🌄 No Bluff News #5: Spudshed locks in Albany, surfers capture freak 'earthquake wave' & festive events across the region

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

What you can look forward to today:

Alright, let's crack on!

🥔 Albany scores Spudshed in regional expansion

Big news for Albany locals - Spudshed is coming to town as early as next year.

Founder Tony Galati confirmed it on Triple M recently, and the WA-grown supermarket chain is also eyeing Geraldton after opening in Kalgoorlie last November. They've already got stores running in Bunbury and Australind, and the Albany move caps off 27 years of growth that kicked off in Baldivis back in the day.

This is a tidy win for the Great Southern. More shopping choice, likely a few extra jobs, and those famous long opening hours for busy locals and farmers who need flexibility.

Tony reckons he'll be around the shops and farms once it's up and running, so expect a bit of local colour with the new store joining our retail mix.

🌊 Surfers find freak 'earthquake wave' off our south coast

Out on WA's remote south coast, surf photographer Ben Allen and surfer Chris White just pulled off something special.

After a six-hour jetski run about 60 kilometres offshore, they finally tracked down a freak break they call "The Thing." Two swells colliding over a shallow ring of reef catapulted a mountain of water skyward. The spray shot past Allen's 40-metre drone and sounded "like an earthquake," according to the pair. Their jaw-dropping footage has already gone viral.

University of WA oceanographer Charitha Pattiaratchi reckons the rare show happens when deep ocean swells meet a shallow reef from different directions.

The pair reckon they're the first to capture it on video, and despite some close calls, they're already eyeing the chaotic (but beautiful) right-hander for another crack. Locals are rightly buzzing at the spectacle.

🎵 Albany gets its first dedicated beach music festival

Albany's getting its first dedicated beach music festival, and it's landing at Ellen Cove on 28 February next year.

Middies 2026 is a one-day, 18+ event kicking off from 3pm on the grass at Middleton Beach. It'll hold around 1,000 people and is already pulling ticket buyers from across WA. Brisbane indie-rockers Beddy Rays are headlining, with support from Dear Sunday, Ruby Hoo, Lazy Haze, Jack Hamilton and a lineup of DJs to keep the beach-party energy rolling.

The festival is a local effort from Santino Pietropaolo, Sanjay Sanapala and Robert Forgione. They're keen to fill the gap left by other South West events and create something mates and families can enjoy together.

Tickets are on sale via Megatix, and the organisers are urging locals to lock in spots early. It's shaping up as a welcome addition to Middleton Beach's foreshore calendar and Albany's 2026 programming.

🚒 Great Southern businesses honoured for backing emergency service volunteers

Six Great Southern businesses have been recognised at the DFES Volunteer Employer Recognition Awards for letting their staff drop everything when the community needs them.

The winners are City of Albany, Hully's Spraying Service, McIntosh & Son, Pitbull Customs and Classics, Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar Aboriginal Corporation, and Woolworths Chester Pass in Albany.

Special shout-out to Laurie Hull of Hully's Spraying Service, who's clocked more than 350 hours with the Gnowangerup SES. McIntosh & Son also got a nod for flexible hours that let their team fight fires (nominated by Porongurup's Josh Vermeulen).

Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia thanked these employers for going above and beyond to keep locals safe.

🌊 Albany brings all-abilities nippers program to regional WA for the first time

Albany Surf Life Saving Club has made history by bringing Surf Life Saving WA's all-abilities nippers program to regional WA.

The program at Binalup/Middleton Beach gives neurodivergent kids practical water skills and a solid confidence boost. Families and volunteers reckon it's life-changing.

More regional and metro clubs are set to roll it out, with hopes of growing WA representation at the Adaptive Aussies.

🙏 Walpole celebrates volunteers with sunny parade and blessing of the fleet

Walpole turned on a cracker of a morning for Thank a Volunteer Day and the Blessing of the Fleet.

Emergency service vehicles from St John Ambulance, Walpole Volunteer Fire & Rescue and other local groups paraded through town before receiving a blessing from Reverend Sue Lodge-Calvert. There was a free sausage sizzle, live keyboard music and the monthly markets to top it off.

It's a lovely reminder of the huge difference volunteers from the OP Shop, Visitor Centre, Community Resource Centre, Menshed and Tidy Towns make every day.

💰 Nine Plantagenet groups score community grants funding

Great news for Plantagenet - nine local groups have landed funding from the refreshed Community Grants Program.

Highlights include $7,200 to Kendenup Community & Men's Shed for a new facility, $10,000 to Porongurup Community Association for a new music festival, and $5,000 to Mount Barker Bulls to help disadvantaged teens play footy.

Multi-year industry support grants also went to groups like Plantagenet Sporting Club and the Plantagenet Historical Society. The Shire's backing it all with $155,000 in the 2025-26 budget to keep community programs thriving.

📸 Museum exhibition brings Albany's history to life through historical panoramas

Albany's past comes to life at the Museum of the Great Southern with a new exhibition that's both immersive and interactive.

"Albany Then & Now: Historical Panoramas of Menang Noongar Boodja" features audio-visual panoramas narrated by local Elders and historians, plus interactive kiosks and a kids' Hub Zone to make history accessible for everyone.

Developed by the WA Museum with Curtin University and the State Library, and supported by the City of Albany and Lotterywest, the free exhibition runs from 12 December 2025 to 1 June 2026. It kicks off the lead-up to Albany 2026.

🕯️ COMMUNITY

Katanning Twilight Markets: Family-friendly Christmas night with market stalls, food vans, live music and Santa, 5–8pm | Clive Street, Katanning | Thursday, 18 Dec

Golden Hill Steiner Markets: Weekly market showcasing makers and growers, 2:45–4:45pm | Golden Hill Steiner School, Denmark | Friday, 19 Dec

Katanning Farmer's Market: Locally produced fruit, veg, preserves and handmade crafts, 8am–12pm | 4 Pemble Street, Katanning | Saturday, 20 Dec

73rd Annual Carols by Candlelight: Bring picnic food, rugs and torches for this community classic, 6pm | Ellen Cove | Saturday, 20 Dec

Swanharp Christmas Teaparty: Enchanting afternoon of harp music, carolling and festive treats. Free entry | Denmark Civic Centre | Saturday, 20 Dec

Christmas Carols — Albany Light Opera: Join an hour of Christmas singing with song booklets provided | Albany Boatshed Markets | Sunday, 21 Dec

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 FAMILY FUN

Mount Barker VFRS XMAS Lolly Run: Annual Christmas lolly run (moved from Christmas Day), 10am–2pm | Lowood Rd, Mount Barker | Sunday, 21 Dec

Narrikup Christmas Tree: Free family event with games, Santa and a shared supper | Narrikup Town Hall | Sunday, 21 Dec

Broomehill Christmas Party: Family-friendly community celebration, 5:45–8pm | Broomehill Recreational Complex | Sunday, 21 Dec

Katanning Family Fun Day: Free morning with Jamie the Clown and light refreshments, 10am–12pm | Katanning All Abilities Park | Monday, 22 Dec

🛝 FOR KIDS

Gingerbread Decorating Workshop: Family-friendly session, 10–11am. Bookings essential | Denmark CRC gallery | Friday, 19 Dec

Archery at Camp Quaranup: Two sessions for ages 10–17 (9am & 11am), $10 | Camp Quaranup | Monday, 22 Dec

Christmas Cookie Decorating: Two fun sessions for ages 10–17 led by Wild at Heart Sugar Cookies, $10. Bookings close 22 Dec | Vancouver Arts Centre | Tuesday, 23 Dec

🎵 MUSIC

Open Mic Night: Monthly open-mic for music, poetry and comedy. Performers get a free drink, $10 Wilson pints | Wilson's Brewery, Albany | Thursday, 18 Dec

The Deepfakes: Funky trio on the lawn, 4–7pm | Paul Nelson Wines, Denmark | Friday, 19 Dec

LIVE AT THE EARL — Rob V: Three-hour live set of music and good vibes | Earl of Spencer Historic Inn, Albany | Friday, 19 Dec

The Numbats Pre-Christmas Party: Free-entry show by Albany favourites, 8:30–11pm. 18+ from 8:30pm | Six Degrees Goldroom, Albany | Friday, 19 Dec

Albany Blues Club: Five hours of rhythm & blues with five local bands, 5pm–late. $20 door, BYO nibbles | King River Tavern | Saturday, 20 Dec

RnB Soul Train: Intimate acoustic set of originals and soulful R&B covers, 4–7pm. Free entry | Due South, Albany | Sunday, 21 Dec

LIVE AT THE EARL — Martin Lee Cropper: Authentic 1920s-style Mississippi Delta and Hill Country blues, 7–10pm | Earl of Spencer Historic Inn | Sunday, 21 Dec

🎨 ARTS AND CULTURE

THE ART WAY — VAC Exhibition: Free group exhibition featuring works in painting, sculpture, photography and mixed media | Vancouver Arts Centre | Wednesday, 17 Dec

🏏 SPORT

ADCA Seniors Cricket – Rd 10 (Friday, 19 Dec)

Merrifield Real Estate ADCA Seniors Cricket – Rd 11 (Saturday, 20 Dec)

Bendigo Bank Shield Cricket – Rd 13 (Saturday, 20 Dec)

Bendigo Bank Shield Cricket – Rd 14 (Saturday, 20 Dec)

🏛️ CIVIC

Katanning Ordinary Council Meeting: Public welcome, 6pm | 52 Austral Terrace, Katanning | Wednesday, 17 Dec

Broomehill-Tambellup Ordinary Council Meeting: Public welcome, 4:30–6:30pm | Tambellup Office, 46–48 Norrish St | Thursday, 18 Dec

📢 PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

Perth–Albany Air Service Summer Schedule: Rex will operate a reduced timetable from 15 December 2025 to 1 February 2026 (no services on Christmas Day).

Albany Council to Reconstruct and Widen Millbrook Road: a 2km stretch midway between Goodfield and Bailey Roads, to 7.0m with works scheduled Feb–Apr 2026.

Denmark Shire Installs Temporary Fencing at Djerrt Mia Bird Sanctuary: to protect migratory and resident shorebirds during the breeding season.

🛠 JOBS

Commercial property manager: oversee arrears, lease negotiations, rent reviews, maintenance and new lettings | Wellington & Reeves Real Estate | Albany

Assistant venue manager: support the Venue Manager to run craft beer and wine venue by leading staff, managing stock and compliance | Boston Brewing Co. | Denmark

Casual boxing coach: deliver safe, engaging boxing classes with extra regular hours in Term 1, 2026 | WA PCYC | Albany

🏡 REAL ESTATE

6 Hassell Street, Mount Barker: 2-bed, 1-bath on 1,108m². Reverse-cycle air-con, 2 car spaces and generous shed space | Offers over $450,000.

198 Glenrowan Road, Scotsdale 'Tinglewood': 8-bed, 5-bath across three dwellings on 50.84ha. Dramatic oak and tingle-tree entrance | Contact Raine & Horne to enquire.

640 Lower King Road, Lower King: 4-bed, 1-bath on 2,021m² corner block. Jarrah floors, deck and room for 4 cars | Offers above $690,000.

🏏 CRICKET RESULTS

ADCA Seniors Cricket – Rd 8 (Friday, 12 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)

🏅 OTHER SPORTS RESULTS

PRSC Flying Fifteens: Eden Gray (Flying Flounder) edged out Wayne North on corrected time to take the Princess Royal Sailing Club harbour race.

Albany Cycle Club: Vince Bascombe and Michael Gardiner teamed to win the 18.5km Elleker time trial in 27:12 (avg 40.8 km/h).

And that's a wrap!

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Catch you next Tuesday!