Saturday, 25 April 2026

Local actors in WA first

 Local actors in WA first | Your Local Examiner

🎭 Key Points: Local actors in WA first

⭐ A WA-first production

  • The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is being staged in Western Australia for the first time, produced by Art In Motion Theatre Company (AIM).

  • The show runs during the April school holidays at Don Russell Performing Arts Centre in Gosnells.

👥 Local cast and creative team

  • The production features nine performers and a live band made up entirely of WA musicians.

  • Director Liam Tickner says AIM focuses on bringing new young-adult stories to the stage and jumped at the chance once rights became available.

  • The cast includes a mix of newcomers and regular AIM performers, strengthening community involvement.

🎤 Lead actor’s perspective

  • Joshua Hollander, playing Percy Jackson, highlights how the show frames Percy’s ADHD and dyslexia as strengths, a message he personally values.

  • He describes the role as exciting but daunting due to Percy’s popularity.

  • Hollander shares a personal note: he performs in honour of his late mother, who supported his acting journey.

🎭 Themes and message

  • The story follows Percy discovering he is the son of a Greek god and embarking on a quest about identity, belonging, and friendship.

  • A core message: you don’t need to fit into a box to be “normal”.

  • The production blends humour, music, and Greek mythology with relatable themes of feeling like an outsider.

🏛️ Community support

  • Tickner acknowledges the City of Gosnells for supporting local arts and helping bring the production to life.

  • Having a local cast makes the show more meaningful for audiences, offering a “tangible connection”.

🎬 What’s next for AIM

  • After this season, AIM will return in July with a production of Spring Awakening.

Friday, 24 April 2026

Outlaws Bikie Gang Members Charged Over Alleged Gosnells Assault

 Outlaws Bikie Gang Members Charged Over Alleged Gosnells Assault – WAMN News Online

Key Points

  • Two alleged Outlaws Motorcycle Club members have been charged over an assault in Gosnells on 29 March 2026.

  • The incident occurred at a bar on Corfield Street around 9pm, involving a man in his 30s.

  • Police allege the victim was struck with a metal stool during the altercation.

  • A 26‑year‑old man allegedly:

    • Wore prohibited bikie insignia during the incident.

    • Left the scene in a white Jeep Grand Cherokee.

    • Intentionally struck the victim with the vehicle while the victim was walking along a pathway.

    • Drove off without stopping.

  • The victim reached a nearby home and was taken to Fiona Stanley Hospital with serious injuries.

Police Actions

  • Detectives executed a search warrant in Jurien Bay, seizing the Jeep.

  • The 21‑year‑old suspect was arrested in Maddington.

  • The 26‑year‑old suspect was arrested the next day in Calista, where police also seized metal knuckle dusters.

Charges

26‑year‑old Kwinana man

Charged with seven offences, including:

  • Failing to stop after an incident causing grievous bodily harm

  • Failing to report property damage

  • Assault occasioning bodily harm

  • Intent to harm

  • Displaying prohibited insignia

  • Possessing a prohibited weapon

  • Failing to obey a police order

He appeared in Armadale Magistrates Court on 23 April 2026.

21‑year‑old Maddington man

Charged with:

  • Common assault

  • Failing to obey a police order

He is due in court on 8 May 2026.

Status

  • Investigation remains ongoing.

  • Police urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.

Free supplies, health checks and advice for pet owners in the City of Gosnells

 Free supplies, health checks and advice for pet owners in the City of Gosnells | RSPCA WA

RSPCA WA will be in Maddington on Wednesday 6 May offering free advice and supplies to pet owners who may be struggling with the costs of caring for their pets. The Community Action Day will take place at the Maddington Community Centre on Alcock Street from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.

OMCG Hit and Run - Gosnells

 OMCG Hit and Run - Gosnells

Gang Crime Squad detectives have charged two male members of the Outlaws OMCG (outlaw motorcycle gang) in relation to incidents that occurred in Gosnells on Sunday, 29 March 2026.

About 9pm, it will be alleged the men – aged 26 and 21-years-old – were involved in an altercation with a male victim – aged in his 30’s – inside a licensed premises on Corfield Street. Both men physically assaulted the victim, during which the victim was struck with a metal bar stool.
 
During the altercation, the 26-year-old man was allegedly wearing clothing identified as prohibited insignia. 

Thursday, 23 April 2026

Australind train from Perth to Bunbury to return by June as Minister Rita Saffioti acknowledges delay

 Australind train from Perth to Bunbury to return by June as Minister Rita Saffioti acknowledges delay | The West Australian

🚆 Australind Train Service — Key Points

1. Service finally returning by June 2026

  • The long-delayed Australind train between Perth and Bunbury will resume from Monday, June 29, 2026.

  • This comes nearly three years after its closure in 2023 due to Armadale line upgrade works.

2. Multiple delays pushed the reopening

  • Originally expected to reopen mid‑2025.

  • Delayed again due to setbacks on the Thornlie–Cockburn Link.

  • Government later targeted early 2026, but testing pushed it further.

3. Staged rollout instead of full service

  • Initial service: one train operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

  • Coach services will continue on the other days.

  • A second train is planned for early August.

  • Government aims for four trains total, doubling services by early 2027.

4. Government position

  • Minister Rita Saffioti acknowledged the delays.

  • Emphasised the need for thorough testing to ensure safety and reliability.

  • Thanked the community for its patience.

5. Opposition criticism

  • Shadow Transport Minister Steve Martin labelled the June return a “half‑service”.

  • Argued regional communities deserve a full, reliable timetable.

  • Called for the rollout to be fast‑tracked.