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Featured News:

Seachangers Move In, Residents Out

THERE are lies, damned lies and then there are statistics, as the old saying goes, and this may pertain to Australia's most popular sea-change destinations, such as Port Douglas, which are actually shedding full-time residents. Despite regular complaints that coastal areas are bursting at the seams, the Australian Bureau of Statistics' Urban Centre and Locality figures show many actually lost full-time residents between the 2001 and 2006 censuses.

Bribie Island Magazine

Bribie Island Ambassador, Max, has updated us with the 'Bribie Magazine', an initiative of the Bribie Island Chamber of Commerce.

No Nursing Homes For Us, Say Baby Boomers

Baby boomers want alternatives to a future in nursing homes, says poll A majority of Australians over 50 have no intention of moving into a nursing home when they get frail, and expect governments to support the development of alternative forms of aged care and accommodation, a Galaxy Poll has found.

Peter Cundall

The very popular host of ABC tv's 'Gardening Australia' program is about to 'retire' from the show. Here are a couple of his quotes regarding retirement.

The Magic Of The Margaret River Region

Name: Gerry Patman

Previous Occupation:
12 Years RAN, Viet Vet, marine engineer; 12 years building 64 trawlers and servicing the WA Fishing Industry; 17 years teaching skippers tickets in TAFE; now a maker and mender of things that don't eat grass.

Why did you move to the Margaret River area?
I fell in love with Cowaramup over 25 years ago and my dream was to buy a small holding and enjoy all that the SW of WA has to offer. Dream is now being realised, not too sure if I want to dream again!

What are some of the great things about living in the area?
Weather, very clean air, lovely people, space, wildlife, fishing- some of the best in Australia, did I mention the wines?

And…some of the not so good things about living where you do?Disorganised expansion without the required infrastructure.

What's the climate like?
Wet in winter, excellent in summer when we experience cool nights, it's referred to as a Mediterranean climate.

What activities are you involved in?
Occasional engineering jobs for a local winery or neighbouring farmers, must be challenging or I'm not interested, keen lawn bowler, fishing, shooting, I guess I'm of the hunter-gatherer type.

Do you think that all age groups are catered for in your area?
Very well.

Being a popular tourist area, are there problems with the influx of people during peak times?
As we say ‘If it is tourist season, why can't we shoot them?’ No, the service industries and wineries rely heavily on tourism.

Any tips on great restaurants and cafes?
There are so many in the district it would be unfair to single out specific places as very few disappoint. All tastes and budget levels are catered for. I often lunch at Woody Nook Winery, great hosts, good food and excellent wines, laid back surrounds and I have been known to linger longer.

Any other tips or comments?
Could go on but won't.

Editor: Drop into the excellent Margaret River Visitor Centre for information on things to see and do.
100 Bussell Highway, Margaret River, WA, 6285
Telephone: 61 +8 9780 5911
Email: welcome@margaretriver.com