The WA government's plan to buy back the state's freight rail network has opened the door to a passenger train from Perth to Albany. The line was scrapped in 1978, and several attempts to revive it have failed. Rail advocates say now is the time to study the costs and benefits. The state government says public control of the network will allow new passenger rail options, but that significant investment would be needed. Community leaders in Albany and Katanning say a service would boost tourism and give residents better access to health care and education.
Dozens of vintage Ford Model A cars have gathered in Albany, on Western Australia's far south coast, for what organisers say is the country's largest gathering of the model. Rally director Andrae Moore said some cars travelled from nearly every state, while participants from New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Slovenia joined without their cars. Eighty-two-year-old Ben Munneke drove his Model A about 5,000 kilometres from Maleny in Queensland. Steve Watson flew from Yorkshire in England and borrowed a car for the event.
Castle Rock Estate and Kerrigan + Berry claimed four trophies between them at the 2026 VI Packaging Wine Show of WA. Castle Rock Estate won two awards, including best museum wine for its 2012 Estate Riesling and best pinot noir for its 2025 Diletti Pinot Noir. Kerrigan + Berry won two trophies for its 2026 Riesling, one for best Great Southern single vineyard and one for best riesling. The 49th show drew 638 entries and was judged over three days at Sounness Park in Mount Barker.
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The Water Corporation will host a community meeting on Tuesday to explain its proposed desalination plant at Nanarup. Drop-in sessions will run at the Lower Kalgan Hall, with a community gathering from 5pm to 7.30pm. Staff will explain why the Lower Great Southern needs a new water source and how seawater desalination works. Local residents have raised concerns about noise and the industrialisation of a rural area. The State Government backs the plant, which was chosen over the Sandpatch site.
Forced adoption survivors in Western Australia say they are frustrated by slow progress two years after the government responded to a 2023 inquiry. The inquiry made 39 recommendations, but a working group advising the government has operated under confidentiality agreements. Child Protection Minister Jessica Stojkovski says 10 recommendations are now complete and that redress is under further consideration. The minister has also pledged laws for integrated birth certificates listing biological and adoptive parents. Survivors want a set timeline for redress, which they say could help fund counselling.
A week of events is planned across Albany and the Great Southern from October 22 to 28. Thursday brings art exhibitions, a film night and a library reading session. The Song Catchers performs at the Albany Entertainment Centre on Friday. Saturday has a children's week party, a talk on electric power, a small business day and a live music night at the Albany Town Hall. Other events include a book chat on Monday and a museum talk on Tuesday.
Albany business owners say the closure of the city's liquefied petroleum gas network threatens their operations. Energy provider ATCO Australia announced in January that it would decommission the network over three years, citing ageing infrastructure and high maintenance costs. Freedom of Information documents show ATCO and the state government discussed the network's future in May 2025, eight months before customers were told. Mayor Greg Stocks said the city should have been informed sooner.
The City of Albany has announced the death of former mayor and Honorary Freeman of the City Dennis Wellington. He served 23 years as an elected member and 12 years as mayor, the longest of any Albany mayor. In May 2026 he was made an Honorary Freeman of the City for his service. Current Albany Mayor Greg Stocks said Mr Wellington's death would be felt deeply across the community. The City has extended its condolences to his family and friends.
Downer Group has been appointed to deliver upgrades to Albany Airport in Western Australia, with construction expected to begin in late 2026. The works include strengthening and resurfacing the main runway, improving taxiways, aprons and airfield lighting, and drainage. The upgrades will allow the airport to handle larger aircraft with up to 100 seats. The project is funded through federal, state and City of Albany contributions totalling about $44 million. Officials say the airport will support passenger services, FIFO charter flights, Royal Flying Doctor Service operations and firefighting aircraft.
The small cruise ship Coral Geographer left Fremantle on Wednesday evening, just after 5 pm. Earlier reporting had said she was bound for Broome, but she is actually heading south with an overnight stop off Rottnest. Coral Expeditions runs 54 WA departures this year, including six-night Fremantle to Albany return cruises in October. Several larger cruise ships are scheduled to visit later in the year, including Crown Princess in October and Viking Orion in December.
A weekly events guide lists activities across Albany and the Great Southern from October 15 to 21. The Frankland River Wine Festival runs on Saturday at the Frankland River Town Oval. The Let's Shine All Ability Dance Showcase is held at Albany Port Theatre on Friday. Art exhibitions, music performances, roller derby and a talk by meditation master Ajahn Brahm also feature across the week.
Police are investigating a suspicious fire in bushland in Orana that was sparked late on Monday afternoon. Neighbours reported smoke from a bush reserve at the end of Abercorn Street at about 4.40pm. Two crews from Albany Fire and Rescue Service put out the 15 metre by 15 metre blaze by 5.10pm. Firefighters found at least three ignition points and handed the scene to police. WA Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers, with rewards of up to $25,000 offered for information leading to an arsonist's conviction.
A woman who hid an Apple Airtag in her ex-partner's car to track him has been sentenced in court. Police found her DNA on the duct tape used to attach the tag to the vehicle. Sarah Denise Leyshon, 35, was charged with unlawful use of a tracking device after her former partner found the tag on May 9, 2026. Leyshon denied placing the tag, but she entered a guilty plea and did not appear for sentencing. Magistrate Rosemarie Myers called the behaviour concerning and fined her $1500.
Albany artist Colin Hanssen, who has cerebral palsy and is largely non-verbal, is preparing his first collection for Perth galleries. The 31-year-old paints with his right hand and wheelchair, combining performance with abstract work. He took up painting six months ago in an art therapy class, and his recent selection for the Southern Art and Craft Trail has drawn wide interest. Art therapist Serena McLaughlan says many of his paintings draw on his time living in Africa. Two Perth gallery artists have asked him to exhibit with them.
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Residents of Western Australia may see the Aurora Australis, or Southern Lights, on Friday after a geomagnetic storm was forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology. The phenomenon usually appears as a faint glow on the horizon, though stronger activity can bring greens, pinks and purples. Astronomer Matt Woods said sightings are rare in 2026 because the sun is at the start of its 11-year cycle. Viewers should head away from city lights, face the southern horizon, and wait 75 to 90 minutes after sunset. Esperance and Albany were named as the best WA locations.
Events in Albany and the Great Southern region this week include a free Food for Life program, a Community Bank All Abilities Ball, and the Southern Art + Craft Trail. Other activities range from lantern making and conservation workshops to live music and art exhibitions. The Albany Boatshed Markets and a Bargain Bonanza are also scheduled for the weekend. WA Bike Month and National Ride2Work Day are highlighted for the following week.
