The New Home for Baldivis and Rockingham News: We Hit 40,000 Followers!

How a community-driven platform took on corporate media to become the fastest-growing independent news source in Western Australia’s South West.

By Wade McColl (01/07/2026)

Wade McColl, Founder & Director of Baldivis Times pointing at 40,000 follower celebration cake. Photo by Wade McColl, Baldivis Times 2026.

When the Baldivis Times first started, it was built on a single, undeniable truth: the mainstream corporate media was failing to provide a daily, on-the-ground presence for the people of our local community. Today, as we officially launch our dedicated website and celebrate 40,000 followers on Facebook, we are proving that independent, community-driven journalism is the future of local media.

From the quiet streets of Baldivis, Warnbro and Secret Harbour to the rapid development in Wellard, Rockingham, Port Kennedy, and Kwinana, our region is expanding at an unprecedented rate. Residents deserve a news source that understands the heartbeat of these suburbs and is physically present when it counts.

The Stories That Built Our Platform

Building Western Australia’s fastest-growing independent newsroom has been an incredible journey. We are not sitting behind a desk reacting to headlines; we are on the ground. Over the past year, we have been trusted to cover the stories that deeply impact our region.

Wade McColl, Founder & Director of Baldivis Times seen capturing stories. Photos by Myah Loo, Baldivis Times 2026.

Honouring a Local Legacy

We were profoundly honoured to be the only news source invited by Nate Diprose-Stanaway's family and the Navy Cadets (TS ANZAC) to document his private funeral service. It was deeply moving to see his fellow cadets form a Guard of Honour for a young man known for his cheeky and adventurous spirit.

Navy Cadets (TS ANZAC) perform Guard of Honour for Nate Diprose-Stanaway. Photos by Wade McColl, Baldivis Times 2026.

Standing with First Responders

During the Warnbro fires, we provided continuous coverage from the first glow of burning stumps to the roar of the Lockheed C-130H Hercules bomber. We stood by our community as volunteer firefighters from Baldivis, Rockingham, and Jandakot battled flames that jumped higher than the tree lines.

DFES helicopters & personnel battling the Warnbro fires that took place Monday, December 29, 2025. Photos by Wade McColl, Baldivis Times 2026.

Protecting the Jarrahdale Forest

We traveled to Boorloo (Perth) to cover the March for Forests protest, joining more than 3,000 people demanding an end to bauxite mining in the Jarrah Forest. It was a powerful reminder that protecting the Northern Jarrah Forest is essential for safeguarding local drinking water catchments.

Members of the public protest at the March for Forests Rally in Perth on Sunday, 22nd March, 2026. Photos by Wade McColl, Baldivis Times 2026.

Amplifying Authentic Voices

At the Sovereignty Never Ceded protest in Perth, we attended to provide an authentic look at the community coming together. We were humbled to take part in a smoking ceremony and witness emotional conversations about the resilience of First Nations people.

Members of the public, alongside local leaders, protest at the Sovereignty Never Ceded rally in Perth on January 26th, 2026. Photos by Wade McColl, Baldivis Times 2026.

Defending Local Legislation

Outside Parliament House, we stood alongside everyday West Aussies to hear Chief Na’Moks of the Wet'suwet'en Nation warn about the dangers of the State Development Bill. This proposed legislation would allow a single Minister to override more than 40 existing laws without proper community consultation.

Members of the public, alongside local leaders and Chief Na’Moks of the Wet'suwet'en Nation in front of Perth Parliament House protesting 10th December, 2025. Photos by Wade McColl, Baldivis Times 2026.

Changing the Game: Participants, Not Consumers

The biggest problem with mainstream media is that they treat local residents purely as consumers. They drop in for a quick headline and immediately leave.

We are changing the game. At the Baldivis Times, you are participants. We do not just broadcast; we listen, learn, capture, and grow with you. Every single story we publish is a reflection of the conversations we have with you on the streets.

Because of your unwavering support, our grassroots platform has grown to the point where we are now handling official media releases and forming direct connections with the highest levels of leadership, including the Australian Defence Force, the Australian Submarine Agency, HMAS Stirling, and the US Consulate. We want to extend a massive thank you to all the community members, local leaders, and businesses who trust us and make this possible.

Colleen Altstock Consul General US Consulate Perth, Wade McColl Founder & Director Baldivis Times, Hayley Roman Media Director US Consulate Perth at the Residence of the Consul General. Photo by Myah Loo, Baldivis Times 2026.

Explore the New Baldivis Times Platform

With the launch of baldivistimes.com.au, we are creating a centralized hub for the issues that matter most to our region. This website is your new home for deep-dive investigations, local business features, and critical community alerts.

To ensure you never miss a breaking story or a major local update, we are inviting all of our readers to sign up for our official newsletter. By subscribing below, you will get our most in-depth articles delivered straight to your inbox.

Additionally, if you are a local business or community group looking to collaborate, you can now view our services and contact our team directly through the site.

The Baldivis Times belongs to you. Let's see how loud we can get.