Latest news with #Hamblin
West Australian
26-05-2025
- General
- West Australian
FOGO final stage estimates more than 12,500 tonnes of waste diverted from landfill each year
The City of Rockingham estimates more than 12,500 tonnes of organic waste will be diverted from landfill each year with the start roll-out of its FOGO bin change. The Food Organics and Garden Organics initiative, set to begin June 30, is the final stage of the city's three bin system brought in more than eight years ago to reduce the amount of waste being dumped in landfill. Food scraps such as bread, cereal, meat and seafood – including meat bones and shells - coffee grounds, and fruit and veggies can be added to the green-lidded bin, which will be collected weekly. Ahead of the change, the council has sent households a small kitchen caddy bin and compostable liners, along with FOGO guide. City of Rockingham mayor Deb Hamblin described the service, which has already rolled out in more than 20 other local governments across WA, including Kwinana earlier this year, as a transformational change. A waste audit in 2024 found in several Rockingham suburbs, almost half of what was being put into red waste bins and headed for the dump was organic waste, such as food scraps and garden clippings. One of the other major transformations of the incoming system is that red waste bins will be emptied fortnightly instead of weekly. Yellow-lidded recycling bins will continue to be collected fortnightly. Some households' bin day may change as well. FOGO bin contents are recycled into compost materials, such as mulch and soil conditioner, and reused in parks and gardens. 'The success of FOGO relies on everyone's participation and together we can make a meaningful difference in how we manage our waste,' Ms Hamblin said.
West Australian
20-05-2025
- General
- West Australian
City of Rockingham lifeguard Jordan Morton named young volunteer of year at awards night
A lifeguard who clocked up more than 200 volunteer hours in just two seasons and the keeper of the history of Native Plants WA were among outstanding community champions recognised for their positive impact in Rockingham. The City of Rockingham's 2025 Volunteer Recognition Awards were held at the Gary Holland Community Centre last Wednesday. The awards recognise people who make outstanding contributions to the city, often above and beyond normal employment. More than 45 nominations were received, with 28 finalists invited to the awards evening. Mayor Deb Hamblin said she was struck by the dedication and passion each recipient had shown toward helping others. 'As mayor, I feel humbled and privileged to lead a city so rich in generosity and civic spirit,' Ms Hamblin said. 'Our volunteers remind us of the power of compassion in action. 'This year's National Volunteer Week theme, Connecting Communities, couldn't be more fitting. These individuals go beyond volunteering; they are expert connectors, community builders and knowledge sharers.' The 2025 Volunteer Recognition Award winners: For more information on volunteering, contact the Rockingham Volunteer Centre on 9528 8670, visit or email volunteering@ .
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Aussie council calls to lock out tourists from popular island: 'We need to do something'
The local West Australian mayor told Yahoo authorities are open to 'every option' to protect penguins on the island visited by 130,000 people annually. The council is considering the closure of Penguin Island after a shocking decline in its penguin population. Source: Penguin Island A popular Aussie island could be closing its doors to the public for good as conservationists and the local council push to protect the native penguin species living there. Estimates suggest the little penguins have suffered a 94 per cent decline in their population since 2007 on the aptly named Penguin Island, situated off the Perth coast, approximately 660 metres from Shoalwater on the mainland. It's believed just over 100 penguins now remain on the tiny island. Mayor of the governing City of Rockingham, Deb Hamblin, confirmed to Yahoo News a notice of motion was recently set by the council and it is "doing the very best" to safeguard the native species. "Our penguin numbers are really diminishing... we need to do something about it," Hamblin told Yahoo News, confirming she has recently written to Western Australia's Premier and the Minister for the Environment to notify both of the issue. Authorities 'grasping at straws' to protect native penguin species A board of advisors, which Deb Hamblin is on, is due to meet at the end of the month and discuss what can be done to protect the little penguin species. Many locals and members of the council hope the decision will be made to close Penguin Island off to tourists and the wider general public. ADVERTISEMENT "I think we really need to look at absolutely every option," Hamblin said. "The advisory group, which has scientists from across the entire country, are ready to come back with recommendations around not just access to the island, but breeding patterns, and looking at their food sources, a whole range of those things. I think people are just grasping at straws so they'll try anything at the moment." More than 130,000 people visit Penguin Island every year. It's believed there are approximately 114 little penguins left on the island. Source: City of Rockingham council Push to close off Penguin Island not supported by everyone Others believe closing off the island to the general public will not be the solution people hope, with Corey Bradshaw — a Flinders University Professor who specialises in extinction risk in small populations — previously telling Yahoo News unless people are physically touching the animals, it's unlikely closing access will help. ADVERTISEMENT "[Banning tourists] might help reduce disturbance somewhat, [but it] depends how close they're allowed to get," he said. "It won't reverse trends, [and] unless the tourists are actually handling penguins, or disturbing breeding sites, their impact is likely minor." He suspects overfishing and prey changes from climate change are instead responsible. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Southeastern IL residents place in government championship
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Southeastern Illinois College (SIC) says it has 'captured' its third consecutive Model Illinois Government (MIG) championship when it was named, 'Outstanding Large Delegation' on Sunday. Officials note this marks SIC's 15th State Championship in 21 years and second three-peat in eight years. The win further 'solidified' the school's legacy as one of the top programs in the state, despite being the smallest school by enrollment at the competition. 'A three-peat is not only a testament to the program, it says a great deal about the quality of our students,' said advisor Matt Lees. 'Only one student returned from this last year's team. My colleagues ask me where I consistency find such talented kids and my answer is simple – my classes.' Carmi Light and Water Office closed In terms of the Illinois counties within the Eyewitness News coverage area, officials with the SIC say first-year delegates included: Logan Brinkley and Abbey Mobley, both of Norris City Ethan Howard of Enfield According to SIC, the single returning delegate was Head Delegate Tobias Hamblin of Norris City. The SIC says Hamblin led this group and was the only member to have been part of all three championship teams. SIC led all schools in total points, won four major awards and held central leadership positions in the House Republican and Senate Republican caucuses. Officials say during competition students had the opportunity to debate bills in the actual House and Senate chambers in Springfield. This year, more than 175 students from 16 colleges and universities participated from across the state. Norris City native places in Indianapolis competition SIC says its students were also elected to four committee spokesperson positions and a committee chair position. Students won elections for Senate Minority and Assistant Minority Leader and secured two Floor Whip positions. The team won awards for Outstanding Original Legislation, Outstanding Person in the House of Representatives, Outstanding First Year Delegate in the House and Outstanding First Year Delegate in the Senate. In terms of local Illinoisans, here was who was elected to what: Those who secured committee spokesperson positions Ethan Howard Abbey Mobley Floor whips Logan Brinkley Chair and House Minority Leader Tobias Hamblin Senate Assistant Minority Leader Ethan Howard Officials say Mobley later won the Outstanding Original Legislation Award while Ethan Howard was named Outstanding First Year Member in the Senate. Hamblin received the Donna Lennon Award for Outstanding Member of the House, the chamber's most coveted honor. In reference to the residents from the Tri-State, the SIC says in acquiring two positions and one award, Hamblin, Howard and Mobley scored three composite points leading the entire simulation in individual points and tying a school record. Norris City resident helps Forensic Falcons win at Moraine Officials say Mobley and another SIC student, Jaxson Buckman, also crafted their own original legislation. Both students successfully guided their bill from committee all the way to the governor's desk. Lees says, 'This group had some of the best leadership I've ever observed during my 24 years as advisor. As Head Delegate, Tobias Hamblin worked tirelessly and slept little. There is a reason he has been a member of three championships teams.' The SIC says given the number of offices held and overall performance, the SIC team was named Outstanding Large Delegation. 'Eyewitness News. Everywhere you are.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Yahoo
Former Utah therapist's child sex abuse charges dismissed in Utah County — again
CONTENT WARNING: This article contains information about sexual assault. If you or someone you know needs help, call the Rape & Sexual Assault Crisis Line at 1-(888)-421-1100. UTAH COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) — Charges against a former Utah therapist accused of 'ritualistic child sexual abuse' have been dropped by a Utah County judge, and it's not the first time. David Lee Hamblin, 70, was charged with six felony charges related to child sexual abuse in 2022 for incidents dating back to the 1980s and 90s. On Wednesday, Judge Roger Griffin agreed to drop the felony charges against Hamblin due to concerns with the evidence. Court documents did not provide details on the evidentiary issues. RELATED: Ex-wife of Utah former therapist accused of 'ritualistic child sexual abuse' arrested Hamblin is still facing six second-degree felony child sexual abuse charges in Sanpete County regarding alleged abuse of a young child in Spring City in 1990. This is the second time child sexual abuse charges against Hamblin have been dropped. In 2012, Hamblin faced 18 felony charges related to child sexual abuse, but those charges were later dismissed. Hamblin tried to get his record expunged in court in August 2022, but was arrested the following month in Utah County. Shortly after, Hamblin was charged in Sanpete County and, despite community opposition, was released on bail. Following Hamblin's 2022 arrest, authorities said they were investigating him for 'ritualistic child sexual abuse' for incidents that allegedly took place in three counties over the course of several decades. Sgt. Spencer Cannon, the public information officer for Utah County Sheriff's Office at the time, previously said the term 'ritualistic' in this case refers to an 'organized' form of abuse that likely involved more than one perpetrator. In 2023, Hamblin's ex-wife Roselle Stevenson, 71, was arrested and charged with one count of sodomy on a child for an incident dating back to 1992. While several victims across the state of Utah have reported abuse related to Stevenson, the current charge is connected to one victim. This victim reported being sexually abused for several years by Stevenson and Hamblin in their former home. The case is currently being litigated in the Provo District Court. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
