Your browser is not supported. Upgrade to a different browser to experience this site Western Australia has recorded 17 measles cases since 19 March 2025 Measles cases have been active in the community.  Measles typically develops around 10 days after being exposed to the virus but this can vary from 7 to 18 days.  Measles is highly infectious and can spread via airborne droplets to people close by (e.g Droplets in the air may still infect people entering a room up to 30 minutes after an infected person has left it If someone not already immune to measles visited an exposure location during the specified dates and times below they are advised to monitor for symptoms between 7 to 18 days after the visit Persons who have received two measles vaccinations and those born before 1966 are considered immune to measles There is no ongoing risk of measles at these locations Several countries around the world are experiencing measles outbreaks. People travelling to these countries are at risk if they do not have immunity to the measles virus. See smartraveller.gov.au for more information on risk of infectious diseases for Australians overseas Anyone who has visited the following locations during the days/times listed should be vigilant for symptoms of measles People with measles usually feel very unwell People with measles are usually infectious (able to pass on the virus to others) from one day before their symptoms start and for four days after their rash appears Anyone who attended the exposure sites during the listed dates and times may have been exposed to measles and should monitor for symptoms from 7 to 18 days after attending that location People with measles typically develop symptoms around 10 days (range 7-18 days) after being exposed to the virus Anyone who develops symptoms of measles should put on a mask isolate and seek medical care to be tested for measles Before visiting a general practice clinic or emergency department Anyone concerned they may have measles and require medical advice after hours can contact healthdirect on 1800 022 222 The general public are urged to stay up to date with their vaccinations People born after 1965 should make sure they have had two documented doses of a measles-containing vaccine at some stage in their life Anyone planning overseas travel should see their general practitioner or a travel doctor to discuss appropriate vaccinations prior to travel Health professionals should be alert for measles particularly among returned overseas travellers – ensure all staff have a high index of suspicion for measles in patients presenting with a febrile rash General practices and emergency departments should: Free MMR vaccines are available to people susceptible to measles even if they are not eligible for Medicare Serology is not required before vaccinating Anyone planning overseas travel should ensure they are up to date with all routine vaccinations and consider receiving additional travel vaccinations Police have charged a 38-year-old man after another man was allegedly found lying on the front lawn of a home in Busselton overnight The incident left a man fighting for his life police were called to Simon Street where a 38-year-old man was located on the front verge of a residence with life-threatening injuries,” said a police spokesperson “The injured man was taken by St John WA to Bunbury Hospital and has since been transferred by medical helicopter to Royal Perth Hospital.”                                       advertisement Detectives from Busselton arrested a man aged thirty-eight at a West Busselton home on Thursday morning including two charges of having possession of illegal drugs The man was denied bail and faces the Bunbury Magistrates Court today You must be logged in to post a comment WAMN ESHOP Dismiss Sign up to receive the Gourmet Traveller newsletter and offers we choose to share with you straight to your inbox  By joining, you agree to our Privacy Policy & Terms of Use The longest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere: for generations of (West) Australians these were the attractions that visitors associated with the regional hub of Busselton One thing that Busso wasn’t known for considering the city’s proximity to Margaret River and other winemaking regions That changed in January with the arrival of South West Wine Shop a bright and breezy wine bar and bottle shop attached to the Parker Group’s sprawling modern drinking hole this is a fine place to show a wine rack some love Whether you’re chasing hard-to-find bottes from local vignerons – Trait Wines Lillian and Battles are among the small-scale regional producers the shop champions – or benchmarks from further afield the shelves and fridges here are all-killer (We also dig the raffish handwritten notes affixed to bottles: think bon mots along the lines of “get this before we drink it all” and “life’s not fair but at least we have Sancerre” and other examples of the joyous attitude group wine director Cyndal Petty has towards vino.) But the real fun happens when you keep your party in-house crisply designed space maximises that west coast sun and offers a variety of places to settle in Couples perch side-by-side on stools in the window Bigger groups gather around both sides of the marble counter Winos will want to sit as close to cheery shop manager Hayley Ward as possible Previously in charge of the Vasse Felix cellar door Ward has the know-how and repartee to recommend the right drink for guests time after time whether they’re thinking glass or bottle Polished pub cooking care of Brendan Pratt – another Vasse Felix alum – is another compelling reason to stick around they’ve whittled down Busselton Pavilion’s main menu into a wine-sympathetic carte highlighting finger-friendly snacks (prawn toast French onion dip) and meals-for-one (cheeseburger roast chicken roll) that make sticking around for one more far too easy Weekly Friday night tastings and monthly wine club evenings offer further excuses to plot return visits this contemporary enoteca isn’t the first place in Busselton to have tried championing wine But thanks to some polished execution and Busso entering its new-tourism-hotspot era – the city now boasts a shiny new Hilton hotel and direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne – South West Wine Shop looks like it’s going to be around for both a good time as well as a long time busseltonpavilion.com.au/south-west-wine-shop Gourmet Traveller is Australia’s trusted authority on food bringing the latest news and trends to life through quality journalism enticing recipes and evocative photography it has been inspiring and informing Australians with the best in cooking Our critics bring the expertise of years of critical eating as the country’s leading title in the luxury sector Gourmet Traveller works closely with Australia’s leaders in the travel and hospitality industries to give our readers exclusive access The Gourmet Traveller legacy is one of trust This is probably not the page you’re looking for WA recorded three new measles cases on Sunday.  (Supplied: WA Health) Two new cases of measles have been identified at Bunbury Regional Hospital, and another at a prison. The original source of the outbreak, which has grown to eight cases, has not yet been identified WA Health Department expects cases will grow in the coming days. Link copiedShareShare articleWestern Australia's measles outbreak has grown to eight confirmed cases, with authorities warning the number will likely continue to grow. Three more cases were confirmed by the Department of Health's acting director of communicable diseases, Paul Effler, on Sunday. Two of those cases were from the Bunbury Regional Hospital exposure site, joining two previously confirmed cases in health care workers. The other new case has been confirmed in one of the state's prisons. Hakea Prison in Perth and Bunbury Regional Prison were both on the list of exposure sites. "We had several more confirmed cases over the weekend which isn't completely surprising," Dr Effler said. Bunbury hospital has recorded measles cases. (ABC South West: Anthony Pancia) Dr Effler said the number of cases was expected to grow in coming days. "The bad news is that measles is really infectious, in fact it may be the most infectious disease known to humans," he said. "But the good news is that it's totally preventable. "Our immunisation rates are really high at about 90 per cent but because measles is so infectious, you need to have about 95 per cent of people fully vaccinated." He said people aged between 30 and 60 years old should check their vaccination history to make sure they have had two rounds of the measles vaccine. The number of measles cases related to a recent WA outbreak is expected to grow. (ABC News: James Carmody) The original source of the outbreak has not yet been identified, Dr Effler said the timeline of when symptoms appeared meant it would be a challenge. "People are infectious to others the day before they realise they are getting sick, and then they are infectious for the entire time before they develop the rash," Dr Effler said. Paul Effler says he is not surprised by the new cases as measles is highly infectious. (ABC News: Abby Richards) He said most people who became infected would not need medical help due to the high vaccination rate in the community. "But for some people the infection in their lungs can be so serious they can have difficulty breathing," he said. Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare The Department of Health has listed more than 40 exposures sites across Perth and the South West in the past three weeks. Dr Effler said there was no need for people to fear the locations. "When we list the exposure suites it isn't the place which is contaminated," he said. "People don't need to fear going to those grocery stores, GP clinics or hospitals based on those prior exposures. "Once that infectious individual has left the area, within 30 minutes or so the is no longer a risk." 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) There are fears WA could be on the cusp of its worst measles outbreak in five years.  (Supplied: WA Department of Health) So far in 2025, WA has had three measles notifications — already half the number recorded last year.  Cases linked to Hakea Prison have caused delays to proceedings in Perth's District Court in recent days. Senior medical advisor from the WA Department of Health Dr Paul Effler urged people to get vaccinated against the disease.  Link copiedShareShare articleWestern Australia could be on track for its worst outbreak of measles in the past five years, as infections in Hakea Prison cause chaos in the courts and the list of exposure sites grows. The state has recorded three cases of the highly contagious disease this year just three months in, and that figure is already half the total count in 2023 and 2024. Health departments around the country are warning Australians to be alert for symptoms of measles as concerns grow about a rise in cases amid declining vaccination rates. It adds to a growing tally of measles cases around the country, with more than 30 confirmed so far, mostly in New South Wales and Victoria. It would be WA's worst year since 2020, when there were four notifications of the disease, if the spread continues at its current rate. A case of the potentially deadly illness was recorded on Thursday at Bunbury Regional Hospital. Senior medical advisor from the WA Department of Health Paul Effler said the infection was linked to an outbreak at Hakea Prison in Perth's south-east suburbs, where people awaiting court appearances are held in custody. "It was actually a prisoner that was being treated at the hospital that was the likely exposure for the case associated with Bunbury hospital," he said. "There's a couple cases related to the Hakea exposure right now and others are under investigation." There have been cases of the measles detected at Hakea Prison in recent days. (Supplied: Office of the Inspector of Custodial Services) WA Health confirmed one case at the male prison on Tuesday and assured staff had "well-practised" systems and protocols to manage these types of outbreaks. The Health Department said it was helping the Department of Justice to offer vaccines to prisoners and staff who weren't already protected. It was heard in a WA District Court trial on Thursday that two of the accused are suspected to have measles and the trial, which had already started, was unable to continue this week. A decision will be made on Monday whether that trial can go ahead depending on the health of the accused. Court proceedings in WA have been delayed because of a measles outbreak at Hakea Prison. (ABC News: Glyn Jones) Another Hakea inmate was unable to attend a hearing in a separate case, with the court hearing he was in isolation. Most older Australians contracted measles as a child and are now immune for life, but those born after 1994 need two doses of the vaccine to be highly protected. It's those aged between 30 and 60 who have only received one vaccine that are susceptible, health experts say. Dr Effler said all the cases in WA this year have been within that age bracket. The Australian Medical Association said its concern about measles has increased amid a growing outbreak in the United States. "Measles is a really deadly illness," AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said. According to government statistics, the US had recorded 378 confirmed cases and two deaths this year, as of March 20. Dr Effler said the disease also circulates Asia. "When we get cases introduced from overseas, they usually don't spread very widely, because the vaccine coverage is so good," he said. Dr Paul Effler says the measles vaccine is highly effective.  (ABC News: Abby Richards  ) "Measles is so infectious, it's the most infectious disease known to humans. "But there's a very effective vaccine available." Epidemiologist Raina MacIntyre said vaccine hesitancy is likely contributing to the rise in cases across the country. "The issue is we've had a falling rate of vaccination," she said. "Our childhood vaccination rates have dropped from about 94 per cent to 91 per cent. "That's part of a worldwide trend we've seen after the COVID pandemic of increasing vaccine hesitancy. "It is a real problem because it makes us vulnerable to these outbreaks." Doctors are worried about declining rates of flu vaccination. (Reuters: Valentin Flauraud) Doctors in Australia are worried vaccine fatigue and misinformation may be contributing to a drop in flu vaccinations this year. Federal government data revealed a 15 per cent drop in flu vaccines in 2024 compared to the previous year. Dr McMullen said it's concerning after the northern hemisphere experience a "horror" season this winter. "It's a huge drop. We've seen that right around the country and across all age groups," she said.  "We had seen an increase in vaccination rates during COVID when everyone was worried about respiratory illness, but we can't afford to see that drop. "The protection only does last a season, and it also gets updated every year to match the strains that are circulating around." Two cities in Western Australia’s south-west have been named as the top growing regional areas across the country Busselton and Bunbury topped the charts as the top five regional towns where house prices reached record highs It follows the launch of direct flights from Sydney to Busselton earlier this year Play Duration: 4 minutes 55 seconds4m 55sBrought to you by Busselton in WA's South West has had a reputation in the past for being a sleepy coastal city where people move to retire. But it looks like that could be changing as the city tops the list as WA's fastest selling place in the State in the June quarter. According to REIWA, young people are flocking to the sea-side city but as the community there grapples with a housing crisis, is it pushing locals out? REIWA Vice President Joe White spoke to Dominique Bayens The South West city of Busselton is beginning to attract a younger demographic(ABC South West: Anthony Pancia) Download the ABC listen app to text and call your favourite live radio 5 May 2025The West Australian exclusiveBusselton Pavilion: New gastropub distillery and wine shop the latest addition to booming seaside city Main Image: The exterior of Busselton Pavilion Now the joke is on anyone that still considers Busso “sleepy” The town is bustling with the population booming by four per cent each year and tourism also on the rise thanks to direct flights from Melbourne Flights from Sydney to Busselton Margaret River Airport are due to begin in March with connections to South-East Asia rumoured to follow The Hilton Garden Inn Busselton has welcomed its first guests and there’s talk of a second hotel chain to further boost accommodation options for a city that attracted close to half-a-million domestic travellers in 2022 Credit: Mogens Johansen/The West AustralianHospitality has been going gangbusters with Shelter Brewing Co opening in late 2020 and Rocky Ridge’s taproom sating craft beer lovers alongside The Fire Station Camera IconFood at the acclaimed Alberta’s: Venus clams crispy salchi bosque & toasted Goodies grain bread Credit: Instagram/InstagramTwo former key staff at Copenhagen’s legendary Noma restaurant opened upmarket café Alberta’s on the main drag French creperie Bistro Breton and recently launched Middle Eastern restaurant Inara pieces in the puzzle is Busselton Pavilion the 500-capacity gastropub with a bottle shop restaurant and alfresco area due to open January 17 Tourism WA managing director Carolyn Turnbull describes Busselton as the “gateway” to the South West adding that most travellers visit the region for food and wine “The Pavilion will be a fantastic addition to Busselton’s diverse hospitality scene contributing to the city’s charm and offering a unique new precinct for residents and visitors,” Turnbull says as Busseltonians will surely anoint the venue whose Parker Group owns The Standard in Northbridge The Royal in Perth and Dandelion at Karrinyup Shopping Centre A New Zealander by birth and publican by heritage Parker says he was approached by Australian Unity the landlords of Busselton Central Shopping Centre — the gastropub dominates the north-east corner of the retail complex the affable 49-year-old father of three boys says he was looking for a new pub outside of Perth but was thinking of opening something in Melbourne Camera IconRocky Ridge’s Hamish Coates pours a Rock Juice V8.5 Credit: Sarah KellyThe better weather and more relaxed lifestyle of the South West plus the direct flights and airport expansion suggested Busselton could become a food hub akin to Victoria’s Yarra Valley “I love Melbourne,” Parker says after an exclusive tour of the 1000sqm venue “I love to visit but I don’t want to spend more than a few days there because the weather is s…house With a little innovation and a strong food and beverage offering the canny operator says the Pavilion can be at the forefront of Busso’s emerging nighttime economy He adds that the venue will put “locals first” but cater to tourists “We’re calling it a gastropub because food is very important,” Parker adds “And we call it a pub because it’s relaxed “All the locals I’ve met have been super friendly and very relaxed and been so welcoming — it’s great.” Busselton Pavilion is certainly light and bright with a large island bar dominating the main indoor area that flows around to the restaurant zone mezzanine level and a corner destined to host a pool table Camera IconThe exterior of Busselton Pavilion Credit: Duncan WrightThe large kitchen features a French-made Rotisol rotisserie while another corner will be home to the German-made Carl Still that is still en route from Europe they’ll use spirits made at Dandelion for cocktails The other entrance to the Pav will be via the South West Wine Shop a side venue designed not only for takeaway and bottle sales (with corkage) but also tastings and masterclasses The enoteca is a big point of difference in a venue that has gone at least 30 per cent over budget for Parker the poker-faced publican is not letting on He does share that he consulted his Kiwi cousin Brendon Parker — a mentor figure Parker describes as “like a big brother” — before diving into the Busselton project “He said ‘some people get a window of opportunity in their lives I reckon you’re in that window’,” Parker recalls “I’m feeling like I’m in the best possible headspace I’m feeling very clear of mind and in a good spot.” While he is a very hands-on — he designed the bottle racks in the wine shop — Parker decided he needed to build a “very strong team” of “amazing using hospitality folks with connections to the South West as well as fresh energy and ideas Camera IconBusselton Pavilion's : Kevin Clark group cocktail co-ordinator and former marine scientist Elise Godwin wants to start simple “then grow and change with what people want” In addition to venue managing South Fremantle favourite Wild in the Street which Parker sold so he could concentrate on The Royal her mate from the Margaret River Single Malt Club who boasts 25 years’ experience behind bars and as a sales rep for giants Suntory and Diageo Clark is keen to make vermouth and apple brandy (the latter using Donnybrook apples) and work with the kitchen to make delicious cocktails “The opportunities here in the South West are huge in terms of produce,” he says Likewise wine director Cyndal Petty wants the South West Wine Shop to reflect the variety and quality of the region The dynamic Melburnian started a four-year chef’s apprenticeship when she was 15 before falling in love with “the romantic side of wine” who now lives “around the corner” from the venue and has international experience looking after wine lists aims to make Busselton Pavilion’s cellar “eclectic” — a mix of smaller winemakers “We want to reflect every category of what the South West does,” she says The final piece of Parker’s team is arguably the most vital; award-winning Parker Group creative culinary director Brendan Pratt who will work with head chef Josh Decaen (ex-Wild Hop) to launch the Pav’s first menus “I’ve always admired JP’s approach to hospitality and the venues he’s created,” Pratt says during a chat in the wine shop After six years as head chef at Vasse Felix he left the winery in early 2023 to open drive-thru café Coffee Heads near where he lives in Vasse “There was a bit of a void in my creative aspect where I was hungry for more,” explains Pratt will be key to the tucker at Busselton Pavilion Camera IconBusselton Pavilion's Cyndal Petty Credit: Duncan WrightA sneak peek at the opening menu revealed whole local squid cooked on the rotisserie There’s cheeseburgers and schnitzels alongside a marron sambo (“a bit like a lobster roll plus anchovy donuts especially for folks in the wine shop Godwin describes Busselton Pavilion as an “all-in-one” venue while Clark says the pub is a “nice addition to what is already available in Busselton Parker backs his team to impress locals and banks on tourism to skyrocket in the next few years “I imagine next summer is going to be huge,” he says All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThis year the school celebrates 50 years since it first welcomed students through the front doors back in 1965 To mark their golden anniversary the school will take a step back in time with displays of local and world history from the last five decades There will be an assembly at the school from 2pm on Friday October 23 which will be followed by a social function for past staff at 5pm On Saturday October 24 an open day will be held at the school from 10am to 1pm with food stalls and a time capsule display from the year 2000 The faculty at West Busselton Primary School would like to invite all past students and parents to attend the events and help them celebrate their 50th anniversary Brothers Zack and Jonte Hatton are third generation students at West Busselton said their grandfather was one of the first children to attend the school “Our grandfather is 56 years old and our dad came to the school too,” they said “Our grandfather told us when he was a student at West Busselton he didn’t wear a uniform or hat and would often go to school in bare feet.” We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy Busselton is a southwest holiday fave for many West Aussies and international travellers alike From adventure to chill and everything in between no matter the type of holiday you are looking for Busso has got you covered – read on for some top tips for the best things to do in Busselton: Easily the most iconic part of Busselton, this 154-year-old jetty stretches out an impressive 1,941 metres has become an institution in this south west town You can walk or catch a solar-powered train brush up on history in the museum or even take a yoga class you can go to the Underwater Observatory where eight metres below the ocean’s surface you can view all the coral fish and invertebrates in their natural habitat The Busselton foreshore is a buzzing hub full of awesome hang out areas delicious restaurants and beautiful costal views wind powered lights and water refill stations The beach in the area is famous for swimming due to its sheltered conditions so you can float away without fear of being barrelled over Just east of Busselton lies the Vasse-Wonnerup Wetlands an area that also happens to be one of the most important waterbird habitats in the State It’s filled with some beautiful walking trails for keen bird spotters out there along with some spectacular wildflowers in Spring 20km stretch of forest tucked between the Bussell Hwy and the ocean is home to thousands of majestic (and massive) tuart trees – special to the area on account of being the only eucalypt that can grow in limestone soils Even given the region’s hectic logging history it now remains as as the largest forest of pure tuart in the world filled with the beautiful trees along with some special wildlife like WA’s largest remaining wild population of the endangered western ringtail possum which you might be able to spot if you jump on the Possum Spotlighting Trail history buffs would do well to stop in at Busselton Museum located in the old Heritage Butter Factory and filled with photos equipment and other memorabilia offering an in-depth snapshot of Busselton’s past And finally a must-do on any Busselton trip is to stop in at Busselton’s cultural hub, the ArtGeo Cultural Complex The stunningly restored heritage-listed buildings of the Old Courthouse and ArtGeo Gallery will give you plenty to explore for a morning filled with Federation architecture and furniture over a hundred years old You can even explore the old gaol cells before marvelling at the exhibitions on display in the ArtGeo Gallery Forest Adventures Park is nestled in the Ludlow Tuart Forrest and is packed with awesome activities for everyone Glide on more than 500m of flying fox runs bike ride along narrow bridges and push yourself to the limits base jumping at this course You can even take a unicycle joyride through the southwest forest and with 6 courses to choose from you’ll have nothing short of a good time If you really want to be a true iron man (which is held in Busselton btw) The concrete pathway stretches some impressive 23km from Busselton to Dunsborough and takes you all the way along the stunning coastline Not for the faint-hearted but definitely rewarding whales herd to Geographe Bay for breeding season Book a tour with All Sea Charters to catch these big guys waving their tails playing with their calves and rolling around in pods If you’re religious or have an appreciation for history, old buildings and architecture; be sure to visit St Mary’s Church while you’re in Busselton Built from limestone and jarrah in the 1840s by early settlers It was consecrated in 1848 and is still used as a place of worship today If you’re looking for a fun activity to fill your day, checkout Busselton Archery Park where you can try your luck with a bow and arrow Whether you’re an experienced archer or have never seen a real bow and arrow before 10 or 15 targets and you can choose from three distances to have a go at there’s also a shaded mini-golf course featuring nine holes that you can try your hand at Speaking of mini golf – for a relaxed day out, head down to Par 3 Situated on the historic Old Broadwater Farm this spot has a 9-hole par 3 course and an 18-hole newly constructed mini-golf course you’ll find some fun on this stunning course that winds through an array of native peppermint trees For an interesting activity, checkout South West Eco Discoveries who offer an educational Nocturnal Animal Tour Depart Busselton on a 2-hour evening tour where you’ll get to see and learn about a variety of bush creatures including the critically endangered Woylies (Brush-tailed Bettongs) You can even arrange your own private tour or charter Situated just outside of Busselton is the Discover Deadly Education Centre and as the name suggests this place will provide you with the chance to observe more than 30 different species of deadly creatures and creepy crawlers; including reptiles a stop in at Hobo Jack’s in Busselton is an absolute must your “pop in” may last for hours as you sift your way through Hobo Jack’s extensive library of books Almost as iconic the Busselton’s Jetty, Hillzeez is THE surf shop of down south Family-owned and operated for over 30 years they’ve got it all when it comes to surfing and skating stop in and grab a sticker to pop on your car and at least pretend you’re a local while you’re down there While it’s hard to top Bunbury Farmers Market on any down south strip, if you want to skip the cues pop down to Origins Market in Busselton for a great market-going experience It’s home an ever-growing community of WA’s best makers and you’ll enjoy a delightful morning or afternoon exploring them all Busselton’s new outdoor amphitheatre hosts a range of seasonal festivals and performances including the Busselton Jazz Festival and Family Fun Day. Events are largely held during the summer months and lots of them are free entry. Have a look at what’s on when via the Busselton City Events Calendar Mano Wraps has started to amass somewhat of a cult following within Busselton with the corner store pumping out filling savoury wraps and sweet crepes There’s plenty of flavour combinations to choose from including vegetarian and kids options plus you can add or takeaway just about anything from your wrap made with delicious and nutritious buckwheat flour For a delicious breakfast or lunch to start your morning, checkout this Instagrammable café serving up modern Australian cuisine for dine-in or takeaway This aesthetic spot is full of greenery and provides an open vibe and generous portions but get in early as it tends to fill up quickly All Busso adventures should start with great coffee, and The Good Egg source their’s from Freo’s finest – Micrology Roasters and The Good Egg’s rotating seasonal menu is not only delicious it has a huge selection vegan and gluten free options to boot 5% of all The Good Egg’s profits go towards cancer research Not far behind for healthy goodness is Urban Coffee House a few streets back from the main drag but worth seeking out A popular spot for brunch and lunch along with brekky they also have a massive selection for whatever dietary requirements you have If you’re really chasing a carbo load before exploring the southwest hook into one of their gluten free beef or vegetarian lasagnes Another awesome spot just a little further south along Bussell Hwy, rise&co have a huge breakfast menu along with a few lunch specials that go down a treat If you’re in need of some bread for your Busselton stay head here for a freshly baked loaf and you won’t be disappointed For something a little different, Bistro Breton‘s take on French crêpes are incroyable with their very nice savoury options matched only by an alluring array of very naugty sweet ones And gluten free folks fear not – all crêpes are made from buckwheat flour No trip to Busselton happens without a trip to Cod Rocks for some fish and chips Grab a greasy bag and a couple of tubs or tartare and set yourself up along shoreline as you soak up the wonders of Geographe Bay If you love a good burger as much as we do, Burger Bones is your go-to spot – their mouth-watering fresh burgers are made from locally sourced ingredients and are sure to satisfy They’ve got classic menu options offering a burger for every craving and they also mix it up with some specials based on whatever seasonal produce they manage to get their hands on This big, beautiful brewery is situated near the famous Busselton Jetty and has been serving up some great eats from their seasonal menus Peruse their selection of unique brews and sit back in the arvo with a beer in hand while you overlook views of the bay; or pop down in the morning and grab yourself a coffee and a bagel for the best brekky start to your day Busselton Pavilion has been a hotly anticipated addition to the regions drinking and dining scene nautical-inspired venue has some serious talent in the kitchen and turns out contemporary pub dishes and more refined fare alongside a long drinks list wit plenty of local influence wines and delicious cocktails made to order The venue also has a wine store with over 150 bottles to choose from for takeaway or in-house enjoyment Inara brings a taste of the Middle East to Busselton set within a warm and inviting restaurant setting Owners Daniel and Joanna Johnson want diners to delight in the smells and tastes the Levant and they’ve curated an experience that does just that with a polished dining space and a menu that boasts rich and robust share plates The menu is peppered with local produce including vegetables while the wine list boasts plenty of local goodies too Banksia Tavern is Busselton’s answer to the elevated pub diner The space is modest but there’s so much to take in across the modern Australian menu south west-centric drinks list and the hif-fi system complete with record player and guest DJs This is a tavern that leaves behind the smokers section and TAB low lights and relaxed but attentive service This is Australia’s first Certified Sustainable & Carbon Neutral Brewery and they are passionate about providing great beer, supporting local and environmental friendliness. Stop into this family-owned business and enjoy a brew from one of their 25 options on tap or if wine is more your style you can even do some wine tasting For a laid-back vibe, a cold beer and a great feed stop in at the Ship Inn this is one of the oldest pubs in Busselton and a local favourite a beer garden with a play area for the kids a lounge and a sports bar – plus they’re pet friendly so you can even bring your doggies with you Since their opening last year, Alberta’s has been offering up exquisite food in the most perfect brunch spot Run by former head chef and head gardener at Noma Copenhagen This little kitchen and store oozes warmth and comfort and its walls are adorned with a couple of abstract paintings and greenery to set the vibe For all the rooftop bar lovers, Busselton’s first rooftop beer garden at Hally’s should take your fancy This gorgeous venue offers a chilled-out atmosphere and boasts a beer garden you’re sorted whether you’re catching sun rays from the rooftop bar or indulging in an intimate dining experience in the restaurant They also host regular live music and open mic nights This beach bar and kitchen is an OG and has been situated on the Foreshore for more than 18 years as a go-to spot for both locals and travellers. The stunning location overlooks the waterfront and their tasty dishes never disappoint. After the building burnt down in 2021, they have worked hard on a rebuild which finally finished up in 2023 Delicious, hearty mediterranean meals served straight from the oven with love, Al Forno’s pizza and pasta options are molto bene! Part of the southwest’s charm is the hospitality you’ll find in the right places, and Al Forno is filled with friendly faces – and as a result full tables, so make sure you book ahead If you’re chasing some more metropolitan, neighbourhood small bar vibes then slide down the pole and straight into the Fire Station – it’s a red hot fave of just about everyone down south With a focus on craft beer and natty wines they’ve got a ripper food menu that’ll lock you in for hours We recommend one of their huge pizzas or a few sneaky bao buns enjoyed best in the sun or their shaded courtyard area A Busselton institution for decades, Vasse Tavern offers a food menu with no fuss parmis and pasta – best washed down with an icy cold pint from their solid 16-tap selection Another no frills Busselton bar and bistro, Albies is the place to go if you like to watch your sport while bending the elbow They’re no slouch when it comes to food either with some great daily lunch specials and a secret weapon that locals and visitors swear by – the Seafood Pie While Busselton has a few southeast Asian options throughout its relatively small town, if it’s Indian your chasing then it’s worth seeking out the hidden gem that is Navratna while the prices are definitely not down south-sized Similar to Navaratna there’s no shortage of great Thai options around Busso, but Thai Lemongrass is a strong contender for best on ground and they might just be rocking the best Pad Thai in the southwest Gelato Buonissimo is an award-winning ice creamery a family owned and run business that has fellow ice cream lovers queuing It’s not uncommon for it to be so busy they run out of favourite flavours a true testament to the Italian gelato specialists It’s also just an insanely cute little shop to pop into In the early afternoon head to The Equinox, the pub with the million-dollar views – and to be fair slightly higher prices to match Relax as the sun sets over the ocean whilst feasting on creamy garlic prawns and a glass of red originating from the Margaret River Region Blair and Ashton with chaplain Linda Rooney who retired on Friday.Hundreds of students at West Busselton Primary School lined the streets on Friday to bid farewell to their beloved chaplain Linda Rooney All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueMs Rooney has had a big impact on the school community where she was employed as a YouthCARE school chaplain for the past three years She has been instrumental in establishing the school's breakfast club and offering support to students who were facing all kinds of hardship in different areas of their life Ms Rooney said she felt very honoured and overwhelmed to have such a send off on Friday "I would not have made the decision if it had not been for COVID "I have weeped and weeped since I made a decision to resign and had many dark nights of the soul." West Busselton Primary School principal Jamie Adair said it felt like Ms Rooney had been at the school much longer because of all the great things she had done and Linda's legacy will be that a lot of the work she has done will remain at the school and that it continues," he said "You could see from the reaction of the students The YouthCARE school chaplain program has been supported by the City of Busselton for 10 years mental and spiritual support services to students There are currently six YouthCARE chaplains in the Busselton region providing chaplaincy services to seven schools The biggest topics of conversation for students with a chaplain were peer relationships This support helps students achieve their potential both academically and in their social and family lives The chaplains are qualified and trained to deliver a large number of proactive and preventative programs as well as one-on-one pastoral conversations Breakfast club is one of the biggest programs run in WA state schools Journalist for the Busselton Mail, Australian Community Media, and Fairfax Media. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time Neighbours of a public housing home in West Busselton are frustrated by the "unkempt" state of the house on their street after it was left trashed by its last tenants and rubbish littered the property with items sprawled across the front lawn and backyard including a destroyed bicycle which had been hung from a tree out the front of the home Junk and debris was left littering the yard when tenants vacated the property Neighbour Steve Sewell said it was unacceptable the tenants were allowed to live in the home in such an unkempt state and it was frustrating the Department of Communities did not conduct more regular inspections “It is a typical case of the department not doing their job it is the only house which has not been looked after in the whole street Neighbours complained about the tenants in the lead-up to the tenants leaving Mr Sewell said several complaints had been made to the department against the tenants including the number of people who lived at the home “If they were having regular house inspections obtained by the Busselton Mail from the Minister for Housing’s office about the property stated the department expected public housing tenants to maintain properties to a standard consistent with the community stated routine inspections were conducted at the property from 2016 to 2018 and the department found the property to be neat tidy and undamaged with no cause for concern “The department does not consider that the property would require significant maintenance work that is beyond general wear and tear should it become vacant in the future,” the letter stated Department of Communities acting assistant director general regional and remove service delivery Brad Jolly said inspections for public housing were conducted annually or more frequently if a problem was identified inspections are conducted shortly after and any cleaning and maintenance works will generally be completed within 28 days,” he said “The department does not condone tenants damaging properties Where damage can be attributed to the actions of tenants they are billed for repairs and carry that liability even after they vacate a property.” Mr Jolly said terminating was a last resort and was decided by a Magistrate Busselton Mail Neighbours of a public housing home in West Busselton are frustrated by the \\\"unkempt\\\" state of the house on their street after it was left trashed by its last tenants \\u201CIt is a typical case of the department not doing their job \\u201CIf they were having regular house inspections it would not be the way it is today.\\u201D obtained by the Busselton Mail from the Minister for Housing\\u2019s office about the property \\u201CThe department does not consider that the property would require significant maintenance work that is beyond general wear and tear should it become vacant in the future,\\u201D the letter stated inspections are conducted shortly after and any cleaning and maintenance works will generally be completed within 28 days,\\u201D he said \\u201CThe department does not condone tenants damaging properties they are billed for repairs and carry that liability even after they vacate a property.\\u201D All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe festival featured a range of activities throughout the day Pre-primary students performed an Indonesia song Year 6 students showcased their knowledge of Indonesian language and shared interesting facts about how New Year’s Day is celebrated by different cultures in Asia The celebration continued after recess when the students were placed in multi-age groups to investigate the culture of an Asian country and participate in a variety of craft activities.  Students then prepared food from that country and the finale of the day was a school shared lunch in the undercover area Indonesia teacher Andrina Rovis-Hermann said the school held the event to celebrate the diverse cultures of Australia’s closest neighbours She said it also linked with the new Western Australian curriculum and its cross curricula priority of Australia’s engagement with Asia ”The teachers and students did a fantastic job and the food was delicious,” she said “Many students dressed up for the day and an enormous amount of fun was had.”