ABC Midwest and Wheatbelt

19/09/2026

There is hope that if the network goes back into public hands that the Tier 3 line will reopen.

The West Australian government has taken another step towards buying back the state's freight rail network.

18/09/2026

What's making local news today? 📰📻

- Geraldton is set to receive its first off-road ambulance next month, days after a shark attack at Glenfield Beach.
- Concern changes to backpacker visa’s will hurt agricultural economies in regional areas.
- A 47-year-old man is in a critical but stable condition after the ambulance he was driving crashed in Kellerberrin.

👉Get today's Local News Briefing https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-18/goldfields-esperance-and-mid-west-wa-local-news-briefing/107167842

17/09/2026

Shannan Dunn says he "can't wait" to reunite with the surfer he hauled from the ocean after a shark attack in Geraldton this week.

He's also paid tribute to others on the beach who provided life-saving support as the ordeal unfolded.

Keen surfer Shannan Dunn hopes to get back in the water soon, after he was the first to assist a fellow surfer bitten by a shark this week.

17/09/2026

You can help your community recover after a disaster. Become a volunteer psychological first aider with Australian Red Cross ❤️

ℹ️ For information to help you before, during or after a disaster, visit abc.net.au/emergency.

17/09/2026

Farming and tourism industry leaders say cuts to backpacker numbers will slash the available workforce across regional Australia.

17/09/2026

Police are investigating a crash involving a St John Australia vehicle near Kellerberrin.

At about 7.45am, police say a marked St John Australia vehicle was driving on the Great Eastern Highway when it left the road and rolled.

The 47-year-old male driver of the vehicle was airlifted to Royal Perth Hospital, with life-threatening injuries.

Major crash investigators are examining the scene and urge any witnesses to contact Crime Stoppers.

17/09/2026

What's making local news today? 📻🗞

- The Shire of Dandaragan is seeking comment on a draft planning policy that would create dedicated zones for short-stay rentals in Jurien Bay and Cervantes.

- The Shire of Irwin says its ratepayers could end up footing the bill for potential road damage caused by construction of Hancock Energy's $850 million Belisama gas project in the neighbouring Shire of Mingenew.

- Water Corporation is providing free citric acid to Perenjori residents after water supply problems discoloured clothes.

👉Get today's Local News Briefing https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-17/goldfields-esperance-and-mid-west-wa-local-news-briefing/107162858

17/09/2026

Toodyay author Kathleen O'Reilly Johnston has published a narrative biography detailing her former husband's life story as a child migrant to Australia.

A new book by a Wheatbelt author shines a spotlight on the abuse endured by WA's child migrants at the hands of the Christian Brothers and others.

16/09/2026

A short sharp storm dumped 30 millimetres of rain and a blanket of hailstones in about 20 minutes at Daniel Bradford’s farm east of Perenjori yesterday evening.

“Some of the noise on the roof was unbelievable, I’ve never heard anything like that before,” he said.

The storm damaged about 500 hectares of wheat and canola crops, some of which were about a month off harvest.

“It’s insured … we’ll get a bit back, and we won’t have to pay CBH charges and freight, that’s about the only blessing,” he said.

He said storms were the biggest risk factors between now and harvest.

Despite the storm, Daniel said this season has been one of the best grain growing seasons he’s experienced.

For local news at anytime, sign up to our newsletter https://ab.co/WheatbeltNewsletter

16/09/2026

What’s making news today? 📰☀

- Campaigners have welcomed the WA government's latest step towards buying back the state's grain freight rail network.

- The City of Greater Geraldton mayor says he will not enter a debate about shark mitigation strategies after an attack earlier this week.

- A Wheatbelt local government says changes to Working Holiday Maker visas could affect population growth and the vibrancy of regional communities.

Get your local newsbriefing 👉 https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-16/goldfields-esperance-and-mid-west-wa-local-news-briefing/107158410