In the papers this week January 21st 2013

Jet Skier Injured In Augusta

A local resident around 29 years of age will be flown to hospital following a jet ski accident at Blackwood Rivermouth in Augusta on Wednesday morning. Sgt. Matt Leishman of Augusta police said that the incident took place before 10.00 am when the victim smashed into a sandbank. He supposedly suffered a neck injury. The RAC rescue helicopter had to be called to the site of the accident. Also in attendance were police, Augusta Volunteer Marine Rescue Service and St John’s Ambulance.

High Vintage Expectations

Wineries in the Margaret River region are anticipating a bumper vintage for 2013, with a hot January ripening fruit after cool December days. Despite some physical harm to vines due to the wild spring and winter seasons, things are shaping up quite well. Winemaker Glenn Goodall of Xanadu said that conditions seemed quite encouraging at this initial phase of veraison. “Everything’s going nicely, so hopefully it’s going to continue its dream run,” he said.

Local Kite Surfer Impresses

Young Margaret River kite surfer Bill Hampton won the Junior Freestyle Kite Surfing contest at the recent 2013 Lancelin Ocean Classic. Bill,13, had one hour to perform some highly advanced freestyle moves. The Classics is Australia’s top windsurfing event that is being held since 1986. It draws huge crowds and contestants from across the globe. Freestyle Kite Surfing contest was added this year to amuse the crowds during the race.

Australian Celebration

All Australians are invited to attend the Margaret River Lions Club Australia Day Breakfast this coming Saturday at Gloucester Park. From 8.00 am to 10.30 am, they can enjoy a delectable breakfast. The price is $6 for adults and $3 for children. An additional attraction is the citizenship ceremony taking place at 9.00 am. Guest speaker Donna Cross, Western Australian of the Year 2012, will talk about kids’ safety.

Monster Bargains And Items At Auction

An inflatable raft, bicycles and an old pet carrier cage from Ansett Australia were among the many interesting items on offer at Leeuwin Lions Club’s Monster Auction held in Augusta last Saturday. The event raised an exaggerating total of over $12,700 in four fun-filled hours. With lots of bargain hunters in attendance, auctioneers sold over 250 items at a brisk pace. Auction chairperson Lion Ray Chuck said that the day was a huge success, thanks to a high turnout and the hard work of organisers and community helpers.

Augusta Blaze Contained

A blaze in Scott River Road that started last Saturday was controlled and contained after it burnt six hectares. The Department of Fire & Emergency Services issued warnings for Molloy Island and Augusta residents between Governor Broome Rd and Milyeannup Coast Rd, after the blaze was reported at 2.50pm. Department of Environment & Conservation firefighters and Five Bush Fire Brigade volunteers put out the fire. They were assisted by four water bombers and a helicopter. The cause of the blaze is unknown.