Latest news with #JulieUnderdown
West Australian
5 days ago
- Health
- West Australian
Withers Library helps raise funds for cancer research with community morning tea
The Withers community came together last month to raise funds for cancer research and treatment, by hosting a morning tea at the Withers Community Library. The library was one of 20,000 community centres around the country that organised their own events for Australia's Biggest Morning Tea — an annual fundraiser where people are encouraged to support those impacted by cancer. According to Cancer Council, almost one in two Australians will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85, and it is the leading cause of death in the country. More than $9 million has been raised so far this year, which adds to the $250 million accumulated by the event over the last 32 years. Withers community member Julie Underdown said it was 'a very enjoyable event'. She said local residents attended and volunteered, making the day 'a success in raising much needed funds for cancer research and treatments'. Ms Underdown thanked the 15 sponsors who helped organise the morning tea. 'The Withers Progress Association sincerely thanks the following businesses, organisations and people for their donations,' she said. 'Your generosity has helped raise much needed funds for the Cancer Council's important work.
West Australian
21-05-2025
- General
- West Australian
Passionate group of Bunbury beachgoers oppose artificial reef with fears it marine life would be ‘annihilated'
A group of passionate beachgoers are opposed to the idea of an artificial reef being installed in Bunbury, with concerns its development may lead to the destruction of marine life and over-development. The Bunbury Artificial Reef committee unveiled their plans for a multi-purpose granite reef at The Clam earlier this month, but beachgoer Julie Underdown is concerned about the impact it would have on the location. She said a community of retired residents have been meeting at the location for years. 'This little spot — we've actually become friends over the years by meeting and swimming here, because we have a little lagoon that is a very safe environment to swim in,' she said. 'We're all mature aged people and it's also been a bit of a mental health thing . . . just being able to talk, chill out and use the ocean. 'We swap recipes, that's a big thing. We do food and we share food. We come down, we bring morning teas and meet people.' Ms Underdown was concerned the marine life which congregate at The Clam would be under threat during the construction phase of the artificial reef. 'I'm very, very, very concerned that it will be annihilated,' she told the Herald. 'I'm not thinking of the human capacity here. I am thinking of the marine life because I can go somewhere else to swim. Doug Shrampton — who is also part of the beach community — said he snorkels at The Clam around three times a day. 'I always come back with a huge big smile on my face,' he said. 'I'm just not looking for the fish, I'm looking for molluscs, I'm looking for sponges, I'm looking for sea grass — different varieties — and also the seaweed. 'It's just such a brilliant area to snorkel on and the fish out there are just quite amazing.' Mr Shrampton said he was concerned 'Bunbury's hidden treasure' may lose it's appeal if the artificial reef was built and he didn't like the idea of more development along Back Beach, which could come as a consequence. 'I'm not totally opposed to it, I just can't sort of see the point,' he said. Reef designer Troy Bottegal said the artificial reef — which would be installed on the back of The Clam — would attract more marine life to the area. 'We're not putting any rock on The Clam reef, we're actually increasing the size of the available habitat for pelagic and demersal fish,' he said. Mr Bottegal also said the installation would only take three weeks and refuted the claims it would disrupt the local ecosystem. 'Any sand or beach effect the installation has, will be put back to right immediately after the installation,' he said. 'This new reef adds a whole lot more protection from ocean swells to the swimming lagoon. 'There will be no interaction between swimmers and surfers. The surfers will surf down the side of the reef. and the reef will then protect the existing swimming amenity.' Mr Bottegal said The Clam and Hungry Hollow were for 'swimmers, snorkellers, surfers and fisherman' alike, and that the spot shouldn't be reserved exclusively for any group. 'On top of all the other factors and benefits the reef brings, one of the major purposes is to limit the erosion at the Hungry Hollow stretch,' he said.
