The Western Echo

22/12/2025

Wildlife in The Gap - Thank you to local wildlife photographer Karen Palmer for her stunning photos of a Pale Green Triangle Butterfly (Graphium eurypylus) feeding on Hill Myrtle (Sannantha collina).

We welcome anyone who has a great wildlife photo taken in the Western suburbs to send us your photo/s. We would love to feature wildlife images in The Western Echo on a regular basis 😊

22/12/2025

St Mark's The Gap Anglican Church is holding services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! 🎄

Christmas Eve Family Service - Wednesday 24 December, 6.00pm
Christmas Day Holy Communion - Thursday 25 December, 8.30am

Located at the corner of Waterworks Rd and Kullaroo St, The Gap.
For more information visit: https://stmarksthegap.org.au/

21/12/2025

Col's Chat - John Passfield

From the moment I sit down with John, there’s a problem.

The problem is – as it turns out – that we both grew up in the 1970s, with the same comic books, science fiction novels, Star Wars et al. There’s so much to chat about and it seems a real risk that this chat is never going to get to any sort of point.

When we do eventually get to the point, I realise that while John may not be a household name, if you have any connection with homegrown gaming over the last thirty years, it is most likely that he has been responsible for much of your enjoyment.

Keep reading on the blog: https://westernecho.com.au/cols-chat-locals-through-my-lens-john-passfield/

16/12/2025

Independent publishers survey - The Western Echo is proud to be a member of LINA - Local & Independent News Association - who offer a range of much-appreciated services for our industry…

A new national survey of Australian independent news publishers has revealed a sector defined simultaneously by deep structural challenges and strong signs of growth, innovation and resilience.

LINA surveyed 77 member publishers that collectively operate 139 news services. One third (34%) of publishers identified their news organisation’s future as being uncertain or at-risk. However, key indicators of sustainability, including median revenue and average number of employed staff, increased in 2025 compared to previous years.

Artificial intelligence is already reshaping newsroom operations, but survey findings indicated some hesitation from publishers, with significant risks to publishers, and existential threats to the industry overall, anticipated or already emerging due to AI. Half of publishers (51%) reported that their news organisations had adopted AI to drive efficiencies.

See the free report for more findings on AI uses, top sources of revenue, and more (link in comments).

15/12/2025

For the Love of Books - Summer (book) Lovin' 📚🏖️

If you’re anything like me, relaxing on one of our beautiful beaches with a great book is one of life’s ultimate pleasures.

I have two very different preferences for beach reads though – I love light reads like rom coms or a grab me thriller. Books that don’t involve too much brain power but are engaging and enjoyable.

OR I go the opposite and spend time with huge tomes and literary fiction because I love to be able to read these in huge uninterrupted chunks and get completely lost within the story.

Read further on the blog: https://westernecho.com.au/for-the-love-of-books-summer-book-lovin/

13/12/2025

The Gap Uniting Church has lots planned for the next couple months!

Monday 15 December, 7.30pm - Service of Solace
Sunday 21 December, 5.30pm - Community Traditional Carols Sing-along
Wednesday 24 December, 7.30pm - Christmas Eve Service
Thursday 25 December, 8.00am - Christmas Morning Service
Sunday 25 January, 9.00am - Reflecting on Australia’s History & Colonisation Impacts
Sunday 1 February - Back to School: Empty Backpack Service

Location:
The Gap Uniting Church, 1050 Waterworks Rd, The Gap

Christmas is the day on which we celebrate the good news of Emmanuel – God with us – God coming to us as one of us, not as a powerful and privileged King, but as a vulnerable baby. In addition to the Advent-themed Sunday services leading up to Christmas, the following are this year’s

12/12/2025

Boomerang Bags The Gap & Surrounds stall is on tomorrow!

The lovely upcycled creations make colourful, unique and sustainable gifts - stop by Christmas Family Fun Day at Heiner Park, Keppera, on Sunday 14 December 2-6pm to have a look and get yourself or friends something nice.

Boomerang Bags The Gap & Surrounds

12/12/2025

Reminder that Christmas Family Fun Days are almost here! 🎁

Hosted by the local Greens team: Elizabeth Watson-Brown MP, and Senator Larissa Waters, a couple days of Christmas fun are being held with food/market stalls, a jumping castle, live music, a colouring competition, games/prizes, and more.

There will also be a Giving Tree where you can bring presents for people who are struggling this Christmas (new, unwrapped gifts along with non-perishable food accepted).

Dates & locations:
13 December, 2.00pm - 6.00pm - Taringa Playground Park, Moorak Street
14 December, 2.00pm - 6.00pm - Heiner Park, Blaker Road, Keperra

For further info: https://www.elizabethwatsonbrown.com/xmasfun

11/12/2025

Centenary Memorial Gardens Christmas Event is this Saturday🎄

The evening will be filled with joy, reflection and cherished moments, with all kinds of entertainment like face painting, Christmas carols, and live music - plus various foods and drinks.
There will also be the Tree Of Remembrance, where you write a message and hang it on the tree as a tribute to your loved one (decorations provided).

When: Saturday 13 December, from 5.00pm
Where: Centenary Memorial Gardens, 353 Wacol Station Road, Sumner

For more information or to RSVP: https://engage.cmgcc.com.au/christmas-2025
Centenary Memorial Gardens

10/12/2025

The Rock n’ Read men’s Book Club has its last catch up for the year this evening!

The book of focus is Conspiracy Nation by Ariel Bogle and Cam Wilson. Contact Colin Bushell on 0409 107 079 if interested in joining, and head to The Blind Tiger, The Gap, at 6.30pm - on 11 December.

10/12/2025

It starts today! Australia's Under-16 Social Media Ban

“Social media is doing social harm to our children, and I want Australian parents to know that we have their backs”
That is the message from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the lead up to 10 December, which is when the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 officially comes into effect.

Dr Susan Grantham, a communications lecturer and social media researcher at Griffith University, agrees that “something needs to be done” but is highly sceptical of a move she considers plain “confusing” and “certainly not the answer”

If one thing’s clear, it’s that experts and teenagers alike are torn on what impact this ban will truly have. No matter where they sit though, everyone agrees it’s a landmark move and one that the international community will long associate with Australia.

'It's Debatable' - A Youth Perspective inside Australia's Under-16 Social Media Ban
Read further on the blog: https://westernecho.com.au/its-debatable-inside-australias-under-16-social-media-ban/

09/12/2025

Parish of St. Johns Wood/The Gap has many upcoming Christmas Celebrations throughout this festive season!

Dates:
11 December - First Rite of Reconciliation (St Peter Chanel)
24 December - Christmas Vigil (St Peter Chanel)
25 December - Christmas Day (Mater Dei Church)
1 January - New Years Day, Mary Mother of God (Mater Dei Church)

Where:
St Peter Chanel Church - 41 Chaprowe Road, The Gap
Mater Dei Church - 16 Philomene Drive, Ashgrove