🌄 No Bluff News #36

G'day {{first_name | Friend}}! We're back with edition 36 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:

Right, here's the good stuff!

Frankland River's Ferngrove has just become the first Great Southern wine to win Best in Show, taking out the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards with its 2023 Orchid Dragon Shiraz.

The drop was picked from almost 17,000 entries across 58 countries, landing in the top 0.3% worldwide. Ferngrove's 2025 Mount Hassell Riesling also scored Gold with 95 points.

The judging panel wasn't messing around: 245 experts, including 63 Masters of Wine and 24 Master Sommeliers, tasted every drop. Credit to the vineyard and winemaking teams behind it.

Albany brothers Jacob and Flynn Sauer are trading boots for bikes. Their new Chain Reaction ride rolls from Mandurah to Albany from 7 to 10 August, raising money for mental health.

It's round two after last year's 400km walk from Perth to Albany raised $14,000 for Black Dog Institute. This time they're hoping to hit $20,000, with bikes making it easier for more locals to join in along the way.

Anyone keen can jump in for a checkpoint leg or the whole four days, with proceeds going to Black Dog Institute.

Albany's homelessness support groups are turning a trailer into a mobile laundry facility for people sleeping rough or couch surfing, with washers and dryers already donated by Retravision Albany.

The Albany Homelessness Focus Group needs $30,000 to finish the fit-out, with the Lions, CWA and other local groups chipping in. More than 160 people are experiencing homelessness in Albany, with locals aged 10 to 30 hit hardest.

Co-ordinator Jamie Mawer says the plan includes tea, coffee and a seat while you wait, real dignity, not just clean clothes. Hoping to be rolling within six months.

Albany's Oscar Colbung has landed a finalist spot for the National NAIDOC Male Elder Award, the reward for nearly 40 years walking alongside Aboriginal people through family violence, addiction and homelessness, many of whom now stand as fathers, workers and mentors themselves.

As deputy CEO of the Southern Aboriginal Corporation and a Menang Traditional Owner, Colbung's work has also shaped more than $33 million in regional justice, housing and family violence initiatives. Winners are announced in Mparntwe on 15 August.

Two of the more than 30 authors on this year's WA Premier's Book Awards shortlist call Albany home: Mabel Gibson for her grief-and-identity debut CryBaby, and Tasma Walton for I Am Nannertgarrook, based on her own family history of Aboriginal women taken by sealers in the 1830s.

Both are in the running for a share of the $120k prize pool when winners are named in September, proof Great Southern stories can go the distance on a state stage.

Jared and his son Callum found a 4.2-metre black marlin washed up on Cheynes Beach, just 25cm short of the biggest ever caught. They hauled it further up the sand with the hilux so other locals could come and see it too.

Word got round fast, and it pulled a crowd for two days before the City of Albany came to collect it. Not something you see on a Great Southern beach every day.

Seven-year-old Cody de Vos ran out with the Fremantle Dockers at Optus Stadium for the Starlight Purple Haze game, capping a tough year of hospital visits with the best day of his life.

He shared lunch with the team and watched their comeback win from a VIP box. Mum Abby says he's still buzzing, with game-day funds going to the Starlight Children's Foundation.

Dozens of southern right whales and their calves are gathering just off Point Ann near Bremer Bay, with local photographer Richard Poulish catching it all on drone. Seals, dolphins and schools of salmon are turning up in the same stretch of water.

The whales migrate from Antarctica each winter, using Point Ann's sheltered bay as a nursery ground. Poulish calls it one of the most beautiful parts of the world, hard to argue when the whales turn up like this.

Dry July Quiz Night: quiz with prizes, BYO food and tables of 6, proceeds to the Dry July Foundation, $10pp, 6:30pm | AEC (event on page 22) | Friday, 24 Jul

Albany Farmers Market: Fresh local produce, breakfast, coffee and live music every Saturday morning in the CBD, 8am–12pm | Collie Street | Saturday, 25 Jul

Narrikup Bogan Quiz Nite 2026: Rip into a night of trivia, laughs, dress-up and BYO drinks and snacks, 6pm | Narrikup Hall | Saturday, 25 Jul

Boatshed Markets: Sunday market with local growers, gourmet foods, Great Southern wines and artisan stalls, 9am–1pm | Albany Boatshed | Sunday, 26 Jul

AFL Western Derby Night: Family footy night with Eagles v Dockers on the big screen, bar open, kids' movie and best-dressed prize, doors 5pm | Albany SLSC | Friday, 24 Jul

Maritime Themed Kids Gym: Nautical play session for ages 1 to 4, dress-ups encouraged, 9:30–10:30am | ALAC | Monday, 27 Jul

Over 30s Club R&B Special: Daytime clubbing with classic R&B, slow jams, confetti showers and giveaways | Eve Late Night Bar | Saturday, 25 Jul

Wilson's Brewery Lighthouse Sessions: Matt Black serves up a tribute set of classic country rock and roll dance favourites, 5–8pm | Wilson's Brewery Bar | Friday, 24 Jul

Seven Drunken Nights: Feel-good Irish folk show celebrating The Dubliners' songbook, 7:30pm | Albany Entertainment Centre | Friday, 24 Jul

The Underdogs "Live": Seven local acts take the stage, tickets $20 at the door, 4:30pm | King River Tavern | Saturday, 25 Jul

Live Music with Adam Grok: Laid-back evening of blues, roots and soul with live looping, 5–8pm | Wilson's Brewery Bar | Saturday, 25 Jul

Matt Black & The 2 Timers: ACMC country dance night, cash only, heated venue, 7:30pm | Riverview Country Club | Saturday, 25 Jul

Martin Lee Cropper Live: Bridgetown bluesman brings his National guitar and Delta-style slide to a Sunday arvo session, 1–4pm | Karribank | Sunday, 26 Jul

The Soulheart Blues Band: Blues night with a colourful mix, door donations, 7pm | Uptown Music | Tuesday, 28 Jul

A Taste of Sri Lanka: Winter dining night celebrating Sri Lankan flavours and hospitality, sittings from 5pm | 3 Toll Place | Friday, 24 Jul

Sausage Making Days: Free look, learn and make session on Italian sausage-making, Friday 6pm, Saturday 8am–3pm | Albany Italian Club | Friday, 24 Jul

Christmas in July at Karribank: Festive three-course lunch or dinner in the Porongurup mountains, bookings essential, from 12pm | Karribank | Saturday, 25 Jul

Paperbark Book Club with Geraldine Mellet: journalist and disability rights advocate Geraldine Mellet on her debut novel Things I Cannot Say, 6pm | Six Degrees | Wed, 22 Jul

Exploration Evenings – 42,000 Nautical Miles: Nicola Edwards shares her Clipper Round the World Yacht Race yarns, 6:30pm | Six Degrees | Thursday, 23 Jul

Pen & Possibility Authors Talk: Cosy chat and afternoon tea with Denmark poet and memoirist Renee Pettitt-Schipp, 2–3:30pm | Pen and Possibility Studio | Saturday, 25 Jul

Baroque: Solo concert featuring acclaimed cellist Michael Goldschlager, 6:30pm for 7pm | St Werburgh's, Mount Barker | Saturday, 25 Jul

Brave Face – Open Mic: Evening of music, poetry and movement, all artforms welcome, food and cacao for sale, doors 6pm, performances 6–9pm | Denmark ArtsHouse | Sunday, 26 Jul

City of Albany Community Tree Planting Day: Join the National Tree Day planting morning, gloves supplied, 10am–12pm | Lakeside Park | Sunday, 26 Jul

July Social Sundowner: Albany Chamber's networking night with WaveX presenting on renewable energy and local innovation, 5:30pm | Retravision Stadium | Monday, 27 Jul

Coffee and Connect with Scott Leary MLA: Business catch-up over coffee with the Member for Albany, 9:30–10:30am | Scott Leary's Office, Albany | Thursday, 23 Jul

A world-class international band brings the Neil Diamond songbook to life at the Princess Royal Theatre on Friday, 14 August, 7:30pm, think Sweet Caroline, Cracklin' Rosie and all the singalong classics. Tickets are $69 adult, $59 for seniors and groups of 6+. Book here.

Denmark's newest market is a dedicated secondhand fashion event, 26 stalls of women's clothing and accessories, plus change rooms, styling advice, tea and coffee at the Denmark CRC. It's free to browse on Sunday, 16 August from 10:30am to 1pm, with stalls going for $20 if you want to sell. Register a stall or find out more.

Boston Brewing Co. turns 15 with a one-night-only dinner, four courses paired with anniversary and limited-release beers, live music, and a chance to mingle with the brewers, from 4pm on Saturday, 29 August. Tickets are $110 per person, with seats limited for the sit-down menu. Book your seat.

Award-winning singer-songwriter Emily Barker brings songs from her 13 albums and poems from her two books to an intimate night at Denmark ArtsHouse on Saturday, 12 September, 6:30 to 9pm, joined by guitarist Luke Dux. Tickets are $25 general or $20 concession and members, plus service fees. Book now.

More than 50 Great Southern small businesses, creatives, wellness, retail and services, take over the Albany Business Centre on Saturday, 24 October, 10am to 2pm, free entry, with food and coffee vans on-site. If you run a small business yourself, exhibitor applications are open now, tables cost $25. Apply to exhibit or find out more.

Albany's Botanic Gardens are getting a $2.43 million walkway: the build is set to wrap by the end of December. See the tender on page 6.

Grants are open for WA Seniors Week and Youth Week events: Up to $3k for Seniors Week activities, and a $142k pool for Youth Week 2027.

Shire of Plantagenet appoints Garry Bird as CEO: Starts 31 August and brings more than 25 years of WA local government experience. Meet the new CEO.

Sanford Dental: Joined the Smile On network, same familiar team staying on at 82 Stead Road, more investment in tech and services on the way. See what's changing.

Wild West Bowling: Launched a YouTube series, Keeping Up With The Kennedys, following the family behind Albany's bowling alley. Watch the first episode.

Denmark Chamber of Commerce: Has relocated to the Denmark Community Resource Centre, same team, new address at 2 Strickland St. See the new digs.

Chef: join a beachside venue, cooking and plating breakfast and lunch service while helping manage kitchen prep, food safety and junior staff | Three Anchors | Albany

Bicycle mechanic: take ownership of workshop jobs including servicing, wheel builds, diagnostics and customer advice for a local bike shop | Bob's Bikes | Albany

Qualified electrician: take on general electrical work with a small family-run crew that offers relocation help, accommodation and a ute | Salty Creek Electrical | Kojonup

1 Narang Street, Yakamia: 4-bed, 1-bath on 809m². Elevated brick and tile home with city views, a short walk to town and the sporting precinct | $750,000

61 Hillman Street, Spencer Park: 3-bed, 2-bath on 911m². Fully renovated home with elevated Albany views and subdivision potential | $799,000+

5 Harlequin Street, Denmark: 3-bed, 1-bath on 678m². Brick and tile home with twin bay windows, open-plan living, reverse-cycle air con, rear access for boat or trailer | $795,000

Denmark-Walpole beat Royals in AFL stars' derby: Josh Kennedy kicked five goals as Denmark-Walpole pulled away late to win 17.12 (114) to 11.14 (80) at McLean Oval, after the sides were level at the main break. Lewis Jetta chipped in a goal for Royals, while Tarik Hartfield, Roc Hughes, Tyler Stone and Zakery Pretty starred for the Magpies.

Isaac Baum wins the Jock Coleman Medal: The Boxwood Hill product and Albany Sharks player took out best afield in Division One at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Men's Country Championships, captaining Great Southern to third in its return to the top flight. He was also named in the Championship All-Stars alongside teammate Bodhi Stubber.

And that's a wrap!

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Catch you next Tuesday!