🌄 No Bluff News #28

G'day {{first_name | Friend}}! We're back with edition 28 of No Bluff News – your weekly wrap of positive local news, weekend plans, and all the community highlights you actually care about.

Today's highlights:

Let's get into it.

Seven decommissioned World War II fuel tanks near Albany are now a 20-metre outdoor graffiti gallery, pulling in street artists from across Australia and overseas.

Chad Marwick, one of the artists behind it, says local creatives have layered the tanks with colour and sound. Veterans Assist has spent two years installing signage to document the site's wartime history, and Keep Albany Beautiful is building paths to link the tanks to Albany's walking trails.

The site was classified during the war and off limits to the public for decades. Signage, paths and 20-metre walls of colour are putting that right.

Tambellup's Laurie Hull was told he'd never walk again after a motorbike accident paralysed him just before his 18th birthday. Four months later he walked out of hospital. Within a year, he was back in a volunteer fire uniform.

That was 50 years ago. Since then, he's fought major blazes from Roleystone to Margaret River, run ground control for water bombers, and earned an Australian Fire Service Medal in 2014.

Every time a call comes in, he shuts down his spraying business and goes, at a cost of $1,000 a day. "I don't even think about the cost," he says. "It's just something you do."

Kaarla Wirren took over Albany's Historic Whaling Station for one night on Saturday, the result of eight months of work between Southern Edge Arts, local high schools, Mooditj Nop dancers, visiting fire artists and Noongar elders.

The hour-long show moved through Noongar connection to country, colonisation (the fire literally snuffed out on stage), and closed with the full cast gathered around a single flame.

The idea came from Noongar elder Aunty Carol Pettersen, who brought it to Southern Edge Arts. It's part of the Albany 2026 bicentenary program.

Albany Community Hospice has taken out the Great Southern Volunteer Organisation of the Year for 2026, celebrating the volunteers keeping the Hospice and Butterflies Op Shop running.

Volunteers cover regular shifts, plug roster gaps and bring in fresh flowers and baked goods for morning teas. The Hospice says it's the everyday acts of kindness that make care feel personal.

Four Great Southern schools are receiving 6,000 free native seedlings this winter as the Community for Cockies programme expands its black cockatoo habitat work into classrooms.

Mt Barker Community College, Denmark Primary, Golden Hill Steiner and Kwoorabup Nature School are first cab off the rank. Families can nominate preferred species, with distribution expected from mid-June.

IGA Albany and supplier Metcash have donated nearly 4.5 tonnes of pantry staples to Foodbank Albany ahead of winter, as demand for food relief climbs across the region.

Store manager Doug Noakes spotted customers struggling to afford basics and reached out to Metcash about a joint donation. "It gives them that breathing space," says Foodbank manager Rod Pfeiffer.

Albany's gas network won't begin decommissioning until early 2027, after Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson successfully requested a delay from provider ATCO, giving households and businesses more time to plan.

The State Budget backs the transition with $9 million to move social housing to alternative energy and $1.8 million to scope options for the wider community. No immediate action required from customers.

Albany-raised performer Jarrad Inman (Ricky Neil Jr) took to the MCG for Dreamtime at the 'G on Friday night alongside Dan Sultan and fellow emerging First Nations artists.

Inman performed through Mushroom Group's First Nations pathways program as part of Sir Doug Nicholls Round. On the field, Essendon defeated Richmond 81 to 58.

National Reconciliation Week Breakfast: Free community breakfasts in Albany and Mt Barker for Reconciliation Week, from 8am | AEC / Mt Barker Library CRC | Wed, 27 May

WaveX Community Info Session: Learn about the wave energy pilot for King George Sound and ask questions, 12pm and 6pm sessions | Albany Public Library | Wed, 27 May

Biggest Morning Tea – Narrikup: Cancer Council community morning tea; guest speaker, raffles and treats, $5 entry, 10am–12pm | Narrikup Hall | Fri, 29 May

Busy Bee & Planting: Community working bee to install a water tank with planting, pruning and weeding, afternoon tea provided, 2–4pm | Piesse Park | Sunday, 31 May

National Simultaneous Storytime: National live read-aloud of Luna Roo the Kangaroo Baller, ages 2+, 10am | Mt Barker Library CRC / Albany Public Library | Wed, 27 May

Albany WA Day Festival: Free family day with live music, workshops, storytelling and hands-on activities, 10am–2pm | Museum of the Great Southern | Monday, 1 June

Bayside Community Brass Band: New community brass and percussion group hosting a big-band night, BYO nibbles, entry by donation, 7–8pm | Uptown Music | Tues, 26 May

Ms Mabel: Live music night, 6–9pm | Bar Tarifa | Thursday, 28 May

Imagine Songwriting Live: WAAPA and Imagine Songwriting students perform original songs inspired by Albany, 7–9pm | Albany Town Hall | Friday, 29 May

Brewshed Open Days: Fresh beer from the tanks, rotating food trucks and live acts. Noon–6pm Sat, noon–8pm Sun | Lights Beach Brewing | Sat, 30 May & Sun, 31 May

Adam Grok: Roots and folk set, 4–7pm | Boston Brewery | Saturday, 30 May

The Numbats: Live set, free entry, 18+, 8:30pm | Six Degrees | Saturday, 30 May

Cirque Nouvelle: International circus blending acrobatics, aerials and juggling, 5pm | Albany Entertainment Centre | Friday, 29 May

The Last Daughter: Free documentary screening about Brenda Matthews and the Stolen Generations, part of Reconciliation Wk, 1:30–3pm | Albany Public Library | Tues, 2 June

Nemesis Rising 4: Muay Thai fight night with an ISKA featherweight state-title main event and seven local fighters, doors 4pm, first fight 5pm | ALAC | Saturday, 30 May

AFL Masters Southwest Carnival: Weekend of Masters footy that includes kids' activities and an after-dinner with live music, from 8am | Retravision Stadium | Sunday, 31 May

Albany Surf Craft Challenge: WA Day 12km race featuring surf boats, skis, boards and outriggers, 8am | Albany Boat Shed to Middleton Beach | Sunday, 31 May

Elleker Running Festival: Community running festival with a half-marathon, 10km run/walk and junior dashes, from 8:30am | Elleker Hall | Sunday, 31 May

Albany Classic 'Around the Houses': The 90th edition of Albany's iconic CBD time-trial and historic car showcase, from 9am | Albany CBD | Sunday, 31 May

Social Sundowner with Castlehow Electrical: Relaxed networking to meet the team and connect with local businesses, 5:30–7:30pm | Castlehow Electrical | Wed, 27 May

Starting a New Business: Practical workshop on launching a new business with real-world tips and Q&A, 5:30–7:30pm | Albany Business Centre | Wednesday, 27 May

COSBOA Albany Roadshow: Free small business day with cyber security and industrial relations workshops, from 1pm | Hilton Garden Inn | Thursday, 28 May

An intimate show weaving dance, sculpture and immersive sound inspired by the Torndirrup coastline comes to Albany's Historic Whaling Station on Friday, 5 June. Three professional dancers share the floor with Elizabeth Riley's sculptural works and video projections, with wine in the gallery and a paired dinner to follow. Tickets are $115.

Echoes of Pink Floyd bring six decades of the band's music to the Albany Entertainment Centre on Friday, 5 June, with faithful recreations and synchronised visuals across a nearly three-hour show. Tickets from $52 (under 16) to $82 adult, with concessions available. The show contains strobe lighting and haze effects. Book at the AEC.

Award-winning cartoonist Aśka visits Albany Public Library on Tuesday, 9 June for a free hour-long talk and hands-on intro to graphic novels, exploring how image and text work together. Open to teens (15+) and adults, with a beginner drawing activity and a signing of her YA graphic novel The Friendship Paradox. Secure your free spot.

The Albany Town Hall opens its doors for a night of original live music on Saturday, 13 June, with emerging and touring WA artists performing across diverse genres from 6pm to 11:30pm. All ages, presented by the City of Albany. Full lineup here.

Castle Rock Estate brings a guided wine tasting evening to Hilton Garden Inn Albany on Saturday, 20 June, 6–9pm. Hosted by Together & Co Albany, tickets are on sale now.

Carrying the Fire: Southern Edge Arts is looking for community groups, schools, businesses and clubs to host free lantern-making workshops. Register your group.

Bloom Festival 2026 confirmed: Eight shires have pooled $44k to help the festival proceed, with Ag Shows WA stepping in as interim delivery partner. Read the decision.

Two Great Southern shires looking for new CEOs: Cranbrook is advertising now, and Plantagenet voted on 19 May to begin its own search. Apply for the Cranbrook role.

Southern Edge Arts impact survey: asking locals how its programs for young people make a difference, to help shape its 2027–2030 strategic plan. Complete the survey.

Denmark Shire reviewing seven local laws: covering bushfire brigades, cemeteries, dogs, extractive industries, parking, standing orders and health. Lodge your submission.

Little Sprouts Playcafe: Mt Barker's Little Bit of Barker has been sold and reopens as Little Sprouts Playcafe on 10 June under new ownership. Mark your calendar.

Driving instructor: PT, 1-on-1 learner lessons; employer can assist with obtaining an instructor licence | Denmark Driver Training | Denmark

Heritage archaeologist: Aboriginal heritage surveys, GIS mapping; community consultation to protect cultural sites; Aboriginal Heritage Act compliance | SNAC | Albany

Regional chief pharmacist: lead pharmacy services across the Great Southern, strategic medicines management, $148–$153k p.a. | WA Country Health Service | Albany

119 Hassell Avenue, Kendenup: 3-bed, 1-bath on 1,012m². 2025 container kit home, open-plan, combined bathroom/laundry, under 20min to Mt Barker | Offers $320,000+

7/266 Middleton Road, Mira Mar: 3-bed, 2-bath (plus 2 WCs) on 273m². Brick veneer, gated complex, double garage, walk to APS/ASHS and tennis courts | Offers $800,000+.

1371 Eden Road, Nullaki: 6-bed, 4-bath on 37.15ha. 1,301m² limestone, brick and tile estate, 360-degree ocean views, ocean-facing pool, guest wing, triple garage | Circa $8M

NPL WA double-header at Retravision Stadium: Hundreds of fans turned out for the Belt-Up Regional Festival of Football on Saturday, with Perth Azzurri edging Hyundai Football West Academy 1-0 (Ruby Marshall header) and Perth Glory upsetting reigning premiers Bayswater City 1-0 with an 84th-minute winner.

Mason and Ginger bring home Oceania gold and silver: Mason Watkins claimed gold in the U18 triple jump at the Oceania Athletics Championships in Darwin with a 14.55m opening jump, and Ginger Gleeson took silver in the U18 400m hurdles in 1:01.92. Both train through local Great Southern programs backed by CITS Great Southern.

And that's a wrap!

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Catch you next Tuesday!