Latest news with #StateLibraryofWA
West Australian
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Narrogin's Nelly the Numbat celebrates inclusive story times with special commendation Library Board Awards
Narrogin's celebrity mascot, Nelly the Numbat, who is a best friend, educator and role model to the local children has been etched into history at the prestigious 2025 Library Board Awards. R.W. (Bob) Farr Memorial Library officer Jared Egerton-Warburton accepted a special commendation in the small regional library category for their outstanding contribution to inclusive early literacy programming on July 31, at the State Library of WA. Mr Egerton-Warburton said it was great to have the teams efforts recognised and that his favourite Nelly moments include gifting books to children when visiting local schools, events and on the street. Nelly's Key Word Sign Storytimes and High Tea Rhyme Time which aims to enhance accessibility and inclusion developed from the numbat's debut in May 2021, as part of the Australian-wide Paint the Town REaD scheme. Library officer and creative behind Nelly, Tegan Winn said a lot of families benefit from Key Word Sign because their children have different communication styles and needs. 'There's some non verbal children due to autism or trauma, so we wanted Nelly to be something they can identify with and an event everyone can attend, its not isolating someone,' she said. 'They use Key Word Sign then they recognise it and if not other kids will come and learn Key Word Sign and just have fun.' The awards showcase how regional libraries are leaders for meaningful, community-driven programs promoting literacy, accessibility and joy in learning. Key Word Sign Storytime is held during the school holidays and High Tea Rhyme Time is scheduled every second Thursday of the month at R.W (Bob) Farr Memorial Library in Narrogin.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Aussie dad and son's incredible encounter while fishing 5km off WA coast
A father and son's school holiday fishing trip has become a moment they'll 'never forget' after the pair were joined by a very friendly dolphin. Ricky and Noah Plant were casting their lines 5km off the coast of Two Rocks, about an hour north of Perth, when one of the curious creatures decided to say hello. Incredible photos and video shared with 9News show the bottlenose dolphin bobbing in the water right next to their tinnie, and even grinning in delight as Noah pats its chest. 'I was blown away, I've spent my whole life on the ocean and I've never seen anything like that before,' Ricky told the broadcaster about their wild encounter on Sunday. 'It would just dive in the water and jump up.' The dolphin's entire pod — about 20 other animals — hovered nearby, and even followed the dad and son when they moved their vessel a couple of kilometres away. It was then the 'playful' outlier once again approached the pair. 'We turned around and he was almost inside the boat again," Ricky said. Local experts told 9News that while bottlenose dolphins are inquisitive, such behaviour is more common among those who have been raised in captivity. The Atlantis Marine Park, which housed performing dolphins and seals, opened in Two Rocks in 1981 but closed just nine years later. It's understood that some of those animals were released into the surrounding waters. Touted as Seaworld meets Dreamworld, the theme park also featured water slides, rollercoasters and a 10-metre-tall statue of King Neptune – the Roman god of the sea, according to the State Library of WA. The area has since been abandoned. 🛥️ Fisherman's warning after very close call in murky Aussie river 🦭 Local seal's cheeky behaviour amuses thousands: 'Mind of his own' 🏝️ Tourists stunned by incredible 'rarity' off Aussie coast Earlier this month, hundreds of worried West Australians called authorities after catching a glimpse of a mother dolphin gently pushing the lifeless body of her newborn calf along the coastline. The dolphin, fondly named Suru by the local Dolphin Discovery Centre (DDC), carried her deceased calf on her rostrum along busy areas for days in a powerful display of mourning. DDC told Yahoo News it had been inundated with calls by concerned members of the public who witnessed the sight close to shore, which can be seen below. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
