Augusta-Margaret River Mail

All the latest news about the coronavirus outbreak.

Coronavirus

Kayla Osborne

There are 1,548 COVID-19 patients in hospital, with 54 in ICU.

NSW records three COVID deaths, more than 7000 new cases

Finn McHugh

Experts believe a COVID-19 reinfection wave is underway. Picture: Getty

Around 10 per cent of new COVID-19 cases in the UK are now reinfections, but the true picture in Australia may never be clear.

COVID reinfections surging but may never be traced

Hannah Neale

Gerard Cockburn

Karen Barlow

Health Minister Mark Butler. Picture: Elesa Kurtz

Vaccine expert and chair of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Jane Halton has been tasked with looking into COVID-19 vaccine contracts and supply.

Mark Butler orders urgent inquiry into COVID-19 vaccine purchasing

Lucy Bladen

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton announced the shadow cabinet on Sunday afternoon. Picture: Keegan Carroll 

There will be 24 people in the new shadow cabinet, including 10 women.

Dutton announces shadow ministry as PM heads to Indonesia

Steve Evans

Supermarket plastic bags are on the way out

Kim Chappell

There are 133,158 active cases across the state.

NSW COVID-19 hospitalisations drop as 10 lives are lost

Nicky Lefebvre

This week, we spoke to a group of locals who shared their varied experiences battling the illness, and how they have coped with the physical effects as well as the practical impacts on day-to-day life.

From mild symptoms to much more: Locals share COVID-19 experiences

There are 1283 COVID-19 patients in hospital, with 46 in ICU.

NSW records 22 COVID-19 deaths as cases drop

Hospitalisation numbers are down on yesterday.

NSW records more than 12,000 COVID cases, 14 deaths

There are 1442 COVID-19 patients in hospital, with 59 in ICU.

NSW records 16 COVID-19 deaths

Multimedia

Expect more sailing shenanigans in season 7 of Below Deck Mediterranean. Picture: Bravo/Binge

Like fashion or film, organic farming or journalism, the 'yachting industry' is a lot less glamourous than it sounds.

Below Deck is really just the seven sins on the seven seas

WEEK OF DISRUPTIONS: There will be a wave of industrial action this week by train drivers, teachers, nurses and midwives. Picture: AAP

It's been a long week of protests and strikes across the state.

Teachers, nurses, transport workers strike across NSW in week of heavy industrial action

UNIVERSAL: Spacey Jane expanded their reach on their second album Here Comes Everybody. Picture: Sam Hendel

Spacey Jane mine the anxiety of the times on album two

Spacey Jane are writing songs for Everybody

BACK AND BIGGER THAN EVER: Illustration of an influenza virus particle. Picture: Kateryna Kon / Science Photo Library / Getty Images.

The 2022 season has only just begun and already it's tracking toward a five year record. So what makes this year's flu so bad?

Is this year's flu worse than previous years?

Aswath Chavittupara and Prasitha Sasidharan say their daughter's death must not be in vain.

WA girl's family await answers at inquest

Margaret River musicians Kevin MacDonald and Paul Barlow took part in 'The Careful Project' along with other WA artists and performers. Picture: Supplied

An incredible virtual world is being developed in the South West of WA.

Art explores new horizons

Award season: Ex Margaret River Independent School student Rio Haigh - known professionally as Alex Belman - has been nominated for his jazz song, Slowly Burning, in this year's WAM Song of the Year competition. Picture: Supplied

With a WAM Song of the Year nomination under his belt and a debut album waiting in the wings, Margaret River-born and bred Alex Belman's musical journey is just getting started.

Jazz burns bright for emerging West Aussie songwriter

New track: Alfie Arcuri has just dropped his latest single, Overtime, about his experiences with anxiety. Picture: Supplied

"Anxiety is something that I've had to deal with for most of my life."

The Voice star Alfie Arcuri shines light on anxiety

An enthusiastic and colourful group attended the first Witchcliffe Solstice Banquet on December 21, 2021. Photos: Jodie Berry

An enthusiastic and colourful group of 40 attended the inaugural Witchcliffe Solstice Banquet at the town's Druids Hall this week.

Guests kick up their heels at inaugural Witchcliffe Solstice Banquet | Photos

BACK AND BIGGER THAN EVER: This year's flu season is on track to beating a five-year case record as vaccination numbers remain low. Picture: Shutterstock

This year's season is a stark difference to the 2021 winter sickness period, which saw very few cases recorded nationwide.

Flu season on track to hitting five year record as vaccination remains low

The Shire of Augusta Margaret River has declared a Harvest, Vehicle Movement, Hot Works and Combustion Engines Ban for Christmas Day and Boxing Day, with potential for a Total Fire Ban to also be declared ahead of a forecast heatwave.

Shire issues ban on hot works, vehicle movement, harvest activities ahead of heatwave

Abortion rights protesters chant on the steps of the Alabama state capitol building during a rally and march on the capitol in Montgomery on Sunday, June 26. Photo: Mickey Welsh-USA TODAY NETWORK/Sipa USA /AAP Image

Australians have joined in the fight for women's rights with protests set for the major metropolitan cities.

People show solidarity and protest for women's rights

Bill and Jenny Bunbury (left) with River Angels founder Lynda Donovan and committee member Sandra Lewis (right). Photos: Linda McKellar

Members of the Augusta Margaret River community gathered at Margaret River Lifestyle Village on Thursday to celebrate a decade of local cancer support service, River Angels.

Decade of dedication: River Angels 10th birthday | Photos

WA Police say further inquiries have ascertained that Mr Marshall was NOT sighted in the Margaret River townsite yesterday afternoon. Last known sighting was the morning of 8 December 2021.

Urgent welfare concerns for man last seen in Margaret River

As the fire emergency continues to threaten lives and homes in the South West of WA, locals and business owners have been quick to show their support for firefighters and volunteers.

Margaret River locals throw support behind firefighters

BACK IN THE DAY: Nurses attend to a patient in an iron lung in the United Kingdom, 1949. Picture: Getty Images

The virus has been nearly eradicated worldwide, but traces have been found in London's wastewater, prompting a "national incident" to be declared.

Polio has been detected in the UK: Here's everything you need to know

The second annual Gracetown Kite Festival sponsored by Flor Marché was held on Sunday November 28 at Gracetown Oval.

Perfect skies for second Gracetown Kite Festival | Photos

Varroa mite was detected in beehives around the Port of Newcastle on June 24

Natural beekeepers urge Australia to learn from the mistakes made overseas where bees have become dependent on pharmaceuticals while trying to control varroa mite.

Let them bee: Natural beekeeping teacher says miticides not the answer to varroa parasite

GETTING INTO THE SPIRIT: Women's cricket coordinator Rachel Norman, left, and Cricket WA representative Steve Phillippe, right, with the girls and women who have started Busselton-Margaret River's first women's cricket competition. Photo supplied.

Women's Pic.jpg

The Sunset Scorchers competition has already attracted 15 players and is seeking all interested girls and women to take part.

Women's cricket kicks off in South West

The Margaret River community celebrated the return of the town's annual Agricultural Show on Friday, with an opening night fireworks spectacular lighting up Gloucester Park.

Community embraces spirit of the Show | Photos

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The Commonwealth Bank of Australia has raised its fixed mortgage rates by 1.4 per cent.

CBA raises fixed mortgage rates by 1.4pc

A woman and two children are in hospital after being hit by a car in Melbourne.

Vic woman struck by car while pushing pram

Former NSW deputy premier John Barilaro has stepped aside from his trade job in New York.

Barilaro steps away from NYC trade job

Rallen said it was concerned a gas explorer's heavy construction machinery could stress cattle.

Legal joust continues over NT station

Teachers have marched on the NSW parliament in Sydney to call for improved pay and conditions.

Striking teachers march to NSW parliament

rac rescue helicopter.jpg

Career and volunteer firefighters are at the scene and are working to free a person who is trapped.

RAC Rescue sent to car and truck crash in Jindong

Chase away the winter blues with an afternoon of wine and cheese by the fire at Howard Park Wines. Picture: Supplied

Now in its sixth year, the event features a list of traditional winter favourites including a melted cheese feast, accompanied by a selection of award-winning Howard Park wines set amongst the warmth of a roaring fire.

Fireside cheese and wine returns to Howard Park

Wild and wonderful produce: Oddest Looking, Most Colourful, and Heaviest Fruit or Vegetable are all new categories open for entry in this year's Margaret River Ag Show. Pictures: Terri Sharpe

With just under six months to go, plans for this years Margaret River Agricultural Show are in full swing and excitement is building.

Grow for the Show: New categories give more chances to win

Martin Black and Patrick Coward: Coward and Black Vineyard Blanc de Blancs was the only WA sparkling to win a medal at this year's Decanter awards. 

A Sparkling Blanc de Blancs from the Margaret River wine region has landed a Bronze Medal at the 2022 Decanter World Wine Awards in London, alongside some of the world's most iconic French Champagnes.

'First ever crack' lands bronze medal for Wilyabrup winery

Jackie Jarvis MLC (left) with Minister Stephen Dawson (centre) and DFES Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM (second from right) present a new Flood Rescue Boat to the Busselton State Emergency Service Unit. Picture: Supplied

New rescue boats for South West SES units

Busselton police search for man, possibly in Bunbury

All proceeds from the market will go towards the Upper Primary camp. Pictures: Julia Whale Photography

Margaret River Montessori School students displayed their wares at a special mini market last week.

Budding businesses on show at mini market | Photos

Clayton Hyder collected first place for his American IPA, 'Dr Pat's Medicinal Neck Oil' with brewing partner, Stuart Bremner.

The seventh annual tournament attracted record entry numbers, with more than 65 homebrewers entering over 120 beers.

Backyard Brewing Tournament winner crowned | Photos

Newly appointed Nature Conservation Margaret River Region biodiversity officer Mike Griffiths will lead the next Arum Lily Blitz, an annual effort to eradicate the invasive weed across the Capes region. Picture: Supplied

Mike Griffiths leads the charge in Nature Conservation's annual fight against the invasive arum lily, which launches this week amid news of a funding extension for the program.

New leader in arum lily battle as program funding extended

Pressure: Augusta Margaret River's Jake Rodgers takes down his opponent. Pictures: JLG Photographics

Hawks prove to be a threat after win over Panthers

Dunsborough's Jack Medland will be one to watch as the Whalebone Longboard Classic returns to Cottesloe after a two year hiatus. Picture: Surfing WA/Majeks

The Whalebone Classic was established in 1998 after longboarder Peter Dunn discovered a whale bone in the surf at Cottesloe and decided to host a competition in memory of the whale's spirit.

Whalebone Classic back after two year break

Author: Former detective Kristi McVee will release her book Operation KidSafe - A detectives guide to child abuse prevention in mid-July. Picture: supplied.

'My life's mission': former detective's guide to prevent child abuse

Teacher Bernadette Wood, with Arts Margaret River's Steph Kreutzer and Claire Preston from the Margaret River Library. Picture: Supplied

Arts Margaret River will present a series of Prehistoric Animal Activities in two sessions at the Margaret River Library during the school holidays.

Free school holiday fun at Margaret River library

The carcass was reported by Parks and Wildlife Service officers at 12:19pm, having washed ashore approximately 2km north of Myalup Beach.

shark warning sign.jpg

Whale carcass washed ashore near Myalup Beach

Boranup Gallery's James Howieson has a vast collection of burlwood from decades of handcrafting fine furniture in the South West. Picture: Supplied 

With master furniture makers at Boranup Gallery set to hang up their tools, an extensive inventory of speciality timbers will be put up for auction in July.

Rare South West timbers heading to the auction block

Renowned Margaret River potter Ian Dowling has provided clay with a historic twist to artists involved in the Soup Kitchen fundraiser. Picture: Alison McKenzie

A little piece of Margaret River history in each bowl

Great catch: As the fishing crowds begin to look north for the winter, Billy Sands caught a nice size mulloway recently off our western beaches. Picture: Supplied

Roz Cummings from Down South Camping & Outdoors tells us what's happening in and on the water between the Capes, and why plenty of locals are finalising plans to head out of town for winter.

Fishing enthusiasts prepare to head north for winter

Superannuation-16.9.jpg

People living in the South West are being encouraged to check their superannuation balances, with average super balances in some parts of the region tracking well below the national average.