Adam Steegstra survived three cardiac arrests at Anglesea Main Beach on Labour Day, after bystanders performed CPR and used a publicly accessible defibrillator. The device was installed by the Anglesea Lions Club, which has placed 19 defibrillators across Anglesea and Aireys Inlet. Steegstra, 44, had no history of serious illness and is now almost back to normal health. Ambulance Victoria says a patient's chance of survival more than doubles when CPR and an AED shock are given before paramedics arrive. Three people in the two towns have survived cardiac arrests over the past three years with defibrillator help.
A juvenile whale carcass washed ashore near Cottesloe Beach on Thursday and has been removed to a landfill site. Town of Cottesloe rangers and a contractor used an excavator to lift it while dozens of locals watched. Lifeguards closed Cottesloe beaches that morning, and a shark alert was issued because the carcass could draw sharks closer to shore. The closures remain in place as a precaution. The removal follows a 31-tonne humpback whale at South City Beach last month, which cost about $180,000 to remove.
A dead whale has washed up on South Cottesloe beach in Perth, the second in recent weeks. The partly decomposed carcass, about three metres long, was found early on Thursday. Cottesloe Mayor Melissa Harkins said all local beaches are closed, including the main beach, which has a shark barrier. She urged people to stay out of the water until the carcass is removed and for some time after. Council staff plan to move the carcass to Red Hill Waste Management Facility for burial.
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All Cottesloe beaches have been closed after a juvenile whale carcass washed up at Dutch Inn Beach in South Cottesloe. Authorities have warned people to stay out of the water after shark sightings. Surf Live Saving WA said lifeguards closed Cottesloe Beach around 7.30am on Thursday, and a shark alert has been issued. SharkSmart warned the carcass could draw sharks closer to shore along the coast. The closure also includes the main beach with its shark barrier.
Former construction business owners Kees and Pamela van Ek have moved from Main Beach to Jewel Private Residences on the Gold Coast. The couple bought a three-bedroom residence in Diamond Tower after visiting the completed development. Mr van Ek said he was impressed by the architecture and beachfront position, and compared the design to the Sydney Opera House. The couple bought before selling their Main Beach apartment, which they had helped fit out. Total Property Group said demand for premium Gold Coast apartments remains strong, particularly for completed residences.
Two soil-dwelling plant pathogens have been confirmed in the Lorne area, according to a sign on the Doug Stirling Track. One, Phytophthora cinnamomica, causes root rot that can kill plants, including canopy gums. The other, Mycosphaerella, also affects eucalypts and spreads through wet soil, water and contaminated footwear or vehicles. The writer says there is no known cure, so management focuses on prevention, such as cleaning boots and equipment before entering bushland. Public land managers also treat affected areas with phosphorous acid.
A new measles case in Byron Shire has prompted health officials to warn visitors to the Byron Beachside Markets on 26 September to watch for symptoms. The infected person, who had contact with a previous case, attended the markets near Bay Street and Dening Park from 9:30am to 12:30pm. Health authorities advise anyone present to monitor for symptoms until 14 October, as measles can take up to 18 days to appear. Dr Valerie Delpech urges those with symptoms to seek medical attention and remind the community to ensure they are up to date with vaccinations.
