What's happening in Perth

Three men have been accused of murdering Callum and Jake Robinson and their American friend Carter Rhoad in cold blood at their campsite in Mexico.

The project has proven so tricky for Main Roads WA that it will have taken longer to complete than the entire $596 million Fremantle traffic bridge replacement.

A new headspace centre will also be established in Wanneroo, bringing free mental health support to one of Perth’s fastest-growing communities.

Luke Ritchie, 35, told a magistrate in May that his fiance had died while he was asleep. On Friday he allegedly crashed into a bus while trying to escape police.

WA’s Emergency Services Commissioner also says Perth’s ‘Golden Triangle’ should have their own bushfire plans this summer.

New ABS figures reveal the Perth regions leading a $1.2 billion renovation spree, with high-end coastal enclaves and inner-city suburbs topping the list.

John, whose last name has been withheld at the request of the family, was taken to the hospital’s emergency department at midday on Thursday after receiving a note from his GP that he had acute chronic renal failure.

An internationally renowned forensic expert has questioned the police decision to abandon an investigation into a violent incident between Jeffrey Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre and her Australian husband.

Follow our live coverage here.

Voltage Lodge has opened in central Collie, a purpose-built adventure lodge inside the 90-year-old Collie Co-op storeroom building, sleeping up to 30 guests a night.

Rooms range from private ensuites to shared and family bunk rooms, and you can book a bed, a room, or the whole lodge. The communal kitchen, dining, and lounge spaces sit at the centre of the building, designed for the groups most likely to be attracted to Voltage Lodge: mountain bike clubs, hiking groups, sporting clubs, and touring parties who’d rather stay together than split across separate motels.

For riders, there’s secure storage for up to 30 bikes, e-bike charging, a wash-down bay, and a repair station.

“Voltage Lodge is an ideal base for mountain bikers, trail walkers, and outdoor enthusiasts, and it’s fantastic to see this purpose-built accommodation open in Collie, giving visitors even more opportunities to experience the region’s world-class adventure offerings and stunning natural attractions,” said Premier Roger Cook.

“Investing in quality accommodation, particularly in our regional areas, is an integral part of my government’s vision to diversify Western Australia’s economy, which is creating local jobs.”

“That’s why initiatives such as the National Park Tourism Experiences Development Program play an important role in bringing projects like this to life.”

“Tourism infrastructure such as the Voltage Lodge encourages visitors to stay longer, explore more of the South West, and inject valuable tourism dollars into local businesses and communities.”

The Lodge is aimed squarely at what Collie has become. The Wambenger Trails now run to more than 170 kilometres of single track through Wellington National Park and Westralia Conservation Park, making it the largest mountain bike network in the State, and the town holds accredited Premier Trail Town status.

“The transformation of the former Collie Co-op storeroom into a modern adventure lodge has given new life to an important local building while creating a valuable asset for the region’s tourism industry,” said Acting South West Minister Jackie Jarvis.

Next door, Adventure Connections hires out pedal-assist e-bikes and kayaks and runs guided tours, so guests who arrive without gear can still get on the trails or the water. Bookings for the lodge are open now.

The post The 90-Year-Old Collie Co-op Store Is Now An Adventure Lodge For Trail Riders appeared first on So Perth

Father’s Day is rapidly approaching (it’s this weekend), leaving many people scrambling for ideas on what to do to make it a special day and earn some extra brownie points with Dad. 

With many places booking out fast, it’s a final rush to lock something in for the big day (which is Sunday, September 6th, if you were wondering). 

Luckily, we have a variety of venues that you can choose from to book in for Saturday or Sunday.

ClosedIschia RestaurantRestaurantItalianPizza📍 155 Claisebrook road, Perth 6000Printed on the Ischia menu is a line that translates to: where you eat, drink,...$$View Venue →ClosedLe VivantRestaurantWine BarEuropeanFrench📍 489 Beaufort St HighgateYou could dine across Perth and not find anywhere quite like Le Vivant. Styles, ornaments,...$$View Venue →ClosedOtherside of NowhereBarBreweryModern Australian📍 25 Harrogate St, West Leederville WA 6007There’s a warehouse on Harrogate Street you’ve probably driven past a hundred times. Big shed,...$$View Venue →ClosedYiamasRestaurantGreek📍 26 Denis St, Subiaco WA 6008At Yiamas, you are invited on a culinary journey where ancient Greek tradition meets modern...View Venue →ClosedCeasun Thai Modern CuisineRestaurantThai📍 144 Scarborough Beach Rd, Mount Hawthorn WA 6016We’ve all said the words, “I feel like some really good Thai food.” Well, here’s...$$View Venue →ClosedCibo Bar & KitchenBarPizzeriaRestaurantItalian📍 323 Charles St, North PerthA modern Italian Restaurant in the Heart of North Perth Wood-fired pizzas prepared with the...View Venue →ClosedHQ Bar + KitchenBarRestaurantAsian Fusion📍 Rooftop, 18 The Esplanade, PerthPerched on the hotel’s 10th-floor rooftop, HQ Bar + Kitchen is a stylish dining and...View Venue →ClosedThe Lucky ShagBarRooftop BarModern Australian📍 Barrack Square, Perth WAThe word institution gets thrown around plenty in Perth. The Lucky Shag has earned it....$$View Venue →Open NowSamuels on MillBarCafeCocktail BarRestaurantWine BarAustralianBar BitesCharcuterie📍 14 Mill St, Perth WA 6000Samuels on Mill is a contemporary brasserie and bar located in the heart of Perth...View Venue →ClosedIntuition Wine & KitchenRestaurantFrenchMediterranean📍 279 Rokeby Rd, Subiaco WA 6008Intuition Wine & Kitchen offers a fusion of Modern French cuisine infused with a Mediterranean...$$View Venue →ClosedCoccodrillo Pizza & Wine BarRestaurantWine BarItalianPizza📍 29 Napoleon St, Cottesloe WA 6011Coccodrillo Pizza & Wine Bar on Napoleon Street in Cottesloe has built a reputation for...$$View Venue →ClosedHiss & SmokeBarRestaurantJapanese📍 Yagan Square, Perth WA 6000Inspired by Japan’s gastropub culture, Hiss and Smoke specialises in Japanese street eats. Engage all...$$View Venue →

The post Last Minute Places To Book For Father’s Day appeared first on So Perth

Rockpool Bar & Grill Perth has just announced that it will close its doors on October 4th for a $3 million overhaul, the most significant change to the Crown Perth restaurant since it opened in 2011. 

“This investment is about making sure Perth feels every bit as contemporary as Sydney and Melbourne, while remaining unmistakably Rockpool Perth,” said Frank Tucker, CEO of Hunter Street Hospitality, which owns the restaurant. “We’re not changing what people love about the restaurant. We’re giving it a setting that reflects Rockpool today.”

“The three Rockpool restaurants in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth have always shared the same DNA, but because they opened at different times, they’ve each evolved differently,” he said.

The redesign is by SGB Group, the team behind the recent update of Rockpool Sydney. The most dramatic change is to the bar, which has been a narrow, linear space since day one. It becomes a destination in its own right, with seating going from 24 to 41, leather stools, and a black marble-clad bar topped with natural titanium granite. It’s been designed for pre-dinner drinks, a nightcap, or for those who love to have their entire dining experience at the bar.

In the dining room, custom joinery, bespoke wine cabinetry, and upgraded Rockpool furniture arrive alongside green marble, warm timber, and tan leather. A reworked floorplan makes better use of the existing footprint and lifts capacity from 238 to 261 guests. The two existing private dining rooms are being refreshed, and a third is being added.

The wood-fired grill, the open kitchen, and the menu will remain unchanged. Executive Chef Brendan Owens, who joined Rockpool Perth as head pastry chef in 2015 and took over the kitchen in 2021, keeps the dry-aged steaks — Cape Grim and David Blackmore Wagyu among them — and Western Australian seafood at the centre of it.

“The grill has always been at the heart of Rockpool, and that isn’t changing,” said Owens. “We’ll continue to focus on exceptional Western Australian produce, carefully sourced beef dry-aged in house and the precision of cooking over wood fire. Those are the things that have always defined the way we cook here.”

This announcement follows a series of other new restaurants that are coming soon to Crown Perth, with Khao San Sek and Brasserie Astoria the first to be announced. It’s also part of a bigger project at Crown Perth, where the central atrium in the Crown Metropol lobby is being turned into an elevated bar and entertainment space. You’ll notice a lot of activity happening in that area. All the other surrounding restaurants will remain open throughout the renovations.

“After 15 years, Rockpool Perth has become part of the fabric of the city’s dining scene, and we’re incredibly proud of that,” said Tucker. “We’ve been there for plenty of celebrations and memorable occasions over the years, and we want it to continue being a place people return to.”

Rockpool Bar & Grill Perth will reopen on October 28th. In the meantime, you can find more of Perth’s best bars and restaurants with our Venue Guide.

The post Rockpool Perth Is Closing For Most Of October For A Massive $3m Renovation appeared first on So Perth

The Cook Government has released Western Australia’s first Perpetrator Response Framework, setting out a state-wide approach for how government agencies, community services, and specialist providers work with people who use family and domestic violence.

It arrives alongside updated Practice Standards for Perpetrator Intervention and the launch of WorkforceFDV, a $6 million entity funded over three years to train and develop the state’s family and domestic violence workforce.

The Practice Standards have been reviewed to reflect changes in legislation, policy, evidence, and practice, with a stronger emphasis on victim-survivor safety, perpetrator accountability, cultural responsiveness, and interagency co-ordination. The Framework is built on the position that ending family and domestic violence takes more than supporting victim-survivors, and requires a co-ordinated response that identifies, challenges, and addresses the behaviour of the person using violence.

“The new perpetrator resources will help provide strong, consistent responses to strengthen accountability and protect victim-survivors,” said Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Jessica Stojkovski.

The Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing will deliver WorkforceFDV in partnership with Stopping Family Violence, the Council of Aboriginal Services WA, the Aboriginal Health Council WA, Community Skills WA, Professor Donna Chung, and WorkUP. It will build on the training already available to frontline workers, focusing on identifying risk and supporting victim-survivors.

“WorkforceFDV will boost the capability across the sector, providing a dedicated focus on consistent, quality service provision to victim-survivors and perpetrators,” Stojkovski said.

“Strengthening the capacity and capability of the people who work to prevent and respond to family and domestic violence is critical to the reform’s success,” added Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing CEO Alison Evans.

“We know that to deliver sustainable long-term reform we must develop the specialist family and domestic violence and prevention workforces and grow the family and domestic violence capabilities of the broader workforces that intersect with family and domestic violence.”

Stopping Family Violence CEO Damian Green said the launch of WorkforceFDV alongside the Framework and the updated Practice Standards were important steps forward.

“We hope to connect these important pieces of work in implementation, ensuring we have the right foundations to embed high-quality, evidence-based responses for all workforces supporting families impacted by family and domestic violence in Western Australia,” he said.

Implementation is where the State’s last major perpetrator accountability measure came unstuck. Laws passed in 2024 made electronic monitoring effectively mandatory for serious and repeat family violence offenders granted bail, but within months the Department of Justice had conceded that monitoring was not feasible in parts of regional Western Australia, and at least three offenders were released on bail without a tracker. The State Government later committed around $23 million over four years for 38 extra full-time equivalent staff across the Justice Department and WA Police to manage the scheme.

Where to get help

The Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline is on 1800 007 339 and the Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline is on 1800 000 599, both 24 hours a day. 1800RESPECT is on 1800 737 732. In an emergency, call 000.

The post WA Now Has A State-Wide Framework For Responding To Family Violence Perpetrators appeared first on So Perth

WWE is coming back to Perth this December for a three-day weekend takeover at RAC Arena, with Wrestlepalooza: Perth on December 12th, SmackDown the night before, and Raw on the 14th.

It’s the first weekend under a new three-year agreement between WWE and the State Government through Tourism WA, which guarantees a Perth WWE takeover every year through to 2028. The festivities spill out of the arena and across the city again, with WWE Superstores, Superstar meet-and-greets, and community events running across the weekend.

“It’s fantastic news that my government has secured this three-year deal that has WWE returning to Perth through to 2028,” said Premier and Tourism, Trade and Investment Minister Roger Cook.

“Both times we have hosted WWE in Perth, the atmosphere was electric – the city came alive with fans from near and far, hotels were full, restaurants were buzzing, and there was an incredible energy wherever you went.

“I look forward to seeing that same excitement return over the next three years starting from this December.”

This will be Perth’s third run at WWE. Elimination Chamber: Perth at Optus Stadium in 2024 pulled more than 18,000 out-of-state visitors, and last year’s Crown Jewel: Perth weekend at RAC Arena drew more than 12,500. Together, the State Government says the two events have generated more than $58 million for the WA economy.

“This is a huge result for Western Australia and a major boost for our sporting events calendar, with WWE locked in for the next three years,” said Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti.

“Events like this bring world-class action to Perth while creating incredible experiences for local fans, families, and athletes who have a passion for wrestling.”

The State Government hasn’t made public what it’s paying for the three-year deal. Tourism WA has consistently declined to reveal what previous WWE events cost, with then Tourism Minister Reece Whitby telling the ABC in 2025 that disclosing the numbers would undercut WA’s position competing against other states and countries for future events.

How to get tickets

A pre-sale opens at 10:00 am on September 9th, and you need to register your interest with WWE beforehand to get access. Three-event combo tickets covering all three nights go on general sale at 10:00 am on September 10th.

The post WWE Returns To Perth In December For A Weekend Takeover, And It’s Locked In Until 2028 appeared first on So Perth

Good character references will no longer be able to be used by courts as a mitigating factor at sentencing in Western Australia, under reforms announced by the Cook Government today.

Drafting was already well progressed on a Bill removing the references in child abuse cases, acting on a recommendation of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. That legislation will now be expanded to cover every offence.

The expansion follows the case of Jeffrey David Spinner, a Western Power manager sentenced in June to five years in jail for raping a colleague on a work trip in 2024. Three of his colleagues gave the court positive character references, one describing him as having a strong moral compass, and the sentencing judge found the rape was out of character. Three of those employees have since been stood down pending a review ordered by Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson.

The Government’s announcement makes no mention of that case, instead pointing to growing concerns that offenders with professional standing, community status, or strong personal networks are perceived to get more favourable treatment by arranging references from friends, family, and colleagues.

“I have had meetings with advocates for victim-survivors and heard how distressing it can be when a criminal’s professional standing and community reputation are used to try to reduce their sentence,” Attorney General Dr Tony Buti said.

“This is particularly distressing in cases of child abuse and sexual assault when a perpetrator’s friends and colleagues may be unaware of the perpetrator’s sinister behaviour.”

The change won’t prevent courts from weighing an offender’s prospects of rehabilitation, the absence of prior convictions, or their personal circumstances. The Government says it keeps sentencing focused on the offence rather than the offender’s reputation, and reduces the scope for well-connected people to gain an advantage.

WA is not the first state down this path. New South Wales passed an all-offences ban in June, after an earlier attempt was amended in the upper house to cover sexual offences only and had to be reintroduced. Victoria announced in February that it intends to scrap the references across all criminal cases.

The NSW Bar Association opposed the change there, arguing sentencing involves assessing the offender as a whole person rather than the offence alone, and that removing good character altogether makes outcomes less responsive to individual circumstances. The Law Society of NSW and Legal Aid NSW raised similar concerns.

Buti said the WA legislation is still being written.

“We have begun drafting these important reforms and will consult the profession and other key stakeholders during that process,” he said.

The post The Good Bloke Defence Is Coming To An End In WA Courts appeared first on So Perth

Round two of the Kids Access All Areas Vouchers program opens this week through the ServiceWA app. Parents and guardians can reserve one $50.00 voucher per child aged five to 15, up to four children, for a maximum of $200.00 per household.

If you claimed a voucher in round one, you’re not eligible this time. The vouchers are limited to one per child for the life of the program.

Round one opened on December 11th, and every voucher had been allocated by early January. The program is budgeted to give out 50,000 vouchers over two years, with the first 25,000 issued in that opening round, and they go out on a first-come, first-served basis. 

The vouchers work at more than 100 venues and providers across the State, more than 40 of them regional, and cover paid ticketed events across circus, theatre, dance, music, opera, and visual arts. State Theatre Centre, Scitech, Crown Theatre, Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, and Mandurah Performing Arts Centre are on the approved list, with the full roll-call on the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport site.

“This program, along with initiatives like the WA Student Assistance Payment, is aimed at providing targeted cost-of-living relief to families, while also supporting WA based arts and creative organisations and helping to build a thriving creative sector,” Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk said.

“With more than 100 participating venues and providers across WA, including many in regional communities, families have plenty of opportunities to use their vouchers close to home or while exploring different parts of the State.

“Increasing participation in arts and cultural experiences provides important educational and wellbeing benefits for children and young people, helping to spark creativity, build confidence and create lasting memories while supporting their learning and development.”

You have until May 31st, 2027 to buy tickets and claim the rebate, which covers three school holiday periods.

How to claim one

Reserve your voucher in the ServiceWA app under the Offers tab, buy tickets to an eligible event from an approved venue or provider, then return to the app and upload the tax invoice to claim the rebate.

The rebate arrives after the purchase, so you will need to pay for the tickets in full and then get the $50.00 back afterwards.

If you can’t use the ServiceWA app, there’s an alternative claim form that takes ten to 15 business days to process.

The post Kids Access All Areas Vouchers Are Back For A Second Round appeared first on So Perth

Two new safety camera trailers are now based in Bunbury full-time, joining WA’s existing fleet of eight operating across the Perth metropolitan area, the Mid West, and the Great Southern. They detect seatbelt, mobile phone, and speeding offences, and they can be deployed to any location in the South West at any time.

Great Southern cameras recorded an 82% reduction in the overall rate of offending between June 2025 and July 2026, including an 85% drop in mobile phone offences and 83% for speeding. Mid West cameras recorded a 72% reduction between July 2025 and July 2026. Across the State, seatbelt-related fatalities fell from a ten-year average of 23% of road deaths to 13.8% in the year after the cameras arrived, alongside education and awareness campaigns.

“Over the past five years, 32 people died in road crashes on average in the South West region,” said Road Safety Minister Jessica Stojkovski.

“Every seatbelt not worn or worn incorrectly, every mobile phone used behind the wheel and every kilometre over the speed limit creates an unnecessary risk and puts lives in danger.

“A little risk-taking is never okay — receiving a fine pales in comparison to the devastating impact on a community when a life is lost.”

The trailers were funded through the $80 million Road Safety Reform Package announced in December 2025, which draws on the Road Trauma Trust Account. All safety camera fine revenue goes into that account, which is legislatively required to be spent on reducing deaths and injuries on WA roads. 

“I get frequent requests from constituents to advocate for improved road safety outcomes,” said Bunbury MLA Don Punch. “This investment will help support safer roads for the South West and I am delighted to be part of a Cook Labor Government delivering for the local community.”

Fines, appeals, and a review

Between October 8th, 2025, when enforcement started, and May 4th this year, 192,229 infringements were issued across WA, and 6,114 of those were later withdrawn for 3,413 drivers, according to figures from the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure. Around 60% of drivers who challenged an infringement had it withdrawn.

More than half of the review requests have related to seatbelts. Drivers carry legal responsibility for passengers, so they have been fined for children and adult passengers who removed or incorrectly adjusted a belt mid-trip. Parliament was told in March that the department had actioned 2,194 requests to review seatbelt infringements, and that 934 appeals relating to passengers had succeeded. The Road Safety Commission is reviewing the legislation, processes, and systems behind driving offences, including whether a passenger seatbelt infringement should be issued to the passenger rather than the driver.

Western Australians are forecast to pay an extra $440 million in traffic fines over the next four years, largely because of the cameras.

The post Two More Mobile Safety Camera Trailers Have Rolled Out In Bunbury appeared first on So Perth

$2.00 oysters at a rooftop bar at Elizabeth Quay, a $12.00 chicken katsu at Yagan Square, and a $20.00 express lunch on the water at Barrack Square. August has been a good month for eating out cheaply. Here are some great deals around Perth for you to try before the end of winter.

Oyster Hour at HQ Bar + Kitchen

Freshly shucked oysters are $2.00 each from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm every day except Sundays at HQ Bar & Kitchen’s rooftop on The Esplanade, looking out over Elizabeth Quay. 

Beer Buffet at Hiss & Smoke

Two hours of flowing Sapporo Premium Lager at the Yagan Square venue Hiss & Smoke costs $40.00 a person from Tuesday to Thursday, and $60.00 on Friday and Saturday. It’s perfect for groups, so book a table.

$35.00 Express Lunch at Samuels on Mill

Five seasonal mains to choose from and a house beverage, for $35.00 on weekdays, at Samuels on Mill, inside the Parmelia Hilton on Mill Street. It’s perfect for a quick lunch break on days when you want something nice but still gotta get shit done.

The Quickie

The Lucky Shag’s new express lunch menu is $20.00, served Monday to Friday from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm at Barrack Square. You can also add a small house wine or a house middy for $8.00, or a soft drink for $5.00.

Wednesday Chicken Katsu Kare

Hiss & Smoke runs one of the best lunchtime specials in the CBD: Godzilla Kare for $12.00 every Wednesday from midday. That’s a crisp chicken cutlet, Japanese curry, and rice, and we can confirm, it’s good.

Escape Menu Tuesday to Friday

Intuition Wine & Kitchen in Subiaco serves an Escape Menu at $79.00 a head for midweek dinner, Tuesday to Friday, with a regularly changing menu. You can also BYO, so grab your favourite and head down.

Sammy’s Hour

It’s the after-work drinks excuse you’ve been looking for. House wine, tap beer, or a spirit for $9.00 at Samuels on Mill, weekdays between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm. 

$35.00 Pizza and Beer Special

Any pizza on the menu and a four-pack of Otherside’s Festive for $35.00 at Otherside of Nowhere in West Leederville. Get this deal from Wednesday to Sunday each week.

Winter Wine Series with Vasse Felix

Parmelia Hilton has built a stay package around Vasse Felix for the winter: a curated wine experience for two, breakfast at Samuels on Mill, and complimentary valet parking.

The post Nine Perth Food Deals To Try Before The End Of August appeared first on So Perth