CATEGORY

WA

Climate data and Wheatbelt wisdom: Reading between the rainfall lines

In a year when the eastern states have either been drowning under floods or gasping through drought, and here in the west half the state has been left staring at a dry horizon, it seemed timely to stop watching the skies and start digging into the past ... What I aim to do is cut through the rising noise between the climate catastrophists shouting Armageddon and the hardened sceptics waving it all away, versus the climate fatalists like me—convinced that, whatever humans do, nature already has the final say—and put some facts on the table.

Wind farm to boost output

Patricia Gill. Denmark Community Windfarm has plans to double the size of the facility with approval received for four turbines on Wilson Head. The current turbines would be replaced by more powerful ones and two more turbines would be erected on the Wilson Head site.

Inlet caretaker wins shire citizen of the year award

Shaun Ossinger was announced the Community Citizen of the Year on Saturday night at a Shire of Denmark Volunteer Appreciation Sundowner. Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee chief executive Shaun won the award for his commitment to sustainability and community wellbeing, through championing initiatives aimed at protecting and restoring the natural environment.

Fast, fierce competition in dragon boats regatta

Mo Cowdell. The Mandurah Vikings claimed first and second place at the Wings on the Water Dragonboat Regatta ... The race was fiercely competitive, with only 15-seconds between the first and last teams.

Denmark Bulletin, 29 May 2025

Out now! Available here!

Two men fined for fishing for marron out of season

Two men – one from Butler and the other from Narrogin – have been fined for fishing for marron out of season. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) said 22-year-old Butler man was ordered to pay $7000 and a 39-year-old Narrogin man $6500 for their involvement in marron fishing offences committed at Harris Dam in December 2023.

Australia heading towards record-high winter crop planting: Rabobank

Australia’s farmers are heading towards a record-high winter crop planting this year, Rabobank says in its newly-released 2025/26 Australian Winter Crop Outlook. The annual outlook, by the agribusiness banking specialist’s RaboResearch division, says the nation’s grain growers are expected to plant an estimated 24.5 million hectares of winter crop this year, up 0.8 per cent on last season.

When craft meets art

When you first see Merylin Briggs’ artworks it's easy to presume that it’s been created using paintbrush and paint. Lean in closer and you’ll discover that things are not what they seem because Merylin is a fabric artist and her works are made from small snippets of coloured fabric stitched into place to form a picture. 

Colin issues a heart-felt warning

Serena Kirby. Colin Sainty's near-fatal heart failure has prompted him to encourage more men not to put off seeing their doctor and to take charge of their health. Colin, 57, recently had a pacemaker and defibrillator fitted to keep his heart beating after initially brushing aside the early warning signs of trouble.

Cockatoo story not as simple as black and white

Not all white-tailed black cockatoos are the same. The region is a breeding stronghold for both white-tailed black cockatoo species, especially Baudin's black cockatoo, which is a forest-dwelling species that nests high in karri and marri trees.

Denmark club hosts regional seniors event

Marion Nelson. The Golf WA Regional Seniors event was held at the Country Club on May 1-2 with clubs from as far as Dongara and Pink Lake, Esperance taking part.

When the facts change: In praise of politicians who pivot

"When the facts change, I change my mind. What do you do?" That famous line, attributed to John Maynard Keynes, ought to be stitched into the lapels of every politician wandering through Parliament House with a talking point in one hand and a Twitter poll in the other. For out here in the Wheatbelt, we know better than most that stubbornness is a vice when the wind shifts and the sheep are heading for the neighbour's crop.

Denmark Bulletin, 15 May 2025

Out now! Available here!

Committed question

The Coalition before the election planned to keep its nuclear power policy if it lost, but the huge election defeat may now put this intention under scrutiny. This comes as just days before the election, a nuclear expert reconfirmed that a nuclear station in the Latrobe Valley would cost $10 billion, and highlighted China's new status as the world's largest user of domestic nuclear energy.

Australian farmland prices expected to return to ‘modest growth’ in year ahead – Rabobank report

Australian farmland prices are expected to return to modest growth in the year ahead, Rabobank says in its newly-released 2025 Australian Farmland Price Outlook. The annual report, by the agribusiness banking specialist’s RaboResearch division, says a positive outlook for key agricultural drivers is expected to see agricultural land prices rebound in the year ahead...

Tracey Roberts retains Pearce as Labor wins another term

With polling booths in WA closed for just more than 2 hours the federal election has already been called with Anthony Albanese’s government to be returned.

Vets’ courage recalled

Patricia Gill. Community leader Roger Seeney called on attendees at the Anzac ceremony in Denmark last Friday to reflect on the concepts of courage and community. The 2017 Denmark Citizen of the Year and 45-year national service medal recipient was guest speaker at the service.

Kingston loses council seat

South West MLC Louise Kingston lost her seat when the Legislative Council count for the recent State Election was finalised. She described this as a long and drawn-out process ending her short time of representing the South West ... Ms Kingston resigned from the National Party to serve as an Independent after accusing WA Opposition leader Shane Love of bullying.

Wilson looks safe

Patricia Gill. Rick Wilson looks sure to be returned to his seat for the fourth time in the Federal Election on Saturday ... O'Connor is the WA's second largest electorate behind Durack, third largest in Australia behind Lingiari in the Northern Territory and at 1,093,790sqkm is bigger than South Australia.

Denmark Bulletin, 1 May 2025

Out now! Available here!

The intricate art of Millefiori

At first glance it's easy to presume that Melanie Allan’s polymer clay jewellery is made by painting on pictures or sticking on patterns. Nothing could be further from the truth. Melanie’s highly detailed works are actually made using an ancient technique known as ‘Millefiori’ ...

Gidgegannup Small Farm Field Day, 25 May 2025

Gidgegannup Small Farm Field Day Join us for the 18th annual Gidgegannup Small Farm Field Day. This year's theme, "Sexy Soil," highlights the importance of healthy...

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