Voters set the course locally and nationally during election trifecta

In part two of our year in review, JACQUI O’LEARY and ELISIA SEEBER look back at what made headlines over the past six months.

July

Parents at Endeavour Primary School continued their fight to have a perimeter fence installed by the Department of Education, after damage bills were $200,000 for 3.5 years.

Kwinana residents had a surprise visit from then opposition leader Tony Abbott. Mr Abbott strolled through Kwinana Marketplace, stopping for photos with shoppers.

The city’s business owners were warned to do their research before selling up, after a florist was targeted by a salesman she claimed was trying to scam her.

East Waikiki Primary school students, staff and parents were devastated after a fire swept through a Year 1 classroom on July 22, causing $60,000 damage.

Kwinana Mayor Carol Adams backflipped on her commitment to step down, claiming the City’s uncertain future with local government reform needed “experienced leadership”.

August

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd called the election for September 7, a week before the date set by former prime minister Julia Gillard.

A mother was heartbroken after a mural painted at Emma Street Skate Park for her son Jesse Phillis who was killed in a car accident was defaced with obscenities.

Pro Art Murals Angie Newell co-owner was crowned Business Person of the Year at the Rockingham Kwinana Chamber of Commerce regional business awards.

Students from six education support centre in Rockingham embarked on a new adventure, taking part in the Kwinana Industries Council iDiversity project, aimed at engaging students with industry to help build a diverse workforce.

Parents worried for their children’s education as the State Government released plans for a new student-centred funding model which would axe 500 education staff, including assistants.

September

Voters went to the polls, and while Tony Abbott and the Coalition were elected to office, Labor’s Gary Gray held on to the seat of Brand. Attention then turned to the local government elections, with 19 candidates contesting five seats on Rockingham City Council and eight people putting their hand up for four seats on Kwinana City Council.

The Rockingham Rams missed out on making the Peel Football League grand final after losing to Waroona in the preliminary final by 35 points.

Joanne Abbiss was appointed the City of Kwinana’s new chief executive after the resignation of Neil Hartley.

Rockingham and Kwinana teachers joined thousands of colleagues to protest State Government education Budget cuts.

October

Sam Kimberley and Peter Ackland were named joint winners of the John Brown Memorial Award at the City of Rockingham Sports Star of the Year Awards.

Wellard residents feared they could have a sand mine in their suburb if Department of Mines and Petroleum approved plans for the operation.

Concerns were raised about dredging works at Bent Street boat ramp after thousands of dead fish were seen on the shore at Safety Bay beach.

Fun returned to Fantasy Park, Waikiki, when a new playground was installed after the previous equipment was destroyed by fire in April.

Barry Sammels and Carol Adams were both re-elected as mayors of Rockingham and Kwinana, respectively, after the local government elections.

November

City of Rockingham celebrated the 25th anniversary of its city status.

Australian Medical Association WA welcomed Rockingham police’s no-tolerance approach to public drinking.

The plight of Palm Beach Caravan and Camping Holiday Village residents was brought into the spotlight after the owner of the Fisher Street site informed residents an offer had been conditionally accepted to sell the park.

Rockingham skater Darcy Kavanagh shared his vision for an indoor skate park.

December

Rockingham ratepayers were left to pay City of Rockingham legal bills from its three-year fight with Zeldas and iBar nightclubs.

Baldivis residents declared they had enough of its crime problem and Rockingham police confirmed offences were on the rise.

Christmas spirit was on display, with residents giving generously to food and gift appeals to help others during the festive season.