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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
