ABC Great Southern

08/06/2026

Dumbleyung Shire President Amy Knight said damage caused by someone using the local airstrip as a burnout pad has meant it is no longer safe for light aircraft to use.

She told ABC Great Southern Breakfast’s Paul Cook it was utilised by the Royal Flying Doctors service.

“If there is an emergency within town or the shire that’s where they go,” Ms Knight said.

“That’s now out of action until we can repair it.”

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08/06/2026

Albany is mourning the loss of a resident in a shark attack, with community leaders saying it will take time to heal.

"For the community of Albany it hits home pretty hard because whilst we're a city there's one degree of separation really," Albany Mayor Greg Stocks said.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-08/spear-fishing-safety-after-fatal-shark-attack/106771628

08/06/2026

Albany community grapples with fatal shark attack that claimed the life of local Daniel Turpin.

The Albany community is still coming to terms with the loss of resident Daniel Turpin after he did not survive a shark attack at the weekend.

08/06/2026

Fremantle's massive win over North Melbourne in Bunbury over the weekend has fans thinking the same thing: Can the Dockers win the flag this year?

🎥/Gabrielle Becerra Mellet via ABC South West

07/06/2026

Family pays tribute to "an adored husband, son, brother and uncle who had a lifelong love and deep respect for the ocean".

The family of a 35-year-old diver who died after being bitten by a shark has described him as "an adored husband, son, brother and uncle who had a lifelong love and deep respect for the ocean".

06/06/2026

Authorities have confirmed a 35-year-old man has died after a shark attack off Michaelmas Island, near Albany.

A male diver has died by a suspected 4.5-metre shark near Michaelmas Island, off WA's Albany coast, on Saturday morning.

06/06/2026

UPDATE: A 35-year-old man has been killed in a shark attack off WA's South Coast.

The incident happened about 11.20 this morning, WA time, near Michaelmas Island, off Albany.

Police say the man was spearfishing with family when he was attacked by a suspected 4.5 metre shark.

He was taken back to shore where he was treated by paramedics but died from his injuries.

WA Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-06/diver-died-in-shark-attack-off-albany-western-australia/106768050

06/06/2026

The first bodyboarding comp at the Middleton Beach artificial reef is underway.

Organised by the South Western Bodyboarding Club, the event has attracted about 70 competitors.

The club’s Barry Hammond told ABC Saturday Breakfast they hope to make it an annual event.

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05/06/2026

In what's been described as a "rare sighting" a southern elephant seal was spotted yesterday at Cheynes Beach.

Cheynes Beach Caravan Park's Gareth Dunn said the farmer next door alerted him to the presence of a seal on the beach.

He estimated the seal was about 3-4 metres long and probably a juvenile.

Male adult southern elephant seals can weigh up to 3,500 kilograms.

Using only his phone to capture some photos, Mr Dunn said the seal came that close "he had a few yawns and showed me his teeth".

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04/06/2026

Students from five schools participated in Surfing WA’s School Surfing Titles at Middleton Beach earlier this week. 🌊

Tyce Shepard - 17 and Kalgan Simmons - 16 from Great Southern Grammar were among those out on the water.

Albany Senior High School took out top honours, qualifying for the state final in August.

Contest director Pete Carroll said it was the first regional stop for 2026.

“We had seniors out on [artificial surf] reef, so a pretty iconic moment for school surfing,” he said.

“We’re making history.”

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