Friday, 10 April 2026

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.

Thursday, 9 April 2026

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.

Athletes set to represent WA in national championships

 Athletes set to represent WA in national championships | Your Local Examiner

Four young athletes from South Thornlie — Ella Dowdell, Ellyssa Gurney, Leon Chanmul and Deklan Ellery — have been selected to represent Western Australia at the 2026 Coles Australia Little Athletics Championships in Brisbane.

🏅 Key details

✈️ Event & travel

  • Championships held at QSAC, Brisbane.

  • Athletes travel April 11–15.

🧒 Athlete events

  • Deklan Ellery — Shot put, discus, Swedish relay.

  • Leon Chanmul — 100m, 200m, relay.

  • Ellyssa Gurney — Triple jump, 400m.

  • Ella Dowdell — 1500m walk.

🎉 Athlete reactions

  • All four described feeling excited, proud, and a little nervous.

  • Ella was especially happy her best friend was also selected.

  • Ellyssa is excited to fly on a plane for the first time.

🏋️ Training & preparation

  • All athletes have been training consistently:

    • Deklan: five days a week, plus diet focus.

    • Leon: many training sessions.

    • Ellyssa: lots of training and staying organised.

    • Ella: regular training and technique work.

  • They credit family and coaches for support.

🎯 Goals for the championships

  • Deklan: Achieve personal bests, aim for top five.

  • Leon: Set a new PB, finish strong, enjoy the experience.

  • Ellyssa: Make new friends and prove she earned WA selection.

  • Ella: Do her best and enjoy representing the state.

🏟️ Coach’s perspective

  • Selection is based on strong performance in events.

  • The achievement reflects the whole club’s effort — volunteers, supporters, and team culture.

  • The group stands out for their attitude, persistence, and team spirit.

  • The club focuses on strong fundamentals and regular competition to build confidence.

Praise for our firies

 Praise for our firies | Your Local Examiner

🔥 What happened

  • A bushfire on 9 February burned around 90 hectares of bushland in Serpentine Jarrahdale.

  • The fire started near Pruden Road and crossed South Western Highway.

  • Cause is suspected to involve a stolen vehicle, but WA Police are still investigating.

🚒 Response and containment

  • About 160 volunteer and career firefighters responded, supported by DFES, DBCA, WA Police, shire staff, and local landowners.

  • Their coordinated effort stopped the fire’s forward spread.

  • No loss of life or property occurred.

🌱 Recovery efforts

  • Recovery works have been completed:

    • Fencing replacement

    • Track repairs

    • Restoration of affected areas

  • Daily patrols continued until 16 February, when the incident was formally closed.

  • Early ecological recovery is visible, but a controlled burn is still required at Watkins Road Nature Reserve.

📢 Community concerns & shire responses

Alert systems

  • Emergency WA app provides loud preset alerts.

  • AusAlert, a new national warning system, is in testing and expected to launch October 2026.

Mobile coverage

  • Residents raised concerns about weak coverage.

  • The shire is advocating with telecommunications companies for improvements.

Evacuation centre location

  • Some questioned why the centre was in Byford (11 km away).

  • The shire explained that the Byford recreation centre was the most suitable based on information at the time.

Tonkin Highway Extension

  • The shire is working with the project team to ensure Emergency Access Ways are properly planned and integrated.

Fuel loads on verges

  • The shire only manages verges where public safety or infrastructure is affected.

  • Property owners are responsible for managing fuel loads on verges adjoining their land.

🧭 Community education

The session also covered:

  • Bushfire plans

  • How to access emergency information

  • What to pack in an emergency kit

  • How the Emergency WA warning system works

Experienced police officers leaving while violent crime is increasing shows WA police force is not supported, says union

 Experienced police officers leaving while violent crime is increasing shows WA police force is not supported, says union | Your Local Examiner

🛑 WA Police Union’s concerns

  • The union says experienced officers are leaving while violent crime is rising, showing the force is not being adequately supported.

  • Police-to-population ratio has dropped nearly 7% since 2007–08.

  • Violent offences (offences against the person) have increased by over 80% in the same period.

  • Resignations remain historically high, with the post‑2020 period being the worst since the 1940s.

  • Medical retirements have surged in the past six months, many linked to psychological injuries.

  • The force is becoming less experienced: constables/probationary constables rose from 14.2% (2018–19) to 24.7% (2024–25).

  • Auxiliary officer attrition is extremely high—more than two in five left in 2024–25.

  • The union argues frontline capacity is shrinking while community demand is growing.

📢 Union’s call to action

  • The WA Government should fund more police, improve retention, and address workload and support issues.

  • Without investment, the gap between community expectations and policing capability will widen.

🟦 WA Government’s response

  • The government says police numbers are increasing, not falling.

  • Claims:

    • Over 7,300 officers, a 10% increase since COVID.

    • 900 more officers than in 2017.

    • Overall crime rate down 16% since 2017.

    • WA is the only state still growing its police force.

    • Attrition and resignations are dropping year‑on‑year.

  • Government says all districts are appropriately resourced and can adjust to demand.

🏛 Local MPs’ comments

  • MPs Terry Healy and Colleen Egan say the government is investing heavily in policing, including:

    • $8 billion in the last budget.

    • Longer opening hours at Canning Vale and Gosnells stations.

    • Technology upgrades like body‑worn cameras.

    • Emphasis on visible policing, youth engagement, and local support services.

🚓 WA Police Force statement

  • Police say they maintain a proactive, visible presence 24/7.

  • They emphasise agility in reallocating resources to meet operational needs.

📈 Broader context

  • Parliamentary reports show rising demand for police services, especially:

    • Family violence cases

    • General calls for assistance

  • Additional staff have been funded to keep frontline officers available by shifting some tasks to specialised roles.

In short

The union argues WA policing is under-resourced and losing experience at a dangerous time, while the government insists officer numbers, investment, and capability are all increasing. The debate centres on whether current staffing and support are keeping pace with rising demand and crime trends.

Young athletes beam with pride as club sweeps season

 Young athletes beam with pride as club sweeps season | Your Local Examiner

Maddington Little Athletics Club has completed an exceptional season, achieving a clean sweep of all major shields at the Gosnells and Districts Little Athletics Centre.

🏆 Major achievements

  • Champion Club Shields — won both.

  • Walks Shield — secured.

  • Multi Events Shield — secured.

  • This marks a full sweep of the centre’s major awards.

🌟 Individual champions

  • Grayson D’Agnone-Doyle — Overall Junior Boys Champion.

  • Lucy Vanderputt — Overall Junior Girls Champion.

  • Elizabeth John — Senior Girls Champion.

Each athlete expressed pride and surprise at their achievements, highlighting personal bests and favourite events like Turbo Javelin, shotput, and walks.

👥 Leadership reflections

U18 captain Jackson Almstrom and co-captain Shabira Muhafidin emphasised:

  • Strong teamwork across athletes, coaches, parents, and volunteers.

  • A supportive club culture built on sportsmanship.

  • The joy of seeing younger athletes achieve PBs and grow in confidence.

💬 Athlete highlights

  • Younger athletes’ excitement about PBs, events, and even new shoes was a recurring theme.

  • Senior athletes enjoyed mentoring and celebrating with the next generation.

  • Elizabeth John aims to continue improving and hopes to compete at nationals in the future.

🧭 Overall message

The club’s success reflects:

  • A season built on teamwork, support, and a positive culture.

  • Strong individual performances backed by a united community.

  • A shared love of athletics that spans all age groups.

Urgent need or a ghetto?

 Urgent need or a ghetto? | Your Local Examiner

🏗️ What the proposal is

  • A 6‑storey, 65‑unit apartment development next to Kelmscott Train Station.

  • Mix of affordable and social housing.

  • DevelopmentWA released a 200‑page report summarising public submissions.

🗳️ Public feedback (85 submissions)

  • 63 objected, 16 supported, 6 neutral/comments.

  • Common objections:

    • Fear the area will become a “ghetto” or repeat issues seen at Davis Road apartments.

    • Concerns about crime, unlawful behaviour, and community impact.

    • Belief that public consultation was inadequate.

    • Worries about traffic congestion, parking shortages, and building height not fitting the streetscape.

    • Perception that the building will be ugly or an eyesore.

  • Supportive views:

    • Strong need for high‑density, affordable housing in WA.

    • Recognition of the housing crisis and urgency for new supply.

🏛️ DevelopmentWA’s responses

  • Traffic: Some increase expected, but not unacceptable.

  • Height & form: Considered appropriate for a well‑connected, accessible location and aligned with planning strategy.

  • Design changes:

    • Ground floor to include a community space suitable for a low‑intensity café.

    • Corner design may get more articulation/material detail.

    • Face bricks removed from the design to speed construction.

  • Aesthetics:

    • At least 1% of construction cost (~$287k) must go toward public art.

    • A Public Art Report will be required.

🛡️ Safety & management

  • An experienced Community Housing Provider will manage:

    • Safety and security plans

    • Tenancy conduct

    • Amenity and impact on surrounding area

📅 Next steps

  • Those who made submissions can meet with the Armadale Land Redevelopment Committee on Monday to discuss concerns.

City of Gosnells recognised with two local government awards for sustainability and $3.5m park project

 City of Gosnells recognised with two local government awards for sustainability and $3.5m park project | PerthNow

🌱 Key Takeaways

  • City of Gosnells won two major IPWEA awards at the 2026 ceremony.

  • Awards recognised:

    • Excellence in Environment & Sustainability for the Sustainable Gosnells project.

    • Highly Commended Best Public Works Project ($2m–$5m) for the Mary Carroll Park redevelopment.

  • Mary Carroll Park upgrade cost $3.5 million and is now a major community and environmental asset.

🏞️ Mary Carroll Park Redevelopment Highlights

  • Features the largest all-abilities playground in Gosnells.

  • Includes:

    • Giant gilgie play structure

    • Noongar six seasons spinners

    • Flying fox

    • Pedestrian bridge across wetlands

    • Accessible toilets and changerooms

    • Picnic areas

    • Community yarning circle

  • Designed to help residents connect with the wetlands while protecting the environment.

🌍 Sustainability Achievements

  • The city’s Sustainability Action Plan (adopted 2023) focuses on:

    • Biodiversity

    • Energy

    • Infrastructure

    • Transport

    • Waste

    • Water use

  • Since adopting the plan:

    • Corporate emissions reduced by 37% despite population growth.

    • Tree planting and solar generation increased significantly.

    • More non‑recyclable waste diverted from landfill.

🗣️ Mayor Teresa Lynes’ Key Messages

  • The awards recognise the city’s coordinated, responsible resource use.

  • The park upgrade is a point of pride and supports environmental education for all ages.

  • The sustainability plan provides a clear framework for ongoing improvement.

AC/DC Experience rocks Gosnells

 AC/DC Experience rocks Gosnells | City of Gosnells


 Key details about the event

  • The Australian AC/DC Experience is performing a tribute show at the Don Russell Performing Arts Centre (DRPAC) in Thornlie.

  • Date: Friday, 8 May.

  • The show aims to deliver an authentic recreation of AC/DC’s sound, look, stage energy, and instrumentation.

⚡ What to expect from the performance

  • A high-voltage, two‑hour concert capturing the intensity of a real AC/DC show.

  • Replica stage props modelled on AC/DC’s own setups.

  • A lead vocalist who channels both Bon Scott and Brian Johnson.

  • The iconic bagpipes featured in some of AC/DC’s classic tracks.

🎵 Music and legacy highlighted

  • The tribute honours the creators of legendary rock anthems such as:

    • Back in Black

    • Thunderstruck

    • Highway to Hell

    • For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)

    • …and more.

🗣️ Comment from the City of Gosnells

  • Mayor Terresa Lynes says the show delivers a high‑quality entertainment experience, even for dedicated fans.

📅 Publication and extras

  • Article published 8 April 2026.

  • Includes links to related City of Gosnells articles and contact information.

Wednesday, 8 April 2026

Felt Flowers Workshop at the Museum

 Felt Flowers Workshop at the Museum Tickets, City of Gosnells Museum , Gosnells | TryBooking Australia

🎨 What the event is

  • A Felt Flowers Workshop teaching the traditional craft of wet felting using wool, water, and soap.

  • Participants create a colourful felt flower that can be turned into a brooch, clip, or accessory.

🧵 Who it’s for

  • Suitable for beginners and experienced felters.

  • Designed to be relaxing, accessible, and hands‑on.

  • Ages 16+ only.

📅 Dates & Times

Two identical workshop sessions are offered:

  • Saturday 9 May 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM (12 places available)

  • Saturday 23 May 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM (16 places available)

📍 Location

  • City of Gosnells Museum 34 Homestead Rd, Gosnells WA 6110

  • A “Get directions” link is available on the page.

📝 Other details

  • Booking is done through TryBooking.

  • The page includes standard site links such as “Sell Tickets”, “Fundraising”, and “About Us”.

Thank a Volunteer event

 Thank a Volunteer event | City of Gosnells

Here are the main points from the City of Gosnells – Thank a Volunteer Event page

🎉 What the event is about

  • A community celebration recognising the vital work of volunteers across the City of Gosnells.

  • Held during National Volunteer Week, highlighting the importance of volunteer contributions to local services and community life.

📅 Event details

  • Date: 21 May 2026

  • Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm

  • Who can attend: All volunteers in the City of Gosnells (open invitation).

  • Tags: Celebrating Volunteers

📍 Venue

  • Don Russell Performing Arts Centre (DRPAC)

    • Address: Lot 13 Murdoch Road, Thornlie WA 6108

    • A 235‑seat professional theatre that hosts events and is available for community hire.

📬 Contact

  • Contact person: Community Development Officer

  • Email: community@gosnells.wa.gov.au

📨 Optional

  • Visitors can subscribe to the City’s eNewsletters for community updates.

Full Show | Hand-Holding Taboos, Thornlie Royalty & Silent Road Trips

Nathan, Nat & Shaun - Full Show | Hand-Holding Taboos, Thornlie Royalty & Silent Road Trips


🎙️ Core Episode Summary

  • Shaun is away recovering from shoulder surgery, so Ross fills in on the show.

  • Ross talks about his “weekend car bender”, suggesting a chaotic or humorous driving-related story.

  • Joel shares a “dream‑like” encounter with an aunt in Dunsborough, followed by a long, silent drive home.

👑 Guest Segment: “Queen of Thornlie”

  • Janelle Koenig joins the show.

  • She discusses:

    • A heated rivalry with her daughter’s boyfriend’s mum.

    • Her campaign to become the new face of Spudshed, adding a local, comedic angle.

Police Charge Man After South West Burglary Series

Police Charge Man After South West Burglary Series | The National Tribune


 Key Facts

  • A 22‑year‑old man from Gosnells has been charged with 16 offences after a series of alleged burglaries and related crimes across WA’s South West.

  • Incidents occurred between 15–30 March 2026 in the suburbs of Australind, Dalyellup, Eaton, and Pelican Point.

  • Charges include:

    • 2 × Aggravated Home Burglary and Commit

    • 1 × Home Burglary and Commit

    • 3 × Steal Motor Vehicle

    • 1 × Stealing

    • 7 × Gains Benefit by Fraud

    • 2 × Possession of Stolen/Unlawfully Obtained Property

⚖️ Legal Status

  • The accused has been remanded in custody.

  • Next court appearance: 23 April 2026, Bunbury Magistrates Court.

🚓 Police Position

  • Police state that this behaviour will not be tolerated and reaffirm their commitment to community safety.

  • Investigations are ongoing.

📢 Public Appeal

  • Anyone with information or relevant footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

  • Reports can be made anonymously.

Friday, 3 April 2026

Rubbish wrangle: unhappy Gosnells residents asked to remove waste from verge due to collection delays

Gosnells residents were last week asked to move their waste off the verge and back on their property, due to concerns about stormy weather linked to ex-tropical cyclone Narelle.


The city said it was was trying to mitigate delays by organising additional collection days on Saturdays, while local residents reacted angrily that collection delays were an on-going problem.


The city of Gosnells posted to Facebook that some suburbs would experience verge collection delays due to last week’s wet weather and apologised for the inconvenience to ratepayers.

Link

KINGSHOTT CLAIMS ANOTHER CROWN

 KINGSHOTT CLAIMS ANOTHER CROWN

Dayne Kingshott is once again crowned champion of the Maddington Toyota Sprintcar Series as he remains the dominant driver out west.


Kingshott did it in style with a sixth win enough to secure the 2025/26 title, which is his third in his career and second on the bounce.


Victory at the Kalgoorlie International Speedway on Saturday night was enough to get arch-rival Callum Williamson out of reach in the penultimate race.


Link

Thursday, 2 April 2026

A 65-year-old runner has died after being hit by a bus in Perth

 A 65-year-old runner has died after being hit by a bus in Perth

A runner has died in hospital after being struck by a bus in a fatal collision.

A 65-year-old man was on a morning jog along Garden St in Thornlie, in Perth’s southeast, when he was hit by a Transperth bus travelling along Forest Lakes Drive about 7.40am on Tuesday.

Get ready, Gosnells! Australian electronic royalty The Presets are taking over for an epic, high-voltage DJ set at the Gosnells Hotel, bringing twenty years of pure dancefloor dominance right to your doorstep.

Get ready, Gosnells! Australian electronic royalty The Presets are taking over for an epic, high-voltage DJ set at the Gosnells Hotel, bringing twenty years of pure dancefloor dominance right to your doorstep.

Famous for defining an entire era of Australian electronic music, Julian Hamilton and Kim Moyes have spent over two decades soundtracking the best clubs, massive festivals, and unapologetic late-night chaos with relentless, genre-blending anthems like My People, Ghosts, and Talk Like That. Their DJ sets are a whole different beast—pulling from across their catalogue and beyond to create a high-energy, thrillingly unpredictable vibe built specifically to make the room move.

Link

Family outraged as Sweeny May Woods gets eight years for manslaughter after abusing partner for years

 

Family outraged as Sweeny May Woods gets eight years for manslaughter after abusing partner for years


That evening Woods was drunk when she went to the Maddington house that Mr Cockie was staying at and took a knife from a kitchen drawer.

Crowds set to gather for Anzac commemorations

 

Crowds set to gather for Anzac commemorations

Community members are encouraged to join the Gosnells RSL’s annual Anzac Day commemorations on Saturday 25 April, with a march, Dawn Service and Gunfire Breakfast.

Participants in the march should gather at the Gosnells Coles car park at 6.25am. The march will begin at 6.40am and proceed along Albany Highway to the Gosnells War Memorial.

A Dawn Service will then take place at the memorial at 6.55am, followed by a Gunfire Breakfast for a gold coin donation.

City of Gosnells Mayor Terresa Lynes said the City was proud to support the Gosnells RSL to host the march, service and Gunfire Breakfast each year.

link

Get rid of household hazardous waste for fre

 

Get rid of household hazardous waste for free

City of Gosnells residents can safely dispose of common household hazardous waste at a free community drop-off event.

The City has dedicated a special collection day to help residents dispose of products that can harm the environment if not handled correctly.

Mayor Terresa Lynes said the City was running the event to ensure residents disposed of potentially harmful waste correctly.

“It’s a great way for residents to clear out unwanted products that may have been sitting in the shed or garage for some time,” she said.

link

Wednesday, 1 April 2026

Thornlie: Runner dies after being hit by Transperth bus near intersection of Forest Lakes Drive, Garden Street

 

Thornlie: Runner dies after being hit by Transperth bus near intersection of Forest Lakes Drive, Garden Street


PerthNow
1

A runner has died after being hit by a Transperth bus in Perth’s south-east.

Emergency services were called to the scene after reports a 65-year-old male runner
was struck by a bus near the intersection of Forest Lakes Drive and Garden Street,
in Thornlie, about 7.40am on Tuesday.

link