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Three people stand with Mike Stidwell medal winner 2026

Long-serving Great Southern volunteers recognised with prestigious regional awards

May 21, 2026
Great Southern volunteer Darren Berry of the Albany Basketball Association has been awarded the prestigious Mike Stidwell Medal for his outstanding and long-standing service to sport administration in the region.

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Three people stand with Mike Stidwell medal winner 2026

Long-serving Great Southern volunteers recognised with prestigious regional awards

Great Southern volunteer Darren Berry of the Albany Basketball Association has been awarded the prestigious Mike Stidwell Medal for his outstanding and long-standing service to sport administration in the region.
Athlete Ginger Gleeson running

Great Southern mother and daughter duo keeping track records in the family 🏃🏻‍♀️

Denmark-based runner Ginger Gleeson has achieved plenty on the track, but there’s one record sitting closer to home than most, one set by her coach, mentor and mother, former national champion Rebecca Gleeson.
A view of a country tennis club and courts with the text: Serving up major upgrades for country tennis

WA Government serves up major upgrades for country tennis

Media release

Tennis players in the Central Great Southern region are now able to play year-round after the completion of major upgrades to the courts at Katanning Country Club.
Daisy Ridley in We Bury the Dead. Courtesy: Screenwest

Gripping locally produced film gets WA premiere screening 🎥

Media release

Locally produced survival thriller, We Bury the Dead, premiered at the CinefestOZ Film Prize on Wednesday 3 September and Birthright will premiere on Friday 5 September 2025.

Wave of excitement as newly renovated Albany Surf Club opens

Media release

The newly renovated Albany Surf Life Saving Club at Middleton Beach is officially open and ready to serve club members and the local community after a $3.3 million renovation.
A motor bike rider on a jump at the Albany Moto Cross Club

Funding boost allows Albany Motorsport Park to zoom ahead

Media release

The WA Government will provide an additional $2.67 million in funding towards Stage 1B of the Albany Motorsport Park project.
Photo of award winners holding framed certificate in front of a banner and curtain

Event recognises volunteering excellence in the Great Southern

Media release

Two highly respected volunteers in the Great Southern community have been recognised for their contribution to the local sporting community at an awards night in Albany.
A person swimming at a local swimming pool

Funding helps regional athletes achieve sporting dreams

Media release

Regional athletes are kicking goals with the latest round of funding to support their ongoing development close to home — more than $2.6 million in total being provided by the State Government.
Drone view of the Albany Entertainment Centre at dusk

Contract awarded for Albany Entertainment Centre works

Media release

The State Government has awarded the contract for important roof repairs at the iconic Albany Entertainment Centre, with Colab Construction to start work soon.
Aboriginal dot painting with text: Aboriginal History WA and Storylines are coming to the Great Southern and Wheatbelt

Aboriginal History WA and Storylines take off on regional road trip

Media release

Team members from Aboriginal History Western Australia (AHWA) and the State Library of Western Australia's Storylines will be hitting the road this March to jointly hold free family history sessions in the Great Southern and Wheatbelt.
We Bury the Dead writer/director Zak Hilditch behind the camera on set in Albany

We Bury The Dead commences production in the Great Southern

Media release

The Great Southern region is abuzz with activity this week as filming commences on survival-thriller feature film, We Bury The Dead, featuring international star Daisy Ridley and Australian stars Brenton Thwaites and Mark Coles Smith, across the next 6 weeks.
5 children are lined up in a public swimming pool.

Pool entry pilot program ending summer with a splash for kids

Media release

As cost-of-living pressure rises alongside the summer temperatures, the State Government is introducing a free pool entry pilot program across the Gascoyne, Midwest, Wheatbelt, and Great Southern regions for eligible children and young people.
Architects drawing of the proposed Albany Surf Life Saving Club

Albany Surf Life Saving Club redevelopment begins

Media release

The $3.35 million expansion and redevelopment of the Albany Surf Life Saving Club begins today.
A line of people on a beach looking out to the surf.

Wave of extra funding for Albany Surf Club revamp

Media release

A request to the State Government for half a million dollars towards the Albany Surf Life Saving Club redevelopment project is no longer a pipe dream, with the swell news from WA's Sport and Recreation Minister that the $500,000 will be provided.
Portrait photographs of Daisy Ridley and Zak Hilditch

Great Southern region setting for new film starring Daisy Ridley

Western Australia’s Great Southern region will provide a stunning backdrop for a survival-thriller film featuring international star Daisy Ridley (Star Wars sequel trilogy).
Leveraged Creative and Cultural Planning Grant Program. A facilitator talking to an audience with someone writing on post-it notes on a white board.

Funding enriches regional art and culture

Local governments across the state are receiving support to undertake cultural planning, thanks to the latest round of culture and arts funding from the State Government.

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Page reviewed 21 January 2026