Latest news with #AvonDescent
ABC News
15 hours ago
- Climate
- ABC News
Strong rainfall doubles Avon Descent entrant numbers in river race
More than 300 competitors from around Western Australia have endured ongoing rain and rising river levels as day two of the annual Avon Descent gets underway. Power craft and paddlers took to the streams of the Avon River on Saturday for the 124-kilometre two-day white water time trial from Northam in WA's Avon Valley to Bayswater in Perth. Avon Descent committee chair Greg Kaeding said weekend rain had helped attract additional competitors. "With over 0.7 metre of water in the valley and the last 24 hours of rain, a similar level to 2024 is expected with similar times," he said. "Over 120 craft will now be attempting the ultra 124-kilometre challenge, up on 2024 numbers, with late short course registrations for Sunday still coming in." Paddling duo Brendan Rice and teammate Oscar Jones were the first paddlers to cross the day 1 finish line at Cobbler Pool in Toodyay on Saturday afternoon, closely behind solo paddler and last year's solo winner Luke Dooley. Rice took out the win in 2024 alongside partner Josh Kippin. Power craft day 1 leaders included Team 100, Sea School Fremantle, Send it Racing and Minijetwa. There are 330 competitors for the 2025 event, nearly double last year's field. Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Angeline Prasad said heavy falls could potentially reach far enough inland and increase the river levels for Sunday's portion of the event. "It is possible that we will see rises in the river over the next 24 hours with this type of rainfall," she said. "At this stage, we're not looking at issuing a flood watch but it's something that we'll keep in mind, especially if those heavier falls extend further inland. "At this stage, I'm expecting the heavier falls to stay along the coast, but it's something that we're watching very closely." For the local Ballardong people, the lead-up to the event was a chance to reflect on the spiritual connection to the waterway. Elder Patricia Davis said her fondest childhood memories were of time spent at the river with her family. "As I was growing up, we used the river for swimming, catching our food. Most of our food came from the river, whether it was the birds, or from the trees along the river," Mrs Davis said. "My favourite memories are going down the river in old car top roofs that my dad used to cut off for us, not one, two, but a mob of us." She led officials and competitors through a river blessing ceremony before they took to the water on Saturday. "We want him to look after people while they are on their journey down the river so they can get home safely to their families." As part of Avon Descent celebrations, the Shire of Northam holds the Bilya Festival, made up of street parades and cultural ceremonies on the night before the big race. Shire President Chris Antonio said the organic transition to showcase and acknowledge cultural connection to the Avon River was vital to community cohesion. "I've talked to the elders and they call it 'bilya kep' which is 'river waters' and where they used to swim as youngsters," he said. "And that's especially important during the Avon Descent because we've got a lot of competitors going down the river and safety is important. "If we respect our cultural heritage and our river, it will respect the competitors and spectators."
ABC News
a day ago
- Climate
- ABC News
Another wet weekend as BOM issues severe weather warning from Perth up to Jurien Bay
Weekends in Perth have been gloomy of late and this one is no exception, with wet weather predicted for the metropolitan area up to Jurien Bay from Saturday afternoon. Authorities are also keeping a close watch on the Avon Descent in case the deluge reaches further inland and causes river levels to rise during the weekend white water event. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for heavy rainfall with flooding possible for the Lower West, including Perth, southern parts of the Central West and far western parts of the Central Wheatbelt. Locations that could be most affected include Perth, Gingin, Jurien Bay, Lancelin, Badgingarra, Rottnest Island, Yanchep, Armadale, Ellenbrook, Fremantle, Joondalup and Kalamunda. The bureau said 20 to 35 millimetres of rainfall over a six-hour period was likely with possible isolated totals of 60mm as a cloud band is followed by a weak cold front. The coastal fishing town of Lancelin, around 125 kilometres north-west of Perth, recorded 44mm of rainfall in the three hours to 9:45am on Saturday morning. Bureau forecaster, Angeline Prasad, said the main impact from the weather system was the potential for flash flooding, especially if the system moves further south. "We have seen quite a few fronts move through the South-West, including the Lower West recently, so in some locations the ground is fully soaked, so any more rainfall is going to cause water in the landscape," she said. "So the main risk from these heavy falls that we may experience from late this morning into the afternoon period will be flash flooding." Ms Prasad said there was also the chance of thunderstorms in the warning area, which could add to the deluge. "Thunderstorms are likely to be quite gusty, there's a smaller risk of damaging winds, but the main risk that we're worried about is the heavier falls." Ms Prasad said the approaching cold front, behind the cloud band, was likely to move through on Saturday evening and overnight before continuing into the state's south-west on Sunday. She said the cold front would bring widespread rain to a large swathe of southern and central WA. It would possibly dump between 10 to 20mm of rain on the Central West, South West and South West Goldfields as it moved east, but Sunday's rainfall was mainly expected to stay in the 5 to10mm range she said. While recent rainfall did not seriously impact the first day of the Avon Descent, Ms Prasad said heavy falls could potentially reach far enough inland and increase the river levels for the second day of the white water event. "The Avon Descent is through the Swan River so the severe weather warning does extend over the catchment … it is possible that we will see rises in the river over the next 24 hours with this type of rainfall," she said. "At this stage we're not looking at issuing a flood watch but it's something that we'll keep in mind, especially if those heavier falls extend further inland. "At this stage, I'm expecting the heavier falls to stay along the coast, but it's something that we're watching very closely." Those in Perth or coastal parts of WA's south have endured a wet, and sometimes wild, winter. However, Ms Prasad said those weather systems were not travelling far enough inland to get rain to much of the state's agricultural areas. "This winter has been wetter than normal across some parts of the western South Coast but there are still vast areas inland of the South West land division that haven't seen the rainfall they should have," she said. "Inland parts have had rainfall but in dribs and drabs. "So what's been happening is we have seen quite a few strong cold fronts and quite frequent frontal activity this winter but as the fronts have moved inland, they have weakened off fairly rapidly," she said. "So we're still travelling below average for large agricultural areas over inland parts of the South West Land Division."
Perth Now
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Celebrate the thrill of the Avon Descent
Each year, the Lotterywest Avon Descent Festival brings the banks of the rivers to life with a series of vibrant, family-friendly events. These community celebrations shine a spotlight on local culture, creativity, and the simple joy of being outdoors with friends, family, and neighbours. The Avon and Swan Rivers come alive with the energy and excitement of the Avon Descent — Western Australia's iconic white-water race that brings together participants from across the country. Spanning two action-packed days, the race sees kayakers, surf skiers and powerboats take on the winding waterways in a true test of skill, endurance and grit. But it's not just about the race. Held in partnership with the Shire of Northam, City of Swan, City of Bayswater, Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC) and Lotterywest, the festivals offer something for everyone — whether you're there to support a competitor, soak up the atmosphere, or simply enjoy a great day out. To celebrate the race and provide opportunities for local engagement, each of the participating local governments hosts a festival in their respective region. These events are designed to bring communities together and highlight local culture, businesses and recreation. The festivals will include features such as: Live music and entertainment Food trucks and market stalls Children's activities and family-friendly areas Displays showcasing local arts, crafts and culture Browse handmade goods by WA artisans, experience the Winter Wonderland at the City of Swan Avon Descent Festival, and enjoy roving performances at the City of Bayswater Finish Line Festival, and dive into rich cultural diversity at the Northam Bilya Festival alongside all things Carnival. The events aim to encourage outdoor participation, support small businesses and foster a thriving community in the areas. Each festival is free to attend and welcomes both residents and visitors. These festivals are supported by Lotterywest, which provides funding to assist local governments in delivering accessible, inclusive community events. Northam Bilya Festival Friday, 8 August | 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm Bernard Park, Minson Avenue, Northam City of Swan Avon Descent Festival Sunday, 10 August | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Lilac Hill Park, Caversham City of Bayswater Finish Line Festival Sunday, 10 August | 11:00 am – 5:00 pm Riverside Gardens, Milne Street, Bayswater Lotterywest celebrated record-breaking returns to the Western Australian community in 2023-24, with more than $1 billion provided in grants and lottery prizes. As the only State Government owned and operated lottery in Australia where all the profits are returned to the community, Lotterywest is committed to supporting Western Australian community groups. For more details and updates, visit the website.
