now only burnt as a result of arson or lightning, not prescribed burning.

She selectively quotes from various activist academics when their ndings do not agree with her understanding of re.

For example, her reference to the 2022 research paper by Zylstra, Bradshaw and Lindenmayer fails to mention their conclusion that “forests were unlikely to burn for a short ‘young’ period (5–7 years) following re”, con rming that prescribed burning does indeed make forests less re-prone

which is the basis of DBCA’s prescribed burning program.

ese authors and Peters also fail to understand that the “the regrowing understorey” which contributes material to the fuel load in forests is in fact the wonderful biodiversity which the south west of WA is famous for and which would largely die out if not burnt at regular intervals.

Her belief that re- ghting resources in the south west are ine cient and ine ective to achieve rapid suppression is only partly true as DBCA is highly e ective in putting out the vast majority o res started by lightning or arson, with only a very small number of such res escaping and posing risks to nature, people or infrastructure.

I again challenge Peters and her supporters to lobby the state government to better fund DBCA so that the agency’s responses to res and the implementation of its prescribed burning program can be improved. However, her call to reduce prescribed burning in the south west is unscienti c and dangerous for the long-term protection of the environment and for the people living here.

Onceagain Carole Peters chooses to overlook the obvious in her scienti c rant (Letters, March 4).

Fire is a natural disturbance in our Mediterranean climate that has sculpted vegetation over millennia.

Its use as an “indirect strategy” in the management of extensive bush res must be retained, as it is the lowest level of disturbance in the landscape.

is is far preferable to physically “tracking” res with heavy machinery and placing re ghters in direct contact with ame zones and potentially intruding exotic plant diseases.

Ms Peters submission that tradition burning practices prescribed extensive areas of “no re country”, may well be.

However, the occurrence of lightning-initiated bush res and escapes from indigenous burning will have ensured this country was burnt at some stage in its history.

I am sure that large areas of the Fitzgerald National Park are not currently prescribed burned as the frequency of naturally occurring res circumvents the need.

A quick review of high-altitude aerial photography will clearly show extensive areas in the inte-

rior of the state, that have been burned time and time again from lightning-initiated res.

As far as prescribed burning is concerned, it seems duplicitous that Ms Peters thinks indigenous burning at whatever scale and time is OK, and yet the application of prescribed re as a mitigation practice, is unacceptable.

I am sure this level of thinking would not pass the “pub test”.

It’s all re, and it will all burn at some stage, for one reason or another.

e di erence is intensity, and this is more likely to be managed in prescribed burning than it is in a bush re.

Ms Peters insists that higher levels of resources and rapid response is the only answer to bush re control.

While this is desirable, the likelihood of placing additional resources in remote areas like Fitzgerald National Park is very low. is is the reality and we must apply management strategies that work within these limitations whilst maintaining the safety of personnel as the highest priority.

Hi I’m Rollo

I’m

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

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.

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.

play with my current cat companion and could benefit from a calm feline friend. I’m look ing 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. 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

Inotice that Greg Mair (Letters, February 25), who is a past employee of the Forests Department and DBCA, has responded to my recent letter in the BD Mail (February 19), implying that I mean “rapid response” as a stand alone strategy.

That’s not what I said, but it’s clear that there has been too much fire in the Fitzgerald River National Park and both flora and fauna need extensive recovery time, minus more burning.

Mr Muir does concede that the extent of the recent wildfire points to the likelihood of a review of “cool season burns” by DBCA.

I certainly hope so!

The use of the word “cool” has reassuring connotations but the reality is that this government sponsored burning on an industrial scale, conducted in all seasons of the year

across southwest WA, is rarely cool and is not stopping wildfires.

That’s after huge areas have been burnt in line with DBCA’s target driven prescribed burning policy,

aiming to burn 200,000ha per annum.

What we are witnessing, repeatedly, are landscapes burnt to charcoal, dense and degraded flammable regrowth, and endless cries to “burn more”.

In fact, the deeply entrenched culture of fighting fire with fire is failing, as confirmed by up-to-date scientific research, including the relevant field research and studies of government records, published in respected academic journals.

It is encouraging that Mr Mair agrees with additional resources to keep bushfires small, distributed around the state, “in particular to high value areas outside main pop-

ulation centres”.

However, the “suite of bushfire mitigation approaches” must address delays in rapid attack and the extent of resource capacity in the face of multiple fires ignited at any one time.

Otherwise an overreliance on backburning can dramatically increase the size of a wildfire.

As explained by fire behaviour scientist Dr Philip Zylstra, an Adjunct Associate Professor at Curtin University and a former remote area firefighter who worked in fire management, backburning can potentially worsen the spread of a bushfire and endanger firefighters by creating wind tunnels.

Backburns often don’t behave as theorised and must be only a last resort tool. “Back-burns can spot firebrands for tens of kilometres, even creating winds to amplify the energy of the main fire front” (Zylstra reported in The Saturday Paper, February 14-20).

Professor Marta Yebra, Director of the Bushfire Research Centre of Excellence at the Australian National University, is among experts warning that backburning “always needs to be a last resort, not a default tool”.

Authorities should prioritise investment in early detection and suppression technologies: “Early detection is one of the biggest single opportunities to stop fires and prevent escalation”.

Successive commissions and inquiries have found that backburns were frequently responsible for spreading wildfires.

In their most recent research, published in December 2025, Zylstra and world-renowned landscape ecologist Professor David Lindenmayer clarify the facts: “If large-scale prescribed burning and incentives to backburn ended, the area burned annually in southwest WA would immediately fall by 87% leaving only fire started by lightning accident or arson”.

Mitigation in the name of “fuel reduction burning” could more aptly be described as “fuel production burning”, creating a cycle of burn and burn again. Many experts agree it’s a practice that’s scientifically outdated and must be redressed as a matter of urgency.

As Zylstra, Bradshaw and Lindenmayer discovered in research published in the academic journal Environmental Research Letters (2022) - in the southwest large bushfires almost exclusively occur in forests thick with flammable regrowth:

“When we looked at south-west Western Australia, we found that by ageing the forests into their low flammability, long-unburnt state, it’s possible to have less wildfire in 2100 than there is today, even under worst-case climate projections.”

After the recent horrific fires, we cannot waste this opportunity for real reform, and a review of the deeply entrenched culture of burning within DBCA.

Immediate detection and response capabilities must be at the forefront, in partnership with the agency demonstrably valuing biodiversity and giving ecosystems a chance to recover.

To quote Zylstra & Lindenmayer, “terrifying bushfires could become smaller and more manageable - if we overcome the drive to burn the bush”.

Dr Carole Peters (PhD) Fire Forums Convenor 2021, 2023 & 2024 Shenton Park & Margaret River

South West Local Business with BRAND NEW Busselton Showroom Opening Soon!

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Dee Peacock is a respected Property Partner with The Agency’s Busselton team, specialising in the suburbs of Vasse and Kealy.

With 17 years of experience and more than 600 successful sales, Dee has built a reputation for delivering consistently strong results through integrity, dedication and genuine care. Her success has never been about quick wins - it has been built on long-term relationships, clear communication and an unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for every client.

Dee Peacock 0438 606 997 deepeacock@theagency.com.au

Creating better communities, means better Strata Management. We will deliver practical solutions, provide proactive service, include site visits and ensure your scheme remains compliant.

We are small enough to care. Experienced enough to deliver.

OLD SCHOOL BUSSELTON LEGEND

(and we mean old school)

A true wealth of knowledge, Chris has spent well over three decades selling real estate in Busselton back when listings were handwritten, phones had cords, and “marketing” a property meant having a conversation at the local Chris has seen every market cycle imaginable and knows how to achieve results. He remains on a mission to match the right people with the right property drawing on years of experience, longstanding relationships, and local insight you simply can’t Google. If you want to know current market conditions, recent sales, suburb trends, or what your property is really worth, contact Chris today.

ChrisHILLS

0418 671 253 chris@harcourtsbsn com au M E

Busselton Toyota

$15,990

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.

2017 Toyota Yaris Ascent

$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.

year unlimited km warranty and travelled 64,184kms. Trade-ins welcome.

Bringing premium results to your neighbourhood.

Another one sold by Jason Dragstra

The market continues to impress and homes in and around the Busselton CBD are very hot property. The marketing on this fantastic home generated a huge amount of interest with multiple CASH offers submitted in just 2 days. The sale created a new street record and highlights the popularity in the Busselton marketplace. Are you curious what your home could now be worth? If so, do what the seller of 7 Veal Lane did and call me to discuss your property possibilities.

Marion Alexandra

19.04.1936 – 06.03.2026

Passed away peacefully, now reunited with her beloved husband Don (dec).

Loved mother of Sue, Judy, Sandy and Wendy. Cherished grandmother of Nic, Phil, Hannah, Seb, Jake, Joshua and Tahlia. Adored great-grandmother of Imogen, Lachlan, Alexandra and Josué. Forever in our hearts.

You lived your life for those you loved. We will forever treasure the times we shared with you. Thank you for always sending us on our way better than when we arrived. Your kindness and love will be remembered in our hearts, and your generous spirit will live on through us. Rest peacefully. We love you. Sandy and Andrew, Joshua and Courtney, Tahlia and Josh.

Passed away peacefully, loved Mother and Mother-in law of Sue and Peter, and Grandma to Nic and Juliana, Phil, Hannah and Michael, Seb and Isabel, and Great Grandma to Imogen, Lachlan, Alexandra and Josué

A generous mother and grandma who always put others before herself. Her beautiful smile will stay with us forever. She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered.

She was sunshine and warmth on the coldest of days

A mother who loved us in so many ways

So kind and so generous, so gentle and true There will never be anyone quite like you. She lived for her family, her heart open wide Forever our comfort, our strength and our guide. We loved her so deeply, we always will do Sweet Marion, my mum, this one's just for you. Love always Wendy, Jake and Marc xx

will take place in the Bantry Chapel, Busselton Funeral Centre, 105 Bussell Highway, Busselton commencing at 2:30pm Monday afternoon (16.03.2026).

SHEEP MANURE

Horace Lott. Jeremy and Alan, Tracey, Millie, Josh and Caitlin.

Loved brother of Michael, Brother in law of Judy.

Uncle of Tim, Bianca, Tasha and Patrick. Rest in peace Gerry, now with Pam.

Turnbull takes third place at Bondi skate competition

NICKY LEFEBVRE

A YOUNG Margaret River skater is about to take his career to the next level, after a strong performance at once of Australia’s most iconic skate bowl competitions.

Year 6 St Thomas More Primary School student Jake Turnbull headed to Sydney at the end of February to take part in the Bondi Bowl Bash, an annual grassroots skateboarding competition held at the iconic Bondi Skatepark by the Bondi Skateriders organisation.

Jake joined the event alongside top professional and amateur talent, taking part in the Junior 16 and Under division with 21 of the best junior skaters in the country.

With the Bondi terror attack still fresh in the minds of organisers and competitors, there was concern over whether the event would go ahead.

Closer to home, Jake was processing the news that the Margaret River skatepark would close for two weeks, hampering his training in the lead up to the competition.

Undeterred, the young skate star and his family made the daily round trip to train at the facility in Busselton before flying east to discover that the Aussie skate community had rallied together, to deliver a bigger and better turnout than ever before, including pro skaters like Rune Glifberg and Nikki Guerrero.

Jake turned out some top skating, battling it out in a close contest with just half a point separating the top three positionslanding himself the bronze medal and some epic prizes including the new Yepa helmet thanks to event sponsor, Tony Hawk.

His next adventure takes him to South Africa, where he will face off against some of the world’s best skaters.

As always, Jake is supported locally by the Margaret River Lions Club and Sportspower Margaret River, as well as skate and clothing sponsors Element, Step One, Carve eyewear, 187 Killer Pads and Triple 8 helmets.

To stay up to date with Jake’s progress, check out @jakey_turnbull on Instagram.

New look for Pies

NICKY LEFEBVRE

The Busselton Magpies Netball Club have a sharp new look for the season, thanks to generous local sponsors and a talented local designer lending her talents to the project.

The new uniforms were made possible thanks to supporters Ray White Stocker Preston and Anstee Construction, in association with SportFirst Busselton, and were designed by Magpies player and local designer, Yasmin Riley.

Yasmin, who plays the sport alongside her sister Shukia, is a proud Noongar Wardandi yorga, born and raised in Undalup.

Her artwork is deeply inspired by her culture and her Mum, Melanie Hume, owner of Booladalung by the Bay.

Yasmin describes her Mum as her biggest inspiration to begin her painting career, and said creating art allowed her to stay connected to her culture.

“The circles represent the different teams in the competition, and the feet show us travelling around the South West to play them,” Yas explained.

“The magpie flying around symbolises that journey, too.

“The large circle represents us – the Busselton Magpies – coming together as a community.”

The Magpies Club President said the design was the perfect blend of local culture and the community spirit within the club.

“As the President of this Club, incorporating this artwork acknowledges that our club operates on Aboriginal land and demonstrates our respect for culture, history,

and continuing connection to Country.

“For a club like Magpies, this signals that inclusion is embedded - not performative.

“Using a local artist and players design from our club ensures cultural integrity and that permission is respected.

“The story behind the artwork is genuinely known by our players, and the design reflects local community narratives rather than a generic design.”

Scoring sprees from Garstone, Saeed

ALLAN

MILLER

TWO EXCEPTIONAL individual performances at A-Grade level dominated the last qualifying round of home-and-away fixtures in the Busselton-Margaret River Cricket Association on Saturday.

At Bovell Park, Grant Garstone smashed 156 runs off 132 balls for Margaret River Hawks against Vasse, setting a record for the highest score this century, since Danny Hatton struck 167 not out for Abba River-Newtown 26 seasons ago.

The game was a scoring spree of epic proportions with no less than 578 runs scored in 100 overs including a record 26 sixes (17 by Hawks and 9 by Vasse), as Hawks amassed 7-324 in 50 overs and then contained Vasse to an impressive 7-254 in 50 overs in reply.

Garstone and Rumesh Silva added 158 runs before the first wicket of the match fell, while Vasse’s response included an innings of 110 off 81 balls from wicketkeeper-batsman Ajith Rajapaksha.

Meanwhile at the Dunsborough Playing Fields, St Mary’s wrested control over the home side on a pitch which strongly favoured the visitors, who batted first.

Saints tallied 193 all out, includ-

ing a solo performance of 102 runs by skipper Zoraiz Saeed.

The visitors then dismissed Dunsborough for 152 on a wicket which deteriorated badly as the game progressed.

Dunsborough were also handicapped by the inability of key batsman Taylor Ingham-Hill to take to

the crease after he suffered a nasty injury while fielding, which necessitated a trip to hospital.

The highlight of the Dunsborough innings was Saeed’s analysis of 5-15 from 6.2 overs of offspin.

This made Zoraiz Saeed one of only a handful of cricketers in the BMRCA’s 114-year history to have

scored a century and taken five wickets in an innings in the same game.

Saturday’s remaining A-Grade game saw minor premiers Cowaramup return to form with a strong win over Yallingup-Oddbods at Cowaramup.

Batting first in good conditions, the Bulls posted 6-273 from 50 overs (Fraser Oates hitting 64, Nathan Coulter-Nile 57 and Chris McLean 46) and then dismissed YOBS for 160 (Haig Colombera scoring 48).

This Saturday, Cowaramup will host St Marys in the A-Grade second semi-final while Dunsborough will host Margaret River Hawks in the first semi-final.

In last Saturday’s B-grade fixtures, an upset win by Vasse over Margaret River Hawks at the Vasse Playing Fields has cost Hawks the minor premiership.

Hawks batted first and totalled 168 all out, with Shane Joyce hitting 59 and Dennis Amour and Adrian Handreck taking three wickets each for Vasse.

In reply, Vasse got up with four wickets in hand and 14 balls to spare, Bodhi Wallace striking a match-winning 61 not out.

Dunsborough defeated St Marys by five wickets to ensure they finished as top B-Grade qualifier with Ashton McCarthy scoring 84 runs for the victors, while Yallingup-Oddbods enjoyed a huge 206-run win over Cowaramup in the remaining fixture, with James Trewren grabbing 5-24 for YOBS.

This Saturday’s B-Grade semi-finals will see Dunsborough host Margaret River Hawks in the major semi while Yallingup-Oddbods host Vasse in the minor semi.

The closest C-Grade qualifying games last Saturday saw St Marys sneak home by two wickets over Vasse at Churchill Park, while Dunsborough White defeated Dunsborough Blue in the battle of the top two sides to snatch the minor premiership.

YOBS Academy climbed off the bottom of the ladder with a win over Nannup to end their season, while Yallingup-Oddbods defeated Margaret River Hawks in the other fixture.

This Saturday’s C-Grade semi-finals will see Dunsborough White and Dunsborough Blue face each other in a rematch while Yallingup-Oddbods will be at home to Nannup.

Local rider selected for WA team

Margaret River-based rider Emily Keen will be heading to Darwin in June to compete in Polocrosse National championships after her selection in Western Australian Women’s Polocrosse Team.

The event at Fred’s Pass reserve in Bees Creek Darwin, will feature top tier teams from across Australia including divisions from sub –juniors to Masters.

It will be seven days of elite competition and high-speed equestrian action with over 400 competitors and around 4000 spectators expected to attend.

Emily, originally from Lake Grace, started riding before she can remember, learning at the Lake Grace Riding School.

Her parents took up polocrosse and Emily and her four brothers followed. Her first official game was at the age of 6, filling in for an injured rider at the Mobrup Polocrosse Tournament near Kojonup.

For Emily, the adrenaline of the game, the love of horses and the team aspect, makes polocrosse her horse sport of choice.

Polocrosse is the ultimate family horse sport, young or old, elite or beginner, if you love riding horses and playing team sports, polocrosse has a place for you.

With clubs across the whole of Australia, in remote, regional and urban locations, Australia is the largest polocrosse – playing coun-

try in the world.

Polocrosse is played on one horse, (as opposed to polo which uses a string of up to eight horse), on a grassy pitch, with each rider using a cane or fiberglass stick which has a loose net racquet head.

A soft spongy ball is used, and the objective is to score goals by throwing the ball between the opposing teams goal posts.

Emily has travelled all over Australia and the world to playing polocrosse.

She even meet her husband Jonny Keen, the local equine dentist, through polocrosse and now her primary school aged children are

starting to play too.

Emily credits polocrosse with developing within her children’s confidence, resilience, independence and sportsmanship.

“They learn to play in a team, talk to other adults and meet children from all over the state”, she said.

Competing at such an elite level means Emily is juggling work, fitness training for the horses and herself as well as developing the mental strength required.

“The support of family, friends and the local Margaret River Polocrosse Club is crucial, I am super excited to be competing especially

if WA can get the wins over NSW and Qld,” she said.

Emily credits mentors Keith and Sally Scott, formerly of Osmington, as well as Paul and Fiona Brennan, Rosa Brook, for their support in helping her attend carnivals and the loan of horses when she was younger.

Paul operated the Jesters Flat Stock Horse stud with his sire Jesters Flat Regret being the sire of both mares Emily will compete on.

Paul was previously an international polocrosse player and coach.

Elite is a 12 year old grey mare who has competed at the previous National Championships, she is little and quick, and Ashes is a 5 year old mare, competing for the first time at this level.

For Emily it is an extra thrill to be playing on horses that she has

bred and trained.

The Australian stock horse has the speed, agility, endurance and competitiveness which makes them perfectly adapted to fast paced game.

As part of the WA team, Emily is benefiting from the expertise of South African coach Bruce McLarty.

Bruce has a unique focus on players developing good stick skills to enable horse and rider to be a more harmonious partnership.

Past Margaret River local Adele Martin and past Margaret River Polocrosse team player Jodie Dunlop have also been selected in the WA team.

Find out more about polocrosse, and get in touch with the Club at www.facebook.com/MargaretRiverHorseandPonyClub