Over the New Year’s break, The Bunbury Mail will be taking a look back at the year that was 2021.
Our annual ‘Year in Review’ will recount the biggest stories from each of the past 12 months.
‘Youth precinct takes shape’ – April 7, 2021
Fenced off: Luciana Park was closed off to the public for the construction of the new youth precinct in April. Picture: Pip Waller
Construction began at Luciana Park for Bunbury’s new Youth Precinct.
Construction on Bunbury’s new Youth Precinct began at Luciana Park on the Leschenault Inlet on Wednesday, April 7.
Originally estimated for completion by December of this year, the precinct was set to include a skatepark, maze, event and performance space and a youth services facility.
‘Three bin system voted in’ – April 7,2021
FOGO introduced: The Shire of Dardanup planned to introduce a three-bin system by October. Picture: supplied
Shire of Dardanup council approved roll out of FOGO bin.
Shire of Dardanup residents were set to begin using the three-bin system by October 2020 after council voted to roll out the Food Organics and Garden Organics bin.
Shire president Mick Bennett said timing of the decision would allow for introduction of the new service for ratepayers without adding more than about the price of a cup of coffee per year to existing waste charges.
‘Scammer targets tenants’ – April 14, 2021
Rental scam: A Bunbury woman was scammed out of hundreds of dollars. Picture: supplied
Bunbury woman lost hundreds of dollars after falling victim to a rental scam.
Back in April, a Bunbury woman was one of many who found themselves without a home and scammed out of hundreds of dollars.
WA Consumer Protection released a warning after some tenants had lost thousands of dollars.
Tenants who were desperate to secure a rental property in the current tight market were being targeted by scammers with 18 reports of rental scams and five people losing a total of $7,200.
‘Support for widows in Western Australia’ – April 14, 2021
Memories: Michelle Moriarty kept the memory of her late husband Nathan alive for five-year-old Cody and nine-year-old Aodhan. Picture: Pip Waller
Bunbury widow created a community of support for West Australians.
A Bunbury widow’s search for people in similar situations had resulted in a state-wide following on Facebook in April.
Mother-of-two Michelle Moriarty is founder of the WA Young Widowed Support Group, an online group formed in 2018 for anyone in WA who has experienced the death of a partner.
After just three years, the group has over 70 members from Bunbury, the Pilbara, Great Southern, Busselton, Margaret River, Mandurah, Rockingham and Perth.
‘Council in for a splash’ – April 14 , 2021
Plans revealed: Discovery Parks Group Regional Operations Manager David Temby showed off the plans for the expansion with City of Bunbury officials. Picture: Pip Waller
Construction began on the new splash park at Discovery Parks, Koombana Bay.
Construction officially begun at Sykes Foreshore in April to make way for Bunbury’s new, highly anticipated splash park.
As part of the Discovery Parks caravan park expansion on lot 1881, Koombana Drive, a shipwreck-themed park was planned to be constructed at the same time as new accommodation.
‘We didn’t even notice they were in trouble’ – April 14, 2021
The board: Eight-year-old Cory used his own pocket money to purchase the surfboard that his Dad, Peter, used to rescue the elderly couple. Picture: Pip Waller
Australind couple rescued at Koombana Bay.
A heroic act at Koombana Bay in April once again reminded beachgoers of just how important it is to be safe in the water.
Peter Xanthis and his partner Ricarda had decided to spend their long weekend exploring the South West in an effort to keep their boys, eight-year-old Cory and seven-year-old Jesse, busy during the school holidays.
‘State of lake ‘disgusting’ ‘ – April 21, 2021
In need of repairs: The main sign for Horseshoe Lake along Bunning Boulevard was looking a little worse for wear. Picture: Pip Waller
Bunbury residents not happy with state of Horseshoe Lake.
Residents called on the the City of Bunbury in April to improve the ‘disgusting’ state of Horseshoe Lake in East Bunbury.
Overgrown vegetation, tree pollution and dead grass were just a handful of concerns that residents had taken to the city since 2017.
‘Rescue group in need of carers’ – April 21, 2021
Carers needed: Rachael Cronin with foster dog Louis. Picture: supplied
Bunbury animal rescue group looked for foster carers.
A Bunbury animal rescue group was desperately seeking foster carers after already having 13 dogs surrendered in April.
With the WA Government’s rental moratorium ending in late March, various rescues throughout the state had seen an increase of surrenders due to tenants struggling to find rentals that will accept their pets.
‘Safe access to market’ – April 28, 2021
Safer access planned for all: General Manager Leith Johnston and Owner Kevin Opferkuch. Picture: Pip Waller
Application to modify Bunbury Farmers Market carpark opened for public comment.
The Bunbury Farmers Market had proposed alterations to its carpark and Vittoria Road access in an effort to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety.
Following a consultation with the City of Bunbury and Main Roads Western Australia, the market had submitted a development application in April that was advertised through the city for 42 days.
