Ethan French

May 29, 2024 | abc.net.au | Ethan French |Bridget McArthur

In short: An autism peer support organisation in regional WA is at risk of closing after failing to secure more federal funding. The South West Autism Network (SWAN) was told its grant application was unsuccessful last week, causing anxiety among some in the disability community. What's next? SWAN says if it cannot secure alternative funding by the end of next month it will be forced to close.

May 13, 2024 | abc.net.au | Ethan French

In short: Maternity services at St John of God Hospital in Bunbury will cease from June 25. The Catholic health provider says chronic staff shortages and a drop in demand meant the service was 'unsustainable.'What's next? Patients impacted by the closure will be offered the choice of a transfer to Bunbury Regional Hospital, or transfer to SJOG facilities in Perth.

May 7, 2024 | abc.net.au | Ethan French

Rebecca Knewstubb and her family were hoping for a sense of calm when they traded their hectic life on the Gold Coast for a quiet part of the central Queensland coastline. Instead, they found themselves more stressed than ever as their 15-year-old daughter Annabelle's health began to decline. Annabelle's epilepsy worsened soon after they arrived in Yeppoon in 2021. Her seizures resulted in trips to the hospital multiple times a week.

Apr 27, 2024 | abc.net.au | Ethan French

In short: 20 motorcyclists have died on WA roads this year. WA's Road Safety Commission and motorbike safety advocates say older male riders are most at risk. What's next? Motorcyclists and other road users are being urged to take more precautions on the roads. It has been a tragic start to the year on Western Australia's roads with motorcycle riders making up a third of 61 fatal crashes.

Apr 21, 2024 | abc.net.au | Samantha Goerling |Ethan French |Ellie Honeybone

In short: Emergency Services are warning WA's South West and Great Southern are much drier than usual for this time of the year. This means burning restrictions in many areas have been extended due to the elevated bushfire risk. What's next? Volunteer bushfire brigades remain on high alert and are urging the community to be cautious. Volunteer bushfire brigades across the south of Western Australia are still on high alert, with dry summer conditions extending well into autumn.