Latest news with #WANews
Courier-Mail
4 days ago
- Courier-Mail
Moment missing man Kye Martin rescued near Kalgoorlie in WA
Don't miss out on the headlines from WA News. Followed categories will be added to My News. Dramatic helicopter footage has captured the moment a missing man was found after police stumbled across his crude stick shelter in the remote outback. Kye Martin was on a gold prospecting trip outside of Ora Banda in Western Australia - about 659km east of Perth - when he became separated from his friend on August 1. The tiny town of Ora Banda recorded a population of just eight people in the 2016 census. Soon realising he was lost, Mr Martin managed to send a message to his family shortly before losing phone reception at 2pm that day. His family immediately reported it to police, who launched a major search effort involving specialist Tactical Response Group trackers and WA Police Air Wing crews. Missing gold prospector Kye Martin was located on Saturday by police helicopter. Picture: WA Police Just after midday on Saturday, a police helicopter successfully located Mr Martin. Footage released by police shows Mr Martin in bushland, with what appears to be a rudimentary shelter constructed with sticks and branches from nearby trees. Mr Martin also traced out 'KYE' in large letters in the dirt next to 'MEL' and what appears to be a love heart. Police greeted Mr Martin by saying: 'Hey mate, you order a pizza?' Mr Martin was then flown to Kalgoorlie Airport, where he was assessed by paramedics before later being reunited with friends and family. WA Police said the incident served as timely reminder of the dangers associated with the remote outback. 'The Western Australian outback is made up of many different terrains which can be challenging to survive in,' a police statement read. Mr Martin spent around a day lost in the bush. Picture: WA Police 'Police would like to take this opportunity to remind community members engaging in high-risk outdoor activities such as gold prospecting, four-wheel driving, mountain climbing and hiking, (and) the importance of being well prepared for their journey.' Adventurers are urged to research road and weather conditions, wear appropriate clothing, be familiar with the area they intend to explore, and carry adequate supplies and a personal locator beacon and satellite phone. Police say anyone who does become lost should leave signs for air crews - such as a word spelled in large letters or piles of rocks and sticks - or light a controlled fire. Anyone who becomes stranded with a vehicle is advised to stay with it if possible. Originally published as Dramatic footage of moment man rescued in remote WA outback
Courier-Mail
12-07-2025
- Courier-Mail
Locals speak of tough terrain where missing backpacker Carolina Wilga was found
Don't miss out on the headlines from WA News. Followed categories will be added to My News. After 12 days missing in some of Western Australia's most unforgiving bushland, 26-year-old backpacker Carolina Wilga has been found alive in a miracle that has brought relief to the shaken local community. Locals have described the area where Ms Wilga vanished as harsh and unforgiving, with a maze of gravel roads winding through dry, empty bushland. Police located the missing backpacker's Mitsubishi Delica Star Wagon at Karroun Hill on the fringe of Western Australia's wheatbelt on Friday, but there was no sign of Ms Wilga herself. Wheatbelt resident Tilly Elizabeth, who lives on a farm not far from Beacon, said the area around Karroun Hill was 'deserted'. 'There's been a few disappearances in the area,' she said. 'There's a lot of wheat and sheep farming, it's pretty deserted, I can drive along a dirt road and not see anyone. 'There's not many people around even in Beacon or Dalwallinu, we're very spread out. 'Out this way, it's just rocks and barren land.' The Mitsubishi Delica van that was driven by Carolina Wilga was located abandoned in the Karroun Hill area. Picture: WA Police Ms Elizabeth said the nature reserve was known to locals but rarely visited by outsiders. 'Karroun Hill is a lookout, it's not super popular, it's not really on the way to anything' she said. 'I go exploring through there all the time, but I get nervous if I'm in an area I don't know.' She said while the lookout attracts the occasional visitor, it is easy to become disoriented, even for those who know the region well. 'The locals know the tracks really well, but it's so easy to get lost or stuck out here, it's all unsealed roads, 'Take a few turns on a gravel road and you can't find your way back. I get nervous if I'm not sure if there's an end or if it will connect up to bitumen, Ms Elizabeth said rain can quickly change the landscape and plunging night-time temperatures make survival even harder. 'Rain can cover up your tracks, and at the moment it's freezing, just a couple of degrees at night,' she said. 'People can underestimate WA.' Ms Wilga was last seen in Beacon after travelling through regional Western Australia. Picture: WA Police. Police said the weather had made search efforts difficult, but noted it would have been 'a thousand time worse' for Ms Wilga. 'As you can imagine from the trauma she's suffered for the last few days, she's been through a great deal,' Inspector Martin Glynn said. 'It's a really, really challenging environment to cope in and the weather conditions have been really adverse with temperatures getting down to 0 degrees at night, there's been rain. 'It must have been a thousand times worse for her in her condition. Ms Elizabeth said the discovery of Carolina Wilga has brought immense relief to the remote wheatbelt community. 'The community is ecstatic, we've all cracked a beer for her,' she said. 'No one wants to be known as the place people go missing, we were fearing the worst. 'It's tough country, she must be a tough girl.' Originally published as 'You can get lost so easily': Locals reveal harsh conditions where backpacker vanished
Perth Now
04-07-2025
- Perth Now
The worst things about living in Perth according to expats
A pair of British expats have shared a list of things they believe are the 'worst parts' about living in Perth. The couple, Sarah and Jamie Bolson, moved to Perth from Scotland in December last year and have decided to settle here, but said there were a few 'less glamorous' sides to their new home that would take some getting used to. 'We love living here, we are so grateful to live here,' Ms Bolson said. 'However, we also feel like it's our responsibility to give the full picture of what it's actually like to live here. Mr Bolson added, 'You've got to be realistic, it's not perfect anywhere, I'm not saying that I preferred it back in the UK — I think it's better here, I do prefer it. 'But let's be honest, nowhere's perfect, so let's be real about it.' The duo listed seven different factors in a detailed video. Here's what they had to say: The Bolson's said they had been warned that WA could also be abbreviated to 'windy always,' and just weeks after arriving, they found the acronym to be true when they embarked on a road trip to Jurien Bay. 'As we were getting north, the wind was picking up and the Jimney was being thrown all over the road,' Mrs Bolson said. 'I checked my phone and there was a marine wind warning, and it was gusting at like 50km per hour.' They tried to check out the Pinnacles, but the wind was so intense, Ms Bolson said the attraction looked like the 'apocalypse.' So, it comes as no surprise that Barrow Island, off the Pilbara Coast, continues to hold the Guinness World Record for the fastest wind speed ever recorded on Earth that was not associated with a tornado. The Pinnacles desert at Nambung National Park, Cervantes. Credit: Mogens Johansen / WA News Part of being a true-blue Aussie is learning to accept that flies, especially in summer, are everywhere. All the time. Australia is actually home to about 30,000 fly species — a fact that would likely send Mr Bolson reeling. 'I am not one that is known for dealing well with flying insects,' he said. 'Any flying insect that comes in the vicinity of me, I go into some sort of weird panic. 'I can't handle it, it makes me hate being outside.' Perth is well known for its picturesque outdoor spaces and abundance of free and accessible activities; however, when it comes to nightlife, the Bolson's said there was much to be desired. 'We are definitely not bored. There is always something we can do, you're never far from a beach or an outdoor adventure,' Mrs Bolson said. 'I think what we've yet to find is a thriving, vibrant nightlife. 'When I was in Melbourne, for example, there's just something on every corner. 'There is just so much going on you can just stumble upon, whereas here it takes a bit more research.' The Perth city skyline as seen from Kings Park. Credit: Kelsey Reid / The West Australian Unlike most tourists and Australian immigrants, Mrs Bolson was not particularly concerned by sharks. Until she hit WA's sandy beaches. 'I think they are a bigger deal than I was anticipating,' she said. 'The thing that kind of puts it all into perspective is the amount of infrastructure around keeping people shark safe. 'Especially during the busy times of summer, we've got the shark spotting helicopter that goes up and down the beaches, tagged sharks, shark barriers and the Shark Smart app. 'We have been on Cottesloe Beach when a shark sighting helicopter has spotted something.' When Mr Bolson required a procedure, the pair began researching where he could go and discovered one doctor's practice was charging $800 with a $400 rebate, and another clinic offered bulk billing, so he wouldn't pay a cent. The couple said they found navigating forms of payment (bulk billing, mixed billing and private billing) confusing compared to the National Health Service back home. 'We're just not used to having that extra layer of thought of 'how much is this going to cost, how much am I going to get back through Medicare'.' 'We are going to have to get our heads around it.' One cannot engage in a conversation about WA's sweltering summer temperatures without the mention of 'dry heat.' Mr Bolson said that he found himself drinking 2.5L of water every day since arriving, as the scorching conditions left him overly parched. 'It's probably all to do with the dry heat, but I've really noticed it.' WA's housing crisis is well documented and defined by crippling costs which make renting or owning a home almost impossible for many. Perth is the second most expensive city to rent in Australia — second to NSW — according to data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Having overheard rental horror stories from friends, Mrs Bolson said property viewings that were packed with dozens of people contributed to a feeling of scarcity. 'You go to these viewings where there are 60 to 100 people and it's just creating this kind of hype and feeling of scarcity amongst the rental market,' she said. Most real estate agents require prospective renters to attend the viewing before they apply, but Mrs Bolson's friend noticed the application portal was open before the viewing, decided to apply and was accepted before even attending. 'I think that's criminal.'
Courier-Mail
03-07-2025
- Courier-Mail
Reagan Chown: Man who mowed down, killed Perth cop Anthony Woods jailed for 13.5 years
Don't miss out on the headlines from WA News. Followed categories will be added to My News. The family of a Perth cop killed in the line of duty when he tried to stop a car thief, before being dragged under the vehicle, have revealed their heartbreak at his future being 'taken away'. Reagan Chown, 25, was sentenced in the WA Supreme Court on Thursday to 15.5 years' jail for the manslaughter of Constable Anthony Woods in June 2023. He will be eligible for parole after serving 13.5 years behind bars. Chown was behind the wheel of a stolen Holden Cruze when he reversed and dragged Constable Woods, 28, under the vehicle. Reagan Chown has been jailed for more than 15 years for the manslaughter of Perth cop Anthony Woods in 2023. Picture: 9News Chown had pleaded not guilty to a charge of manslaughter but was found guilty by a jury earlier this year. The court was told Chown was on bail for possession of cocaine, meth and drug dealing when he killed Constable Woods. He was driving a stolen car with stolen plates that were detected by number plate recognition cameras shortly before Constable Woods was killed. Police pursued the stolen vehicle, which had reached speeds of up to 83kmh in a 40km zone, before it stopped in a cul-de-sac in the Perth suburb of Ascot. Constable Woods tried to arrest Chown and tasered him, but the 25-year-old put his car in reverse and hit the accelerator, dragging, trapping the officer under the car. Constable Woods died from his injuries in hospital. On Thursday, Constable Woods' mother Natalie read a victim impact statement to the court before Chown was sentenced. Ms Woods said her heart was ripped away on the day Anthony died and she felt like she had 'died'. 'He was doing his duty and he was protecting his community and his future was taken away,' she said. 'Each anniversary, birthday and any moment we shared with him is now painful for us.' Constable Woods (left, with his wife Emily) died after he was dragged under a stolen vehicle being driven by Chown. Picture: Supplied Justice Joseph McGrath said during sentencing that Chown deliberately put his car into reverse and moved it backwards by putting his foot on the accelerator. He said Chown was criminally negligent for the circumstances, rejecting his defence that being tasered made him not criminally responsible for Constable Woods' death. 'Police were still pursuing you to charge you with reckless driving, and you were driving a stolen vehicle,' Justice McGrath said. 'The police had every reason to form a belief that you intended to flee. 'You had reached the end of the road. 'That you are not criminally negligent is unacceptable.' Justice McGrath said he was satisfied Chown intended to flee from police and he ignored officers when he put his car into reverse and his foot on the accelerator. Constable Woods was attempting to stop Chown in the stolen car when he was killed in the line of duty. Picture: WA Police 'You decided to get away and tried to escape,' he said. 'The movement of the car was done by you. 'It would be fanciful to make a finding that Constable Woods somehow did wrong here, officers make split second decisions, (you) was speeding through Epsom Ave high on meth when officers intervened. 'This does not come close to some unauthorised discharge.' Chown argued he had no control over his actions when his car moved into reverse after being tasered, but Justice McGrath rejected his explanation saying he was not a reliable or credible witness. Justice McGrath described Reagan Chown's testament as 'fanciful.' Justice McGrath said CCTV footage and police body worn cameras showed a different picture and described Chown's testament as 'fanciful'. 'You maintained the action was involuntary and you pressed the accelerator when tasered,' he said. 'You said the car reversed when you were tasered, and it was an accident. 'I do not accept your alternative explanation and find you deliberately put the car into reverse and hit the accelerator. 'You did those acts because you were intent on fleeing from police. 'You killed a police officer acting in the course of his duty.' Police commissioner Col Blanch Commissioner Blanch said he would ask the government for tougher laws to deal with criminals who behave criminally, evade police and kill a police officer. Picture: NewsWire/ Emma Kirk Police commissioner Col Blanch said outside of court that Justice McGrath's words during sentencing were important and no sentence handed down by a court would ever be enough. 'Anthony Woods was killed serving his community by a drug dealer in a stolen car while on bail,' he said. 'While most of us were sleeping comfortable in our beds Anthony Woods never came home.' Commissioner Blanch said he would ask the government for tougher laws to deal with criminals who behave criminally, evade police and kill a police officer. 'I think murder should stand in these cases,' he said. Chown's defence lawyer told the court his client had become addicted to drugs working as a FIFO worker. He said it was a combination of being away from his family, who lived regionally, having too much time off work in-between his shifts and his drug addiction – for which Chown said he was 'disgusted'. Originally published as 'Future taken away': Family of slain cop Anthony Woods reveal heartbreak as man jailed for manslaughter
Courier-Mail
24-06-2025
- Courier-Mail
Transperth bus driver charged over fatality
Don't miss out on the headlines from WA News. Followed categories will be added to My News. A Transperth bus driver has been charged after he fatally struck a pedestrian outside of Perth Arena. A 45-year old man died when he was hit by a bus crossing Wellington St near the Milligan St intersection just after 6.15pm on Friday. He was treated at the scene by paramedics but could not be saved. The bus driver has been charged with careless driving causing death and will appear before the Perth Magistrates Court on July 18. Inspector Vic Hussey told 9News it was a confronting scene. 'It's a very, very sad scene here at the moment,' he said. The police have charged a man with careless driving causing death after a bus crash outside the Perth Arena on the weekend. Picture: Nine News Witnesses said the driver appeared distressed and was unable to speak in the immediate aftermath of the collision, while others nearby were seen crying on the street. The crash occurred as hundreds of people were arriving at the arena to watch a Super Netball clash between the West Coast Fever and Adelaide Thunderbirds, and as city workers were leaving their offices for the day. Residents have since raised concerns about pedestrian safety at the intersection. 'It's not nice, especially when it's so close to home, and when it's something that could have been avoided,' one resident said. 'I raised this with the police about two months ago because I almost got killed.' Originally published as Transperth bus driver charged after a pedestrian was struck and killed
