🌄 No Bluff News #4: $10M canola plant, Albany Motorsport Park hits a milestone & Christmas events everywhere

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Here's edition four 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, here's the good stuff!

🏭 Local growers get first dibs on $10M canola plant investment

Big news for Great Southern farmers. A massive canola-crushing plant is on the cards for Drome, and WA growers are getting priority access to invest in it.

Here's why it matters: WA could grow 3.8 million tonnes of canola this coming season, but we've only got capacity to crush about 60,000 tonnes locally. The rest gets shipped elsewhere for processing. This new facility from Australian Canola Oils would handle up to 1 million tonnes a year, keeping more value right here in our region.

The project's partnering with local grower family the Richardsons (Commodity Ag) and will produce oil, meal and biochar at the Drome site. Down the track, there's potential for sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel too. With rail access straight to Albany, it means local jobs, a solid buyer for bumper crops, and renewable inputs that'll help improve soil health across farms in our patch.

🏁 Albany Motorsport Park lays first kilometre of track

Albany Motorsport Park just hit a milestone you can actually see. Phoenix Civil and Earthmoving has sealed the first kilometre of track on the North Circuit. It's a 1km by 12m stretch that shows this project's moving from blueprints to bitumen.

Stage 1A (motocross track, clubhouse and off-road training area) is already done and dusted, and Stage 1B is rolling. There's still about $50 million to raise for the full 3.25km circuit, but with state and federal funding already in the mix, things are genuinely happening.

For locals wondering about noise: the Motocross Precinct's Noise Management Plan just got official approval. That means clearer event schedules, proper monitoring, and a complaint-handling process so racing can happen without driving the neighbours mad. Organisers reckon event calendars will go up on the project site soon. A good sign Albany's motorsport heritage is getting a proper, community-minded home.

👶 Katanning's new early childhood hub breaks ground

Families in Katanning have something to look forward to. Construction's started on a new Early Childhood Hub that'll bring 67 long-daycare places, a family centre, and child health offices all under one roof.

It's a $7.3 million commitment from the state government, plus $2.2 million from Minderoo Foundation, with Lotterywest and the Shire of Katanning backing it too. The hub should be finished by mid-2027.

Having everything in one spot means kids and families won't have to chase appointments across town. There'll be space for visiting child development and family support services, and it ties in with other wins for the Central Great Southern, like the new transport service helping families get to early learning and health appointments.

Local leaders reckon bringing it all together will give kids a stronger start and make life a whole lot easier for parents trying to access the support they need.

🏅 Mt Barker's Evie Waddington heading to Olympic Change-Maker Summit

Mt Barker's Evie Waddington is making the town proud. She's one of just 25 students (from more than 1,000 applicants) invited to the Australian Olympic Change-Maker National Summit. She met Olympians like 2002 gold medallist Alisa Camplin-Warner and reckons the experience has fired her up to chase triathlon or an AFLW career.

🌟 Mt Lockyer teacher wins state tech award

Mt Lockyer Primary teacher Carly Mayfield has won the Outstanding Regional Role Model award at the 2025 Women in Technology WA awards. She's been bringing culture, coding and robotics into regional classrooms, linking Noongar languages with tech, coaching students to First Lego League success and upskilling teachers across the Great Southern. A proud win for our community and the students she inspires.

🌿 Walpole Primary's environmental programme takes state honours

Big cheers for Walpole Primary. Their long-running UR Walpole programme just won the state Environmental Education award at the Tidy Towns Sustainable Communities Awards in Perth.

The programme's been going since 1996 and explores a different theme each year. This year it's all about 'Air'. Students get hands-on with art, science and community partnerships, including WOW Wilderness Ecocruise, local Elders, DBCA and volunteer groups. It all ties into the school's 'Nature, Culture, Future' motto and gives kids real-world sustainability skills.

This win celebrates the many local volunteers, families and teachers who keep environmental education thriving in Walpole.

🏛️ Katanning council delivers practical wins

The Shire of Katanning's 25 November council meeting knocked over a heap of practical stuff. New policies to make alfresco trading easier, updated outbuilding rules, and a temporary accommodation policy letting residents stay in caravans for up to 24 months while they build.

Council also approved upgrades to the KLC Top Oval (with a funding bid heading to Sport & Rec), gave the Katanning Dramatic Society a 5-year Town Hall licence, and put out an RFQ for seven vacant housing blocks to boost supply.

Other wins: a Workforce Plan to tackle local recruitment, a push for WHS Act changes around bushfire brigade volunteer liability, and confidential plans endorsed for an early childhood hub and industrial land lease. The Friends of Piesse Lake lease was deferred (7-0 vote), but council celebrated volunteer efforts at the miniature railway and Peace Park.

🏛️ Denmark council backs affordable housing and youth action

Denmark's council kept things practical and community-first at its 25 November meeting.

The Shire's sitting on a tidy $8.56m closing surplus and adopted a new Bush Fire Risk Management Plan. Council also green-lit a Youth Action Plan shaped by more than 200 young people and backed a State Housing Fund bid for up to 20 affordable and essential worker homes at Beveridge Road.

Denmark Surf Life Saving Club scored a 10-year lease plus a 100% rates concession, and council set up committees to strengthen local governance. They've also promised follow-up support for better container recycling after resident feedback.

🕯️ COMMUNITY

Tambellup Lions Seniors Christmas Lunch Community Christmas lunch for seniors, 11:30am–2pm. Tambellup Sports Pavilion | Friday, 12 Dec

Burt St Bushcare Busy Bee Monthly volunteer weeding and reserve care session, 9:30–11:30am. Burt St cul-de-sac, off Middleton Beach Road | Sunday, 14 Dec

Barmup Bushcarers Busy Bees Monthly volunteer bushcare morning for all ages, 10am–12pm. Picnic Tables, Cnr of David St and Collingwood Rd | Sunday, 14 Dec

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 FAMILY FUN

Denmark River Arts Markets — Carols By Candlelight Zero-waste twilight market, 2–8pm. 60+ handmade arts, craft and food stalls, live music, performances and kids activities. Berridge Park, Denmark | Saturday, 13 Dec

Gnowangerup Christmas Market Festive evening of live music, market stalls, food vans and Christmas lights, 5pm till late. 47 Yougenup Rd, Gnowangerup | Saturday, 13 Dec

39th Bikers Toy Run Annual motorcycle charity run for The Salvation Army. BBQ at 8am, assemble 9am, depart 10am. Foundation Park, Parade Street | Saturday, 13 Dec

Elleker Christmas Market Christmas holiday market featuring local produce, art, jewellery and crafts. Elleker General Store & Tavern, Albany | Sunday, 14 Dec

Albany Boatshed Markets Christmas Extravaganza Festive market with artisan stalls, handmade gifts, coffee, hot food and live local music. Albany Boatshed | Sunday, 14 Dec

🛝 FOR KIDS

Christmas After School Craft Free festive craft for kids 5+. Make foil cards and a mini Christmas tree, all materials supplied. Albany Public Library | Thursday, 11 Dec

Colour Fun Run 2025 fundraising obstacle run with non-toxic colour splashes. Glasses, headbands, water and icy poles provided. Admiral Street, Albany | Friday, 12 Dec

🎵 MUSIC

Denmark Swing Dance with Jazztrix Swing dance night with 6:30pm lesson and live music 7–10pm. Doors 6pm. Denmark Country Club | Saturday, 13 Dec

Albany Shantymen Live Show Free sea-shanty show, 7:30–9pm. 18+. Six Degrees, Albany | Tuesday, 16 Dec

🎨 ARTS AND CULTURE

Art After Dark - Creative Christmas windup networking, artisan and designer pop-up market, guest presenters and pitches. Albany Town Hall Auditorium | Thursday, 11 Dec

Taking Liberty by Ingle Knight Live-theatre retelling of Australia II's 1983 America's Cup win, 6:30pm. Post-show Q&A. Albany Entertainment Centre | Thursday, 11 Dec

Radical Futures: Fertile Ground New exhibition curated by Saira Spencer featuring eight regional artists. Albany Town Hall | Friday, 12 Dec – Saturday, 17 Jan

Albany Then & Now: Historical Panoramas Immersive 180-degree panoramic exhibition exploring Menang Noongar heritage. GS Museum | Friday, 12 Dec – Monday, 1 Jun

Around the Dance World Student dance showcase celebrating global rhythms and styles. Albany Entertainment Centre | Saturday, 13 Dec

'Where am I this time?' family art session Community art event, 11am–1pm. Bookings essential. Denmark Civic Centre | Saturday, 13 Dec

Great Southern Storytellers - 'A Feast of Miracles' Community storytelling of Christmastide tales, 5–8pm. Arts House, Denmark | Sunday, 14 Dec

🏏 SPORT

ADCA Seniors Cricket – Rd 8 (Thursday, 11 Dec)

ADCA Seniors Cricket – Rd 9 (Saturday, 13 Dec)

Bendigo Bank Shield Cricket – Rd 11 (Saturday, 13 Dec)

Bendigo Bank Shield Cricket – Rd 12 (Saturday, 13 Dec)

Albany Senior Basketball – Rd 10 (Tuesday, 16 Dec)

Men's A Grade:

Women's A Grade:

💼 BUSINESS

Grants for Small Business workshop Free hands-on session on where to find grants, understand eligibility and strengthen applications. Denmark CRC | Wednesday, 10 Dec

Christmas Social Sundowner Albany Chamber networking event to celebrate Christmas and end of the 2025 business year. Albany Surf Club | Wednesday, 10 Dec

Women in Business Coworking Day Free coworking and festive morning tea with Meet Workforce Australia Local Jobs. Albany Business Centre | Friday, 12 Dec

🏛️ CIVIC

Gnowangerup Council Meeting Ordinary council meeting open to the public, 3:30–5:30pm. Shire offices, Gnowangerup | Wednesday, 10 Dec

Plantagenet Council Meeting Ordinary council meeting open to the public, 5–7pm. Mount Barker Council Chambers | Tuesday, 16 Dec

📢 PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

Kalgan Fire Station opens Purpose-built station replaces ageing 1984 shed. Funded by DFES, City of Albany and local fundraising on donated land.

Albany seeks feedback on Ellen Cove swimming enclosure to decide maintenance and replacement of Binalup/Middleton Beach enclosure after storm damage.

Gnowangerup seeks comment on Crown Reserve disposal on developer's enquiry to transfer 1.09ha former tennis courts to private for residential development use.

🛠 JOBS

Team leader coordinating rural clinical training initiatives, managing projects and driving continuous improvement. University of Western Australia | Albany & Great Southern

General practice nurse (casual) relief supporting doctors with wound care, immunisations and patient care during office hours. Denmark Medical Centre | Denmark

Assets & Compliance Coordinator Manage contractors to maintain retail, fuel and grounds for safety and customer experience. Mount Barker Co-operative | Mt Barker

🏡 REAL ESTATE

7 Shell Bay Road, Lower King Riverfront 4-bed, 2-bath on 3,921m². Three living zones, tennis court, powered shed and double garage. Offers above $2,000,000.

69 Pemble Street, Katanning 3-bed, 1-bath on 1,472m². Single carport, currently leased with R30 subdivision potential. $315,000.

17 Price Street, Denmark Shire-approved short-stay. 5-bed, 4-bath main house plus self-contained cottage on 688m². Parking for 10. From $1,200,000.

🏏 CRICKET RESULTS

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

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

And that's a wrap!

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Catch you next Tuesday!