Busselton Dunsborough Mail | March 18, 2026

Airport upgrade improves access

A new state-of-the-art passenger boarding ramp will increase safety, accessibility and e ciency for travellers using Busselton Margaret River Region Airport.

e City of Busselton announced the adoption of the Aviramp system last week, and said it would signi cantly improve turnaround times for both departing and arriving passengers.

“Busselton Margaret River Airport is now one of only a handful of airports across Australia to o er this advanced boarding solution, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and customer service excellence,” Mayor Phill Cronin said.

e Aviramp allows for

a single sta member to engage the ramp with an aircra by remote control, minimising physical strain and potential for workplace injuries.

It also o ers safer, easier and more digni ed aircra access for passengers with mobility issues, and a faster and more comfortable experience for those travelling with children, removing the need to navigate steep stairs while carrying bags or managing prams.

“We are very excited to receive the Aviramp,” Operations Manager for the Capes Foundation and General Manager for South West Aviation Services, Matt Norton said.

“Providing ramp access for passengers who struggle with stairs is an excellent

addition and anything that helps reduce stair-related fall incidents is a positive outcome for our passengers.

“ e Aviramp can be used on most aircra , A320 and smaller, which also allows us to accommodate charter ights for aircra such as the E190 - something we have not previously been able to support due to a lack of suitable stairs.”

Mayor Cronin said the upgrade would further support the region’s ongoing tourism demand.

“ e project has been fully funded by the City of Busselton, demonstrating the City’s continued investment to strengthen connectivity, support tourism and enhance the overall travel experience for residents and visitors alike,” he said.

Review of the week

Had Stinson to supply and install the solar system as part of the build. Great product and looks working well. Hiccup in connecting it to my phone, but it works out eventually.

Shout out to Zain Amjad for helping me to connect the inverter to the app. He’s been so patient throughout the process and a nice person to work with.

Ricky Ng

STUDENTS MAKE A SPLASH AT UNDER-THE-SEA CELEBRATION

YEAR 12 students from Busselton Senior High School celebrated one of the most significant milestones of their final year with their Year 12 School Ball on Saturday, March 7.

Held at the beautiful Hilton Garden Inn Busselton, students arrived in style walking the red carpet before making their way to the top floor function area.

With stunning views overlooking the iconic Busselton Jetty and foreshore, it provided the perfect backdrop to celebrate the ‘Under the Sea’themed Ball.

Students received a sophisticated welcome to the top floor with a mocktail, before being treated to a selection of delicious canapes throughout the evening.

They enjoyed an evening filled with music and dancing, celebrating with peers and teaching staff alike.

“Our Year 12 students presented themselves and conducted themselves in style throughout the evening,” Year 12 Coordinator Ms Connie Watson said.

“It was very clearly an en-

joyable night for all. I could not have been prouder.”

Busselton SHS Principal Mrs McMahon also conveyed how impressed she was with the evening.

“The Busselton Senior High School Year 12 Ball was a wonderful celebration for our Year 12 students,” Mrs McMahon said.

“The students looked fantastic, with dazzling arrivals that drew loud applause from the many family and community members who came along to watch and support them.”

The Year 12 School Ball remains a special tradition and a highlight of the school calendar, giving students the chance to celebrate their final year in a memorable environment.

“It was wonderful to see such pride and excitement as students made their entrance”, Mrs McMahon said.

“The evening was then danced away in great spirits, creating memorable moments for the entire cohort”.

All images thanks to Abby Murray Photography.

FREE TRAVEL EVENT

FREE TRAVEL EVENT

You're invited to an exclusive information session to discover APTand Travelmarvel's exciting range of holiday destinations and travel styles.

You’re invited to an exciting range of inspiration

You’re invited to an exclusive information session to discover APT and Travelmarvel’s exciting range of holiday destinations and travel styles. Meet the travel experts for inspiration on your next holiday and have all your questions answered.

Meet the travel experts for inspiration on your next holiday and have all your questions answered.

FREE TRAVEL EVENT

Monday 30 March at 5:30pm

Monday 30 March at 5:30pm

You’re invited to an exclusive information session to discover APT and Travelmarvel’s exciting range of holiday destinations and travel styles. Meet the travel experts inspiration on your next holiday and have all your questions answered.

Busselton Tennis Club

Busselton Tennis Club Corner Marine Terrace and Carey Street, Busselton CALL NATURALISTE TRAVEL ON 08 9754 4566 BY FRIDAY 27 FEBRUARY TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT

Monday 30 March at 5:30pm

Busselton Tennis Club Corner Marine Terrace and Carey Street, Busselton

CALL NATURALISTE TRAVEL ON 08 9754 4566 BY FRIDAY 27 FEBRUARY TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT

Corner Marine Terrace and Carey Street, Busselton CALL NATURALISTE TRAVEL ON 08 9754 4566 BY FRIDAY 27 MARCH TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT

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

•Handwriting, fine motor & self care skill development

• Assistive equipment and home modifications

We

•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.

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 processing & emotional regulation

• Sensory processing & emotional regulation

•Sensory processing & emotional regulation

•Sensory processing & emotional regulation

•Sensory processing & emotional regulation

•Handwriting, fine motor & self care skill development

• Fine motor and self care skill development

•Handwriting, fine motor & self care skill development

•Rehabilitation after injury or illness

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

• Support managing changed behaviours in dementia

•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

•Assistive equipment and home modifications

•Functional capacity assessments

•Functional capacity assessments

•Falls education and prevention

•Support

•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

admin@baysideindependence.com.au

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

Busselton local receives prestigious scholarship

A FORMER Busselton Senior High School student has been awarded one of Australia’s most prestigious postgraduate scholarships, placing him among the nation’s brightest young researchers.

Joshua Snow, who grew up in Busselton, has been named a 2026 Sir John Monash Scholar, one of just 18 recipients nationwide and two from WA.

Established in 2001, the Scholarship supports outstanding Australians to undertake postgraduate study at the world’s leading universities while developing the leadership skills needed to address major national and global challenges.

Joshua, a Fogarty Scholar and soon-to-graduate Master of Frontier Physics student at the University of Western Australia, plans to continue his studies at either Harvard University in the United States or the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.

He hopes to gain access to world-class research expertise and experimental plat-

forms before returning to Australia to help strengthen the nation’s quantum technology capabilities.

Joshua said receiving the scholarship was both exciting and humbling.

“ e Sir John Monash Scholarship is something I’ve admired for a long time, so nding out I’d received one was incredibly exciting and humbling,” he said.

During his time at UWA, Joshua has worked with the

Research Centre for Quantum Information, Simulation and Algorithms, focusing on emerging quantum technologies.

“My aim is to develop methods that enable practical quantum computing applications supporting Australia’s priorities in secure communications, advanced sensing and critical technologies that will ultimately help make Australia a global nexus in quantum technology.”

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

What’s the deal with cruise ship fuel?

Iam reaching out to all the many former residents of Merredin living in the Busselton and Dunsborough areas to advise that a new book on the history of Merredin has just recently been published.

The book “Merredin – An Evolving Story” provides narrative on the very interesting history of Merredin from the years of early European settlement through to modern days.

It identifies how water played such an important role in many aspects of the district’s development.

The 334 page book includes sections on the development of the railways in the town, the growth of the agriculture industry, the important military contribution, indigenous history, economic development, essential services, along with sport and recreation and other features of the town’s past.

The book looks at the rapid growth of Merredin’s population leading to its gradual decline and poses some questions about its future. The book is available to purchase from the Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre in Merredin for $55 or from myself.

Email (preferred) ian.stubbs@ westnet.com.au or phone 0400 856 139.

Ian Stubbs, Geographe

Regardingthe fuel shortage, other than helping the Busselton economy, have people ever wondered how a passenger cruise ship in Geographe Bay can operate?

Where do they fuel up?

How many litres of fuel does it take to fill an average cruise ship?

Who’s paying for it?

Who gave it permission to fill up, if there’s a fuel shortage?

What’s more important - a luxury holiday, or helping the transport, farming and other businesses?

Something to think about.

Chris Whitely

Iwanted to express my appreciation for your recent feature on local photographer and volunteer, Abby Murray (Here is Home, Busselton Dunsborough Mail, March 22).

While many in our community know Abby for her bright, joyful photography, your article revealed the extraordinary depth of her contribution to animal rescue and to families facing difficult times.

I was aware that Abby fostered animals, but I had no idea she had cared for nearly 100 of them across Western Australia, nor that she had helped raise more than $120,000 for SAFE.

Her reunion with Jinx - a dog she fostered eight years ago in Kalgoorlie and unexpectedly recognised on the Busselton foreshore - was especially moving.

It speaks to the lasting impact she has on the lives she touches.

Abby has also supported POOPS (Pets of Older Persons) on many occasions, generously donating her time and skills to help older pet owners stay connected with their beloved companions.

I’ve met Abby out and about with her daughters, and they are a credit to her - warm, grounded, and clearly following in her footsteps of kindness and community spirit.

Her willingness to step forward for families experiencing illness or grief, offering photography as a way to preserve precious memories, is a gift beyond measure.

In a world where quiet acts of kindness often go unnoticed, it is heartening to see Abby’s story shared so widely.

Our community is richer for people like her — people who give without expectation and make Busselton a more compassionate place to live.

Thank you for shining a light on her work.

Cathy Gibson, Busselton

Nowthat our WA Premier has decided to pull stumps from his working-class electorate of Wellard and relocate to the cosmopolitan West Perth area, one may ask is it simply for the coffee shop selection or that the chauffeured ministerial drive each day was not a healthy option?

Wellard boasts approx. 3 coffee shops whilst West Perth has a burgeoning 20 plus so that could be part of the reason, however it is more likely that the demographics associated with the City hub are in reality more of what are his cup of tea or in this case his cup of soy latte.

This narrative continually exploited verbatim about coming from a working-class area by our PM can’t be utilised on this our occasion by our premier “Good News Roger”, as he was raised in Cottesloe and attended Scotch College.

Ironically though, prior to becoming the member for Kwinana, he served as State Director of the Health Consumers’ Council of WA, advocating for patient rights and health system reform.

It’s funny how quickly you can temporarily lose your memory of your roots and what you thought once was important, when you become a member of parliament.

In 2015 when he was the opposition minister for health and asked about about ambulance ramping he said “This situation is out of control and the Minister for Health is simply missing in action, unable to respond to the crisis.”

Roger also said “We understand that the Minister hasn’t even turned his mind to the solution, let alone getting on to actually doing something about it”.

That was when ambulance ramping had reached 1000 hours per month, whilst now we are catapulting towards a frightening 5000 hours per month prior to winter and with no end in sight.

Funny how things change. Five times the ramping and now complete silence when there was once outrage.

So, let’s hope that this change in West Perth scenery may awaken the passion for patient rights and health system reform that he once advocated so passionately.

However, whilst now being only walking distance to the office and taking personal responsibility for his own health, this is certain to provide little comfort for many including the elderly, planning their next winter vacation camping in ambulances.

Andrew Wynne, Yallingup

MOBILE VEHICLE WEIGHING

Fringe Fun FEST! Fringe Fun FEST! | Sat 21 March | 10am - 2pm | Mitchell Park, Busselton

10am - The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever - A whimsical, high-energy group dance experience inspired by the iconic Kate Bush choreography.

11am - Mermaid Dancing - Enchanting, family-friendly performances bringing ocean magic to life through movement and costume.

12pm - Head Over Heels Acrobatics - Sail away with the Pirate Queens as they flip, fly, and fumble their way through an acrobatic pirate escapade!

1pm - Join Scott Pearce Music for his popular drumming workshop!

Big Ideas

Bold Conversations Brilliant Stories

Driver charged over chase

RESIDENTS in the South West have shared terrifying accounts of a stolen vehicle which was driven the wrong way up Margaret River’s busy Main Street on Friday night.

“Basically, before the chase he hit a van that [was parked] up at the front of the bottle shop and ran away,” Win Utami said.

“I saw him being chased from the bottom of the town, and we thought ‘that’s it’ but he came for a second round, turning around at the front of the Drapery, straight away went in the wrong direction at the front of Mai Tardi. ere was so many kids too and families.”

Another commenter said he was driving near Pearl’s Bar at the top of the Main Street when he saw the ute “going towards me on the wrong way of the road...I just had time to park up the Troopy on the grass and let this idiot pass by... that would have been a head to head accident!”

Posts on Facebook groups in Busselton and Dunsborough shared similar encounters, with at least one local reporting a car had been “rammed o the road”.

Police con rmed on Saturday morning that a 28 year old man from Safety Bay had been charged with multiple o ences, including Steal Motor Vehicle, Endanger life, health or safety

of a person, Dangerous Driving, and Reckless driving to escape pursuit by police.

It is alleged the man stole the red Landcruiser from Mandurah at around 3.15pm on Friday a ernoon and drove in a dangerous manner, forcing a vehicle from the road in Metricup around 6.35pm. e occupants of that vehicle were not injured.

e male continued to drive towards Margaret River, before being sighted by police.

“ e vehicle was tracked to an area at the end of Grace Road in Boranup where the 28-year-old man was taken into custody and conveyed to Bunbury Police Station,” a WAPOL spokesperson said.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to contact Dunsborough Police Station on 9781 3030, quoting reference number 130326 1910 16743.

POLICE have also charged several people with more than 30 o ences following a three-day operation targeting the distribution of illicit drugs at key entry points into the South West.

Operation Pontoon was led by Busselton Police with assistance from the WA Police Canine Section, Busselton Detectives, South West Tra c, and a number of smaller stations from across the district.

A Border Search Area was established at Busselton Margaret River Airport, where more than 550 passengers and 280 items of

luggage were searched.

Drug detection dogs provided 12 positive indications, resulting in the seizure of a quantity of cannabis and illegally obtained prescription medication.

A Vehicle Search Area on Bussell Highway saw more than 2,000 vehicles subject to random roadside breath and drug testing, while vehicle searches resulted in the seizure of a range of illicit drugs including methylamphetamine, heroin and MDMA, along with associated paraphernalia and suspected stolen or unlawfully obtained property. Six motorists were charged a er testing positive for illicit drugs in their oral uid.

Another six motorists were detected in excess of the 0.05 blood alcohol limit, and one was charged with DUI.

Two drivers were detected without valid driver’s licences; one vehicle was impounded and another issued with a surrender notice.

“ e results from this operation demonstrate the value of a coordinated law enforcement e ort that strengthens the core policing fundamentals which keep our community safe,” Supt Paul van Noort said.

“ is is not a one-o .

“People can expect to see a continued, highly visible and e ective police presence that maintains the focus on those who continue to cause harm in our community.”

SOUTH WEST FOOTBALL LEAGUE 2026 FIXTURES

ROUND 9

Saturday 23 May 2026

Carey Park v Busselton KP 3.00pm

Donnybrook v Harv Bruns Lesch VCMP 3.00pm

Sunday 24 May 2026

Collie Eagles v Eaton CRG 2.10pm

Harvey Bulls v South Bunbury HO 2.40pm

Bunbury v Dunsborough PP 2.40pm

ROUND 10

Saturday 30 May 2026

Harv Bruns Lesch v Carey Park BO 2.10pm

v Donnybrook PP 3.00pm

ROUND 7

Saturday 9 May 2026 Donnybrook v Eaton VCMP 3.00pm

Park v South Bunbury KP 3.00pm

Sunday 10 May 2026

Collie Eagles v Dunsborough CRG 2.10pm

Harv Bruns Lesch v Busselton BO 3.00pm

Harvey Bulls v Aug Marg River HO 3.00pm

ROUND 8

Saturday 16 May 2026

Eaton v Carey Park GHR 3.00pm

Busselton v Donnybrook SSBP 3.00pm

Sunday 17 May 2026

South Bunbury v Collie Eagles HMO 3.00pm

Dunsborough v Harvey Bulls DPF 3.00pm

Aug Marg River v Bunbury GP 3.00pm

Collie Eagles v Busselton CRG 2.10pm

Sunday 31 May 2026

Dunsborough v Aug Marg River DPF 12.45pm

Bunbury v South Bunbury PP 2.40pm

Eaton v Harvey Bulls GHR 2.40pm

ROUND 11

Saturday 6 June 2026

North Melbourne v Fremantle HMP 12.15pm

Sunday 7 June 2026

Donnybrook v Collie Eagles VCMP 3.00pm

Harv Bruns Lesch v Harvey Bulls BO 2.40pm

ROUND 12

Saturday 13 June 2026

Aug Marg River v South Bunbury 2.40pm

Carey Park v Donnybrook KP 2.40pm

Sunday 14 June 2026

Collie Eagles v Harv Bruns Lesch CRG 2.10pm

Harvey Bulls v Busselton HO 2.40pm

Bunbury v Eaton PP 2.40pm

ROUND 13

Saturday 20 June 2026

Busselton v South Bunbury SSBP 2.40pm

Harv Bruns Lesch v Dunsborough BO 2.40pm

Sunday 21 June 2026

Harvey Bulls v Collie Eagles HO 2.40pm

Donnybrook v Aug Marg River VCMP 2.40pm Bunbury v Carey Park PP 2.40pm

ROUND 14

Saturday 27 June 2026

South Bunbury v Eaton HMO 2.40pm

Dunsborough v Busselton DPF 2.40pm

Sunday 28 June 2026

Aug Marg River v Harv Bruns Lesch GP 2.40pm

Donnybrook v Bunbury VCMP 2.40pm

Harvey Bulls v Carey Park HO 2.40pm

ROUND 15 - INDIGENOUS ROUND

Saturday 4 July 2026

Busselton v Aug Marg River SSBP 2.40pm

Bunbury v Harv Bruns Lesch PP 2.40pm

Collie Eagles v Carey Park CRG 2.10pm

Sunday 5 July 2026

Harvey Bulls v Donnybrook HO 2.40pm

Eaton v Dunsborough GHR 2.40pm

ROUND 16

Saturday 18 July 2026

Collie v Bunbury CRG 2.10pm

Dunsborough v Donnybrook DPF 2.40pm

Harv Bruns Lesch v South Bunbury BO 4.40pm

Sunday 19 July 2026

Eaton v Busselton GHR 2.40pm

Carey Park v Aug Marg River KP 2.40pm

ROUND 17

Saturday 25 July 2026

Aug Marg River v Collie Eagles GP 1.10pm

Harv Bruns Lesch v Eaton Bo 2.10pm

Sunday 26 July 2026

Donnybrook v South Bunbury VCMP 3.00pm

Harvey Bulls v Bunbury HO 3.00pm

ROUND 18

Saturday 1 August 2026

Dunsborough v Collie Eagles DPF 2.40pm

South Bunbury v Carey Park HMO 2.40pm

Busselton v Harv Bruns Lesch SSBP 2.40pm Sunday 2 August 2026

Aug Marg River v Harvey Bulls GP 2.40pm Eaton v Donnybrook GHR 2.40pm

ROUND 19

Saturday 8 August 2026

Collie Eagles v South Bunbury CRG 2.10pm Carey Park v Eaton KP 2.40pm

Sunday 9 August 2026

Harvey Bulls v Dunsborough HO 2.40pm

Donnybrook v Busselton VCMP 2.40pm Bunbury v Aug Marg River PP 2.40pm

ROUND 20

Saturday 15 August 2026

Busselton v Carey Park SSBP 2.40pm Harv Bruns Lesch v Donnybrook BO 4.40pm

Sunday 16 August 2026

South Bunbury v Harvey Bulls HMO 2.40pm Eaton v Collie Eagles GHR 2.40pm Dunsborough v Bunbury DPF 2.40pm

ROUND 21

Saturday 22 August 2026

Aug Marg River v Dunsborough GP 3.00pm

Carey Park v Harv Bruns Lesch KP 4.40pm

Sunday 23 August 2026

Harvey Bulls v Eaton HO 3.00pm

Busselton v Collie Eagles SSBP 3.00pm

South Bunbury v Bunbury HMO 3.00pm

FINALS WEEK 1 Saturday 29 August 2026 Sunday 30 August 2026 FINALS WEEK 2 Saturday 5 September 2026 Sunday 6 September 2026 FINALS WEEK 3 - PRELMINARY FINALS Sunday 13 September 2026 FINALS WEEK 3 - GRAND FINALS Saturday 19 September 2026

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Artists capture essence of Country in new collection

A NEW exhibition at Yallingup Aboriginal Art will bring together the works of three Noongar artists who share a deep connection to Country, their heritage and their ancestors.

‘Colours of Country’ will showcase works by Josh Whiteland, Kim Kiosses and John Sara, celebrating colours, stories and living knowledge from the land, waterways and oceans to the sky, the changing seasons, native foods and the enduring importance of belonging and family.

Each artist o ers a personal perspective shaped by culture, memory and connection to Country.

Josh Whiteland, a Wadandi Custodian born in Busselton, shares stories centred on harmonious living on Wadandi Boodja.

John Sara and Kim Kiosses are a father-daughter duo who live and create on Wadandi Boodja.

eir heritage traces to Ballardong country (Wheatbelt), Whadjuk country (Perth) and Banjima country (Pilbara).

John’s paintings speak of stories passed down over generations, family history and the land he holds close to his heart. He returns to painting a er a long break, with the exhibition showcasing new and earlier works. Inspired by her father, Kim’s paintings tell

stories of family, connection to culture and Country.

Kim o en travels with family to the Pilbara to reconnect with her heritage and to enrich her understanding of family stories.

Over the past two years she has become one of the gallery’s most sought a er artists.

Colours of Country opens Saturday March 28 5PM (RSVP for drinks and catering) and runs until April 15 at 3057 Caves Road Yallingup (at the entrance to Yallingup Maze).

Yallingup Aboriginal Art is open daily from 10am to 4pm, closed Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

EXHIBITION

Colours of Country: Celebrating Our Stories

This special exhibition Colours of Countr y is a celebration of stories of Josh Whiteland, Kim Kiosses and John Sara. Our three Noongar artists share their deep connections to the places they live, come from & carr y through their ancestors

Opening Night: Saturday March 28 at 5PM th

RSVP to admin@yallingupart com (for drinks & catering)

Exhibition Dates: March 28th-April 15th

Gallery opens 10AM-4PM daily 3057 Caves Road, Yallingup (at the entrance to Yallingup Maze) (closed Good Friday & Easter Sunday) yallingupaboriginalart

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.

the event site.

There will be NO

Busselton Toyota

MANURE

Perfect 10s as State Titles decided

SURFING WA

Margaret River turned on a classic three-day run of surf as Western Australia’s best junior surfers went to work at Surfers Point for Round 1 of the 2026 Club Med WA Junior Surfing Titles.

Over three days of competition, close to 100 junior surfers from across the state tackled Margaret River’s world-class waves, with consistent left-handers and offshore winds creating ideal conditions throughout the event window.

Day one saw the biggest surf of the event, with competitors taking on powerful 6–8 foot waves at Main Break.

The high-performance condi-

tions continued into the weekend, easing slightly to 4–6 foot on Saturday before a fun 2–4 foot lineup welcomed the younger divisions on Sunday

The surf proved to be the standout feature of the opening stop of the series, providing plenty of opportunities for competitors to showcase their skills on one of Western Australia’s most iconic waves.

Among the highlights of the event was a perfect 10-point ride from Jake Scott on day three, while reigning WA Under-18 Girls Champion Olive Hardy delivered the highest heat total of the competition with an 18-point heat score, including a 9-point ride in the opening minute

of her first heat.

State titles were decided across multiple divisions, with Ace Flynn (U18 Boys), Olive Hardy (U18 Girls), Cruz Macdonald (U16 Boys) and Lily Naylor (U16 Girls) claiming victory on day two.

The final day of competition saw the younger divisions take centre stage, with Jordy Anderson (U12 Boys), Rosie Annesley (U14 Girls) and Nate Spooner (U14 Boys) securing the Round 1 titles.

The Under 14 Girls final delivered one of the most exciting moments of the event, with Rosie Annesley launching a powerful backhand attack on the buzzer to edge out Ily Fraser in a clutch performance.

Surfing Western Australia High Performance Pathway Coach Mia McCarthy said the event highlighted the depth of emerging talent coming through the state’s junior ranks.

“There’s lots of incredible talent in Western Australia and it’s really exciting to see the level these young surfers are already performing at,” McCarthy said.

“For these groms, competing at a wave like Surfers Point is an incredible rite of passage. It’s something they’ll remember forever.”

U18 Boys winner Ace Flynn said the challenging conditions made for an unforgettable experience.

“Those waves were pretty solid –

pretty scary at times,” Flynn said.

“But I’ve got so many mates in this comp and we all just support each other and surf together. It’s a really good vibe.”

Surfing WA Regional Operations Manager and Contest Director Kim Clift said the event window delivered ideal conditions for the state’s best junior surfers.

“The juniors were blessed with an amazing forecast, with pumping surf and offshore winds right across the event window,” Clift said.

“To see them take on waves of that size and quality at Surfers Point and rise to the occasion was incredible. The future of WA surfing is looking very strong.”

A Grade favourites set to defend Barnard Cup

ALLAN MILLER

FIVE different clubs will be represented in this Saturday’s Busselton-Margaret River Cricket Association senior grand finals, following some surprise results in last weekend’s semi and preliminary finals fixtures held in Cowaramup, Dunsborough, Busselton and Margaret River.

Cowaramup have earned the right to host the A-Grade and B-Grade grand finals after their victory over St Mary’s in last Saturday’s A-Grade qualifying final at Cowaramup.

seven-wicket win over Margaret River Hawks in the B-Grade qualifying final at Dunsborough last Saturday to secure the first berth in the grand final playoff for the Barnard Shield.

sons in the home-and-away competition.

Cowaramup skipper Fraser Oates (92) and Nathan Coulter-Nile (70 not out) continued their exceptional form when they were primarily responsible for their side’s five-wicket win over St Marys with seven overs to spare, thanks to a 122-run partnership between the two.

Meanwhile Vasse have shot from fourth-place qualification in B-Grade to earn a spot in the season decider after defeating Yallingup-Oddbods on Saturday and then causing a boilover by beating Margaret River Hawks with 10 balls to spare in the preliminary final on Sunday, with Aaron Mott hitting 52 runs for the victors.

The Bulls will go into the Barnard Cup playoff as hot favourites to defend their crown from last year, following their strongest ever performance in the Yates Shield which resulted in 13 wins from 15 home-andaway appearances.

Their opponent this Saturday will be St Mary’s, after Zoraiz Saeed’s young side dispatched Dunsborough in the preliminary final at Barnard Park on Sunday with a convincing five-wicket victory.

Hawks led the B-Grade competition for most of this season and will be sorely disappointed at missing out on the big day.

This Saturday’s C-Grade grand final for the Penfold Shield, which will be played at Margaret River, will be contested between Dunsborough Blue and Yallingup-Oddbods.

And St Mary’s A-Grade captain Zoraiz Saeed continued his incredible year when he notched 86 runs on Saturday against Cowaramup and then an unbeaten 61 in Sunday’s win over Dunsborough.

Saeed teamed with Nick Barr (53 off 45 balls) to add 110 for St Marys’ first wicket, chasing Dunsborough’s total of 152 all out, to all but ensure their side of the win.

Saeed has now scored 937 runs this summer at an average of 67 and he is believed to be the only batsman in BMRCA history to have scored in excess of 900 runs in a single A-Grade season.

Saturday’s elimination final at Dunsborough saw the home side total 9-190 (Phil Watts hitting 50 and Rumesh Silva taking an outstanding 4-14 from 10 overs) and then dismiss Margaret River Hawks for an even 100 (Anthony Quinn taking a brilliant 4-12 from 10 overs), to keep Dunsborough’s hopes alive.

Meanwhile this Saturday’s B-Grade grand final, being played on the adjacent oval at Cowaramup, will feature Dunsborough and Vasse.

Led by a match-winning knock of 68 from Cam Morris, Dunsborough scored a

Dunsborough Blue defeated Dunsborough White by a narrow two-wicket margin in an all-Dunsborough second semi-final at Dunsborough Lakes Sporting Precinct on Saturday.

Then YOBS, after defeated Nannup at Churchill Park in the elimination semi on Saturday with Simon Godridge and Lucas Trewren taking three wickets each, caused an upset win on Sunday by downing Dunsborough White at Dunsborough Playing Fields in a thrilling finish with just one ball to spare.

Last weekend’s first round of A-Grade finals featured some standout performances from batsmen who have already had excellent sea-

This Sunday’s Under-16s T20 competition grand final at Margaret River, starting on turf at 9am, will see Hawks take on St Marys, after Hawks defeated St Marys in the major semi-final last Saturday and St Marys defeated Dunsborough off the last possible ball in Sunday’s preliminary final.

Meanwhile, Sunday’s Under-14s 30-overs-a-side grand final, starting on Margaret River synthetic at 8am, will be an all-Dunsborough affair between Dunsborough Whites and Dunsborough Blues.

Sharks promise attacking play in 2026

JASON CROWE - SWFL

AFTER a horror run with injuries in 2025, there is an air of expectation at Gloucester Park in 2026, with the Hawks looking to return to finals football, after finishing seventh last season, their worst in the last ten years.

The Hawks won the premiership in 2021 and 2022, but have been on the slide down the ladder since that point, but with large numbers at training, and a team free of injury, the Hawks are looking to elevate back into the top five.

League Coach, Blake Anderson, is not only looking to make finals, but to win them as well.

“We are looking forward to seeing a team brand of footy where we don’t rely on individuals, but instead players playing important unheralded roles, that we’ll celebrate internally. In terms of results, the expectation is to be playing finals and to win finals”, Anderson said.

Like many Coaches, Anderson think that Bunbury will be right in the mix come September.

“I believe Bunbury are the team to beat.

“They’re always a tough side to play against and have a great mix of strong locals along with some quality marquee players.

“The team I think could be the big improver is Eaton.

“They’ve brought in some quality recruits over the off-season and played some competitive footy last year without necessarily getting the wins on the board, so they could take a big step forward this season’, Anderson added.

The Hawks start the 2026 season with an away game, playing Eaton at Glen Huon Reserve in the opening match of the season, on Saturday, 21 March.

Round two will see the Hawks play Donnybrook at home, before a trip to Collie in round three after the Easter break.

BUSSELTON will be looking to go one step further in 2026, after losing last years Grand Final by one point, in what most pundits say was one of the best Grand Finals of the modern era.

The Magpies have retained almost all of last years side, and with one of the competitions best players returning, Mitch

Tenardi may be the player that assists Busselton to Premiership glory.

League coach Matt Jamieson is looking forward to what the season holds.

“We will continue to look at growth across all grades.

“We are to see guys that have now played 30+ league games take the next step to consolidate themselves as good league players, to compliment our experience”, Jamieson said.

“The guys will be better for the disappointment of last season.

“I am looking forward to seeing Mitch Tenardi lead our midfield and our forward line to get better with Liam and Ryan leading from the front.

“Our pre season has been great in the limited time we’ve had but can’t wait to get back into it”, he added.

Jamieson also suggested he believes the competition will be closer in 2026.

“I think the competition overall shall improve with some of the bottom half teams retaining and recruiting well.

“I think both Bunbury and South’s will be hard to beat. Bunbury obviously have recruited strongly and South’s will look to go again after two solid seasons.

“I feel Carey Park will continue to improve will some good signings and they weren’t that far behind the top three last year”.

Busselton start the season with a home game on Satur-

day, 21 March against Bunbury. Round two will see a Grand Final rematch with Busselton heading to Hands Oval to take on South Bunbury, before having the bye in round three and then traveling to Margaret River to take on the Hawks in the first of two Busselton Toyota Cup matches in round four.

WITH just 13 days until Round One, Dunsborough are looking forward to the challenge in 2026, their fourth season in the competition.

After finishing ninth in 2023, the Sharks have finished eighth in both 2024 and 2025, Dunsborough have added some new players to the League side for 2026, with Coach Chayce Creedy promising an attacking game style from the Sharks.

“We have a number of new players joining our league side which we hope will make us

more attacking and watching some of the young graduating colts develop into senior footballers will be a fun watch”, Creedy said.

“It has been a hard grind to get numbers consistently and retaining local players is a challenge at the moment so we will just keep trying to build a culture where people feel valued and safe and have a load of fun in a very tough competition”.

That tough competition will be evident straight up, with the Sharks to play reigning premiers, South Bunbury, at Hands Oval in Round One under lights, with Creedy suggesting the Tigers will be hard to beat yet again.

“You have your perennial clubs like Souths and Busselton who will both be dangerous, but I think Bunbury with their local talent and who they have been able to bring in should be a formidable outfit”, Creedy said.

“I respect Collie and how they go about it and the fact they have been able to retain most of last years squad, they should keep improving and I expect to be a big improver.”

After playing the Tigers in round one, Dunsborough will host Harvey Brunswick Leschenault in round two and then Carey Park in round three to start their season.