Man charged over offensive flyers targeting LGBTIQA+ community

 Man charged over offensive flyers targeting LGBTIQA+ community

Main points from the page

• A 47‑year‑old Gosnells man has been charged after a long-running investigation into the distribution of offensive and obscene anti‑LGBTIQA+ flyers across Perth.

• Around 40 reports were made to WA Police between July 2024 and March 2026, involving thousands of leaflets left in letterboxes across numerous suburbs.

• Police allege the flyers contained indecent commentary and images of adult men from the LGBTQI+ community, with some including obscene images.

• A search warrant was executed on 29 April 2026, during which electronic devices were seized.

• The man faces five counts of leaving an indecent or obscene article in or upon a place and is scheduled to appear in Perth Magistrates Court on 15 July 2026.

• OUTinPerth previously reported that some early victims said they were initially turned away by police, prompting broader attention from community leaders, MPs, and other media outlets.

• The campaign highlighted the absence of vilification laws in Western Australia protecting LGBTIQA+ people, leading to renewed calls for law reform.

• Flyers were found across a wide range of suburbs, including Victoria Park, Subiaco, West Leederville, Highgate, Mount Lawley, Maylands, Bayswater, Dianella, and Gosnells.

• Pride WA board member Gregory Helleren was among those targeted, with flyers falsely accusing him of being a pedophile.

• Police urge anyone with further information to contact Crime Stoppers (1800 333 000).

Artwork takes centre stage at City’s exhibition and awards

 Artwork takes centre stage at City’s exhibition and awards | City of Gosnells

🎨 Key Highlights of the Exhibition

• Almost 200 artworks will be displayed at the 2026 City of Gosnells Community Art Exhibition and Awards.

• The collection includes natural landscapes, native wildlife, abstracts, mixed media, and sculpture.

• Mayor Terresa Lynes describes the exhibition as vibrant, dynamic, surprising, inspiring, and a showcase of strong community talent.

🏆 Awards and Participation

• 194 artworks are entered across 11 award categories.

• Total prize pool: $10,000.

• The Overall Acquisitive Award is valued at $5,000.

• Visitors can vote for the People’s Choice Award.

• Last year’s Overall Acquisitive Award winner: Ariel Katzir for I Do See You.

📅 Event Details

• Dates: Saturday 16 May – Sunday 24 May

• Location: Lyal Richardson Hall, The Agonis building, Gosnells

• Opening Hours:

  • Mon–Fri: 10am – 4pm

  • Weekends: 9am – 1pm

👥 Additional Events

• Meet the Artist networking event:

  • Wednesday 20 May, 6pm – 8pm

• DADAA ‘Tactile Touch’ accessible tours:

  • Friday 22 May

  • Sessions at 10:15–11:15am and 11:30am–12:30pm

Two WA councils share in top Waterwise prize

 Two WA councils share in top Waterwise prize | Western Australian Government

🏆 Top Awards

• City of Gosnells and City of Karratha were jointly awarded 2026 Platinum Waterwise Councils of the Year for exceptional long‑term leadership in water conservation.

• Cockburn ARC was named 2026 Platinum Waterwise Aquatic Centre of the Year for major water‑efficiency gains without costly rebuilds.

🌱 Why Gosnells Was Recognised

• Active participant since 2019.

• Demonstrated large‑scale water‑sensitive design and technology.

• Key initiatives:

  • Hydro‑zoning and eco‑zoning in parks and streetscapes.

  • Irrigation upgrades.

  • Targeted planting programs.

• Outcomes:

  • Over 4,000 new trees and understorey plants.

  • 10,000 native plants distributed to residents.

  • Reduced water and energy use while improving green spaces and community water literacy.

💧 Why Karratha Was Recognised

• Program participant since 2009.

• Implemented a climate‑responsive urban landscaping strategy.

• Installed smart water metering and upgraded water infrastructure at Karratha Airport.

• Achieved:

  • Significant water savings at Karratha Leisureplex.

  • Nearly 13% reduction in corporate potable water use.

🏊 Aquatic Centre Achievements

• Cockburn ARC: Platinum award for innovation and efficiency.

• City of Karratha’s three aquatic centres (Karratha Leisureplex, Roebourne Aquatic Centre, Wickham Recreation Precinct): All received Gold Waterwise Aquatic Centre recognition.

• Newly endorsed centres include:

  • Narrogin Regional Leisure Centre

  • Katanning Aquatic Centre

  • Lake Grace Swimming Pool

🌏 Program Context

• 46 local governments are now endorsed under the Waterwise Councils Program.

• Programs support the WA Government’s Kep Katitjin–Gabi Kaadadjan (Waterwise Action Plan 3), aiming to build leading waterwise communities in Perth (Boorloo) and Peel (Bindjareb) by 2030.

🗣️ Minister’s Message (Summary)

Water Minister Don Punch emphasised that securing WA’s water future requires all sectors—not just households—to adopt waterwise practices. He highlighted the role of innovation, collaboration, and local government leadership in achieving real water savings and building liveable communities.

Urban forest restoration projects to enhance Perth's Swan Canning Riverpark

 Urban forest restoration projects to enhance Perth's Swan Canning Riverpark | Australasian Leisure Management

🌱 Key Takeaways

• Six new urban forest restoration projects will roll out across the Swan Canning Riverpark over the next three years.

• Local governments will share $925,000 in grants through the Swan Canning Riverpark Urban Forest program.

• Projects aim to restore river foreshores, control weeds, revegetate degraded areas, and increase urban canopy.

• The program is a continuation of a State Government initiative first funded in 2021 and extended in 2025 with an additional $1.85 million.

• Sites span Gosnells, Armadale, Perth, Belmont, Bayswater, and Bassendean.

🌿 Program Background

• Originally a $3 million, four‑year election commitment (2021).

• Earlier rounds supported:

  • 41 hectares of weed control

  • 27 hectares of revegetation

  • 500,000+ native plants established

• The extension ensures ongoing ecosystem and community benefits.

🏞️ New Project Locations

• William Lane Riparian Corridor – City of Gosnells

• Wungong River Urban Forest – City of Armadale

• Point Fraser Foreshore & Swale Revegetation – City of Perth

• Casuarina Lake at Garvey Park – City of Belmont

• Bindaring Park North – Town of Bassendean

• Maylands Foreshore – City of Bayswater

🗣️ Government Perspective

WA Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn emphasises that a healthy Riverpark supports both environmental and community wellbeing, and that partnering with local governments ensures restoration work continues to expand.

Southern River grows bigger with 51 lots in new Business Park ready for property owners to build on

 Southern River grows bigger with 51 lots in new Business Park ready for property owners to build on | PerthNow

Here are the main points from the PerthNow article about the new Southern River Business Park

🏗️ Key Development Facts

• 51-lot business park in Southern River is now officially open.

• The project spans 21 hectares, making it the largest commercial development ever undertaken by the City of Gosnells.

• Lots vary from 1211 sqm to 6456 sqm, suitable for commercial and light industrial uses (e.g., bulky goods, warehouses, workshops, self‑storage).

🌱 Community & Economic Impact

• Mayor Terresa Lynes says the park will:

  • Provide a major economic boost.

  • Create local employment opportunities.

  • Generate significant profits to fund future community infrastructure.

• Southern River’s population is just over 17,000 but expected to more than double by 2046, increasing demand for commercial services.

🏞️ Environmental & Public Features

• Includes three large open‑space areas with seating and walking paths.

• These areas act as a buffer for nearby wetlands and help protect natural vegetation.

• A fauna trapping and relocation program will minimise environmental impact.

🏢 Commercial Status

• All 51 lots are already under contract.

• Land buyers are showing interest in starting construction soon.

• Cygnet West has been appointed to manage and market the lots.

📍 Location

The site is bordered by:

• Southern River Road

• Matison Street

• Duckbill Loop

• Furley Road