WA police will use a new drone program to gather real-time intelligence before officers reach emergencies. Drones will launch from docking stations in Kwinana, Rockingham and Baldivis and can operate beyond line of sight. They will be dispatched from a command centre in Perth. Police Minister Reece Whitby says the program is an Australian first. Targeted uses include family and domestic violence matters, missing persons, crimes in progress and stolen vehicles.
Western Australia has allocated $100,000 to fund 87 events celebrating International Day of People with Disability in 2026. The grants will support 85 organisations and local councils in hosting activities that highlight the achievements and foster inclusion of people with disabilities. Events range from film screenings and art exhibitions to inclusive sports and community open days. The state's theme, 'Valued. Included. Leading.', emphasises recognising strengths and leadership opportunities. Minister Hannah Beazley encouraged public participation in these events to promote awareness and inclusion.
Block 2025 winners Britt and Taz Etto are renovating a $1.41m property near Mandurah in Western Australia, though they have not ruled out returning to the reality show. Taz said he preferred to end on a high after their Daylesford win, but suggested his wife might persuade him to take part in the new all-stars spin-off in Sunbury. The couple bought a six-bedroom Tudor-style house on 2.24 hectares at North Yunderup in February. Taz said asbestos found throughout the 1981 home was the biggest challenge, though he understood it was non-friable and expected removal to be manageable.
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Trains on Perth's Yanchep and Mandurah lines were delayed on Wednesday morning after a technical issue disrupted peak-hour services. The problem affected Yanchep Line trains and caused knock-on delays on the Mandurah Line. Services are still running, but trains are not keeping to their usual timetables. Passengers are advised to allow extra travel time, as delayed trains may miss connections with scheduled bus and train services. The delays were announced shortly before 7.35am.
The City of Mandurah has voted 9-1 to back planning changes that could allow a Woolworths supermarket in Lakelands. The site, across Lake Valley Drive from Lakelands Shopping Centre, would also include smaller shops and a 306-bay carpark. IFM Investors, which owns Lakelands Shopping Centre, and Meadow Springs Shopping Centre objected, arguing the site was the wrong location. City officers said the objections were not enough to refuse the amendment. The WA Planning Commission will make the final decision on the proposed changes.
A Lakelands husband-and-wife team has won a regional award at the 2026 Excellence in Family Day Care Awards. Kelvin and Jess Ware, of Ware Bears Family Day Care, were honoured for the Mandurah and Peel region. It was their second year in a row being nominated. The couple offer early learning, before and after-school care, and vacation care. Some families travel up to 30 minutes to use the service. The service is part of the Y WA Family Day Care program.
Mandurah's festivals and events strategy has won a national award for strategic thinking at the National Economic Development Awards for Excellence. The awards were presented last week in Hobart. Each year, the city's events program generates an estimated $43 million in economic impact and draws more than 2.1 million visitors. Mayor Amber Kearns said the recognition reflects the way the city plans for future events, which create jobs and support local businesses.
Mandurah council has voted to install number plate recognition cameras and extra CCTV, with the plate recognition vote passing 8-3. The council agreed at its September 22 meeting to shift about $100,000 in its budget toward the two projects, each expected to cost about $72,000. A state grant of $40,686 will help fund the plate recognition cameras, which will go on Mandurah Bridge and Mandurah Terrace. Opponents argued that the cameras were a state government responsibility. Supporters said the technology helps respond to antisocial behaviour and break-ins at Lakelands Park.
A Mandurah man has undergone surgery that removed more than 50 per cent of an aggressive brain tumour. Alexander Carr is spending his 21st birthday in hospital, where he is recovering from the fourth neurosurgery of his treatment. His mother Sarah said the operation gave the family fresh hope and a plan. The family has raised more than $110,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to pay for a personalised cancer vaccine from a Canadian company, which is estimated to cost around $450,000. Alex has been approved to enter a neuro rehabilitation unit.
Footage from a security camera in Mandurah appears to show a suspected pot plant thief letting rip with a loud fart during a night raid. Homeowner Karla said she had lost several plants this year and did not have a camera of her own. Her neighbour Mel had a Ring camera, and the two watched the footage angrily before bursting into laughter at the noise. Karla said the thief may have been embarrassed, joking that they had soiled themselves rather than simply passed wind.
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.
Mandurah council has voted 7-4 to endorse a new funding agreement with the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, despite concerns that subsidies could limit its potential. The deal replaces a five-year agreement that expired on June 30 and runs to 2036. The city will pay the centre $844,295 a year. The centre will build reserves from surpluses and hire income to reduce reliance on city funds. Councillor Jacob Cumberworth opposed the deal, arguing the subsidies were excessive.
More than 1700 riders will set off from Perth and cycle 100km to Mandurah's western foreshore this weekend. Riders will finish day one of the two-day MACA Cancer 200 Ride at Hall Park on Saturday, October 17, camping overnight in a temporary village before returning to their starting point on Sunday. The event, now in its 15th year, has raised more than $82 million for cancer research at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research. Institute chief executive Peter Leedman said the funds support WA scientists developing new treatments.
A disability expo in Mandurah will bring more than 100 organisations together on Friday, October 16, to help people with disability and their families. Held from 10am to 2pm at the Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre, the free event covers housing, education, employment, advocacy and community services. The expo aims to help people with disability keep living in the Peel region as its population grows, with about 444,000 people projected to live there by 2050. Organisers say the event has grown from 17 exhibitors in two classrooms in 2016 into one of the region's largest disability information events.
Mandurah Police have seized four illegal e-rideables, including modified e-bikes taken from three teenagers. The teens, aged 14, 15 and 16, were charged with reckless driving and other offences after allegedly riding dangerously on Old Coast Road. They are due to appear in Mandurah Children’s Court on November 9. During a school holiday crackdown, 25 people on e-rideables were stopped for traffic offences. Separately, a group of e-bike and scooter riders caused chaos in Stirling, running red lights and filming while riding. One rider was arrested after being tracked by a police aircraft.
