The new Thornlie-Cockburn Link will open on Monday
marking the latest major milestone in METRONET's transformation of Perth
Perth's first east-west cross line connection includes two new stations at Nicholson Road and Ranford Road
as well as Perth Stadium stations - providing a direct route from the Mandurah Line to Optus Stadium for the first time
The opening of the line will connect tens of thousands of people to Perth's world-class rail network for the first time and adds significant resilience to the broader network
Commuters will have a 27-minute journey to Perth from Nicholson Road Station and a 31-minute journey from Ranford Road Station
New and amended bus routes will support connections from surrounding suburbs to the new stations
The Public Transport Authority (PTA) is currently considering community feedback on the proposed routes
with final routes to be published in the lead up to the opening
A total of 85,000 sleepers and 180,000 tonnes of gravel were used in the construction of the 35 km of new passenger rail and 22 km of new freight rail as part of the Thornlie-Cockburn Link
The inner-section of the Armadale Line will reopen in conjunction with the Thornlie-Cockburn Link on June 9
This will include the five new elevated stations at Carlisle
Six level crossings have been removed from the Victoria Park and Canning sections of the Armadale Line
while the elevated rail will significantly improve pedestrian safety
reduce traffic congestion and create Perth's first 7 km long linear park
The remainder of the line will reopen when the new elevated Armadale Station and Byford Station reach completion in the next few months
This will include the reopening of stations at Sherwood
The formal reopening date for the outer section of the Armadale Line will be announced soon
The staged reopening has been necessitated by revised construction timelines on the METRONET Byford Rail Extension
Progress on the Byford Rail Extension reached an important milestone in recent weeks
with the entire elevated rail structure completed
while the majority of rail and overhead line equipment has been installed
Rail replacement bus services will continue until the entire Armadale Line has reopened
but these services will be amended from June 9
the majority of rail replacement bus services will conclude their journeys at Cannington Station
where commuters will be able to connect to the train line
The amended rail replacement bus services will be published in the lead up to the June 9 reopening
Any passengers receiving free public transport due to the Armadale Line closure will continue to receive the concession until their regular train station reopens
The $1.3 billion METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Link and the $1.6 billion Victoria Park -Canning Level Crossing Removal Projects are jointly funded by the Federal and State Governments
Western Australians are about to ride into a new era of public transport
as the long-awaited Thornlie-Cockburn Link officially opens on Monday
The project marks the city’s first east-west rail connection
linking the Mandurah and Armadale Lines for the first time
It is part of the broader METRONET program
aimed at improving public transport across Western Australia and providing some long-overdue relief to busy local roads
The new line includes two new stations at Nicholson Road and Ranford Road
the changes will mean shorter and more direct trips
The journey from Nicholson Road to Perth will take about 27 minutes
The new link is expected to benefit growing communities in Perth’s south-east
“We’re going to connect tens of thousands of people to our world-class rail network,” said WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti
“It will also boost the capacity and resilience of the system.”
The Public Transport Authority (PTA) is finalising a set of new and revised bus routes to feed into the new stations
These changes are based on public feedback
with final details to be announced before the opening
The construction effort involved 35 kilometres of new passenger rail
the inner section of the Armadale Line will reopen on June 9
Five new elevated stations will come online at Carlisle
The elevated rail has allowed for the removal of six level crossings in the Victoria Park and Canning areas
This is expected to improve safety and reduce traffic delays
has also been created beneath the rail line
These works are tied to the completion of the new Armadale and Byford Stations
Rail replacement buses will continue to operate until the entire Armadale Line is open
most of these buses will terminate at Cannington Station
Updated timetables will be released closer to the date
Passengers currently receiving free public transport due to the closure will continue to do so until their usual station reopens
Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the Thornlie-Cockburn Link would have lasting benefits
“This project connects the Mandurah Line to the Armadale Line for the first time,” she said
“It will help make communities better connected.”
The new line is expected to reduce congestion
and offer a reliable alternative to driving for thousands of commuters
help residents in the fast-growing suburbs of Canning Vale
A community celebration will be held on Sunday
to mark the opening of the Thornlie-Cockburn Link
More information will be provided closer to the date
A second community event will follow later this year to celebrate the full reopening of the Armadale Line
The Thornlie-Cockburn Link ($1.3 billion) and the Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal Project ($1.6 billion) are jointly funded by the State and Federal Governments
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A 25-year-old man from Thornlie has been charged by Armadale Detectives after a stabbing incident at Thornlie Square shopping centre on Tuesday afternoon
Police say they were called to the centre located on Spencer Road after reports of two injured males
officers were told that the men had already departed the scene
A 23-year-old man was later transported by ambulance to Royal Perth Hospital for treatment of a leg injury
A 21-year-old man later presented at Armadale Hospital with a minor leg injury
Armadale Detectives charged the 25-year-old with Grievous Bodily Harm
and Failing to Obey an Order Given by an Officer
He is due to appear before the Armadale Magistrates Court on Wednesday
As the investigation is ongoing, detectives are urging anyone who may have information about the incident or may have mobile phone or dash-cam footage of the area taken between 2:30 pm and 4:00 pm to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online via crimestopperswa.com.au
With just under two months until the state election
WA Labor is now scrambling to find a new candidate for Thornlie after Daniel Morrison-Bird’s shock announcement that he is quitting as the party’s nominee for the seat
In a statement posted on Facebook and sent out by email on Monday afternoon
Morrison-Bird said he had made the difficult decision to step down as WA Labor’s candidate for Thornlie at the upcoming state election
“After reflecting with my family over the Christmas break
it became clear to me that now is not the right time for me to enter politics
I have therefore come to the difficult decision to withdraw as WA Labor’s Candidate for Thornlie,” he said
I feel that I can’t give the personal commitment necessary at this time.”
“I have greatly enjoyed connecting with the community and would like to thank all community groups and individuals for taking the time to speak with me and support my campaign.”
The WA Labor Party is now in the process of selecting a new candidate
with Attorney-General John Quigley’s former Chief of Staff
As chief executive of Wungening Aboriginal Corporation
an organisation that provides frontline drug and alcohol support
and with experience serving on several community services boards
Morrison-Bird was a star candidate and favourite to win the traditionally stronghold Labor seat of Thornlie
whom Morrison-Bird had worked closely with
said he is disappointed but understands Morrison-Bird’s decision
“I wish Daniel Morrison-Bird all the best and respect his decision,” Tallentire said
“There’s no escaping the fact that this is disappointing news
but family always comes first and that’s the choice Daniel has made.”
Reacting to news that Morrison-Bird had stepped down
who ran as the WA Liberal candidate for Thornlie in the 2021 state election and is now running as an independent with the endorsement of the WA Police Union
said it makes no difference to him who Labor selects as the new candidate
as he believes they take the voters of Thornlie for granted
“I anticipate a new candidate will continue to serve our community in the same way Labor always has – with blatant disregard for critical infrastructure.”
“An obvious example is how Labor has completely ignored Maddington and Gosnells voters who were deliberately left out when it came to elevated rail crossings.”
and it’s time they were called out.”
The 2025 Western Australian state election is set to take place on Saturday
The Thornlie-Cockburn Link is almost ready to roll
with a series of major project milestones bringing Perth’s long-awaited east-west rail connection one step closer to opening day on June 9
The project to connect the Mandurah and Armadale Lines has been marked by impressive engineering feats and memorable community moments
One of the biggest achievements so far has been the installation of Australia’s largest bridge beams for the new Ranford Road Bridge
This vital connection allowed traffic to shift onto the new bridge so that demolition of the old one could begin
after 13-year-old Coogee resident Jana Edmondson
drilled twin tunnels beneath the freight rail corridor—a proud moment for the young winner of a community naming competition that attracted 1,300 entries
platforms were extended and a canopy installed to prepare for the influx of new passengers
five steel trusses were fitted under the Canning River Bridge 17
the project came to life with the first concrete pour
while the old Thornlie Station platform was demolished to make way for a brand-new facility
The track-laying phase also marked a significant step forward
Not only were new tracks installed along the route
but the team reached a sustainability milestone by using over 27,000 tonnes of recycled materials in everything from steel and concrete to ballast and plastic pipes
Another key moment came with the completion of the Glen Iris Tunnel track slabs
paving the way—literally—for passenger rail installation
anticipation surged as the first test trains ran on the new line
proving the system is on track and ready to welcome commuters
METRONET conducted a crucial emergency training exercise on Wednesday
The simulation took place at Queens Park and Cannington Stations
featuring a stationary train on the viaduct and approximately 50 passengers being evacuated via Queens Park Station
and WA Police took part to ensure they were ready to respond to any potential incidents on the new rail infrastructure
Traffic management was also in place on Railway Parade
particularly between George Street and Treasure Road
Now that the state election is over and the dust has begun to settle
the gloves are starting to come off to address some of the issues facing our local electorates
however unsuccessful Independent candidate for the seat of Thornlie Kevin McDonald said there are big issues which need to be addressed by newly elected Member for Thornlie Colleen Egan
to ensure the community was receiving ‘a fair go’
“During pre-polling and on election day I received a lot of community feedback about the lack of critical infrastructure investment in our electorate,” he said
“Our electorate missing out completely for grade separation on our rail crossings while all the rail crossings either side of Maddington and Gosnells received it – locals are very angry about this
“An unwillingness to adequately support a new swimming and leisure facility to replace the ageing Thornlie swimming centre (built in 1967)
The $2 million offered by Labor for the SPLASH project was a pittance and will ensure the project will never see the light of day
“The five million dollars promised for Thornlie Senior High School that came as an election promise is better than nothing
but still well short of the funding needed and sought through a comprehensive business case submission by the schools P&C.”
Mr McDonald said the campaign served one positive purpose by highlighting how the Thornlie was overlooked for critical infrastructure because it was a long-held
ultra-safe Labor seat and there was no motivation for Labor to spend any money where they believed they already had the votes
“Feedback was that we all pay the same taxes
and infrastructure investment should be equitably applied,” he said
Member for Thornlie-elect Colleen Egan said planning and design of a new $5 million redevelopment at Thornlie Senior High School was set to begin following the return of the Cook Labor Government at the State Election
said there would be a full redevelopment of the student services and administration building including improved disability access and modern
fully-equipped student wellbeing facilities
The Education Minister’s office has informed Ms Egan that work will begin on planning for the delivery of this major commitment
Ms Egan said schools in the Thornlie electorate were a high priority for her as the new local member
“My mother taught at a primary school in Thornlie for 22 years so I am passionate about providing the best environment for children and teenagers to get the best learning outcomes,” she said
“I’m very pleased that I was able to secure this commitment and am excited about working with the school on its delivery
“This school was built in the early 1970s and while it has served our community well
there is a need to upgrade its facilities so it can continue to provide the modern curriculum and care for our students’ wellbeing.”
Ms Egan said she would keep advocating for further upgrades at the high school and several primary schools
“I will be working with school principals and engaging with the Education Minister regarding access to the new $286 million School Infrastructure Fund,” she said
Ms Egan said she would also be seeking meetings at a ministerial level regarding the level crossings that remain as part of the Armadale train line
“I have been assured that the long-term plan is to remove all level crossings on the network
and I will be advocating strongly to make sure this section of the Armadale Line is next on the list,” she said
“With the addition of the Thornlie Cockburn Link
there will be a significant increase in the number of trains running between Beckenham and the city
so it meant there was a pressing need for those level crossings to be removed
there has also been a major rail revitalisation program
which will improve the reliability of train services on the Armadale line
“Through the rail revitalisation program
we’ve effectively rebuilt 15 kilometres of track with new overhead lines
We’re also upgrading 25 pedestrian crossings and 10 level crossings
“I understand the frustration relating to the remaining level crossings and will keep advocating for the issue to be resolved.”
Thornlie Station is getting a major upgrade as part of the METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Link project
and locals are being invited to see the transformation up close before passenger services officially begin
“On June 9 – passenger services formally commence at the new station
but remember to book in Sunday June 8 to come down and see the new station as part of our free community event to celebrate the opening of the Thornlie-Cockburn Line,” Deputy Premier for WA
Minister of Transport; Sport and Recreation
the revamped Thornlie Station will serve as a key hub on Perth’s long-awaited east-west rail connection
linking the Armadale and Mandurah Lines for the first time
WA Labor has announced Colleen Egan as the new candidate for the Thornlie electorate in this year’s state election
The appointment follows the unexpected withdrawal of Daniel Morrison-Bird as Labor’s candidate last week
who was favoured to replace the retiring Member for Thornlie
Egan grew up in Perth’s south-eastern suburbs
While studying journalism at Curtin University
Colleen lived in Gosnells and undertook work experience at the local paper
Egan served as Chief of Staff to Attorney General John Quigley from 2017 to 2023
This includes her eight-year fight to free Andrew Mallard from prison
an innocent man wrongly convicted of murder
a campaign she chronicled in a book that earned her the Walkley Award for Most Outstanding Contribution to Journalism in 2006
Egan served as the Assistant Editor at West Australian Newspapers from 2009 to 2017
Egan said she believes the Cook Labor Government has a strong track record of delivering for Thornlie
“I am proud to be joining the Cook Labor team as Candidate for Thornlie
an area where I spent much of my childhood while my mother taught at a local primary school,” she said
I understand the cost-of-living challenges faced by many families trying to balance the family budget.”
Premier Roger Cook welcomed Egan’s appointment
“Colleen Egan is a fierce advocate for her community and will be a dedicated and hardworking voice for Thornlie in my WA Labor team,” he said
You don’t need a library card to borrow a book on Chivalry Way
just a curious mind and a little time to stop and browse
A colourful street library has popped up on a quiet bend in Thornlie
and it’s already bringing neighbours together through the simple joy of sharing stories
Raelene said the idea had been on her mind for a while
but it was her daughter’s recent achievement that gave her the final push
“My daughter self-published a children’s book
and she started donating copies to street libraries,” she said
“That’s when I thought—let’s make one of our own.”
The result is a bright and welcoming little box filled with books; ready for anyone to take
“We wanted it to be colourful and inviting,” she said
“A reflection of the stories and warmth we hope people feel when they visit it.”
it’s already sparked a quiet wave of book swapping
The community’s response has been just as warm
People have already started using the library
lovely sense of community that’s starting to grow around it.”
She checks the library often and keeps the collection fresh by rotating books and adding new ones from her own stash or donations from others
“Whether someone finds their next favourite book or just enjoys the surprise of discovering something new
I hope it brings a little bit of joy and connection,” she said
Books left in the library have ranged from children’s stories and novels to health guides
refreshing the selection often to keep things interesting
and a bit of everyday magic,” is what Raelene hopes her library brings to the neighbourhood
I hope it brings people a sense of joy and community.”
reading has always been something personal
through the library has been especially meaningful
The story is based on her daughter’s relationship with her late grandmother
“It’s incredibly special to be able to share that story with others,” she said
dropping off all kinds of books,” she said
Raelene hopes other residents might be inspired to start their own little libraries too
“And they add so much heart to a neighbourhood.”
has bid farewell to Parliament House in a candid and honest valedictory speech
and the moments that shaped the course of his political career
Tallentire was elected as the Member for Gosnells
but was thrown into opposition after the election resulted in a hung parliament
with the Liberals forming a coalition with the WA Nationals and independents
Tallentire began by looking back on those early years
a defining experience that shaped and guided him throughout his career
and I revelled in learning the many facets of the new job,” Tallentire said
“I was imbued with a great sense of pride
about the opportunity given to me by the people of the Gosnells electorate
my sense of that honour and privilege has not dimmed.”
Tallentire served as the Shadow Minister for Environment
where he played a key role in shaping policy and advocating for environmental issues
with power bringing a whole new world of possibilities
we were an extremely effective and disciplined opposition
we have been an extraordinarily good government,” he said
“Being a local member in the party of government is like an aligning of the stars
Major projects suddenly become possible.”
One of those projects is the Thornlie-Cockburn passenger rail link
which Tallentire said is one of his proudest achievements in Parliament for his electorate
“From the moment of my election in 2008
I began campaigning for the Thornlie line to be extended to the Mandurah line with a station at Nicholson Road,” he said
this is the single-biggest piece of infrastructure that I have been able to gain for the people of the Gosnells and now Thornlie electorate.”
As the Shadow Minister for Environment and Climate Change from 2013 to 2017 and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Water and Forestry from 2017 to 2021
Tallentire said his biggest disappointment was the state’s ‘environmental decline,’ an issue he feels he should have had the greatest influence on
and industry peak body leaders who are primed to attack any measures designed to protect biodiversity.”
He hopes this can change and is calling on the government to conduct a comprehensive state of the environment report
“Although it will never be an easy pill for government to swallow
a WA state of the environment report is urgently needed,” Tallentire said
it will quantify how much we have lost since the last report in 2007
but that is useful information for countering the wilful ignorance that abounds amongst interest groups
who get a disproportionately large hearing in our media.”
Tallentire said he has always found engaging with the community in his local electorate
which was Gosnells from 2008 to 2017 and Thornlie since
“As a local member you soon learn that supporting local initiatives can make a real difference to people’s day-to-day lives.”
“Such initiatives include the commencement of the Gosnells Community Men’s Shed
congratulating people who have gone to the trouble of creating a beautiful garden through my top garden program and rewarding students who walk
instilling a lifelong fondness for healthy active travel.”
As Thornlie is now one of the most diverse electorates in WA
Tallentire also sought to highlight the multiculturalism that has grown in the suburbs of Gosnells
“Once the area was predominantly white Anglo; now we are a cohesive community with people from many cultural and religious backgrounds,” he said
“The success of our multiculturalism comes from the hardworking nature of those newly arrived Australians
They work hard and have the full respect of their neighbours.”
Tallentire returned his bike locker key to Parliamentary Services after serving his community for nearly two decades
“I leave this Parliament a wiser person
I have an enormous sense of gratitude for being given the opportunity to serve the people of Western Australia and for being part of this parliamentary institution,” he said
“Thank you to the wonderful people of the Thornlie electorate
who have given me the honour to represent them.”
construction on the new METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Link is now progressing rapidly
with the new Nicholson Road and Ranford Road Stations 75 per cent complete and passenger rail being laid west of Ranford Road
Around 900 workers are currently onsite daily
and track laying for the 14.5-kilometre extension from Thornlie Station to Cockburn Central is expected to be completed by the end of the year
the project is still on schedule and is expected to open in mid-2025 alongside the Armadale Line
“Test trains are planned for early 2025
the number of passengers using the two stations is expected to be about 4,350,” the spokesperson said
the extension will provide residents with more public transport options
help reduce road congestion and shape land use planning for future development in the area.”
Work on Nicholson Road Station commenced in September 2019
Nicholson Road Station will feature 1,000 parking bays
with predictions of 2,350 daily boardings by 2031
and external cladding is underway at Nicholson Road Station
Ranford Road Station is expected to have 1,985 daily boardings
will be upgraded with platform extensions to accommodate six-car trains
the car park capacity will slightly decrease as a small number of parking bays will be removed to accommodate the longer station platforms
Thornlie MLA Chris Tallentire said he is pleased with how the project is being managed and believes the loss of some car park bays at Thornlie station won’t be an issue
“The new stations will take the pressure off Thornlie station and we actually want people to consider more efficient means of getting to the stations
scooting or local bus service,” he said
“There are always going to be moments of understandable anxiety caused by a project of this scale
about 11 kilometres of new freight track was installed on the northern side of the rail corridor between the Kwinana Freeway
clearing space on the southern side for the Thornlie-Cockburn Link passenger line
Local member for Southern River Terry Healy commented on this development at the time
highlighting the potential impact the new train line will have on the community
“The METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Link is a fantastic project that will connect thousands of people living between the Mandurah and Armadale lines to our world-class rail network,” Mr Healy said
“This is a growing area and currently a gap in our rail network
so delivering this new link will ensure communities have access to high-quality public transport
The Thornlie train line originally stemmed from plans for the Mandurah line to branch off and connect to the Armadale line
resulting in the tunnels constructed for the connection being left unused
the tunnels built in the early 2000s are finally being utilised for the project
including the 200-metre ‘Glen Iris’ tunnel in Jandakot
which runs beneath the freeway to connect to the Mandurah line in the median
the train tunnel beneath Roe and Albany Highway has always been operational; however
which has remained unused for over 20 years
Services on the Thornlie and Armadale lines have been suspended since November 20
Local author Lynne Cairns is bringing the raw spirit of Western Australia’s gold rush days back to life with her new historical novel
a Thornlie author with deep roots in WA history
draws on personal family stories and years of research to tell the gripping tale of Nora Patterson
a woman who travels across the country to find her husband in the wild shanty town of 1895 Kalgoorlie
“My ancestors came to WA during the gold rush and my parents grew up on the WA goldfields
so I heard a lot about the period when I was young,” Cairns said
and my grandfather’s uncle was one of the men who died of thirst in the near-desert conditions.”
Cairns introduces readers to Nora Patterson
a resilient and determined woman who becomes the heart of this story set in the 1890s WA goldfields
over 3,000 kilometres from Melbourne to Fremantle
But when she arrives in Hannans (now Kalgoorlie)
Nora is soon caught in the harsh reality of frontier life
where danger comes not just from the brutal landscape
but from the imbalance of hundreds of men and very few women
obviously the presence of hundreds of men was an ever-present danger
and potent or useless medicines added to the struggle.”
Inspired by her background as a social historian and a lifelong love of WA stories
Cairns said her protagonist represents the strength of real women who helped build early Australia
“Nora represents the courageous and resilient women
who helped settle Australia’s wild places,” she said
“We see them in old photographs wearing long skirts and high-necked blouses
standing by the tents and hessian shacks they helped to build.”
the National Library of Australia’s online newspaper archive
to uncover forgotten details of everyday life in the 1890s
“I found the old newspapers a wonderful resource,” she said
“They gave insight into people’s lives that never made it into the history books.”
a nonfiction account of WWII submarine operations
Cairns paints and once played the bagpipes
“The occasional artist or Scottish musician sneaks into my writing,” she added
Cairns hopes Gold Town resonates especially with readers
to realise that we’re capable of surviving and having meaningful lives without the comforts of modern life,” she said
who lived through tough times but kept their courage and sense of humour.”
The link's construction utilised 85,000 sleepers and 180,000t of gravel
The Western Australian (WA) Government has announced the opening of the new Thornlie-Cockburn Link on 9 June 2025
a significant development within METRONET’s ongoing transformation of Perth’s transport infrastructure
The 35km of new passenger rail and 22km of new freight rail include two new stations at Nicholson Road and Ranford Road
providing a direct route from the Mandurah Line to Optus Stadium for the first time
The construction of the Thornlie-Cockburn Link utilised 85,000 sleepers and 180,000 tonnes (t) of gravel
Recent weeks have also seen progress on the Byford Rail Extension
with the completion of the entire elevated rail structure and the majority of rail and overhead line equipment installed
Commuters will benefit from a 27-minute journey to Perth from Nicholson Road Station and a 31-minute journey from Ranford Road Station once the Thornlie-Cockburn Link is operational
WA’s Public Transport Authority is finalising new and amended bus routes to support connections from surrounding suburbs to the new stations
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The inner section of the Armadale Line will also reopen on 9 June
coinciding with the Thornlie-Cockburn Link’s inauguration
This will include five new elevated stations at Carlisle
The Armadale Line’s removal of six level crossings and the introduction of elevated rail will improve pedestrian safety
and create a 7km-long linear park named ‘Long Park’
including the new elevated Armadale Station and Byford Station
is expected to reopen in the coming months
with the formal reopening date for the outer section to be announced shortly
WA Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti said: “The Thornlie-Cockburn Link will be a complete game changer for our public transport network
“We’re going to connect tens of thousands of people to our world-class rail network for the first time and deliver a major boost to the capacity and resilience of our network by connecting the Armadale and Mandurah Lines for the first time
“METRONET is transforming the face of Perth and making our city more connected than ever before
The opening of the Thornlie-Cockburn Link will be one of the biggest changes yet.”
Last December, the Ellenbrook Community Hub in Ellenbrook
with a A$3.5m ($2.2m) commitment from the WA Government
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March 25 offering free advice and supplies to pet owners who may be struggling with the costs of caring for their pets
The Community Action Day will take place at Tom Bateman Reserve on Wilfred Road
RSPCA WA staff and volunteers will be on hand to perform health checks and microchipping for dogs
give out flea and worming treatments for cats and dogs
Pet owners are also encouraged to chat to our friendly staff about dog training tips and other queries
RSPCA WA Executive Manager Animal and Enforcement Operations Hannah Dreaver said more and more pet owners were asking for help amidst the cost-of-living and housing crises
“The City of Gosnells was in fourth spot for local government areas (LGA) with the highest animal cruelty reports in the 2023-24 financial year,” she said
“Reports coming from the LGA actually rose by 15 per cent
moving it up from fifth spot in the 2022-23 year
“This is a concerning rise for us and demonstrated a real need for assistance in the area
“It’s hoped this support will ease some pressure on family budgets and help stop small health problems for pets from becoming big and expensive ones
“We want to keep much-loved pets together with their owners wherever possible
If you could benefit from a little help with your animals
please come along and take advantage of this free support.”
vaccinated dogs and puppies along to the event on leash
If your puppy has not had all its vaccinations yet
you will need to carry the puppy at all times
South Metropolitan TAFE and volunteers for their support
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AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
Upgrades to Thornlie Station are now clearly visible as construction progresses on the METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Link Project
A new overpass to connect passengers between the newly extended platforms is now in place
is undergoing major upgrades to transform it into a ‘through station’ for the Thornlie-Cockburn rail link
In addition to the 14.5 kilometres of new passenger rail between Thornlie and Cockburn stations
three kilometres of rail between Thornlie Station and Beckenham Station has been duplicated to improve service frequency and facilitate future special event services directly from Mandurah to Perth Stadium Station
the upgraded station will feature a new concourse with four lifts
which have been extended to 150 metres to accommodate six-car train sets
there will be no escalators included in the upgrades
According to a Public Transport Authority (PTA) spokesperson
the daily number of workers on site is now approximately 700
down from its peak of 1,000 in early December last year
indicating that the project is moving into its final stages
“The Thornlie Station upgrade is expected to be complete in the next few months,” a PTA spokesperson said
“Testing and commissioning of the new station and rail line
will occur in the months leading up to opening.”
As the Thornlie-Cockburn Link project nears completion
plans for updated bus routes to support the new stations are also in the works
the consultation period for updated bus routes connecting to the Thornlie
and Ranford Road stations will be announced to the public by Transperth
“Consultation on updated bus routes to support the new stations will be undertaken by Transperth and occur in the months leading up to the opening,” the spokesperson said
Other infrastructure at Thornlie Station being upgraded includes public toilets and staff amenities
the relocation and modification of the carpark to accommodate the platform expansion
the relocation and replacement of the existing bicycle parking
and the removal of the existing shared path to install a new one at the northern edge of the modified western car park
the METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Link Project is due for completion and opening in mid this year
More than 25 years since the 1999 South West Metropolitan Railway Master Plan first outlined an east-west rail connection in Perth’s southern suburbs
the first test trains have begun operating between METRONET’s Thornlie-Cockburn Link
marking a significant milestone in the city’s public transport infrastructure
The first test train left the new Nicholson Rd station on Monday and travelled to Carlisle station
also officially marking the start of test trains for the Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal project
The Armadale and Thornlie train lines have been closed since November 2023 as part of the ongoing upgrades
An extensive testing and commissioning program is now underway to ensure that all infrastructure and systems are functioning effectively
The $1.352 billion METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Link project
connecting the Armadale and Mandurah lines
includes two new stations at Nicholson Road and Ranford Rd
along with upgrades to the Thornlie and Cockburn Central stations
As Perth’s first east-west rail connection
17.5 kilometres of new duplicate tracks run parallel to the pre-existing freight line and utilise tunnels
that go beneath the Kwinana Freeway and Roe and Albany Highways
any hope of the Thornlie to Mandurah line rail link was abandoned by the Barnett government
When passenger services begin later this year
commuters will be able to reach Perth in 26 minutes from Nicholson Rd Station and in 29 minutes from Ranford Rd Station
Premier Roger Cook said on Monday that once opened
the new rail service would offer some of the most affordable public transport in the country
“The METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Link delivers a whole new way of moving around our suburbs
I can’t wait for train rides straight to Optus Stadium,” he said
“METRONET is powering ahead across Perth – transforming our suburbs
and providing affordable transport for WA families.”
The State Government believes the train link will boost growth and accessibility in the south-eastern suburbs
and a direct route to Perth Stadium Station for Mandurah Line passengers
WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti stated that the new transport infrastructure is essential for keeping Perth moving and supporting its growth
“Perth’s first east-west line connection will be a game-changer for thousands of people living in our south-eastern suburbs who have never had access to our world-class train network,” she said
“That’s what METRONET is delivering – a better-connected city where more people can access the affordable public transport being provided by our WA Labor Government.”
The Thornlie-Cockburn Link and Armadale Line are still scheduled to open in mid-2025
After officially being named WA Labor’s candidate for the state seat of Thornlie
Daniel Morrison-Bird is confident he is the right person to succeed Chris Tallentire
who has served in parliament for nearly 16 years
announced in February that he will not be seeking re-election in the upcoming state election
Mr Morrison-Bird describes himself as a passionate
hard-working family man with links across WA and hopes to positively influence the community if elected
“I want to see a future where people can access all the services they need to thrive
Whether that be through secure local employment and training or continuing to improve our schools so our kids are accessing world-class education.” Mr Morrison-Bird said
“That’s the future I want for our community
and I’m confident we will get there.”
which includes sections of the suburbs of Gosnells
saw a 21.5 per cent swing in first-preference votes towards Labor
Widely attributed to the McGowan government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic
74.2 per cent of voters in the area supported Chris Tallentire as their first preference
Despite the overwhelming lead at the last election
Mr Morrison-Bird said he isn’t taking anything for granted
“I take the view that no seat is ever safe
We saw that in the 2021 wipeout of the WA Liberals
and I think they took a lot of their seats for granted.” – Daniel Morrison-Bird
“I’m not leaving anything on the field
and I’m proud to be a part of the WA Labor team going into the State Election in 2025.”
As CEO of Wungening Aboriginal Corporation
a community organisation that delivers frontline community
Mr Morrison-Bird said he can empathise with many local households who are doing it tough
“I have dedicated my working life to supporting those who need a hand up
Having worked as a CEO of a social services organisation for the last 14 years
I know that strong leadership is also compassionate leadership,” he said
Chris Tallentire has been a prominent figure in the wider Thornlie community for nearly two decades
he has expressed his belief that the community will be in good hands under Mr Morrison-Bird’s potential leadership and is “delighted to endorse him.”
“Daniel has an empathetic nature and is a devoted family man
I know he will fight for the Thornlie electorate to have the highly connected transport infrastructure
upgraded public schools and easy access to the best of public health,” Mr Tallentire said
“His background will be a huge boost to the electorate and the whole of Western Australia
he brings the values that are essential to being a good local member
a sense of justice and a respect for the community.”
With the state election just under six months away
Mr Morrison-Bird has already begun engaging with the community through door-knocking and attending local events to gauge their biggest concerns
“I know families in Thornlie are feeling the impact of cost of living pressures,” he said
and people have been very open with me about their stories.”
The WA Liberal Party has endorsed previous candidate Mahesh Arumugam as the candidate for the Thornlie electorate
Mr Arumugam is a former small business owner and project engineer with ten years of experience
He is now pursuing a PhD in fly ash recycling and previously ran as the 2021 WA Liberal candidate for Armadale
Mr Arumugam hopes his background will help him connect with Thornlie’s diverse community and better address its needs
so I think surely he’s missing some of the points and issues of the community,” Mr Arumugam said
“It’s a good challenge for me since he (Morrison-Bird) is a new face; I feel like it’s a healthy challenge.”
Mr Arumugam believes that crime and the rising cost of living are the most significant issues currently affecting residents in the area and hopes to address them
I’ve received several complaints about burglaries and car break-ins
and there is no proper or immediate action being taken,” he said
“There is also a big pressure on rising prices
what has the Labor government broadly done to address this.”
The 2025 WA state election is scheduled to be held on Saturday
City of Gosnells Councillor Kevin McDonald has officially announced his candidacy as an independent for the seat of Thornlie in the upcoming 2025 state election
McDonald has lived in Thornlie for over 30 years
McDonald said he believes he has the knowledge and experience required to serve the local community effectively and address its needs
he would be free to address community concerns
I can push loudly for local issues without fear or favour and hold the government to account for its failures
such as rising crime rates and illicit drug crime,” McDonald said
I will show that the people in our electorate won’t be taken for granted anymore.”
McDonald ran as the Liberal candidate for Thornlie
securing 19.1 percent of the votes after preferential voting but ultimately lost to incumbent Labor member Chris Tallentire
McDonald has since resigned as a member of the WA Liberal Party
As a former detective sergeant in the local area and currently a field officer with the WA Police Union
crime and police matters are issues close to McDonald’s heart
He said he wants to improve working conditions for police officers and is pushing for enhanced support and resources for local law enforcement
“I know what it means to support local police in their efforts to keep our community safe
I can keep holding the government to account for law and order matters with some authority,” McDonald said
“The government has an urgent responsibility to improve police retention
increase police numbers on the ground and if elected
I will do everything I can to improve the safety and well-being of the Thornlie electorate and wider community.”
Currently Labor holds the Thornlie electorate with a substantial margin of 30.9 per cent and has remained a strong Labor seat since its inception
McDonald said voters here are taken for granted and said he believes no major party represents the needs of the WA public
and that Labor is failing to invest in the Thornlie electorate
“With Labor in charge at both federal and state level
available grant funding is not prioritised toward those considered safe Labor seats
preferring to invest in marginal seats,” he said
“[They] have an expectation that the people of the Thornlie electorate will vote for them regardless
therefore they don’t feel obliged to invest in critical infrastructure
the new Liberal candidate for Thornlie Mahesh Arumugam said he “welcomes the healthy competition” McDonald offers but is confident he is the right man for the job
“Mr McDonald’s standing will not make any impact on my campaign,” he said
“It’s very clear that people are not happy with the Labor Government with the percentage swing to the Liberal Party increasing day by day.”
The WA State Election will be held on Saturday
Image Credit: Government of Western Australia
The Western Australian Government has announced the planned opening date for a new train link in Perth
A major milestone in Perth’s METRONET program will be reached on Monday 9 June
when the long-awaited Thornlie-Cockburn Link officially opens to the public
The $1.3 billion project will deliver Perth’s first east-west rail connection linking the Mandurah and Armadale Lines for the first time and providing direct access to Optus Stadium from the Mandurah Line
The new 35-kilometre passenger rail link features two new stations at Nicholson Road and Ranford Road
Cockburn Central and Perth Stadium stations
Commuters will be able to reach Perth in 27 minutes from Nicholson Road and 31 minutes from Ranford Road
The Thornlie-Cockburn Link required substantial infrastructure works
including the use of 85,000 sleepers and 180,000 tonnes of gravel
WA Premier Roger Cook said the project marked a key achievement in METRONET’s ongoing expansion
“We’ve seen in the past few years how METRONET has transformed our suburbs and the opening of the Thornlie-Cockburn Link will be one of the most important milestones to date,” he said
Federal Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King said the project would reshape southern Perth’s public transport landscape
“The Thornlie-Cockburn Link will transform Perth’s southern suburbs by connecting the Mandurah Line to the Armadale line for the first time,” she said
The opening will also coincide with the partial reopening of the Armadale Line
following major works to elevate the inner section of the line
Five new elevated stations will open at Carlisle
The inner-line upgrades include the removal of six level crossings and the creation of Perth’s first seven kilometre linear park
WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the link was a “complete game changer” for the public transport network
“We’re going to connect tens of thousands of people to our world class rail network for the first time and deliver a major boost to the capacity and resilience of our network,” she said
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The 17.5km METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Link has welcomed its first test train
marking the start of an extensive testing and commissioning program
Perth’s first east-west line connection includes two new stations
and upgrades to the Thornlie and Cockburn Central stations
Connecting the Mandurah and Armadale lines through the Thornlie-Cockburn Link will support growth and accessibility across the south-eastern suburbs by providing access to employment
unlock long-term housing development opportunities in Canning Vale
and provide a direct line for Mandurah Line passengers to Perth Stadium Station for the first time
When passenger services commence later in 2025
commuters will have a 26-minute journey to Perth from Nicholson Rd Station and a 29-minute journey from Ranford Rd Station
as well as some of the most affordable public transport anywhere in the country
construction on the new elevated Armadale Line continues to surge ahead
with works well-progressed on all seven new stations and delivery of the new seven-kilometre-long linear park underneath the elevated rail underway
‘Long Park’ will provide six hectares of new public open space for the community and help facilitate new urban housing opportunities along the corridor
The parkland will have 14 new community spaces with a range of amenities including:
The METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Link and elevated Armadale Line are scheduled to open in mid-2025
and providing affordable transport for Western Australian families
I can’t wait for train rides straight to Optus Stadium
the new METRONET lines will provide some of the most affordable public transport in the country
delivering real cost-of-living support to commuters and families across the south-eastern suburbs.”
said METRONET is delivering a better-connected city where more people can access affordable public transport
“Perth’s first east-west line connection will be a game-changer for thousands of people living in our south-eastern suburbs who have never had access to our world-class train network
providing great new amenities for the community and delivering the transport infrastructure needed to keep our city moving and growing.”
The Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) has reported on its impact across the country’s north
The Thornlie Bowling Club will be posting another milestone when it hosts the Raven Classic Bowling competition again on Saturday
The carnival has been a feature of the bowls calendar locally for nearly 30 years
attracting teams from across the metropolitan area and country districts
Teams of four players will compete together and in pairs over the day
and morning tea and a fully catered lunch will be served
LJ Hooker Thornlie/Canning Vale has demonstrated its commitment to the local community and the bowling club by continuing its sponsorship of the annual Raven Classic
Players will compete for $5000 in prize money; the first prize being $2000
synthetic playing surfaces and spacious clubrooms
which have attracted a number of state events
The Thornlie Bowling Club has been a cornerstone of the community since 1966
when Thornlie was little more than a budding suburb with just 500 houses and 2,000 residents
with the first greens ready for play by late 1969 and the clubhouse officially opening in 1971
and plenty of pints and wines were dunk before moving around 75 metres north to the new Thornlie Park Centre in 2021
a modern sporting hub that also houses the Thornlie Tennis Club
The new facility was made possible through funding from the Federal Government
The Thornlie Bowling Club welcomes members of all abilities
offering three membership categories: Pennant Bowler members
and vote on club matters; Club Bowler members
who have access to the club’s facilities and can play bowls by invitation of the club committee
Further details of the Raven Classic and other happenings at Thornlie Bowling Club are available on the Thornlie Bowling Club Facebook page and club website
Players wishing to join a team for the Raven Classic competition should contact Martin Stewart at 0401666824 by Monday
has been revealed.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Thornlie-Cockburn Link is scheduled to open on Monday
June 9.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt includes two new stations
Cockburn Central and Perth Stadium stations.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe link creates a direct connection from the Mandurah Line to Optus Stadium for the first time
Passengers previously had to travel to the city centre and change lines.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA vital connection as Perth’s suburbs grow
it has been estimated the trip from Nicholson Road Station to the city will take 27 minutes and 31 minutes from Ranford Road Station to the CBD.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Thousands of people in Perth’s south will now
connecting them directly from Carousel in Cannington
including new elevated stations at Carlisle
will reopen alongside the Thornlie-Cockburn Link.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe project also removed six level crossings
has been created thanks to the elevation of the five new stations.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe remainder of the Armadale Line will reopen when the elevated Armadale and Byford stations are completed within the next few months.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlso to reopen at the time are the Sherwood
Lendlease’s third residential building in the Collins Wharf precinct of Victoria Harbour.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 28-storey building at 971 Collins Street in Melbourne’s Docklands will deliver 312 homes in a mix of one
two and three-bedroom apartments as well as townhouses and penthouses.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAccording to Lendlease
the project has already secured more than 50 per cent in presales.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHickory is the construction contractor—it completed the precinct’s first development
in 2019 and is also working on LendLease’s second tower
Regatta.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor Ancora
Hickory is implementing several technical construction methods including various piling techniques and precast concrete solutions that enable a parallel-track construction program.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe building’s facade designed by architect Warren and Mahoney uses a three-stage design incorporating double-glazed glass
and textured precast concrete with Reckli and brick finishes.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe structural design transitions from a solid podium base to lighter upper levels
“reflecting a maritime theme” aligned with the Collins Wharf design objectives.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAncora will connect to the neighbouring Regatta development via a podium
allowing resident access to shared amenities.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDesigned as an all-electric building that includes electric vehicle infrastructure
the development is targeting a 5 Star Green Star certification
Completion is expected in 2027.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRegatta
including build-to-rent and build-to-sell units.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eExtensive wharf works
including remediation of pre-existing wharf piles
installation of raker piles and construction of the extension to Australia Walk
are also part of the project.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTechnical challenges include constructing on the finger wharf and co-ordinating extensive above-wharf road reserve and public parkland works.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Collins Wharf precinct will ultimately comprise six residential buildings of more than 1800 homes surrounded by over 5000sq m of parks and community space.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLendlease is developing the parkland concurrently with the residential components
including the extension of Australian Walk that forms part of the City of Melbourne’s Greenline project.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLendlease executive director of development Adam Williams said Collins Wharf “is fast becoming a sought-after address ..
which took just a handful of hours to emerge on Saturday night
the Coalition’s failure to sway voters has
come under intense scrutiny.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIts lack of policies around property that resonated with voters has been a large part of that criticism.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAmong those policies was a $5-billion infrastructure program to unlock up to 500,000 new homes
was greeted with no small amount of scepticism.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Coalition also campaigned on its previously revealed plan to allow first home buyers to draw down on their superannuation
giving access to up to $50,000 to help fund mortgage deposits.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhile that proposal had won some support
it got the thumbs down from many of Australia’s top economists
who said the measure could prove highly inflationary
among other issues.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSimilarly
its plan to allow mortgage interest for first home buyers to be tax-deductible was roundly criticised for its likely inflationary and regressive effects.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt has also been pointed out
that the Coalition’s rejection of the Green’s policies around housing supply
affordable housing and help for renters did it no favours.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe ALP
went to the polls spruiking an extension of schemes introduced during its previous term
including a $10-billion promise for its first-home buyers’ scheme to encourage 100,000 more homes.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt also had its Help to Buy shared equity scheme
under which the Government pays up to 40 per cent of the house price
to point to.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf it was these policies per se
or the lack of detail and depth to the Coalition’s
the nation's ready for the Albanese government to act.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat is clear
been endorsed to follow through on its policies
and fix the crisis that is crippling the Australian property sector.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs Urban Taskforce Australia chief executive\u0026nbsp;Tom\u0026nbsp;Forrest has pointed out
it is time for the Federal Government to get back to work.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Housing affordability and housing supply featured large during the campaign,” Forrest said.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“The key now is for the Government to strike while the iron’s hot.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“If legislation is needed to support the delivery of Labor’s $10-billion
100,000 new homes commitment—then pass it through the parliament now and get on with it.”\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe states have
made many changes to how they enable home development
The Federal Government’s support of that is crucial to its success
material supply assistance or any other factor that affects getting homes out of the ground.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis has been a pivotal election
Then Cities for Total Fan Immersion\",\"slug\":\"billionaire-arsenal-rams-denver-nuggets-sports-anchored-precincts\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-04-30T00:00+10:00\",\"tags\":[],\"summary\":\"Why your next home might be stadium-adjacent; sports are the hook
The Thornlie-Cockburn Link is scheduled to open on Monday
The link creates a direct connection from the Mandurah Line to Optus Stadium for the first time
Passengers previously had to travel to the city centre and change lines
A vital connection as Perth’s suburbs grow
it has been estimated the trip from Nicholson Road Station to the city will take 27 minutes and 31 minutes from Ranford Road Station to the CBD
“Thousands of people in Perth’s south will now
Carlisle TAFE campus and Optus Stadium,” member for Burt and federal defence personnel minister Matt Keogh said
There will also be new and amended bus routes to support the connections from other suburbs to the new stations
The Public Transport Authority is considering community feedback on proposed routes
Finalised routes will be published ahead of the opening in June
The link project used 85,000 sleepers and 180,000 tonnes of gravel to build the 35km of passenger rail and 22km of freight rail
will reopen alongside the Thornlie-Cockburn Link
The project also removed six level crossings
from the Victoria Park and Canning sections of the Armadale Line
has been created thanks to the elevation of the five new stations
The remainder of the Armadale Line will reopen when the elevated Armadale and Byford stations are completed within the next few months
Also to reopen at the time are the Sherwood
The Armadale Line’s reopening is being done in stages due to revised construction schedules for the Metronet Byford Rail Extension
Both the $1.3-billion Metronet Thornlie-Cockburn Link project and the $1.6-billion Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal project are jointly funded by the Federal and Western Australian Governments
Plans for the proposed changes to the Thornlie-Cockburn Link’s supporting bus network have been released
Some new and existing services will link to the Ranford Road and Nicholson Road stations
The new bus services are expected to enhance the existing network coverage and increase service availability in Canning Vale
Thirty-three suburbs will be affected by the proposed changes to bus services
Transperth is currently seeking feedback on the proposed services, with an online survey now available through the Department of Transport’s website at mysaytransport.wa.gov.au
You can also view the proposed changes and bus network maps in further detail on the website
The consultation period closes at 5:00 pm on Monday
This year’s Y WA (formerly YMCA) Youth Parliament representative for Thornlie
a Law and Psychology student at Curtin University and proud lifelong Maddington resident
used his position to advocate for the development of vacant land throughout the Thornlie electorate
As one of 59 young people aged 15 to 25 representing a state electorate
Mr Kunnath engaged with local leaders to explore the challenges facing the electorate
which inspired him to write a Private Members’ Statement speech highlighting the potential of vacant land as a solution to the ongoing housing crisis
He believes Thornlie is a potential goldmine for property developers amid a housing shortage and thinks they’re overlooking valuable opportunities
but our local property developers struggle with infill projects and prefer more affluent regions
This isn’t just bad for our community; it’s bad for developers
“While West Australians suffer from the housing crisis
property developers continue to miss out on the wealth of opportunities Thornlie and its neighbouring suburbs offer.”
Mr Kunnath would like to see more collaboration between the City of Gosnells
and property developers to transform neglected land
such as Maddington Oval and other areas in Thornlie
into vibrant communities that can effectively address pressing housing needs
“I understand that the issue is complex and that there isn’t an easy fix
But it appears there’s no good justification for the extent of unused residential blocks in the beautiful suburb I am lucky to call home,” he said
“How is it that amid a housing crisis
Stretching 150 kilometres along the coast from Two Rocks to Dawesville
Perth’s urban sprawl has earned it the title of the ‘longest city in the world.’
A recent report by the Property Council WA found that the majority of new houses in Perth still continue to be constructed on the urban fringe and that WA has fallen behind in the delivery of new homes
with the shortfall set to increase by a further 25,000 homes by the end of 2027
in regards to the Land Tax Assessment Amendment Bill 2023
spoke passionately about the abundance of vacant land in the local area and suggested the real estate sector may be leading the government astray about the need for more land
“We have land that is 15 kilometres from the CBD that has been lying vacant for literally years,” Mr Tallentire said
heavy infrastructure is all there and ready to go
we have not been able to develop it.”
the property industry is telling us that there is no land and that we need more land supply.”
the State Government announced new reforms aimed at increasing housing supply in WA
which will support the construction of 1,691 apartments across various suburbs
through the $80 million Infrastructure Development Fund
Aiming to ‘unlock lazy land,’ twenty-two new projects will share up to $16.91 million from the Targeted Apartment Rebate stream to facilitate residential development
Last Wednesday Thornlie celebrated with fanfare the 100 years since the Country Women’s Association first made its mark on the Western Australian social landscape
The CWA WA was formed in 1924 in Nungarin as a not-for-profit
volunteer-operated women’s organisation aiming to unite women
and strengthen community through friendship
there’s not a single corner of the state the CWA hasn’t impacted in a meaningful way
The Thornlie branch has been a part of that rich history for 55 of those years
with a current active membership of 20 local women – the most senior member
was acknowledged during the day’s speeches for her role as mentor and friend of the branch’s youngest member
who prides herself on being the official tea lady
When the Thornlie branch was founded in September 1969
the area was a very different place to the bustling residential suburb it is now
the Padbury family’s ‘Thornlie Park’ had begun its transformation from a typically rural area with farmlets
The first 100 homes were constructed in the ‘50s and early ‘60s to the north of the intersection of Thornlie Avenue and Spencer Road
Residences to the south of Thornlie Avenue between Spencer Road and the Canning River were then constructed in the ‘60s and ‘70s
and were sold to city dwellers wanting to stretch out on semi-acreage
Now Thornlie is home to over 25,000 people and is one of the most multicultural places in Australia
The CWA Thornlie’s reach is felt throughout the community via its generous donations
crocheting and sewing items which are then sold at stalls held at Forest Lakes Shopping Centre three times a year
the branch is able to assist other community groups like Shoebox House and Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
and donate beanies to the homeless and knitted items to premature babies at Fiona Stanley Hospital
The branch has also previously made donations to assist the Royal Flying Doctor Service
communities affected by Cyclone Seroja and local bushfire disasters
Thornlie branch president Carlene Wakefield was joined by CWA state president Anne Gething and other state board members
City of Gosnells councillors Dianne Lloyd and David Goode
branch and community members to celebrate the centenary at the branch’s Hume Road Hall home
A Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony conducted by Simon Forrest was followed by performances by the Moorditj Mob dancers from Wesley College’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program and ‘Singing For Fun’ – the local senior choir from the Addie Mills Centre
A commemorative plaque was officially unveiled and a flowering red gum tree donated by the City of Gosnells was also planted in honour of the occasion by state president Anne Gething
Ms Gething was presented with an engraved knife to cut the sumptuous blue and white centenary cake before those in attendance tucked into a mouth-watering morning tea featuring delicacies made using the celebrated ‘CWA Cookery Book and Household Hints’
which has now been in continuous publication for just under 90 years
“Our story is a wonderful tapestry of loyalty
care and resilience,” state president Anne Gething said
“I am frequently stopped by members of the public
how the CWA has made a positive impact in their lives
I stand on the shoulders of predecessors who have empowered women to get involved
to deliver an essential service and sometimes simply to offer a cuppa tea and a place to unwind.”
To honour the occasion and the remarkable history of the organisation
the Thornlie Library was presented with a copy of the recently published ‘Women of Spirit – A Centenary of CWA Stories’
Thornlie Senior High School (TSHS) rolled out the red-carpet last week for former student Caitlin Parker
Australia’s first female boxer to win an Olympic medal
as she returned to her old high school to a hero’s welcome
Parker was thrilled to return to her old stomping ground
and the Mayor of Gosnells while sharing tales of her Olympic adventures in Paris
A question-and-answer session for the entire school was held
where Parker answered questions about her time at Thornlie SHS
“The questions sent in by our students were very impressive
and it is no surprise that Caitlin captivated her audience with inspiring and relatable responses,” a school spokesperson said online
“Thank you for being so generous with your time
Our school and wider community loved spending time with you.”
Parker’s impressive career includes a silver medal in the middleweight event at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games
a record-breaking bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games
During the early stages of her boxing career
Caitlin received support through the City of Gosnells Competition Sponsorship funding program
which assisted her to travel and compete in boxing competitions
Caitlin attended Wirrabirra Primary School and Thornlie Senior High School
where she has since become an inspiration to other students and now the wider community
as highlighted by City of Gosnells Mayor Terresa Lynes
Caitlin has done the City of Gosnells community proud,” Mayor Lynes
who is also the Community Chairperson on the School’s Board
“It was fantastic to see Caitlin back on home turf and hear all about her Olympic achievement in Paris.”
This Western Australian hotspot is proving popular with families for its spacious homes and excellent facilities in the Gosnells area
Thornlie is one of the suburbs listed in Smart Property Investment’s FAST 50 report for 2025
The report and ranking drew on the insights of a 12-strong investment expert panel and recent housing performance drawn from open-source data
which aim to give unparalleled insights into the Australian suburbs that are set for future growth
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Located 15 kilometres south-east of Perth’s central business district
Thornlie is a bustling area which offers affordable suburban comfort alongside strong transport links to the greater metropolitan region
Thornlie has developed in various stages since the first homes were constructed in the 1950s and early 1960s
These earlier properties were aimed at inner city dwellers searching for a more spacious setting
this sentiment being present in Thornlie’s typically large blocks of 700–900 square metres
Thornlie is also home to the Radburn style Crestwood Estate housing development
a unique approach which sees the rear of houses facing towards the street while the front facades face one another over common yards
Crestwood Estate was described by original Radburn architect Clarence Stein as the first perfect Radburn scheme in the world which led to the community receiving international recognition that continues to this day
the Castle Glen and Forest Lake housing estates have primarily focused on providing affordable housing for young families and other new home buyers
Thornlie very much embodies a family-focused approach in containing a number of education facilities such as its own TAFE location
The area also contains a number of recreational areas such as Thornlie Park
and a variety of playground equipment suited for all ages
the Hume Road Wildlife Reserve contains a scenic walking trail displaying the diverse flora and fauna that call the bushland home
Thornlie enjoys strong transport links with the Albany Highway connecting the suburb to the CBD and the Roe Highway linking it to the greater regional road network
With the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia data showing Thornlie’s mere 10-day median leasing time to be among the fastest in Western Australia last year
Thornlie is only going to become increasingly popular with savvy investors
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The wet weather didn’t deter City of Gosnells locals
with 89 volunteers enthusiastically braving the rain to plant approximately 5000 native plants at Tom Bateman Wetland in Thornlie on the weekend
which was run in partnership with the Armadale Gosnells Landcare Group
was held on Sunday from 9am to 12pm and saw many locals joining like-minded people doing their bit for the environment
City of Gosnells mayor Terresa Lynes said she was thrilled by the turnout for the event
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together to do something positive for the environment,” she said
“It was fantastic to see such great support for this event.”
Some Thornlie residents have been left feeling exposed and have raised significant privacy concerns as the true scale of the pedestrian footbridge over the Thornlie to Cockburn train and freight line becomes apparent
The footbridge is replacing the previous pedestrian street-level crossing and will serve as a safe passage between Elliot Place and Cameron Street
allowing pedestrians and cyclists to cross over the tracks once again
With the ramp to the footbridge just metres from their back fence
local resident Margaret Murphy is concerned their privacy will be completely gone once the bridge is complete
and she believes she isn’t alone in her worries
“We’ve been discussing it with neighbours at the moment
I don’t think a lot of them fully comprehended or were fully aware of its true size,” she said
which is not going to probably happen because it’s already installed
so we’re sort of looking at what solutions we can come up with.”
A spokesperson for METRONET said the project received considerable community support
and public consultation with locals will continue as it progresses
local residents had the opportunity to comment on the design of the footbridge
privacy concerns were taken on board and addressed with 2.4-metre-high screens on the ramps,” they said
“This is higher than the usual 1.6 metres and will block people being able to view into properties while using the footbridge.”
Ms Murphy said she is not confident the screens will effectively block the view into her yard and is requesting a community meeting with the METRONET team to discuss her concerns
and we’re still going to have to look at it,” she said
“We really need to sit down and work out what’s going to be the best outcome for all of us.”
METRONET reviewed the planned footbridge to assess its necessity
in response to questions in Parliament from Thornlie MP Chris Tallentire
Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti confirmed that the pedestrian crossing would indeed proceed as planned
Tallentire believes that the benefits of the pedestrian bridge outweigh any negatives
especially those with properties adjoining the crossing area
were overwhelmingly supportive of the bridge project that removes the need for trains to sound their sirens at each crossing
including in the middle of the night.”
“With correctly angled louver side panels
it will be possible to ensure pedestrian bridge users can’t see into backyards.”
UPDATE: The bird has now been found and safely returned to Birdman
Local legend Joel “Birdman” Cornwall is pleading for the return of his beloved yellow-crested cockatoo
“Sweetheart,” who went missing on Thursday
and is offering a significant reward for her safe recovery
Joel is a cherished figure across the WA community
where he shares his birds and dedicates his time to helping those in need by distributing fresh produce and hosting community cook-ups
funded by just donations from the birds and his disability pension
sweetheart,” climbed out of a window at Birdman’s home on McNamara Drive in Thornlie sometime between 8am and 4pm while he was in Bentley Hospital for X-rays and evaluations ahead of an upcoming operation
Birdman said the loss of Sweetheart has left a void that’s weighing heavily on his mental and emotional health
and the birds offer him a sense of purpose and companionship
“I use the birds to help raise funds
care for them and feed people for free from the Canning Vale Market,” he said
“Doing that and having self-worth and the self-need keeps me up and running.”
Sweetheart can’t fly and has only ever walked a couple of houses away
so he believes someone may have taken the bird for its monetary value
“She has occasionally gone walkabout
but she normally just stays in the yard and goes up the trees,” Birdman said
but I couldn’t as I was going to hospital
so she’s gone looking for me while I was away
I believe that’s what’s happened again; however
someone’s come along and picked her up.”
Birdman regularly visits local soup kitchens
and community centres to share the fresh produce he has purchased
offering support to those who are struggling
including the homeless in the South Beach community and beyond
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the community
Birdman was named the City of Gosnells 2019 Community Citizen of the Year
Birdman said everyone in his community is heartbroken about Sweetheart being taken
as he doesn’t own her; the community does
so there are hundreds of people out there just mourning her not being around.”
so I’m reaching out big time.”
If you believe you may have seen Sweetheart or know of her whereabouts
please reach out to ‘Canning Vale Birdman’ on Facebook or contact Examiner Newspapers