All posts by FreeNews

Police hunt for youth behind random attack on lollypop man

Police have released vision of a random assault on an elderly lollipop man outside a Perth school in a bid to track down his attacker.

Colin, 87, was finishing up his traffic warden shift in Rossmoyne, in the city's south, this morning when he was attacked.

A man dressed in black shoved him to the ground and stole his hat and whistle.

READ MORE: Dad was allegedly planning murder of sons, wife for months

Those nearby patched up his grazed head before calling for help.

"I hope he is OK. He's a very good man, we love him," one local said.

The attacker, who took off in a Toyota Prado, remained on the run tonight, prompting police to release vision of the aftermath to help track him down. 

He was described as 183 centimetres tall and aged between 17 to 19 with a black mullet and dark complexion.

Rossmoyne Primary School teachers stepped in to fill Colin's shift this afternoon as he recovered.

"It's very important for them to know that it's going to be safe for them to keep our kids safe on the streets and what has happened to Colin is really sad," City of Canning Councillor Shen Sekhon said.

READ MORE: Former governor-general Peter Hollingworth dies

READ MORE: 'Doomsday' glacier is on the verge of collapse 

Locals say Colin has become a familiar face, never missing a shift, with today a notable exception.

"Every morning when I rock up to work he always gives a smile," another community member said.

"He's always talking to everyone who walks past."

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.

Weather bureau executive retires months after panned $96 million website relaunch

The executive who headed the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) during the heavily criticised relaunch of its website last year has retired.

Dr Peter Stone, who was the acting chief executive officer of the organisation when a relaunch, which cost $92 million more than first reported, was criticised by users over complaints about various features, usability, and the new rain radar.

The old rain radar was swiftly restored after pressure from the federal government, and Stone stepped aside from his role as acting CEO, being replaced by Dr Stuart Minchin.

CRIME: Accused domestic violence killer was 'full-time carer' for slain boys

The Bureau's acting chief executive Dr Peter Stone this afternoon defended the layout of the website, but committed to making improvements to the user experience.

The BoM has now confirmed Stone will leave the agency entirely at the start of next year after finishing active duties next month and taking extended leave.

Stone joined the agency in 2017.

"The Bureau of Meteorology's chief Customer Officer and Group Executive Business Solutions Dr Peter Stone has made the decision to retire," a Bureau spokesperson told nine.com.au.

"Dr Stone's last day at the Bureau will be 30 June 2026."

Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt arrives for Question Time

The bureau came in for significant criticism from the public and politicians, with Environment Minister Murray Watt issuing a rebuke after the overspending was revealed by Minchin.

"Our government's unyielding expectation is that the BoM, as with all federal agencies, spends taxpayers' money efficiently and appropriately," Watt said last year.

He seemed to endorse a change of leadership, saying he was "looking forward to a bit of change in the culture and approach of the BoM."

Minister Watt's office was contacted for comment.

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.