Isaac owns and runs Terraform Studios, a local pottery studio and gallery that’s bringing unique opportunities to Mandurah’s arts scene. Terraform has benefited from a local business grant that was supported by your rates.

In the bustling Smart Street Mall, just steps away from the beautiful Mandurah Foreshore, a unique creative energy is taking shape. Terraform Studio, a ceramic sanctuary co-owned by artist Isaac Gould, is breaking the mould of the traditional pottery workshop. 

While most pottery studios are tucked away in quiet industrial areas or private homes, Terraform was built with a different vision: creating connections in the heart of the community. 

"This was able to be in the community where people can walk by and actually interact with the workshops and the things that artists are making," Isaac said.  

“Basically, we want to bring something that is a bit more unique.” 

One of the ways Isaac and his Terraform team have been able to create those community connections while activating our Smart Street Mall is by opening special experiences to the public. 

Among these experiences was the popular “giant clamshells” workshop, which the team ran with support from the City (and in turn, your rates!) during Crab Fest in 2025.  

“We went to the city to help us with some funding, and we ended up doing giant clamshells,” Isaac said. 

“We do those during Crab Fest where you create a pretty impressive piece that’s geared toward someone who hasn't touched clay before.” 

Terraform’s workshops are just a small example of the innovative methods our local businesses use to provide unique and engaging experiences for Mandurah residents and visitors.

They are part of a bigger picture that, supported by your rates, is empowering our community to thrive. 

As Isaac puts it: "I feel like I can make a big difference... thanks to you." 

Estuary Guardians is a dedicated team of volunteers committed to protecting Mandurah’s dolphins and waterways. They deliver educational programs, organise community clean-ups, and, with help from a City of Mandurah grant, have created the Junior Estuary Guardians information and activity book. The 30-page booklet is a great resource for young people to learn more about Mandurah’s much-loved dolphins, and is aimed at fostering a deeper connection between people and place.

Mandurah’s waterways are home to a thriving population of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, a unique treasure that brings joy to locals and visitors alike. Thanks to passionate community advocates like Robyn from Estuary Guardians, these dolphins (and the estuary they call home) are being protected for generations to come.

“Our role at Estuary Guardians is to protect the dolphins here in Mandurah and bring awareness to the community about the dolphins and the threats they face,” Robyn said.

“We want to bring the community together to be able to protect and care for the dolphins."

The group began in 2015, founded by students and teachers at John Tonkin College, and has grown into a community-driven network of volunteers. Education is at the heart of their work.

“Most of the main work that we do is educating the community - being out, engaging, bringing awareness about the dolphins,” Robyn said.

School incursions are one way to inspire children to become junior estuary guardians, and events like Luca’s Legacy, an annual cleanup, unite Mandurah in action.

“We wanted to do something to bring everyone together and make a positive difference to the dolphins,” Robyn said.

With support from the City of Mandurah (and, in turn, your rates!), Estuary Guardians has launched a free children’s activity book.

“It’s great that we can take these kids activity books into the schools and give them to the students for free,” Robyn said.

“Ultimately, everyone is a guardian of the estuary and keeping watch over the beautiful animals that live here.”

Thanks to you, Mandurah’s iconic dolphins have a brighter future!

The City’s All Abilities Paddle Launch is making a difference for residents like Tracy and support workers like Charlie.

For many, the simple joy of paddling on the Serpentine River is something taken for granted. However, for those with limited mobility, the physical barrier of getting from the shore into a vessel can be overwhelming. 

“Typically, those in wheelchairs and with less mobility will struggle to get in and out of kayaks because they can't get in the water and then transfer into a kayak,” explains Charlie, a service coordinator at Midway Community Care. 

The All Abilities Paddle Launch, funded by (you guessed it) your rates, was designed to solve this exact problem. Featuring a specialised transfer bench and secure metal handles, it allows individuals to leverage themselves safely into their kayak or canoe. 

For program participant Tracy, the facility has opened up a whole new world of adventure.  

“It’s really cool going on the water. I love being out on the water,” Tracy said.  

“It was really helpful that they had the hooks and stuff to be able to get in.”  

While it might come across as just some metal handles on a platform, don’t be mistaken: Our All Abilities Paddle Launch is a world-class piece of accessible infrastructure that is providing new outdoor experiences for many locals.  

Mandurah was named WA’s Most Accessible Community for the third time last year. That’s something we can all be proud of, and it wouldn’t be possible without the support of your rates and the amazing accessibility projects you help fund.

“A lot of people take for granted the ability to be able to go kayaking and do different things,” Charlie said. 

“With this All Abilities Paddle Launch, it does provide that access to a lot of people who previously have never been able to kayak.” 

This is a classic example of how your rates go beyond your weekly rubbish collection.  

By paying your rates, you’re helping us build a city with a village heart, where everyone has a place in our community.  

As Tracy puts it, it’s all thanks to you! 

Montanah supports Mandurah locals and community groups as Facility Bookings Administration Manager at the Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre. Montanah first came into her role after completing a City of Mandurah Aboriginal-based traineeship (an equal employment opportunity made possible by – you guessed it – your rates!).

Having graduated high school locally, Montanah was eager to break into the workforce, but found herself facing the same challenge that most young people face at that crucial time in their lives: Where do I start? 

Transitioning from schooling into the workplace is a tough time for most young people, with a lack of experience making it difficult to apply for roles. It’s even tougher for young locals that wish to remain at home in Mandurah. 

That’s why, when presented with the opportunity to apply for a traineeship with the MARC’s Swim School team, Montanah took it with both hands. 

“I applied for a traineeship position straight after I graduated high school,” she said. 

“That was a great start for me as I was fresh out of high school, and I didn’t have much experience.” 

Montanah went on to complete her two-year traineeship, and has since expanded her skills and knowledge by working with multiple teams across the MARC and the City of Mandurah. 

“I’ve been able to work with so many people, be involved in the community,” she said. 

“I’ve been able to grow and learn life skills, and I think that’s what’s been so great about it.” 

Now using those skills for the benefit of Mandurah residents and the community, Montanah credits her traineeship as the starting point of her career. She hopes to see more young people making the most of these unique opportunities in the future.

“I think most people just need a starting point,” she said. 

“Once they get their foot in the door and get a bit of confidence, they can grow and expand in their roles. 

“That’s probably been what I’ve enjoyed most. Just maturing and making those connections with people.” 

Montanah’s journey is just one example of how, by paying your rates, you’re contributing to a bigger picture in our community. You’re helping to deliver possibilities like this for everyone in Mandurah. 

It’s all, thanks to you!