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Volunteers recognised
Nobody enjoys bad weather, especially of the kind that was experienced in the South West this month.
Trees and power lines fell, properties were damaged and thousands went without power - it was certainly not something anybody would wish for.
But the aftermath of the storms also highlighted something positive - the good work people do for our community.
Many people volunteered to assist in the clean-up effort, some in an official capacity as members of an emergency services group, others in an unofficial capacity as citizens wanting to pitch in.
They deserve to be applauded for their efforts, as do the many unsung volunteers in our community who lend their time and skills to a variety of causes and projects throughout the year.
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SWAS graduate headed for London Olympics
As chairman of the South West Academy of Sport, I am proud of the achievements of all our young athletes.
However, I would like to highlight the extraordinary success of one of the academy's original scholarship holders.
Rower Alex Hagan, a former Bunbury Catholic College student, was part of the Australian women's eight team which recently secured a place at the London Olympics.
At SWAS we are very proud of Alex and I am sure you will join me in wishing her all the best for the Games.
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Clinic on Wheels service to be extended
We are pleased to report that since the South West Aboriginal Medical Service put its mobile health clinic on the road in March, it has been positively received in the community.
So much so that SWAMS is planning to extend the service.
Currently the clinic on wheels visits Brunswick Junction on Tuesdays and Collie on Wednesdays, but to meet demand there are plans to establish a fixed clinic in Brunswick and bring the vehicle to Busselton.
This is a fantastic outcome that will ensure the benefits of the clinic on wheels, which was established with support from Royalties for Regions and the Commission, travel even further than what had been originally intended.
Don Punch
South West Development Commission CEO
June 2012