Emergency warning issued after blaze at Perth battery recycling facility

 Emergency warning issued after blaze at Perth battery recycling facility - ABC News

Emergency fire at Maddington battery recycling facility — key points

Takeaway: A major lithium‑ion battery fire in Maddington triggered a HAZMAT emergency warning, caused significant damage to the facility, and disrupted nearby transport routes.

🔥 What happened

• A serious fire broke out at the Li‑ion Energy battery recycling facility on Burwash Place, Maddington, around 1:45pm.

• Potentially hazardous smoke prompted a HAZMAT emergency warning just before 3pm.

• The fire involved around 80 tonnes of lithium‑ion solid‑state batteries, creating intense heat and difficult conditions for firefighters.

🚒 Emergency response

• Up to 50 firefighters from multiple stations responded, supported by WA Police, St John Ambulance, and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.

• Crews attempted an internal attack but quickly switched to an external containment strategy due to the fire’s intensity.

• Fire suppression is expected to continue for hours into the night.

👥 Injuries

• One man was taken to Fiona Stanley Hospital with suspected smoke inhalation.

• Another person was treated at the scene.

🏭 Impact on the business

• The business owner estimates over $7 million in lost goods, plus building damage.

• The company is only two years old, and the owner says recovery will be difficult.

🚧 Transport disruptions

• Armadale train line closed between Cannington and Gosnells on Sunday afternoon.

• Albany Highway closed between River Avenue and Stokely Creek Crossing.

🌫️ Safety advice for locals

• DFES advises people in the area to:

  • Stay indoors

  • Keep doors and windows closed

  • Turn air‑conditioners off to avoid drawing in smoke

Mary Carroll Park $3.5m upgrades completed as new hand carved archway and prime viewing bench installed

 Mary Carroll Park $3.5m upgrades completed as new hand carved archway and prime viewing bench installed | PerthNow

🌿 Key Takeaways

• Final upgrades completed at Mary Carroll Park, marking the end of a $3.5m redevelopment project.

• A new hand‑carved timber archway and double‑sided viewing bench have been installed as the final additions.

• The archway features artwork by Noongar artists Gertrina Hayden and Tamara Hayden.

• The bench is designed for dual use:

  • One side faces the wetlands for wildlife viewing

  • The other frames the water for photo opportunities

• Mayor Terresa Lynes highlights the park as a place to connect with local biodiversity, including migratory birds.

• The broader project includes:

  • Gosnells’ largest all‑abilities playground (gilgie structure, six‑seasons spinners, flying fox)

  • Pedestrian bridge across the wetlands

  • Accessible toilets and changerooms

  • Picnic areas and a community yarning circle

  • Concrete paths around the causeway for improved accessibility (prams, wheelchairs)

🧭 What This Means for the Community

• The upgrades significantly improve accessibility, cultural representation, and visitor experience.

• The new viewing area strengthens the park’s role as a birdwatching and nature‑connection spot.

• The project blends environmental appreciation, Noongar cultural elements, and family‑friendly recreation.

Canning Swan river: More than $600,000 in community river care grants to fund huge restoration projects

 Canning Swan river: More than $600,000 in community river care grants to fund huge restoration projects | PerthNow

🟦 Key Takeaways

• More than $600,000 in WA Government community rivercare grants has been awarded to support major restoration projects across the Swan and Canning rivers.

• SERCUL (South East Regional Centre for Urban Landcare) received $93,655, one of the largest grants in this round.

• Their project focuses on Canning River Regional Park, aiming to improve water quality, habitat health, and native vegetation regeneration over the next three years.

• Work will target five sites across different ecosystems: claypan, saltmarsh, wetland, and riparian zones.

• The main activities include:

  • Controlling invasive weeds

  • Infill planting to restore degraded areas

  • Supporting volunteer groups who maintain the park

• The State Government allocated $655,000 across 14 groups for foreshore and wetland restoration.

• Other major recipients include:

  • Swan Estuary Reserves Action Group – over $80,000 for Alfred Cove A‑class reserve

  • Friends of Maylands Shamphires

  • Bibbul Ngarma Aboriginal Association

• Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn highlighted the program’s role in building a healthier, more resilient Swan–Canning catchment.

🟩 What This Means for the Community

• Expect visible restoration activity in Canning River Regional Park soon.

• Improved biodiversity, water quality, and habitat connectivity are the long-term goals.

• Funding strengthens the role of local volunteer groups, who are central to ongoing river care.

Why everyone is flocking to this Maddington lotto shop

 Why everyone is flocking to this Maddington lotto shop | Your Local Examiner

⭐ Key Takeaways

• The Good Fortune Lottery Centre in Maddington is attracting large crowds due to a streak of winning tickets.

• The store has sold 11 Division Two winners this year, and last year recorded 26 Division One and 37 Division Two winners.

• People are travelling from outside the area because they believe the shop is “a winning store”.

• Many newcomers—especially new migrants—visit to learn how to play different lottery games.

• The store recently sold a $50,000 scratchie prize from a $3 ticket.

• Customers often ask for advice, celebrate small wins, and even follow rituals like rubbing the owner’s belly for luck.

• Owner Ushan Iddamalgoda says the best part is seeing happy customers and hearing stories of how wins help people.

• He emphasises that lottery profits go back to the community through charities, hospitals, roads, and disability support.

• Friendly staff and positive “vibes” are part of the shop’s growing reputation.

🧭 Why the shop is so popular

• Winning streak: Frequent winners create buzz and attract hopeful players.

• Reputation: Years of consistent wins have built trust and curiosity.

• Community feel: Staff help newcomers understand the games and maintain a welcoming atmosphere.

• Human stories: Customers share emotional moments, like a woman who won shortly after her husband passed away.

Jesse’s pitching big dreams

 Jesse’s pitching big dreams | Your Local Examiner

1. Rising local softball talent

• Southern River teenager Jesse Lloyd (17) is emerging as a standout softball player.

• He recently represented Western Australia in the Under 18 Boys national tournament in NSW, where the team finished as grand finalists.

2. Long sporting journey

• Jesse began playing diamond sports at three and a half, starting with TeeBall.

• He tried baseball but found his passion in softball.

• He has played for AK Strikers, South Thornlie Redsox, and Fremantle Rebels, progressing steadily toward state-level competition.

3. Competing at national level

• The NSW tournament was a major step up, especially as he was one of the youngest on the WA team.

• He enjoyed the challenge and valued the chance to test himself against top players nationwide.

• Pitching in the grand final against Queensland was a highlight, even though WA didn’t win.

4. National pathway selection

• Jesse has been selected for the 2026 Under 18 Men’s Squad in the Softball Australia Pathway Program.

• This puts him on track for potential future national representation, earlier than he expected.

5. Balancing school and sport

• As a Year 12 student, he finds the workload demanding but manageable with organisation.

6. Big ambitions and strong support

• His long-term dream is to represent Australia at a World Cup.

• He credits his family, coaches, and teammates for supporting his development.