News Articles

South West 09 Mar 2026

South West sign-offs signal tourism shift

Tourism developments ramp up in the South West, as communities weigh the pressures that come with popularity.

Technology, Innovation & Science 06 Jan 2026

Regis among Lynx Ransomware victims

Subiaco-based gold miner Regis Resources has confirmed it was among several WA organisations hit by Lynx Ransomware recently, but says the group did not manage to steal any data.

South West Development Commission chief executive Cate Brooks.

South West 14 Feb 2025

Brooks plans for region to grow, flourish

SOUTH WEST: The new South West Development Commission chief spoke to Business News on her first day in the job.

Appointments 20 Dec 2024

Appointments December 20, 2024

Our weekly appointments wrap includes Ryan Hall, Jo Gaines, Elena Limnios, Warren Hallam, Marnie Baker, Renee Fry-McKibbin, Cate Brooks and Ross Donaldson.

Appointments 03 May 2024

Appointments May 3, 2024

Our weekly appointments wrap includes John Burger, David Sierakowski, David van Ooran, Claire Wright, Julia Meldrum, Michelle Munns, Catrin Allsop, Samantha Martella, William Yoo and Wes Stansfield.

Government 12 Apr 2024

Cash injection secures Dolphin Centre future

The state government has stepped in to secure the future of Bunbury's Dolphin Discovery Centre, putting up $1.5 million to pull the tourist attraction out of administration.

Infrastructure 14 Jul 2023

$6.6m for SW rail study

Talison Lithium will lead a study into reopening the Greenbushes rail line in a move that would take trucks off the South West Highway but may create new disruption for motorists.

Infrastructure 18 Aug 2020

SW rail study gets go-ahead

The state government has allocated $3.8 million for studies into reopening the rail line to the Greenbushes lithium mine and building unloading facilities at Kwinana and Bunbury.

Energy 03 Jun 2020

Cash splash for Collie as coal closure looms

At least $100 million has been earmarked for initiatives in the Collie district as the state government targets its support for the area ahead of potential coal shutdowns, although there is debate about the impact on other regional towns.

Appointments 10 Oct 2019

Appointments October 11, 2019

Our weekly appointments wrap includes Glen Kelly, Matthew Benson-Lidholm, Kim Brooklyn, Erica Haddon, Mellisa Teede, Tim Wither, Don Harper, Evan Kirby, Polly Gee, Richard Van Ruth and Anna Donald,

Government 15 May 2019

Export focus for development commission

The South West Development Commission has won a $400,000 contract to deliver the federal government's Tradestart service in the southern parts of Western Australia.

Infrastructure 07 Feb 2018

Bunbury committee chosen

The state government has announced the formation of a development committee to guide three key projects in Bunbury, with Bunbury Chamber of Commerce and Industries president David Kerr and The Apprentice and Traineeship Company chief executive Stan Liaros among those selected for the committee.

Agribusiness 25 Oct 2017

Avocado grower named businesswoman of the year

Avocado grower and Fresh Produce Alliance co-founder Jennifer Franceschi has been named the Telstra Western Australian Businesswoman of the Year, joining an alumni that includes Gina Rinehart.

Appointments 25 Aug 2017

People Moves August 25, 2017

PwC has appointed Michelle Tremain as the next managing partner, Perth. She will replace Justin Carroll in the role from the beginning of next year.

Property 15 Aug 2017

Positive developments for Bunbury, Albany

Two revitalisation projects not only promise to develop new tourism precincts, but will also bring beachfront apartment living to the regions.

Appointments 01 Jul 2016

Screenwest, SWDC, Water, Zenergy, Gage Roads appointments

Film production legal adviser Bryce Menzies has been appointed to the Screenwest board.

Appointments 28 Apr 2016

SWDC CEO to retire in July

South West Development Commission chief executive officer, Don Punch, has announced his retirement.Mr Punch will be departing on July 1, 2016, after nearly 18 years with SWDC.

Appointments 21 Apr 2016

Daubney new SWDC deputy chair

The South West Development Commission has appointed Sue Daubney as deputy chair to replace former Busselton Mayor Ian Stubbs who left the board after stepping down from his role on the council.