Retired soldier creates amazing artwork

Old soldiers never die... They just take up art and produce amazing works. Since retiring many years ago, former British paratrooper David Burns has been turning out highly-detailed military works to commemorate the fallen.

His latest offering, to Geraldton RSL Club members who served in Vietnam, is in the pipeline.  David, 73, of Mount Tarcoola, hoped to have it ready by next Monday's Vietnam Veterans Day ceremony, but sometimes schedules just don't work as planned.

"I'd only just recently finished a work honouring the ANZACS in time for ANZAC Day, so to have another one ready in time for this month was just a bit rushed," David said.

The research alone took David more than a month and he estimates the finished product is another three months away. That's understandable, given the planning and detail that goes into each work.

Measuring a metre by a half metre, the works are a cross between art and heraldry, incorporating layered paint and embossing. It's immensely detailed work but is a labour of love for David, who spent more than 10 years in the British Army, serving served in Germany, Cyprus and Libya. An engineer by profession, David now devotes his time to his love of the Military through the Geraldton RSL.

"We only moved to Geraldton a year ago and the club has been really supportive of my work," David said.

Once the Vietnam tribute is finished, David will produce a tribute to the Mid West's aboriginal servicemen and women.

"It's really keeping me busy but I don't mind, as it's a great hobby and it's serving a valuable purpose, with everything going into the club's museum," David said.

The club is likely to have an official unveiling at next year's Vietnam Veterans' Day. Meantime, next Monday's (18 AUG) Dawn Service starts at 7am at the city's War Memorial, outside the club at 46 Chapman Road. Members of the public are invited to attend, with the address to be given by club president Ross Davies, a Vietnam Veteran.

BOQ Geraldton partners with Midwest Charity Begins at Home Inc.

BOQ Geraldton has added another dimension to its longstanding relationship with Midwest Charity Begins At Home Inc. by establishing a referral arrangement that will drive regular donations to the local charity. The branch has sponsored the charity’s annual gala event for the last five years but wanted to extend its support all year round.  Under the new arrangement, BOQ will make a donation for every loan referral over $200,000 which comes from Midwest Charity Begins At Home.

BOQ Geraldton Owner-Manager Jenny Addison said the cause was something that is close to her heart.

"I've been a part of the Geraldton community for 20 years and plan on being here for the next 20 so giving back to those in our local community is something I strive towards," Ms Addison said

"What the Midwest Charity Begins at Home does is fantastic and this extended partnership is a great way for us to give back throughout the year," she said.

Midwest Charity Begins at Home raises vital funds for cancer sufferers and those with serious illnesses within the community.

All funds raised goes towards providing financial support to those in the community suffering serious illnesses such as cancer.

President of Midwest Charity Begins at Home, Chris Dobson, said "It is fantastic to build on our long term relationship with Jenny and her team at BOQ Geraldton, and the loan referral program will allow so many more people to help our charity through BOQ Geraldton just by saying they would like to be a part of the program. We are thrilled with the agreement and would encourage anyone looking at taking out a loan to call in an see Jenny!".

A new Geraldton 410 Sprintcar team is born

After competing in Limited Sprintcars over several years, the local Bloxsidge family have decided to step up to the 410 Sprintcar class!

The decision to step up a class came from the desire to compete at the multimillion-dollar Perth Motorplex.

While Limited’s were an option, the family team felt the opportunity to race more often with more laps in the 410 class was worth it.

The driver this season will be Jason Bloxsidge, who is a 29-year-old business owner from Geraldton. Jason said he was very keen to run the car and see the power difference and all the hard work pay off.

While the team realises it will be an extremely tough initiation, racing against some of the worlds best, they will go in with realistic expectations of hoping to gain laps and experience.

Over the off season the team has been stocking up on spare parts in preparation and have purchased a pit mule to carry vital spare parts to keep the car on track.

Another addition to the team is new crew chief Greg Crotty, who will spanner the car after racing in Limited and 360 sprintcars across WA and the NT.

Other new crew-members include Paul Fieldler and Daniel Beamish, plus the ever-ready Bloxsidge family members. As most know advertising partners keep the car on track and the team would like to thank JB Training, Wayne’s Spray painting, Storm Motorsports Australia, Your Limo and Dowie Racing Fibreglass.

The family also gave a big thank-you to Troy Lawson, Shane at Storm Motorsports and also Ken at KRE for all their ongoing help in this new venture.

You can follow their journey on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bloxsidgeracing

City cut trees in CBD

Noticed less greenery in the Geraldton CBD?

Several trees have been cut due to infrastructure damage.

Two trees at the West End of Cathedral Ave have been removed, two at the intersection of Cathedral Avenue and Marine Terrace, along with three trees removed from the Foreshore.

A statement from the City said, "the trees were damaging community infrastructure and they will be replaced with more suitable species."

Enjoy a guided wildflower walk

Chapman River Friends (CRF) invite YOU to join one of their WALKS in the Park.

Dates are as follows:

Saturday 9th August @ 9am - meet at Spalding Park Tuesday 12th August @ 3pm - meet at the west end of Fairfax Road in Moresby Sunday 17th August @ 2pm - meet at Spalding Park

The walk are around 2 hours. Please wear closed walking shoes, hat. BYO water bottle.

CHILDREN WELCOME!

NEW Wildflowers Brochures ($5.00) are available from Visitor Centre, Museum, Aussie Shop and Read-a-Lot-Books, or at the walks.

For more information contact Jenna on 041796073 or visit the CRF Facebook Page. 

Footpath works to start on Chapman Road

The City of Greater Geraldton has advised that footpath renewal works will be carried out on the Chapman Road footpath between Cathedral Avenue and the ANZ bank driveway.

Works will commence on Monday August 11, 2014, and is expected to continue for eleven days. The pathway will be closed to pedestrians during this time.

Anticipated hours of work will be between 6am to 6pm. Motorists and pedestrians are advised to take caution and obey all warning signs and direction from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City say they regret any inconvenience and will endeavour to keep disruptions to a minimum.

Volunteers needed to get Midnight Basketball rolling

Calling all volunteers! Midnight Basketball’s 11th tournament kicks off tomorrow night (August 8) and there are still volunteering roles to be filled.

Why not come along and see how you can help. Each night requires 15 volunteers to assist on the night including workshop supervisors, scorers, scoreboard operators, bus drivers and supervisors, registration helpers, graders, catering helpers and so much more.

Midnight Basketball is a national, community-run program facilitated by the City of Greater Geraldton, which is held for eight weeks on Friday nights in a safe environment for 12-18 year olds.

Each tournament night includes a hot, nutritious dinner followed by a compulsory life skills workshop before the tournament basketball begins and a free bus ride home for all the players.

Yvonne Lovedee, City of Greater Geraldton’s Community Development Officer and Chair Midnight Basketball Geraldton, said each tournament night isn’t just fun for its players, but also for volunteers.

“Previously we’ve had volunteers state that the program is enjoyable and rewarding as they help provide youth the chance to engage with a diverse group of people who impart knowledge, kindness, friendship and access to future opportunities,” she said. “Without the support of our volunteers the program wouldn’t be possible, volunteers are the backbone to Midnight Basketball and provide a safe, happy and cooperative environment for the youth to engage in.”

For more information contact Midnight Basketball Media Manager, Samantha Walton, on samanthaw@cgg.wa.gov.au or to register visit the Midnight Basketball Geraldton website on www.midnightbasketball.org.au/Locations/GERALDTON.

Foodbank to get new purpose-built facility

There were tears of joy for Geraldton Foodbank Manager Pat Hodges when she found out that Foodbank Geraldton will be getting a purpose-built facility.

"This is the best thing since sliced bread, it really is," Pat said.

"I literally cried when I heard the news because this has been so long in the making."

Foodbank Geraldton Service the Mid West and Gascoyne and stretch as far as Carnarvon, Mt Magnet and Moora, covering over 250,000 square kilometres.

In just six years, Foodbank has increased 600% and they are outgrowing their current premises.

"We are really stretched for space here in our current premises," Pat said.

"We are having more and more people refereed to us for food so we are constantly busy with the amount of clientele we have."

Foodbank Geraldton has a group of 30-40 volunteers which pull the operation together to get food to those in need and Pat said everyone couldn't be more excited about the new facility.

The new facility will be funded by the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the project was made possible with more than $2.14million from the State Government’s Royalties for Regions Mid West Investment Plan (MWIP).

“The current facility has many operational challenges, with safety a pressing concern.  The new purpose-built facility will allow Foodbank Geraldton to handle and distribute an increased volume of meals to keep up with the growing demand for emergency food relief in the Mid-West and adjoining regions,” Mr Redman said.

“There is opportunity to offer greater support to more people in need, through the local network of community support agencies that are dependent on Foodbank Geraldton.

“The facility will also provide additional volunteering and traineeship prospects, building sustainability in the region.”

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney also welcomed the announcement.

“Foodbank in Geraldton does a wonderful job to service the whole community, and the region. I have been able to help Foodbank secure this land, so I’m very happy to see the go-ahead for this facility at last,” Mr Blayney said.

The facility will incorporate ample car parking and improved truck access, with space for forklift operation and client interaction.  There will also be dedicated storage spaces for fresh produce, frozen and chilled foods, which will reduce the excessive level of manual handling currently in place.

Foodbank Geraldton will tender for possible Mid-West contractors to construct the new facility, for which land has been provided on a peppercorn rent from the City of Greater Geraldton.

The new facility is set to open next year and will be located on the corner of Webberton Road and Crawford St.

Ex Serviceman among first to complete Veterans welfare counselling training

A Geraldton ex Serviceman is among the first group of WA military motorcycle riders to complete Veterans welfare counselling training.

The eight riders, three of them Veterans, are from the Military Brotherhood Military Motorcycle Club (MBMMC).

After completing the course, conducted by Legacy and funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs, they can now assist Veterans with basic welfare needs.

Greg “Doc” Smith, a Veteran of East Timor in 2001, said during a casual chat with the Geraldton RSL he discovered they didn't have a welfare officer.

"I am a new member, having transferred from Quinns Rocks, and mentioned I was doing the course and they grabbed me straight away," he said.

"My role will be to provide initial support for Veterans who need help with welfare issues. That mostly involves putting them in touch with the right service that can assist them, whether it's medical, financial or emotional."

Shane “Big Rig” Kempton, president of the national club's Perth North sub branch, was ecstatic with the outcome.

"We have only been up and running for nine months, so to have members who can be in the community to provide assistance to Veterans is a big step to ensuring their welfare," he said.

Even before the course, the club had assisted two Veterans who were in harm's way.

"We were approached by people on our Facebook page and we were able to refer the at-risk soldiers to qualified counsellors operating from Quinns Rocks RSL."

The club's new counsellors will be spread around WA, with another two in Kununurra and Lancelin.

"It's opportune three happen to live in the country," Shane said.

Goodness Awards recognise the best of Geraldton community

What connects IGA, Rangeway Primary, community gardens and a Smartphone app for monitoring beach conditions? They are all previous Goodness Award winners!

The Goodness Awards are an inspiring showcase of local organisations and individuals creating what is good in, with and for our community. Award winners will share in more than $10,000 worth of prizes that can help them do more ‘Goodness’.

And the Goodness Festival needs your voice. Let the world know what you admire about others "Goodness", their contribution and their achievements, and nominate them for a Goodness Award.

Full details and the online nomination form are online at http://goodness.org.au/awards/. Nominations close on Monday the 18^th August with the gala Awards night on 30^th August. In 2013 more than 50 nominations were received, and all nominees, winners and supporters celebrated in style at a Gala event.

Nominations for the Awards can be for 11 different categories of Awards:

• Leadership
• Innovation
• Health
• Science
• NRM
• Zero Carbon
• Zero Waste
• Social Enterprise
• Water
• Digital

Dan Clarke was the winner of the Education Award at the 2013 Goodness Awards and said, “I was stoked last year getting the award, there are people in this town who seem to think what we are doing is worthwhile and it’s not just me that thinks so it’s our town that is celebrating this.”

Dan Clarke will once again be taking part in this year’s Goodness Festival where he and other local teachers intend to run a stall on the Australian Sustainable Schools Initiative. Of the Goodness Festival Mr Clarke says, “What a crazy, beautiful thing to celebrate, I don’t want to celebrate anything more than goodness in our town.”

Further details of Dan’s award and the programs he runs are outlined online: http://goodness.org.au/dan-clarke-award-winner/

Wildflowers Galore!

With an above average rainfall throughout Mullewa and the surrounding areas this year, the wildflowers are in full bloom.

Carpets of colour will fill areas in the Mid West and residents and tourists will be treated to yet another brilliant wildflower season with more than 11,000 wildflower species in full bloom.

Some of these species include vibrant clusters of everlastings, daisies, wreath flowers, hakea and orchids.

Now is the time to take the family on a Sunday drive and explore the country side. Wildflower season runs from July through to October, so better start checking it out.

Places to find Wildflowers include:

• Mullewa
• Eneabba area and Western Flora Caravan Park
• Badgingarra
• Lesueur National Park
• Morawa
• Canna
• Perenjori
• Coalseam Conservation Park
• Mingenew
• Three Springs
• Carnamah
• Coorow
• Northampton
• Kalbarri National Park
• Mill Point Lookouk
• Chapman River Regional Park

For more information on wildflowers contact the staff at the Geraldton Visitor Centre on (08) 9921 3999, email to info@geraldtonvisitorcentre.com.au, visit the website on www.geraldtonvisitorcentre.com.au or check out their Facebook Page. Or contact the Mullewa Information Centre on (08) 9961 1500.

Foul stench from sewer making life miserable for Utakarra residents

ABC news have posted a story to their website about the foul stench that is coming from a sewer in Utakarra. Residents of the suburb gathered yesterday to speak about the issue and the ABC was there with them. To read more and to view the article click here.   

City undertakes further geotechnical survey at Beresford Foreshore

As part of the City of Greater Geraldton’s Beresford Foreshore Protection and Enhancement Project, geotechnical investigations will continue on the Beresford Foreshore starting this week for up to two weeks.

A local engineering company will excavate several test pits at three locations on the beach with a backhoe between the breakwater and Trigg St at times coinciding with the low tide.

The test pits will allow for the beach sediment to be assessed for properties including: sand colour and size, gravel inclusion, water level depth and the depth to rock/reef.

The backhoe will require access over the foreshore reserve and any access tracks created for the testing will be reinstated on completion of the works.

In addition, investigative work will be carried out at Pages Beach with regards to sourcing sand for capital beach replenishment of Midalia’s Beach on the Beresford Foreshore.

For further information or information on the Beresford Foreshore Coastal Protection and Enhancement Project contact Michael Dufour on 9956 6600 or council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Stop. Think. Respect.

beyondblue have launched an Australian-first campaign that shows the devastating psychological effect that subtle racism has on Indigenous Australians.

Invisible Discriminator was released this month as new research shows Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people still face widespread racism from other Australians.

A survey of 1,000 non-Indigenous Australians showed nearly half (42%) believe Indigenous Australians are given unfair advantages by government, more than a third (37%) believe Indigenous Australians are sometimes a bit lazy and almost one third (31%) believe Indigenous Australians should behave more like ‘other Australians’.

The survey also found many Australians think it’s acceptable to discriminate, with one in five admitting they would move away if an Indigenous Australian sat nearby and one in 10 saying they would tell a joke in the pub about an Indigenous Australian. Many more people say that, while they wouldn’t do these things, they do not see them as discriminatory.

beyondblue CEO Georgie Harman said many people harbour unconscious bias, and the Invisible Discriminator character in the ads represents the voice inside the heads of some non-Indigenous Australians.

“Unfortunately, many people don’t realise when they are discriminating against Indigenous people and therefore, don’t understand the profound effect it has on how they feel about themselves. This can be very damaging to their mental health,” she said.

“This campaign challenges everyone to put themselves in someone else’s shoes and ask how they would feel if they were treated with suspicion, laughed at and avoided.

“The best way to reduce harm caused by subtle racism is to stop it, and if you see it happening, call it."

City raises over $8,500 for Foodbank

What a night it was, culminating in fireworks, a standing ovation and more than $8,500 in the Foodbank coffers.

The City of Greater Geraldton Charity Variety Concert, With a Little Help from our Friends, put on by City staff who volunteered their time and talent on Saturday night, along with friends Aaron Wilcox Mia Royce, Julian Canny and James Davies was a roaring success.

More than 330 tickets were sold with all proceeds to Foodbank Geraldton and the audience was blown away by the talent before them.

One patron leaving the theatre commented that he “attends something at QPT once a month and this was the best show” he had ever attended. High praise indeed!

Entertainment was top notch with staff singing and playing a range of instruments very proficiently. The ages ranged from 17-year-old Phoebe Royce – who sang a couple of solos – to her ‘Uncle Bob’ Davis who did a duet with niece and ‘concert friend’ Mia Royce, and all ages in between.

Beck Tuesley sang a couple of numbers penned by her own fair hand that went down a treat, as did Mia Royce, and ‘Bob Worker from the Depot’, aka Mark Canny, had the audience in stitches with his comedic take as a council worker.

Sheri Moulds and Jeff Graham (sometimes known as Yogi Bear) kept things ticking over between acts with clever banter. Annette Walsh was a wonderful accompaniment on violin, while Dave Gibson busted some moves as he sang That Old Time Rock and Roll and Konrad Seidl schmoozed the ladies in the front rows with red roses, crooning the Sinatra classic The Way You Look Tonight.

There are so many others deserving of mention but if you’re lucky you may just see them next year...

The concert was the mastermind of City Director of Corporate and Commercial Services, Bob Davis – only a rare-occasional keyboarder and hobby guitar player – who discovered the City’s hidden musical talent at a hurriedly pulled together Christmas party jam last year.

The players enjoyed that jam so much, and it was so well received by the staff audience that Bob got to thinking about putting on something more adventurous, for charity, and the idea was off and running.

He was delighted with the concert result and said it was a great staff initiative.

“All their effort was volunteered free, in their own time, at no cost to ratepayers,” he said.

“This was our City staff and their friends, as members of the community, doing something worthwhile for our community, and the wonderful people of Geraldton turned out and supported us.

“Mia, Aaron, James and Julian added much to the show, and we’re very grateful for their contribution. It was challenging to create three hours of musical and variety entertainment, but it was fun, and everyone is keen to do it again next year,” Bob said.

“So – yes, there will be another musical variety concert for charity, to be performed by City staff and Friends, next year.”

City CEO, Ken Diehm, was delighted to support the staff initiative and admired their bravery for choosing to put their talents on display.

“I was overwhelmed by both the talent and enthusiasm of my staff in putting on the variety concert,” he said.

“This was a great opportunity for staff to actively demonstrate to the community that they are not just Council workers but are active members of the community where they live work and play.”

Chimere Pearls donated a one-off pearl pendant that fetched $1500 at auction, and City CEO Ken Diehm auctioned off three hours of his time donated for “any legal activities within reason,” he said, collecting another $350.

Students from Strathalbyn helping the community of Carnarvon

Students from Strathalbyn Christian College Geraldton are helping children and the community of Carnarvon this week.

A group of 28 Year 10 students and 10 adults arrived in Carnarvon on Saturday 19 July and will stay until Saturday 26 July. The students will provide daily literacy support for students at Carnarvon Christian School They have been developing these same skills on a weekly basis mentoring primary classes at Strathalbyn Christian College.

Strathalbyn Christian College Principal, Mr Paul Arundell said the annual Year 10 ‘mission trip’ is an important part of the students’ learning because it helped them to focus on other people rather than themselves.

“The College has a strong commitment to diverting students from developing a sense of entitlement. Instead, we encourage them to use the talents and resources they have to bless and help others,” Mr Arundell said.

Since arriving in Carnarvon, the team has participated through music and drama at worship services at the Church of Christ and Anglican churches. Teacher and camp coordinator, Mr Lindsay Graieg said students will take part in a range of activities including drama, music, science and sport that has been carefully planned and practiced over the past two school terms.

“The big idea is that this group of staff and students are going to bless and be enriched by serving a local school community,” Mr Graieg said.

“The students will not only share learning skills, but they will model the values and attitudes that reflect a Biblical life and Worldview.”

“We know the students will gain valuable insights into the community and lives of its members. We know that we will all be enriched as much as we do things to enrich others,” Mr Graieg said.

A family concert has been planned at Carnarvon Christian School and the Geraldton students will perform music and dramas at Carnarvon Community College. Community service work has been planned at The Blowholes and in the wider community through the Carnarvon Shire and the Country Health services.

During the week, students will also visit the Carnarvon Research Station, Chinaman’s Pool and the Historical Precinct and play a football and touch rugby with the Carnarvon Clontarf Academy.

Carnarvon Christian School has been a part of the Carnarvon community since 1995 and has expanded quickly to 139 students. The school has the same values and similar goals as Strathalbyn Christian College and it is hoped that their relationship will be strengthened through mutual respect and encouragement.

For photo opportunities in Carnarvon this week, please contact Mr Lindsay Graieg on 0478 624 470.

Chapman River walk this Sunday

Join the Chapman River Friends (CRF) for a walk in the Chapman River Regional Park this Sunday afternoon.

There are new flowers appearing every week, and numerous animal tracks and traces to identify. You can also check out the restoration work.

When - Sunday 27th July

Time - 3pm

Where - Meet at Spalding Park - access is from Chapman Road just south of the bridge.

Wear - strong shoes, hat and a jacket if it is cold.

Bring - a water bottle.

CRF will also have wildflower brochures available for purchase for $5

If you would like any more information on the walk please contact Jenna - 0417960737

Increased Police presence noticed and appreciated by community

Everything Geraldton has been getting numerous comments about the noticeable increased Police presence around town lately. People are curious and very positive about what they perceive to be a more visible Police force. Some community members took to Facebook, including the Geraldton Neighbourhood Watch group, to commend the Police for the extra visibility and effort.

Police have also publicly invited members of the community to stop and say hi to Police they see walking the beat in the CBD, and get to know their local force.

Walkaway drug and alcohol centre approved for go ahead

Proposed Mount Hill Walkaway community farm which will provide rehabilitation for drug and alcohol addicts has been approved.

At last nights council meeting over 70 people attended the debate and heard as the council voted 11 -2 in favour of the go ahead rehab centre, even in despite of a petition against the centre with over 270 signatures. Hope Community Services (HCS) are the company behind the centre and are a community services organisation that provides support services to people affected by alcohol and drugs. A range of services are offered by HCS including programs directed to those at risk, counselling services, rehabilitation programs, supervised residential accommodation and transitional housing accommodation.

The proposed Community Farm will enable HCS to expand its services in the Midwest, both in their ability to offer services via the therapeutic community model and their ability to offer supervised accommodation services.

HCS has received a $2 million grant from the Western Australian Royalties for Regions Program that required the development of a detailed business case which was required to demonstrate a quantifiable return on investment, based on a sustainable economic and environmental model.

The land to be developed is located within the locality of Mount Hill and is approximately 15 km south-east from the Walkaway townsite via Nangetty – Walkaway and Allanooka Springs Roads. The site for the centre is approximately 42 km from Geraldton and is located just north of the local authority boundary with the Shire of Irwin.

Proposed development includes an extension to the rear (south) of the existing shed of approximately 130m2, giving a total of 300m2.

Three accommodation units are proposed although only 2 will be initially constructed. The units will be 98m2 each and the floor plan for each accommodation unit will comprise 4 bedrooms with 2 single beds, clothes storage and table/desk and an additional inclusive access (disabled) bedroom. Each accommodation unit will house up to 9 residents and a maximum of 27 residents could ultimately be accommodated at any one time.

The unique locational and physical attributes of the subject land and its high aesthetic appeal, make this an ideal setting for the centre. In addition, the property well developed with infrastructure which can be expanded upon in the future also make the area ideal for the development of the community farm.

The coordination and delivery of therapy programs will be managed in accordance with established HCS programs, management and reporting guidelines. Participants enter into HCS residential programs voluntarily and are not bound to remain in programs. Farm residents will not be referred from the WA Police Service or Justice Department sectors. They will come from current HCS programs at Rosella House or other HCS locations. HCS accepts referrals from drug and alcohol agencies, mental health services, GP’s, welfare agencies, private counsellors, families and self-referral.

All clients accepted into the program are required to have undergone a pre- admission processes including, but not limited to, medical detoxification, mental health and readiness for change assessment. This ensures not only the safety of the individual, the facility and wider community but ensures the client has maximum opportunity to achieve success.

The facility will have 5 to 7 full time employees, with a minimum of 4 to 5 staff on-site at any time during normal business hours, and 1 to 2 staff on-site for evenings and overnight. The community farm will be managed and overseen by a combination of service manager, farm manager, project manager, support workers and care providers and will be staffed 24 hours a day every day of the year.

The HCS has said they have accessed the risks involved and addressed the publics concerns and has put a comprehensive risk management system in place. This includes detailed assessments to determine suitability for potential entry into the program, it should also be noted that the program is not for withdrawal/detoxification purposes.

Goodness Festival 2014

The Goodness & Innovation festival is on for 2014 starting on the 16th of August, this year it promises to bigger and better than ever. The Mid West's unique Festival celebrating 'Goodness' will run from the 15th to the 31st of August. The Goodness Festival is all about celebrating sustainability and innovation in the Mid West aiming to educate, empower and inspire the wider community.

The 2013 festival saw more than 1100 people attend 20 events and 53 nominations were also received for the Goodness Awards. This year there will be more events, including an Energy-Water Symposium and Startup Weekend, as well as the Awards night, Exhibition and community events.

The Festival will feature an abundance of tours, exhibitions, lectures, workshops and awards in and around Geraldton. From Urban heat planning to River Biodiversity Tours at Chapman River to Mobile and Web Technology Training; there’s something for everyone!

The 16 day long festival will provide the community with information and experiences to enable organizations and individuals to live more socially responsible, sustainable and technically savvy lives.

After all, small changes make a big difference in our community. Share the Festival with your friends and come and talk to experts like Nigel Tapper and Lisa Grieve amongst others.

If you have an idea for an event there is still room for bookings, to book a spot or for information on the festival call Pollinators on 0466 694 702

Full details of the Festival are online here. [tentblogger-vimeo 75920758]