
Mandurah charity looking for breakfast donations
The Healthy Breakfast Club served more than 16,660 breakfasts in Term 1 alone, operating across 12 schools in Mandurah and Pinjarra, and helping ensure thousands of local students don't start their day hungry.
WestAus Crisis chief executive Lynn Rodgers said she expected the program would hit 20,000 breakfast donations in Term 2.
'Because of the increase in children accessing the breakfast club, we need more than what we're getting and anything is most welcome,' she said. Mandurah MLA Rhys Williams, WestAus Crisis CEO Lynn Rodgers and Dawesville MLA Lisa Munday. Credit: Supplied
Demand is expected to grow further throughout the year and Ms Rodgers is calling on the community for donations to support the program, particularly essential supplies such as margarine, fruit juice and Milo.
'We run the breakfast club so students can concentrate in class and retain the knowledge they are learning,' Ms Rodgers said.
'The program is largely unfunded, relying heavily on community donations, so even the basics make a real difference.'
Mandurah MLA Rhys Williams and Dawesville MLA Lisa Munday have joined the campaign this year to raise awareness and encourage community contributions.
'A good breakfast is critical for coming to school ready to learn, which the Healthy Breakfast Club is all about, so I really encourage people to get behind the call for donations,' Mr Williams said.
Drop-off points for donations are now available at both Mr Williams and Ms Munday's electorate offices.
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More children than ever are starting their school day with a nutritious meal thanks to Mandurah charity WestAus Healthy Breakfast Club. The Healthy Breakfast Club served more than 16,660 breakfasts in Term 1 alone, operating across 12 schools in Mandurah and Pinjarra, and helping ensure thousands of local students don't start their day hungry. WestAus Crisis chief executive Lynn Rodgers said she expected the program would hit 20,000 breakfast donations in Term 2. 'Because of the increase in children accessing the breakfast club, we need more than what we're getting and anything is most welcome,' she said. Mandurah MLA Rhys Williams, WestAus Crisis CEO Lynn Rodgers and Dawesville MLA Lisa Munday. Credit: Supplied Demand is expected to grow further throughout the year and Ms Rodgers is calling on the community for donations to support the program, particularly essential supplies such as margarine, fruit juice and Milo. 'We run the breakfast club so students can concentrate in class and retain the knowledge they are learning,' Ms Rodgers said. 'The program is largely unfunded, relying heavily on community donations, so even the basics make a real difference.' Mandurah MLA Rhys Williams and Dawesville MLA Lisa Munday have joined the campaign this year to raise awareness and encourage community contributions. 'A good breakfast is critical for coming to school ready to learn, which the Healthy Breakfast Club is all about, so I really encourage people to get behind the call for donations,' Mr Williams said. Drop-off points for donations are now available at both Mr Williams and Ms Munday's electorate offices.


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Owners were willing to spend more and plan for vet costs amid the increasing the "humanisation" of dogs, Dr Maher said. The popular cavoodle accounted for 10 per cent of the insured breeds and were second in costs only behind border collies, with owners claiming less than $800 a year. Traditional working dogs such as collies and kelpies are less prone to obesity and related diseases, and less likely to need corrective surgeries than dogs bred for exaggerated anatomical features. The same can't be said for flat-faced dogs such French bulldogs and pugs, which sometimes require complex treatments. French bulldogs had an average annual claim of $1641. They also had great personalities, Dr Maher said. But as with any breed it helps to research, and financial costs aren't the only ones to consider. "We do need to be mindful that if we are selecting for those features, they do come at a welfare cost," Dr Maher said. The report also provided some insight into pet name trends. Whether it's a certain generation of first-time pet owners' enduring affinity for Harry Potter, or perhaps the canine tendency to howl at the moon, Luna is once again the most popular name for female dogs. It proved similarly popular for cats. Teddy was most popular for male dogs, while Milo topped the list for for male cats. Dr Maher advised prospective owners to put some thought into what they call their dog. "Just make sure it's something you're comfortable yelling out for the next 15 years or so." Inflation has not spared the family pet, and the costs of keeping them healthy has outstripped some other increases. Rising pharmaceutical costs continued to outpace broader rises, according to insurer PetSure's latest Pet Health Monitor. Some owners are diligent researchers, the company's chief veterinary officer Simone Maher told AAP. "But then there are others who unfortunately are caught out because there are some underlying predispositions that they're not aware of and not prepared for," she said. According to the insurer's data, from more than 700,000 insured pets across Australia, the average dog owner claimed $1047 in vet bills in 2024. No longer relegated to "outside", dogs are now allowed at many cafes, pubs and offices. Virgin Australia has announced plans to allow them on domestic flights. Owners were willing to spend more and plan for vet costs amid the increasing the "humanisation" of dogs, Dr Maher said. The popular cavoodle accounted for 10 per cent of the insured breeds and were second in costs only behind border collies, with owners claiming less than $800 a year. Traditional working dogs such as collies and kelpies are less prone to obesity and related diseases, and less likely to need corrective surgeries than dogs bred for exaggerated anatomical features. The same can't be said for flat-faced dogs such French bulldogs and pugs, which sometimes require complex treatments. French bulldogs had an average annual claim of $1641. They also had great personalities, Dr Maher said. But as with any breed it helps to research, and financial costs aren't the only ones to consider. "We do need to be mindful that if we are selecting for those features, they do come at a welfare cost," Dr Maher said. The report also provided some insight into pet name trends. Whether it's a certain generation of first-time pet owners' enduring affinity for Harry Potter, or perhaps the canine tendency to howl at the moon, Luna is once again the most popular name for female dogs. It proved similarly popular for cats. Teddy was most popular for male dogs, while Milo topped the list for for male cats. Dr Maher advised prospective owners to put some thought into what they call their dog. "Just make sure it's something you're comfortable yelling out for the next 15 years or so."