Cecile O'Connor
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Articles by Cecile O'Connor
Jurien Bay sea rescuer, ambulance volunteer and Men's Shed pioneer recognised in Queen's Birthday Honours List
Special Air Service veteran and long-time Jurien Bay volunteer Ian Stiles says being an ambulance officer was sometimes like combat when "all sorts of things are going through your mind".
Man to face court over alleged break-in and assault of young girl at Strathalbyn home
A 33-year-old man is due to face court today accused of breaking in to a home in Strathalbyn and spending time talking to and touching the arm of a young girl he disturbed in her bedroom.
Batavia Motor Inn stoush between developer and state government leaves itinerant residents in limbo
The owners of Geraldton's derelict Batavia Motor Inn site want its itinerant residents evicted despite having not yet formulated a plan for redevelopment.
Scans after sports injury, assault detected Damien Healy's brain tumour but a colonoscopy saved his life
Sea rescue commander Damien Healy is used to responding to life-threatening emergencies on the water. But Mr Healy, from Geraldton, is recovering from a second medical emergency of his own this year. The first was a violent assault; the second, a brain tumour. Tumour found Mr Healy said doctors initially spotted what looked like "thickening" on his skull after a football game in 2014. A PET scan found it was a lesion. Then, early this year, Mr Healy was attacked outside his home.
Geraldton man Paul Meadowcroft guilty of road-rage hit and run that left cyclist paralysed
A year ago, lobster factory worker Steve Zimmermann was riding his bicycle home oblivious to the fact his life was about to change forever. About a minute later a security camera captured footage of him lying on a footpath, the victim of a hit and run sparked by road rage.
Wet weather wreaks havoc in regional WA, cutting off residents and causing widespread power outages
Wet weather has wreaked havoc in the Midwest and Murchison in WA, with flooded roads isolating residents, power outages shutting down traffic lights, and more than 30,000 houses being left without power. Key points: Wild weather caused power outages to 30,000 people in the Midwest.
Sea lions struggle to rebuild low populations off Abrolhos Islands as new pressure emerge
They are charismatic and curious but the Australian sea lions that live on the Houtman Abrolhos Islands off Geraldton are listed as endangered.
Yarramony Lights proposal to improve train visibility gathers industry support
The family of a man who was killed at a level crossing, along with two of his friends, is welcoming a proposal from a transport researcher to improve the visibility of train engines.
Men are more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma. These experts say it's time for a targeted health campaign
As a typical Australian child of the 1970s, Cancer Council WA chief executive Ashley Reid spent hours playing in the sun without sunscreen or a hat. Key points: Men are more likely to be diagnosed and die from melanoma Cancer Council WA CEO reveals he was diagnosed with the skin cancer late last year Men are presenting to EDs with serious sunburn more than women Now, as he puts it, he is "paying the price" and battling the most deadly form of skin cancer, melanoma.
'Sovereign citizen', anti-COVID-vaxxer in court over alleged incitement to arrest WA government ministers
A Geraldton 'sovereign citizen' campaigner has faced court charged with inciting his followers to arrest government ministers and other officials.
Mid West shire president says son's positive COVID test brought home poor regional services as case numbers grow
A Mid West pastoralist and shire president says his son's experience after testing positive to COVID-19 made him 'very worried' about the ability of the health system in regional Western Australia to deal with the growing outbreak.
15yo girl was phoning for help when she was grabbed off street, sexually assaulted
A 24-year-old Geraldton man has been jailed for four-and-a-half years for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl, who was on the phone frantically calling for help when she was attacked.
Families of level crossing crash victims say review into train lighting does not go far enough
The families of rail crash victims across Australia say they are frustrated a review of train visibility has called for more trials, including strobe lighting, that have already been shown to work.
Wade William Guerin fined for damage to York's heritage courthouse museum over 'sovereign state' stunt
Three people have been ordered to pay more than $27,000 in fines and compensation after damaging a Western Australian heritage building during an unusual sit-in to assert a 'sovereign state' in June 2020.
'I call BS': Shire president blasts WACHS over denial it plans to move hospital residents
The West Australian Country Health Service (WACHS) has been accused of misleading the community on planned changes to the North Midlands Hospital at Three Springs.
Massive machinery shed takes off 'like a big sail' as storm rips through WA Wheatbelt
Five people have escaped a possible tornado uninjured after the large farm machinery shed they were sheltering under was suddenly blown into the air above them and dumped at least 60 metres away. Key points: A severe storm, possibly a tornado, rips up machinery shed while people shelter underneath Five people ran to vehicles and headed to the paddock to avoid further destruction. The storm snapped power poles cutting electricity to 350 properties.
Wheatbelt shire presidents say extended mask mandate 'inevitable' as new rules come into force
Northam shire's president says it was inevitable a mandate on mask wearing would be extended to the Wheatbelt and that at least 20 per cent of people there are already wearing them in local shopping centres.
Couple stranded in remote WA kill kangaroo for food while waiting for rescuers
An elderly couple rescued after their car broke down in remote Western Australia killed a kangaroo for food and found a fresh water supply while they waited for help, a rescuer reveals.
Geraldton father charged after allegedly striking 2yo son with electrical cord
A 31-year-old Geraldton man has been remanded in custody after being charged by police with striking his two-year-old son with electrical cord. Key points: Police allege the two-year-old boy was struck twice The accused has been remanded in custody after making no application for bail He is due to appear in court next week Lewis David Cringle was arrested on Monday and was refused police bail.
Merredin man Vernon John Murphy jailed over fatal shooting witnessed by victim's godson
A 69-year-old Wheatbelt man has been sentenced to six years in jail over the shooting death of his neighbour in an incident witnessed by the victim's eight-year-old godson.
Police, council investigate why Horizon artwork shattered with witness reports of exploding sound
Police and City of Greater Geraldton staff are investigating what happened to one of the Midwest's most photographed pieces of public art after it was found shattered and in pieces on the Beresford Foreshore on Saturday night.
Warnings famous wildflowers could disappear from Wheatbelt verges from over clearing
Wheatbelt shires risk losing wildflowers as their main tourist attraction if they keep clearing roadside vegetation, according to an organisation aimed at protecting Western Australia's unique flora.
Carnarvon man Terence Darrell Kelly charged with abducting Cleo Smith
Police have charged a Western Australian man with the abduction of four-year-old Cleo Smith. Key points: Terence Darrell Kelly has been charged over the abduction of Cleo Smith He has appeared in the Carnarvon Magistrates Court on two charges He was remanded in police custody Terence Darrell Kelly did not apply for bail and was not required to enter a plea when he faced Carnarvon Magistrate's Court this afternoon.
Midwest's top cop heading to Mullewa after spate of car thefts, arson attacks
The Midwest's top police officer will head to Mullewa to meet with community leaders this week after a spate of crimes allegedly committed by children as young as 14, including car thefts and arson. Key points: Police say small group responsible for recent crime spree Doctor's car torched in one incident Midwest top officer to head to Mullewa for community meeting District superintendent Roger Beer said a core group of juveniles was causing trouble in the town, 100 kilometres east of Geraldton.
Families across Australia unite to campaign to stop further rail crash tragedies
Amanda Dempster was struck and killed by a train on her family's farm five months after her father received a letter to tell her the crossing warning lights the family had begged for were "on the backburner". Eight weeks after her death, the lights were put up.
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Strange light seen over WA's west coast
Astronomy experts say an unusual hovering white light that shone in the western sky last night and was seen across more than 1,100 kilometres from Yallingup to Carnarvon, was likely fuel from a space rocket launch.
Geraldton's Northgate shopping centre sells for $71m as region goes from 'strength to strength'
Geraldton's Northgate shopping centre has sold for $71.2 million. Centuria Capital Group says its subsidiary Primewest secured the 3.7 hectare site for an unlisted wholesale fund. The centre, on Chapman Road, includes Kmart, Coles and 28 smaller shops. Primewest head of retail, Bruce McCully, said they had been watching the centre for some time and the opening of Kmart mid year had provided extra impetus.
AMA 'disappointed' by GPs' decision to withdraw services from Mid West aged care homes over compulsory vaccinations
The head of the Australian Medical Association in Western Australia says patients have 'every right' to ask whether the doctor they are seeing has been vaccinated against COVID-19 after a mid-west GP withdrew their services at an aged care facility over mandatory vaccination. Key points: Several GPs have quit nursing home work over compulsory COVID vaccines.
Geraldton pub owner 'Graham' Greenaway guilty of $2.9m theft from Aboriginal charitable trust
A Geraldton hotel owner has been found guilty of stealing $2.9 million from an Aboriginal charitable trust while he was the trustee.
Poirot actor to narrate WA composer's wartime stage show in London
A Western Australian theatre producer and cinema owner has overcome COVID setbacks to see his musical set for a concert performance in London in February with acclaimed Poirot actor Sir David Suchet as the narrator.
Avon Descent records set to be swept away as high river level buoys organisers
In "bad" years, Avon Descent competitors are forced to carry their crafts over rocky sections.
Beyond antiques, WA's historic town of York looks to lure more tourists with adrenaline adventures
The historic West Australian town of York — a long-time favourite of antique-hunters — is set to add bone-jarring, adrenaline-inducing trails to its list of tourist attractions.
FIFO couples living and working apart thrown into uncertainty by pandemic
Rob and Allison Madson spent five years separated by more than 4,000 kilometres for jobs on either side of Australia. But the uncertainty created by the pandemic and a shock heart attack during that time were the final straw in deciding to give up the arrangement that brought in a healthy income but created too much pressure and stress. The couple's long-distance arrangement began not long after they moved to Launceston in Tasmania six years ago.
Deal to service mining equipment boost for Geraldton jobs
Mining machinery giant WesTrac and miner Rio Tinto have agreed to a deal to rebuild at least 12 dozers from the Pilbara in Geraldton each year. Key points: Heavy machinery from the Pilbara will be serviced in Geraldton Servicing the machines in Geraldton will save additional transport costs to Perth Five new jobs and two apprenticeships will be created in the first year It is expected to create five jobs in the short term as well as future training opportunities.
Level crossings obscured by vegetation, dark trains highlight rail dangers to drivers
A Murchison pastoralist whose brother was killed in a train collision says she and other relatives of victims have already received alarming videos of other dangerous situations at rail crossings just 24 hours after setting up a social media page.
Charter operator and self-declared island 'prince' says no to lawyer, bail during court appearance
A self-declared "Prince of the Abrolhos Islands" who is facing fishing and criminal charges has told a Geraldton magistrate he will not sign the bail papers that would allow him to walk free because "the whole thing is a fraud".
Court hears farmer threatened to bury woman in a paddock during 'serious and prolonged' violence
A Binnu farmer pointed a shotgun at his then partner's face, told her he had dug her grave in a paddock and bashed and strangled her repeatedly over six years, the Geraldton Magistrate's Court has heard. Key points: The Binnu farmer is charged with 42 offences against former partner A magistrate has heard of "serious and prolonged" violence The allegations include a threat with a shotgun and an electric drill Readers are advised this story contains distressing content.
Train driver's memory of crossing crash 'still there' decades on as calls for safety upgrades rise again
Retired train driver Brian Wynne remembers clearly the evening 21 years ago this week when a four-wheel drive, carrying three young friends, struck the front of his locomotive at a Wheatbelt level crossing, killing them instantly.
Regional school holding firm to French tradition amid rapid rise of Indonesian language teaching
Indonesian tops the languages taught in West Australian schools but a small regional school is holding firmly to its French traditions, with Bastille Day events that feature cancan dancers, racing waiters in berets and even a replica guillotine.
Geraldton man jailed in strangulation case after police reveal hundreds of charges laid under new laws
WA Police have laid hundreds of charges of impeding breathing or circulation since the highly dangerous act became a specific offence but there were fewer than 60 convictions in the first eight months of the new laws, with many defendants choosing to fight the charge.
Teenage arsonist avoids detention over election-day emergency blaze in Wandina
A teenage girl who lit three fires, including one that forced dozens of residents to evacuate, has been placed on a six-month intensive youth supervision order.
Satellite photos, ground surveys reveal damage to heritage buildings from Cyclone Seroja
Satellite images of cyclone-damaged areas are being used to assess the extent of damage to dozens of heritage-listed buildings in Western Australia's Midwest and Wheatbelt.
Geraldton Police Station's new OIC a Scottish recruit who came to Australia looking for adventure
A Scottish-born police officer, who moved to Australia for a "bit of adventure" has become Geraldton Police Station's new officer in charge. Key points: Scottish recruit appointed Geraldton Police OIC Snakes, lizards, locusts and wayward dogs part of police life in remote Australian postings.
Woman with heart problems pleads for 'case by case' help after being denied Cyclone Seroja relief funding
An unemployed woman with heart problems who moved out of her home to be closer to hospital says she is struggling to access cyclone relief funding because the seriously damaged property is not considered her primary residence.
Doctor charged for not stopping wins case by proving there was no sign
A West Australian driver has beaten a charge of driving through a stop sign after successfully arguing that the sign itself was missing.
Tourist sentenced over U-turn crash that injured couple near Midwest's Pink Lake
A magistrate says it is sheer "luck" there are not more crashes on the roads, given the number of drivers who do not look properly before making decisions.
Rescue dog returns the favour and wakes exhausted owner as house burns down
A man who escaped his burning home after his dog jumped on his stomach and put her paws on his shoulders to wake him up says the pet is his hero.
State government's 'Roll up for WA' campaign will be a challenge in regional communities, says local GP
Regional GPs says there is a shortage of COVID-19 vaccines to meet demand, despite the state government encouraging people to 'Roll up for WA' and get vaccinated.
Man facing 70 child sex abuse charges stays behind bars after withdrawing bail application
A 70-year-old Mid West man, accused of procuring child sexual abuse in the Philippines to watch at his home in Australia, will remain behind bars after withdrawing his application for bail.
New police drones to help with searches, crime scenes in Midwest-Gascoyne
Police in the Midwest believe new drones, including a large "eye-in-the-sky" model, will save valuable time in searches and potentially save lives. Key points: The Midwest becomes the fourth police region with drones They will be used for searches and crime scene examinations Two drones, including a large model, will arrive within weeks Four officers in Geraldton have been trained to operate the remotely piloted aircraft which will arrive in the region within the next fortnight.
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