🌄 No Bluff News #3: 137 local kids graduate, $8.3M port makeover & your packed weekend

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We're back with edition three of No Bluff News – your weekly wrap of positive local news, weekend plans, and all the community highlights you actually care about.

In today's edition:

Right, let's get into it!

🎓 Local kids graduate from UWA Children's University

One hundred and thirty-seven Albany and Mt Barker students donned caps and gowns at the Albany Entertainment Centre last week, celebrating their graduation from UWA Children's University.

The young graduates clocked up a combined 7,667 hours of extra learning across six Great Southern schools, diving into hands-on experiences around the region. Think exploring the Oyster Harbour fish traps, stepping back in time aboard the Brig Amity, and getting creative at Vancouver Art Centre.

The highlight? Marching across the campus footbridge to cheers from proud families - just like the real thing.

UWA Albany director Tim Martin reckons the program shows kids that learning happens everywhere, not just in the classroom. It helps them discover passions that could shape their future studies or careers.

Graduate Rachel Els says the program has given her confidence and memories she'll carry into high school. A lovely win for students, parents, and local partners all around.

🏛️ Historic port pilot station set for major revitalisation

Albany's Port Pilot Station is about to get a serious glow-up. Designs are finalised to transform the heritage-listed Pilot Crew and Coxswain's cottages into a vibrant community precinct.

Southern Ports and Albany firm H+H Architects have drawn up plans for an $8.3 million Royalties for Regions-funded makeover. Think playground, landscaping, bike facilities, seating, and open grassed areas - plus space for coffee vans and possibly an interpretation centre, gallery, and workshop.

Construction's slated to kick off in 2026, with tenders open until 16 December 2025.

The Pilot Station has served Port Albany since 1853 and sits on the State Register of Heritage Places, so the redesign keeps history front and centre while giving locals and visitors a ripper spot to gather and soak up harbour views.

It's set to boost tourism and community pride right across the Great Southern.

🏠 New crisis accommodation for women and children

The Cook Government is putting $6.9 million into expanding crisis accommodation for women and children escaping family and domestic violence in Albany.

Stage two adds six new self-contained units to complete a 12-unit refuge being delivered by Southern Aboriginal Corporation and Anglicare WA. It's a significant boost to local capacity, offering trauma-informed, culturally appropriate safe spaces.

Once finished, the site is expected to support up to 166 women and children a year, giving families a private, secure place to start rebuilding their lives.

The announcement came during the 16 Days in WA campaign - a timely reminder we all play a part. It's local partnerships like these turning funding into real outcomes that make a difference.

🎵 Kojonup duo Old Mervs bring 'On a Truck' home

Kojonup-raised surf-rock two-piece Old Mervs are coming home for a summer double-header. They're bringing their big outdoor "On a Truck" show to Albany Racing Club on 10 January and Dunsborough footy oval on 24 January.

The duo will be joined by WA favourites Great Gable, Little Guilt and Polly, plus a locally chosen opener. Best part? The shows are helping raise funds for local footy clubs.

Tickets are on sale now.

🍺 Woodanilling Tavern gets new community owners

Woodanilling's tavern is getting a fresh start under new community ownership. Local co-owner Sally Vermuelen and fellow residents have bought the pub and set up a cooperative after researching similar community projects.

It's a big undertaking, but they're excited and aiming to get well underway after harvest. A ripper example of locals backing their town.

🏛️ Albany council tackles safety and infrastructure

Albany council met on 25 November and made some practical moves on safety and infrastructure.

The standout: allocating $150,000 for a Bayonet Head/Lower King feasibility study to ease congestion and improve emergency and bushfire access for about 3,500 residents (see below). Community consultation and a push for state partnership will follow.

Councillors also green-lit Milpup and Campbell road reconstructions (nearly $3.5 million in works), approved airport hangar leases, and strengthened governance by putting all councillors on the Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee. Native vegetation protection remains front of mind as projects proceed.

Plenty of good news too: local businesses and the Albany Historic Whaling Station scored state awards, 139 kids completed UWA Albany Children's University (see above), and the hospital hydrotherapy pool campaign will only proceed with strong community backing - your say matters.

♻️ Pemberton community cleans up Yeagarup Dunes

The Pemberton community rolled up their sleeves for the annual Yeagarup Dunes clean-up.

Pemberton Discovery Tours joined forces with Pemberton Youth Emergency Services cadets, Donnelly District Rangers and locals to tackle remote beaches. The tour group averages about 1,000kg of waste removed each year and partners with Keep Australia Beautiful and Tangaroa Blue to track where rubbish comes from.

Organisers praised young volunteers and helpers from Perth and beyond for protecting the Yeagarup Dunes and surrounding forests - part of a global biodiversity hotspot. They also dug out historical rubbish exposed after recent rains.

🎗️ Albany Community Hospice wins top state award

Albany Community Hospice has taken home the Douglas MacAdam Perpetual Trophy as WA's Outstanding Organisation at the 2025 Palliative Care WA Awards - the second time the local hospice has scored the honour.

The team was recognised for compassionate, patient-centred care, smart initiatives like symptom assessment scores and ConsideRate surveys, and strong community partnerships - from Death Lingo Bingo to Dying to Know Day.

Volunteers, including finalist Helen Bolton and the wider volunteer team, were also celebrated. CEO Jackie Boyce praised the staff and community support that makes it all possible.

🕯️ COMMUNITY

International Day of People with Disability Community day recognising people with disability, 8am–5pm. Denmark Riverside Club | Wednesday, 3 Dec

TAFE plant sale Student-grown plants from South Regional TAFE's Albany Campus nursery. Albany Campus – Nursery (R Block) | Wednesday, 3 Dec

VolunTEA Party Afternoon tea with Totally Renewable Denmark. Hear plans for 100% renewable future by 2033. Denmark Environment Centre | Thursday, 4 Dec

Senior Christmas Lunch Festive lunch, 11am–2pm. RSVP to Katanning Hub CRC (0477 493 141). Pioneer Room, Katanning Leisure Centre | Thursday, 4 Dec

Christmas Card Making Workshop Free card-making with Margarite from Lavender Bee. Lunch provided, all ages. Mount Barker Community Resource Centre | Friday, 5 Dec

Mount Barker Poultry Auction Community auction. $1 entry for buyers, $1 per item for sellers, cash only. Shop 3, 26 Langton Road, Mount Barker | Sunday, 7 Dec

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 FAMILY FUN

Christmas Storytimes Free festive stories for kids 5+. Craft session 4 Dec, face-painting 11 Dec. Albany Public Library | Thursday, 4 Dec

Albany Christmas Festival Live music, entertainment, food stalls, markets and activities. Christmas Pageant at 6pm. Town Square & Alison Hartman Gardens | Saturday, 6 Dec

Albany Antique, Vintage & Collectables Fair Two-day market. Adult entry $3, kids under 13 free. The Stirling Club | Saturday–Sunday, 6–7 Dec

Carols In The Park Kids' games from 5pm, carols from 7pm. Food and drinks available. Piesse Park Amphitheatre | Sunday, 7 Dec

Hazbeanz Christmas Markets Local creatives and small businesses, face painting, surprise guest, 9am–1pm. Albany Waterfront | Sunday, 7 Dec

🍺 ADULTS ONLY

'Sting What You Bring' burnout meet Gates 2pm, skids 3–10pm. $60 driver, $20 passenger. AASA licence required. Camping, bar on site. Forrest Hill Rd | Saturday, 6 Dec

Fadzri Rashid – Still Got Jokes Singaporean comic brings sharp stand-up, 8–9:30pm. Recommended 18+. Katanning Town Hall | Saturday, 6 Dec

Christmas Paint and Sip Guided painting workshop, 1–4pm, $70. Materials and wine included. Six Degrees Albany | Sunday, 7 Dec

🎵 MUSIC

Tanya Ransom and Tracey Barnett Soulful folk, blues and alt-country. Tickets from $25. Denmark Art House | Friday, 5 Dec

Tanya Ransom and Tracey Barnett Soulful folk, blues and alt-country. Free entry. Wilson Brewing Company | Saturday, 6 Dec

EKLEKTIKA Christmas CHOIR Concert Raising funds for Denmark Hardship Fund. $15 adults, $10 children. Denmark Uniting Church | Saturday, 6 Dec

Queen: Bohemian Rhapsody Tour 2.5-hour tribute show. Albany Entertainment Centre | Saturday, 6 Dec

Albany Rock Night – Dig The Dust Local favourites closing out 2025 with a free, high-energy show. The Goldroom, Six Degrees | Saturday, 6 Dec

RnB Soul Train Local acoustic R&B/soul duo play a free afternoon set from 1–4pm. Barrel Farm | Sunday, 7 Dec

🎨 ARTS AND CULTURE

WAAPA Diploma of Music auditions Auditions for CUA50820 Diploma of Music. Albany | Tuesday, 9 Dec

🏏 SPORT

ADCA Seniors Cricket – Rd 7 (Saturday, 6 Dec)

Bendigo Bank Shield Cricket – Rd 10 (Saturday, 6 Dec)

Albany Senior Basketball – Rd 9 (Tuesday, 9 Dec)

Men's A Grade:

Women's A Grade:

Great Southern Open Regional swimming championship with Splash & Dash, food, prizes and raffles. Mount Barker Memorial Swimming Pool | Saturday, 6 Dec

💼 BUSINESS

Great Southern Women Christmas Luncheon Relaxed networking lunch. Register to secure your place. Rustlers Steakhouse | Thursday, 4 Dec

📢 PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

Denmark Structure Plan Open for Inspection Proposes 144 residential lots at Lot 621 Harlequin Street and Lot 1 South Coast Highway. Written submissions due 16 January.

Albany Council backs $150k traffic study Feasibility study and consultation to ease congestion around Flinders Park Primary and Lower King/Bayonet Head intersections.

Albany Community Sustainability Grants open Local groups, schools and small businesses can apply for up to $2,500. Guidelines and application on City website.

🛠 JOBS

Junior office assistant 12-month gap year role. Front-desk and admin support, greeting clients, appointments, calls, mail, meeting-room setup, filing. Smith Thornton | Albany

Qualified electrician Varied domestic and commercial electrical work. Vehicle, phone, training, bonuses, flexible hours. A.B.A. Security and Electrical | Albany

Carpet layer / Floor coverer Install carpet, vinyl and flooring in residential and commercial properties. Trevors Carpets Albany | Albany

🏡 REAL ESTATE

209 Ocean Beach Road, Denmark 3-bed, 2-bath on 1,007m². Neat, re-stumped, easy-care yards. From $659,000.

32A Spencer Street, Albany 4-bed, 5-bath heritage-listed CBD home on 295m². From $889,000.

24 Warren Road, Katanning 4-bed, 2-bath with double garage, 11.5×7.5m powered workshop on 1.07ha. $1,199,000.

🏏 CRICKET RESULTS

ADCA Seniors Cricket – Rd 6 (Saturday, 29 Nov)

Bendigo Bank Shield Cricket – Rd 9 (Saturday, 29 Nov)

And that's a wrap!

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Catch you next Tuesday!