As the race towards both the WA state and federal elections early next year heats up Bruce Henderson will once again be vying to claim Labor’s stronghold seat of Cannington having been selected as the WA Liberal candidate for next year’s state election Henderson secured 19.6 per cent of the vote after preferences at the state election in 2021 slightly less than the 17.7 per cent swing towards Labor across the state Henderson will face Labor’s Ron Sao this time round and the housing and healthcare crises are major issues if elected he wants to advocate for local issues such as the Shelley Bridge duplication and improvements to the Nicholson Road and Metcalfe Avenue intersection “While I would love to say I am fighting for every issue we face straight up attempting to do so would result in none gaining the traction they need to reach a satisfactory conclusion,” Henderson said “To prioritise the many issues locally always makes sense; I believe we should always start with those that were promised at the last election but have never materialised.” He also said he believes many local schools in the area have been neglected by the Labor government and urgently need upgrades and modernisation “Our schools are under great pressure as the communities they serve are not only going through a period of generational renewal which will lead to greater numbers needing their services they are coming under the added pressure from housing infill,” he said “While we are fortunate to have bipartisan support for the upgrades at Lynwood High Lynwood is far from being what you could classify as modern with adequate facilities.” Henderson said he believes the overwhelming focus on the COVID-19 pandemic at the 2021 election made it nearly impossible to get any message out that wasn’t related to the pandemic “There has never been an election like the last one and hopefully never will be again,” he said said he believes the Labor government has contributed significantly to the local community and he aims to continue that work if elected “Cannington needs a strong voice in the Government looking out for our community’s interests and many people in the community have told me I have big shoes to fill I want to continue this work,” Sao said “Just look at the elevated rail and removal of level crossings like Wharf Street underway right now These are game changers for Cannington.” and crime issues also areas Bruce Henderson is passionate about he believes his ‘wealth of life experience’ would help him make a meaningful difference in the community affordable housing for citizens rather than overseas investors and a robust diversified economy,” Henderson said “We need less divisive policies that drive us apart and more policies that bring us all together.” acknowledging he may not look like your typical politician urged voters to focus on what he stands for shaving and haircuts are expensive,” he joked The WA Greens and WA Nationals are still yet to select candidates for the Cannington seat while the Australian Christian Party has nominated Mark Staer who previously ran in 2021 and secured 4.7 per cent of the first preference vote The 2025 state election is just under five months away Get your Local Examiner Digital Edition straight to your InboxName*Email* Are You a Human will be able to hand the track back to Greyhounds WA in late October Racing could resume at the venue as soon as early November Large parts of the project have already been completed The inside and outside plinths have been finished and the limestone base of the track has been laid Most of the fencing work has been completed and the catching pen extension has also been finalised.  The installation of the rail commences this week and the new Steriline starting boxes will soon be put in place.  The same type of boxes will be installed at Northam at the conclusion of that track's racing season which will standardise the box systems across all three WA venues.  In conjunction with the rail installation will be a new automated contemporary engineered irrigation system Other works to follow shortly include improved drainage and laying the new sand racing surface.  The major works at Cannington follows the rebuild at Mandurah which has delivered numerous positive welfare outcomes and cleaner racing While South32 is enduring an operational rough patch there were some highlights to come from the company’s 2023–24 financial year (FY24) Numbers were down across the board for South32 with a loss after tax of $US205 million in FY24 and 57 per cent drop in its final dividend to $US0.035 The company’s revenue from operations was $US5.48 billion with an underlying EBITDA of $US1.8 billion South32 declared a $US554 million impairment for its Worsley alumina operation which has felt the pinch of stronger environmental regulations from the WA Government A $US264 million impairment was also declared for South32’s Cerro Matoso nickel operation in light of the current nickel price environment The company enjoyed impairment reversals for the Illawarra Metallurgical Coal (-$US197 million) operation and the Eagle Downs metallurgical coal project (-$US17 million) following the sale of those assets Production was either unchanged or down across South32’s operations but the company saw a 10 per cent zinc production uptick from the Cannington operation in Queensland A production record was also achieved at South32’s South Africa Manganese operation with a three per cent increase leading to 2.2 million tonnes produced in FY24 South32 chief executive officer Graham Kerr highlighted the company’s FY24 achievements “Reflecting our strengthened financial position and disciplined approach to capital allocation, the board has resolved to pay a $US140 million fully-franked ordinary dividend in respect of H2 FY24,” Kerr said “The board has also expanded our capital management program by $US200 million to be returned via an on-market share buy-back following the sale of Illawarra Metallurgical Coal.” with the approval to develop our Taylor zinc-lead-silver deposit at our Hermosa project in Arizona and the sale of Illawarra Metallurgical Coal which is expected to complete later today “The sale of Illawarra Metallurgical Coal simplifies our portfolio strengthens our balance sheet and unlocks capital to invest in our development projects and growth options in base metals.” Kerr said South32 is focused on growing copper production at its Sierra Gorda copper mine in Chile and investing in the development of the Taylor deposit in Arizona South32’s share price of $3.10 per share is down eight per cent year-to-date Subscribe to Australian Resources & Investment and receive the latest news on commodity prices Australian Resources & Investment is this country’s premier mining journal dedicated to providing readers with cutting-edge insights into resource developments in Australia and from Australian companies operating around the world © document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) All Rights Reserved Australian Resource and Investment is a registered trademark of Prime Creative Media Cannington’s Department of Transport Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) centre will once again offer extended Saturday hours for a limited period The centre will be open from 7:15 am to 2:15 pm for the next four Saturdays The trading hours blitz offers a flexible option for customers aimed at reducing wait times and providing greater convenience for the community Only driver and vehicle transactions will be available during these extended hours and Practical Driving Assessments (PDAs) unavailable The City West and Mirrabooka DVS centres will also be part of the extended hours The blitz is the third round of extended hours following the DoT’s short stints in June-July and September-October 2024 The state government reported that a total of 9,484 customers were served at Cannington and Mirrabooka during the 2024 Saturday blitzes Minister Assisting the Transport David Michael said previous extended hours were well received and believes this time will be no different “The community has embraced the opportunity to attend a Driver and Vehicle Services centre on Saturdays and I believe the next blitz from 25 January to 15 February will once again be well patronised,” he said “DoT is continuing to explore options to improve service delivery to the Western Australian community and I’d like to acknowledge DVS centre staff and customers for their hard work and patience during periods of high demand.” Ron Sao has been announced as WA Labor’s candidate for Cannington in the 2025 state election seeking to replace retiring Member Bill Johnston and as Johnston’s former chief of staff Ron Sao believes his strong ties to the community make him the right man for the job “I’m very humbled to be given the opportunity to run for the seat of Cannington,” Sao said “I’m a first-generation migrant who grew up locally and have 20 years of experience in State I believe I would be an effective Member of Parliament.” With a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and International Studies from Murdoch University Sao said he hopes to use his educational background and professional experience to serve the Cannington community I intend to earn the respect of the community by working hard and championing the best interests of the electorate,” he said “I’d like to be recognised as an effective local member builds trust and delivers for the community.” skills and knowledge to help people and advocate for the community.” the current member and the only representative for Cannington since the seat’s inception announced his retirement from politics and confirmed he would not be seeking re-election Johnston said he has known Sao for almost 20 years and expressed his enthusiasm for Sao’s candidacy believing his familiarity with the community will make him the ideal representative for Cannington “Ron understands the pressures local families and residents confront and has the new ideas to solve our local problems,” Johnston said so I am sure that the Cannington community will receive him as the best choice for our future He grew up in our community after he migrated to Australia and even had his first job at Pizza Hut on Albany Highway.” Johnston has established himself as a significant figure in the community securing a remarkable 71.8 per cent of the first preference vote at the 2021 election a 17.3 per cent swing towards Labor in Cannington part of a broader +17.7 per cent swing across the state Sao said that despite Labour’s overwhelming lead in the area he isn’t taking anything for granted and is committed to further engaging with the community “I know that being able to represent the community I grew up in would be a privilege and something I intend to earn through hard work and building trust,” he stated “I’m out door knocking on the weekends and meeting with as many community members as possible to understand what matters most to them.” he hopes Cannington will continue to grow and thrive in a way that effectively supports the community’s diverse needs “I want the area to remain a great option for people to live in with access to jobs and good public transport and with good education for future generations,” he said “I want to make sure that the electorate remains attractive to young families as well as meeting the needs of those that have lived in this community for decades.” and Nationals are yet to announce candidates for the seat of Cannington while the Australian Christian Party has nominated Mark Staer as their candidate who held several ministerial portfolios during his time in Parliament including Minister for Mines and Petroleum “I’ve greatly enjoyed being the Member for Cannington and I have never taken our community for granted,” he said “I will miss meeting so many wonderful people and being able to help solve problems in our community.” On the eve of the WA State Election this coming Saturday The Examiner has approached the candidates of both major parties for their final pitches for your vote in the seats of Cannington given that one of their parties will form Government after the poll closes Seat of Thornlie Labor candidate Colleen Egan “My vision for Thornlie is a community that can count on a strong advocate in the WA parliament and government I have spent my life advocating for people who need a voice like the eight years fighting for Andrew Mallard who was trapped in prison for a murder he didn’t commit I was born and raised in this area and want to give back by using my experience in journalism and as the chief of staff to the Attorney General Labor is the only party that cares about doing what’s right for the electorate of Thornlie.” Seat of Thornlie Liberal candidate Mahesh Arumugam you’ll make an important decision about the future of Western Australia Take a moment to think about it – are you better off after eight years of Roger Cook and Labor we’ve seen the cost-of-living skyrocket Do our Thornlie residents and small businesses deserve better safety Do the residents of Thornlie deserve a better way of life or are we going to waste another 4 years This election is a choice: more of the same under Labor Seat of Southern River Labor candidate Terry Healy “It has been a privilege to represent the Southern River community in the Cook Labor Government for the past four years and I would be honoured to be re-elected as your local member I look forward to finishing the train line completing the Youth Plaza with the council and getting moving on the new indoor pool at Sutherlands Park but I am proud of what we have done to ease cost of living pressures and boost local housing supply – programs which are on the chopping block under a Liberal Government.” Seat of Southern River Liberal candidate Sudhir Chowdhary As part of Libby Mettam’s Liberal team I am committed to building a better Southern River with the right priorities and real solutions for you and your family: Easing the cost-of-living fixing our hospitals and backing small businesses I’m committed to being an active representative for Southern River who listens and works with the community to deliver real solutions to our local challenges I’m asking for your support on March 8 to make this reality.” Seat of Riverton Labor candidate Dr Jags Krishnan “Representing the Riverton community has been the greatest privilege of my life Every day since being elected I have worked hard to advocate for and deliver better outcomes for our community I’ve forged strong relationships with local schools helping them secure the funding they need for our community to thrive I have delivered many election commitments over the past four years and if re-elected I will deliver funding for more than 50 additional local projects I am proud to be a strong voice for our community in the Cook Labor Government which will always do what’s right for WA.” Seat of Riverton Liberal candidate Amanda Spencer-Teo “I’m a dedicated local who has deeply immersed herself into the fabric of our community My sole focus and commitment lie with our community I have no external business ventures competing for my attention addressing the real concerns that impact us all I understand the need to tackle our congestion and road safety issues including duplicating Shelley Bridge Our local sporting clubs are struggling without a home – I’m committed to putting a roof over their heads I’m passionate about ensuring equal access to community sports and as a mother of four children Living here and experiencing these challenges firsthand I am the only one capable of delivering for our community Seat of Cannington Labor candidate Ron Sao I am working hard to be your representative in WA Parliament to continue Bill Johnston’s work of serving our fantastic community With my wife Catherine we are raising our three kids so I know the pressures families are facing Migrating to Cannington as a five-year-old I attended schools in Beckenham and Queens Park and got my first job in Cannington I know what’s great about living here – and what more needs to be done I will work hard to use my skills and experience to work with Roger Cook and his united WA Labor team to do what’s right for Cannington and WA Seat of Cannington Liberal candidate Bruce Henderson did not respond to questions from The Examiner before deadline If you are disillusioned by the two major parties whoever you see fit as best able to represent your local community Goodluck to all the candidates this weekend Police investigate Cannington sex assaults Sex Assault Squad detectives are appealing for public information in relation to two incidents that occurred in Cannington last month a woman in her 30s was sexually assaulted near the old Cannington Town Hall at the corner of Albany Highway and George Street Police are encouraging anyone with dashcam mobile phone footage or CCTV of the area between 4.30 pm and 6.00 pm to report it to the police Footage can be uploaded directly to investigators via this link: wapf.au.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/georgexalbany260924  Sex Assault Squad detectives are also seeking information regarding an incident that occurred in bushland alongside the Canning River in Cannington on Sunday The incident took place at approximately 1pm involving a man and a woman in an area of bushland just off the end of Civic Gardens Several members of the public are believed to have been present in the vicinity of the event including individuals walking nearby and those canoeing or kayaking on the river Detectives would like to identify and speak with these individuals as they may have information that could assist with the investigation Five arrests follow daylight robbery in Canning Vale Five people were arrested swiftly by Police after a home burglary in Canning Vale last Thursday five individuals forced their way into a home on Sarah Close and stole various jewellery items Officers from the Cannington Detectives’ Rapid High Harm Offender Response Team were on patrol in response to reports of suspicious activity and attempted burglaries across Thornlie a vehicle of interest was found parked in the driveway of a residence on Hargrave Drive in Thornlie and jewellery linked to the burglary in Canning Vale was found and two 15-year-old boys—one from Armadale and the other from Katanning The 35-year-old man was refused bail and appeared in Armadale Magistrates Court on Friday while the 16-year-old boy from Katanning and the 15-year-old boy from Armadale were also refused bail and appeared at Perth Children’s Court the same day The 17-year-old boy and the 15-year-old boy from Katanning are scheduled to appear in Perth Children’s Court on Monday Dog killed after police officer bitten on the face A dog was killed by police in Canning Vale last Saturday afternoon after officers responded to an incident at a house on Jilakin Loop The incident occurred at approximately 3:50 pm on October 5 after police were called to reports of a disturbance at the house which led to the arrest of a 23-year-old man believed to be a six-year-old staffy-labrador cross approached a male officer during the arrest and bit him on the face officers were unable to stop the dog from continuing the attack The dog was subsequently fatally wounded and died a short time later The officer who was bitten was taken by paramedics to Fiona Stanley Hospital for treatment of his facial injuries Armadale Police are appealing for public assistance as they continue to investigate an incident that occurred at Kelmscott Station on Saturday 31 August 2024 an unknown male caused damage to a Transperth bus – which was parked – before he left the scene Police have released the below image of a male they believe may be able to assist with their investigation Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperswa.com.au. All reports can be made anonymously Cannington Police are investigating a series of vehicle break-ins that occurred over the long weekend last week in Bentley police received 11 reports of vehicle break-ins and thefts in the areas of Hill View Terrace Officers are encouraging anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity or has information including potential CCTV or dash-cam footage related to these incidents CCTV or dashcam footage of the area can be uploaded directly to: https://wapf.au.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/bentleystealingfrommotorvehicles  Detectives call for information following burglary in Shelley Cannington Detectives are seeking information regarding a burglary and armed robbery that occurred in Shelley recently offenders entered a shed on a private property before the homeowner and his son confronted them they sprayed the homeowner with pepper spray before stealing a white Husqvarna off-road motorcycle Police Detectives wish to speak to anyone who may have seen any suspicious individuals or activities around Leach Highway and Corinthian Road East between 8.30 pm and 9.30 pm on August 26 or anyone with information about the motorcycle afterwards Anyone with details regarding this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers Officers from Cannington Police Station conducted targeted patrols in the Queens Park and Cannington areas on Thursday based on information provided by members of the community focusing on anti-social behaviour and car break-ins based on information provided by members of the community police stopped and searched eight vehicles and five individuals resulting in the arrest of seven people on various charges Police say the operation serves as a reminder that community tips are crucial for police investigations and officers encourage anyone with information about criminal or suspicious activities to come forward To report any unlawful activities, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or visit crimestopperswa.com.au both of which allow you to remain anonymous if you choose Canning Vale Police are urging locals to lock and lock before they leave after a spike in stealing from motor vehicles in Huntingdale officers have been focusing on apprehending thieves involved in vehicle break-ins police executed simultaneous search warrants at two residences leading to the arrest of three males and one female while investigations continue for additional offences Police are advising residents to always take their personal belongings with them and avoid leaving any valuables in their cars If you believe you may have CCTV of a car break-in or have any information related to such incidents please call Canning Vale Police Station at 9456 9555 City of Canning Mayor Patrick Hall is reiterating his call for greyhound racing to be banned in Western Australia In light of the recent news that New Zealand is banning greyhound racing due to animal welfare concerns Mayor Patrick Hall made a Facebook post urging the WA government to take similar action and put a stop to the sport in the state who was previously CEO of Dogs Refuge Home believes it is only a matter of time before greyhound racing is outlawed “Australia is now one of only seven countries in the world to allow greyhound racing,” he said “Surely the writing is on the wall and the time has come for our state government to close the chapter on this practice It seems like the right time to do so.” If greyhound racing were to be banned in WA There are three professional greyhound racing tracks in WA with around 60,000 people attending meetings annually with over 99 per cent of starters racing safely In response to Mayor Hall’s comments a spokesperson for Racing WA defended the sport stating it operates under strict welfare and integrity controls “Greyhound racing has important economic social and community benefits for Western Australia generating more than $225 million annually and supporting more than 1700 full-time-equivalent jobs,” the spokesperson said “Racing WA remains committed to ongoing investments and initiatives to uphold the highest welfare and safety standards for greyhound racing in Western Australia and the completion of significant works and improvements in recent years at all three greyhound tracks in Western Australia reflects this.” Following the death of four dogs at the Cannington track within a short period in February last year wrote to the Minister for Racing and Gaming raising concerns about the welfare of greyhounds at the facility The track was then temporarily closed in August last year for four months to undergo a $3 million refurbishment and the enlargement of the catching pen area Mayor Hall believes the City of Canning’s lobbying helped drive these improvements “The City of Canning Council’s advocacy for greyhound welfare has had a measurable impact leading to significant upgrades and safety enhancements at the Cannington racetrack,” he said “We are pleased to see that the City’s advocacy has contributed to raising safety and welfare standards at the racetrack.” Racing WA has said the upgrades were planned years ago and weren’t influenced by the City of Canning “The City of Canning Mayor has not influenced any of the recent track upgrades at Cannington nor has RWWA ever collaborated with him or the council on track design,” a spokesperson said RWWA commissioned the University of Technology Sydney to assess WA’s three greyhound racetracks against the latest design and maintenance standards to ensure each track delivered the best care for racing greyhounds “After experiencing delays during the COVID-19 pandemic RWWA has now successfully completed the upgrades at Northam The recent upgrades follow a much more extensive overhaul in 2015/16 when the Cannington Greyhound Track underwent a significant upgrade and was relocated adjacent to its old site at the Cannington Showgrounds due to the construction of a Bunnings The City of Canning said they were not involved in the decision-making process regarding the relocation and rebuild Despite RSPCA WA’s opposition to greyhound racing and its view that the industry faces significant ongoing animal welfare issues Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia defended the sport “The industry is committed to animal welfare our Government has implemented a number of measures to ensure the best standard of care for racing animals,” he said “This includes a reduction in the number of race meetings work to enhance the design of the Cannington racetrack and the new Greyhound Recovery Initiative which gives participants financial support for diagnostic assessment Arson Squad seeks info on Southern River house fire Arson Squad detectives are seeking public information regarding a house fire that occurred in Southern River on Thursday with the circumstances surrounding the cause of the fire being treated as suspicious fire emergency services and police were called to a home on Lakey Street neighbouring properties were evacuated as a precaution The fire was extinguished by DFES; however Arson Squad officers are urging anyone with CCTV, mobile phone, or dash-cam footage, or any information related to the house fire, to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperswa.com.au Information that leads to the identification and conviction of an arsonist can result in a reward of up to $25,000 Police probe Cannington robbery and assault Cannington Detectives are seeking the public’s assistance in relation to a robbery incident that occurred in a Cannington carpark on Saturday November 9 police received reports of an assault that took place near a supermarket on Cecil Avenue was sitting in his vehicle when he was approached by three men The men then assaulted the victim and stole a large sum of cash from his vehicle during the altercation It’s believed that all parties are known to each other and the victim was transported to Royal Perth Hospital for treatment of facial lacerations As several people were in the vicinity at the time of the assault, detectives are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at crimestopperswa.com.au Cannington Police are praising a member of the public who lent his bicycle to an officer during the pursuit of a robbery suspect Cannington District – WA Police Force wrote “After clocking up some kilometres on the wheels our sergeant was happy to return the bike safe and sound This assistance helped officers during a lengthy foot and bicycle chase that caused chaos around a busy shopping centre resulting in a 22-year-old man being charged with 15 offences two men and one woman were charged with 21 offences following a busy day in the Cannington police district A 42-year-old man has been charged with ‘unlawful and indecent assault’ by Cannington Police in relation to an indecent assault that occurred on a bus in Cannington last month a man boarded the 930 route bus at a stop on Albany Highway in Cannington heading towards the  Causeway Bus Station in Victoria Park It is alleged the man then sat next to a woman in her 20s and indecently assaulted her by inappropriately touching one of her legs The 42-year-old man will appear before the Armadale Magistrates Court on Wednesday Anyone who believes they may have been the victim of a similar incident is encouraged to report it to the Police by calling 131 444 or visiting any police station in person Police are encouraging anyone with information regarding this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report the information online at crimestopperswa.com.au A new investment partnership between the state and federal governments is set to deliver almost 1800 social and affordable homes for Western Australia A total of 21 new social and affordable housing projects near METRONET stations and on other government-owned land will soon be contracted to builders The first tranche of projects will consist of 14 developments in Ellenbrook and Treeby – delivering nearly 1100 new homes Detailed design will also commence on a further seven projects in Cannington The projects comprise a mix of affordable rentals and social housing with projects packaged together to create a pipeline of work for the State’s building industry and to attract builders from the east coast These new dwellings will be constructed on state-owned land and the completed dwellings will be sold to and managed by the Community Housing sector with Availability Payments attached to support affordable rental dwellings for Western Australians the state government will initially invest $443 million to fund the upfront construction costs of the new homes which will then be sold to Community Housing Providers (CHPs) Subject to agreements being finalised with Housing Australia CHPs may have access to concessional loans from the HAFFF and NHAF and may also be able to apply for senior debt through the Housing Australia Affordable Housing Bond Aggregator (AHBA) as well as ongoing subsidies to support their repayments over a 25-year period Around 20 per cent of the homes will be available as social housing with 80 per cent to become affordable community housing DevelopmentWA and the Department of Communities will release tenders for the first tranche of projects in coming months “My government is throwing everything at getting more Western Australians into a home,” Premier Cook said “This landmark new partnership with the Albanese Labor Government will build the affordable homes our growing state needs “It means we have a sustainable pipeline of affordable housing projects now and in coming years “Our nation leading housing plan is fast-tracking approvals unlocking more land and getting more houses built faster – because we’ll always do what’s right for WA.” A cyclist who was struck in an alleged hit-and-run incident in Kenwick on January 3 has sadly passed away The 54-year-old man was riding a bicycle across Belmont Road in Kenwick when he was struck by a vehicle He sustained serious injuries in the crash and was taken by ambulance to Royal Perth Hospital Police confirmed the man passed away on Monday is accused of fleeing the scene after the incident Police alleged Mulligan was behind the wheel of the Hyundai Getz hatchback that struck the cyclist He has been charged with failing to stop and provide assistance after an incident resulting in grievous bodily harm as well as failing to report an incident resulting in death or grievous bodily harm He was granted bail last week and is currently still permitted to drive as a truck driver Mulligan is due back in court on January 28 Cannington Police recover $748 in stolen clothes A 21-year-old man from Bentley has been charged by the Cannington Police Inquiry Team for allegedly stealing $748.83 worth of clothing from a Cannington sports store The Inquiry Team was able to recover all the stolen items and return them to the store Cannington Police shared the details in a Facebook post showcasing the recovered stolen items laid out across a police vehicle The man from Bentley is scheduled to appear in court at a later date A 40-year-old man from Beckenham has been charged with criminal damage by fire after flames engulfed a house in Beckenham The man is accused of igniting several items inside the Lacey Street home around 7 pm on Friday Firefighters extinguished the blaze by 8.50 pm before passing the investigation on to police The man was scheduled to appear before Northbridge Magistrates Court on Saturday Armadale Detectives are seeking information regarding a robbery incident in Champion Lakes on Thursday 19 December 2024 a man was walking on Centre Road when he was approached by two unknown men who were riding bicycles The two men approached the victim and stole a number of personal items They were last seen heading towards Lionheart Road and Railway Avenue Anyone with information regarding this incident, or who has CCTV, dash-cam or mobile phone vision that captured two men riding bicycles in the area around the time of the incident, is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report the information online at crimestopperswa.com.au Analysis: Group 1 Perth Cup And GalaxyTips Analysis: Group 1 Perth Cup And GalaxyTHIS year’s Group 1 Perth Cup (520m) at Cannington on Saturday brings together one of the best fields for the race in recent memory James Broadhurst13 March 2025THIS year's Group 1 Perth Cup (520m) at Cannington on Saturday night brings together one of the best fields for the race in recent memory.  Megunga Tully is the likely favourite but there are threats across the grid Here's my thoughts on the Perth Cup as well as the Group 1 Galaxy (715m) and Group 3 Perth Cup Consolation (520m) on what is a huge night of greyhound racing action FIELDS AND FORM CANNINGTON SATURDAY NIGHT Impressive heat victory in 29.52 in what was his first look at the track Extremely capable chaser that could show further improvement The Australian Cup winner looked very ominous in her heat clocking 29.48 following a 5.42 first section Just needs to step and she could be on her way He was superb at box rise in the Prelude two weeks ago…in last week's heat?…not so much and he had to work hard to win Probably can't get away with that against this field but will keep coming.   A very handy racedog that produced a nice heat win but will likely find this beyond him.  In excellent form and comes in as the fastest qualifier following a run of 29.42 in her heat That bad news is that the draw has done her no favours she faces the toughest path to victory of any dog in this race but she'll be running on Has emerged from obscurity over the past month or so and comes into this final with momentum She's airborne out of the traps and if she jumps and crosses like we've seen from her in the past Gun chaser came into this series a little underdone following a long lay-off but still produced a nice victory in her heat in 29.58 especially if Rare Speed creates some chaos on her inside We haven't seen the absolute best of this dog in WA so far He did enough to win his heat in 29.81 but will likely need to find something to repeat the result in the final Box eight adds to the degree of difficulty.  Quick dog that could be prominent with a good draw ETHANOL WATER (3) could win this by a healthy margin if she brings her A game She already has two G1s to her name and she clocked the track record of 41.66 in the Galaxy Prelude…BUT last week she had her chance to run down Flaws And Sins and couldn't do so It wasn't a bad run but shows she's not invincible.  GROOVEBIRD (6) and BLACK SILENCER (5) had a great tussle in their heat and both should be better for the run this week I can see both greyhounds being prominent here MIGHT HAVE BEEN (7) also figures to play a key role based on his heat win He'll give herself a big chance if he can push up on the pace early.  FLAWS AND SINS (8) has found form at the right time and was fantastic in her heat but she'll find it a lot harder to find the lead from the pink this week.  RACE 1: GROUP 3 PERTH CUP CONSOLATION  SMOOTH PLANE (6) is a quality animal that has hasn't had a lot of luck in his two runs at Cannington this campaign He's not entirely bombproof but with a clear run he'll be hard to hold out.  TRANSCENDENT (5) is a class chaser that will benefit greatly from his run last week and could be a big improver.  BAREFOOT ZULU (7) went close last week after being beaten early He'd probably prefer to be on the inside but he's a talented type and a big showing would not surprise.    BOTH BOWERS ACE (4) is capable but may need to find a length or two.     RIPPIN' MOSES (1) could provide a bit of cheek with his early pace from this draw.  You can now click/tap WATCH to start the live stream You can now click/tap LISTEN to start the live stream You can now click/tap LATEST NEWS to start the live stream Two brothers driving in their Holden Commodore along Albany Highway have allegedly had their car smashed to pieces by a tow truck The mother of the two siblings Amy Johnstone spoke to 6PR Mornings host Gary Adshead and said the tow truck driver was allegedly chasing a car towing job and ran a red light WA Police said the tow truck driver – a 57-year-old man – has been charged with reckless driving and is set to appear in court in October “The Holden Commodore is a complete write-off,” Ms Johnstone said has called for the establishment of a bipartisan Truth Telling Commission ahead of Western Australia’s bicentenary in 2029 he emphasised the need for a formal process to acknowledge Indigenous survival and the ongoing impact of colonisation “We call on the community to urgently support a West Australian Truth Telling Commission The bicentenary will mark 200 years since British colonisation in Western Australia a milestone he argues should not be celebrated without recognising the dispossession and survival of Indigenous peoples who have lived in the region for over 48,000 years “Australia is alone in celebrating colonisation I urge both sides of politics to present a bipartisan approach and support a Truth Telling Commission in the next parliament,” he said and denying the truth about our shared history.” a former state school history teacher and current postgraduate researcher at the University of Western Australia criticised the state’s education system for failing to reflect Indigenous perspectives in the curriculum He directed responsibility toward Minister for Education Dr Tony Buti stating that the current curriculum does not adequately teach the true history of WA’s past Left: Clint Uinck the Greens candidate  for the Upper House in the State election and for Swan at the Federal election Middle: Cousin/brother Hedley Mungart Hayward a longtime member and supporter of the First Nations Greens in W.A should hold hearings across every region of the state to document Indigenous oral histories and accounts of colonial violence inflicted by British authorities He said these histories should be incorporated into school education programs to ensure future generations learn about Indigenous survival “Tell the truth so we can acknowledge and heal the past and build pathways to unify “A truth-telling commission is needed because in 2029 Western Australia will mark 200 years of colonial rule.” Mr Hayward believes recording and teaching local Indigenous oral histories in schools will help bridge divisions and create a more truthful representation of Western Australia’s history “We must tell both sides of history,” he said we can foster a more united and informed West Australian society.” Mr Hayward’s call for a Truth Telling Commission aligns with growing national discussions around reconciliation and Indigenous recognition Whether the initiative will gain bipartisan support remains to be seen but his push underscores the ongoing demand for truth and justice in Western Australia’s historical narrative Listen to Ngaarda Media’s Asad Khan speak with Eric Hayward: Ngaarda RadioPhotography ShowcaseVideo Showcase Book Our ServicesBecome a SponsorVolunteer With Us About UsBlog & NewsContact Us Legal DocumentsComplaints Send us your email address to receive the latest news and updates straight to your inbox. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was joined by Premier Roger Cook and State Transport Minister Rita Saffioti at the construction site of the new Cannington Station to mark the entire completion of the elevated rail structure along the Victoria Park to Canning Level-Crossing Removal METRONET project With the elevated structures now completed spanning four kilometres and utilising hundreds of tonnes of locally sourced concrete six hectares of new public open space will soon be available for recreational use six level crossings at the intersections of Mint/Archer Street and William Street have been permanently removed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was pleased to celebrate the completion of the elevated rail structure highlighting its positive impact on both the community and the economy “It’s great to be back in Perth to mark this important infrastructure milestone with the Premier that’s creating more than 4,300 jobs for West Australians,” Prime Minister Albanese said “As a heavy lifter of the nation’s economy it is critical that we see benefits flowing back into Perth and Western Australia.” The Armadale and Thornlie train line has been closed since November 20 last year to allow for the elevation of the tracks removal of road level-crossings and the construction of new elevated stations This project also involves the Cockburn-Thornlie Link With the train line still expected to be closed for at least another eight months WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti expressed gratitude to the community for their patience “People who live along the Armadale Line corridor will very soon have access to modern train stations and new public open spaces and community facilities,” Ms Saffioti said “We know there is significant benefit on the horizon and we thank the community for their continued patience as we complete the next critical steps for this game-changing project.” Seven kilometres of track have now been laid and the construction of new elevated stations at Carlisle and Beckenham is “progressing rapidly.” With the project’s progress now clearly visible retiring State Member for Cannington Bill Johnston believes it will create lasting benefits for the community.” “With the elevated rail structure now in place people can see how this project is going to deliver great outcomes in the years ahead with modern stations and new public open space,” Mr Johnston said “This is a really exciting project for our community and it’s incredible to see the progress that has been made.” The Armadale and Thornlie train line is still expected to reopen mid-next year James Broadhurst29 May 2024THE home of West Australian greyhound racing will be offline for several months with Cannington undergoing extensive track maintenance.  The track hosted its final meeting before the shutdown on 26 May and is now in the hands of the builders Racing and Wagering WA (RWWA) has initiated and is funding the maintenance project which follows on from the redevelopment of the Mandurah track last year The $3 million project will "incorporate the latest in design and maintenance standards and ensure the highest level of care for racing greyhounds," according to RWWA Greyhound Operations Manager Peter Howell – Resurfacing the existing track and adjusting the camber  – New starting boxes to match the those installed at Mandurah which includes replacing the concrete plinth  – Replacement of the outside track fencing  all race meetings have been transferred to WA's other two tracks Northam picks up the Thursday meeting in addition to the regular Monday raceday.  Mandurah will host five meetings a week: Tuesday although Sunday meetings will cease at the end of July Most of the Cannington feature race series will be conducted at Mandurah during the shutdown although the route to the Nationals will pass through Northam with the WA Sprint and Distance Championships to be held in the Avon Valley in August It is anticipated that the work at Cannington will be completed by the end of October Advocacy by the City of Canning Council for the welfare of Greyhounds has had a tangible impact with significant upgrades and enhancements to the Cannington racetrack now underway At the city’s February Ordinary Council Meeting Mayor Patrick Hall requested the city write to Minister for Racing and Gaming Paul Papalia to raise concerns about animal welfare at the Cannington Greyhound racetrack Mayor Hall’s motion followed the death of four dogs at the track in a short space of time and statistics showing that the Cannington track was rated Australia’s worst track for the number of greyhound fatalities at the time The Council voted in support of the motion In response to the mayor’s correspondence the minister emphasised the importance of animal welfare and outlined the measures Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) is implementing to reduce the risk of injuries to greyhounds managed by the Western Australian Greyhound Racing Association (WAGRA) is undergoing significant upgrades worth $3 million The upgrades include adjusting and resurfacing the track The track will be temporarily closed during these scheduled upgrades until October 2024 City of Canning Mayor Patrick Hall said he was pleased to see the city’s advocacy contribute to a positive outcome and thanked RWWA and WAGRA for their action to improve the facility “The welfare of greyhounds is important to our community and we are delighted to see that our advocacy and that of other organisations has contributed to substantial improvements in animal safety and welfare standards at the Cannington racetrack,” he said “We thank RWWA and WAGRA for undertaking these improvements and Minister Papalia for his consideration of the issue.” “We will continue to monitor racing at the track and other stakeholders to ensure that animal welfare remains a key priority in the racing industry,” Mayor Patrick Hall said Canning Vale pavilion hit by vandalism after $1.5M upgrade The newly renovated Canning Vale Pavilion and Changerooms at Canning Vale Oval have been targeted by vandals causing significant damage to the facility when the Cricket Club finished its session when the building’s doors auto-locked vandals caused significant damage by tearing apart one of the toilet blocks The destruction has been estimated to amount to thousands of dollars The facility had just undergone a $1.5 million renovation and was officially opened by Mayor Patrick Hall Mayor Patrick Hall said he was “beyond disappointed” to come upon such wanton vandalism “So many people worked so hard to deliver this project for Canning Vale residents To see it torn apart in this way is incredibly disheartening,” Mayor Hall said located adjacent to Canning Vale Primary School supports local clubs operating from the nearby oval including the Canning Vale Junior Football Club and Canning Vale Cricket Club Anyone with information is being urged to contact the City of Canning or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 to assist in identifying those responsible for the vandalism Armadale Detectives have charged two men in connection with an aggravated home burglary and armed robbery that occurred in Maddington on Monday two unknown men entered a house on Alcock Street a 38-year-old man and the only occupant at the time was awoken in his bedroom and threatened with a firearm while another man rummaged through the premises stealing several items before fleeing on foot A 34-year-old man from Maddington has been charged with two counts of aggravated home burglary and commit While a 28-year-old man from Maddington has been charged with one count of aggravated home burglary and commit and one count of stealing Both men were due to appear before the Armadale Magistrates Court on Tuesday WA Police would like to speak with an unknown man who assisted a woman allegedly assaulted in Cannington last week It’s alleged that at around 3 pm on Monday a woman was walking in the vicinity of a school on Wharf Street when she was assaulted by a man known to her She suffered facial injuries and later attended hospital for treatment an unknown male stopped and assisted the woman The man who allegedly assaulted has subsequently been charged and is now before the courts If you believe you are the unknown male involved in the incident or have any other information, WA Police are urging you to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperswa.com.au Two P-Platers clocked at 194km/h and 200km/h in separate incidents A 17-year-old male P-plater has been charged following a reckless driving incident on Tonkin Highway on Tuesday The driver was captured by a safety camera on Tonkin Highway allegedly travelling at 194km/h in a 100km/h zone – 94km/h over the speed limit another 18-year-old P-plater was charged after being spotted driving at speeds exceeding 200 km/h along Mitchell Freeway in Osborne Park on Wednesday Both vehicles have been impounded by police; and the drivers will appear before the courts at a later date “The risk of speeding is not worth the probability of incurring a speeding infringement Both incidents come after the state government introduced new laws that limit Red P-plate drivers to having only one passenger the new rules will take effect on December 1 According to the Western Australian Road Fatalities and Serious Injuries 2023 report young drivers aged 17-19 have the highest KSI (Killed or Seriously Injured) rate at 107 per 100,000 people compared to other age groups Cannington detectives are currently investigating an alleged robbery that occurred in East Cannington on Thursday It’s alleged that a black and red Kaabo electric scooter The alleged robbery occurred at approximately 3:30 pm in the vicinity of William Street and the Roe Hwy cycle path in East Cannington mobile phone or CCTV footage should contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 where they may remain anonymous if they wish By Sarah Brookes Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time Cannington and South Yunderup are two of 15 suburbs nationwide where 50-80 per cent of homes are at high risk of becoming uninsurable due to the risk of flood damage from nearby waterways A new report by independent risk analysis company Climate Valuation found more than 5000 of properties in Cannington were at high risk of flooding In South Yunderup the report concluded half of the suburb’s 5000 properties were at risk Climate Valuation co-founder Karl Mallon said the report was being released so homeowners weren’t in the dark about the risk of flooding exacerbated by climate change – risk that would leave suburbs without access to affordable insurance and mortgage lending services critical to a functioning property market He said the contagion of insurance withdrawal from at-risk locations around the world had already begun but with investment in adaptation these zones could still be viable “People living in homes at high risk of riverine flooding are there through no fault of their own,” he said “Yet they are being left in an untenable position and are also obliged to protect their profitability “Local governments have inherited communities in locations that modern technology and climate science now suggest could become unlivable The challenge therefore is not to find fault More than 12 per cent of the 17,000 homes in Baldivis a suburb dotted with cookie cutter housing estates Modelling indicated widespread flooding would occur over much of the relatively recently developed suburb in a one-in-100-year rainfall with areas around the water-ski park and aquaculture farm between Telephone Lane and St Albans Road prone to flooding City of Rockingham Mayor Deb Hamblin said the state zoned land suitable for urban development while the local government authority ensured developments were assessed to provide protection to life and property from the type of flooding that would occur in a one-in-100-year rainfall “With Baldivis, the Department of Water produced the drainage and water management plan at a district level, which was supported by their district flood modelling and drainage studies which property owners can access online,” she said City of Canning Mayor Patrick Hall said his local government did not allow any development within 1 per 100 year floodplain He said the Department of Water and Environment Regulation was undertaking a revision of flood mapping for the Canning and Southern rivers including considering projected climate scenarios “When this work is completed it will provide a scientific representation of the floodplain and flood risk which will inform the City’s response to climate change as well as to the changing nature of storm events,” he said An RAC spokesman said the insurer had not deemed any properties uninsurable due to flood risk this financial year but it strongly supported actions to improve the resilience of communities and households and protect them from the increasing impact of severe weather “This includes further investment in risk mitigation efforts and changes to land use planning and building codes to help reduce the risk of natural disasters,” he said “Wherever you live in Australia – whether you’re directly exposed to extreme weather impacts or not – insurance premiums are rising because of the escalating costs of natural disasters the increasing value of homes and vehicles high re-insurance costs and high building and vehicle repair costs.” Skyrocketing insurance premiums could drive the Reserve Bank of Australia toward a cash rate hike in August “This relentless increase in insurance premiums well beyond increases in other cost categories is an inflation villain that could see us all suffer from higher interest rates this year,” he said “If government is serious about stemming inflation then it’s time they step in and address the insurance crisis.” The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ latest Monthly Consumer Price Index Indicator shows the index rose 4 per cent in the 12 months to May 2024 with insurance premiums rising a staggering 14 per cent during that time – the highest percentage gain across every expenditure class in the analysis Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter In South Yunderup the report concluded half of the suburb\\u2019s 5000 properties were at risk Climate Valuation co-founder Karl Mallon said the report was being released so homeowners weren\\u2019t in the dark about the risk of flooding exacerbated by climate change \\u2013 risk that would leave suburbs without access to affordable insurance and mortgage lending \\u201CPeople living in homes at high risk of riverine flooding are there through no fault of their own,\\u201D he said \\u201CYet they are being left in an untenable position Insurers alone can\\u2019t provide the answer \\u201CLocal governments have inherited communities in locations that modern technology and climate science now suggest could become unlivable the Department of Water produced the drainage and water management plan at a district level which was supported by their district flood modelling and drainage studies which property owners can access ,\\u201D she said \\u201CWhen this work is completed it will provide a scientific representation of the floodplain and flood risk which will inform the City\\u2019s response to climate change as well as to the changing nature of storm events,\\u201D he said \\u201CThis includes further investment in risk mitigation efforts to help reduce the risk of natural disasters,\\u201D he said \\u201CWherever you live in Australia \\u2013 whether you\\u2019re directly exposed to extreme weather impacts or not \\u2013 insurance premiums are rising because of the escalating costs of natural disasters high re-insurance costs and high building and vehicle repair costs.\\u201D Skyrocketing insurance premiums could drive the Reserve Bank of Australia toward a \\u201CThis relentless increase in insurance premiums is an inflation villain that could see us all suffer from higher interest rates this year,\\u201D he said \\u201CIf government is serious about stemming inflation then it\\u2019s time they step in and address the insurance crisis.\\u201D The Australian Bureau of Statistics\\u2019 latest Monthly Consumer Price Index Indicator shows the index rose 4 per cent in the 12 months to May 2024 with insurance premiums rising a staggering 14 per cent during that time \\u2013 the highest percentage gain across every expenditure class in the analysis Start the day with a summary of the day\\u2019s most important and interesting stories The City of Canning is located in Perth’s south-eastern suburbs Since 2017 council has approved and now commenced a regeneration program for the City better infrastructure and enhanced transport links throughout the region The Canning City Centre has been identified as one of the Western Australian State Government’s ten Strategic Metropolitan Centres key areas that will accommodate the required urban densities for Perth’s future growth The City of Canning is promoting Canning City Centre as the southern CBD of Perth – it is well connected via a network of regional transport routes with easy access to major road and good connections to the WA Bicycle Network it is becoming a thriving hub for residential The Canning City Centre is planning and development ready with an approved Activity Centre Plan that can accommodate up to 10,000 medium-density to high-density dwellings to house an increased population of up to 25,000 the City of Canning launched its $76 million Regeneration Program to transform the area by investing in new infrastructure and upgrading existing assets to enhance the area’s appeal and functionality The regeneration program is a four-phased approach to regenerate the entire Canning City Centre the City’s investment in creating a high-quality public realm and new infrastructure has resulted in $1.6 billion private sector investment 770 new residential units and a 67 per cent increase in visitation to the area There are several major projects that have been delivered under the regeneration program These are the redevelopment of the Wharf Street Basin; the upgrade of Cecil Avenue; the conversion of an existing drain on Lake Street into an urban stream; and the extension of Lake Street delivering a new connecting road from Cecil Avenue to Wharf Street and the Southern Link Road City of Canning has invested significantly in these projects The program of urban infrastructure renewal is critical to meet the future demands for greater accessibility and amenities that are required to improve the environmental and economic outlook for this expanding area work began on two key projects: Cecil Avenue West and the Wharf Street Basin Cecil Avenue was reconstructed in three parts commencing at the southern end that adjoins the Albany Highway The project has transformed Cecil Avenue West from a single-carriageway street into a median-divided street with dedicated bus lanes and a high-quality streetscape The street is now equipped with smart pole technology to accommodate several smart features as the community’s needs grow including the ability to have traffic monitoring systems The City has created a high-quality urban streetscape with wirelessly controllable feature lighting and indigenous- inspired sculptural art elements affixed to the median poles creating a much-improved pedestrian-friendly environment The City has planted 100 new trees to promote biodiversity and improved pedestrian access to bus stops along dedicated bus lanes It is one of the first smart streets in Perth and has redefined how people use and perceive this part of Cannington The Wharf Street Basin was previously a fenced-off Water Corporation drainage basin The City was awarded a Federal Smart Cities grant of $1.09 million to deliver a new Smart Park for the community of Cannington This was a pilot project for water-sensitive infrastructure and technology The resulting Wharf Street Basin Next Generation Community Park saw the transformation of an inaccessible stormwater basin into a much-loved community smart park The City of Canning and its funding partners – the Australian Government’s Smart Cities and Suburbs Program Water Corporation and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation – used landscape design and technology solutions to create a recreational space that also incorporates a new approach to stormwater management The park is now a place where nature and technology unite and an educational space to learn more about water This highly awarded park project is a Western Australia first and it’s an innovative example of transforming a stormwater basin – which there are hundreds of in Perth – into a multi-purpose space that benefits the environment and community the park has seen multiple visits by university students and industry professionals and has set a new benchmark for management of stormwater in an urban setting which extends from Sevenoaks Street to beyond Lake Street The project has transformed Cecil Avenue East from a single- carriageway street into a median-divided street with dedicated bus lanes and a high-quality streetscape Delivering a rejuvenated Cecil Avenue creates a new entry gateway from Sevenoaks Street and Canning Station into the heart of the City and a new hub for Cannington The upgraded road is critical to meet the additional transport demands predicted for the expanding area not only in population growth but also in expected infrastructure development To increase public open space in the Canning City Centre the next project was converting Water Corporation’s existing drain on Lake Street Cannington into an urban stream The Lake Street Urban Stream is a key entry into the heart of the city; and the design of this project was critical to the future success of the City Centre development The completed Lake Street Urban Stream retains existing greenery including trees and pockets of native reeds and plants to increase vibrancy and wildlife lookout and exposed aggregate concrete path to provide a connection to the local train station and surrounding shops This phase of works also included the Lake Street Extension project which delivered a new connecting road from Cecil Avenue to Wharf Street The new road provides a direct link between Cannington Leisureplex and Cecil Avenue promotes the viability and accessibility of the Leisureplex and provides direct access from the Leisureplex to the heart of the city centre and Carousel shopping centre this was the first City Centre project to be delivered and project managed largely by the City’s own operational and technical teams The work in redeveloping the City of Canning has not gone unnoticed with the council recently taking out three awards at the recent Institute of Public Works Engineers Australasia (IPWEA) WA 2024 awards The Lake Street Urban Stream won in two categories: Best Public Works Project Under $2m (Metro) and Excellence in Water Projects the Lake Street Extension project won the Best Public Works Project $2m – $5m (Metro) award the City was recognised as a finalist for the Best Public Works Project over $5m (Metro) for the Cecil Avenue East project and was also named as a finalist in the Excellence in Environment and Sustainability category for the Lake Street Extension and Excellence in Road Safety Projects for its Road Safety Management Plan City of Canning Mayor Patrick Hall expressed his pride in the City’s Major Projects and Infrastructure and Environment teams applauding their dedication to promoting and enhancing Canning’s roads “It’s pleasing to see our Major Projects and Infrastructure and Environment teams coming together to deliver a variety of great projects catering to the growth of our City,” said Mayor Hall “The City of Canning continues to be a welcoming and thriving City thanks to our innovative approach to the development of our community infrastructure.” The City through its work in the regeneration space has become a nationally recognised leader in the delivery of Blue/Green infrastructure with our practitioners requested to attend and present at both state and national conferences on the Regeneration Program and the delivery of our new community parks Featured image: The redeveloped Wharf Street Basin Disaster recovery support is now available to flood impacted communities in Bourke Brewarrina and Walgett in northern New South Wales... Australia’s 537 councils have called on the next Federal Government to ensure that the financial sustainability of local government is.. With the federal election approaching fast and renewables still a critical issue for government the Local Government Association of Queenland.. All content published on this site is the property of Prime Creative Media The City of Canning has approved a $231,000 road safety project aimed at improving road safety in the Carousel residential precinct A new raised platform will be built at the Crawford and Grey Street intersection aimed at improving road safety around the area the development is part of Main Roads WA’s Low-Cost Urban Road Safety Program (URSP) which aims to address high-risk traffic areas through affordable safety improvements Crash data for the precinct from 2019 to 2023 shows there had been 17 crashes recorded on Crawford Street with 15 of these occurring at the Crawford Street and Grey Street intersection The new raised platform is a key component of the broader safety upgrade in the area which also includes three mid-block platforms on Bickley Street and five additional raised safety platforms at various intersections The decision to proceed with a raised platform is a shift from the City of Canning’s 2018 resolution to implement non-raised traffic calming measures A City of Canning officer’s report said changes in traffic conditions are the cause of the shift “Since Council’s previous resolution to support the implementation of non-raised traffic calming measures at the Crawford Street and Grey Street intersection further detailed investigation [revealed service constraints and road network changes] have resulted in [roundabouts and other standard improvements] no longer being feasible The 2023 AAMI Crash Index reported that for ninth time in 10 years the portion of Albany Highway in Cannington is the State’s worst crash hot spot The officers report said it believes the completion of the Armadale Train Line’s elevation will help improve traffic flow around the area The intersection upgrades are expected to be completed sometime before June 30 in line with the URSP’s requirement for all schemes to be finished by this date the chance to support the restoration of Cannington Shaw’s No 7 Bottle Shop in St Helens has been a journey of precision spearheaded by Clan Contracting Limited in partnership with St Helens Council and the Cannington Shaw Preservation Trust CIC is breathing new life into a landmark that’s as historically significant as it is unique Identified by Historic England as “the most intact example of a late 19th Century Bottle Shop anywhere in the world,” this Grade II listed structure is at the heart of an ambitious regeneration plan Once a symbol of St Helens’ thriving glassmaking industry 7 Bottle Shop is now the focus of a £1.3 million initiative funded by the Towns Fund The project’s first phase is all about stabilising the structure This approach ensures the building remains safe while preserving its character as a testament to the town’s industrial heritage the task called for custom-designed solutions that could meet the challenges of such a historic site has been vital in enabling the brickwork repairs and structural stabilisation required to secure its future “Partnering with AJS Scaffolding was an easy choice given their expertise and meticulous approach,” said Damian Mears Managing Director of Clan Contracting Limited “The complexities of a project like Cannington Shaw demand a team that can deliver both precision and care and AJS Scaffolding has excelled in every aspect.” This isn’t just about bricks and mortar—it’s about preserving a piece of the town’s identity the Bottle Shop is a symbol of their heritage a link to the ingenuity that made the region a global leader in glassmaking “The regeneration of Cannington Shaw is not just about saving a building; it’s about bringing the community closer to its rich heritage,” said Colin McEllin “The scaffolding solutions provided by AJS ensure the safety and integrity of the structure while enabling us to carry out essential restoration work.” reflected on the significance of the project: “Being selected to provide scaffolding for such a historically significant site is a true honour The complexities of Cannington Shaw have pushed our team to showcase the very best of what we do—precise reliable scaffolding solutions that enable vital restoration work We’re thrilled to contribute to the preservation of a landmark that means so much to the St Helens community.” As this phase of the restoration progresses Plans are underway to transform the site into a vibrant community space and a living museum celebrating St Helens’ industrial innovation secured through a successful business case submission It’s a testament to the commitment of all involved to protect and repurpose this extraordinary landmark for future generations this project is more than just a job—it’s a demonstration of their ethos of precision As they continue to expand their presence across Merseyside their involvement in the Cannington Shaw regeneration underscores the crucial role scaffolding plays in preserving the past while shaping the future The Bottle Shop’s restoration is more than a celebration of history; it’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when craftsmanship Thanks to the efforts of AJS Scaffolding and their partners this iconic landmark will continue to inspire and connect the St Helens community for generations to come Get important news delivered directly to your inbox and stay connected A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving after a crash near Cannington happened on the A39 between Cannington and Nether Stowey at around 9pm on Saturday night (April 12) we do not believe anyone was seriously injured in the collision,” an Avon & Somerset Police spokesperson said “A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and has been released on police bail while enquiries continue.” should contact police on 101 and quote reference 5225104332 Follow us on Facebook Subscribe to the Newsletter The New Blackmore Vale Magazine The New Stour & Avon Magazine Salisbury & Avon Gazette A former chief of staff to former Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston is shaping up as the likely replacement for his old boss when Labor preselections open later this year Ron Sao was Johnston’s ministerial chief of staff from March 2021 until Johnston stepped down from the cabinet and announced his retirement at the 2025 election in December last year. Bill Johnston’s former chief of staff is in the running to replace his old boss in Cannington.Credit: RAC/Youtube Cannington-raised Sao remains employed in the government as a special adviser to Education and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti but his links to Johnston stretch as far back as 2008 when he worked in his electorate office. Sao also had a short stint in Johnston’s wife Kate Doust’s office from 2012 to 2013. Cannington is one of the state’s most culturally diverse electorates and is seen as a fortress for WA Labor, having been won by Johnston in successive elections since the electorate was first created in 2008. It is one of Labor’s safest seats held by a margin of 30.4 per cent after Johnston was re-elected with a swing of 12.9 per cent during the 2021 election bloodbath. Sao declined to comment but WAtoday has confirmed through multiple party sources on the condition of anonymity that Sao intends to put his hand up for the seat when preselection nominations open in a few weeks. Sao hails from Labor’s right faction, of which Johnston is a stalwart, so his preselection will keep the status quo in the Labor caucus. In December 2021 Sao nearly drowned at Smiths Beach. He had to be airlifted to hospital after he became temporarily paralysed while body surfing. In a video for the RAC Rescue online series Sao recounted how his day at the beach with his family of five nearly ended his life. “I don’t do anything crazy, I was just down at the beach,” he said. Sao said as he had finished up on a wave he thought he would go for a tumble with the whitewash but hit is head on the sandbank. “It clicked my neck back after I hit it. I felt it and decided it was probably time to step out of the water,” he said. “I wanted to stand but my legs don’t work, I better wave to my wife…and my hands didn’t work either so I floated in the water and the only thing I could do was hold my breath and hope that my wife figured out that there was something wrong.” Sao’s wife then pulled her husband’s lifeless body out of the water. “She didn’t expect me to be alive,” he said. “I remember taking a breath and being flipped and I thought, you know, I’m going to be a quadriplegic.” Sao was airlifted and flown to Royal Perth where he found out he had a fractured C3 and compressed his spinal cord. He said it took him three weeks to hold a pencil. Sao’s tilt at Cannington is one of a few anticipated shifts in Labor’s caucus as it braces for the retirement of longtime party members like Lisa Baker in Maylands, Margaret Quirk in Landsdale and Sue Ellery in the upper house. The chief of staff of Roger Cook and former premier Mark McGowan Daniel Pastorelli has been linked to a move to parliament after sounding out the right faction members for preselection in Landsdale. WAtoday also understands City of Bayswater councillor and former Eskimo Joe keyboard player Dan Bull will likely make his long-rumoured move to state politics in 2025 if Baker decides to retire. A former chief of staff to former Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston is shaping up as the likely replacement for his old boss when Labor preselections open later this year. Ron Sao was Johnston\\u2019s ministerial chief of staff from March 2021 until Johnston stepped down from the cabinet and Sao also had a short stint in Johnston\\u2019s wife Kate Doust\\u2019s office from 2012 to 2013. Cannington is one of the state\\u2019s most culturally diverse electorates and is seen as a fortress for WA Labor, having been won by Johnston in successive elections since the electorate was first created in 2008. It is one of Labor\\u2019s safest seats held by a margin of 30.4 per cent after Johnston was re-elected with a swing of 12.9 per cent during the 2021 election bloodbath. Sao hails from Labor\\u2019s right faction, of which Johnston is a stalwart, so his preselection will keep the status quo in the Labor caucus. \\u201CI don\\u2019t do anything crazy, I was just down at the beach,\\u201D he said. \\u201CIt clicked my neck back after I hit it. I felt it and decided it was probably time to step out of the water,\\u201D he said. \\u201CI wanted to stand but my legs don\\u2019t work, I better wave to my wife\\u2026and my hands didn\\u2019t work either so I floated in the water and the only thing I could do was hold my breath and hope that my wife figured out that there was something wrong.\\u201D Sao\\u2019s wife then pulled her husband\\u2019s lifeless body out of the water. \\u201CShe didn\\u2019t expect me to be alive,\\u201D he said. \\u201CI remember taking a breath and being flipped and I thought, you know, I\\u2019m going to be a quadriplegic.\\u201D Sao\\u2019s tilt at Cannington is one of a few anticipated shifts in Labor\\u2019s caucus as it braces for the retirement of longtime party members like Lisa Baker in Maylands, Margaret Quirk in Landsdale and Sue Ellery in the upper house. CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday 1931.  He was the son of the late Joel F He was predeceased by his loving wife of 52 years which was a nickname given to him as a child by his sister farming the same land that has been in his family for over 150 years He attended Yemassee schools where he had perfect attendance and was named Salutatorian of his graduating class He was a member of Deep Branch Baptist Church and baptized in the waters at Dempsey Landing.   They married and built a beautiful life together sharing the common goals of hard work helping others and a true love for Hampton County William’s family and friends knew him to be a man of few words but many opinions.  He started his days reading the newspaper from front to back.  He loved ending a long hard day of work at the farm sprawled out on the grass underneath the pecan trees.  He loved sharing old tales to anyone that would stop by and offer them a pack of nabs and a Pepsi cola.  He was always looking for ways to improve his farm and his community.  William played an active role in bringing a community fire department to Cummings He saw the dire need and worked hard along with others to bring it to fruition William and his big John Deere prepped and worked the Watermelon Festival Mud Runs an annual fundraiser for the fire department and he loved the role he played in their success he was always active in making sure the elderly and disabled had a ride to the polls William and Jeannine spent many years as active volunteers for the Relay for Life events He would be there all night always willing to lend a hand Many folks remember the surprise of watermelons dropped off on their doorsteps at the end of a long work day He donated melons to the local hospital and nursing homes he was always willing to help a friend in need.   Claudia Long and her husband Mark of Varnville and Karen “Kaye” Wilson and her husband Nathan of Hampton; 6 grandchildren and Emily Pitman (Parkes); and many great grandchildren The family would like to express their deep appreciation for the compassion and care provided by Crystal Whitlock and Viola Collins and to Adrienne Craven and the rest of the staff at Agape Care Funeral services will be held 11 o’clock Varnville-Hampton Chapel.  Interment will follow in Searson Cemetery The family will receive friends for a time of visitation Friday morning from 10 o’clock until the hour of service at THE BRICE W HERNDON AND SONS FUNERAL HOMES AND CREMATORY 803.943.5016.  Visit the registry online at: www.briceherndonfuneralhome.com