Joondalup recorded the most venomous snake sightings in WA, with 1057, according to a new study. Geraldton ranked highest in the state for camping-area sightings, with 185. Snake catcher Marcus Cosentino says snakes are common across Perth and usually avoid people. He advises giving snakes space, keeping pets and children away, and calling an expert to remove them. He also says snakes are a natural part of the environment that people can live alongside.
An internal investigation has been launched after a woman died in police presence following a roadside breath testing operation in Geraldton on Monday night. Police say officers stopped a female driver on Brand Highway in Mount Tarcoola about 6.55pm. The woman completed breath testing, was issued a driving prohibition notice and was released from custody. Police say she then experienced a medical issue, and officers offered assistance, which was declined. After officers contacted St John WA, she became unresponsive. Officers gave first aid until paramedics arrived, and she was taken to hospital, where she was later declared dead.
Police are investigating the sudden death of a woman in her 50s in Western Australia's Midwest region. The woman was stopped during random breath testing on Brand Highway at Mount Tarcoola on Monday evening. She was issued a driving prohibition notice and released from custody. Shortly afterwards she became unresponsive after a medical issue, and police called St John WA. She was taken to Geraldton Regional Hospital but was later declared dead. The WA Police Internal Affairs Unit is overseeing the probe, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
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Australians are moving from capital cities to regional areas at rates matching the record levels of 2021, according to the Commonwealth Bank and Regional Australia Institute's Regional Movers Index. Greater Geraldton in Western Australia recorded the fastest year-on-year growth, with net inflows from capitals rising 225 per cent to June 2026. The Sunshine Coast remained the most popular regional destination overall. RAI chief Liz Ritchie said regional growth had outpaced government projections by 114,000 people over the past decade, calling for population planning that keeps pace with housing and services.
Telethon funding has allowed national charity Eat Up to expand its regional WA lunch program from 66 to 84 schools. So far in 2026, the program has delivered 35,345 sandwiches to 5628 students across seven regions, including Bunbury, Esperance and Geraldton. Teachers say the lunches help children concentrate, attend school and learn. Schools also say the discreet service removes shame for students whose families face cost-of-living pressures.
An AI safety camera trailer was installed on Curtin Avenue in Cottesloe to detect mobile phone use, seatbelt non-compliance and speeding. It operated on southbound traffic between Eric Street and Napier Street from September 30 to October 6. Touching a mobile phone carries a minimum $500 fine and three demerit points, while incorrect seatbelt use starts at $550 and four demerits. The Road Safety Commission says detected seatbelt and mobile phone offences fell by 76 per cent over the 12 months to August 2026. Fines go into the Road Trauma Trust, which funds road safety projects.
A bushfire came close to homes in the Geraldton suburb of Strathalbyn on Tuesday morning, forcing Geraldton Christian College to evacuate and close for the day. A bushfire emergency warning was briefly issued for the area before the Department of Fire and Emergency Services downgraded it. Just after 10am, the fire was confirmed extinguished and firefighters had left. Western Power said about 1084 customers lost power due to damaged infrastructure, with power to all but 19 restored by 9am. The cause of the fire was unknown at the time of publication.
Women make up only about six in every 100 Australian truck drivers, and just four in 100 among heavy vehicle operators, despite a shortage of roughly 28,000 drivers. A new Women in Trucking report, launched at Parliament House in Canberra, argues women are being pushed out rather than leaving by choice. Its national survey of 489 drivers found 86 per cent saw opportunity for women, yet only 72 per cent said they were welcome.
West Australian surfer Mel Ismail says the people who helped save his life after a shark bite north of Geraldton deserve recognition as heroes. Ismail, a firefighter and part-time teacher, is adjusting to life without his lower leg but plans to surf again. Shannan Dunn raced into the water to help him back to shore, while other beachgoers provided first aid, a tourniquet and transport to an ambulance. Ismail said he does not hold resentment towards the shark and that people should not let fear stop them from doing what they enjoy.
Mel Ismail, 56, lost part of his leg after a shark attack while surfing at Glenfield Beach in Geraldton. The off-duty firefighter said he was dragged into the water and came face-to-face with the shark, which bit off his leg. A fellow surfer, Shannan Dunn, helped him reach the shore. Ismail was taken to Geraldton Hospital, where his partner, Kylie Fleay, was working. The shark species involved has not been identified.
A West Australian firefighter lost his leg in a shark attack while surfing at Glenfield Beach near Geraldton. Mel Ismail described facing the shark and trying to push its eye as it dragged him underwater. After the attack, fellow surfer Shannan Dunn helped him reach shore, where others assisted with first aid and transport to hospital. The shark species remains unidentified.
