Year in review: Look back at the biggest Bunbury headlines from 2021

From lockdowns and scandals to record-breaking events and elections, 2021 was a year to remember for Bunbury. These are the moments that made headlines in the Bunbury Herald last year. JANUARY Historic trade record Bunbury port produced a record trade result for December after exceeding 1.8 million tonnes in exports for the first time in its history. Yarloop blaze remembered Crews from around the South West and Peel regions came together to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Yarloop fire. Fluoride brings smiles Bunbury and Dalyellup residents had more reason to smile after an announcement from the Department of Health that fluoride would be added to the public water supply for the areas. New school tops scores In its very first year of existence, Our Lady of Mercy College in Australind ranked number one in regional WA, according to the median ATAR results achieved in 2020. Progress for manufacturing hub Work progressed for the proposed world-class South West Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Hub, as an industry leaders group met for the first time to provide input for the feasibility study. Hospital works to rebuild trust The head of St John of God Bunbury Hospital told staff a tragic medication blunder that killed a baby boy would affect the hospital’s reputation and they would have to work hard to regain the community’s trust. FEBRUARY Lockdown hits the South West Toilet paper stripped from shelves, quiet streets and masked joggers — this was the new normal in the South West as the region adapted to the shake-up of another lockdown. Residents stay home Less than 24 hours after panic shoppers filled Bunbury shopping centres upon hearing the news of an impending five-day lockdown, the CBD had almost completely shut down as residents stayed home whenever possible. Groovin the Moo scrapped The annual Groovin the Moo event that was scheduled to take over Bunbury’s Hay Park on May 8 was officially cancelled. Artificial surf reef back to make waves Wax up the surfboard, the world first inflatable artificial surf reef planned to come back for a second attempt at Bunbury’s Back Beach in 2022. $2.5 million for homeless help A State Government initiative to address homelessness in Bunbury progressed to the next step, with a $2.5 million contract awarded to help rough sleepers access accommodation and support. Another error at hospital The mother of a baby girl born 14 weeks premature — just over midway through a full-term pregnancy — blamed blood thinners given to her at the error-plagued Bunbury Hospital for the early birth and other complications. Thief’s bizarre four-month spree Serial thief Trent Michael Harkness nabbed a strange combination of items from outlets across Bunbury during a stealing frenzy over four months. Local fireys help out South West firefighters were among those battling the Wooroloo blaze that razed 86 homes in the Perth Hills. Australind off the rails again The much-maligned Australind train sparked a public and political furore again, taken off the rails just 12 days after resuming service. Region an animal cruelty hotspot South West local government areas claimed half of the unenviable places on RSPCA’s regional animal cruelty hotspots list. MARCH Redevelopment plans scrapped Plans to integrate the Stirling Centre with the Bunbury Centrepoint Shopping Centre redevelopment were scrapped by the developer in favour of a $15m, four-storey office building, built for the Federal Government. Punch’s knock-out win Bunbury MLA Don Punch delivered a technical knock-out to his competition and retained his safe Bunbury seat in a triumphant victory, repeating his success from 2017. Mick Murray hands over the reigns A two-decade stint in State Parliament officially came to an end for Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray, who on hung up his hat to welcome Labor newcomer Jodie Hanns. Landmark progress for Native Title The South West Native Title Settlement hit a landmark moment as the deal officially started after years of appeals from opponents. Desperate calls for mental health funding Mental health experts called for more funding into the community services sector to address the “shocking” lack of support in the regions, with the South West getting less than 4 per cent of the support it needs. Calls continue for road safety Two people were taken to hospital after their vehicles collided at the exact spot near Capel that residents were targeting with a campaign to slash a 110km/h speed limit. Locals wanted urgent changes to address their safety concerns. Bunbury’s new minister Premier Mark McGowan announced the portfolios of the new State Cabinet ministers, which included Bunbury MLA Don Punch. Two years jail for shoplifter The man behind a series of shoplifting incidents from Rockingham to Albany was jailed for two years and fined $7900 after his crimes came to a screeching halt during a high-speed car chase. Tourists flock to South West A summer bound by travel restrictions saw the South West record a bumper tourism season. Big win for council’s battle Gelorup residents and the Shire of Capel celebrated a “major victory” after an appeal for a proposed asphalt plant to be built in the area was rejected amid a plethora of concerns. Wife beater escapes with fine A former South West Football League and WAFL footballer who struck his former model ex-wife on the head with his phone then punched her in the stomach in front of their children escaped with just a paltry fine. APRIL The great escape WA’s South West was heaving with Perth tourists as travellers fled the city for the Easter long weekend. Cop’s warning as thefts surge Unlocked cars were targeted by opportunistic thieves in a string of incidents, including nine thefts in two hours, prompting a safety message by one of the region’s most senior police. System needs fixing The father of an unborn baby who died because of a Bunbury hospital blunder called for improvements to WA’ s medical system in the wake of the tragic death of a seven-year-old girl at Perth Children’s Hospital. $1b plan for wind farm A British firm wanted to install nearly 40 wind turbines off WA’s South West under a $1 billion proposal that would generate energy to power 200,000 homes. Vandals target free street libraries Two free street libraries that were originally set up to keep the community feeling connected during the COVID-19 pandemic fell victim to vandals and thieves, after one had its window smashed and another was ripped from its home. Doctors threaten to leave Four out of five doctors at Bunbury Hospital said the bad culture at the issue-plagued facility had a negative impact on service delivery to patients and the environment there was so toxic 69 per cent said they had considered resigning or relocating. Frothing in the south Earthworks began on Bunbury’s first microbrewery which was expected to take things in the city up a notch or two. COVID confusion Frustrated South West residents were left scratching their heads in mass confusion after the State Government failed to tell Perth and Peel travellers they would still have to isolate if they chose to drive down for the long weekend while announcing a snap lockdown. Travellers turned away Dozens of city travellers were turned away from a COVID checkpoint set up on the border of the Peel and South West regions at the long weekend. MAY Head-on crash kills two Major crash detectives investigated the circumstances surrounding the deaths of two women who were killed in a head-on crash in Argyle. Farmers market anger Hundreds of Glen Iris residents angered by a proposal by the Bunbury Farmers Market to send delivery trucks down Jubilee Road gathered at the Vittoria Heights Playground to oppose the plans Six-month wait for prisoners Inmates at Bunbury Regional Prison who were eligible for parole were sitting behind bars for up to six more months because they had not completed mandatory programs that were not being run by the facility. Violent offender jailed A South West man was jailed for 13 months and declared a serial family violence offender after attacking his mother and sister as well as making threats to harm his partner. Burn wipes out numbats A former WA Scientist of the Year slammed the McGowan Government after a prescribed burn in the South West decimated one of only two habitats for wild numbats in the State. Tiny homes, big issue The State’s unprecedented rental crisis— that has seen families cram into small caravans or even pitch tents — was so bad that some singles applied to sleep in scaled-down dwellings intended as short-term housing for homeless and vulnerable people. Farmers market plan paused The owners of the Bunbury Farmers Market suspended its controversial development application until after the State Government’s structure plan for Glen Iris was released, which was likely to include changes to the intersection of Vittoria Road and Forrest Highway. Charge stands for fight accused The man charged over a Bunbury fight which left a 43-year-old man in an induced coma waited an extra two weeks to learn if his charges would be upgraded after his alleged victim’s life support was switched off. JUNE Spud King nephew guilty The nephew of Spud King Tony Galati was found guilty of breaking into his former partner’s home and choking her violently in front of their kids because he was unable to see the children. Charge dropped The brother of a WA soccer star accused of punching a man outside a Bunbury pub who died after 48 hours in an induced coma had his charge dropped. Bullying claims A South West Shire president spoke out against the “relentless bullying” he faced from fired-up residents over whether he served as a volunteer firefighter. Prisoner attacks guard A Bunbury Regional Prison officer had six-hour reconstructive surgery on his arm after an inmate attacked him at the multi-security facility. Rolling up for jab WA’s first regional vaccination clinic opened its doors in Bunbury, as the COVID-19 vaccine rollout expanded to include anyone aged 30 and over. Rates rise across region City of Bunbury ratepayers were likely to be hit with a $40 increase to their charges in the next financial year. No more jail over explosion A Bunbury man who spent 18 months in prison on remand after two explosions in his home was spared further jail time after a South West magistrate deemed he had served enough time in prison. Test help Additional driving instructors were urgently sent to Bunbury to ease a three-month wait for learners trying to book practical tests. Parking anger Bunbury’s biggest retail complex moved to no longer allow members of the public to use its carpark for free if they did not plan to shop at the centre. JULY Mask off South West tourist hotspots, which would normally be heaving, were left almost deserted for the first weekend of school holidays, as would-be travellers chose to stay at home rather than come down wearing masks in adherence to restrictions. Anna vs wild A South West grandmother who was miraculously found alive in bushland was “cracking jokes” and in good spirits, despite spending four traumatic nights burying herself in sand to keep warm. Coffin Cheater’s jock horror A Coffin Cheaters bikie was released from behind bars after he was allegedly caught trying to hide methamphetamine in his underwear as police found $15,000 and an extendable baton in his car. Tail of survival An eight-month-old puppy was found cold, wet and hungry after spending two days trapped at the bottom of a dark and dank mineshaft in Donnybrook. Not in our town A conservative Christian organisation linked to controversial figures such as Israel Folau was slammed by a leading South West LGBTQI+ group for planning to bring a seminar that “spreads hate” to Bunbury. Vale, Strop Family and friends mourned the loss of hit Bunbury raised entertainer John ‘Strop’ Cornell, who died aged 80 and was remembered as a “larrikin” school-boy at Bunbury Senior High School. Smuggle attempt earns more time A Bunbury prisoner who was jailed for a string of aggravated burglaries had his term extended after attempting to smuggle “Purple Haze” drugs inside. AUGUST Closing the gap The State Government announced South West Aboriginal Medical Services as one of nine organisations to share in funding to employ an Aboriginal community liaison officer as part of a move to help reduce Aboriginal suicide rates. Reynolds’ best ever showing Despite missing out on a podium finish, Bunbury’s Lauren Reynolds produced her best result of the three Olympic Games she has competed in, finishing in fifth position in the women’s BMX racing final. Jail for meth dealer A Bunbury man landed himself more than two years behind bars after he was caught possessing 11.44g of methamphetamine that he intended selling to at least 10 other people. Silver linings Aran Zalewski came agonisingly close to becoming an Olympic gold medallist, as his Kookaburra’s ended their Tokyo 2020 campaign with a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss. Bring it here A shock involvement in the AFL’s Finals Series was on the cards for Bunbury, with leaders from both politics and football calling for the City to host a team in a hub. That’s the ticket The phasing out of parking tickets began in the Bunbury CBD as a new digital system aimed at freeing up parking spaces was rolled out. Cold, hard vax stats Bunbury was singled out as having one of the best COVID vaccination rates in regional WA, with 32.3 per cent having received two doses. Mother, son drug charges A Brunswick mother and her son faced court after being accused of growing cannabis with intent to sell. SEPTEMBER Trio found not guilty Tears of relief were shed by loved ones as three men accused of playing a part in the death of a Bunbury father during a 2019 street brawl were found not guilty. Hospital given ultimatum Bunbury Hospital was given 12 months to fix its “toxic” culture after being put on notice by WorkSafe. Budget winners Infrastructure, health and road upgrades emerged as the major winners for the South West as the State Government announced its 2021-22 Budget. Lying low Multiple Labor MPs representing regional electorates dodged questions about the McGowan Government’s overhaul of the Upper House which introduced a one vote, one value system. Stars flock to region As the football world shifted to Western Australia, several stars including members of Geelong’s squad, AFLW star and TV presenter Abbey Holmes and Melbourne legend Garry Lyon hit the South West. Tragic accident Heartbroken members of the WA cycling community paid tribute to a “beautiful soul” who was killed after being struck by a bus with schoolchildren on board in Bunbury. Murder charge shock The 47-year-old son of a well-loved Capel couple allegedly killed in their home was charged with two counts of murder. Candidates stepping up Eight of the 10 candidates in the running to become Bunbury City mayor had their chance to pitch to the public at the Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Meet the Mayoral Candidates event. OCTOBER Homeless forced to leave ‘Tent City’ More than a dozen homeless people calling the make-shift “tent city” home were forced to move on as the space underwent upgrades, with support services voicing concerns the community’s most vulnerable had nowhere to go. Next stage of Transforming Bunbury’s waterfront Work began on the next phase of the multimillion-dollar transformation of Bunbury’s waterfront after the WA Government announced the successful contractor for the project. Health Minister slams anti-vax business online alliance in the SW Health Minister Roger Cook slammed a group of anti-vaccine business owners who united to give the public the ability to shop with organisations that “support human rights,” with Mr Cook calling them “reckless” and saying it was not helpful to the State’s vaccination rollout. Hands Oval secures funding Forrest MHR Nola Marino confirmed the funding towards the Hands Oval redevelopment, with a proposed new facility to accommodate “year-round sport” and community recreation activities as well as being the home of the South Bunbury Football Club and South West Football League. Bunbury Ocean Pool in study The State Government made the biggest financial commitment yet to Bunbury’s plans for an ocean pool, funding a feasibility study to test the waters on what would be a significant tourism drawcard for the coastal city. Volunteer firefighters reassured after new laws Volunteer firefighters concerned that new workplace safety laws meant they could be imprisoned if something went wrong on a fire ground were promised they would not be “adversely affected” by the changes. Jaysen Miguel wins Bunbury Mayor Jaysen Miguel was declared the new City of Bunbury mayor after a gripping count that saw him cross the finish line by just 103 votes. Humphries brothers and friend avoid prison for fatal punch Three men involved in the brawl outside a Bunbury nightspot which left a man dead avoided immediate prison time for their roles in the fatal fight. Bunbury sells major hotel redevelopment deal The City of Bunbury announced it had struck a $50m deal to develop the empty lot on Ocean Drive into accommodation for visitors that will also offer food, beverage and retail opportunities. NOVEMBER SW leads the regional jab race The South West continues to lead the way in the regional jab race, with three in four now having received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Bunbury parents slam school for leaders celebrations Parents slammed a Bunbury school for not taking disciplinary action against students believed to be involved in a shocking scavenger hunt that saw teenagers complete a series of illegal and sordid tasks. Residents plea to fix “risky” Bussell Highway Long-held calls to reduce the speed limit along a stretch of Bussell Highway once labelled the “riskiest” road in regional WA could finally be answered by a Main Roads WA road safety investigation. Bunbury Hospital worst for ambulance ramping Figures show Bunbury Hospital had its worst October ever for ambulance ramping with a increased in hours spent by ambulance crews outside the hospital this year with a peak in May estimated at 98.3 hours sitting idle. RAC backs calls to lower limit The RAC responded to local residents’ ongoing pleas for a speed limit change from 110km/h to 80km/h on a stretch of Bussell Highway at Capel to improve safety. SW-Perth Fast Train The plan for a “rapid rail network” connecting Perth to Geraldton, Bunbury and Esperance was submitted to Infrastructure WA to be considered as part of its upcoming infrastructure projects over the next two decades. McGowan cops abuse from SW protesters Angry anti-vaccine and mandate protesters mobbed and hurled abuse at Premier Mark McGowan, calling him a “baby murderer” who was on the “wrong side of history” during his visit to Bunbury. Selective surgeries slashes in SW About 100 patients in the South West had their elective surgeries cancelled in November because WA could not get enough trained medical staff with Bunbury Hospital being forced to cut services. Park expansion set to boost tourism Wellington National Park was set for a landmark 7000ha expansion which Premier Mark McGowan said would “preserve it forever” and provide further opportunity to grow Collie’s tourism industry. DECEMBER Haywood charged with child sex abuse South West Nationals MP James Haywood was charged with abusing an eight-year-old girl, with questions immediately raised about his seat in the Legislative Council. SW swim teacher shortage Two Bunbury primary schools came close to cancelling their in-term swimming programs before the Education Department was able to find teachers at the 11th hour. Christmas in the City returns Returning for another year, the Christmas in the City annual event spread the spirit of the season with a a packed-out schedule of activities throughout Bunbury . House prices set to increase South West renters and prospective buyers can expect to be hit with higher prices as strong market conditions continue next year, according to the State’s peak real estate body. Businesses face survival mode South West hospitality industry demanded more support from all levels of government as they were forced to reduce opening hours and close down entirely as they remained in survival mode almost two years on since the dawning of COVID-19. Shires come together to fight bushfire Firefighters from Bunbury and the Harvey Shire were among the hundreds who banded together to fight a major bushfire in the Margaret River region which devastated more than 7800ha of bushland in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. First stage of highway development complete The first stage of an $85m upgrade of a notorious road linking Perth drivers with Bunbury, Busselton and Margaret River was completed. Splash park opening delayed Bunbury’s new water play park would not be opening before Christmas, following confirmation COVID-related delays had hindered the construction process.