So Perth

Summer Pour will bring 22 Great Southern wine producers and 100 of their wines to the City of Perth Surf Life Saving Club in City Beach on December 6th, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Each producer is pouring three to six wines, and the winemakers will be there to talk about them.

The wines lean towards what we drink between now and New Year: Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, rosé, Pinot Noir, Grenache, Nebbiolo, and méthode traditionnelle sparkling. It’s set up so you can taste how the five sub-regions differ, and if you’re still working out what to open on Christmas Day or just looking for your new favourite wine, the winemakers are the ones to ask.

“From the minerality of Porongurup Riesling to the elegant Denmark Chardonnay and the vibrant whites and lighter reds from Frankland River, the Great Southern has incredible diversity,” said Great Southern Producers Chair Tom Wisdom.

“This event is a chance for people to explore those differences and find the perfect wines for summer entertaining.”

Perth caterer Mi Scusi is making seasonal canapés to go with the wines. Tickets, which include the canapés and tastings of all 100 wines, are $85.00 per person plus a booking fee, and they’re on sale now.

Where the wines come from

The Great Southern is Australia’s largest wine region, stretching about 150 kilometres from north to south and 100 kilometres from east to west, and taken as a whole it’s the coolest wine region in WA. It’s split into five sub-regions, and each one grows quite different wine.

Frankland River

Up in the north of the region, Frankland River is open, rolling farm country where warm days, cool nights, and long hours of sunshine suit Shiraz and Riesling, the two wines it’s best known for. Its first modern vineyard was planted in 1967, Alkoomi followed in 1971, and Frankland Estate came along in the 1980s. Both are pouring at Summer Pour.

Mount Barker

The Great Southern’s first commercial vineyard went in at Forest Hill, just outside Mount Barker, in 1965, and Forest Hill is one of the producers coming to City Beach. The gap between warm days and cool nights here helps the grapes keep their natural acidity, and Mount Barker has a long-standing reputation for Riesling, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir.

Porongurup

Vineyards here sit 250 to 300 metres up on the slopes of the Porongurup Range, a granite ridge with a national park and a karri forest at its centre. At night, cold air slides down the hillsides while warmer air settles above it, which keeps frost away and helps the grapes ripen. Porongurup is known for Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.

Denmark

Denmark’s vineyards are planted among karri and marri forest near Wilson Inlet and the coast, and its steep hills and valleys give growers plenty of different microclimates to work with. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc are the main grapes, and its winemakers are also making sparkling. Single File Wines is likely the most well-known winery from this region.

Albany

Albany has about 70 hectares of vines, mostly on family-run vineyards around WA’s oldest European settlement. Sea breezes off the Southern Ocean keep temperatures steady through the day, and the established grapes are Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz, with Riesling doing well further inland.

Who’s pouring 3 DropsIronwood EstateAlkoomiLange EstateBunn VineyardPlan B!Castle Rock EstatePlantagenet WinesDelpeche WinesShepherd’s HutDuke’s VineyardSingle File WinesFerngroveSwinney WinesForest HillThe Next Hundred YearsFrankland EstateThunderstoneGilbert WinesWest Cape HoweHoward ParkZarephath Wines

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Koora Boodja, a new Aboriginal-owned campground at Yallalie Downs near Dandaragan, has opened on Yued Noongar Country about 200 kilometres north of Perth. The Cook Government announced the opening yesterday, and sites are bookable now.

“My government is committed to growing Western Australia’s Aboriginal tourism sector and positioning our State as Australia’s premier destination for authentic Aboriginal cultural experiences,” said Premier Roger Cook.

“Camping with Custodians is helping deliver on that priority by supporting Aboriginal-owned tourism businesses and creating new opportunities for culture on Country.

“Koora Boodja Campground will generate jobs and long-term benefits for Aboriginal communities, helping local tourism enterprises to grow and succeed.”

Koora Boodja is the eighth campground in WA’s Camping with Custodians program, in which Aboriginal communities develop, own, and run campgrounds on their own land. It’s the first in the Wheatbelt and only the second outside the Kimberley.

The name means “yesterday country” in Noongar. Beemurra Aboriginal Corporation owns and manages Yallalie Downs, and campers can learn from custodians about the area’s culture and geology, including the buried Yallalie impact crater.

“The opening of the new Koora Boodja Campground provides a wonderful opportunity for visitors to experience Yued Noongar Country and learn more about the culture and stories from Traditional Owners,” said Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians Senator Malarndirri McCarthy.

Beemurra plans to run Aboriginal astronomy experiences and farm tours, and a dedicated stargazing platform is planned. The campground’s website already lists a farm operations tour, cooking with custodians, stargazing evenings with cultural star stories, and storytelling through art, which you can book by enquiring with the campground.

“It’s fantastic to see Koora Boodja come to life, giving visitors the opportunity to experience Yued Noongar Country and culture while supporting Aboriginal ownership, jobs, and economic opportunity,” said Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch.

What’s there, and how to book

The campground has 14 unpowered campsites and six unpowered drive-thru sites for large RVs and caravans. Site numbers are kept low to limit environmental impact and avoid overcrowding. There are gas barbecues, a sheltered camp kitchen, hot showers and flushing toilets, grassed areas with picnic benches, and a fire pit and yarning circle.

Pets are welcome, but they must be on a lead at all times, can’t be left alone at your site, and aren’t allowed in the ablutions or camp kitchen. Dogs registered as a dangerous breed can’t stay.

Lesueur National Park, the Pinnacles at Nambung National Park, and the Turquoise Coast are all nearby.

You can book a site online now.

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Tomorrow is WA Small Business Day, and the State Government is encouraging Western Australians to shop at a local small business. WA Small Business Day is held on the last Saturday in October, ahead of the BFCM and Christmas shopping season.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our local communities, and WA Small Business Day is a chance to thank them for everything they contribute,” said Small Business Minister Jackie Jarvis.

“With less than 8 weeks until Christmas, WA Small Business Day is also a timely reminder to shop locally for Christmas gifts.”

There are more than 258,000 small businesses across WA, around 97% of all businesses in the State.

“The SBDC is proud to get behind WA Small Business Day in 2026. This grassroots celebration was created by and for the small businesses at the heart of our economy and communities,” said Small Business Commissioner Saj Abdoolakhan.

Business owners can download a free toolkit, including a printable poster, from the Small Business Development Corporation.

For somewhere to shop tomorrow evening, the Perth Makers Market’s Halloween Twilight Market is on at Burswood Park from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, with handmade goods from WA makers, food, live music, and a scavenger hunt. There are costume competitions for people at 6:30 pm and for dogs at 7:00 pm. Entry and parking are both free, and you can reserve a spot through Eventbrite.

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Elizabeth Quay is getting a global get-together this November, with ten cultural performances, international street food, hands-on workshops and fireworks lined up for the free Perth Multicultural Festival. Returning for its second year on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th of November, the waterfront celebration brings cultures and communities together for two evenings of discovery, connection and a taste of the traditions that make Perth home.

Ten cultures aboard one floating stage Credit: City of Perth

Elizabeth Quay’s iconic floating stage is back in business, with an international lineup bringing a little of the world to Perth’s waterfront. 

Across the two evenings, ten cultural performers representing Mexico, Thailand, China, India, Burundi, Poland, Colombia, Hungary, Germany, and Brazil will take to the stage, showcasing the music, movement, and performance traditions of their respective cultures. 

From the infectious rhythms of Latin America to the rich traditions found across Europe, Asia, and Africa, this is when the culturally curious can broaden their horizons without straying far from home.

Your passport to plates of the world   Credit: City of Perth

Collecting culinary credentials is half the fun of travel. Food trucks will roll into Elizabeth Quay, serving up street food from all corners of the globe. Follow your nose, sample something unfamiliar, and see what makes the menu.

There’s plenty to digest beyond the food, too. The whole family can get hands-on with flag-bunting workshops, LED hula hoops, and interactive circus sessions, with roaming stilt walkers, face painting, and fireworks bringing a bit of extra colour and creativity.

A celebration of the city we call home Credit: City of Perth

For all the food, festivities, and fireworks, the Perth Multicultural Festival’s real drawcard is the chance to celebrate the diversity of the people who call our sunny city home. By bringing familiar traditions, flavours and cultural experiences to the waterfront, it gives Perth’s international communities a chance to reconnect with their heritage, and share it with others.

Proudly presented by the City of Perth and Lotterywest, the Perth Multicultural Festival returns to Elizabeth Quay on Saturday, November 14th and Sunday, November 15th, from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm each evening. Entry to the festival is free, with cultural performances, international street food, family fun, and fireworks across the two-night program. 

For further details about Perth Multicultural Festival, see visitperth.com.

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Scarborough Sunset Markets is back on the Scarborough foreshore from next Thursday, November 5th, running every Thursday from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm until April 29th, and entry is free. This season the Scarborough Amphitheatre becomes the Beach Lounge, with beach chairs, fire dancers, and acoustic sets every week taking over from the DJs.

This is the market’s tenth summer season. They started with 20 vendors on the grassy knolls around the amphitheatre and now take up the whole foreshore, with more than 100 stalls and upwards of 10,000 visitors a week. Here’s what’s on this season.

Food and retail Credit: SoCo Studios

Food trucks and stalls cover cuisines from around the world, and a batch of new vendors join the regulars this summer. The line-up changes week to week, and the markets post who’s trading on their vendor list.

More than 30 local makers fill the arts and retail section, selling soy wax candles, vintage clothing, jewellery, landscape photography, postcards, allergy-friendly pet treats, men’s grooming products, and non-alcoholic wine. Grab your tote bag and head on down.

Sunset Applause Credit: SoCo Studios

When the sun drops into the Indian Ocean, the crowd stops to applaud, a Scarborough Sunset Markets tradition known as the Sunset Applause.

War on waste

Volunteer Waste Warriors staff the waste stations every Thursday, sorting market rubbish into compost, Containers for Change, recycling, and landfill. The markets say the program has cut the share of waste going to landfill from 100% to 10%, and that bringing your own plates, cutlery, and cups is the biggest help.

Getting there

The markets are set up on The Esplanade around the amphitheatre and clock tower, and on the beach just in front. Dogs are welcome on a lead but can’t go on the beach.

Parking is limited and the area gets congested at peak times, so we’d leave the car at home. The free Surf CAT runs from Stirling Station to Scarborough Beach every day until late, and if you’re getting a rideshare, ask to be dropped on the eastern side of West Coast Highway to skip the traffic.

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Sam Kerr Kicking Goals, a live-action series based on the children’s books by Fremantle-born Matildas captain Sam Kerr and Fiona Harris, will film in WA from early next year. The State Government announced yesterday that it had secured the production, which will stream on Paramount+ in 2027.

“I’m excited to announce that with the Cook Labor Government’s support, Sam Kerr Kicking Goals will film in Western Australia,” said Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk.

“The series will showcase all that Western Australia has to offer – including our world-class talent, crew, and diverse locations – while celebrating the story of one of our sporting greats.”

The series follows Kerr as an 11-year-old in Western Australia with her best friends, before she captained the Matildas and played for Chelsea. Orange Entertainment Co is producing it for Paramount+ and Network 10. Diya Eid created the series, Tig Terera and Rebecca O’Brien are directing, and Kerr is an executive producer.

“It’s pretty surreal knowing that Kicking Goals is being adapted into a TV series. These stories are all about believing in yourself and having a go, so it feels really special that a whole new generation will get to experience them on screen,” Kerr said.

A nationwide search has started for the young actors who’ll play Sam and her friends.

“Now the search begins for the young actor who’ll play me, and I honestly can’t wait to see someone bring that younger version of me to life and step into my boots. I hope it’s an experience they’ll never forget!” she said.

Nathan Lloyd Casting is taking applications from anywhere in Australia for supporting roles, including Greek or Lebanese girls aged ten to 13 and Sudanese men and women aged 35 to 55. No acting experience is needed, and the roles are paid.

The production is expected to bring more than $5 million into the state and create more than 130 local jobs, including five heads of department and 60 cast. Orange Entertainment Co is calling for local crew for the series, which enters pre-production at the start of next year.

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WA textile artist Ben David’s new exhibition, Threads of Listening, opens at FORM Gallery in Claremont next Thursday, November 5th, and its centrepiece is a work you’re encouraged to touch. The Listening Wall is a large tufted textile, and pressing different parts of it plays different field recordings Ben made in Claremont and elsewhere in WA. The show runs until January 3rd.

“I wanted to make a textile artwork that could be listened to as well as looked at,” said Ben David. “Touch becomes a way of exploring the work and activating the landscape within it.”

There are 20 works in the show, five years in the making. Most are hand-tufted in pure wool and acrylic yarn, alongside two wool sculptures, a painting, and a cement sculpture. Ben starts with what he sees around the state, from trees and plants to water and rock formations, and reworks it into abstract compositions of colour and texture.

Ben created the exhibition during his Artist in Residence program at FORM and dedicated it to his grandmother, Roma Joyce Stewart, who got him into textile art as a child.

The public program

The opening night runs from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on November 5th, and Ben will be there. It’s free, and you can RSVP for the opening now.

On November 14th, Ben gives a free artist talk from 11:00 am to noon about how the show came together, his work in disability-led arts and access, and the collaborations that bring community voices into his pieces.

His two tufting workshops, on November 21st and December 5th, also run from 11:00 am to noon. Ben takes beginners through the technique with wool, colour, and texture. They’re open to anyone 16 and over, and tickets are $100.00 with all materials supplied. Each group adds to the same shared textile, so it grows from one session to the next. Bookings are open now for the November 21st workshop and the December 5th workshop.

On November 28th, from 11:00 am to noon, he leads a tactile tour of the exhibition, explaining the materials and techniques behind each work while you handle the wool and fabric yourself. It’s free, but you’ll need to RSVP for the tactile tour.

FORM Gallery is in the old Goods Shed right next to Claremont Station, so the train is the easiest way there.

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Seven Perth venues have live shucking sessions on with Leeuwin Coast’s Albany Rock Oysters through spring and summer, from Jerry Fraser’s weekly Wednesdays at Canteen Pizza to Thursday evenings by the river in East Fremantle. The oysters came back into season on October 19th, and they’ll be around until the end of April next year.

Leeuwin Coast grows them in Albany’s Oyster Harbour, where fresh water from the King and Kalgan rivers meets the Southern Ocean, and this year they picked up two golds and a silver at the Sydney Royal Fine Food Show.

Here’s where to catch them being shucked.

Canteen Pizza

Jerry Fraser, who Canteen calls WA’s King of Oysters, is into his fourth decade as an oysterman. He’s shucking Albany Rock Oysters at Canteen Pizza every Wednesday from 4:00 pm as part of the venue’s Pizza & Pinot night, a run that started on October 21st.

Tradewinds Hotel

Tradewinds in East Fremantle calls its night Thursday Oysters by the River. That Oyster Lounge sets up in the courtyard every Thursday from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Fallow

That Oyster Lounge is also taking Friday afternoons at Fallow in Northbridge, shucking from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, starting this Friday.

Servo Leederville

Servo’s oyster afternoon on November 22nd is the most involved of the lot. Hosts Tom and Jerry, two Perth oyster enthusiasts (not the cat and mouse, the venue notes), run three hours of shucking and tasting from 3:00 pm. Each guest gets a dozen and a half Leeuwin Coast oysters and a shared, Mexican-leaning set menu that runs from potato taquitos with Oaxaca and hot honey to a dulce de leche ice cream sandwich, and you may get to shuck a few yourself.

Boston Brewing Co

Shucks & Nibs is at Boston Brewing Co’s Victoria Park venue on selected Thursdays in November, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Boston brews its beer in Denmark, just along the south coast from Albany, so this one is a Great Southern pairing.

The Rechabite

Shucks & Nibs also has selected Fridays in November at The Rechabite in Northbridge, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Good Company

To close out November, Shucks & Nibs takes over at Good Company in Karrinyup on November 29th, shucking from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Away from the shucking sessions, the oysters are back on the menu at Pearla & Co, Gage Roads Freo, Si Paradiso, FOUND., and Indigo Oscar. If you’d rather shuck your own, Seafresh and select The Good Grocer stores have them in stock.

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Australia’s annual inflation rate rose to 4.3% in the 12 months to September, up from 4.0% in August, according to new figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics released this morning.

The figures show that Perth’s inflation rate is slightly higher still, at 4.5%.

Economists had forecast 4.2%. The higher result makes it much more likely the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will lift the cash rate at its board meeting on Melbourne Cup Day next week, which would be the fifth rise this year. Even before today’s figures dropped, markets were pricing in a roughly 60% chance of a rise.

Trimmed mean inflation, which strips out the biggest price swings and is the measure the RBA watches most closely, rose to 3.6%. Headline and underlying inflation have now both sat above the RBA’s 2% to 3% target band for 14 months straight.

Here’s what’s driving it, and what comes next.

What’s pushing prices up

Housing was the biggest contributor, up 5.2% over the year. New home prices rose 4.7% as builders passed on higher labour and materials costs, and rents climbed 3.6%. Electricity jumped 12.8%, which the ABS largely attributed to the end of the Commonwealth’s electricity rebates.

Transport was next, up 8.7% nationally and 10.4% in Perth. Fuel prices are 23.6% higher than they were a year ago and rose 9.4% in September alone, driven by world oil prices as the Middle East conflict drags on. 

The figure that matters most for the RBA is non-tradable inflation, which covers prices set by what’s happening inside Australia rather than global markets. That number is 4.5%.

Government spending is part of the problem

Federal government spending made up 26.9% of GDP in 2025-26. Outside the pandemic years, that’s the highest level in almost 40 years.

That spending is entering an economy already struggling to keep up with demand, and the people responsible for managing it have now said so on the record. At a Senate Estimates hearing this morning, RBA Governor Michele Bullock said inflation was being driven by pressure at home and abroad.

“The increase in inflation reflects both consistent capacity pressures in the Australian economy and global cost pressures associated with the conflict in the Middle East,” she said.

“Because of both these factors, inflation is likely to remain elevated for some time.”

Asked whether government spending was contributing, she said: “Demand is made up of demand from government and the private sector so I’ve said this a number of times, yes, to the extent that it is contributing to aggregate demand and aggregate demand is above supply, then it’s contributing to that.”

At the same hearing, Treasury Secretary Jenny Wilkinson said: “No one’s denying that government spending contributes, is part of demand in the economy.” She also pointed out the 2025-26 Budget deficit came in at $22.3 billion, $6 billion smaller than the May forecast.

Government decisions also show up directly in the figures. The two items that jumped most this year, electricity and fuel, rose further once government relief ended.

How Australia compares

Inflation has picked up across the developed world as oil prices have climbed. In September, it reached 3.7% in the US, 3.5% in the UK, 3.8% in the eurozone, 3.7% in New Zealand, and 3.1% in Canada.

Australia’s headline rate is higher than all of them. The bigger gap is in underlying inflation, which takes out volatile items like energy. That’s 2.6% in the US and 2.5% in the eurozone, against Australia’s 3.6% trimmed mean. Oil prices are hurting everyone, but Australia has more of its own inflation on top.

The RBA’s blunt instrument

The cash rate sits at 4.60% after the RBA raised it in late September. That was the fourth rise of 2026, taking it to its highest level since 2011. A rise next week would take it to 4.85%, the highest in about 18 years.

Interest rates are a blunt tool. The RBA can’t control government spending, oil prices, or what private companies like builders charge. Its only lever is the cost of borrowing, which squeezes households and businesses with loans until they spend less. RBA Chief Economist Sarah Hunter acknowledged at the weekend that government spending is adding to demand, and said the RBA has no influence over fiscal policy and has to factor it in when setting rates.

The more demand that comes from government, the harder the RBA has to squeeze everyone else, and in Perth that means mortgage holders who’ve already had four rate rises this year.

Before today’s figures, ANZ and Westpac were both forecasting a rise next week, while CBA and NAB expected the RBA to hold.

The RBA will announce its decision at 11:30 am on November 3rd, alongside updated forecasts for inflation and the economy.

What it means for Perth mortgage holders Credit: Shutterstock

Perth’s median dwelling value is $975,022, according to Cotality. On a $750,000 loan at the average advertised variable rate of 6.63%, repayments are around $4,805 a month. If the RBA raises rates next week and banks pass it on in full, that adds about $125.00 a month.

Add in the four rises already this year, and that same borrower pays about $610.00 more a month than in January. That’s more than $7,300 a year.

All of this comes on top of higher costs everywhere else. Transport costs in Perth are up 10.4% over the year, mostly because of fuel, and electricity is up 12.8% nationally since the federal rebates ended.

Rate rises are now showing up in property values, too. Perth dwelling values fell 4.7% over the September quarter, although they’re still 10.1% higher than a year ago.

What it means for renters

Renters don’t pay the cash rate directly, but they still feel it. Many landlords hold variable-rate investment loans, and when repayments rise in a tight market, it’s easier to pass the cost on at lease renewal.

Perth’s median house rent is a record $750.00 a week, with units at $700.00, according to REIWA. The vacancy rate sits at 1.7%, well below the 2.5% to 3.5% range REIWA considers a balanced market. Median house rents have held at that level since May.

Renters are also paying the same higher prices for fuel, power, and groceries as everyone else, without any equity to fall back on.

What it means for small business and hospitality Credit: Shutterstock

Small businesses get hit twice by rising rates. Their loans cost more, and customers with higher mortgage repayments cut discretionary spending first. Hospitality is usually hit first, as it prompts consumers to eat out less often.

One in eight cafés, restaurants, and takeaway businesses across Australia closed in the 12 months to July, according to CreditorWatch. That’s a closure rate of 12.03%, almost double the 6.69% average across all industries. More than 10% of businesses still trading were 60 or more days behind on supplier payments, the highest arrears rate in any part of the economy.

Today’s figures show the other side of that squeeze. Prices for meals out and takeaway rose 3.9% over the year, which the ABS put down to higher operating, ingredient, and other input costs. Operators are paying more for produce, wages, and power, and passing it on to customers who have less to spend.

In WA, 323 small businesses became insolvent between June and September, around 19 a week, according to ASIC data released by the federal Opposition. Accommodation and food services businesses account for 473 WA insolvencies since June 2022, second only to construction.

Perth has already lost some favourites. CBD bar and restaurant Lalla Rookh announced this month it will close on December 23rd after 14 years. “Hospitality has been doing it incredibly tough for a few years now,” the venue said, pointing to working from home gutting the lunch trade, cost-of-living pressure on spending, and rising wages, super, produce, and utility costs.

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Richmond and Essendon will play Dreamtime at Optus Stadium during NAIDOC Week in 2027 and 2028, with the first match, Dreamtime at Maali, on Sunday, July 4th next year in Round 16. The Perth game is an additional fixture, as Dreamtime at the ‘G stays in Melbourne as the centrepiece of Sir Doug Nicholls Round.

“Dreamtime is an incredible fixture on the AFL calendar, and bringing it to Optus Stadium is a fantastic opportunity for Western Australian fans,” said Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti.

“Hosting the match during NAIDOC Week provides a fitting stage to celebrate Aboriginal culture and recognise the significant contribution Aboriginal players and communities have made to Australian football.

“From young players at local clubs to lifelong supporters, this is a chance for people to come together, enjoy great football, and celebrate what makes our game so special.”

Maali is the Noongar word for black swan, and the match is named for the bird’s significance in Aboriginal culture. The Long Walk, one of Australian sport’s most significant celebrations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and contribution, will bring participants together at Optus Stadium before the game, with community-led activities and experiences for locals and visitors.

The match will anchor a wider program across Perth, with additional AFL matches, fan and community events, and cultural celebrations.

Two days after the match, on July 6th, the Australian Football Hall of Fame will be held in WA for the first time.

“Dreamtime at Maali will headline an unmissable weekend of AFL action in Perth, giving footy fans another fantastic reason to visit our State in 2027,” said Premier Roger Cook.

“Together with the Australian Football Hall of Fame being held in Western Australia for the first time, Dreamtime will make Perth the centre of attention for AFL fans and showcase our State to audiences across the country.”

When it’s on and how to get tickets

The match falls on the second day of the WA school holidays, which run from July 3rd to 18th. The AFL will announce match time and ticketing details with the 2027 fixture on its website.

Perth has hosted Dreamtime once before. In 2021, the Round 12 Essendon v Richmond match was moved from the MCG to Optus Stadium, and 50,000 tickets sold within hours of going on general sale. The game sold out the next day, so be ready when tickets go on sale.

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Perth Zoo announced yesterday that Jamran, its 26-year-old male sun bear, has died from age-related health issues after nearly 20 years at the zoo.

“Jamran was a firm favourite in my family and among regular zoo-goers and while his loss will be felt, he leaves an incredible conservation legacy,” said Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn.

“While he was just one individual bear, the impact his story has had in aiding the rescue of countless other bears from the illegal wildlife trade is truly powerful.”

Jamran was poached from the wild in Cambodia as a cub and found tied to a pole outside a restaurant, where Perth Zoo says he was destined to be on the menu. Perth-founded conservation organisation Free the Bears rescued him, and he was flown to Perth in 2007 with Bopha, a female sun bear who had been kept as an illegal family pet.

The pair became the parents of Australia’s first sun bear cub, Maly, who was born at the zoo on March 26th 2008.

“Generations of visitors were able to connect with him and learn about the harsh realities of life in the wild and that connection can help inspire real change,” said Perth Zoo Executive Director David van Ooran.

“He was deeply loved by our staff, volunteers and visitors, and we’re incredibly proud of the life we were able to give him and the impact he leaves behind.”

Perth Zoo has a longstanding partnership with Free the Bears, and zoo visits and community support have contributed to bear conservation programs across Asia that have helped the organisation rescue more than 1,000 bears from the illegal wildlife trade.

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The State Government is moving to legalise plug-in solar panels and batteries, which would make WA the first Australian state or territory to allow them. Consultation on a safety standard for the systems opened today, and the change is aimed at renters and apartment residents who can’t put panels on a roof.

“For too long, the benefits of cheap solar have been out of reach for anyone who doesn’t own their roof. That isn’t fair, and the Cook Labor Government is doing something about it,” said Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson.

“I’m proud that our State is leading the nation on this issue – millions of European households already use these systems every day, and WA families should be able to do the same.”

A plug-in system is usually one or two solar panels that plug into a normal power point instead of being wired in by an electrician. Overseas, people often mount them on a balcony railing, a patio, or against a wall or fence, which is why they’re known as balcony solar. A plug-in battery generally holds up to about five kilowatt-hours, which the State Government says is enough to run a fridge, internet router, and standby appliances overnight.

The State Government says a north-facing system would save the average Perth household around $240.00 a year on its power bill, or around $500.00 a year with a battery.

“A plug-in system arrives in a box and goes into a standard power point. When you move house, you take it with you,” said Commerce Minister Dr Tony Buti.

“Western Australia will be the first state in the country to make this legal and we want to ensure that it’s done properly.

“Today, we’re kicking off a thorough consultation process to make sure that these systems are safe for Western Australian conditions, and we want to hear from industry, electrical safety experts and the community before it is finalised.”

The draft standard, modelled on Germany’s, would allow solar panel combinations of up to two kilowatts and inverters of up to 800 watts, and wouldn’t cap battery storage. Once it’s finalised, the goal is to let certified systems be installed by simply plugging them into an existing power point, though the State Government says you could still benefit from having a licensed electrician check your sockets and wiring. You’d then notify your network operator, Western Power across most of Perth, instead of going through the full application process used for rooftop solar. These systems are meant for using the power yourself, so there’s no rebate for anything exported to the grid.

For now, you can’t legally buy one and plug it in, and using an imported system remains illegal. Apartment residents will be subject to strata rules, since a balcony or courtyard may be common property or covered by by-laws about what can be attached to it. Renter access isn’t part of this consultation, but the State Government says it’s working across government on any needed changes.

How to have your say

You have until 5:00 pm on December 9th to have your say on the proposed pathway and draft standard through the Plug in to power up consultation.

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Perth Airport has released the latest concept designs for its new terminal. This building will bring the airport’s domestic and international flights into one central precinct and end the eight-kilometre trip between Terminals 1 and 2 on one side of the runways and Terminals 3 and 4 on the other.

At 159,000 square metres, the new terminal will have a floor area of around nine AFL ovals. That makes it nearly triple the size of Terminals 3 and 4, and 25% larger than Terminals 1 and 2 combined. It will add 22 new contact gates for wide- and narrow-body aircraft. Some of these will be swing gates that can switch between international and domestic operations.

The terminal is being built at Airport Central, next to the Airport Line station. Qantas passengers will no longer have to walk up to 20 minutes from the train or catch a shuttle bus to reach their flight, as they do now.

Credit: Perth Airport

Australian firm Woods Bagot designed the terminal. Its architectural concept, Big Sky/Deep Earth, draws on the relationship between the WA sky and the land of Whadjuk Noongar Country. The building is a big step up in looks, but Perth Airport said the design was driven mainly by functionality, capacity, and efficiency for passengers and airlines.

“A good airport moves passengers efficiently, but a great airport also gives them a sense of the destination they are in — this design delivers both outcomes,” said Perth Airport CEO Jason Waters.

Perth Airport handled a record 18.4 million passengers in FY26, including 5.55 million international travellers. It expects 30.8 million passengers a year by FY46, with international numbers more than doubling from FY25 levels to 11.4 million.

“A new world-class terminal precinct will deliver a major boost to Western Australia’s economy,” Premier Roger Cook said.

“This multi-billion-dollar investment further strengthens Perth’s position as Australia’s Western Gateway, an important role given that 95% of visitors to the State arrive by air.”

“My Government remains focused on growing aviation capacity and working closely with Perth Airport and airline partners to expand our tourism sector as part of our work to diversify the economy and create more local jobs for Western Australians.”

“Ultimately, the New Terminal will strengthen Perth’s position as Australia’s western gateway and generate new opportunities for the state,” Waters said.

What’s inside Credit: Perth Airport

Most new features aim to reduce time spent queuing. Check-in and bag drop will be automated, including for oversized items. The baggage system is being built to support services like on-demand baggage reclaim and courier pick-up and drop-off. Passengers will be called to the gate when it’s time to board, so they don’t have to wait in line. Domestic and international passengers will also go through a single shared security checkpoint.

The terminal will include around 10,000 square metres of new retail, dining, and hospitality space. The terminal will also have sensory rooms, multi-faith rooms, a playground, and parent rooms. A landscaped courtyard will sit in the middle of the building, with plenty of natural light and views out to the airfield and the Perth Hills.

Credit: Perth Airport

“While the New Terminal designs show one big new building, the design team has also considered the hundreds of small things that will add up to a better experience for everyone,” Waters said.

“We have aimed high when it comes to building sustainability into the design, as well as ensuring accessibility for people of all ages, ability and background.”

When it opens

The main works package for the terminal has gone out to tender. Early contractor involvement will follow, and the contract is due to be awarded in 2027.

When Qantas and Perth Airport signed their deal in May 2024 to build the terminal and a new parallel runway, the $3 billion project was scheduled to open in 2031. Qantas will move its domestic and international flights across once the terminal opens. At the launch, Waters told the media he wasn’t yet in a position to give a final view on cost or timing, but said he expected the project to stay on target.

He also said preliminary work should start within the next 12 months. Thousands of construction workers will be on site, and although the airport will stay open around the clock for the entire build, he warned passengers to expect delays.

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Jetstar’s first direct flight from Perth to Christchurch left this morning, starting a seasonal service that runs three times a week until March 27th. Air New Zealand joins the route on November 30th with three more flights a week, so from then until late March there’ll be a direct flight to Christchurch six days a week.

“Aviation is a key priority for my government and it’s fantastic to welcome both the return of ANA’s daily Tokyo to Perth flights and two new direct services from Christchurch with Jetstar and Air New Zealand, which together will deliver more than 53,600 inbound seats to Western Australia,” said Premier Roger Cook.

“These expanded air links reflect growing international demand for Western Australia and our commitment to boosting visitation, supporting local businesses and creating jobs for Western Australians.”

“Stronger connections with key markets such as Japan and New Zealand make it easier for more visitors to experience everything our State has to offer while delivering long-term benefits for our tourism, trade and investment sectors.”

“As Australia’s Western Gateway, we will continue to pursue opportunities that strengthen our aviation network and support Western Australia’s economic growth and diversification.”

The Christchurch flights line up with the NRMA Insurance Men’s Test between Australia and New Zealand at Optus Stadium from December 9th to 13th.

When the flights run

Jetstar flies on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays with its Perth-based Airbus A321LR aircraft. JQ185 leaves Perth at 7:45 am and lands in Christchurch at 6:55 pm. The return flight, JQ184, leaves Christchurch at 8:15 pm and gets into Perth at 10:30 pm. You can book through Jetstar.

Air New Zealand flies on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from November 30th to May 7th. It uses retrofitted Boeing 787-9s with Business, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins, and you can book through Air New Zealand.

ANA has also resumed daily flights between Perth and Tokyo’s Narita Airport, up from three flights a week. The daily flights started on Sunday and run until March 27th, and you can book them through ANA.

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Few things are better than sipping an Aperol spritz while gazing across the sparkling Swan River at sunset. Paired with the vivacious chatter of friends and the glistening lights of the city skyline, it’s our idea of heaven. With the warmer nights back, we’ve rounded up Perth’s best rooftop bars, from Elizabeth Quay to the Fremantle port. You won’t have a shortage of options for post-work drinks or weekend festivities. All you need to do is add them to your list.

Sweetwater Rooftop Bar Credit: Sweetwater Rooftop Bar

What’s not to love about dumplings, cocktails, and rooftop views in East Fremantle? Sweetwater Rooftop Bar’s stylish, garden-infused interior is well worth a gander for anyone eager to devour a delicious line-up of Asian-inspired share plates, washed down with a cocktail or two.

From six floors up, the view stretches across Fremantle Port and the Swan River. Sweetwater opens from 11:00 am on weekends, 12:00 pm on Thursdays and Fridays, and 5:00 pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Songbird Bar

If you’re partial to panoramic Swan River vistas and carefully curated food and drink offerings, Songbird Bar is where the good times fly. Inspired by nature and the beautiful birds that fill our skies, The Ritz-Carlton‘s Level 5 terrace bar sits alongside the hotel’s infinity pool. Expect sweeping views of Elizabeth Quay, complemented by moody lighting and glamorous decor. The cocktails draw inspiration from the plumage, behaviours, and habitats of Australia’s native birds, with native botanicals in the mix.

Songbird Bar is open from 4:00 pm Sunday to Thursday and from 3:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

18 Knots

For a sundowner at Elizabeth Quay, 18 Knots is hard to beat, up on Level 18 of DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Waterfront. The views stretch 360 degrees across the city, and the bar pours cocktails, local craft beers, wines, and spirits, with shareable bar bites. On Thursday nights, live jazz starts at 6:00 pm. Walk-ins are welcome, and 18 Knots opens daily at 12:00 pm, staying open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Storehouse Subiaco Credit: Storehouse Subiaco

Up on the ninth floor of Subiaco’s Vibe Hotel, Storehouse is our pick for a cocktail night west of the city. Bowing to Scandinavian minimalism, the space is elegant and refined, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing uninterrupted panoramic CBD views. Dinner is made for sharing, built on regionally sourced produce.

Storehouse Subiaco serves drinks and dinner Tuesday to Saturday from 4:00 pm.

Rooftop at QT Credit: Rooftop at QT

QT’s sleek rooftop haven blends modern sophistication with splashes of artsy colour and skyline views, 18 floors up. A retractable awning means the cocktails keep coming rain, hail, or shine. Settle in and enjoy golden hour with a taste of their cocktail creations. Think the Rooftop Lagoon, with cherry blossom, blue lychee, and sparkling wine, or the Elderflower & Coconut Margarita.

Rooftop at QT opens from 3:00 pm Sunday to Thursday, and 2:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Tiki as Fk

This 60s-inspired cocktail lounge in Northbridge is the fun, quirky outlier on Perth’s rooftop scene. It pours some of the best tropical cocktails you’ll try, and its open-air terrace looks out over the city skyline. Pair that with pumping music and knowledgeable staff with energy to spare.

On Fridays and Saturdays, Tiki as FK opens from 4:00 pm.

The National Hotel Credit: The National Hotel

Once a shop, later a bank, and now a cult favourite watering hole, The National Hotel has 360-degree views from the heart of Fremantle, with spectacular sights over the port and out to Rottnest. The beautifully restored building stars Fremantle’s first rooftop bar, pouring a range of premium international and local beers, wines, and spirits. Grab a bunch of friends and work your way through the smalls menu and share plates.

The rooftop at The National Hotel opens most days, weather permitting. It doesn’t take table bookings, though groups of ten or more can hire an area.

Bob’s Bar

Take the stairs to the top of Print Hall, find the big, illuminated sign, and you’ve made it to Bob’s Bar, named after everyone’s favourite beer fiend of a prime minister, Bob Hawke. Fitting, considering Bob’s Bar is your rooftop go-to for all things craft beer. Round up the crew for cocktails as the sun sets and don’t be surprised if it turns into a late one.

Hours at Bob’s Bar can shift with the weather, so check before you head up.

The Standard Credit: The Standard

The Standard is a different kind of rooftop: a leafy deck up the stairs from its garden courtyard, with a stunning view of the CBD and the Northbridge streets below. This is a spot best enjoyed for post-office drinks, so order a signature cocktail and a few Mediterranean-inspired bites while you’re at it. The Standard is open Wednesday to Sunday.

FARRA Terrace

Head upstairs at Hyde Perth and you’ll find FARRA Terrace, a sun-soaked rooftop that takes its cues from the Greek isles. Afternoons here are made for drinks in the sun, and as the light drops, DJs take over the sunset and carry it into the night. If you get peckish, FARRA’s restaurant in the same hotel serves Greek-inspired share plates built on WA produce.

FARRA Terrace opens from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Fridays and from 2:00 pm until late on Saturdays and Sundays.

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The City of Perth Multicultural Festival was named Best New Event at the Australian Event Awards, taking the national title at last week’s ceremony in Coffs Harbour. The first festival ran over two nights at Elizabeth Quay last November and drew 27,000 people.

“To be named Australia’s Best New Event in our very first year, against some of the best events in the country, is an outstanding achievement,” said City of Perth Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds.

“When 27,000 people came together at Elizabeth Quay, we knew we’d created something special. To now receive national recognition is a wonderful endorsement of what Perth can achieve. Our city is home to people from all corners of the world, and this festival was a celebration of the cultures, traditions and communities that make Perth such a great place to live.”

The program put performers from communities around the world on the Quay’s floating stage, alongside local Noongar culture and a wide spread of international food trucks. The finale was an original soundtrack by Noongar artist Phil Walleystack, who was also the festival’s creative director, followed by fireworks over the Quay.

“Perth is increasingly making its mark on the national stage, and this award shows we don’t just attract great events, we create them,” Mr Reynolds said.

“Events of this scale take an enormous amount of planning, passion and hard work, and I couldn’t be prouder of everyone who helped make it happen,” said City of Perth Events Manager Lisa Robertson.

“I want to give special recognition to our Creative Director, Phil Walleystack, whose vision was the inspiration for the festival from the very beginning. His passion for bringing people and cultures together, and creating something both culturally meaningful and creatively spectacular, has been the driving force behind this event.”

The festival is back at Elizabeth Quay next month, on November 14th and 15th.

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Subiaco becomes Spookiaco this Friday to Sunday, October 30th to November 1st, for the City of Subiaco’s first Halloween festival. Giant inflatable monsters are moving into Market Square Park, four laneways off Rokeby Road are being haunted, and the Subi Fright Market takes over the park on Halloween night. Most of it is free.

“For a few days, we’re giving Subiaco permission to be a little bit spooky,” said City of Subiaco Mayor David McMullen.

Here’s what’s happening.

The monsters in Market Square Park

The big drawcard is Monsters Can’t Fly, a park full of inflatable monsters by Sydney artist Matthew Aberline and Beautiful & Useful Studio. Aberline was behind The Light Within, which ran in Subiaco in April. The monsters are bright and patterned in daylight, but they’re best after dark, when animated light sequences make them glow from within. The installation includes prompts that ask kids how they’d roar, walk, and dance if they were a monster.

“You might find yourself looking twice, but there really will be giant monsters right here in Market Square Park,” Mayor McMullen said.

They arrive this Friday and stay until November 8th, a week after the rest of Spookiaco wraps up.

Subi Fright Market

On Halloween night this Saturday, the Subi Night Market becomes the Subi Fright Market from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The usual stalls and food are still there, with Halloween characters and performers roaming the park, face painting, and a trick-or-treat trail for kids. Come in costume. From around 6:30 pm, Subi Voice of Youth is screening Monsters vs. Aliens outdoors. Entry is free.

Haunted laneways

Artist Lynzie Bremner has dressed four laneways off Rokeby Road for the three days. The entrance to Vampire Lane, Rokeby Lane between Quello and Shui, is a set of giant vampire teeth, with black bats, drapes, and candelabras waiting on the other side. Walmsley Lane, next to Bar Amelie, has become Killer Plant Lane, overgrown with giant Venus flytraps, oversized eyeballs, and moss-covered skeletons.

The other two are photo stops. Kannis Lane, next to Willie Creek, is now Pumpkin Lane, a pumpkin patch with pumpkin-headed scarecrows, and Postal Walk beside the post office has A Dead Wedding, with two coffins and a pair of skeleton newlyweds. All four are marked on the Haunted Laneways map.

Walking tours

Oh Hey WA is running two Spookiaco tours. Stories and Spirits is an 18+ walk through Subi’s laneways this Friday from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm, with ghost stories and riddles tied to the murals, nibbles, and a spooky cocktail. Tickets are $70.00.

Family Fright Night is the one for kids, on Halloween from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm. It’s a creature art hunt through the streets with ghost stories along the way, ending at the Fright Market and its trick-or-treat trail. Tickets are $25.00 for adults and $10.00 for kids. Bookings are through Oh Hey WA.

The cocktail crawl

Nine Subiaco bars and venues are pouring 11 Halloween cocktails between them for a self-guided Spooky Cocktail Crawl. Subi Hotel is pouring a Vampire’s Kiss, Mistelle is pouring La Veuve Noire, McNally’s Irish Pub is pouring a Cobweb Coconut Margarita, and BARK is pouring three: the Halloween Penicillin, the Blood Bath, and The Green Witch. Al Canto, Bar Amelie, Cafe Cafe, Refuge Small Bar, and Storehouse are in on it too.

Storehouse and Al Canto start a day early, this Thursday, while seven of the 11 cocktails finish on Saturday. Bookings are recommended. Check the Spooky Cocktail Crawl map for who’s pouring what and when.

Local businesses are adding best-dressed competitions, trivia nights, creative classes, and costume giveaways over the weekend, and the full program is on the Spookiaco website.

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Granny flats could grow from 70 to 90 square metres, and more could be built without council planning approval, under draft changes to the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) the State Government released yesterday. The same draft would scrap average lot size requirements for R10 to R25 properties in Perth and Peel, making more than 70,000 existing residential properties eligible to subdivide. You can comment on the changes until February 26th next year.

“These reforms are a game changer for Western Australians, with property owners given greater flexibility to develop their land depending on their individual circumstances,” said Planning and Lands Minister John Carey.

“Whether it’s a granny flat for a young or ageing family member, or subdividing off the backyard to downsize, we are providing more opportunities for housing choice in existing suburbs.”

The R-Codes are the rulebook for homes across WA, setting lot sizes, building heights, parking, setbacks, open space, privacy, and landscaping. These are draft proposals, so nothing changes yet; development and subdivision applications will continue to be assessed under the current rules while the review is underway. Feedback will shape the final codes before they go to the Western Australian Planning Commission, and the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage expects any changes to begin coming into effect later in 2027. The draft is part of the wider R-Code reforms the Cook Government announced in July.

Under the current rules, in place since April 2024, a granny flat of up to 70 square metres that complies with the R-Codes doesn’t need planning approval on a residential lot of any size, only a building permit. That change also removed the old 350 square metre minimum lot size, dropped the rule that the flat had to match the main house’s design, and allowed granny flats on grouped dwelling and strata lots. You don’t need a parking bay for one, except at some densities and in locations further from public transport, where a car is more likely to be needed. If you’re planning one now, the State Government advises you to contact your local council about building it.

Under the new draft, the maximum floor space would rise to 90 square metres, minimum car parking requirements would be removed altogether, the rear lot boundary setback would be reduced in lower-density areas, and more granny flats would be exempt from council planning approval.

“By adjusting the standards for granny flats, more developments will avoid a two or three-month planning approval process, saving time and money with only a building permit required,” Mr Carey said.

The subdivision change applies to existing residential land coded R10 to R25 across Perth and Peel. R20 is the code that generally applies to the most common suburban residential properties across the Perth metro area, so the change reaches a lot of ordinary suburban blocks. You can usually find your property’s density code by searching your address in your council’s online mapping system.

How to have your say

You have until 5:00 pm on February 26th next year to comment.

You can comment online through Have Your Say WA, which has two forms. The Short Feedback Form is a quick survey on the key changes and takes about five to ten minutes. The Detailed Feedback Form lets you comment on the specific parts of the draft codes that are relevant to you. You can attach a written submission through the online form, or post one to the Western Australian Planning Commission.

The department is also running community pop-ups across Perth in December, plus one online session, and you’ll need to register your interest through the Have Your Say page:

• December 2nd, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm: Swan Active Midland and a southern suburbs session
• December 5th, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm: Stirling Libraries Karrinyup and Bay View Community Centre in Claremont
• December 8th, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm: online on Microsoft Teams
• December 10th, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm: Beatty Park Leisure Centre in North Perth

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The new Fremantle Traffic Bridge will officially be named Walyalup Bridge, and you can walk across it next Sunday before it opens to traffic. The State Government announced the name today, a week before the free community opening on November 1st, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

“We’re proud to announce Walyalup Bridge as the official name for this iconic new landmark that will be a part of Fremantle’s identity for generations to come,” said Transport and Major Infrastructure Minister Rita Saffioti.

“This river crossing has a rich history and so many people have their own stories of its past, whether it be its Noongar heritage and culture, connections to the Fremantle community, or what it represents as a feat of engineering and critical transport link to the Port City.

“Its name, Walyalup Bridge, will now become part of that continuing story, connecting the past, present and future of this important place.”

Walyalup is the traditional Whadjuk Noongar name for Fremantle, and the place holds strong social, spiritual, cultural, and historical significance for the Whadjuk people. The name comes from walyo, the Noongar word for the woylie, a small kangaroo rat that was once abundant in the scrub and low trees around the coastal plain.

The name is already used around Fremantle, including at the Walyalup Aboriginal Cultural Centre, the Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre, and the Walyalup Civic Centre, and the Fremantle Dockers adopt it during the AFL’s Indigenous Round.

“Walyalup Bridge is a fitting name for where the Swan River meets the Fremantle Harbour and the gateway to Fremantle,” said Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk.

Bridges have stood at this crossing since 1866, and Walyalup Bridge is the fifth at the site, according to Main Roads. The one it replaces opened in 1939 as a temporary structure and carried traffic until it closed on February 1st this year.

The design incorporates heritage and culture through public art and feature lighting that draws on the river’s history. The project has retained timber piles from the old Fremantle Traffic Bridge, and will interpret remnants associated with earlier crossings in the surrounding area. Lighting testing and finishing works around the bridge will continue after the opening.

Getting to the opening day

You can walk onto the bridge from either end between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm. The Festival Hub is under the bridge on Beach Street, with a free sausage sizzle, activities, and family-friendly entertainment. Thousands of people are expected, and Main Roads is asking people to register to help it plan catering, transport, and festival activities.

There’s no event parking, so you’ll need to walk, ride, or take public transport; if you’re riding, bike racks will be set up at the event. Transperth travel is free every Sunday with a SmartRider or contactless payment (tag on and off as usual), and parking at Transperth stations is free on weekends. Catch the train to North Fremantle or Fremantle station, and it’s about a 15-minute walk from either to the bridge.

A free shuttle bus runs from Stand 2 at Fremantle Station every five minutes between 8:30 am and 12:30 pm, with buses back from the bridge to the station every five minutes from 8:35 am to 1:30 pm. 

The bridge opens to traffic later that evening, and once it does, the temporary road changes made for the closure will be lifted, including access to and from Fremantle via Canning Highway.

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The tenth 16 Days in WA campaign against family and domestic violence runs from November 25th to December 10th, starting with a silent march through the Perth CBD. This year’s theme is “Stopping Family and Domestic Violence: Play your part”, and the campaign calls on all Western Australians to help create safer families, workplaces, and communities.

“Every person deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued in their relationships, their workplace, and their community,” said Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Jessica Stojkovski.

“Creating that future requires all of us to play a part.”

“The change we need will not come from government alone. It comes from people who choose respect over control, from communities that refuse to stay silent, and from men and boys who lead by example and challenge attitudes that can contribute to violence.”

This year’s focus

The campaign has run every year since 2017 and is inspired by the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence. This year it keeps its focus on engaging men and boys, and on raising awareness of coercive control and the impact that patterns of intimidation, isolation, and manipulation have on victim-survivors.

“Do not ignore the trace of control when you see it. Act before it escalates,” Ms Stojkovski said.

The campaign asks you to learn to recognise the signs of abuse, speak up against disrespectful attitudes and behaviours, support someone who may need help, and start a conversation at work, at school, at your sporting club, or in your community.

Three organisations have each received $25,000 for campaign activities, including Aboriginal Family Legal Services for the Ochre Ribbon campaign, a grassroots movement that promotes healing, respect, and safety in Aboriginal communities.

The State Government says it has invested more than $817.5 million since 2017 in prevention, early intervention, and support for victim-survivors, while the WA Police Force’s annual report for 2024-25 says reported family assault and family threatening behaviour offences both increased over that year.

“While significant progress has been made, family and domestic violence remains one of the most serious challenges facing our community, which is why prevention continues to be such an important focus,” Ms Stojkovski said.

The silent march through the CBD

In Perth, the campaign opens with the 36th March Against Domestic and Family Violence, hosted by the Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing (CWSW) at Forrest Place on November 25th. Stalls from services supporting victim-survivors open at 10:00 am, with information on crisis support, refuge accommodation, financial hardship, and legal support. Speeches start at 11:00 am, and the silent march sets off at midday and finishes at about 12:45 pm, following a route along Murray Street Mall, William Street, Hay Street Mall, and Barrack Street, then back to Forrest Place.

The march is held in silence to honour those killed by domestic and family violence and to show respect for their families, and marchers are asked not to talk during the march or the speeches.

Where to get help

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000. If you or someone you know is experiencing family and domestic violence, these lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

• Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline: 1800 007 339
• Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline: 1800 000 599
• 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732
• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800

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