April Fools’ Day: A list of pranks in WA, feat. Taylor Swift in Perth and Mason Cox joins Wildcats

It’s the date when even the most respected and straight-laced drop their act, with April Fool’s Day yet again offering up a wide range of ridiculous gags that would scarcely be believable any other time of year.

And now, with the help of AI, it’s even easier for sports teams, local councils and revered figures to fool the State.

Here’s a list of pranks that have caught the WA’s eye on April 1.

City of Mandurah MARC’s giant ball pit

Mandurah Aquatic And Recreation Centre has announced a major overhaul of its 50m lap pool, declaring it would be transformed into a giant ball pit in a “big water-saving effort”.

Instead of monitoring water safety, lifeguards will now be “practising emergency scoop procedures”, with cannonballs encouraged and “scored out of 10”.

Perth Wildcats sign big American import

It’s official! Big Texan-turned-Aussie Mason Cox has switched codes, returning to his first love of basketball and ditching his contract with the Fremantle Dockers to sign with the Perth Wildcats.

“The journey comes full circle. 🏀”, the Wildcats confirmed.

“The Perth Wildcats are excited to announce the signing of former basketballer turned AFL player Mason Cox!”

Cox — who played college basketball in the US for the Oklahoma State Cowboys — was thrilled with the move, telling fans, “LETS GET IT! 🔥🔥🔥🔥”.

Good real estate agent goes bad

Tom Carlin, one of Perth’s most prominent real estate figures operating in the southern suburbs, has controversially launched an OnlyFans account — and he’s done it with the help of successful OF figure Lucy Banks.

“I’ve just launched a new business…and I guarantee you didn’t see this one coming 😉,” Mr Carlin announced.

“Always looking for the next opportunity, the next edge, the next way to shake things up. Well, today’s the day… I’ve officially started an OF 🌶️.

“And in true Tom form, I don’t do anything halfway. I’ve brought in Lucy Banks, Perth’s most successful OF creator, to run the marketing. If we’re doing this, we’re doing it properly.”

Penrhos College and Wesley College merger

In 2028, two of Perth’s most respected private school institutions will unite to create Pensley College — a co-ed school split between two campuses.

Following a successful collaboration on the schools’ shared rowing shed, the merger was announced in a joint video presented by Penhros College principal Kalea Haran, and head of Wesley College, Ross Baron.

The new motto uniting them — Modo Iocus Est (it’s just a joke).

Edith Cowan House hits Airbnb

Rarely does such a historic listing become available for rent! The heritage-listed residence near ECU’s Joondalup campus — once home to Edith Cowan — is now inviting students and the wider public to immerse in WA’s history.

“Spend a romantic evening in this quaint old cottage beside the lake at ECU’s Joondalup campus. Available for both short and long-term stays, make a booking today and experience a piece of living history,” the university announced.

A booking link directs would-be tenants to a YouTube video for Rick Astley’s Never Gonna Give You Up.

City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s hump day money-saver

If you’re looking to save cash on fuel in these tough times, City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder is encouraging residents to alter their carbon footprint by ditching the four wheels for four legs.

Introducing: Camel Cab Hire.

“The ultimate eco-friendly commute, our trusty rides will take you from Boulder to Broadwood, Somerville to South Kalgoorlie,” the city announced.

With zero emissions and all-terrain capability, keen locals can now jump on a ride “powered by humps, not horsepower!”

DFES’ new response vehicles

In an effort to arrive on the scene in lightning speed, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA has introduced an electric mode of transport better equipped to nip past oblivious drivers.

“From today, our crews will be issued rapid-response e-scooters to respond to urban emergencies faster than ever before. Custom-built to zip past Perth drivers who won’t move left for emergency vehicles,” DFES said.

Each e-scooter will come affixed with flashing lights and sirens, with firefighters already dressed for action once hopping aboard.

My name is Jeff

To avoid longstanding confusion between St John (ambulance services) and St John of God (hospital), the two WA care providers are merging with a name change.

The result: St Jeff.

Albany’s new salmon community

Swimmers at the Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre might get a salty shock upon diving into the local pool to swim laps this week, with a school of salmon now floating up stream.

“Trial update: We’ve introduced a small group of Australian salmon into the lap pool to explore natural water quality enhancement and improved swimmer engagement,” the centre announced.

“Early observations show strong schooling behaviour and excellent adaptability to lane conditions.”

Swimmers are asked to be mindful of lane etiquette as the monitoring continues.

Life of a Showgirl lands in WA

Perth Swifties, unite!

After pop megastar Taylor Swift snubbed Perth in favour of east coast cities last year in her Australian tour, WA Tourism has announced the singer will be heading west for an exclusive show in Perth on April 31.

The announcement formed part of the body’s ‘What’s On’ in WA list for autumn.

Emu Eats

Another animal-related fuel cost-cutting initiative has been introduced, with Kanyana Wildlife in Lesmurdie launching Emu Eats in partnership with mainstream food delivery company Uber Eats.

Powering local food deliveries across the Perth Hills, emus have been trained to deliver food at impressive speeds while navigating traffic.

However, surcharges apply to orders, with a $3.50 Emu Motivation Fee, $2 Peck Risk Levy, $2 ‘Looks Tasty’ surcharge, and a standing and staring delay fee charged per minute.

No compensation will be afforded should the emu eat your order.

Curtin’s new offshore campus

In a new study initiative, Curtin University students will soon be able to work on their assignments on campus while holidaying abroad in Bali.

The new Bali Study Hub was confirmed by the Curtin’s Student Guild, and is said to be a “beachfront, next-generation study space, fully approved and already under construction”.

An express ferry is currently being considered, with ocean views guaranteed for those who’d prefer to gaze out at the sea than their textbooks.

Cockburn-Fremantle draws the line

David Scaife MLA has today announced the first stage in the delivery of the Cockburn-Fremantle Line, with the renaming of Cockburn Central Station to Cockmantle (pronounced Co-mantle) Central Station.

Mr Scaife — the member for Cockburn — took to the streets on Wednesday and said the public’s support for the development was undeniable.

“Lots of positive feedback from commuters this morning who were welcomed by the new signage!” he said.

Doughnut bird rescue spike

Western Australian Seabird Rescue has noticed an alarming incidence of doughnut-related rescues in Bassendean along the Swan River.

The public has been issued a notice to avoid leaving doughnuts unattended, or disposing of them as litter.

“Report ducks stuck with pastries around their neck to us so we can help!” the body said.

One resident suggested the sugar spike in rescues should be labelled “Duckin Donuts”.