Reporters Jo Prendergast and Chris Lewis completed a significant long-form story which aired on Landline at the weekend regarding dust concerns around the Geraldton Port. Exports from the landlocked facility continue to grow but for nearby residents it comes at a cost. There has been an increase in complaints to the City of Greater Geraldton about dust from uncovered rail wagons delivering iron ore.

Time to introduce another member of the team, our Northam-based reporter Eliza Bidstrup (pictured). The satellite Wheatbelt role was created as part of funding to address news 'deserts' — parts of Australia that are under served by media. We are lucky to find an established reporter in Eliza who had previously worked for the now defunct Avon Valley Advocate and as a federal political adviser. She has her finger on the pulse locally, feeding content through for radio news, digital and TV. You may have seen her coverage of Buddy Franklin's return home to Dowerin recently or this story about Netflix filming in Gingin. Check out her beautiful story on the Clackline Post Office in this week's newsletter.

Natasha Harradine

ABC Midwest Wheatbelt editor

Geraldton residents say dust from expanding iron ore operations is blanketing homes, boats and businesses, fuelling fears the coastal city could turn into "the next Port Hedland".

The closure of a bridge linking Wheatbelt residents to their town sparks concern about emergency response times and access to services, including disability support.

A train carriage that has been transformed into a Wheatbelt post office is bringing a small community together. 

Nestled away in Perth's outer fringes this 500-bed facility was built during the COVID-19 pandemic as a quarantine centre, but sat idle for years. Now, a different deadly virus will see it used for its intended purpose.

Residents in regional Western Australia say the 2026–27 State Budget fails to provide any significant cost of living relief to those living outside of Perth or major regional cities.

A farmer in Western Australia's Great Southern region has lost about $100,000 after someone stole hundreds of his pregnant sheep.