This video was produced by Chris Lewis from ABC Open Midwest.
It's a beautiful and fascinating look at what goes on under the surface with footage taken by local crayfisher Zack Mankelow.
Set to a beautiful sound track, and with interview footage of Zack the video shows some absolutely stunning marine life. Keep an eye out for the very rare Sun Fish that Zack managed to video.
The following alert has been issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).
Time of issue: 9.50pm
Date of issue: 2 March 2016
Cancellation of tsunami WATCH for Western Australia
ALERT LEVEL:
The Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre has advised the tsunami watch for Western Australia is cancelled.
TSUNAMI DETAILS:
The Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre has advised of an undersea earthquake of magnitude 7.9 which occurred at 8.49pm southwest of Sumatra, Indonesia.
No tsunami waves have been observed that pose a threat to Western Australia.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
KEEP UP TO DATE:
Visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa or listen to news bulletins.
Sent in to EG:
"The Sunflower on the right is 14 foot 1 inch.......... WOW!! And now flowering all over."
- Beryl & Robert
This year marks the tenth year I have lived in Geraldton. I guess that officially makes me a local now, right?
I absolutely love this city. I loved it ten years ago, and I still do. I moved from Perth in 2006 to be with my (now) husband with no plans, knowing nobody and nothing about Geraldton at all. It’s definitely changed a lot since I’ve been here, but the best things about Geraldton have stayed the same, really. The beaches, the people, the relaxed atmosphere. Now that I am, hopefully, officially a Geraldton local, here are some things that people of Geraldton know for sure about our fair city.
Sometimes, when you hang the washing out, you have to chase the hills hoist around in circles. You come back outside in ten minutes and it’s dry. Possibly all over the ground, or over the back fence, but it’s dry. You can’t wear your hair down for an outside wedding. People everywhere else call it severe winds. To us, it’s a sea breeze.
When I moved to Geraldton I was delighted to discover how friendly people in customer service are. They are always helpful and always smiling. Sure, I imagine we all have bad experiences once in a while, but it happens nowhere near as much as it did when I lived in Perth.
You go places and you know everyone. People you know talk to you about other people they know, who you kind of know, because they are your mum’s best friend’s daughter’s Year One teacher.
Thanks to ‘Six Degrees of Geraldton,’ when someone is going through something, we are all going through it. People are so quick to raise money and help out a family or a person in a tough time. We are a generous city, and we look after each other.
This one is new to me. My twins are 19 months old and there is nowhere my husband and I would rather raise them than in Geraldton. There are parks, great beaches and playgroups. Our beautiful foreshore makes for a great family Sunday day out.
It was a joyous occasion for all.
It’s our state’s best kept secret. Watch out for the sharks though.
Thanks once again to ‘Six Degrees of Geraldton,’ we all know someone who knows someone who has a few spare crays they can throw our way.
Some of the best weather I’ve experienced has been smack bang in the middle of July. I’m talking 29 degree days, with no wind. Beautiful.
Don’t say anything bad about it either, we live here because we love it. I’m so proud to call this place my home and excited that my sons will grow up here. Thank you, Geraldton for the memories over the last ten years, the friendly faces, and the wind, for being the reason why I never had to buy a clothes dryer.
Thanks to Steve Clarke and his son Korey for sending this in. The sharks hangs around the boat when they collect their pots. Enjoy!
Sophie Purcell asks "Where in Geraldton signs stat declarations?"
Dolphins swimming off the coast. Thanks to Leilani for sharing.
Dolphins doing their thing this morning :) while my boys were pulling pots
Posted by Leilani Liprino on Thursday, 10 December 2015
Local musician Ashton Kate has caught the eye of successful recording artist Vance Joy.
Miss Kate has been selected as one of five winners for the Fire and the Flood contest.
Each entrant submitted a video of them singing a Vance Joy cover and each winner will receive a meet and greet including tickets to a show. Vance posted to his social media to congratulate the five winners saying:
"The covers were amazing. I wanted to choose so many because it was so great seeing you guys singing with heart and soul. Was a pleasure to see and hear. Thank you. It was very difficult to choose only 5. Thank you to everyone who entered. Sorry I couldn’t choose you all.
Ashton posted to her Facebook saying My cover of Vance Joy's Fire and the Flood is one of five winners in this competition.
I had already recorded and shared the cover long before the competition was ever announced - so when I saw Vance's tweet about the competition, I decided, why not enter? Nothing to lose!
Vance is an Aussie, so I was a bit silly and assumed this must be an Australian/worldwide competition... However after entering I finally managed to find the terms and conditions, and I am pretty sure you were supposed to be a U.S or Canadian resident to be eligible. After reading this I assumed I would be automatically disqualified after saying on the entry form that I live in Australia.
Photographer Kristi Teakle Photography
I had to enter my address and other details in order to enter, so I am not sure if this just got overlooked, or what is going to happen from here. The prize is tickets to a show and a meet and greet with Vance!
As incredible as that prize is, and as disappointed as I will be if it does turn out that I am ineligible, I am still so honoured to be a winner, and it has again encouraged me to continue my musical journey despite doubts and nerves.
I truly cannot believe that Vance has heard my voice, let alone liked the cover enough to share it as one of the winners... I am speechless and so excited about this.
Below is Ashton Kate's entry to the competition:
The covers were amazing. I wanted to choose so many because it was so great seeing you guys singing with heart and soul....
Posted by Vance Joy on Friday, 11 December 2015
Emily Littlely created this short video of Fitzgerald Street. Video by emilyjanelittlely
Naomi Simpson asks:
I've got some Christmas presents that I'd like to donate to boys and girls in need in the Midwest. Do you know any organisations in Geraldton that are collecting them?
The community’s passion for playgrounds has sparked the creation of a Reference Group to assist the City in the selection of playground equipment to be installed in six parks in the coming months as part of a phased approach to reviewing playground equipment.
City of Greater Geraldton CEO, Ken Diehm, said the City had received a lot of questions from the community regarding the removal of playground equipment including letters from school children.
“Year Five students at Geraldton Primary School wrote the City to ask when the playground equipment was going to be replaced,” he said.
“The interest and concern revealed in their letters encouraged the City to form a reference group so the community could be involved in the replacement of playground equipment in parks.”
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Shane Van Styn, says the Community Playground Reference Group has been given a number of tasks in relation to playgrounds.
“The first role the Reference Group is to choose playground equipment they believe would be best suited to each of the parks that falls within the 2015/16 Budget of $429,000.00 allocated for renewal,” he said.
“Their second role is to share their knowledge and experience of playground equipment so the City can get a better understanding of what the community values, this will help set the foundations for decision making around playground equipment in the future.”
Membership in the Community Playground Reference Group comprises of primary school teachers, child educators, neighbourhood development group representatives and parents with their children.
On 22 September, Council resolved to implement a phased approach to the renewal of playground equipment in parks.
“Six parks identified as high priority in the Public Open Space Strategy will have their playground equipment replaced in the coming months,” said Mayor Van Styn.
“Council will also be examining the replacement of playground equipment at other parks during the Mid Year Budget Review in February 2016.”
The following parks will have their playground equipment replaced first:
The kids won’t have a chance to get bored during the school holidays as the City of Greater Geraldton kick starts its seven week long School Holiday program on Sunday 13 December.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Shane Van Styn, said this is the third school holiday program the City has pulled together and it offers a huge range of activities for kids to do.
“The program is absolutely jam packed with activities such as cartooning and hip hop dance workshops, skateboarding and basketball clinics, Kung-Fu cupcake, a disco day, sea monster mask making, dodgeball and this time around the kids can even try out stand up paddleboarding,” he said.
The City has worked closely with several local organisations to develop an exciting calendar of events and activities both here in Geraldton and also in Mullewa.
“There is a real variety of activities to choose from and most of them are free of charge however, for some of the activities spaces are limited so you will want to register early to ensure you can take part.”
For a full run down of all the events and activities and to register to attend those activities with limited spaces, visit www.cgg.wa.gov.au
Six candidates have stepped forward to fill the only remaining seat on Council.
The Tarcoola Ward seat remains empty following the election of Councillor Shane Van Styn to Mayor in October.
An extraordinary election will be held on January 15, 2016. It will be a postal vote election.
The term expiry for the elected person is 21 October 2017.
(Candidates have been placed in the following order as they appear on the AEC website)
In 1997, when I told people in Perth I was moving to Geraldton, they said, 'Geraldton? What do you want to move to Geraldton for, it's the rear end of the world?' I didn't think it then and I definitely do not think it now. Although I was not born here, I am a proud Geraldtonian. Geraldton has become a vibrant city. A city that has made all those knockers eat their words. Everywhere I travel I tell whoever will listen about this great city in which I live. When I last ran for Council in early 2000, a number of people labeled me a tree hugger because I had the occasional beer with a few Greens voters. I said then and I'll say it now. If elected, proposals that benefit the majority of the community will get my vote. Those that don't won't.
Email: Block1@westnet.com.au
I am seeking your support to be your council representative for the Tarcoola Ward. I work at both the Ibis Styles and The Tarcoola Tavern. I make my decisions based on common sense and speak my mind honestly and without fear. I will listen to any idea, big or small, that when worked through together, can make the communities within Tarcoola a better place to live and prosper. I have the leadership skills that are required to create the atmosphere to develop the opportunities for new industries as well adding to the mix of industries that our city as a regional centre provides. The Tarcoola Ward represents all generations and it is my role to: - Provide Leadership. - Provide support and guidance. - Provide the opportunities that will enhance the well being and development of our community. Thank you. Ron Ashplant
Mobile: 0400 215 031
Email: ron.ashplant@westnet.com.au
I and my family have been 'Geraldtonians' for eight years, and our children attend a local school. As a family, we are active in the sporting community and focused on youth development and creating opportunities. I manage a small management consulting business, and my wife is a teacher at a local school. As a former employee of local council's, I have extensive management and executive experience in local government in the areas of governance and risk, major projects and acting Chief Executive Officer roles in the Midwest Region. I hold a Bachelor of Law Degree and Graduate Company Directors Diploma. If successful; I bring my previous local government experience, a deep passion for youth sporting development, encouraging small business opportunities, and to keep rate increases to a minimum. I will undertake to consult and bring the voice of the Tarcoola Ward residents to the council table.
Mobile: 0424 601 801
Postal Address: 14 Mildwaters Place, Mount Tarcoola Geraldton 6530
Email: nicholas.els@hotmail.com
I have lived in Geraldton for 35 years, and have forged a long career in the employment and training sector. As the father of two adult children, an active community member, and Life Member of the Geraldton Apex Club, the prosperity of our community is of the utmost importance to me. The massive rates increase inflicted upon ratepayers in 2012/13 saw a backlash on Council the likes that has never been seen before, resulting in most of the then sitting Councilors being tipped out at subsequent elections. I was one of the instigators of "The Ratepayers Demand Change" group that led to legal action being brought against the council over this massive rate hike. This action resulted in much greater transparency in Council operations, and much more open communications. But the job is still only half done and my pledge to ratepayers is to be your strong voice on Council.
Home: 9921 4838
Mobile: 0478 643 027
Email: wardies@westnet.com.au
I have lived and worked in Geraldton all of my life. I have worked in local education in the area for close to 20 years, and been part of a great number of organisations that contibute to the beat of our city. I care about Geraldton and the community. In recent times, Geraldton has grown substantially, but has been able to hold onto, and protect its unique appeal -the very reason people choose to call it home. At the moment, we are facing a number of challenges that threaten the balance of a growing city, and keeping its unique qualities. I want to ensure that these challenges are met. I have no agendas, but a vested interest in our future. I will listen to, and speak on behalf of residents in my decision making- decisions that are of benefit to the greater Geraldton community as a whole.
Mobile: 0427 320 342
Postal Address: 131 Glenfield Beach Drive Drummond Cove 6532
I will represent the grassroots needs of the Tarcoola Ward, by supporting the ongoing expansion of the Wandina Primary School and the development of shopping facilities in Wandina. I will make sure that our parks and recreation facilities meet our community's expectations and are well maintained. Being a working mum, I know how important it is to balance the family budget and get value for money. Your rates are no different. Keeping a lid on rate rises is a priority for me. I am a committee member of a number of local community and sporting organisations. Through my work with these groups and in my professional working life, I have worked hard to ensure quality outcomes that meet the needs of our community. Geraldton is a great place to live, and I enjoy playing an active role in my local community. This is why I am running for Council.
Mobile: 0428 218 049
Email: natasha.colliver@icloud.com
Claire Sleeman says she is not pleased with members of the public not respecting those with disability:
It has come to my disgraced attention that a lot of people have no respect for people with disabilities in this town anymore. I am fed up with having to put up with mothers at the aquarena using these changerooms with their toddlers and people using disabled parking bays.
I hope all the people I have upset have gone home and thought about their laziness but come on you people, one day you will need it too.
After nearly 10 years in operation Tides of Geraldton are closing their doors at the end of 2015.
The owners posted the news online last night, thanking customers for their support over the past decade.
"In this time we have done countless Weddings, Function, cooked for 2 Prime Ministers, State Premiers, Heads of International Delegations and so many more. We have won awards for service and accolades in food, been written in books with Anya’s famous Lamington Ice Cream.
"We have donated countless thousands to charities and we have loved every minute of it. So it is with a heavy heart we will have to close the doors at the end of the year.
"We want to thank our staff - and we have had the most amazing wonderful precious staff anyone could ever have. We love you guys so much.
"Thank you again from Tides of Geraldton."
Tides kindly request if you have vouchers please book and use before them asap.
The Midwest Cancer Centre is one step closer with the preferred contractor for the project, Geraldton Building Services and Cabinets Pty Ltd, clearing the site ready for construction.
Member for Durack Melissa Price said the $4.1 million centre would allow cancer patients from Geraldton and around the Midwest to be treated closer to home and in contemporary, state-of-the-art facilities.
“The Cancer Centre will provide additional treatment facilities, including a six-chair and one-bed chemotherapy unit for Midwest residents diagnosed with cancer,” said Ms Price.
“The new centre will mean that more cancer patients from the region will be able to be treated nearer to family and social networks, depending on clinical advice.”
Ms Price said the prevalence of cancer continued to rise, with more than 208,500 people now on the Western Australian Cancer Registry.
“More than 11,700 West Australians were diagnosed with cancer in 2013 and that number looks to increase to more than 14,000 by 2017,” she said.
“Sadly, cancer is a condition which touches almost every Australian family at some point, so there is a clear need to establish services in regional areas that can cope with local needs.
“Understanding the increasing demand for cancer services is crucial to future planning.
“Investing in appropriate health clinic infrastructure and services in remote locations is important to the ongoing viability of regional Western Australia.”
Ms Price said the project was fully funded under the Federal Government’s Health and Hospital program and this component of the build, at $1.2 million, brings the total project cost to $5.3 million.
To maximise efficiencies within project management and to reduce preliminary costs, the $4.1 million cancer centre will be built at the same time as the $1.2 million consulting room accommodation and office for the renal unit.
The successful tenderer, Geraldton Building Services and Cabinets Pty Ltd, was one of six companies to tender for the project. Site works have commenced and the project is expected to be completed in late 2016.
Event Nation and The Comedy Emporium are shaking up Geraldton’s arts and culture scene by partnering with the internationally acclaimed performing arts festival, Fringe World to bring Geraldton the first ever regional Fringe World hub – Funtavia!
Fringe World Perth is the third largest Fringe Festival in the world – and yes a slice of it will be here in Geraldton in 2016!
This pilot event on February 12 and February 13 will bring a medley of international, national and local acts to the stage to deliver never seen before performances in Geraldton. Open each afternoon from 5.30pm will also be a pop-up bar, food stalls and entertainment in the Funtavia Laneway – this area will be free for all to mosey on in and enjoy.
Event Nation director Jodi Reilly and The Comedy Emporium Ring Leader Julian Canny believe Funtavia will boost Geraldton’s reputation as a colourful, lively and enviable place to live.
“We are extremely excited to bring an international event and world class performers to the local stage,” Ms Reilly said.
“We believe so strongly in the power of events to not only entertain but also to bring people together as a community, to boost social pride and to attract visitors to see what we love about our fabulous city.
“So we’re super excited to add Funtavia to the annual Geraldton social calendar, I felt there was a real lack of nautical themed art festivals here.”
Mr Canny said Funtavia would also bring unprecedented opportunities for local performers.
“A team of artists from the Comedy Emporium will perform alongside international acts at Funtavia, and then go on to perform in Perth and Mandurah as part of Fringe World,” Mr Canny said.
“One performance, ‘Fat Girls in Bike Shorts’, that is sure to sell out early, will also feature in the Adelaide Fringe Program 2016.
“These are incredible opportunities for our local artists and producers to become involved with the international arts sector and make connections with people across the industry.”
Ms Reilly and Mr Canny are keen to ensure the event is accessible to as many people as possible so have insisted on keeping ticket prices to a low $15, apart from the ‘you-don’t-want-to-miss-this’ headline act Otto & Astrid – Kunst Rock ( Art Rock), tickets to this show are still a low $20.
“We believe so strongly in this event that we’re funding it out of our own pockets, Ms Reilly said.
“We are welcoming businesses to take advantage of Fringe World’s great reputation and love of supporting local by coming on board as a corporate sponsor or event sponsor, because every dollar will help us to make sure this pilot event returns next year bigger and better.”
“It will be a really great chance to support this lively injection into the Geraldton social calendar and align your business with a brand of international renown in our own backyard.”
Head over to the website www.funtavia.com to keep up to date with information, purchase tickets and to download the full event program.
Tickets sales open December 10 and be available until sold out (so get it early). Tickets can be purchased either online through our website, at our CGG West End Markets Dec 10 ‘Pop- Up Bar’, or at the MWCCI Twilight Markets Dec 11.
Sponsorship prospectuses are available from the Funtavia Crew at Event Nation – 08 9964 6088, funtavia@eventnation.com.au or our event website www.funtavia.com
Last night a Christmas blizzard hit Marine Terrace.
Barbara Thompson said the magic of this Christmas blitz was obvious from the Courthouse right through to the roundabout at Orana Cinemas.
Some tinkling bells were heard late last night and reports of some happy Elves, and Santa helpers in resplendent red suits and white beards were weaving their Christmas cheer up and down the Terrace.
With it being so close to celebrating Christmas the helpers thought Geraldton needed some help to put a heart back into the City centre, lift traders’ spirits and encourage people back into the centre of town to view their handiwork.
The bollards and some Norfolk trees have received some special Christmas attention and indeed the City centre looks very Christmassy indeed.
The Festive helpers were very impressed with the extra effort the businesses are making in decorating their windows for the Geraldton Best Decorated Christmas Window Competition. The results of this will be announced and applauded on the 21st Dec, just four sleeps before Christmas.
Peals of laughter and clapping of congratulations were heard from the 50 plus helpers when they stood in awe of the special effort made by the Ray White and Rotary Clubs ‘A little Ray of Giving’ collaboration which will open up the doors of this display this Thursday 10th December when the Christmas on the Terrace evening celebrations are in full swing.
All gifts will be kindly accepted and gifted to children so they too may celebrate a happy Christmas.
A faint message was spotted on a window and on closer inspection this morning it was thought to have said “Joy, Peace and Goodwill to All” and “to all a goodnight”
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