As we welcome in the new year, The Bunbury Mail will be taking a look back at the year that was 2021.
Our annual 'Year in Review' will recount the biggest stories from each of the past 12 months.
'Thank you for the response to lockdown' - February 17, 2021
South West Superintendent Geoff Stewart thanked Bunbury residents for their response to the COVID-19 lockdown.
"Let me start by saying thank you. Thank you for the over-whelming support and commitment to the COVID lockdown demands on you and your families. The community has responded so well. Yes, the panic buying needs some tweaking but overall, outstanding.
It was clearly hard for some, especially those businesses affected and particularly families separated. Whether it was overseas, over east or even between other areas of our own state, people had to endure.
From a policing perspective, our job was somewhat easier because people did the right thing. Of course, there were individuals who needed to make noise and a stand against the government's efforts and intent and we expect that but it was very minimal."
'Office high rise proposal' - February 24, 2021
High rise office proposed.
Plans were revealed for the Stirling Shopping Centre receiving a major overhaul with Primewest putting a proposal forward for it to become a four story office space.
The City of Bunbury received the development application in February which was open for public comment until March 11, 2021.
The new building proposed to be 4,500 square metres of office space and 153 at-ground level parking bays.
The proposal included variations to the requirements of the City of Bunbury Local Planning Scheme No. 8 and the City's Local Planning Policy frameworks.
'Mexican flair at Eaton' - February 24, 2021
Zambreros chain opened at Eaton Fair Shopping Centre.
A restaurant chain that promised to provide fresh food options along with a social conscience opened at Eaton Fair Shopping Centre.
Australia's largest Mexican restaurant franchise, Zambrero, swung open its doors in late March 2021 to serve feel-good Mexican food to diners in the South West town.
Eaton's Zambrero franchisee Vijay Kharsan said he was thrilled to open the restaurant's doors to the Bunbury region.
Read more here: https://www.bunburymail.com.au/story/7139055/mexican-flair-at-eaton/.