ABC Midwest and Wheatbelt

07/12/2025

Homicide Squad detectives have charged a 25-year-old man over the death of a 65-year-old man in Geraldton.

They allege, the 25-year-old assaulted the older man, causing serious injuries, at a property in Webberton on Monday.

Police say at about 11:45 pm on Thursday, the 65-year-old man become unresponsive and emergency services were called to a Geraldton home.

He was taken to Geraldton Regional Hospital where he died.

The 25-year-old has been charged with one count of 'unlawful assault causing death' and is due to appear before the Perth Magistrates Court today.

06/12/2025

The alleged use of an international livestock ship to smuggle drugs into Western Australia last month prompted a media storm, but one expert says it is just one among a "dizzying variety" of methods criminals are trying.

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The alleged use of an international livestock ship to smuggle drugs into Western Australia last month prompted a media storm, but one expert says it is just one among a "dizzying variety" of methods criminals are trying.

06/12/2025

WA police allege four children started a fire in Geraldton that left two homes uninhabitable and destroyed another in WA's Mid West last week.

The suspicious fire threatened lives and homes in the residential suburbs of Waggrakine and Spalding on November 30 and December 1.

About 300 locals gathered in Geraldton last night to raise money for those impacted by the fires.

After just one week into the fire season authorities are urging people to be vigilant and have a fire plan.

While police say the investigation is over, the local community is still trying to move forward from the devastation.

05/12/2025

As the harsh heat of summer begins to dry out Australia's bushland, "bursts of colour" have emerged across WA's south-west.

The moodjar tree, also known as the WA Christmas tree, flowers during the Noongar season of Birak and coincides with the holiday season.

As the summer heat settles in, flora and fauna associated with Christmas in Australia can be spotted throughout the country.

05/12/2025

Charges laid over bushfire that destroyed one home and left two others unliveable.

WA Police allege young boys were responsible for lighting a fire in Geraldton last weekend that later reignited and destroyed a home in an outer suburb of the Mid West city.

05/12/2025

Gail Holmes, whose house was rendered unliveable by a bushfire in Geraldton last weekend has shared a heartbreaking note that firefighters left for her.

“We are so sorry that we could not save your house,” it said.

Fundraisers have come online for Ms Holmes and another couple who lost their home in the fire, Nick Morgan and Lyn Bartlett.

Nearly $20,000 has been raised between them so far.

Mr Morgan and Ms Bartlett have taken to social media to thank firefighters, police and the council for their efforts and support.

Sadly, they shared that their cat, Smudge, had died.

An event planned by social collective Euphorium in Geraldton tonight will raise further funds for those impacted and thank emergency services whose efforts saved many more lives and homes.

04/12/2025

Fishers and restaurants are warning tough new catch rules will make West Australian fish unaffordable, and will see more imported fish on menus across the state.

The warning follows the state government's plan to slash demersal catch limits and shut down some fisheries to save species on the brink of extinction.

New fishing rules come into effect in Western Australia next month, significantly reducing the amount of local fish available in the state.

04/12/2025

What a beautiful shot!

This snap came from ABC Rural reporter Joanna Prendergast, taken near Enneaba.

Have you taken a lovely landscape photo? Share below 📸⬇️

04/12/2025

How do you keep your pets cool in the hot summer weather?

A local vet says prolonged heat exposure can have serious effects on your pet's health.

"It's definitely life threatening, it can be incredibly dangerous," Veterinarian Alice Huxley said.

Dr Huxley said prevention was the best tool against heat stress, and dogs should never be left in a hot car or exposed ute trays while parked in the sun.

At home, make sure there is plenty of shade in the yard, while paddling pools or cooling mats are great to have outside. It's best to exercise dogs in the mornings or evenings when temperatures are coolest.

She said key symptoms to watch out for include excessive panting or rapid breathing, purple or pale gum colour, or your pet looking unsteady.

If you suspect your pet is in heat stress, Dr Huxley said its best to act straight away and call your vet.

"If you are concerned about heat stroke, start cooling immediately at home," she said.

Tepid running water and fans can help cool your pet down, but avoid ice, as it can cool extremities too quickly and cause shock.

Listen back to this morning's breaky program with Bran to hear all of Dr Huxley's tips to avoid heat stress for your pet. 📻🎤

https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/wheatbelt-breakfast/breakfast/106084978

04/12/2025

A seismic blasting project off the coast of Dongara has been delayed for at least 12 months.

Pilot Energy was unable to secure a suitable vessel for its Eureka 3-D survey, which was expected to start in February.

Seismic blasting involves releasing a bubble of compressed air that produces low frequency noise, penetrating rock layers below the surface to help identify oil and gas reserves.

Dongara locals have been petitioning against the project, which was approved by the Federal government in October.

Pilot's environment manager, Matthew Smith, said a lack of necessary vessels caused the delay.

"We're only a few weeks away from what would've been the start date and the vessels could have been coming from overseas and there isn't the availability of vessels to be able to undertake the survey in the scheduled time frame," he said.

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03/12/2025

Australia's longest-running radio show is celebrating 80 years on air, and while so much has changed in farming and broadcasting, the core of The Country Hour remains the same.

On December 3, 1945, not long after the end of World War II, former Hunter Valley auctioneer Dick Sneddon launched the then-national program.

All of these years later, the show is still talking about issues of food security, weather, markets and a whole lot more at midday each weekday on The Country Hour.

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

03/12/2025

Strict bans limiting commercial and recreational fishing in Perth and parts of Western Australia have been announced, in an effort to save some under-threat fish species from the brink of collapse.

Commercial fishers will be permanently banned from catching iconic demersal fish species, including WA dhufish, off a section of the WA coast, with 50 per cent catch reductions to be implemented in most other fisheries.

Strict bans limiting commercial and recreational fishing in Perth and WA are announced in an effort to save some under-threat fish species from the brink of collapse.