- a
- B
- L
Welcome to the official GoFundMe for the Baldivis Times.
When this platform launched in August of last year, the goal was simple: to create a trusted, independent hub that shines a bright light on the real issues, people, and events shaping Baldivis, Rockingham, and our surrounding suburbs.
Today, with a community of nearly 40,000 strong and a reach of over a million views a week, that mission has evolved into something much bigger than we ever imagined.
The Story Behind The Screen⭐
Growing up in this region, I was tired of seeing our community overlooked or labeled with negative stigmas. I knew the real stories of human struggle, resilience, and triumph that keep this engine running deserved a proper stage.
My drive to build this platform comes from a very personal lesson in challenging limits. Growing up with physical setbacks, I was often told what I wouldn't be able to achieve. In 2024, I decided to test that narrative by taking on a grueling six-hour hike up Bluff Knoll. Reaching that summit was a major turning point.
It taught me that the biggest barriers we face are often the ones we accept without question. I took that exact realization and poured it into creating the Baldivis Times. I wanted to take that energy of pushing past established limits and use it to help our community break through institutional ones, ensuring that those who feel ignored finally get a voice.
Who We Are ❤️
Behind the midnight video edits, on the ground reporting, and breaking news alerts, there is no massive corporate media desk.
We are a dedicated two-person team: local residents Wade McColl and Myah Loo. We work around the clock because we believe our region deserves a clear, reliable, and fearless voice that holds local leadership accountable and uplifts everyday residents.
Our Impact Together
In just a matter of months, your engagement has allowed us to shift the local narrative.
Together, we have broken exclusive news stories, council resignations and matters, provided critical on-the-ground coverage during the Warnbro fires, told the stories of local businesses, documented urgent animal welfare cases, and shared the life of homelessness in our community. We have helped locate missing teenagers by getting critical details in front of a million eyes, and we have highlighted the incredible weekly efforts of local grassroots organisations and groups.
Exactly How Your Donations Will Be Used
Our supporters are the reason we can operate independently. We want to be completely transparent about where every dollar goes to help this platform grow:
- Digital Infrastructure & Website Hosting: We are now launching our brand new, independent website. Funding helps cover the monthly server costs, security, and maintenance to keep our news free from social media algorithms and Paywalls.
- Rapid Response Logistics: Your support covers the fuel and travel expenses required to get us safely to bushfires, severe storms, local events, and breaking news events at a moment's notice.
- Upgrading Field Equipment: We are expanding into deep dive video features and mini documentaries. Funds are allocated to camera maintenance, reliable field equipment, and professional gear to ensure we capture high-quality interviews with community leaders and whistleblowers.
- Investigative Resources: Holding institutions accountable takes time and resources. Funding helps cover the costs of Freedom of Information requests, public record access, and professional mediation.
- Direct Community Support: We strongly believe in giving back. A portion of our resources is continually reinvested directly into the community through fuel vouchers and grocery donations for local families doing it tough.
No Obligation to Donate
The Baldivis Times is strictly funded by the community, for the community. Please know there is absolutely no obligation to donate. Our news, updates, and stories will always remain free and accessible to everyone.
If you do have the means and wish to support independent local journalism, your contribution goes directly into keeping this platform alive, growing, and fighting for the South West.
Thank you for trusting us with your stories and for being the driving force behind this movement. Let's keep building this together.
- Wade McColl & Myah Loo, The Baldivis Times Team
Organizer
