Wednesday's dramatic shooting and subsequent arrests saw the metropolitan media descend on Geraldton. Once again our reporters worked extensive hours to track down and report the story as it was breaking to audiences locally and nationally across radio, tv and digital sources. It was real team effort all round and once again, I was so proud to work with this bunch of professionals.

I was lucky enough to step away from the news cycle and hike the Yonga Trail at Mt Lesueur on the weekend. It was certainly a challenging adventure but such a great reminder of the extraordinary natural environment we have right here on our doorstep. The diversity of flora in the national park was breathtaking and I've spent a lot of time since searching to name and understand more of what I saw. There was also a snake sighting so good boots are encouraged if you're intending a visit!

It was a good warm up to get some extra steps in as Breakfast presenter Dana Hamilton and I take on the Oceans to Outback challenge. We've committed to each walking 87km in the month of October as an RFDS fundraiser. We're registered as the Walkie Talkies if you'd like to show some support.

Have a great week.

Natasha Harradine

Editor

Pictured: Walking the Yonga Trail at Mt Lesueur

Police have charged a 30-year-old man for wilfully destroying evidence in relation to the shooting near Moonyoonooka in WA's Midwest.

When four men go missing within two years, is it a coincidence or a sign of foul play? Families are hoping a joint inquest will reveal the truth.

Travelling off-road? You might want to check that you are near one of WA's four-wheel-drive ambulances first. 

Struggling for success and on the cusp of what might be a maiden flag, Fremantle supporters reflect on what's kept them going.

A regional magistrate says she will lodge a complaint against WA's Child Protection staff after a teenager in their care was left to appear alone in court.

Police warn over fake cash in Midwest: Police are calling for vigilance after several recent incidents involving counterfeit currency in the Midwest-Gascoyne district. The warning came after an IGA store worker in Kalbarri found a fake $20 banknote while counting takings. Officers said community members and businesses should be wary when accepting cash payments and carefully check the legitimacy of high-denomination banknotes. They said using false currency was a serious offence and urged people to report any incidents to police. The Reserve Bank said counterfeiting had increased in Australia over the past year, including in WA.

Photo credit: ABC News/Dean Faulkner

Northam domestic violence concern: Family domestic violence remains the most frequently reported crime in Northam, according to the town's top police officer. WA Police data showed assaults on family members had been Northam's most reported offence every year for the past decade. There were 186 reported assaults on family members in Northam last year, with 113 recorded in the first six months of this year. Northam police officer in charge Senior Sergeant Josh Humble said the figures did not reflect the full extent of the problem.

Extraordinary results declared: The WA Electoral Commission has declared the results of extraordinary elections in three local shires following the departure of sitting councillors. Chief executive of the Northam Chamber of Commerce, Theresa Lee, was elected from four nominations to the Shire of Northam. In Northampton, Kalbarri resident Lauren Sweetman was elected from three candidates. In Cue, business owner Peter Lacy was elected from two candidates. The terms of all three newly elected councillors will expire in October next year.

Gingin appoints new chief executive: The Shire of Gingin has appointed Zac Donovan as its new chief executive officer. Mr Donovan has served as the chief executive officer of the Shire of Koorda in the Wheatbelt since January 2025, and will begin in Gingin in January next year. The vacancy was filled after former Gingin chief executive officer Scott Wildgoose resigned in May this year following an independent workplace investigation.

Chalice yet to lodge corridor bid: Mid-West MP Shane Love says Chalice Mining is yet to lodge an application for a service corridor linked to its proposed Gonneville mining project in the Wheatbelt. Environmental impact assessments are underway for the project after large-scale palladium deposits were discovered in Toodyay in 2020. Community members have raised concerns about power and water pipelines to service the proposed mine through Chittering. Mr Love said the state's mining minister advised that applications had not yet been made, and residents could object if private land was affected.