Acclaimed director Baz Luhrmann stopped past the 774 studios to chat to Libbi Gorr about the story of Strictly Ballroom, which has followed him throughout his creative life.

Baz Luhrmann speak to Libbi Gorr on Strictly Ballroom and his remarkable wife Catherine Martin

SATVIKA SOPPADANDI, St Luke's College student who proved it's possible to grow plants without soil, suspended in the air by feeding them nutrient enhanced water. She hopes her project will help people in countries with limited water resources or poor soil quality 
JOSH LYON, Karratha Senior High School who measured the force generated by currents in local waterways and developed theories on how this force could be harnessed to generate power for the region 
Both students will be headed to China in the 'Beijing Bound' science conference, where outstanding students from across the world will convene to present their projects and share ideas

Pilbara's brightest science students head to Beijing

TIAHNEE PASCHE and KIEARA SALATHIEL, Wickham teenage netballers who were part of a team selected from across Australia to compete in an international competition in Barbados. They loved teaching young children about the art of netball, and both said they'd love to play for the Opals one day.

Wickham teenage netballers represent Australia overseas

When artist Katie Nalgood and Billy Gardiner met, they didn’t quite understand one another. She spoke Walmajarri from up near Looma, while he spoke Nyangumartu from the inland northern Pilbara. 

So how did they make it work? 

Joseph Dunstan caught up with the two artists at the Spinifex Hills Gallery in South Hedland to find out. Katie started off by explaining how she learnt her Walmajarri language from her family as a young girl.

A love across languages: Aboriginal grandparents share their story

Minister for Education Sue Ellery says the Deputy Director-General of the Education Department will visit Hedland Senior High School in a fortnight after a series of serious incidents at the school.

TALENT: CAMILO BLANCO, Mayor of the Town of Port Hedland
TALENT: SUE ELLERY, WA Minister for Education

Minister responds to Port Hedland Mayor's criticism of Hedland Senior High School

The operator of Christmas Island’s phosphate mine has backed up warnings from the Shire President that the island’s economy could collapse if the Federal Government does not approve land clearing for the miner. Shire Pres previously said there was a six month window before closure, but the mine operator says they are meeting on the island in six weeks to “consider the mine’s future” and without a Fed Govt approval, they may decide to close. 

Previous story: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-27/fears-for-future-of-christmas-island-as-mine-faces-closure/8749736

TALENT: Clive Brown, Chair of Phosphate Resources
Photo credit: Eric Chong

Christmas island phosphate mine operator says six weeks until decision on future of mine

Labor MP for Pilbara Kevin Michel says he needs to speak to Woodside before deciding whether or not to back a 700 bed FIFO camp in Karratha.

The State Government is currently deciding whether or not to grant a 30 year lease to the Bay Village camp on Balmoral Road.

The camp would be operated by a consortium chosen by Woodside, and house up to 700 FIFO workers the company needs, particularly during planned production outages.

The City of Karratha is firmly opposed to the FIFO camp going ahead.

But local MP Kevin Michel says he needs to hear from Woodside before making a decision because he doesn't know much about the proposal at the moment.

"I haven't seen anything, I've only had discussions with the City of Karratha as to why they don't want a camp there, and the options they're giving Woodside if they want it to go ahead," Mr Michel said.

I need to hear from Woodside: Pilbara MP Kevin Michel on 700 bed FIFO camp in Karratha

Meet the Karratha Chordettes, the Pilbara's newest a capella singing group, who say coming together in song is great for their mental health.

Member Amanda says singing in harmony is similar to coordinating iron ore carriers out of the Dampier port: they are both challenges which require careful attention to detail.

Quartet of Pilbara woman sing praises of choir for mental health

After 10 years as a City of Karratha councillor for the Dampier ward, John Lally says "it's time" to step down.

So what advice does Mr Lally have for the new crop of candidates vying to local council right across the North West?

"You've got to watch the self-interest": retiring Dampier councillor's advice

RITA SAFFIOTI, Minister for Planning and Lands speaks to ABC North West WA Radio on a 30 year lease request from DIF, a consortium set up by Woodside.

The request would involve establishing a 700 bed FIFO camp on the outskirts of Karratha, a move opposed by the local council.

Minister not yet convinced on 700 bed FIFO camp in Karratha

Rio Tinto's Iron Ore Chief Executive Chris Salisbury speaking to ABC North West WA.

Rio Tinto defends funding local Pilbara communities while fighting $0.5bn tax bill

And how do you reckon it’d feel to be the detective at the heart of the Pilbara’s notorious child sex abuse investigation? Detective Sergeant Gina Horch has been nominated for a WA Police award for her work spearheading an investigation that has resulted in dozens of child sex abuse charges against men in the West Pilbara.

Pilbara detective shares her journey through child abuse investigation

Fiery scenes in Karratha today when around 100 people rallied outside local Labor MP Kevin Michel’s office.
They were parents and students of School of the Air, unhappy with the State Government decision to close the school and merge it instead with the School of Isolated and Distance Education or SIDE.
Joseph Dunstan was down there, and caught up with some of the protesters.

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