S-Bend to be realigned

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Part 2 of the Brand Highway realignment will be the straightening of the Brand Highway S-Bend.

The design has already been completed and authorities are currently trying to acquire the land for the project.

Transport Minister Dean Nalder was in Geraldton last week to officially open the new Greenough River traffic bridge, which was stage one of the Brand Highway realignment project.

“The State Government has committed $18million to this whole project and there are 3 stages," Mr Nalder said.

"The first stage which was the Greenough River Bridge which was about $8.1 million so it leaves us roughly $10 million for the other two stages.

“The design for Stage 2, which will focus on the realignment of Brand Highway through the S-Bend curves to join up with the existing highway south of the S-Bend Caravan Park, is now finalised and land requirements are being finalised.”

Main Roads Regional Gascoyne Manager Bernie Miller, said they had started a notice of intention process which will conclude in February 2015.

The S-Bend section of the highway is used by approximately 2,800 vehicles daily and since 2007 there have 20 crashes resulting in 5 fatalities.

“We want to straighten the S-Bend to take out the risks of those curves,” Mr Nalder said.

Mr Nalder could not give an exact timeline as to when to project would get underway.

The final stage of the Brand Highway realignment will include realigning the road from the S-Bend Caravan Park to south of Bookara East Road. 

Here's why you'll love this new bike shop in Geraldton

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Geraldton Bikes and Boards owner Leighton Thomas has his eyes set on more than just bike sales and service. 

He wants Geraldton to become a cycling revolution.

“I want to promote Geraldton, cycling, fitness, health, commuting and the green side of riding,” Leighton said.

“I want to encourage more recreational cyclists and I will do whatever I can to get someone on a recreational bike and introduce them to cycling.”

Leighton has spent time working in Perth and Sydney and has now travelled the globe working with bikes.

But after a tour through Geraldton last year, he decided to move back to his home town.

Leighton grew up in Geraldton and said he couldn’t be prouder to be back working in Geraldton. 

“I've worked overseas and learnt some amazing things and to be back in Geraldton fixing bikes is something I’m proud of,” he said.

“Coming back here with this amazing blue sky and amazing view is just great.”

Leighton has a goal to give back to the community and has already donated bikes to several local events.

But it’s not all about bikes.

By Christmas, the store will also be hiring out bikes as well as stand up paddle boards.

Leighton said this will add an element to Geraldton’s tourism.

“I think Geraldton has an incredible draw card for tourism and I think it is completely untapped,” he said.

“The winter here is unbelievable and it’s a great alternative for people in the South West to travel up here in the winter months.

“What we have in Geraldton is a winter where you can walk around in shorts and swim in the ocean, and it’s important for Geraldton to capitalise on the beaches, the surrounds, the climate and capture that tourist dollar.

 “We are on the same latitude as Byron Bay and Byron Bay is out of control with tourists.”

Not only is Leighton hoping to ramp up the tourism side of things, but also the sporting aspect. 

“Geraldton needs to be a sports development regional capital in WA, especially for outdoor sports because you can train everyday here,” Leighton said. 

“And I think Geraldton is a great breeding ground for triathletes because of the climate.

“I’ve worn shorts all year round and I love it.”

If you think you might like to hop onto a bike and give it a whirl, head in and see Leighton at Geraldton Bikes and Boards on Chapman Road. 

 

Blayney gifts WW1 items to Geraldton RSL

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Ian Blayney MLA for Geraldton and Barry Stinson from the Geraldton RSL with items Mr Blayney has gifted to the Birdwood Military Museum. 

Ian Blayney, MLA for Geraldton, presented a range of original and customised First World War cavalry equipment to the Geraldton RSL Museum Monday morning.

The equipment included a 10th Light Horse saddle, bridle, blanket, sword and rifle "bucket".

"Some of it is original, while other bits have been modified over the years," said Mr Blayney.

"I've had them in my shed (in a cabinet) for years but because I sold the shed they have to go somewhere and the museum is the best place."

The 10th Light Horse was the only (Australian Infantry Forces) AIF light horse regiment recruited in Western Australia during the First World War.

Mr Blayney said he purchased the equipment after listening to ABC local radio, and hearing someone discussing the WW1 items. He made contact and purchased the items. 

Barry Stinson from the Geraldton RSL said "We don't have a lot of items that are displayable for the 10th light horse and this to the collection is really fantastic; a significant addition to the collection."

Visit the Birdwood Military Museum

Monday 10am to 2pm
Thursday 10 to 2pm
Friday from 5pm
Sunday 11am to 2pm

Other times can be arranged by contacting the secretary

Ph 0427 612 479
email: day1937@iinet.net.au

 

20 Million Trees first grants round opens in Durack

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The Australian Government is inviting communities in Durack to get involved in the 20 Million Trees Programme with the first competitive grants round open for applications.

“The 20 Million Trees Programme was a key election commitment and is a vital part of the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme,” Melissa Price, Federal Member for Durack said.

“The Australian Government is investing $50 million over the next four years to re-establish Australia’s green corridors and urban forests through the 20 Million Trees Programme.

“It’s an important part of the Government’s total investment in natural resource management which amounts to over $2 billion over the next four years.”

20 Million Trees projects can be carried out in either urban or regional Australia, on public and private land, where there will be a community and environmental benefit to Durack communities, which extend from the Kimberley and throughout the northern half of the Wheatbelt.

Ms Price is asking communities, groups and individuals in Durack to apply for grants between $20,000 and $100,000 to help set up their own 20 Million Trees project. Grants are also open to schools, local councils, conservation groups and landholders.

 “Funding can be used to re-establish native vegetation, and create greener spaces to improve the liveability of local communities while increasing and improving habitat to support our threatened species”, said Ms Price said.

Applications for projects are open and will close on 30 October 2014.

Project guidelines for the competitive grants round provide individuals and organisations with the information they need to apply for funding to start a tree planting project in their community.

More information about the 20 Million Trees Programme is available at www.nrm.gov.au/20-million-trees.

How to actually merge

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It's amazing how many people don't actually know this. Check out this short video from the Office of Road Safety on merging if you have any doubts. 

Hot tip: Give way to the vehicle in front of you REGARDLESS if in left or right lane. 

Also worth noting, the penalty for failing to merge correctly has increased to 2 Demerit Points and a fine of $100. 

Watch the video for more info, and check out www.ors.wa.gov.au for more road safety info.

Shoutout to Khya for alerting us to this video. 


No 138 bed emergency accommodation for Geraldton

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Back in February of last year Nationals candidate Shane Van Styn was running in the state election vying to be member for Geraldton against Liberal incumbent Ian Blayney. 

He committed to throwing his weight behind a $10million facility that would have 138 beds available as emergency short term accommodation.

Click to view full article

The 138 bed facility would have been a great asset for the community, as quoted at the time:

Mr Van Styn said the hostel would provide a much needed accommodation base for Aboriginal and non Aboriginal people in the community requiring emergency short-term housing. 
“Many Aboriginal families in particular are required to travel long distances to access services in Geraldton, which can be a significant financial burden,” Mr Van Styn said.
“A hostel would mean there would be a reduced need for mums, dads and children to sleep rough when away from home, which in turn reduces social friction and improves health outcomes.”
Mr Van Styn said The Nationals recognised the difficulties faced by families when making the journey to Geraldton, as well as the dire need for emergency housing for the wider Geraldton community and the need to provide assistance to reduce the associated hardships.

Gian De Poloni from ABC Midwest reported on Friday that the commitment has been shelved.

But Van Styn is not taking any of the blame.

To be fair to Mr Van Styn, this is what he said back then:

“If elected as the member for Geraldton in March (2013), I will make this project a local priority and work with the project proponents to ensure it gets up and running.”
— Shane Van Styn

Many Geraldton voters probably thought they would get the benefits of the Nationals promises as a Liberal/National state government was elected, but here's a quote from Premier Colin Barnet after the election

“(We will) deliver on the commitments made by the Liberal Party and the Leader of the National Party will bring his commitments to Cabinet.”
— Colin Barnett, May 2013

Which basically says: we make no assurances to keep the National Party's commitments. 

How did the election actually turn out?

If you recall, Liberal won 31 seats, Labor 21, Nationals 7, giving Liberal an outright majority and removing their need to rely on the Nationals for the balance of power. 

In WA the Liberals and Nationals are not an actual coalition, but have a power sharing agreement of sorts, thus the Nationals rely on their balance of power to get things done. 

It's noteworthy that Labor would "hit out" at the Nationals, as Labor gave their preferences to Liberal in the seat of Geraldton over the Nationals. (link)

Luke was paralysed after this horrific accident, but his family haven't given up hope

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Luke lived in Geraldton until he was 14, attending Strathalbyn Christian College. He was a fanatical kickboxer even going to Bali for kickboxing training, and used to train younger kids at their homes for free.

On July 18 2014 Luke was in a serious motor bike accident. 

He was hit by car which pulled out from a side street into his lane and he had no time to brake.

He was given a 50/50 chance of living.

Luke's twin sister, Ali, said:

He had head injuries, bleeding on the brain, ruptured spleen, ruptured aorta, bleeding on lungs, one kidney not functioning and the other damaged. Tears to many parts of internal organs, broken ribs, broken elbow and thumb, shattered vertebrae, severed spinal cord. Had 2 emergency ops to try to save his life. One was to remove the spleen as it was bleeding heavily and couldn't be repaired. The other was putting a metal stent into his aorta to repair the tear as it also was bleeding heavily. Was put in induced coma for 3 days

Luke was left paralysed. 

But Luke's family haven't given up.

They're working hard to raise money so Luke can go to a rehabilitation centre called 'walk on'.

If you would like to learn more or donate to "Walk On for Luke" click here or press the button below. 

Learn More or Donate

Can you help find a young boy who helped police today?

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Earlier today police caught a male shoplifting in the CBD and recovered the above Hawks Premiership t-shirt, and it was all thanks to a young boy.

They young boy was in the store and saw the male offender shoplift before he exited the store and saw police outside on the footpath.  He approached the local police and gave them the information which resulted in an investigation/search and the recovery of the item.

Unfortunately by the time the officers dealt with the man, the boy had gone and they didn’t get his details.

Not only would the police like to thank this young man but the store also want to thank him for alerting the police and having the item recovered…

If you know who this young hero might be, please contact local police on 9923 4555.

Mike wants his music on a Mitsubishi advert

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Geraldton's Mike Conroy is asking the community to back him and vote for his music to be featured on a Mitsubishi TV advertisement which will be played nation-wide. 

Mike is competing against over 200 other musicians and over 1000 songs.

He said that for the majority of the competition he has been in 3rd and 4th spot but he is hoping with the support of the Geraldton community, he can move to top spot.

"Let's put Geraldton on the map and vote for 'FLYING HIGH'," he said.

"Show your support for your local musicians by voting and sharing that you've voted.

"It takes 2 minutes and you can vote every 24 hours."

The 25-year-old plays guitar, drums, bass and piano. He has produced three songs for the competition. 

Voting ends on October 5th.

Click here to vote

​

Greenough River Bridge officially opens

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Today Transport Minister Dean Nalder officially declared the new Greenough River Bridge on the Brand Highway open.

The bridge is stage one of the State Government's Brand Highway development.

The new bridge was completed by contractor Georgiou Group Pty Ltd and it included 1.23kms of roadwork on both bridge approaches to realign the highway and another one kilometer of roadworks to realign the intersections with Reynolds Road and Hamersley Road.

"This new concrete bridge is much wider, longer and higher than the original structure built in 1953," Mr Nalder said.

"Opened to traffic in August, it improves safety for the almost 3000 vehicles that use this route everyday and will significantly reduce costs for the transport industry, which has previously cut off supplies to Geraldton and other nearby towns."

Mr Nalder said it was all about safety and mentioned that in 7 years there had been 20 crashes and 5 fatalities on this section of the Brand Highway.

Stage 2 of the project will include the realignment of the S-Bend.

Check out activities for the Sunshine Festival

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The 2014 Geraldton Sunshine Festival is nearly upon us! Running from Saturday, October 4th to Sunday October 12th, there's something for the whole family! Check out the events below and for more information visit www.sunshinefestival.com.au.

Saturday, October 4th

Noon-6pm - Kids Fun and Activities
This year’s festival, 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. There will array of exciting stalls, displays, live music, performances and loads of fun for the whole family, including your chance to meet The 501st Legion – Star Wars Storm troopers and crew! 

2-2:30pm - Toll Truck Pull Competition
Enter your group, club or team in the Toll Truck Pull competition for a chance to win $1000!

This is a fabulous team building event to take part in or just watch and cheer on. Teams will compete against each other to pull the Toll Mining Services prime movers 100m in the quickest time. Come down and cheer on the teams while you wait for the MMG Float Parade to start. Thanks to the MWCCI Future Leaders for coordinating this event. While this taking place grab a nice cold refreshment, hamburger or sausage sizzle in-between all the action. The event will take place on Cathedral Avenue in front of the QPT. Entry forms available at www.sunshinefestival.com.au

3:45pm onwards - Twin River Guard Medieval re-enactment Display & Show
Step back in time and relive history with the Twin River Guard medieval re-enactment group. The display includes arms and armour, and various arts and science examples of the period as well as interactive activities. Come along, interact with medieval re-enactors, witness Viking battles and harsh medieval justice meted out, and yell for your favourite combatant or jeer at their opponents.

-Combat display Saturday October 4 - 3.45pm onwards
-Static display from Saturday morning through to Midday Sunday
-Maitland Park, Cnr Maitland St and Cathedral Ave
-More details contact Twin River Guard direct - 0417 952 916

2:30pm - 3:30pm - MMG Float Parade
The 56th Sunshine Festival Float Parade is a highlight of the festival as entrants’ parade through Geraldton’s main street in a whirlwind of sound, colour, fun and laughter.

The parade will take the same route as last year – and commences from the foreshore near the Mid West Ports (formally Geraldton Port Authority) building, travelling along Marine Terrace, Lester Avenue, Cathedral Avenue, Carson Terrace and into Maitland Park.

Winners of the MMG Float Parade and Toll Truck Pull will be announced at Maitland Park at the conclusion of the parade and judging.

Sunday, October 5

9am-4pm - Water Corporation 21st Dragon Boat Classic
This is the 21st event to hit our shores; it’s an exciting family fun day at the beach. The community really gets behind this event and the colourful team spirits make it a wonderful and entertaining spectacle. For more details or to register your team contact the Geraldton Yacht Club on 99641664 or download the entry form @ www.sunshinefestival.com.au

9:30am-3:30pm - Patchwork and Craft Fair
Exhibition of Locally made Quilts, quilt challenge display, many new and various trading stalls. Major raffles, light refreshments available, free admission. Held at the Netball Stadium on Eighth Street. 

10am-11am - Brass on the Grass
What a fantastic way to start a Sunday!  Be entertained by the Geraldton City Band. Experience the BIG Brass band whilst soaking up the morning sun on our beautiful foreshore.

10am-2pm  - City of Greater Geraldton Community Safety Day
This is a free, fun interactive event for children, families and community providing a range of safety information to encourage a safer community. Kids’ activities on offer are paper plane & flying competition, trivia quiz and a colouring in competition. There are plenty of prizes to be won. A bouncy castle and the PCYC food stall will be present and a rock climbing wall supplied and organised by PCYC!

10am-3pm - Inline Hockey Demonstrations
 Join the Geraldton Inline Hockey Association as they provide exciting demonstrations of the game in action! Stop in at the information marquee, grab a sticker or find out how to become a member. It will be held on the Geraldton Foreshore Basketball area. 

11am-1pm - Chapman Animal Pet Parade - Theme "The Circus Ring"
Roll Up… Roll Up… with your best friend! Think fancy dress, clowns, acrobats, dancers and magicians. Perhaps your pet has the fluffiest tail or longest ears and was born to entertain? Come and join in the fun and see if your pet has what it takes There is a category to fit every pet.  Please remember to have your pet on a lead, in a cage or restrained in some way. Don't forget a hat and sunscreen! $4 per entry. Location: Maitland Park.

2pm - 3:30pm Cleanskin Cowgirls with Australian writer Rachel Treasure
Geraldton Regional Library invites you to join one of Australia’s top ten bestselling authors, Rachael Treasure, as she talks about her latest book, Cleanskin Cowgirls. (Books will be in sale on the day – cash only $32.99). It will be held at the Geraldton Regional Library and afternoon tea will be served. RSVPs are essential. RSVP by Friday, October 3rd to library@cgg.wa.gov.au  or  9956 6659.

Monday, October 6th

10am-11:30am Draw like da Vinci Workshops
In this hands-on workshop artist Marina Baker helps you to discover the dynamic power of da Vinci’s innovative drawing techniques, composition and his ability to register human emotions and gestures.

  • WA Museum - Geraldton, 1 Museum Place Batavia Coast Marina
  • Age: 8+
  • Entry $5 per person
  • Bookings essential on 9921 5080

 

Tuesday, October 7

8:30am-11am - Colour Decor Pavement Art - Theme "Bigs and Magical Critters"
It’s a Sunshine Festival favourite for our budding young artists. The possibilities are endless…Come on down and enter for your chance to win a prize or to view an array of designs and talent as showcased at this very popular annual family friendly event. 

  • Registrations from 8.30am. Artwork commences from 9.00am – 11.00am
  • Entry per person: $2.00
  • Various age categories  
  • Stow Gardens, Town Beach near the Yellow Submarine

10am-11:30am Draw like da Vinci Workshops
In this hands-on workshop artist Marina Baker helps you to discover the dynamic power of da Vinci’s innovative drawing techniques, composition and his ability to register human emotions and gestures.

  • WA Museum - Geraldton, 1 Museum Place Batavia Coast Marina
  • Age: 8+
  • Entry $5 per person
  • Bookings essential on 9921 5080

12pm-4pm - Festival Goes Country - Create your own clay brick sculptures
Head out to the Bootenal Family Tavern for family fun with music, sausage sizzle and lots of unfired clay bricks to make sculptures in the gardens.  This favourite annual event is relaxing for the whole family.  Bring extra hand tools, a hat and a great attitude. This event is proudly supported by Geraldton Brick and the Bootenal Family Tavern.

Free entry, held at the Bootenal Family Tavern, Edwards Rd. 

2pm-3pm - Lego Workshop
Held at the Geraldton Regional Library. Bookings are essential, call 99556 6659. For ages 8+.

Wednesday, October 8

8:30am-11am - CWA Sandcastle Competition
Thanks to the CWA Bluff Point ladies, this annual event is a firm family favourite. To help create your master piece you are encouraged to bring your spade and bucket, your beach friendly decorations and your creativity. Don’t forget to be sun safe. Entry is free and will be held on the Geraldton Foreshore in front of the Yellow Submarine.

9am-12pm -  Super Impossible Promises – Kids Club 
The theme is “Super Mario”. The Geraldton Anglican Cathedral aims at having lots of fun. There will be singing, drama, games and craft. Register at www.crosskids.net or call Sam on 9921 3052 or 0412 147 223. Ages kinder - year 6. Cost is $2 per day which includes craft and morning tea. Held at the Geraldton Anglican Cathedral, 101 Cathedral Avenue. 

10am-3pm -  Geraldton Bullbars SciTech Science Roadshow 
Learning for life & the wonder of science with 15 amazing interactive shows and displays will be fun for all ages.  It will take hours to see and experience the wonders of science with the SciTech Team. It will be held in the QEII Centre Upper Hall and entry is a gold coin donation.

Thursday, October 9

9am-12pm -  Super Impossible Promises – Kids Club 
The theme is “Super Mario”. The Geraldton Anglican Cathedral aims at having lots of fun. There will be singing, drama, games and craft. Register at www.crosskids.net or call Sam on 9921 3052 or 0412 147 223. Ages kinder - year 6. Cost is $2 per day which includes craft and morning tea. Held at the Geraldton Anglican Cathedral, 101 Cathedral Avenue. 

10am-3pm -  Geraldton Bullbars SciTech Science Roadshow 
Learning for life & the wonder of science with 15 amazing interactive shows and displays will be fun for all ages.  It will take hours to see and experience the wonders of science with the SciTech Team. It will be held in the QEII Centre Upper Hall and entry is a gold coin donation.

10:30am-11am - Rhymetime
For ages 0-3 at the Geraldton Regional Library.

6:30pm-7:30pm - Twilight Storytime
For all ages at the Geraldton Regional Library.

9am start -  Let’s Party Little Miss and Masters Sunshine Pageant 
Enjoy the Junior Festival Quest – a pageant for the young and young at heart – watch as cute contestants show their personalities and shine. Must be pre-registered. Entry forms must be in by October 3 to Lets Party. For ages 0-7. Evennt held at the QEII Seniors and Community Centre. 

5:15pm-6:15pm -  Act Belong Commit Have-A-Go ‘Community Drumming’ 
Join in and be part of the Sunshine Festival community enjoying themselves. Chairs, drums and percussion will be supplied. This event highlights Mental Health Week. Geraldton Foreshore next to the Lifesaving Tower. No registration require. 

Friday, October 10

9:30am-10:30am - Storytime
For ages 0-3 at the Geraldton Regional Library.

10am-12pm - PCYC Teddy Bear Picnic
Bring your favourite fluffy friend to the PCYC Teddy Bear Picnic. Lots of interactive games, face painting and the fabulous teddy parade. Sausage sizzle, fruit and drinks for sale. For ages 0-5, held at Maitland Park. 

11am-11:30am - Rhymetime
For ages 0-3 at the Geraldton Regional Library.

9am-12pm -  Super Impossible Promises – Kids Club 
The theme is “Super Mario”. The Geraldton Anglican Cathedral aims at having lots of fun. There will be singing, drama, games and craft. Register at www.crosskids.net or call Sam on 9921 3052 or 0412 147 223. Ages kinder - year 6. Cost is $2 per day which includes craft and morning tea. Held at the Geraldton Anglican Cathedral, 101 Cathedral Avenue. 

Sunday, October 12 Festival Finale

11am-1pm -  Geraldton Sand Sculpture Workshops 
Join free workshops to learn the art of sand sculpting and be eligible to enter the Geraldton Sand Sculpture Competition on Australia Day 2015. Event is free and the minimum age to enter is 14. It will be held at the Geraldton Foreshore near the Water Park. Register with Steve Davidson via e-mail steved@cgg.wa.gov.au or visit www.cgg.wa.gov.au.

4pm-8pm - D-Trans Festival Finale
Come and join us at Maitland Park to celebrate the 56th Sunshine Festival finale with a hub of activities, free entertainment, displays, dances, performances, stalls and more… Held at Maitland Park.

7:30pm start - 2014 Iluka Skyshow 
For twelve years Iluka have sponsoring the Sunshine Festival fireworks.  Grab your picnic rug and join the crowds at Maitland Park as the Sunshine Festival puts on another magnificent skyshow over our beautiful city. Held at Maitland Park.

Help Midwest Charity Begins at Home spread the message

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Midwest Charity Begins at Home Inc has been announced as a finalist in the statewide Orange Seed Project.  

The project could see see them win a prize including:

  • $50,000 marketing service package from Jack in the Box
  • $50,000 advertising sponsorship package from The West Australia, plus a $5,000 cash donation
  • $10,000 community service announcement package from Channel 7

And you can help the local charity get over the line!

Midwest Charity Begins at Home said in a statement that if they win, it will allow them to spread their message throughout the state and increase the profile of Midwest Charity Begins at Home.

"In our video we have tried to capture our sponsors, our recipients and our charity," the statement said.

"It is quite daunting to be up against so many major statewide charities, but we live in an incredible community who have been supporting us for many, many years and we need you more than ever to help us bring The Orange Seed Project to the Midwest Community."

To cast your vote, all you have to do is head to this link http://www.theorangeseedproject.com.au/view/video and VOTE for the Midwest Charity Begins at Home video.

End of an era for Hazard

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It might be the end of an era for Hazard but you don’t need to worry, the local shop isn’t going anywhere.

Current owners Nikki Stokes and Catherine Boys have owned the local clothing and shoe store for close to 16 years and they will be handing the shop over to a new owner today.

The pair purchased a small boutique in the Stirling Centre in February of 1999, which was then called ‘Urge’.

Now nearly 16 years on, 8 children between them, a store name change, a shop move, Nikki and Catherine say they are both ready for a change of pace.

Urge changed names to Hazard in June 1999 and in 2003 the shop moved across the arcade and as a result, Hazard had both a shoe store and a clothes store. 

If that wasn’t enough, Nikki and Catherine opened another store, Fiori, in the Northgate Shopping Centre in 2005.

And in 2012, Hazard move to the new big super store in the Stirling Centre.

They will keep ownership of Fiori but will have their last day at Hazard today.

The shop will be in the capable hands of current employee Renee Facchini.

The 19-year-old has worked for Hazard for over 2 years and is excited to take on the new role.

“I’m very excited but I’ve got very big shoes to fill,” Renee said.

 “Hazard is very well known here in Geraldton and I really want to continue its great reputation.” 

Renee will work along side long-term employees, 2 who have both worked there for over a decade.

Nikki and Catherine reflected on their time owning the store and thanked their supportive families.

Using your phone while driving just got very expensive

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Pic ors.wa.gov.au

Using a mobile phone while driving, including talking, texting, Facebooking and emailing has been proven time and again to increase the risk of accident. And losing control of a 1.5 tonne projectile can do a lot of damage. 

So as of the 26 Sept 2014, fines for touching your phone while operating a vehicle have gone up to $400 in an attempt to break the habit of reaching for your phone when you hear that beep. You'll also get three demerit points added to your licence. (Get 12 and you don't have a licence.)

The fine increase is one of many fine increases coming into effect at that time, including tougher penalties for speeding, drink driving, failing to give way and many more. 

Click here to learn more. 

Entrepreneurs learn and launch at Startup Weekend

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Geraldton Startup Weekend was held on the 19th and 20th of September, providing a structured fun and fast way for local people to launch new ventures or projects.

A mix of participants from business, government and community formed teams and used new tools to form, test and then present their ideas for new ventures. 

The benefits go beyond the prizes for the winning team, as this sort of event grows capacity in the Midwest region to grow new ventures for a diversified economy and stronger community.

Simultaneously on the same weekend, there were similar events held in Morocco, Brazil, United States, Peru and across Europe.

Startup Weekend is a global movement that inspires people to act on their entrepreneurial ideas by enabling them to meet collaborators, learn how to validate and build an idea and make compelling presentations to potential partners, funders or customers.

Since 2007 more than 700 cities have hosted Startup Weekends, all following the same ethos of “all action, no talk”.

Rather than being competitive and results-focused, Startup Weekend is actually focused on collaboration and learning about the process. The Geraldton Startup Weekend event attracted pastoralists, comedians, project managers, digital trainers, facilitators, photographers, and gardening gurus who each had an idea, or a desire to learn. 

After the Friday night pitches where people present themselves and ideas, a limited number of teams were formed around the most popular ideas. Mentors, presenters, educational videos and toolkits are then provided to all the teams to guide their work over the weekend.

 By the time the final presentations came round a day later, teams had:

  • Exploded vague ideas into ten thousand variations, then narrowed back down to a single focused business proposition.
  • Formed sub-teams to work on different aspects of the venture.
  • Tested propositions with potential customers through calls, surveys, and text messages.
  • Researched competitors, market size and then made decisions about features of the product and its pricing.
  • Prepared and presented a 3-minute summary to judges.

 The winning team “Express: Impress: Progress” did exactly that, turning a general idea that could have been relevant to community groups or businesses, into a very specific proposition for scalable group training in communication skills.

This idea proved very popular with the target market, even when surveyed on a Saturday, with 97% of those surveyed about the service interested in using it in the next 6 months. 

Based on a polished final presentation, the winning team shared in more than $1500 of prizes including a place in the Catalyst program, thanks to MMG Golden Grove, a co-working space, thanks to CityHive and pro-bono business support thanks to Lifetime Services.

The next steps after Startup Weekend for the teams and individuals are to use those new resources to progress their ideas. Several have committed to taking their ventures further through the Catalyst program where there are longer time frames to develop their ideas!

Pollinators have committed to run Startup Weekend again in 2015, with some of the participants from this year likely to facilitate the event. There have also been expressions of interest in running similar events within specific sectors (e.g. Tourism, Youth and Environmental issues), and inquiries can be directed to the team at Pollinators Inc.

Geraldton Startup Weekend in Geraldton 2014 would not have been possible without the support of many organisations and individuals, including:

  •  Local sponsors MMG, Lifetime Services and 3M,
  • Global sponsors including Google, .co and Amazon web services,
  • Mentors, coaches, speakers and judges including Alan Bradley, Jason Smith, Melissa Hadley Barrett, Brendon Davies, Jen Hanrahan, Euan Beamont, and Wendy Burr
  • Organisers and facilitators including Yvette Hollings, Jo Blayney and Andrew Outhwaite, and the Goodness team who helped with the initial planning.

Online survey for WA's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people

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Western Australia’s Commissioner for Children and Young People, Jenni Perkins, has today released an online survey for WA’s under 18 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. 

The online survey is part of Ms Perkins’ consultation with the State’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, and she is seeking your support to ensure many have the opportunity to have a say.

“This consultation project aims to give WA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people a voice on what is important to them, their hopes for the future and what they need to help them do well,” Ms Perkins said.

The survey is open to all WA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people under 18 and will be available at www.ccyp.wa.gov.au until 21 November 2014.

“In addition to the survey, I have appointed 16 community organisations from Kununurra to Albany to run consultations with local groups of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people,” Ms Perkins added.

“I received a strong field of expressions of interest to run these consultations and I appreciate the support of the community and non-government sector in this project.”

The survey and other consultations will be used to develop a report that outlines the views and ideas of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, and gives recognition to the positive contributions they make to family and community life.

“I encourage you to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people’s participation in the survey and share details of this important project with your networks.”

Click here to take the survey. 

Geraldton and Mullewa pools get funding

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City of Greater Geraldton pools in Geraldton and Mullewa will be sparkling that little bit more this summer after $30,000 of grants funded by Royalties for Regions.

The grants come as part of the Community Pool Revitalisation Program, which through Royalties for Regions will contribute $13.2 million over four years towards supporting local pools and aquatic facilities in regional WA. 

Money will go towards aquatic centre maintenance, upgrades, purchase of pool equipment and staff training at the Geraldton Aquarena and the Mullewa Swimming Pool. 

Member for Moore Shane Love MLA and Member for the Agricultural Region Paul Brown MLC congratulated the City on receiving the grants, saying they hoped to see the funding boost in action over the summer months. 

“Anyone who lives in a regional area knows how important local pools are to their community, and we don’t mean just for taking a cooling dip,” they said.

“These facilities also play a valuable role in connecting the community socially, providing numerous health benefits, recreation opportunities and increasing education outcomes.

“This funding will keep our local pools as inviting and accessible as possible to people of all ages, encouraging them to lead an active, healthy and refreshing lifestyle.”

The Community Pool Revitalisation Program was a Nationals WA election commitment in 2013, providing regional local governments up to $30,000 per aquatic facility under their management each year.

In the inaugural funding round, a total of $2,708,128 was granted to 91 pools around WA. Of 127 public aquatic centres in the state, almost 100 are located in the regions.

It is estimated they receive more than 10 million visits each year and in 2012-13 employed more than 3000 people in a full or part-time capacity, including life guards, pool operators and swimming instructors/coaches.

For further information about the Community Pool Revitalisation Program visit www.dsr.wa.gov.au/cprp 

MMG sponsorship program open

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MMG strives to be a responsible business underpinned by strong values and a belief that, "We Mine For Progress" - our progress and our stakeholders' progress.

Benefits of our operations are shared by investment in the sustainable future of the communities in which we operate. The MMG Sponsorship Program is designed to provide assistance to local community groups and organisations in social, educational, economic, cultural development and health and wellbeing. 

If you would like to apply for assistance to benefit a local initiative that delivers a sustainable whole community benefit, please visit www.mmg.com and submit an application form.

For more information, please contact Danae Sheldrick, Community Relations Advisor, GGCommunity@mmg.com 

MMG, We Mine for Progress. Applications Close 15 October 2014.