Latest news with #JacksonFlindell
Perth Now
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Inspiring acts why WAFL matters more than ever
Yes the AFL is the big show. The big game in town. It's polished and professional. But sometimes, the game we love can be a little bit out of reach — and that's where the WAFL comes in. There's a beautiful simplicity about the local league and it can remind you why you fell in love with footy in the first place. It's because you can bring the kids, spread out a rug, kick a footy at half-time, and let the afternoon roll by like 'the old days'. You can rock in right before bouncedown … no queues here and it costs only $20 or less (it's free at Good Grocer Park in East Fremantle). And guess what, if you get down near the fence you can actually hear the crunch of the tackles if that's what really gets your blood pumping. And during the breaks, you can see the veins in the coach's neck bulge as he's giving the forwards a spray. The best part? You can wander out on to the ground and have a kick with your kids. This isn't second-rate footy. It's football in its purest form. And the WAFL is played just how the founding fathers had dreamt it would be. Peel Thunder's Liam Reidy and Claremont's Oliver Eastland. Credit: Jackson Flindell / The West Australian There's no flooding. Less structure, with more one-on-one contests. Players going head-to-head all day long. It's a complete mano-a-mano contest. No ganging up on your opposition … it's like Jakovich v Carey, or Glass v Pavlich. The players are just like you and me, to some degree. They have real jobs — day jobs — or they're chasing a dream, many just playing for the love the game and a bit of extra coin. You can even chat to them in the club bar or in the carpark afterwards. And this isn't just about some Barra nostalgia trip. The standard of WAFL footy is bloody good and it's real and raw. AFL is the big time, and we love it. But WAFL, that's the heart and soul. So this weekend, grab a scarf, bring the kids. Eat a pie, have a beer and cheer on the Tigers, the Lions or my Demons from the fence. And remember what footy used to feel like … and what it can still be. It's about community — and nowhere was that clearer than on the weekend at Revo Fitness Stadium. On what was arguably the coldest and wettest day of the footy season, Claremont drew a crowd — not just to see dual Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe make his WAFL return but for a Big Freeze fundraiser for Fight MND, held in honour of local dad Jordan Early. Nat Fyfe playing for Peel Thunder. Credit: Jackson Flindell / The West Australian And the celebrity sliders went all-in. West Coast AFLW coach Daisy Pearce — a seasoned slider — joined Eagles legend John Worsfold. Woosha dressed as tennis star Alicia Molik and Molik kitted out as Eagles wonderkid Harley Reid — complete with mouthguard and headband. And three of the western suburbs' most prominent headmasters also braved the icy waters. Alec O'Connell (Scotch College), who took the plunge and challenged others to match his commitment. Dean Dell'Oro (Hale School), who was backing Hale Old Boy Jordan 100 per cent, and Alan Jones (Christ Church Grammar) who made sure the old school rivalries carried on in icy style, promising a plunge that would go down in schoolboy folklore. It was fun, it was powerful and it sure made a splash. Jordan Early and Jo Moullin. Credit: Ross Swanborough / The West Australian Jordan Early, just 42, was diagnosed with MND earlier this year. A father of three, his world changed overnight, but so did his community — rallying around him, proving that even on the coldest day, a bit of warmth and hope goes a long way. His partner Jo Moullin summed it up: 'Hope is so important, and it shouldn't be taken away so abruptly.' She's right you know, this is a beast of a disease, and with MND you don't have the luxury of time. Channel 7 had special coverage of the event and many a tear was shed amongst the crew who worked on this Big Freeze. The theme was to rally together and stand beside those battling the Beast. But Saturday wasn't just about fundraising. It was about reminding a family — and all of us really — that footy is more than wins and losses. It's about people showing up for each other. That's WAFL. And that's why WAFL matters. Claremont, right here in the western suburbs, are chasing another flag on the field. But off the field, they've already won the most important game of all — the one that brings people together. So, this weekend, do yourself a favour. Pop down to the local oval. Bring a scarf. Bring your voice. And bring your love of the game. Because WAFL still matters. And in many ways, it matters more than ever.
Perth Now
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Perth's Old and young whip up sweet treats for Telethon
Laughter filled a Kingsley retirement home as daycare children whipped up cupcakes with the elderly residents, all in the name of raising money for Telethon. Children from Growing Cherubs family home daycare have a special place in the hearts of Barridale Lodge Kingsley residents as they visited the home weekly. Elderbloom Community Care Centres chief executive Rory Fryters said the intergenerational playgroup was a highlight of the week for the seniors. Sienna Le Donne (4) with Sheila Howe. Credit: Jackson Flindell / The West Australian 'The intergenerational playgroup is a really important part of our program, it continues to foster meaningful connections to the community for our residents, as well as for the children and their families,' he said. The weekly visit on Wednesday was even more special with flour, sprinkles, and frosting filling the table as kids and the residents were busy making cupcakes for a Telethon bake sale. Daycare owner Frances Svilicich said Telethon was a WA fundraiser that both the children and seniors knew well so it was an easy choice to host a bake sale for the cause. Ollie Kennedy 2yo with resident Hazel Ward. Credit: Jackson Flindell / The West Australian 'The kids have been talking about Telethon and they wanted to do something for the children. 'We've never fundraised before but I think it'll be a yearly event now.' Seven-year-old Sienna Edwards said her favourite part of the day was making cupcakes with residents like Louise Samuels. 'I want to help other kids so they can go home to their families,' she said. 'I remember when Telethon first started. I've been watching it since it came out — it's great,' Barridale Lodge resident Brian Cox said. 'We are glad to get the kids involved in fundraising like this. I love doing it.' There is still time to hose a bake sale or morning tea before July 30, to register visit this link. RAC Arena and the Perth CBD will come alive on October 18 and 19 for Telethon with the funds raised ensuring beneficiaries and children's charities can continue to improve the lives of sick and vulnerable WA kids. The 26-hour broadcast showcasing performances, generous donations and all-around fun will be live on Channel 7 and 7plus.
Perth Now
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Huge free three-day event coming to the Quay this week
Perth's Elizabeth Quay will be transformed into a winter wonderland this month as Cosy @ The Quay: A European Fable takes over the waterfront the from Friday, July 18, to Sunday, July 20. Inspired by the magical winter festival atmospheres of Salzburg, Munich and Strasbourg, the event features a line-up of live music, dance, food and immersive experiences, making it the ideal school holiday adventure. At the heart of this free event is the Winter Dome, a glowing, heated space where visitors can relax on heated lounges with a hot chocolate and enjoy live folk singers and piano accordionists. During the day families can enjoy the Kids Euro Disco and Snow Dance, while at night the space comes alive with Euro Nights DJ sets, filling the space with fun, upbeat European tunes. Mike Drysdale and Little Miss Squeezebox at Elizabeth Quay. Credit: Jackson Flindell / Jackson Flindell / The West Aust Across the Quay, visitors will find fire pits for marshmallow toasting, fireside poetry readings and sunset opera duo, along with roaming folk dancers and performances of Viennese waltzing under magical lights. Free European folk-dance lessons will also be held throughout the event, which is available for all ages and skill levels. Food lovers can warm up with woodfired pizza, Polish-style toasted sandwiches and classic winter treats, all while soaking in the festive atmosphere reminiscent of a northern winter, and plenty of hot drinks. A ferris wheel, carousel, train rides around Elizabeth Quay and surrounding bridges and a range of food trucks will also be available on a paid basis. The free event will run from noon to 10pm over the three days.
Perth Now
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Sam Kerr spotted in Perth with fiancée and baby Jagger
Matildas superstar Sam Kerr has stepped out in Perth with fiancée Kristie Mews and new baby Jagger. The 31-year-old was spotted enjoying a relaxed brunch with her parents on Sunday morning, with Mewis pictured holding their two-month-old in a carrier. The pair later caught up with Kerr's teammate Emily Van Egmond before hitting the shops, buying nappies and baby wipes. Kerr is back in her hometown for the Matildas' whirlwind stint in Western Australia, with their final match against Panama at HBF Park on Tuesday. The Matildas captain is not part of the 33-player squad for the four frendlies as she continues her recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury she sustained more than 18 months ago. Even without gracing the pitch, Kerr sent her hometown fans into raptures when she stepped out to sign autographs in Perth before the Matildas faced Slovenia late last month. Kids packed the eastern terrace and clamoured for their soccer hero's coveted signature, calling her name from the moment she entered the arena. Matildas soccer player Sam Kerr greets fans at the Australia v Slovenia friendly. Credit: Jackson Flindell / Jackson Flindell / The West Aust She worked her way the length of the pitch, stopping for selfies and responding to squeaked requests from fans as her entourage ensured everyone got their moment with the beloved star. Stepping out on Sunday was the first time she had been pictured since. Kerr and Mewis began their relationship around 2020 before confirming they were a couple on social media in August 2021. They got engaged in September 2023, announcing it publicly two months later. Their engagement was followed by the news that they were expecting their first child in November last year. Sam Kerr greets fans. Credit: Jackson Flindell / Jackson Flindell / The West Aust Kerr announced the arrival of Jagger Mewis-Kerr in May, writing 'Our little man is here' alongside a picture of the family-of-three. The proud mums have both shared pictures of the newborn on social media, including one that featured him in onesie with a Vegemite print on it.
Perth Now
28-06-2025
- Perth Now
Roof repair conmen scamming West Aussies out of thousands
Door-knocking conmen are swindling WA households out of tens of thousands of dollars for minor roof repairs that they don't complete. Consumer protection issued a warning on Wednesday after an elderly Hillman couple were approached at their home by two men who said their roof required cleaning, tile tuckpointing and minor fascia board repairs. Without providing a quote the men began the job and instructed the couple to acquire a cheque for $18,645 and deposit it directly into their bank account. This allowed them to bypass bank surveillance security cameras and cover the money trail. A Parmelia couple suffered a similar ordeal when they were approached at their door by a man driving a white Ute who used sales tactics to convince them to let him clean their roof. Initially quoted $1,950, the couple were coerced into paying $2,145 – allegedly to cover GST. Shortly after the man left the couple noticed he did not complete any of the tasks promised and new water leaks emerged from the roof. The homeowners later discovered their security camera had been deliberately repositioned away from the front of the property, preventing any footage of the man being captured. Consumer Protections commissioner Trish Blake urged WA households to turn away door-knocking tradesmen if approached. Credit: Jackson Flindell / The West Australian Consumer Protections commissioner Trish Blake urged WA households to turn away door-knocking tradesmen if approached. 'These conmen move from town to town using high-pressure tactics to push overpriced roof restoration jobs – often delivering little to no actual work,' Ms Blake said. 'They are in clear breach of the Australian Consumer Law by disregarding the mandatory 10-day cooling-off period for unsolicited approaches. During this time, no payment should be made and no work is legally permitted. 'What's particularly concerning in these latest reports is the group's failure to provide formal quotes or contact details, leaving consumers with no way to follow up. 'Without a written quote – which sets expectations and offers legal protection – victims are further being denied their right to seek a remedy. 'Consumers looking to get this work done should always seek multiple written quotes to compare price and value, and research traders in advance by requesting references and viewing examples of previous work.' Anyone who receives a knock at the door from traders offering roof restoration services should say 'no' and call Consumer Protection on 1300 30 40 54.
