Teen's hand slashed in daylight robbery

A TEENAGE girl was slashed with a knife during a robbery in Armadale this morning.

The 17-year-old was walking along Green Avenue at about 8am when she was approached by a woman who asked for the time.

The woman then pulled out a knife from behind her back and threatened the girl, demanding her wallet.

When the victim refused, the woman grabbed her.

During the ensuing struggle, the teenager's wallet was stolen and she received knife wounds to her right hand.

The girl was then helped by a passer-by and was taken to Royal Perth Hospital, where she will undergo surgery on her hand.

The woman left the area in a vehicle described as being a light blue or silver Ford Falcon with Mandurah number plates.

She is described as being dark skinned and in her late teens to early 20s.

Anyone with information or who may have witnessed the incident is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Bushfire warning as temperatures rise

Residents in high-risk bushfire areas are being reminded to have a bushfire survival plan in case of an emergency. Source: PerthNow

WITH a tough bushfire season ahead for Western Australia this summer and soaring temperatures predicted over the Christmas week, emergency service authorities are reminding people to be vigilant and prepared for a bushfire threat.

Research conducted by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services earlier this year found many people who live in high risk areas underestimated the destructive nature of bushfires and thought it wouldn't happen to them.

The results have been incorporated into the latest edition of the bushfire guide Prepare. Act. Survive.

DFES director of community engagement Suellen Shea said the findings highlighted the importance of household planning.

"Many people are underestimating the ferocious nature of bushfires and, as a result, they aren't putting in place the necessary preparations to ensure their survival," she said.

"If you live in or near bush, developing and using a bushfire survival plan is critical.

"Having a plan to follow will help you avoid last minute decisions that could cost lives."

The guide incorporates the latest research and information about what to do when a threat happens.

DFES deputy commissioner of operations Lloyd Bailey urged people to keep safe over Christmas by having a bushfire survival plan.

"This week we will see temperatures soar, which means bushfires will be more likely and more dangerous," he said.

"If you live in a high risk area, suburban or rural, you really need to take responsibility for yourself and your family and have a bushfire survival plan."

Mr Bailey also warned those wanting to stay and defend their properties not to underestimate the power of a bushfire and the destruction it could cause.

"If your plan is to stay and actively defend, you cannot do that with a few buckets and a garden hose," he said.

"You will need to have protective clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible, firefighting equipment and an independent water supply of at least 20,000 litres.

"Defending your home is no joke, it's not easy and to be quite frank, unless you have the equipment and experience your safest option is to leave early."

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Girl, 3, pulled from pool at Seaworld

Quick action by a nurse and lifeguard saved the life of a little girl who nearly drowned at a Gold Coast resort this afternoon.

The three-year-old girl was reportedly unconscious and not breathing when she was pulled from a pool at Seaworld Resort near Main Beach just after 5pm on Christmas Eve.

Her rescuers revived the toddler and gave her oxygen, with the girl in a semi-conscious state by the time paramedics arrived.

Police confirmed the girl was been transported to Gold Coast Hospital where she is reportedly in a stable condition.

Seaworld Resort was unavailable for comment and it remains unclear if the girl's rescuers were staff or guests at the hotel.

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Wundowie bushfire now under control

A BUSHFIRE in Western Australia that had been threatening lives and homes is now control.

Authorities say that residents are no longer in danger in Kingia Road in the eastern part of Wundowie in the Shire of Northam, about 90km northeast of Perth.

The blaze was first reported at 2.30pm on December 23 but the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) said the flames reignited on Monday and jumped containment lines. It is now burning within containment lines.

"There is no threat to lives or homes but there is a lot of smoke in the area,'' a DFES spokesman said.

"Although there is no immediate danger you need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.''

The fire is believed to have been deliberately lit.

Residents can visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au or call 1300 657 209 for more information.

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Stars of the surf hit Scarborough

Round 1 of the Iron Man and Iron Woman Series drew big crowds to Scarborough Beach. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: PerthNow

Shannon Eckstein wins The Kelloggs Nutri-Grain Iron Man Series at Scarborough Beach. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: PerthNow

THOUSANDS of people turned out at Scarborough Beach today for the opening round of the professional Ironman and Ironwoman surf series.

Men, women and young children of all ages lined the sand from 6am this morning to see their favourite surf stars up close and personal.

Event organisers estimate about 3000 spectators attended the opening round to the national series.

Premier Colin Barnett and Scarborough MLA Liza Harvey were among the spectators at today's event which was blessed with warm, sunny conditions.

The big winners of the day were Brodie Moir who won the opening round in the Ironwoman division, while Shannon Eckstein took out the men's opening round.

There was a noticeable police presence at the beach today but no signs of trouble.

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Historic funding for Perth animal shelters

Premier Colin Barnett and his wife Lyn at the Dog Refuge in Shenton Park. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: PerthNow

ANIMAL welfare groups in WA received a massive boost today with the announcement of a State Government funding package to the tune of $200,000 a year over the next four years.

The funding, to commence on January 1, will be provided to six animal welfare groups every year including the Cat Haven and the Dogs Refuge Home in Shenton Park and the K9 Rescue Group.

Premier Colin Barnett says the funding will not only help encourage responsible pet ownership but assist shelters that rescue and care for abandoned animals in and near Perth.

"This is a critical time of the year with many animal shelters under strain and at full capacity," he said.

"These shelters do need our support, they have operated literally for decades on the generosity of donors and volunteers.

"Since 2008, the Cat Haven in Perth has rehoused more than 4000 cats while in 2011 alone, the Dogs Refuge found homes for 880 dogs.

"While this funding will help ease some of the financial burden placed on our animal shelters, I urge people not to give pets as presents this Christmas to help lessen the number of abandoned animals in Western Australia."

Local Government Minister John Castrilli said animal shelters played an important role in educating the general public about pet responsibility.

"There is a terrific range of work and tasks that volunteers do and these places can only exist because of volunteers," Mr Castrilli said.

"This funding will assist these organisations with their running costs during the next four years."

Cat Haven spokesman David Settelmaier said today's funding announcement was an "historic moment for the charity."

"We're very thankful that this government is taking animal welfare seriously," he said.

"We have been working for the welfare of Perth's cats and kittens for more than 50 years (and) this funding will help us do even better."

Among the other groups to receive funding as part of the program will be the Animal Protection Society in Southern River and the Swan Animal Haven.

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Hiking tragedy victim a Scottish tourist

THE young boy who tragically died near Exmouth on Friday while hiking with his father was Ewan Louis Williamson, from Scotland.

Ewan, 14, was from Largs, a town in the North Ayrshire area of Scotland, about 50km from Glasgow.

The teenager was walking along the Badjirrajirra Creek trail near Cape Range with his dad when he collapsed at around 2pm on Friday.

His 49-year-old father, who is understood to live in Geraldton, immediately called emergency services on his mobile phone for help.

Police arrived shortly after and found the pair in a gully, near the car park of the Badjirrajirra Creek walk.

Police lifted Ewan from the 700-metre gorge and carried him to the car park where St John Ambulances officers tried to treat him.

A police spokeswoman said despite their efforts the teenager's condition deteriorated.

He was rushed to Exmouth Hospital but he died a few hours later.

Police will prepare a report for the Coroner.

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Man seriously injured in Collie crash

A man has been airlifted to hospital with serious injuries after a car crash near Collie. Source: PerthNow

ONE man has been airlifted to Perth after a serious traffic crash near Collie today.

The RAC Rescue chopper flew the man to Royal Perth Hospital after the car he was a passenger in rolled over on Mornington Road, about 28km north of Collie around 11am this morning.

He has serious injuries.

The male driver and a female passenger were taken to Collie Hospital by St John Ambulance.

It's understood their injuries are less serious.

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Retirement home evacuated after fire

RESIDENTS had to be evacuated from a northern suburbs retirement home this morning after a fire broke out.

The blaze began just after 8am at the RAF retirement village in Merriwa.

A total of six fire-fighting crews attended the scene and were able to bring the blaze under control a short time later.

No-one was injured during the incident.

A FESA spokesman said it is believed the fire could have been the result of a faulty air-conditioning unit.

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Beach closed after shark spotted

A shark was spotted near Floreat Beach. Picture: Supplied Source: AFP

A 2.5 metre shark has been spotted by a helicopter patrol in the waters off Floreat Beach.

Surf Lifesaving WA said the ocean predator was tracking north.

Floreat Beach has been closed.
 

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