Byas Today

A thriving community is built on many things; one of the key pillars being a healthy natural environment.

Today, I am joined by Francis Smit, Executive Officer of Landcare SJ, to discuss the group’s history and shed some light on the amazing work that they do. Following Landcare SJ's amazing success organising a tree planting and morning tea in support of R U OK? Day, Francis and I discuss mental health, community well-being, and the healing properties of getting out into nature, getting your hands dirty and planting a tree.

If you would like to learn more about Landcare SJ and the great work they do in our community, be sure to visit their website: www.landcaresj.com.au

Politics means a lot of things to different people, but at its core, for many, it is focused on creating happy, healthy, thriving communities.

Today, back by popular demand, I am joined by Dave Atwell and Bill Denholm, a pair of passionate local volunteers who strive to create happy, healthy communities through club sport. We cover the rich history of our local Serpentine Jarrahdale sports clubs, whilst also discussing what the future holds for sport in SJ as we welcome more people - and different codes - to our community.

With Premier Mark McGowan enjoying an unprecedented COVID-19 fueled approval rating of 91%, is it possible that the already depleted Western Australian Liberal Party parliamentary team could shrink even further? How many current Liberal members will be left standing if the pendulum fails to swing back the other way following the Labor Party's sizable 2017 election win?

Additionally, we catch up on some local news, including significant infrastructure announcements for the new Byford Train Station.

With an approval rating consistently over 80% Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan is one of, if not the most popular State Premier in the Commonwealth. With West Aussies set to head to the polls in March 2021 a second term for the McGowan is all but guaranteed. Or is it?

In this broadcast of Byas Today, I break down the numbers and examine the critical factors that will likely determine the outcome when the polls close at the next state election. Is there hope for the Liberal Party, or are they doomed for a long stint in opposition? You'll have to listen to find out!

The Keirnan Park Recreation Precinct was once nothing more than a lofty dream held by a group of passionate community volunteers. Now, after a decade of countless obstacles, opposition, and being told it to give up because it would "never happen", the hard work of this dedicated group of volunteers has paid off. On the 2nd of August 2020 the McGowan Government announced a $20 million funding commitment for Stage 1 of the project. Suddenly, after years of struggle, there was a sense that the dream may very well be close to becoming a reality.

Today, I'm joined by two of the volunteers who have worked tireless to bring this vision to life. We explore the origins of the Keirnan Park Recreation Precinct concept, and what this significant investment means for the future of sport and community in Serpentine Jarrahdale.

In this special edition episode, I sit down with returning guest Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale President Cr. Michelle Rich to go over the Shire’s adopted financial year 2020-2021 annual budget. We discuss the key projects funded for the year, as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. I also learn something about street sweepers, and I ask the President the question everyone wants answered: what's happening with rates this year?

The 2021 Western Australian State Election is only 7 months away, so we begin the 222 day count down by looking at what will undoubtedly be one of the most hotly contested electorates in the State: the seat of Darling Range. Once a safe Liberal stronghold, Darling Range fell to the Labor party in the 2017 general election. One year later, voters were back at the polls after the Barry Urban saga forced a by-election which saw the seat return to the blue team.

With the electorate being the fastest growing in the State, and the third fastest growing nationally, combined with the COVID-19 pandemic seeing Premier Mark McGowan's personal approval rating skyrocket, it could go either way in Darling Range come March 2021.

Joining the discussion is Cr. Michelle Rich, President of the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale, to share with us what is on the Shire’s electoral wish list and the big ticket items and issues which will likely feature heavily in the election contest.

Byas Today will be launching 3rd August 2020!

Until then, please enjoy this quick teaser trailer from host Morgan Byas discussing the show, and what you can expect on launch day.