Over the New Year's break, 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.
'Hotel collects four awards' - December 1, 2021
Treendale Farm Hotel received four awards at 2021 Australian Hospitality Awards.
Addy Ribeiro remembered driving to Treendale when it was first being developed.
The manager of Bunbury's Rose Hotel for five years had been asked by owners Dave Allan and Lawson Douglas to manage a new family venue.
'Marchers hit the streets to protest DV' - December 1, 2021
Hundreds took part in the 2021 White Ribbon Day in Bunbury.
BUNBURY came to a stand still on November 19 as hundreds of marchers took to the street to stand up and speak out on violence against women.
Carrying a giant, white ribbon, the marchers walked in silence from the Bunbury Regional Art Gallery to ANZAC Park.
'Man in court over alleged shopping centre assault' - December 1, 2021
19-year-old man to return to Bunbury Magistrates Court on January 13 2022.
A 19-year-old man who allegedly held an 11-year-old boy against his will in a Bunbury shopping centre public toilet was told he must follow strict bail conditions before returning to court in January.
The man, whose name has been suppressed to protect the victim, appeared before Bunbury Magistrates Court on Thursday, November 25, accompanied by his lawyer and a support worker.
'Residents push for Panizza Road closure' - December 8, 2021
Residents "disappointed" over Dardanup councils decision to keep Panizza Road open.
Panizza Road residents said they were disappointed and concerned over a decision made by the Dardanup shire council that wouldsee the road remain open as a popular thoroughfare for traffic.
The road, which Panizza Road resident Andrea Waller said had become a popular shortcut, is located in Dardanup West, and connects Crooked Brook and Depiazzi Roads.
'Call to support vulnerable' - December 8, 2021
Bunbury's In Town Centre in danger of closing two days a week.
"How can a rich government say they do not have the money to support the most vulnerable people in our society?"
That was the question being asked by David Bailey, chair of Bunbury's In-Town Centre which provides food and a referral service to the homeless.
'Saving LGBTIQA+ lives' - December 8, 2021
New program enables WA Aids Council to offer support to Bunbury LGBTIQA+ youth.
LGBTIQA+ youth will benefit from a new support program run by the Western Australian Aids Council that according to chief executive Lisa Dobrin would "literally, save lives".
As part of a state government-funded pilot program, youths aged 12 to 25 in Bunbury, Geraldton and Kalgoorlie-Boulder would soon be able to access a variety of services to ensure they feel supported and safe in their community.
'Fundraiser provides recognition for first nations people' - December 15, 2021
East Bunbury's Goodstart Early Learning Centre raised over $600 to support families who would otherwise struggle over Christmas.
The centre held a barbecue fundraiser on Tuesday to support a family of six as part of the First Nations Homelessness Christmas Appeal.
'Good news for skilled workers' - December 15, 2021
The Federal Government partnered with South West to sign a Designated Area Migration Agreement.
After three years of lobbying, Federal Forrest MP Nola Marino was able to get the South West included in the Designated Area Migration Agreement.
The agreement allows employers to bring in skilled workers under the labour agreement stream of the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa that may provide a pathway to permanent residency, benefiting the South West region long-term in both business and community.
'$1million worth of upgrades' - December 15, 2021
Gelorup Fire Station to undergo $1 million worth of upgrades in 2022.
THE 30-year-old Gelorup Fire Station will next year undergo major upgrades that will see the station properly utilised as a fit-for-purpose, modern facility.
The Shire of Capel council and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services put more than $1 million towards the upgrade.
'Artist to leave region in response to tip' - December 22, 2021
South West artist to leave Dardanup home in response to potential waste facility expansion.
AN ICONIC South West artist will leave the region in response to what he described as a "concerning situation" at the Cleanaway-owned waste management facility at Crooked Brook.
Russell Sheridan, who is known for creating the famous Fergus the Bull sculpture, located on the Forrest Highway, and the fire sculpture for the Shire of Dardanup's annual Bull and Barrel Festival, will leave his Crooked Brook home in early 2022, after 42 years.
'Crouch's enjoy the end of an era' - December 22, 2021
Gelorup Christmas Trees owners to retire after 24 years in business.
A GELORUP couple who have been selling Christmas trees for over 20 years will pass on their legacy as the region's only Christmas Tree supplier.
Peter and Shirley Crouch, who purchased their five-acre property in 1994, began growing and selling Christmas trees in 1997 after they noticed a gap in the market and residents showed an increased interest in purchasing live Christmas trees.
'People power succeeds' - December 22, 2021
Australind Jetty to undergo $3 million refurbishment.
After almost a year of being closed to the public, the Australind Jetty will undergo a $3million rebuild thanks to the support of not only the state government, but the hard work and dedication of residents from Australind.
After the jetty was closed in January, residents lobbied for the jetty to be fixed and reopened.