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Located on Australia’s Coral Coast, 96 kms from the coastal city of Geraldton and 464km north of Perth, Mullewa is a vibrant administrative and service centre. Mullewa’s thriving community is predominately based in the agricultural, mining and pastoral industries. Supporting many recreational, government, educational and health facilities, the community of Mullewa prides itself on it’s natural and social heritage, with a strong indigenous culture.

On Thursday August 27th the WA Police Pipe Band had the pleasure of travelling to Mullewa for the annual Wildflower Show - an event which attracts visitors from around the world. After a 6 hour drive, arriving on the afternoon of Thursday August 27th we arrived at the Railway Hotel, which is located near the town centre. As we had a very busy day ahead of us on Friday, there was only time to unpack and prepare for the following day’s performances.

Our first performance on Friday August 28th was for the staff and students of Mullewa District High School. The band was very well received and the performance generated great interest among the students and staff as was evident afterwards, as band members fielded many questions about the band and what we do.

We then paid a visit to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Primary School, where we (once again) performed to a very appreciative audience. It was clearly a unique experience for the staff and students who really got into the performance and enjoyed every minute of it. The feedback from these school visits was clearly evident as many school students approached band members the following day at the Agricultural Show to have a chat and find out more about the instruments, the band and what we do.

Nestled in the midst of wildflower country and steeped in history, the Shire of Mullewa is one of the largest agricultural municipalities in Western Australia. It is an integral part of Monsignor Hawes Heritage Trail, as well as being on the doorstep of Mt Gibson Iron’s Tailering Peak iron ore operations. As a visitor, it was easy to see that the strong bonds that exist within the Mullewa community make it a town of great pride, culture and history.

The band performed at the Agricultural Show, located at the Mullewa sports club grounds on Saturday 29th August. In between athletic events, log-chopping and all the usual ‘fun of the fair’, the band performed on several occasions throughout the day and featured tracks from our new album which were greatly received by a very appreciative and supportive audience.

After enjoying an excellent BBQ dinner at the Mullewa Sports Club, there was time for a little R&R before heading back to Perth the following morning.

The band would like to sincerely thank everyone in Mullewa for making this a most memorable visit. Also a big thank you for overwhelming hospitality we received from everyone during our stay – All the staff at the Railway hotel, Mullewa Police, event organisers, shire and council representatives, school staff and students; and the people of Mullewa.

To see some of the photo's from the weekend, click here.

WAPOL have been hard at work this year preparing for their first studio recorded album.

The band spent the week at Pramount Media Studio's, which is owned by kevin Bloody Wilson, which features 13 tracks, including one bonus track which we are sure will please listeners worldwide.

The album will be available to the public by the end of August. But to secure your copy of your new WAPOL album, you can download the pre-order form and return it to the address listed. Click here to download your order form to avoid dissapointment.

WAPOL recently performed at the Pipe Band State championships at Fremantle on Sunday 3rd May 2009. The band performed in 2 elements, March Strathspey and Reel, then in a musical selection.

The band was very pleased to receive such positive feedback from the judges, spectators and fellow bandsmen. The band is pleased to have performed at the WA State championships, as it has been many years since the band has played/competed there.

The band can be viewed performing at the State Championships on youtube by folowing the link: WA State Championships.

WA Police held a concert titled “I Back Matt” at Joondalup Police Academy on Saturday 18th April to help raise awareness about violence against police and all the donations raised went towards Constable Matt Butcher’s rehabilitation.

The Pipe Band played at the concert along with the Commissioner’s band The Filth, the night was a great success with more than 1000 people attending the event and more than $10,000 being raised by donations and through T-shirt sales.

The band played a selection of tunes including traditional music and a more modern selection. Two of Wapol pipers accompanied the Commissioner band The Filth for two sets.

If you would like to see some photographs or watch some video footage from the media section please click on the links below.

The Pipe Band played at the Anzac Day parade through the city on Saturday 25th April 2009, with it's strongest . The band assisted in the parade of the war veterans through the city. The streets were filled with the public wishing to pay their respects and say thank you to these people. The band played traditional music through out the march.

Anzac Day March marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. The soldiers in those forces quickly became known as ANZACs, and the pride they soon took in that name endures to this day.

In the aftermath of the Victorian bushfires, WA Police held a charity concert at Forrest Place on Friday 20th February 2009 which raised an impressive $5600.

The Commissioner‘s Band The Filth shared the one hour bill with the WA Police Pipe Band. The Pipe Band played a variety selection of music which entertained the public.

When the band members were not playing they helped collect donations and were also there to answer any questions that the public had or just a general chat in the passing.

There are photographs of this event in our media area if you wish to have a look please click on the link below.

New Appointment...
Jan 2009: Former Pipe Major Alisdair McLaren appointed Director of National youth Pipe Band program Scotland.

Wapol wishes Alisdair every success in his newly appointed position of Director of the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland.

Formerly a member of Strathclyde Police Pipe Band upon his relocation to Glasgow Scotland and now a member of Field Marshall Montgomery, Al acquired in his words, "a great job" at the National Piping Centre as an office manager and with this appointment he has now landed what he sees as his "dream job" where he will be responsible for the management of the NYPBS program.

Al has set himself the goal of raising the profile of the group "both nationally and internationally" and in that endeavour we wish him well.
Read our archives section here.

NOW RECRUITING...
The Western Australia Police Pipe Band (WAPOL) is now calling for expressions of interest for full time pipers and drummers for positions in 2009.

This year is set to be an exciting year for the band with a major studio album recording planned for mid-year,  a number of concerts and high-profile performances on the calendar,  and of course the performances the band does every week - schools,  Police graduations,  formal events and more.

The band has just completed it's successful Impact @ MPAC concert,  recently played with Andre Rieu as part of his Stadium World Tour and in October toured regional Western Australia and performed numerous times in the Kimberley & Pilbarra.

Expressions of interest are invited from pipers and drummers who are of a grade two standard or above,  who are able to relocate to Perth,  and who are interested in making sunny Western Australia their new home!

A six month contract as a Level 3 public servant is offered,  however we are not,  unfortunately,  able to offer any relocation expenses.

For more information regarding this exciting opportunity and about the band please do not hesitate in contacting the Officer in Charge,  Sergeant Brett Bale - brett.bale@police.wa.gov.au, +61 8 9370 7183 www.wapol.com.au

Live @ MPAC
The Western Australia Police Pipe Band (WAPOL) is now calling for expressions of interest for full time pipers and drummers for positions in 2009.

The highlight of 2008 for Wapol was the highly successful Impact @ MPAC concert,  held at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre on Sunday 23rd November 2008.

The band put in a lot of work leading up to the concert,  which was the first major performance since the successful Wapol Updated concert in 2007,  and a strong audience turned out to see the show.

With new instruments,  new tunes,  new styles and new performers,  Impact @ MPAC surprised even seasoned supporters with a concert that moved away from traditional pipe band music and incorporated a more contemporary feel.   The concert not only showcased the talent within the band,  but also a variety of support acts – Kerry Grosser’s Highland Dance Academy, the Kavanagh Irish Dance Studio, the Shine Choir, fiddler Isaac Sealey,  singer Naomi Smith and Samba Dancers.

Unfortunately,  in all of that mix we neglected to appoint a photographer,  hence the rehearsal photo that heads this news item.