ABC Midwest & Wheatbelt

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Five seats that could change the course of the election

In the upcoming federal election, there are five seats in regional Australia that could influence the overall result. Here's why they matter.

Published: SatSat 26 Apr 2025 at 12:57amSource: ABC NewsTopic: Electionsby Sinéad Mangan, Alex Hyman, Alex Barwick, Eliza Bidstrup, Matt Neal, Olivana Lathouris, Lee Robinson, Louise Miolin, Piia Wirsu, Bec Pridham, Michael Black, Kelly Fuller, Adriane Reardon, Ted O'Connor, Jean Bell, Olivia Sanders and Jessica Hinchliffe

Intelligence is being gathered in this town 80 years on from WWII

Geraldton and surrounds played a critical role in Australia's defence in World War II and that is still the case today.

An old photo of many solders standing with rifles by their sides wearing army hats

Published: ThuThu 24 Apr 2025 at 10:27pmSource: ABC Midwest & WheatbeltTopic: World War 2by Chris Lewis

Two men face court over unrelated alleged sex attacks in regional WA

A 29-year-old man is accused of offences against three women in Broome, while 30-year-old man is remanded in custody in Geraldton after allegedly raping a woman during a break-in armed with a knife.

29 year old man accused of sexual assault walks out of the Broome courthouse custody building

Published: ThuThu 24 Apr 2025 at 7:55amSource: ABC KimberleyTopic: Courtsby Rosanne Maloney, Mya Kordic and Chloe Henville

A 'worrying' increase in coastal erosion has led to three WA councils to unite

Three coastal councils have teamed up to help manage recreational four-wheel driving to protect the coastline from "blowing away into the ocean".

A white sandy beach with six four wheel drives park along it with shrubbery, by the ocean.

Published: ThuThu 24 Apr 2025 at 6:34amSource: ABC Midwest & WheatbeltTopic: Four Wheel Drivingby Piper Duffy and Nadia Mitsopoulos

Anti-woke or a bit of fun? Where MAGA hats are hot items in Australia

A costume shop that sold out of Trump-style MAGA hats says they are being worn in a "playful, ironic sense". Others say the red cap means much more.

Published: WedWed 23 Apr 2025 at 11:06pmSource: ABC Great SouthernTopic: World Politicsby Andrew Chounding

Mother given suspended sentence over crash that killed two children

A WA mother avoids jail over a crash in 2020 that claimed the life of her daughter and a young boy.

A boy and a girl with their arms around each other smile at the camera.

Published: WedWed 23 Apr 2025 at 11:09amSource: ABC NewsTopic: Courtsby Kema Johnson

Concerns grow for missing bodyboarder as search continues off WA coast

A major air, land and water search is underway for a 19-year-old man who has been missing off the state's mid-west coast for more than a day.

Two police cars parked on sand at a beach. An officer leans into the window of one car.

Published: ThuThu 24 Apr 2025 at 3:35amSource: ABC Midwest & WheatbeltTopic: Missing Personby Chloe Henville and Piper Duffy

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ABC Midwest & Wheatbelt Local News

Local news, updated weekdays at 6:35am.

Duration: 4 minutes 58 seconds

Source: Listen

Perth mum's close-call shark encounter puts life into perspective

Perth mum Rochelle Tetlow had a very close encounter with a large shark off Coral Bay over the Easter long weekend and it has changed some of the assumptions she previously held about shark behaviour.

A drone photo of two people on a white beach with bright blue ocean.

Duration: 14 minutes 54 seconds

Source: Listen

Arts group wants the Perth Kebab back

The Ore Obelisk was removed in 2021 due to safety concerns, but local artist want to see it back on display in the CBD.

The Ore Obelisk in Stirling Gardens, Perth, December 1980

Duration: 12 minutes 15 seconds

Source: ABC Radio PerthTopic: Sculptureby Jo Trilling

Major coral bleaching event along Ningaloo Coast

The WA Government, researchers, and conservationists discuss the impacts of the marine heatwave.

Duration: 6 minutes 10 seconds

Source: ABC Radio PerthTopic: Climate Changeby Ashleigh Davis

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WA historian recalls photographing troops during World War II

Stan Gratte took up photography as a boy during World War II, recording Geraldton as a garrison town.

War Photography. Sepia photograph of men in army uniforms holding guns surrounding a man with hands on his hips circa mid 1940s

Duration: 2 minutes 19 seconds

Source: ABC News

Smoke and sand were seen blowing in a strong wind.

Members of the Save Lancelin Dunes action group believe the sand dune provided protection when the coastal town was recently threatened by an emergency level fire.

Duration: 12 seconds

Source: ABC News

First image from SKA Observatory telescope in WA released

A world-leading telescope in WA's outback reached a critical milestone after capturing its first image. Doctor Sarah Pearce is the telescope director and says the image quality will improve as the telescope continues to be built in stages until 2030.

WA Telescope Success: two images of a starry night next to each other

Duration: 4 minutes 16 seconds

Source: ABC News

The Milky Way visible above the SKA-Low Telescope in Murchison, Western Australia.

Duration: 13 seconds

Source: ABC News

Features

Five seats that could change the course of the election

In the upcoming federal election, there are five seats in regional Australia that could influence the overall result. Here's why they matter.

Source: ABC NewsTopic: Electionsby Sinéad Mangan, Alex Hyman, Alex Barwick, Eliza Bidstrup, Matt Neal, Olivana Lathouris, Lee Robinson, Louise Miolin, Piia Wirsu, Bec Pridham, Michael Black, Kelly Fuller, Adriane Reardon, Ted O'Connor, Jean Bell, Olivia Sanders and Jessica Hinchliffe

Intelligence is being gathered in this town 80 years on from WWII

Geraldton and surrounds played a critical role in Australia's defence in World War II and that is still the case today.

Source: ABC Midwest & WheatbeltTopic: World War 2by Chris Lewis

As Mavis turns 101, she recalls the heartaches and joys of a long life

Mavis Rowles reveals her secret to living well as she celebrates turning 101 while still living independently in the town she has called home for more than 90 years.

An elderly woman smiles as she sits in her kitchen with a cup of coffee.

Source: ABC Midwest & WheatbeltTopic: Birthdaysby Eliza Bidstrup and Natasha Harradine

Sensei says self-defence a vital life skill 'like CPR or swimming'

The brutal murders of two of his colleagues have made teaching self-defence a passion for former social worker Bob McGregor.

A man in a grey shirt and shorts mimic fights a woman in a black singlet and leggings. Women stand around and observe.

Source: ABC Midwest & WheatbeltTopic: Martial Artsby Piper Duffy

What's happening

Australia Votes: Your Vote, Your Say

This election, the ABC is asking you to be part of the conversation.

Text reads: Your Say. Tell us what's on your mind this election. Have your say here.

Published: 27 Feb 2025Thu 27 Feb 2025 at 3:05amSource: Radio

Tell us what you think about our programs

You can help shape what we do by joining our online feedback community, YourSpace. Plus, you'll have a chance to win 1 of 5 $100 gift cards monthly!

Photoshopped YourSpace Header which reads: 'How are we doing? ABC Your Space'

Published: 11 Jul 2023Tue 11 Jul 2023 at 12:02amSource: Radio

Know your ABCs in an emergency

This summer know your ABCs; action plan, be safe, connect with us. The ABC has a host of useful resources and tips on how to best prepare yourself for emergency weather so you can keep you and your household safe.

Letters A, B and C in pink, yellow and blue with small infographics of people completing emergency safety tasks

Published: 9 Dec 2024Mon 9 Dec 2024 at 5:23amSource: ABC EmergencyTopic: Bushfires

Download our free ABC listen app

The ABC listen app connects you to the best podcasts and live radio from the presenters you know and love. Download it today and hear the world differently.

Published: 27 Aug 2024Tue 27 Aug 2024 at 4:23amSource: ABC BRISBANE

WA Sport

Carlton continues resurgence with upset over Geelong, Hawks back to winning ways

Carlton has won three straight after starting the season with four consecutive losses, toppling Geelong by 18 points at the MCG.

Harry McKay of the Blues celebrates a goal

Source: ABC NewsTopic: AFL

Magpies hopeful McStay's knee injury is 'minor'

Collingwood is sweating on Daniel McStay's scan results after he suffered a heavy knock to the knee in the win over Essendon, while Adelaide faces a nervous wait to determine the severity of Riley Thilthorpe's hand injury after its loss to Fremantle.

Craig McRae and Daniel McStay walking together on the MCG.

Source: ABC NewsTopic: AFL

Has the long fight to bring an NRL side to Perth finally been won?

Reports suggest a Perth-based NRL team is close to reality, but is this the one that sticks? Or is it just another false dawn for long-suffering NRL fans in the west?

Source: ABC NewsTopic: Sport

Billy Moore: this is the greatest day that's happened to the Bears since 1922

The North Sydney Bears haven't played in the NRL since 1999, but it looks like the Western Australia government might be extending a lifeline.

Two players look frustrated during a rugby league match

Duration: 14 minutes 30 seconds

Source: ListenTopic: Sport

WA News

Personalised hearses rise in popularity for final farewells

A West Australian funeral home boss says a coffin getting soaked in the rain sparked the idea for what he says is the world's first enclosed truck hearse.

Source: ABC Great SouthernTopic: Funerals and Memorial Servicesby Rosemary Murphy

Artist and miner saves a life with powerful, 16m-high message

A mural painted at a gold mine near Kalgoorlie has opened up a conversation about the relationship between loneliness and suicide in FIFO and DIDO workers.

A bearded man with neck and face tattoos stands dressed in high-vis and safety gear on a mine sit.

Source: ABC GoldfieldsTopic: Mental Healthby Macey Turner

Where do the major parties stand on climate? Turns out they’re worlds apart

As the election campaign draws to a close, it's safe to say both major parties have been quiet on climate change. While Labor policies have made some progress to decarbonise, the Coalition threatens to scrap or weaken them.

An illustration of climate change for the Australian Federal Election 2025.

Source: ABC NewsTopic: Climate Changeby Jo Lauder

Union says police change flat batteries in GPS trackers in regional WA

The WA Police Union says serving officers are increasingly frustrated with lengthy, "unnecessary" delays and lack of resourcing within the Department of Justice's electronic monitoring system.

An unidentifiable WA Police senior sergeant sits at his desk using the computer.

Source: ABC NewsTopic: Policeby Jon Daly

National News

Proposal for 4,000 new Darwin homes relaunched years after rejection

The company behind a controversial planned housing development in Darwin's rural area has relaunched its bid, years after it was rejected under a different name.

A digital illustration of a large housing development in the rural area, beside a lake.

Published: 52m agoMon 28 Apr 2025 at 12:14amSource: ABC NewsTopic: Urban Development and Planningby Sam Parry

Fishers struggle to find banana prawns in ocean after rain comes too late

Banana prawn fishers in the Gulf of Carpentaria are facing the toughest start to the season many can remember, but consumers may be protected from the fallout.

A handful of banana prawns in a white bowl sitting on grass.

Duration: 30 seconds

Published: 53m agoMon 28 Apr 2025 at 12:14amSource: ABC North West QldTopic: Fishing and Aquaculture Industryby Abbey Halter

Mystery surrounds the discovery of a man's body in southern NSW

Police say a man whose body was found by the roadside in Griffith this morning may have been the victim of a hit-and-run.

Published: 1h agoSun 27 Apr 2025 at 11:57pmSource: ABC RiverinaTopic: Policeby Bruce MacKenzie

'Cross-cultural kids' on what it's really like to grow up in Australia

'Cross-cultural kids' Kevin Han and Muna Hamid were both born in Australia to migrant families but they had very different childhoods.

Published: 1h agoSun 27 Apr 2025 at 11:38pmSource: ABC NewsTopic: Multiculturalismby Ruth Barber

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ABC Midwest & Wheatbelt

Five seats that could change the course of the election

Intelligence is being gathered in this town 80 years on from WWII

Two men face court over unrelated alleged sex attacks in regional WA

A 'worrying' increase in coastal erosion has led to three WA councils to unite

Anti-woke or a bit of fun? Where MAGA hats are hot items in Australia

Mother given suspended sentence over crash that killed two children

Concerns grow for missing bodyboarder as search continues off WA coast

ABC Midwest & Wheatbelt Local News

Perth mum's close-call shark encounter puts life into perspective

Arts group wants the Perth Kebab back

Major coral bleaching event along Ningaloo Coast

ABC Radio MIDWEST & WHEATBELT

Mornings

Connect with ABC Midwest & Wheatbelt

Get the ABC Midwest & Wheatbelt newsletter

WA historian recalls photographing troops during World War II

Smoke and sand were seen blowing in a strong wind.

First image from SKA Observatory telescope in WA released

The Milky Way visible above the SKA-Low Telescope in Murchison, Western Australia.

Five seats that could change the course of the election

Intelligence is being gathered in this town 80 years on from WWII

As Mavis turns 101, she recalls the heartaches and joys of a long life

Sensei says self-defence a vital life skill 'like CPR or swimming'

Australia Votes: Your Vote, Your Say

Tell us what you think about our programs

Know your ABCs in an emergency

Download our free ABC listen app

Carlton continues resurgence with upset over Geelong, Hawks back to winning ways

Magpies hopeful McStay's knee injury is 'minor'

Has the long fight to bring an NRL side to Perth finally been won?

Billy Moore: this is the greatest day that's happened to the Bears since 1922

Personalised hearses rise in popularity for final farewells

Artist and miner saves a life with powerful, 16m-high message

Where do the major parties stand on climate? Turns out they’re worlds apart

Union says police change flat batteries in GPS trackers in regional WA

Proposal for 4,000 new Darwin homes relaunched years after rejection

Fishers struggle to find banana prawns in ocean after rain comes too late

Mystery surrounds the discovery of a man's body in southern NSW

'Cross-cultural kids' on what it's really like to grow up in Australia

Other ways to listen

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