What's Hot in Western Australia Australia

Vasse Virgin's Edwina Scherini 

Help Margaret River get #RichardtotheRegion

The owners of Margaret River based olive oil and skincare company Vasse Virgin have extended an olive branch to Sir Richard Branson, following a recent legal battle victory with Virgin Enterprises Limited who challenged the right to their name and logo. Edwina and Louis Scherini have launched a campaign to invite Sir Richard to the South West region to indulge in some of the activities he's a fan of, such as kitesurfing and wine tasting. A YouTube video has been created by Margaret River locals inviting Richard to the region, while hashtag #RichardtotheRegion is being spread across social media networks in the hope of reaching the man himself.

Jasper Jones cast revealed at CinefestOZ

The cast has been announced for the movie adaptation of Craig Silvey's best-selling Australian novel, Jasper Jones, which will be directed by Rachel Perkins (Bran Nue Dae, Radiance). The cast will include Australian actors Levi Miller (upcoming Blue Dog), Angourie Rice (These Final Hours) and Aaron McGrath (Glitch). Jasper Jones is a coming-of-age story that follows 14-year-old Charlie Bucktin over the summer of 1965, as he gets caught up in the aftermath of a murder and small-town racism. Filming is scheduled to commence in October in WA's south west.

Perth announced in top 10 best cities

Perth has been listed as the world's eighth best city in the world to live by the Economist Intelligence Unit. The latest Global Liveability Ranking rates cities out of 100 in the areas of health care, education, stability, culture and environment and infrastructure. As Australia's sunniest capital city, Perth is an ideal place to live, work and visit. In the next few years the city will be home to a brand new billion-dollar waterfront development, underground train line, sports stadium, transformed Perth Airport, a new museum, outdoor community spaces and several new hotels.
www.eiu.com/home.aspx

Halliday ranks Fraser Gallop among the best

Margaret River's Fraser Gallop Estate has once again been awarded five red stars by one of the country's most revered wine critic's James Halliday in his 2016 edition of the Wine Companion. The estate's 2013 Parterre Semillon Sauvignon Blanc was awarded a whopping 97 points, making it the equal best SSB blend in the country. The newly released 2012 Parterre Cabernet Sauvignon was awarded 96 points, while the 2013 Parterre Chardonnay received 95 points. Visitors can enjoy the estate's fine wine on a Margaret River Discovery Tour, or at one of its Margaret River Gourmet Escape events including Fraser Gallop's Sundown Soiree and a Long Table Lunch.
www.frasergallopestate.com.au

Guilderton awarded Australia's cleanest beach

The town of Guilderton, located a one and a half hour drive north of Perth, has won the national 2015 Australian Clean Beaches Award. The national Keep Australia Beautiful title was secured over finalists from across Australia and recognised the small town's renowned sparkling, clear water and coastline. It also acknowledged the community's proactivity and support in keeping Guilderton's coastline beautiful. Guilderton is located at the mouth of the Moore River in the Shire of Gingin, and is built around an intact coastal estuary system on the Swan Coastal Plain, where sweeping white sandy beaches give way to tranquil estuary habitats teeming with fish and wildlife.