WA news LIVE: Perth preps for seven-day soaking; Memorial for fallen police officer

The Age

17 hours ago

Latest posts
Latest posts
8.58am
Perth prepares for a seven-day soaking
The couple of sunny winter days we had are well and truly in the rearview mirror for Perth this week with seven days of showers predicted.
The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a 90 per cent chance of 1-6 millimetres of showers today, most likely this afternoon and evening, and while the forecast eases tomorrow somewhat to only a shower or two, by Wednesday things are ramping up.
Hump day will see a 90 per cent chance of 2 to 15 millimetres and the chance of a thunderstorm, and again a high 80 per cent chance of significant showers continuing into Thursday morning. There are medium to high chances of showers also predicted through Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The silver lining to all that cloud cover is that it will keep us relatively warm, with tops of 19 to 23 degrees throughout the week. And the UV index is at two, so you can give the sunscreen a miss.
Fallen WA Police officer remembered with Kalamunda memorial
A WA Police officer killed in the line of duty more than three decades ago has been remembered with a new memorial in Kalamunda.
Constable Stephen Knight was on routine traffic patrol in Maida Vale on Tuesday, June 1, 1993, when he attempted to stop a car speeding along Gooseberry Hill Road.
However, the car drove straight towards Knight, striking and killing the father of five. The driver was subsequently convicted of manslaughter.
On Sunday, Knight's wife Maree and children – one of who is following his father's footsteps to serve in the WA Police Force – unveiled a permanent memorial at Stirk Park, to recognise the fallen officer's final resting place.
WA Police Legacy worked with the City of Kalamunda to establish the memorial, and Police Commissioner Col Blanch was joined by Knight's family and former colleagues, Police Legacy WA executive manager Kelly Bradley and Kalamunday Mayor Margaret Rhomas last week to unveil the memorial.
Blanch said Knight made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the WA community, 'and his loss is still felt deeply by the blue family'.
The senseless death of Constable Knight while on duty in 1993 is a stark reminder of the ever present risk faced by every police officer on the frontline each day.
I'm pleased Constable Knight's service to the community is now recognised with a permanent memorial, where his loved ones, friends and former colleagues can remember him and reflect on his life.
I'm also grateful to WA Police Legacy for helping the family to establish this lasting honour.
8.57am
Across the nation and around the world
By Cindy Yin
Making national and global news this morning:
Australia is at risk of a $27 billion collapse in income from two of its biggest exports – liquefied gas and iron ore – as the US-China trade war chokes demand for commodities.
US President Donald Trump has pushed again for Israel and Hamas to agree to a ceasefire over the 20-month war in Gaza.
Former Australian foreign minister Julie Bishop has made a rare trip to Russia, meeting senior officials during a visit that underscores Moscow's growing influence in Myanmar and its central role in shielding the country's military regime from global pressure.
Oscar Piastri's world championship lead has been cut after the Australian was pipped to the Austrian Grand Prix by teammate Lando Norris.
Advertisers have defected
8.57am
Today's weather
8.57am
Welcome to our live news blog
Good morning readers, and welcome to our live news blog for Monday, June 30.
Making headlines today is a closer look at the 'monsters' sentenced on Friday over the death of teenage Perth schoolboy Cassius Turvey.
Rebecca Peppiatt reports that Cassius' killers had complex lives, marred by drug use, neglect and abuse.
Others, however, seemingly had no explanation for following the path they did.
Meanwhile, the 20 WA schools whose students are the richest are raking in millions from donations and other income sources, without affecting their taxpayer funding.
Christ Church Grammar topped the list at $8.1 million, including $2.9 million in donations and $5.3 million from investments.
Holly Thompson has the full story. You can read it here.