WA

We are delighted to bring you our 2024 show, with a bigger than “Ben Hur” lineup of fun and entertainment, trade fair, competitions, fashion, food, all things agriculture…and an awesome 2 days of action-packed regional community spirit!

“I’m surrounded by a thriving arts community and a number of really good potters. I think artists here are inspired by the environment and pottery allows you to literally be in touch with the elements. Being in a community that appreciates, fosters and values artistic pursuits gives you courage to express yourself artistically; it lifts you up and celebrates what you do without the hindrance of competition": Rachel Falls Williams.

A groundbreaking $42.7 million national biosecurity initiative led by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) in partnership with five state government departments is set to transform the effectiveness and responsiveness of Australia’s grains biosecurity system. The six-year initiative will use state-of-the-art technology and processes to improve Australia’s ability to rapidly detect and accurately diagnose exotic pests and plant diseases...

Serena Kirby. The coming performances of ‘When Birds Take Flight’ will take audiences on a poetic and musical journey that symbolises the migratory path of birds between Denmark and Siberia. The musical collaboration for voice and instruments has been created by composer/lyricist Louise McKenna and poet and spoken word performer, Jen Fraser, and takes the form of a story-song cycle.

A section of Wilson Inlet between 107-109 Minsterly Road has been named Hart Cove in honour of the late James (Jim) Hart ... Namings, such as the cove after Mr Hart, would be a lasting reminder of remarkable contributions and legacies.

Patricia Gill. Denmark Arts founder Andre Steyl, who died at 78 two weeks short of his 79 birthday, had estimated that he had clocked up ‘roughly’ 40 years involvement in community arts. The South African-born and raised life member and a ‘legend’ of Denmark Arts suffered and survived poliomyelitis in his adolescence, and was left with partial paralysis.

Out now! Available here!

Western Australia's firearm buyback compensation scheme will commence on Wednesday, 21 February 2024 ... "There are more than 360,000 licensed firearms owned by fewer than 90,000 Western Australians, and the new legislation will impact all of them in a responsible way": Premier Roger Cook.

The debate between the gun lobby and the Minister for Police Paul Papalia has recently reignited following the announcement of the state government's firearms buyback program. Mind you, it's a pretty one-sided debate, with the gun lobby launching ads at the Minister and missing badly, while the opposition remains hunkered down in a safe house up on the hill, hoping not to get caught up in the firefight.

Remember the Toodyay Boygerring Brook case that fired up the Aboriginal Heritage debate in March 2023? Tony Maddox will see his day in court with the trial starting on 22 February ... The outcome of the case will be pivotal in how farmers approach Aboriginal cultural heritage going forward. Mr Maddox has engaged Christian Porter as his barrister ...

During a visit to Sun City Yacht Club reporter Betheney A’vard talked to club members about their focus on introducing people to sailing but also found out about the Two Rocks community rallying together to seek heritage status for the area.

Serena Kirby. It was a mix of tall tales and tears at the Denmark Surf Life Saving Club recently as past and present members gathered to mark the pending demolition of their 73-year-old patrol room. Built in 1960, the patrol room, featuring its porthole windows, has long been a much-loved icon of Ocean Beach.

Patricia Gill. The Big 30 Whizzbangaversary Exhibitionist Brave New Works operated on half the budget of BNW29 but exceeded all expectations with 45 works in the festival. Most of these were from Denmark artists but there was the occasional international artist and others from elsewhere in WA adding their talent to the three days of fun...

Vicky Wilson. The final stage of Denmark Baroque’s Fairy Queen project was completed in January, culminating three years’ work to complete an ambitious program. Started in 2021 and stalled by Covid restrictions in 2022, the project focused on community capacity building of the performing arts in the Great Southern.

Out now! Available here!

Alkimos Ball Club was created in 2016 and offers tee-ball and baseball for both juniors and seniors. The aim of the club is to allow people to pursue these sports in a friendly social environment.

Yet again another strike on the wharfs ends in a cave in by the stevedores. Last week DP World, which is owned by the Dubai Royal Family, agreed to increase wages by 25 per cent over the next four years to end a rolling series of stoppages that has gone on for months. That works out about double the predicted inflation rate with almost no productivity trade offs ... Welcome back to the thinking of the 1970s.

Act Belong Commit Darkan Sheepfest reaches out to all young Australians to ignite their passion for sheep and wool as they centre their 2024 show around The Next Generation.

The Cook Government is urging the Western Australian community to help stop the spread of polyphagous shot-hole borer - an exotic pest native to South East Asia ... The borer tunnels into a tree and plants a fungus - which blocks the transportation of water and nutrients within the tree, slowly killing it.

At the Australia Day breakfast in Two Rocks yesterday volunteers served about 700 breakfasts with assembly-line precision to community members and families. Organised and run by the Yanchep Two Rocks Community Recreation Association (YTRCRA) the breakfast has been held since 1991 when it started as a sausage sizzle in the park.