Help out with a Bucket Brigade on McHappy Day!

McHappy Day - Image - Bucket Brigade - 2014 (small)

McHappy Day® is coming up fast and Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) is calling on Geraldton community groups to get behind the big day by forming a ‘Bucket Brigade’ on Saturday 18th October, to help raise more than $3 million for the charity.

The event will take place at McDonald's restaurants in Geraldton and local groups including local businesses, dance groups, the fire brigade and ambulance services, are encouraged to get involved by volunteering their time to help collect donations in fundraising buckets at their local restaurant on the day.

This year’s fundraising target equates to over 23,000 nights’ accommodation in a Ronald McDonald House for families with seriously ill children. Funds raised on the day will go towards a range of RMHC programs including Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Rooms, the Ronald McDonald Learning Program and Ronald McDonald Family Retreats Program.

“One in eight people either have been or know someone who has been affected by childhood illness so I am sure there are people in the local community who can relate to the heartache and stress of having a child with a serious illness,” said Mike Hanlon, licensee, McDonald's Geraldton.

“The Bucket Brigades are a simple and easy way for people in the community to get involved and help families with seriously ill children. We are very passionate about reaching our target of $3 million this year."

There are currently 14 Ronald McDonald Houses in Australia but sadly hundreds of families are turned away each month as there is a shortage of rooms to accommodate them all. All funds raised on McHappy Day goes directly to RMHC, and are used to help these Houses expand in order to help more families remain close during challenging times.

A number of Australian celebrities will be doing their bit for McHappy Day to help raise awareness and funds across Australia. Why not join them?

To form a ‘Bucket Brigade’ or get involved at your local McDonald’s please contact the McHappy Day Project Office by e-mailing mchappyday@ppr.com.au

The asylum seeker boat is being donated to WA Museum

The Western Australian Museum today thanked the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service for donating the wooden asylum seeker boat that arrived into Geraldton in April 2013, to its collection. WA Museum CEO Alec Coles said the vessel and its story were part of contemporary Australian history, and the Museum was committed to documenting the historical record through the collection of significant objects that explored the history of WA and connected people to its past, present and future.

“Of the criteria that define what contemporary material any museum should collect, one tries to imagine how significant that material might be viewed in 100 years’ time,” Mr Coles said.

The WA Museum joins a number of Australian museums that have asylum seeker vessels as part of their collections, including the National Museum, the National Maritime Museum, and the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.

An assessment of the vessel is being conducted with a view to transporting it from its current location in Geraldton to Perth, for conservation, storage and preparation for eventual display.

Exploring Western Australia is one of the WA Museum’s key themes, now and into the future, as the $428.3 million redeveloped New Museum for Western Australia takes shape. This includes exploring our relationship with the Indian Ocean and how that has contributed to the development of the State.

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The WA Museum already houses the most significant collection of excavated maritime archaeological material in the world today, collected off the WA coast. The acquisition of this vessel represents the latest chapter in centuries of documented Indian Ocean history.

ABC’s gardening presenter helping local community design sustainable landscapes

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Award winning ABC local radio and TV gardening presenter Chris Ferreira recently presented Heavenly Hectares Property Planning Course in Geraldton to local life-style block owners and hobby farmers. This popular short-course helped participants design productive and sustainable blocks.

Mr Ferreira said, “In over 20 years of teaching I have never got tired of seeing the enthusiasm and excitement participants have for wanting to transform their properties to make them more sustainable, safe and productive. It is a real pleasure and it leaves me with the overwhelming sense that our land is in good hands”.

Partnering with NACC, Mr Ferreira’s presentation was tailored to help local blockers understand the landscape a whole lot better so that they can make the right decisions and gain the most from the rural experience.

According to Mr Ferreira, “for the trained eye the landscape is literally bursting with clues on what are the strengths, weaknesses and other characteristics of your land, what productive potential it has, what may be wrong with it and what will be needed to make it work effectively. All of which starts with being able to read your landscape.”

Mr Ferreira’s ‘whopper tips’ on how to read and manage your landscape include:

• For land with rocks near surface – it means sloppy ground prone to erosion that can be difficult and expensive to work, and hard to make a go of grazing and cropping, but it may be ok for returning to bush or perhaps selected tree crops such as bush foods and nut tree crops.
• For hard, uneven ground – it is an indication of heavy clay that is prone to waterlogging, so draining and choice of crops, seeding, fertiliser and weed control are usually needed.
• Bare sandy soils – it means the land has been overgrazed and has low fertility level, often drought prone, water repellent and prone to erosion.
• Pricky weeds – indicates nasty mismanagement of the land. They will usually mean the soil is degraded, so some serious charity work will be needed to bring this place back to black.
• Dying trees can be symptomatic of a whole range of problems including waterlogging, salinity, overgrazing or dieback disease, drought stress, climate change – all suggesting that the land has been worked hard and that some careful management and repair work will be needed. 

Beach wrack causing smell

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If you've noticed that our beaches have been a bit smelly lately, this is why.

The usual blankets of seaweed and seagrass are again covering our local beaches in abundance.

This mix of seaweed and seagrass, (collectively known as beach wrack) creates smells that can be considered a nuisance by some beach goers.

The Northern Agricultural Catchments Council (NACC),  says beach wrack plays a vital role in our coastal ecosystem by recycling nutrients back into food chains that include popular recreational fish species such as herring. Wrack also helps protect beaches from erosion by stopping waves washing sand away and assisting the formation of protective dunes.

Geraldton Crime Forum

Federal Minister for Justice Michael Keenan and Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price, want to hear your thoughts on what action can be taken locally to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the Geraldton community. Date: Thursday 18th September 2014 Time 11.00am for a 11.30am start Location Queens Park Theatre, Cathedral Avenue GERALDTON WA 6531 RSVP: By COB Monday 15th September 2014 PH: 08 9964 2195 or via email to mpricersvp@aph.gov.au 

For any enquiries, please contact Melissa Price’s office on 08 9964 2195.

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Family focus for Sunshine Festival

The Geraldton Greenough Sunshine Festival Committee has locked in plans for the most family-friendly festival in years.

This year’s festival, from October 4 to 12, places a whole new emphasis on family- friendly fun with plenty of free activities, games, activities and entertainment.

The bulk of entertainment will occur in Geraldton’s Maitland Park to ensure a hive of activity in one setting.

Festival chairman Julian Canny said the committee had strived to create an “intimate” family feel for the festival.

“The aim this year is to create the jam-packed family festival atmosphere that people love," Mr Canny said.

“And this year Maitland Park will act as the main festival precinct with most of the events happening across throughout the park, including some of GFests exciting programming."

Highlights on the festival program include the MMG Float Parade on Saturday October 4, which this year places a new emphasis on individual participants and those in Gophers as well as the traditional float entries to create a colourful carnival atmosphere.

Mr Canny envisages this year’s the Iluka Sky Show would draw large crowds to Maitland Park and invites everyone to head down early and to bring a picnic blanket. The show starts at 7.30pm on Sunday October 12.

He said the fireworks spectacular would lure people of all ages and backgrounds.

“The fireworks show plays a key role in the festival’s bid to celebrate the tight knit social fabric of the community,” he said.

Families will be spoilt for a choice of entertainment with everything from the Family Fun Day at Maitland Park on Saturday the October 4 to the Toll Truck Pull, CGG Community Safety Day, Stirling Central Brass on the Grass, Chapman Animal Pet Parade, Lets Party Little Miss and Master Sunshine Pageant, Gunadoo Family Fun Day, Tomato Festival, Colour Décor Art Pavement Competition, PCYC Teddy Bears Picnic, Festival Goes Country, SciTech Science Roadshow and more.

The Geraldton foreshore will also see some of the action with the ever-popular 21st Dragon Boat Classic, the CWA sandcastle competition, Act Belong Commit Have-A- Go Community Drumming, CGG Sand Sculpture workshops and the Inline Hockey Association sessions.

“The festival has been 56 years in the running and never fails to bring us together as a community,” Mr Canny said.

“This year’s festival, with its emphasis on one main festival precinct and providing an intimate family feel, promises to be particularly special.

“I’d encourage everyone, young and old, to come and enjoy the myriad of entertainment and celebrate together what makes our wonderful region so special.”

The full festival program can be found on our website www.sunshinefestival.com.au 

Video of the two Chinooks that headed into Geraldton today

The two Chinooks that headed into Geraldton today.

State Government management order secured for Original Railway Station

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A State Government management order has been secured for the Original Railway Station building on Marine Terrace.

The City, its residents and visitors, are set to benefit from the management order that will save more than $11,000 a year as land ownership is retained by the State, but provides the City with management of the facility at no cost.

Member for Geraldton Ian Blayney was involved in negotiations with the State Government securing the management order and the City have said it will save them thousands of dollars in lease fees.

The Original Railway Station is one of the City’s much loved heritage buildings that has for many years been left to languish as a suitable tenant could not be found.

It is now being lovingly restored, thanks to funding from the City of Greater Geraldton and the State Government through its Royalties for Regions program and Lotterywest, and will become the new home for the Geraldton Visitor Centre.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said it was great news.

“The Premier has confirmed that the State Government has offered the Original Railway Station to the City under a management order. This is great news for our residents and means the City will save tens of thousands of dollars over the years,” he said.

Mr Blayney said he is very happy to see the City and the State working together to preserve and use the iconic heritage building.

“The Original Railway Station Building has remained in a derelict condition for some time,” he said.

“Given the significant and cultural heritage values of the building, and the large investment the City and the State Government is making, the proposed usage of the Original Railway Station as the Geraldton Visitor Centre is consistent with the land being again reserved for Community Purposes, with a management order provided to the City.”

Restoration and refurbishment works are scheduled for completion in November ready for the Geraldton Visitor Centre to move in.

Visitors will experience the history of this iconic building with interpretive heritage signage and audio oral history detailing the life and times of the building which also in the past has housed the Mechanics Institute, a library and the museum.

Geraldton was part of the first government railway line in WA making the Original Railway Station the oldest in existence in the State.

The friendly visitor centre staff will welcome visitors into an open plan information ‘hub’ covering all there is to see and do in Geraldton and its surrounding Coral Coast neighbours, as well as an expanded retail section featuring local products.

A special ‘themed’ area will take advantage of key seasonal attractions including the region’s wildflowers.

A new café opening onto a foreshore-facing deck will encourage people to stop, take a break and plan their exploration of the region’s beautiful area. There will also be space to relax, read and discover in the first floor interpretation area featuring audio history, local artists’ works and more.

65th Annual Chapman Valley Agricultural Show

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The 65th Annual Chapman Valley Agricultural Show will be held this Saturday, September 6th at Nanson Showgrounds.

The show is set to be one for the whole family and includes everything from the Beaut Ute competition, artwork, knitting, show jumping, novelty events, food, games, a shearing competition and heaps more!

Gates open from 7am with the show going through until 8pm.

Admission to show:

Adults $10.00 Including Competitors and Exhibitors Children under 16 years Free

Membership price:s Adults $10.00 & Juniors $2.00 Active Foundation Adults $5.00 Pensioners will be admitted free upon presentation of Pension Card. Aged and War Pensions only.

For more information and the full show booklet, click here.

Amazing generosity for local charity

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You’ll be blown away by the generosity of locals in Geraldton who are working together to build a home which will be auctioned off with full proceeds going to Midwest families in need. Local organisation Midwest Charity Begins at Home, have praised Redink Homes and Geraldton Heights, with Geraldton Heights  donating a block of land and Redink Homes building a house, which will be completed in early October and auctioned off with the full amount donated straight to the charity.

Redink Homes Midwest General Manager, Peter Bisby, said they were thrilled to be part of a charity which is all about our local community.

“We’re just so happy to be apart of it because it’s a local charity and we know that the money from this house will go straight back into the Midwest community,” he said.

“That’s the beauty of this charity, we love it and that’s why we wanted to be part of it.”

Midwest Charity Begins at Home raises much needed funds for cancer sufferers and those with serious illness within the Midwest region.

Since 2008, the local charity has raised well over $1million and has helped close to 100 Midwest families.

Midwest Charity Begins at Home committee president, Chris Dobson, said the local people helping to make this home a reality were lifesavers.

“Our biggest issue is making the money last. There are so many people in the Midwest region in need and this is going to solve so many of our issues,” she said.

“It’s really exciting especially to come out to the house and see all the tradies so upbeat. Everyone is really happy and positive, it’s coming along so well.”

Mr Bisby also gave credit to the suppliers who are working on the project.

“We’ve had amazing support from all the suppliers with many of them providing the materials for free,” he said.

“Some tradesmen have done work for free so that’s really helped us.”

With Redink Homes coming onboard, Mrs Dobson said the charity was receiving more sponsorship.

“I think the coverage that Redink Homes has provided has elevated the charity and has created so much more awareness of what we do and in term more people are coming on board,” she said.

“Many see the relationship between Midwest Charity Begins at Home and Redink Homes, and think that this charity is something really worthy of getting behind.”

The highly acclaimed Midwest Charity Begins at Home Gala Dinner Event will be held on Saturday, November 29th and like many years before, it is set to be a massive event.

Mrs Dobson highlighted the fact that the house, once auctioned off, will amount to about three years of work from the volunteer committee.

FOUND: Necklace dug up in Geraldton backyard

A Everything Geraldton user has sent in a photo of a necklace that was dug up in a Geraldton backyard.

Beryl sent in the above photo and said, "Found by my grandson while digging around in our backyard. Inscription Rina Rioli? Last name is a bit hard to read."

She has confirmed that the area it was found was Rangeway.

If anyone knows a Rina Rioli or a name that is similar, this could be their necklace.

Incredible footage of a humpback whale being disentangled

A whale disentanglement team from the Department of Parks and Wildlife has successfully disentangled a humpback whale north-west of Geraldton Western Australia with assistance from the Department of Fisheries and Kalbarri Volunteer Sea Rescue.

Footage provided by Department of Parks and Wildlife and Ryan Scott

(Video does go silent half way through.)

Goodness Sustainability and Innovation Festival Awards night.

We're at the Goodness Sustainability and Innovation Festival Awards Night. We'll keep you updated on the award winners below.

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Update:

Zero Carbon Award Winner: Footprint Free on Fitzgerald Award Sponsored by Sun City Solar

Zero Waste Award Winner: Foodbank Geraldton Award Sponsored by Veolia Environmental Services

Water Award Winner: Beachlands Community Garden Sponsored by Water Corp CGG and GRC for Water Sensitives Cities

NRM Award Winner: Nicole Siemon Award Sponsored by NACC

Science award Winner: Midwest Youth Science Forum

Social Enterprise Award Winner: G-Force Contracting Award Sponsored by Bendigo Bank

Health Award Winner: Midwest Respect Love Bites Sponsored by St John of God Hospital Geraldton

Digital Award Winner: Everything Geraldton Award Sponsored by Pollinators

Leadership Award Winner: Future Leaders

Innovation Award Winner: Energy Farmers Australia Award Sponsor: Regional Development Australia

Judges Choice Award Winner: Freebies Midwest Award Sponsor: Inspire Australia

Construction professionals have the chance to meet with NBN Co

NBN Co will present a Call to Industry on the 9^th of September. In conjunction with Master Builders Midwest branch – Geraldton, the sessions will give Geraldton’s construction professionals the chance to meet with NBN Co New Developments representatives.

The construction of the NBN in Geraldton will mean new construction projects can be prepared ready for high speed broadband. A group presentation runs for about an hour commencing at 11am, to provide information and to allow questions to be asked and answered.

From 1pm and through 4pm, NBN Co will remain available, for one-on-one sessions for those who would like more detail to support regular and multiple construction activities.

All sessions will be a friendly open interaction that will offer insight in to topics such as pre-qualifying which addresses have the NBN already under construction in the area, the easy online tools that make applying for fibre easy, and; technical guidance about preparing buildings and subdivisions for the NBN.

Sam Dawe and Scott Edwards from NBN Co invite construction professionals to attend the event, proudly supported and held at the offices of Master Builders West Australia.

WHEN: September 9th, 11am to 4pm. WHERE: Master Builders Association, 4 Walton Close Geraldton

Dongara Port Denison wins tidy town award

Congrats to our friends in Dongara Port Denison who today won the Midwest-Gascoyne tidy town award for Natural Environment Conservation. Pic via Shire of Irwin Facebook page.

Rolf Harris painting to be reinstated at Dalwallinu council

Ian Cutler from Geraldton Newspapers reports that Dalwallinu Shire Council has voted 6 - 2 to reinstate a Rolf Harris painting at a council meeting on Tuesday. According to the minutes from the meeting:

...responses from the community have been received via letters, emails and through the "Totally Locally" newsletter. There have been offers to purchase or acquire the painting from the Shire which need consideration.

This mater has opinion in support and against the display of the Rolf Harris artwork and not everyone will be pleased with the decision Council makes, however to have the painting in storage has zero benefit.

Click here to read the minutes in full.

Entangled whale has been freed

Sarah Taillier from the ABC reports that the whale reported on earlier in the week that was entangled has now been freed.

An entangled whale which evaded wildlife officers for days, has been freed north-west of #Geraldton @abcnewsPerth pic.twitter.com/GNjNMrwWFV

— Sarah Taillier (@staillier) August 29, 2014

Did you know Australians drink more than the Irish?

An interesting post by the Wall Street Journal, based on WHO data, shows where Australia ranks in terms of alcohol consumption around the world. We're not the heaviest drinkers, but consume even more than the Irish apparently, on a per capita basis.

Which country drinks the most alcohol? http://t.co/7hIv8QPfi9 pic.twitter.com/0eQCCVrvZD

— WSJ News Graphics (@WSJGraphics) August 22, 2014

Same sex attracted and gender questioning students are being abused more than ever

Guidelines for supporting sexual and gender diversity in schools released

Today, the 29 of August is ‘Wear it Purple Day.’ This year the student led organisation is focusing on identifying stereotypes and preconceptions to educate about sexuality and gender diversity. Allanah Lucas Commissioner for Equal Opportunity said she was proud to release the Guidelines Supporting Sexual and Gender Diversity in Schools on this special day.

Ms Lucas said, “The Guidelines have been developed in line with the National Safe Schools Framework to support schools in their valued work in providing positive learning environments that are inclusive of diversity and safe from discrimination, bullying and harassment based on sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex difference.”

Ms Lucas commended the positive steps schools are currently taking and stated, “The Guidelines are here to encourage good practice and provide information and resources to schools and their communities.

“Many do not realise the harm and suffering that such bullying can cause.”

Ms Lucas stated, “The Guidelines had been developed with extensive consultation with public and private education sectors and related agencies in WA, together with the use of recent national research.”

Research reveals that same sex attracted and gender questioning students between 14 -21 are actually experiencing more abuse at school than in previous years: 61% reported verbal homophobic abuse, 18% reported physical homophobic abuse and 69% reported other forms. Overall, 80% experienced the abuse at school (up from 69% a decade ago).

Schools that have policies prohibiting homophobic discrimination and bullying in Tasmania and Victoria show a significant reduction in prejudice and reduced levels of bullying across the entire school community.

Ms Lucas said Australia has laws that underpin the respect, fairness and safety expected in school environments. The Commission can provide information, links to resources and training. The Guidelines are available on the Commission’s website at www.eoc.wa.gov.au.

Support for implementation of the Guidelines has come from a broad range of people and organisation including:

Kylie Catto President WA Council of State School Organisations Inc. (WACSSO) “The Guidelines are a positive and timely step forward in improving equality in schools.

“Every student should go to school feeling safe and confident that their individual circumstances will be respected.

“WACSSO is proud to have been part of the development of these Guidelines, which, using best practice will encourage schools to provide support, resources and strategies for LGBTI young people and their friends, siblings and parents.

“We know many schools are already doing a great job in this area and the Guidelines will help them to build upon the positive steps taken to ensure all schools are a safe and inclusive place for the whole school community.”

Geoffrey Bice Uniting Church “The Uniting Church is fully committed to human rights having promised at our inception to "oppose all forms of discrimination which infringe basic human rights and freedoms." The Social Justice Board of the Uniting Church in Western Australia believes that providing GLBTI young people with a safe school environment is a vital element in that work and is proud to endorse the Equal Opportunity Commission's GLBTI School Guidelines.”

Sue Ash UnitingCare West “UnitingCare West is proud to have been able to participate in the development of these guidelines. Our True Colours program, which offers support for LGBTI youth in Bunbury, will be involved in numerous events to raise awareness and reduce emotional and social isolation for youth in rural schools. Our hope is that these guidelines better enable school’s staff and students to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.”

Dani Wright Toussaint Freedom Centre Coordinator:= “These Guidelines will provide the crucial foundation for WA schools to equitably provide a safe school environment for the 17% of students that are LGBTIQ.

Pat Byrne President of the State School Teachers’ Union of WA “The SSTUWA is proud to have been involved in the development of the Guidelines for Supporting Sexual and Gender Diversity in Schools. This is an important progression in supporting and celebrating sexuality and gender diversity within our school communities and in doing so prevent sexuality discrimination and homophobic bullying. Our schools should be a safe and affirming environment for LGBTI students, staff, parents and families.”

500km walk to raise money for burns unit

Locals will embark on a 500km walk to Perth next month to raise money for the Burn’s Unit of the Children’s Hospital in Perth.

The event has been dubbed the 'Firey's 500 Charity Walk', and a statement on their Facebook page said that the Burn’s Unit needs no ready explanation to its purpose.

"The Volunteer Emergency Services Hardship Fund is to assist the imitate families of Volunteers from the four Emergency Services within the Department of Fire and Emergency Services when a life is lost in the line of duty," The Facebook page said.

"We the Brigade, are a group of motivated volunteers who provide an important service to the local community.

"We are now seeking sponsorship from anyone interested in being a part of this exciting opportunity, by either sponsoring a walker for a set amount per kilometre covered, or a direct donation. Bank Details will can be given upon request."

Many will embark on the enduring journey and one of those people will be Geraldton teenager Laura McKeating.

"Being a volunteer firefighter, this is a fundraiser that is very close to my heart," she said

The 19-year-old said she is nervous about the journey ahead of her but is urging the community to back the great cause.

"Yes I'm very nervous, especially as it gets closer because you never really realise how far it is until you start walking," she said.

"Please donate, a little bit goes a long way."

The walk will commence on 6th of September 2014 from the Geraldton Volunteer Fire & Rescue Station in Webberton and finish in Perth on 16/17th of September 2014 at the Fire Service Museum on Murray Street.

You can head to the Facebook page and donate by clicking here.