Turning back time: New photo exhibition captures the history of the Goldfields

Time and Time Again: Rephotographing the Goldfields is a new collaborative exhibition that pairs historic photographs of Kalgoorlie and its surrounds with contemporary images of the same locations a century later.

Presented by Fremantle-based American/Australian photographer Brett Leigh Dicks, the exhibition is showing at the Museum of the Goldfields in Kalgoorlie-Boulder from Saturday, November 30, 2024, until Sunday, February 9, 2025.

As a 2023 ART ON THE MOVE Activating Collections Artist in Residence at the Museum of the Goldfields, Dicks spent a year researching and meticulously pinpointing the sites of the original photographs before recreating the scenes. Drawing from the Western Australian Museum’s Dwyer and MacKay Collection, his work presents a visual comparison between the Kalgoorlie of the early 20th century and today.

“Most of the photographs were created over a hundred years ago, and since they were created for commercial purposes, many of the images lacked precise locations,” Dicks explained.

“This meant analysing as much identifying information as I could and then turning to Google Street View to scour the area for recognisable landmarks. Once a location was identified, it was then a matter of determining the viewpoint and angle and when and how to best match the lighting parameters in the origin photograph.”

Funded by the Regional Exhibition Touring Boost, the Activating Collections Program encourages artists to work with heritage collections to create new work about local histories. Dicks’ project offers a unique glimpse into the evolving landscapes of the Goldfields, from iconic sites like The Palace Hotel and Boulder Town Hall to intimate street scenes, residential homes, and abandoned mining claims.

According to Dicks, it also offers an insight or two into the work ethic of his predecessors.

“Aside from how incredibly prolific the two photographers were, one of the things that quickly became apparent was Dwyer wasn’t much of a morning person,” the photographer said with a laugh.

“A lot of his photographs were created in the afternoon light, whereas MacKay was often out and about in the morning. But the most revealing aspect of the project has been just how important heritage is within the Goldfields. Even after a hundred years, a lot of the buildings depicted within those original photographs are still standing. Not only is that a remarkable achievement, it’s a testament to the local community and the value it places on local history.”

In addition to the photographs, Dicks has curated a series of ekphrastic poetry responses to some of the portraits from the Dwyer and MacKay Collection, drawing on personal stories and contributions from local residents. These poems, which capture the voices and memories of the Goldfields community, will be displayed alongside the portraits, adding a deeper layer to the narrative.

Visitors can also engage in a series of associated events, including a floor talk by Dicks on the rephotography movement and a hands-on workshop where participants will have the chance to recreate iconic Goldfields photographs themselves.

“The Goldfields region has such incredible history, and Time and Time Again captures that story in such a unique way,” said Marta Perona, Regional Manager at the Museum of the Goldfields.

“Brett’s work offers a visual dialogue between past and present, encouraging appreciation for the extraordinary heritage preserved within our community. It’s an opportunity for visitors to see our landscape through a new lens, bridging generations and revealing just how much, or how little, has changed over the last century.”

Time and Time Again: Rephotographing the Goldfields is a free exhibition showing at the Museum of the Goldfields from Saturday, November 30, 2024, until Sunday, February 9, 2025. For more information visit visit.museum.wa.gov.au

Australia’s most iconic charity motoring event returns for 50th year celebrations

Children’s charity organisation Variety will celebrate its 50th year of operations in Australia in 2025 with the return of its iconic charity motoring event, the Variety Bash.

It will be the first ‘national’ Variety Bash in 10 years, whereby every Variety Bash route will be coordinated to be in one place to acknowledge the collective achievement. Traditionally, a National Bash is staged every five years; however, the 2020 event was cancelled due to COVID restrictions.

In the first two weeks of August 2025, around 650 cars with over 1,600 Bash entrants from across Australia will venture to South Australia to celebrate this momentous milestone. The journey is set to depart from Adelaide on Friday, August 8 and finish in Kalgoorlie on Saturday, August 16.

In 1985, famous Australian entrepreneur, aviator and businessman Dick Smith invited his mates for ‘a drive in the bush’ to raise funds for Variety. The Variety Bash was born and quickly became an incredibly successful fundraising event.

Offering a unique blend of adventure and philanthropy, participants in the event traverse remote and regional areas, raising essential funds to support children who are sick, disadvantaged, or living with disability.

Each year, the Variety Bash features a colourful convoy of creatively themed cars and a route that takes participants through some of Australia’s most stunning and remote landscapes, covering diverse terrains from outback tracks to coastal roads.

Participants also get the opportunity to witness firsthand the impact of their fundraising, visiting local communities and schools along the way to deliver Variety Grants that provide life-changing equipment and programs to children in need.

The Variety Bash runs from Friday, August 8 to Saturday, August 16, 2025. For more information and to donate, head to fundraise.varietywa.org.au

New round of EV grants to ‘Charge Up’ WA’s energy transition

The State Government is furthering its support for EV uptake with a third round of Charge Up Grants to support not-for-profits, small businesses, and local governments to install charging infrastructure throughout Western Australia.

Charge Up Grants, which cover up to half of the costs for installing EV infrastructure, are designed to increase the availability of EV chargers throughout WA, including at workplaces, local attractions and tourist destinations, and for public charging along key travel routes.

To date, more than $4.5 million of grant funding has been approved to assist organisations, businesses, and local governments to install 611 chargers in 341 locations, spanning as far north as Port Hedland and as far south as Walpole.

The grant applications opened on Tuesday, October 8, and close on Monday, June 30, 2025.

“These grants are a great way to help organisations support the energy transition,” said Energy, Environment and Climate Action Minister Reece Whitby. “This funding is available to support a wide range of users to install EV charging infrastructure where there is growing demand, including at workplaces and local tourist attractions.”

“By funding charging infrastructure and easing range anxiety for EV drivers, we are helping reduce carbon emissions and putting WA closer to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.”

The State Government has announced a third round of Charge Up EV Charging Grants, with applications closing on Monday, June 30, 2025. For more information, visit www.wa.gov.au/chargeup

Opening date set for Wilman Wadandi Highway

Thousands of commuters heading to and from the South West will get an early Christmas present this year with the Australian and Western Australian Governments this week announcing the Wilman Wadandi Highway will officially open to traffic on Monday, December 16.

The new road, previously known as Bunbury Outer Ring Road, will slash commute times to and from the South West by around 20 minutes depending on traffic conditions, while also diverting an average of around 15,000 vehicles from local Bunbury roads every day.

The new road will separate freight and tourist traffic from local traffic, improving road safety, reducing congestion, and providing more efficient travel for motorists.

The four-lane highway stretches 27 kilometres, connecting Forrest Highway north of Bunbury to Bussell Highway south of Bunbury. It includes five new bridges and four grade-separated interchanges, while commuters heading to and from the South West will now avoid 13 sets of traffic lights.

The Wilman Wadandi Highway is the biggest road project ever delivered in the South West. More than $530 million in funding flowed to around 370 local businesses, while the project created around 4,500 jobs.

The State Government has announced that the Wilman Wadandi Highway will officially open to traffic on Monday, December 16, 2024. For more information, head to mainroads.wa.gov.au

Gear up for your next adventure at the Perth Caravan & Camping Show

The Perth Caravan & Camping Show returns in 2025, taking over Claremont Showgrounds from Thursday, March 20 until Sunday, March 23.

Featuring WA’s largest showcase of caravans, campers, trailers, equipment and accessories, it’s an opportunity to compare the newest and best products in the market, all in one place.

The show will also feature interactive displays, live demonstrations and educational seminars. Covering everything from camp cooking to the effects of weight when towing, there are plenty of opportunities for both seasoned campers and novices to upskill and expand their knowledge.

The event is a family-friendly affair, with plenty of free activities for kids to enjoy in the Family Fun Zone, while the Piazza is a food and entertainment precinct with catering vendors, shaded seating, live music and educational seminars on the Main Stage.

The popular Passport to Freedom competition is on again this year with thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes up for grabs, plus, thanks to The Electric Bike Company, there’s also the chance to win a brand new ebike, valued at $4,900.

The annual show comes courtesy of the Caravan Industry Association Western Australia (CIAWA) the peak caravan and camping industry body for Western Australia that supports, represents, and advocates for their members to enhance performance and promote the industry.

The Perth Caravan & Camping Show takes over Claremont Showgrounds from Thursday, March 20 until Sunday, March 23, 2025. For more info and to buy tickets, head to caravanandcampingshow.com.au

Lace up your shoes for Pemby Trail Fest

Running enthusiasts are set to lace up their shoes in preparation for the Pemby Trail Fest from Friday, October 11, to Sunday, October 13, in Pemberton.

Hosted by Perth Trail Series, the festival promises three days of breathtaking wilderness, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the stunning beauty of Pemberton’s grand Karri forests.

Participants can kick off the weekend with a leisurely night run on Friday, illuminated by fairy lights. On Saturday, attendees can choose their adventure, with distances ranging from 5km to 50km. The weekend concludes with a Trail Half, 10km, or 5km run on Sunday, followed by a chance to relax in the Pemberton Swimming Pool.

Perth Trail Series is a purpose-driven social enterprise. Out of approximately 90 events organised each year, only 15 are commercial, with the majority being free social gatherings and cause-driven outings, such as rubbish clean-ups and weekly group runs.

Perth Trail Series will host the Pemby Trail Fest from Friday, October 11, to Sunday, October 13, 2024. For more information, including course descriptions, maps, and finisher rewards, visit perthtrailseries.com.au

Mandurah Boat, Caravan, 4WD & Camping Show returns

The Mandurah Boat, Caravan, 4WD & Camping Show is back in 2024, showcasing the latest in boats, caravans, camper trailers, 4WD vehicles, and camping gear at Rushton Park from Friday, October 11 to Sunday, October 13.

Located near Mandurah Train Station, the venue offers quality amenities and plenty of parking, along with a complimentary shuttle bus service for easier access to the show gates. Visitors can look forward to a large-scale exhibition featuring exciting demonstrations and displays of the industry’s best products and services.

The annual trade show caters to both families and adventure enthusiasts, giving them the opportunity to compare high-quality brands, discover the latest innovations, and take advantage of special show pricing, all while enjoying a vibrant family-friendly atmosphere.

The Mandurah Boat, Caravan, 4WD & Camping Show takes over Rushton Park from Friday, October 11, to Sunday, October 13, 2024. For more information, visit mandurah.show

Great Southern region to blossom this spring as Bloom Festival returns

Bloom Festival is set to celebrate ‘everything that blooms’ this spring, as the popular annual event returns to the Great Southern region from Saturday, September 21 to Sunday, October 20.

As the Great Southern Treasures’ signature event, Bloom Festival delivers vibrant experiences for visitors from across Australia to enjoy what the region has to offer during spring.

Events and activities include arts, crafts, displays, exhibitions, fauna and flora-themed activities, creative workshops, food events, markets, Noongar cultural events, open gardens, wine and dine events, family fun days, movie nights, live music, heritage trails, guided flower walks, tours and hikes, including through the Stirling and Porongurup Ranges.

The Festival spans the entire Great Southern Treasures region, from Kojonup out to Pingrup, down to Bremer Bay on the coast, across to the Porongurup and Frankland River, taking in major centres such as Katanning, the Stirling Range and Fitzgerald River National Parks, and everything in between.

Bloom Festival takes pace across the Great Southern region from Saturday, September 21 to Sunday, October 20, 2024. For more information, head to greatsoutherntreasures.com.au

Busselton springs to life with inaugural Caravan and Camping Show

The inaugural Busselton Caravan & Camping Show is set to take over Churchill Park, near the Busselton foreshore, on Saturday, September 21, and Sunday, September 22.

Catering for both seasoned campers and newcomers, the family-friendly event will showcase a wide range of caravans, campers, and camping gear.

Visitors will have the opportunity to gain insights from industry experts and explore automotive and 4WD exhibits from Bunbury GMSV, Busselton 4×4, Muir Power Sport & Marine, Muir Ford and Muir Nissan.

Beyond the camping displays, the show will also feature live performances by Scott Pearce and Olive Mae, a Family Fun Zone with face painting, giant lawn games, the St John WA Wiggles Ambulance and interactive wildlife encounters from Critters Up Close.

The Busselton Caravan & Camping Show takes over Churchill Park on Saturday, September 21 and Sunday, September 22, 2024. For more info and to buy tickets, head to caravanwa.com.au

Kulin saddles up for 2024 Bush Races

The legendary Kulin Bush Races is set to return in 2024, bringing a weekend of racing, entertainment, and community spirit to the Wheatbelt town from Friday, September 27 to Sunday, September 29.

Now in its 29th year, the Kulin Bush Races is an event that has gone from strength to strength since its inception. The event was inspired in 1995 by the local community to promote the town and encourage tourism in the region. From 1,500 attendees in its first year, the annual event now sees over 4,000 racegoers each year and is run by over 250 volunteers from Kulin and beyond.

“This event is not just about racing; it’s about bringing people together to enjoy a day of fun, entertainment, and camaraderie,” said Chairman Tom Murphy. “We are thrilled to welcome CRISP Wireless as our naming rights partner. Supporting rural communities is a value that our event and CRISP share, making our partnership a natural choice.”

As part of this partnership, CRISP Wireless will play a pivotal role in supporting the infrastructure and operations of the event, ensuring that all food and beverage outlets stay connected throughout the whole weekend.

Since its humble beginnings, the Kulin Bush Races has contributed over $1.8 million from the event’s proceeds back into the community by supporting local community initiatives and projects.

More than just a race, the event features plenty of family fun, from rock climbing walls and laser tag to face painting and novelty races. There will also be live music from Mil House, Pinstripe, Sally Jane and more, plus a variety of food stalls offering everything from classic Aussie BBQ to gourmet treats.

The Kulin Bush Races run from Friday, September 27 to Sunday, September 29, 2024. For more info and to buy tickets, head to kulinbushraces.com.au