Busselton Dunsborough Mail

10/12/2025

THE community is being called to once again get behind the local arm of the annual Black Dog Ride by registering to ride in the 2026 'One Dayer', or participating in local fundraising to help start a national conversation about depression and su***de prevention.

This year's 'One Dayer' motorcycle ride will be held in more than 50 communities across Australia on Sunday, March 15, 2026, with the Busselton ride kicking off at Toyota Busselton and following a still-in-planning route throughout the region.

In 2025, more than 6,000 participants took part nationwide, helping raise over $300,000 to support mental health and su***de prevention and this year, organisers are hoping to see even more local riders, clubs and businesses come together to make a difference.

The majority of money raised through the 'One Dayer' is directed back into local communities via the Black Dog Ride Grant Program, which directly supports regional and rural areas where access to mental health services and free support is limited or non-existent.

"Each year, the Black Dog Ride One Dayer reminds us that meaningful change starts at a local level," Busselton Black Dog Ride Coordinator, Dave Bower said.
"We know first-hand that when community members, volunteers, clubs and businesses unite behind a shared cause, the ripple effect can be felt right across the country.
"By raising awareness and vital funds that go directly back into regional communities, we're helping to close the gap where mental health services and free support are still out of reach for so many Australians.
"It's about connection, compassion and showing that no one has to face their struggles alone."

Locals who want to register or donate, can head to www.123tix.com.au/events/50730/busselton-wa-black-dog-ride-1-dayer-2026 to register for the ride, or make a donation at www.blackdogride.org.au/view/donate

Local schools, clubs, community groups and individuals can also raise awareness of depression and su***de prevention and support the vital work of Black Dog Ride by organising local fundraising activities and events or simply make a donation.

10/12/2025

A RENEWED three year agreement between the City of Busselton and Rio Tinto will allow youth programs across the region to continue, and an expansion of initiatives and resources available to the community.

First established in 2014, the most recent agreement brings the total value of the partnership to $300,000, with Rio Tinto's continued support for the part-funding of the City's annual Youth Development Trainee position a key feature.

The role enables young people to launch their careers while contributing to meaningful community initiatives, helping the City stay connected to youth culture, emerging trends and challenges young people face.

Additional funding through the latest agreement will enable the City to undertake a youth needs assessment for youth services in Vasse.

The City said the agreement would also guide the development of new, customised programs tailored to meet the evolving needs of young people, with a particular focus on neurodiverse youth, youth at risk, LGBTQIA+ young people, and young people living with a disability.

"The City is thrilled to renew its partnership with Rio Tinto, who are equally committed to support and invest in our next generation," City of Busselton Deputy Mayor, Kate Cox said.
"The funding will help deliver more inclusive youth services across the region."
"Young people in regional communities deserve access to facilities and services that support their needs," Cr Cox continued.
"The funding is a real opportunity to expand the City's youth services, providing young people with opportunities to develop useful skills, engage, socialise and receive positive mentoring.
"Our community can truly thrive when its young people feel valued, supported and empowered."

10/12/2025

Wise Wine and Busselton Jetty have partnered to create a new locally crafted gin that celebrates the coastline, supports marine research, and highlights the work of South West artists.

The new Busselton Jetty Gin, crafted by Wise Wine Head Distiller Josie Thompson is inspired by the South West shoreline, infused with botanicals foraged from the coastline - including coastal pigface, rosella hibiscus, orange peel, oyster shell, ginger and cardamom.

A percentage of proceeds from every bottle sold will be donated to the Busselton Jetty Environment Foundation to support marine research, conservation and education programs beneath the Jetty — one of WA's richest and most important underwater ecosystems.

The collaboration brings the community together while shining a spotlight on the Jetty's ongoing environmental work, including research into the diverse marine life that thrives below its piles.

"The Busselton Jetty is a treasured part of WA's story," Wise Wine's Denys St Pierre said.
"We wanted to create a spirit that honours our coastline and helps protect it for future generations.
"This gin captures the taste of the South West and gives back to the place that inspired it."

Lisa Shreeve, CEO of Busselton Jetty Inc., said they were thrilled to partner with Wise on the new product.
"[It] not only celebrates the Jetty but directly supports the important marine research happening beneath it," Ms Shreeve said.
"Every bottle sold helps fund conservation and education programs that protect the 300-plus species living under the Jetty.
"It's a wonderful example of two local organisations working together to create something meaningful for our community and our coastline."

One of photographer Christian Fletcher's iconic images of the Busselton Jetty forms the base of the label, while Ian Daniell's vivid marine illustration overlays the coastline with colourful corals and sea life.

The limited-release gin is available online at wisewine.com.au and at the Wise Wine Cellar Door in Eagle Bay.

10/12/2025

A MULTI-Day music festival planned for the Carbunup area was shut down at the end of last month, after staff from the City of Busselton's Compliance, Rangers and Health teams joined forces with the WA Police and Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions to halt the illegal event.

The City said the event organiser did not have any of the required approvals to run their event, with the failure to comply with requirements resulting in the event being cancelled before it kicked off.

"Events of this scale need to seek statutory approvals and well as having an approved risk management plan, bushfire plan and liquor licence for the safety and wellbeing of patrons as well as the wider community who may be impacted by noise and other risks and issues," Mayor Phill Cronin said.
"The City takes public safety extremely seriously.
"The various approvals processes are in place to ensure safe management of crowds, containment of noise, service of alcohol and - critically for summer – management of fire risk."

The City said it would continue to monitor such events across the summer season, using drone surveillance to identify locations and collect evidence.

The City also said where necessary, compliance action would be taken in partnership with the WA Police and the DBCA.

To find out more about the approvals required to run an event within the City of Busselton, visit www.busselton.wa.gov.au/discover/events

10/12/2025

Time to pick up the latest edition of the Mail, free on stands now and packed with great local news 🗞📰

09/12/2025

It's that time of year again.... Communities around the region are decking the halls, so let us know the top spots for the best lights displays!

08/12/2025

07/12/2025

When piano tuner Ian Englert looked at an old piano, he saw more than just keys and strings – he saw a gift.

"I had this old piano at home that I decided to restore and recondition, and I was thinking, I'd like to donate it to someone", Ian explained.

A chat with Augusta Primary School Principal Kim Kehoe and music teacher Salvatore Basile revealed that the school didn't have a piano.
Ian knew he'd found the perfect home for his restoration project.

"They were so excited to get the piano, and I said, 'Well, I'll bring it down!'
"I finished spraying it matte black in preparation for the school, and then I had this fun idea: Wouldn't it be great to add splashes of different colours all over it!?"

What followed was a beautiful display of community spirit.
Andy at Margaret River Panel Beaters supplied the paint, Mitre 10 donated brushes, and Trade Hire provided a trailer to transport the piano from Gracetown to Augusta.

The colourful magic happened last Wednesday when the piano was placed outside the music room, waiting for the kids to play… paint the spots.
"All the children lined up, and they put their own little bright dot on the piano," Ian said.
"Now, it's covered in different colours. It looks sensational!"

Principal Kim Kehoe was grateful for the generous donation.
"A huge thank you to Ian for generously donating this piano to [the school]" he said.
"We also extend our appreciation to Margaret River Panel Beaters, Trade Hire Margaret River, and Mitre10 Margaret River for helping bring everything together to create a unique work of art."
"Your combined generosity has made a meaningful difference to our school.
"The students will love using this piano, and they were especially excited to paint it - adding their own colours and creativity to truly put their mark on it and make it a wonderful addition to our school!"

The piano represents more than just a musical instrument for the school.

"Our music program continues to grow, giving students opportunities to develop their creativity, confidence, and love of performing."
The once-black piano now bursts with colour, just like the joy it will bring to Augusta Primary School for years to come.

07/12/2025

MARGARET River Main Street traders gathered last week in front of the new Love Margaret River, Love Christmas installation on the wall in front of the Margaret River Hotel.

The artwork was created by local graphic artist Sophie Rabl, and announces the plans for the upcoming street party to be held on Thursday, December 18.

"We are absolutely thrilled to be sponsoring the Margs Christmas Street Party this year," Street Party sponsor Ray White Stocker Preston CEO and Managing Director Mike Tucker said.
"Our office is right on the Main Street so every year we get a front-row seat to the joy and community spirit this event brings.
"Partnering with Radio Margaret River makes it even better - supporting a strong local voice while backing an incredible community celebration!"

Also joining the festively-fashioned crew was Rachael Whitrow, Project Manager at the MR Hotel, who was buzzing about hosting the huge Christmas sign.
"We love having the community Christmas Party sign on our wall!
"Local sign company, Margaret River Sign Co nailed it and the artwork by Sophie Rabl is just gorgeous."

The retailers were also keen to promote the event's Big Love Raffle bags - your ticket to winning big this festive season.

Event organisers Pauline McLeod and Ian Hill encouraged everyone to join the fun.
"Don't miss Margaret River's biggest, brightest, most love-soaked Christmas Street Party yet!"
For more info on the event, visit radiomargaretriver.com

07/12/2025

On November 25, locals gathered at Mitchell Park for the annual White Ribbon Silent March, with over 120 people's footsteps carrying a message that spoke louder than words: Show up. Speak out. End family violence - because silence is complicity.

"White Ribbon is a male-led initiative to end male violence against women and children," Christina Paul from Harbour Refuge in Bunbury
said.
"I've been involved for five years now, and it's been incredible to see the support from the region over this time."

In WA, police figures show domestic violence offences have increased 18 percent this year, with 42,000 incidents reported.
Nationally, 48 women and 16 children lost their lives to domestic violence in 2025, while on average, one child is admitted to hospital each day due to domestic violence.

"Since I started in January, there has been only one week that we weren't full. We're constantly turning people away," Christina shared.
"17 women and children have been turned away from the refuge this year alone."

"DV goes so much further than just women - there are also many children, boys, and men who suffer from this.
"But, sadly, the numbers don't lie, and it's mainly women and children who have to flee and seek refuge, but we never disregard that others are also affected."

"Unfortunately, it's a topic people prefer to sweep under the carpet because it makes them uncomfortable.
"Which we completely understand; however, we need to challenge the silence that allows violence to thrive.
"It spreads like a giant spider web into many areas of kids' and women's lives - mental health, homelessness, and hospitalisations. "

"A lot of these women and kids that come through are pretty broken, and they need help.

"We need to ensure that every woman and child - whether in Bunbury, Busselton, or Bridgetown - knows they are safe, valued, and heard. And that they are not alone."

If you or someone you know needs help, support is available.
Women's Domestic Violence Helpline: 1800 007 339
1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Crisis Care: 1800 199 008