Eight carers recently took a four-day walk from Fish Creek to Port Welshpool as part of Interchange Gippsland's 10th Carer Camino. The retreat ran from October 20 to 23, with participants averaging about 10 kilometres a day along the Great Southern Rail Trail. Organisers handled the practical details, while activities included meditation, meals and wellbeing workshops. Interchange Gippsland CEO Rebecca Massaro said the retreat helps carers maintain their wellbeing and caring relationships. The organisation plans to continue offering these carer wellbeing opportunities.
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.
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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.
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.
The source material provided is almost entirely navigation menus, section headings and site links, with no story body describing Riley Shawcross or the Telethon 2026 appeal. The only substantive information available is the headline itself, which identifies Riley Shawcross as a Western Australian girl described as a one-in-100-million child and frames her story as one of bravery. Beyond that, no details about her condition, treatment, family, fundraising connection or outcomes can be confirmed from the text supplied, so the summary cannot responsibly elaborate on them.
A four-year-old girl, Olive Hay, is living with a rare and debilitating syndrome that leaves her physically exhausted, with her family describing the daily struggle as being like running a marathon. The headline frames her condition as a cruel and relentless battle. The source material provided for this story is largely navigation and section-index content from a news website, with little detail about Olive's diagnosis, treatment or how her family is coping, so the specific clinical circumstances cannot be confirmed from the information available.
Cancer Council WA is urging people to get to know their bodies during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Regional prevention co-ordinator Lavinya Vasudevan said most breast changes are not cancer, but any unusual change should be checked. Symptoms include changes in size, shape or feel, a lump or hard area, nipple changes, and pain on one side. People unsure about a symptom are advised to see a doctor, clinic nurse or Aboriginal health worker, especially if it lasts four weeks or more. In 2022, 2090 women in WA were diagnosed with breast cancer and 291 died.
Six wineries will showcase local wines, food and country hospitality at the Frankland River Wine Festival on Saturday. About 300 guests are expected, along with a feature chef and curated experiences. Themed zones will explore how wine pairs with food and the senses. Frankland River Wine Association president Chelsea Lange said the event brings the community together. The festival runs at Frankland River Oval from 12pm to 7pm.
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.
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.
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.
Korumburra Fire Brigade is hosting the town's parkrun this Saturday, October 10, and will take on all of the event's volunteer roles. Members of the brigade say volunteering is a way to give back to the community they serve. Fourth Lieutenant Sarah Davies said the event offers a chance to connect with local people and promote health and wellbeing. Attendees can meet a firefighter, look at a truck and learn about volunteering with the CFA. Participants should meet at the shelter on the Rail Trail behind Kelly's Bakery by 7.50am, ahead of the 8am start.
AI cameras on a trailer were deployed on Shenton Avenue in Connolly from September 30 to October 6 to catch motorists speeding, using a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt. The State Government says the cameras aim to change driver behaviour and save lives on WA roads, alongside education and community campaigns. Ten safety camera trailers are deployed across the state, including four in the metropolitan area. Camera locations are guided by crash data and advice from the WA Police Force and Main Roads Western Australia. Data from the Shenton Avenue cameras is not yet available.
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A West Australian farmer has lost 40 lambs and 10 ewes in suspected dog attacks. Brad Cluett farms sheep in Porongurup, 385 kilometres south-east of Perth. He believes a domesticated dog is responsible for the attacks, which have been ongoing for months. The attacks have caused significant financial and emotional distress, with some sheep needing to be euthanised and others abandoning their lambs. The Shire of Plantagenet is investigating the incidents and may prosecute the dog's owner if found.
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.
