Consumer scam warning - WA ScamNet

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Consumers looking for loans online are again being stung by paying fees or charges upfront to scammers who have stolen the identity of legitimate credit providers.

In the latest case reported to Consumer Protection, a small Sydney based operator, Finance Money Australia Pty Ltd, had their identity stolen.

A WA consumer has lost $4,000 by paying upfront taxes and insurance fees for an unsecured loan. Consumers throughout Australia are feared to have lost up to $20,000 after falling victim to the fake website. This website has now been closed down. 

This type of scam targets consumers who may have had difficulties getting loans from traditional sources. 

Consumers are warned to:

  • not reply to what may be a scam email
  • not click on links in these emails and 
  • be wary of online ads.

You can report scams to WA ScamNet via email or by calling 1300 30 40 54.

Locals to sail yacht from Geraldton to Rockingham in preparation from Cockburn Sound Regatta

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On Friday 18th December, a crew of approximately 8 Geraldton crew and Skipper, will depart our pristine waters, setting sail for Rockingham, 230 Nautical Miles South, in preparation for the Cockburn Sound Regatta. 

Not only is the sail south an adventure of some significance, which may take up to 40 hours, but it is the first Geraldton yacht to nominate in a Perth regatta for some time. 

The West Coast of Australia is some of the roughest coast in the world, and is home to some of Australia’s worst maritime disasters, The Batavia and HMAS Sydney II. The coast can be strewn with boat-strangling cray pots and infested with sharks, but the crew is keen to embrace the adventure.

The Cockburn Sound Regatta, 27th-30th December, will feature 100’s of boats in various classes, and being in the festive season, will gain exposure to many tourists and Perth locals. 

The Shady Doctor, previously known as The Fremantle Doctor, is renown on the West Coast as a competitive race boat, and will gain significant interest. 

The Crew and Skipper of The Shady Doctor are keen to promote our Geraldton lifestyle to the population south of Perth, and in doing so, seek sponsorship for costs associated with the journey south, crew logistics, boat maintenance, and regatta race fees. 

In exchange for sponsorship, we can offer promotion of businesses in the form of flags featuring the business logo, Stickers on the hull, logo/sign writing on crew apparel and local promotion. Or, come aboard for some team building, and experience the thrill and exhilaration of being part of a racing crew.

 

Christmas Trading Hours

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Minister for Commerce, Hon Michael Mischin MLC, has approved the City of Greater Geraldton’s application for temporarily extended retail trading hours over the 2015 Christmas period.

Trading hours will be extended on the following days:

  • Sunday 13 December - 10am to 4pm

  • Sunday 20 December - 10am to 4pm

  • Monday 21 December - 6pm to 9pm

  • Tuesday 22 December - 6pm to 9pm

  • Wednesday 23 December - 6pm to 9pm

It is up to the discretion of the individual trader whether or not they choose to open their doors for these additional hours.

For more information contact the City Council on (08) 9956 6600.

Bundiyarra-Irra Wangga Language Centre marks 10 years

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Christmas won’t be the only celebration on at the Bundiyarra-Irra Wangga Language Centre next week.

This year marks 10 successful years for the Language Centre and to celebrate the milestone, a Lunch for Language will be held at Bundiyarra on Wednesday 16 December.

A healthy spread of tucker including damper, stews, barbecued sh and salads will be provided.

Guests will be entertained with tradi onal dancing, music and entertainment. It’s the perfect opportunity for a catch up yarn with friends, an opportunity to make new ones and share some pre-Christmas cheer.

The Irra-Wangga Language Centre moved to Bundiyarra in 2005 building on the extensive work already done by the Yamaji Language Centre with languages in the Mid West, Gascoyne and Murchison regions.

Since that me, Irra-Wangga has gone from strength to strength producing more than 20 publica ons including the popular Wajarri Dic onary that was 25 years in the making – and which will go into a second print run next year thanks to the generous support of Sinosteel Midwest Corpora on.

Other publica ons include the Badimaya Dic onary, various language alphabet posters and myriad language recordings and oral histories.

Language Centre Coordinator, Jennifer Kniveton-Gregory, said the Language Centre has worked hard to capture the full picture of language, not just the words on the page, or in the air, but complete with the full cultural context.
“The role of the Language Centre is to help capture that essence. Language has a real connec on to country and all languages in the region face the possibility of being lost in one genera on,” she said.
“Community is invited to Bundiyarra on Eastward Road, Geraldton from noon on 16 December to help celebrate the wonderful past decade of language work and inspire the next 10 years.”

Please RSVP to Bundiyarra on 9920 7900 for catering purposes. 

Mobile black spots on the agenda

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Member for Durack Melissa Price has again asked for nominations of mobile black spot locations in the electorate of Durack to be submitted by December 21st for consideration under Round 2 of the Mobile Black Spot Programme.

“The Commonwealth Government has committed $60 million which will help provide new or upgraded mobile coverage in Durack under Round 2 of the Mobile Black Spot Programme,” Ms Price said.
“I strongly encourage residents of Durack to nominate mobile black spots in the local area before the deadline of December 21.”
Black spot nominations for Round 2 of the Programme can be made online at communications.gov.au/blackspots or emailed to Ms Price at Melissa.Price.MP@aph.gov.au.
“The Turnbull Government understands the importance of mobile coverage in regional and remote areas of Australia. The Coalition invested $100 million under Round 1 of the programme which will see almost 500 new mobile base stations built nationally. This is the biggest one-time increase in mobile coverage from a single funding programme in the history of mobile telecommunications in Australia,” Ms Price said.

Locations nominated as mobile black spots by people living in Durack will be added to a national database.

The database will be provided to mobile operators as part of a competitive selection process, where operators will be required to nominate sites where they would build new or upgraded base stations to serve the black spot locations nominated by the public.

The Government will then select successful locations in accordance with the ranking process set out in the Mobile Black Spot Programme Round 2 guidelines, which will be issued publicly prior to the commencement of the competitive selection process.

The competitive selection process is scheduled to begin in early 2016, and the Government expects to be in a position to announce the successful locations under Round 2 by the end of 2016.

Over 6,000 locations were nominated under Round 1 of the programme, with Round 1 set to provide new or upgraded coverage to around 3,000 of the nominated black spots.

Black spots which are not set to receive new or upgraded coverage under Round 1 of the programme will remain in the database as eligible locations for Round 2.

 

School community supports parent struck down with lung cancer

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Quintin De Klerk was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer earlier this year.  He has been on a clinical trial for chemotherapy in Perth, which has been working well. 

Personal Assistant to the Principal Fiona Davidson at Strathalbyn Christian College advised college parents via email, asking for their support. 

Recently in Perth the Oncologist advised Quintin that he has 3 cracked vertebrae (from the spread of cancer) and will need radiotherapy treatment.
Quintin and his wife Jenine (who is a member of staff at the College) do not have permanent residency in Australia, so they have to pay for the radiology treatment up front (no Medicare cover is available). 
The cost will be $20,000. If Quintin doesn’t receive the treatment urgently he soon won’t be able to walk, and therefore wouldn’t able to work and support his family – so time is of the essence.
If you feel led to donate to this lovely family, a Go Fund Me Page has been set up to assist with Quintin’s treatment costs:
https://www.gofundme.com/quintindeklerk

Around $5000 has been raised so far. 

Visual Arts students graduate

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Durack Institute of Technology celebrated the graduation of students in its Diploma of Visual Arts qualification.

The program, in its second year of delivery in Geraldton, has now seen 17 students graduate.

A showcase of selected works from the 2015 graduating class is now on display at the Aboriginal Learning Centre at Durack’s Fitzgerald Street campus.

The exhibition is free to attend and will be open to the public from Friday 27 November until Friday 4 December.

Durack’s Managing Director, Bill Swetman, said the wonderful work on display was a testament to the hard working visionary creatives who commenced their Diploma journey in February this year.
“The eight individuals have covered a lot of technical and theoretical areas, much of which I imagine was enjoyable, however some challenging as well.”
Bill continued, “The wonderful efforts of the students should be acknowledged, the works showcased in the exhibition are finished to a professional level.”
“The graduation event and exhibition was named Illuminarty ‐ The Grad Show by the student group because it is a celebration of the 12 month journey of artistic practice and hard work.” Durack Arts Coordinator Lexie Lazenby said.
“This qualification has given the students a chance to study across a wide range of disciplines including theory, photomedia, sculpture, textiles and environmental art, whilst preparing them for entry into work at a professional level.”
Lexie continued, “The artwork on show is polished, innovative and offers a glimpse into the professional future for this year’s eight graduates.”

Durack’s Diploma of Visual Arts qualification allows local students to commence a study pathway and progress to further learning in vocational and higher education in Advanced Diploma or Degree qualifications. As a result, Durack’s graduating Diploma students can articulate directly into the second year of a university Visual Arts Degree.

Fenella Bryant, 2015 graduate, said she has grown both personally and professionally while completing the course.
“This week I was accepted into the Australian National University School of Art as an undergraduate in a Visual Arts Degree! I couldn’t have achieved this without accomplishing the Diploma of Visual Arts at Durack Institute of Technology.”
“Attending Durack this year has not only fulfilled a life‐long ambition, but it has been a truly life changing experience. I discovered parts of myself I had hidden for years and exposing them through the techniques I learned has not only been a very positive experience, I gained confidence to apply for east coast art schools. I cannot recommend the course and tutors highly enough.”

Visitor Centre generates millions for local economy

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Research has revealed tourists spend more than $100 per trip after receiving information on what there is to see and do from Visitor Centres.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Shane Van Styn said the number of people coming through the door at the Geraldton Visitor Centre increased by more than 7,000 people or 15 per cent from last year which generated almost $6 million in total for the local economy.
“Over the past twelve months more than 57,000 people came through the visitor centre doors, and according to the ‘Value of Visitor Centres’ report, the information provided by visitor centres increases visitor spending on average by an additional $104 per trip which equates to an additional $5,928,000 being spent in Geraldton.”
"Increases in visitor numbers at the Geraldton Visitor Centre is attributed to several factors including the new location, an exceptional wildflower season and an increase in cruise ship visits and.
“One year ago today the Visitor Centre moved into the refurbished Original Railway Station located right on the Foreshore and in the heart of our CBD,” he said.
“The Original Railway Station in one of Geraldton’s iconic buildings, a tourist destination in itself, offering travellers and locals an opportunity to have a coffee at the Carriage Café whilst planning what they want to see and do in our fantastic City region.
“For the first time ever, the City was promoted across the state as the hub for wildflower tourism with many visitors stopping at the Centre to see the beautiful wildflower display before heading out to go on their own tour,” said Mayor Van Styn.
“The number of cruise ships stopping over in Geraldton has also increased with 13 ships anchoring in the past year. 
“With almost 20,000 passengers and crew coming ashore, many of whom stopped in at the Visitor Centre, spent on average $60 per person making the financial benefit to our community over $1 million.”

Other highlights during the Centre’s first year in its new location included holding its first art exhibition in conjunction with Yamaji Art, being named a finalist in the GWN 7 Top Tourism Awards and receiving the Professional Development award and the Geraldton Cruise Ship Meet and Greet volunteers won the Community Excellence Award for Not For Profit organisations 2015 at the Thank a Volunteer Day and Volunteers of the Year Awards ceremony on Friday night.

Family fundraises despite adversity

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A Father's passionate plea for good luck comes following one of his children being struck down with a mystery illness. The family already works hard to care for their middle child who suffers with severe cerebral palsy.

Ashley Walker wrote his plea on Facebook saying:

I'm a father of five, our middle child has Severe Cerebral Palsy and is cared for by her brilliant Mother and Sisters with help from our awesome Carers. We built a basic special home and care for Kayla Koo Walker. We fundraise every year for PMH children's hospital to help people wherever we can. I have always worked and still constantly have bad luck now our second eldest has been struck down with a mystery illness and will lose her eyesight. We just want some good luck.

Despite all this, the family works hard annually to raise funds for the PMH Foundation who supports the family through Kayla's visits to Perth for medical treatment.

Commencing in 2013, Kayla’s Christmas Lights was started in order to provide a lasting tribute from the Walker Family for their 10 year old daughter and sister, Kayla is no longer palliative as of February this year and isn’t ventilated anymore. The lights are now a celebration of Kayla’s Life and Strength.

Kayla was born prematurely in 2008 with a virus in her brain which has left her with Cerebral Palsy (Quadriplegia – which in turn means she has no head, neck or limb control), wheelchair bound for life, epilepsy and multiple complex care requirements such as a tracheostomy (a tube in her neck which is her airway), a PEG (for nutritional support – this is a tube inserted into Kaylas stomach) and an infusaport (this is intravenous access for medications, taking bloods etc which I do myself at home as to reduce the amount of time Kayla is hospital).

"In its first year Kayla’s Christmas Lights raised a whopping $11,800 for the PMH Foundation as a part of the PMH Foundation's Christmas Lights Campaign. 

The Walker House is on Strathalbyn Road in Geraldton and has a massive 88 metres of road frontage on a corner block making it the perfect location for families and visitors young and old to marvel at hundreds of kilometers of lights. Christmas Eve (2013) it was estimated that over 2000 locals visited leaving donations over $1200. 

2015 will be the last opportunity to raise funds for the PMH Foundation due to the much anticipated move to Perth Children’s Hospital which is expected to take place in April 2016. 

Mother Nic Walker said when Kayla was first diagnosed doctors didn’t expect Kayla to live long and prepared us to take her home to die.
"The outlook should she survive was bleak, as they believed Kayla would never recognize us, respond to stimulation and basically endure a short life in a vegetative state.
"Despite such a poor prognosis and multiple bumps in the road Kayla is a beautiful little 11 year old with a very outgoing personality, Kayla knows who we are, responds appropriately emotionally and follows our every move with eye movement and a little head control.
"This year Kayla has spent 5 months in Perth with inoperable scoliosis to her spine, which saw her unable to even sit in her wheelchair due to her pelvis being wedged under her rib cage. Surgery was deemed too dangerous and during the investigations it was discovered Kayla had multiple clots throughout her major blood vessels which have been left permanently damaged, however with a bit of research and the financial support of the local community via Kayla’s Go Fund Me page we obtained a special suit and with day physio has allowed Kayla to sit up again and even attend school for the first time in 3 years.
"Every year we switch on our lights on the 1st of December however this year our celebration of Kayla’s life was delayed when our 15 year old daughter Storm began experiencing extreme eye pain. Our optometrist discovered Storm has a condition called Bilateral Hemianopia which in most cases is caused by a tumour of the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. This time it was Storm who was rushed down to Perth and we were told the devastating news that Storm has permanently lost most of her peripheral vision and the doctors are unable to isolate the cause or get the worsening pain under control.
"As a family we are so grateful to the PMH Foundation for their support over the years and really want this year to be successful in our fundraising, it will make all the effort we have put into our display worthwhile and bring us a lot of joy to know that we are still making a difference to other families like ours," she said. 
 

Notice of Road Closure - Christmas On The Terrace

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Notice of Road Closure - Christmas On The Terrace

Mall closure on Marine Terrace between Freemasons Hotel and Skill Hire will be in place during the Christmas On The Terrace Event.

Mall closure will be on the 10th December 2015 commencing from 4.00pm – 9.00pm.

If you have any queries please contact 1800 878 546 or Stewart Stellmaker – Traffic Manager - 0409 119 265.

Hundreds of millions to be invested in tackling ice

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Durack will benefit from extra efforts to tackle the drug ice as part of recent announcements by the Turnbull Government Member for Durack Melissa Price said today.

The Government will invest almost $300 million over four years to improve treatment, after care, education, prevention, support and community engagement to tackle ice.

The package includes an additional $241.5 million to be invested through the 31 Primary Health Networks (PHNs), which will use their local knowledge to boost the alcohol and other drug treatment sector and reduce demand for ice, and an additional $13 million to introduce new MBS items for Addiction Medicine Specialists to increase the availability of treatment.

The announcement follows the Ice Forums Ms Price hosted in Broome in Geraldton, to form part of the final National Ice Taskforce report presented to the Prime Minister.

“Police all over Australia including our local police have done a great job, making a record 26,000 arrests in 2013-14. In 2014, customs intercepted more than 50 times as much ice by weight than in 2010,” Ms Price said.
“But ice remains easy to get, and the price hasn’t changed. The Taskforce says we must also address demand if we are to be effective in combatting ice.
“I’m very pleased to see local people will make decisions about how best to help our region’s ice problem. This is much better than Canberra deciding what’s best for us.”

Minister responsible for drug and alcohol policy Senator the Hon Fiona Nash said helping those who are hooked on this drug to get off it takes the biggest buyers out of the market and reduces demand.

“PHNs will choose what forms of treatment is best bang for buck in the local region – be that counselling, rehabilitation or other forms of treatment. Government and PHNs will also work closely with the Aboriginal Community Controlled health sector to invest in culturally appropriate services.
“Existing services will be extended by another 12 months to 30 June 2017 to allow considered planning of service delivery by PHNs going forward.
“The PHNs also deliver mental health treatment services which will provide a vital link between the drug and alcohol treatment sector and the mental health sector.

This means helping people who are on the drug to get off it, and educating others never to start taking it. Removing the buyers from the market will break the business model of the drug dealers. For more information about the National Ice Taskforce, including the Final Report, go to pmc.gov.au/ice

 

Random Acts of Kindness encouraged this Christmas

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Alyce Bain suggested a great idea this festive season:

With all the terrible stuff in the news at the moment I want to challenge everyone with a '3 Acts of Kindness for Christmas' movement. This December, Pay it forward with 3 anonymous acts of kindness. It could be as simple as leaving a nice note on someone's car, paying for someone's lunch, or helping someone to load shopping in their car. Whatever it is, let's spread the love and Christmas cheer this holiday season 🎄🎄

Innovation to boost well-being and quality of life

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Businesses and communities in Durack stand to benefit from a more innovative Australia.

Member for Durack Melissa Price said the Australian Government’s new Innovation and Science Agenda included a range of initiatives that would improve the well-being and quality of life in Australia’s regional and rural areas.

"The agenda is a broad-ranging strategy that will change the way all Australians work together to shape the future,” Ms Price said.

“Strong, vibrant, regional communities and innovative, sustainable rural industries are in Australia’s national interest.

“Agriculture and our regional economies are, and will remain, a foundation of our national economy as we position ourselves to embrace new opportunities.”

Ms Price welcomed the Agenda’s range of new initiatives that build on existing measures such as the Entrepreneurs’ Programme, Industry Growth Centres Initiative and the rural R&D system.

“This announcement presents a range of opportunities across the community,” Ms Price said.

“There’s assistance for local business to innovate and grow, support for entrepreneurs to back their ideas and get access to the capital they need, and closer connections between industry and research, particularly in agriculture.

“There are also new initiatives for our young people to get the digital literacy and science, technology and maths skills they need for the jobs of the future.

“Durack’s best resource is its people and we all need to work together to transform our future and unleash our best ideas.”

 

Car set on fire in Spalding Park

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The owner of a Nissan Patrol parked in Spalding Park before going on an early morning run, shortly before 4am on Sunday morning. While on his run he received a call from Police informing him his car had been set on fire.

The 4WD had been broken into and torched, the car contained nothing of value.

The owner who wishes to remain anonymous said he couldn’t understand why someone took the next step in setting fire to the vehicle rather than just breaking in.

Geraldton Police said they are investigating incident, anyone with information is asked to call the station on 9923 4555.

Click video below to see vehicle on fire.

QPT to close for renovations, reopens mid 2016

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A Season Finale will see a close to an amazing and busy year at the Queens Park Theatre and will be the last event before its doors close for major upgrades in 2016.

The Finale will take place on Friday 11 December 2015, from 6pm in the Queens Park Amphitheatre with tickets on sale online or from the Civic Centre, Geraldton Regional Library and the Visitor Centre.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Shane Van Styn, said the Finale is a way to celebrate the successes of the 2015 season.
“The 2015 season saw more than 100 local, national and international acts take to the stage, which is a huge effort, especially for our QPT staff members who worked countless hours to ensure the community had access to high class entertainment,” he said.
“I invite the Geraldton community to join the City and QPT staff for an evening of live entertainment from local string ensemble Vivace! and Perth-based brass funk band Junkadelic.”

The Queens Park Theatre will then close its doors for six months for a much needed refurbishment which will include the replacement of the current 33 year old air conditioning system, roof and interior renovations.

Local air conditioning and refrigeration specialists, Cramer and Neill, were awarded the tender to replace the outdated air conditioning with a new HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system.

Mayor Van Styn said he was pleased a local business was awarded the tender.
“It’s important to keep work in our community and support our local businesses,” he said.
“We want to be able to support our local economy and we encourage others to do the same.”

When the QPT reopens in mid-2016, theatre goers will experience new luxury with new carpet, bathrooms, technical equipment and the addition of new digital signage to the building.

It’s anticipated the QPT will reopen sometime in late July or early August of 2016.

5 Gero pubs to hit up on a Saturday night

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Looking to head out to a pub in Gero on a Saturday night? This list might help you to choose your next Saturday night outing! These 5 pubs are all located in Geraldton’s CBD are all in walking distance of each other. 

  • Provincial

Pros: This is the place to be in Geraldton on a Saturday night. There’s usually some cool live acoustic tunes, awesome ambiance, potent cocktails and woodfired pizzas.

Cons: It’s a small space so sometimes it can be hard to find a spot to sit with you and your friends so make sure you book ahead. On the Saturdays that it is super busy you might find yourself waiting in line to go in or waiting a while to get a drink at the bar.

Side note: Awesome wicked cool artwork on the walls 

  • The Gero (The Geraldton Hotel)

Pros: The Gero has the coolest of all cool beer gardens! Heaps of space to sit and enjoy a drink or space to dance to one of the cool DJs they usually have on a Saturday night. If you hang around late enough you can walk outside the door and head into Gero’s one and only nightclub – the Vibe! (Vibe Nightclub has recently undergone major renovations) 

Cons: If you’re not into “doof doof” music sometimes a Saturday night at the Gero might not be for you. And if you’re offended by skimpys – don’t head inside.

Side note: The Sunday Sesh at the Gero goes off! 

  • Breakers (Breakers Bar and Cafe)

Pros: You can enjoy a nice pub meal here before the tables and chairs are moved and the dance floor opens. Saturday night usually sees some sort of cool music or visiting DJ or even our popular local DJ Strawn.

Cons: The Breakers outside area is lacking in size and is usually full with smokers or people try to get some “fresh air”.

Side note: Breakers is your Pre-drinks stopover before hitting the nightclub - as it tends to go off on a Saturday night. 

  • The Camel Bar

Pros: From about 9pm -10pm the Camel bar usually gets pretty rowdy. There’s heaps of bar staff on and always some sort of entertainment whether it’s a band or karaoke. There’s a nice outdoor area, a pool table and a cool separate bar for functions… And this one’s mainly for the ladies – TWO SEPARATE BATHROOMS. You won’t find yourself lining up for the loo here.

Cons: If you don’t like people trying to cover an 80’s ballad in the form of karaoke – some Saturday nights might not be the best for you! The Camel Bar can also get super busy which can leave you lining up waiting to get in.

Side note: They have a cool “Beers of the World” challenge. (Limit per on of beer, each visit) 

  • The Freo (The Freemasons Hotel) 

Pros: Better known as “The Freo” one of Geraldton’s oldest pubs is still kicking. There’s a big selection of beers, always good tunes and has a nice chilled out atmosphere. The Freo has awesome nights such as Rewind back to the 90’s, 80’s nights and you’ll often see visiting acts but also our own locals such as Anne Williams, The Inks and Zain Laudher.

Cons: If you want to have a boogie with a drink in your hand this is a no-no! So drink your alcohol before stepping foot onto the dance floor.

Side note: You can now get cocktail carafes!

If your Pub should be on this list, email lewis@justeverything.com.au

Paranormal Investigators visit Freemasons Hotel and QPT

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Professional Perth-based paranormal investigators Haunted were in Geraldton yesterday investigating the unexplained.

They visited the Queens Park Theatre and the Freemason’s Hotel.

Check out what exciting things they found by heading to their Facebook page. 

󾭩GERALDTON YOU ARE HAUNTED󾭩

Posted by Haunted on Tuesday, 1 December 2015


Well done council photographer !

Posted by Haunted on Monday, 30 November 2015

Airport staff commended for caring attitude

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I would like to give a massive thanks to the security ladies and gentlemen at the Geraldton airport. 
Fly out day is always a hard day for our 4 year old daughter but without a doubt every 3 weeks and the lovely staff help make the trip so very pleasant with hugs, high fives and letting her know they are looking forward to seeing her again.
I can't express how thankful I am to see their happy friendly faces every trip. 
A massive thanks from a very very grateful mother and happy little girl.
- Daneale