Christmas in the City

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Marine Terrace will be buzzing tomorrow for Christmas on the Terrace.

The festive season is upon us and what better way to kick off celebrations by checking out the number of Christmas events hosted by the City of Greater Geraldton.

Festivities will kick off tomorrow, Thursday, December 4, with the ever-popular Christmas on the Terrace.

Marine Terrace will be a hive of activity tomorrow from 5:30pm with a host of fun activities for the whole family.

The main street will be a sea of colour and entertainment with unique market stalls, food and great Christmas bargains from our local retailers and artists.

Deputy Mayor, Neil McIlwaine, said the number of community events this holiday season was a great way to showcase our City.

“The festive season is such a great time to get out and about and see what our local community has to offer,” he said.

“It’s such a fun and social time of year and we encourage everyone to have a look at some of the activities on offer for the whole family.”

Other events this holiday season include the Mullewa Community Street Festival held on Friday, December 5.

The festival will be an evening of family entertainment for the whole community to enjoy with lots of stalls including art and craft and indigenous painting. There will be free entertainment including face painting and a jumping castle as well performances from Ricochet Circus and Edward De Bozo.

You’ll have every reason to laugh with The Comedy Emporium’s Christmas Comedy Feast on Saturday, December 13.

And Sunday, December 14 will see a Family Fun Day at the Aquarena from 12pm followed by Carols by Candlelight at Maitland Park from6pm.

For more information on these and other great events happening this holiday period, visit the City of Greater Geraldton website atwww.cgg.wa.gov.au

Free activities as part of International Day of People with Disability

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TODAY!!! Wednesday 3 Dec

Free activities as part of International Day of People with Disability

Sport Activities at the Foreshore - 5pm - 7pm | FREE
Enjoy an evening of “SPIN OUT” wheelchair basketball, beach volleyball, bouncy castle and face painting!

Sausage Sizzle - 6pm - 7.30pm | FREE

Feature movie: The Ride - 7.30pm till late | FREE | M Rated - coarse language

Head to the Sun City Cinema with your rug and chair to watch a true story of four men ditch their wheelchairs for a quad bike adventure. Q&A with 

Craig Parsons who featured in the movie, popcorn provided. More info from Regional Home Care Services on 9920 7600.

Witnesses wanted after hammer thrown at car

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Sent in to Everything Geraldton:

"Looking for witnesses to a incident this morning; hammer thrown at car at intersection of Eastward Rd and North West Coastal Hwy Lights at 6.50 this morning."

Please contact Geraldton Police if you saw or know anything.  

9923 4555

Keeping Durack kids safe in the water

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Families living in Durack will benefit from a new initiative aimed at increasing water safety for young children.

The Member for Durack, Melissa Price, said the initiative was aimed at children under five and teaching them about water safety.

Ms Price said the new programme consists of songs, videos and books which communicate the water safety message in a fun and engaging format for youngsters.

“Child care centres, kindergartens, play groups and water safety groups in the Kimberly, Pilbara, Gascoyne, Mid-west and Wheatbelt are receiving the educational packs,” Ms Price said.

“More than 80,000 are being distributed nationally and they are available online at www.kidsalive.com.au.

“The programme has been developed by water safety campaigner and former Olympic swimming coach Laurie Lawrence and builds on his highly successful Living with Water DVD.

“It teaches our children how to be safe at the beach, around pools, rivers and dams which is crucial to keep our kids safe this summer,” Ms Price said.

“As families and communities we need to work together to reduce the tragedy of drowning. We need to make sure that we are water safe.

The 2014 National Drowning Report showed that 20 children aged under five had drowned between July 2013 and June 2014; the new programme is one component of the Australian Government’s comprehensive approach to water safety. The Government recently announced a $4 million investment to assist the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia’s work to prevent drowning in inland waterways. Other programmes are delivered by AUSTSWIM and Surf Life Saving under a $15 million commitment from the Government to reduce drownings nationwide. Australia Post is supporting the new children’s programme meaning more children and families will benefit from receiving the educational material.

Regarding the Cemetery vandalism: An ongoing concern

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The following has been supplied by the Geraldton Cemetery Board in response to a recent incident reported by some Everything Geraldton readers. (Click here to read original post.)

With reference to the post about trashed graves at Geraldton Cemetery, (Everything Geraldton, Nov 25) the desecration of graves and wanton vandalism is an ongoing issue for the Geraldton Cemetery Board and staff.

Geraldton Cemetery Board Chairman, Max Correy, said the vandalism is not confined to gravesites.

“Apart from the damage and destruction to people’s loved ones’ graves and monuments, the perpetrators also damage and pull out recently planted trees, shrubs and gardens and rip out reticulation systems,” he said.

“Our ground staff – of which there are only two to care for the grounds, operate the cremator and prepare graves – are tired and despairing of arriving at work to discover the vandalism and find reticulation ripped out.

“All of this destruction creates an extra workload for them to replant and re-establish reticulation directing financial resources and their time away from important projects,” said Mr Correy.

The use of the cemetery grounds as a thoroughfare between Eastward Road, Alexander Street and Abraham Street is causing the Cemetery Board great concern and anguish. The Board empathises with the families whose grave sites are being vandalised.

“In spite of the police and Yamatji Patrol’s efforts to eliminate the damage, the vandalism continues unabated,” Mr Correy said.

“The only real solution is to erect a security fence but as the cemetery is a self-funded public utility, not a City of Greater Geraldton asset as is commonly believed, the ability to fund such a solution is beyond the Board’s capacity.

“The Board would be interested in any alternative solutions, perhaps we could hold a public appeal to help fund a security fence, as the cemetery’s only form of income is through cremations and burials, and other funding that the Board is able to secure from time to time,” he said.

 

Rangeway Primary wins Premier's award

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Congratulations to Rangeway Primary School on winning the WA Premier's Excellence in Aboriginal Education award. 

Rangeway Primary is the first ever winner of the award. The ceremony was held at Crown Perth this morning. 

Thanks Jo and Jaqui for the images. 

Road Ribbon safety message for WA roads

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Police District Traffic Coordinator, Sergeant Peter Janczyk, with City of Greater Geraldton Deputy Mayor, Neil McIlwaine.

With the holiday season approaching, the City of Greater Geraldton is joining forces with the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA)’s RoadWise Program to take part in the Road Ribbon for Road Safety campaign.

From November 16th 2014, to January 5th 2015, the campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of road safety over the Christmas/New Year holiday period, in Western Australia (WA).

To spread the word, the City is urging people to help raise awareness of road safety in WA to help eliminate accidents on the road during the festive season.

City of Greater Geraldton Deputy Mayor, Neil McIlwaine, said the Road Ribbon Road Safety message is an extremely important one that everyone should take on board.

“It goes without saying that accidents on the road, especially over the holiday period, can hit the community hard and we want to eliminate this happening,” he said.

“We don’t want to see any deaths on Mid West roads this holiday season.”

Local police are also reminding people of several important factors to take into account when they hit the roads this holiday period.

These things include a reminder to use seat belts, installing proper car restraints for children and infants, don’t speed, don’t drive while tired, don’t use mobile phones, don’t drink and drive, don’t drug drive and keep your vehicle maintenance up to date.

Police District Traffic Coordinator, Sergeant Peter Janczyk, said the Christmas and New Year period was one of the busiest times on the road and people need to be extremely cautious.

“As everyone prepares for the upcoming festivities of 2014 and 2015 we want you to always remember to slow down, avoid driving tired and don’t drink and drive,” he said.

“One death on the road is one too many and as a community we can put things in place to ensure that we keep road accidents to a minimum.”

The community is encouraged to take part in spreading the message by wearing a road ribbon which you can get for free from locations including the Geraldton Visitor’s Centre, the Civic Centre and Bright Stars Family Day Care in Tarcoola.

For more information about the RoadWise Program, visit http://www.roadwise.asn.au/road-ribbon-for-road-safety.aspx.

MP kick-starts cardiac campaign for St John Ambulance Kalbarri Sub Centre

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L-R Helen Evans - First Aid Trainer, Gudrun Pratt - Vice Chairperson, Tom Newman - Vice Chairperson, Melissa Price - Member for Durack, David Plenty - Chairperson

St John Ambulance in Kalbarri is promoting the need for more defibrillators in the community and it aims to put 20 into the popular holiday destination.

Federal Durack MP Melissa Price has kick-started the campaign to make sure that Kalbarri is well-equipped to respond to incidences of cardiac arrest by donating a defibrillator for installation at the Kalbarri Visitor Centre.

Automatic External Defibrillators (AED)can be used on those struck down with cardiac arrest and they are proven in dramatically improving a person’s chances of recovery.

St John Ambulance Kalbarri Sub CentreChairman David Plentysaid the defibrillator donated by Ms Price will be maintained bythe Kalbarri Sub Centre.

“Ms Price can see the importance of these machines and now we want to keep the momentum going and aim to get another 18 into Kalbarri,” said Mr Plenty. The Kalbarri defibrillators will be linked into the St John Ambulance WA Community First Responder. This program creates a direct link between St John Ambulance WA, the triple zero (000) call centre, local communities and organisations. This direct link enables individuals to provide immediate assistance to cardiac arrest victims in that time critical period before an ambulance arrives – when it matters most.

“We have also installed a defibrillator in the St John AmbulanceKalbarri Sub Centre but we are seeking around 20, because if a person has a cardiac arrest then they need CPR as well as a defibrillator within three to five minutes of collapse.”

Kalbarri, 160 kilometres north of Geraldton in the Mid West, is a popular coastal holiday destination as well as a centre for tourists, windsurfers, fishers and adventurers.

Ms Price said it is an important community safety initiative and encouraged local businesses to support the defibrillator drive.

Melissa Price - Member for Durack with donated defibrillator - Kalbarri

“You may be able to support the survival of a loved one, a work colleague, a customer or a tourist in Kalbarri if you donate to the defibrillator drive,” Ms Price said.

“Given the festive season, a time for giving, please think about your community contribution, and perhaps a number of businesses can group together for the St John Ambulance Kalbarri Sub Centre to purchase the machine on your behalf, that can save a life.”

The defibrillator will be purchased by the St John Ambulance Kalbarri Sub Centreand can be installed at your place of work or at an identified community site.

The St John Ambulance Kalbarri Sub Centre will maintain the defibrillator.

TOO MUCH, TOO LITTLE, OR DON’T OVERTHINK IT?

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A few weeks ago my son Jimmy had a mate over for the day.  The boy had been to our home before and he knew the drill - no tablets, computers, ipods, wiis, xboxes or anything else along those lines.  And so he walked in the door and headed straight for the old organ.  Jimmy picked up the ukulele.  The two of them spent hours churning out their own brand of 2014 pop/rock.  Sweet and hilarious entertainment.  They also squeezed a car wash into the day, and while I walked the dog on the beach they built life-sized racing car in the sand.

In the past this little boy has gone so far as to say that a play date with Jimmy was the highlight of his holidays.

The thing is, we do have a tablet.  And an old laptop.  A very old dvd player.  My daughter Jessie has an ipod nano with music only on it.   I have a smart phone but that is, very specifically, mine.

Sometimes I worry.  Am I denying my Gen Z offspring, the first generation never to have experienced the world pre-internet, a basic right of passage?  What kind of psychological disaster am I going to cause by not purchasing minecraft?

Is my steadfast refusal to purchase such things more about my sanity?  How can I not take positive peer reviews for the kids into account?  Yet… my social media stream regularly features parents having child-related minecraft battles.  Parents of younger kids unsure about what is/isn’t an acceptable amount of screen time each day.  Steve Jobs seemed to have some firm ideas on the whole issue.

My approach - and just to be very clear, I’d never judge anyone else for their decisions because I don’t walk in their shoes – I don’t go there.  I don’t buy it so the kids can’t consume it.

During the winter sport season I was chatting with a friend and another mum, running through the crazy week ahead for Jessie.  Extra-curricular activities like the school play, interschool sports and an extension learning program.  From my point of view it was merely a remark on the fact that everything seemed to have culminated into the one week, but the other mum made a rapid-fire comment.  “Sounds like an overachieving child”.

WTF??? This is my child you’re talking about and it wasn’t my intent to brag!  But of course I went home and pondered her comment.  Do I push my kids too hard?  I think about the lack of electronic devices in the house and my conclusion is no, they’re not pushed too hard.  They’re not pushed at all.  I suspect they have more time on their hands than many kids because they’re not in front of a screen.

I reflected on the year my kids have had.  The new things they’ve learnt or experienced at home.  How to kick and mark a footy.  Monopoly and Yahtzee.  Poker, blackjack, and a raft of other card games.  How to build a card tower.  Every loom band design you can imagine (yes ok, hello internet).  Large and small art projects.  How to make soap, cook a meal.  Grow strawberries and herbs.  They’ve washes cars for many of the neighbours.  Built amazing sandcastles.  Danced, sung, played their instruments – and no, they don’t get lessons.  Bounced on the trampoline, mastered the hula hoop.  Spent hours riding bikes, scooters and skateboards.  Climbed trees and built cubby houses.  Fallen out of trees.  Seen snakes, bandicoots, turtles, so many different birds.  Learnt how to identify several plant species.  Made cards and presents for every family member and friend in existence.

Is that overachieving, or is that because they’re finding things to do?  Don’t’ get me wrong – these things happen in mini-crazes.  One week it’s card towers.  Then next Monopoly.  And so it goes.  I’m not really sure if this is overachieving, or rather being pushed by some kind of default.  And because they have this zest at home for finding new things to do, it seems to spill into their school life.

When Jessie was a small babe and I a much more naïve parent, I remember saying to someone of my mother’s generation “how can I be sure that my words and actions today aren’t going to be my f***-ups of tomorrow?”

My own conclusion has always been that I can’t be sure.  I can only do what I believe to be best, and best right now is to keep doing what we’re doing.  Besides, I can’t help but think that if Jimmy’s little mate is a critic to be listened to, then life in our house is ok.

More homes reportedly targeted in Tarcoola Beach last night

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We have received reports of more attempted break ins in Tarcoola Beach last night. 

Goldie Walster‎ posted "We had someone try to break into the neighbours house last night in tarcoola beach! Luckily he was seen and jumped off the balcony and did a runner! Keep your windows and doors locked in the area!"

This occurred in Nigel Crescent.

Post by Goldie Walster.

Karlee posted in the Geraldton Neighbourhood Watch group: Last night the neighbours house across the street got broken into, in Tarcoola Beach. There were about 4 of them, all adults. We have Cameras up and managed to see them, but not clear enough to see faces or anything, snooping in their cars trying to find something. They didn't manage to steal anything as they got caught snooping around and bolted down the road. But it's still scary. Why is it getting so out of control, I'm now finding it hard to feel safe anywhere..

Click here to view video. 

This follows reports of two more stolen vehicles from Mt Tarcoola on Monday night, where one of the vehicles was rolled and the other torched. 

One Strathalbyn resident, Collette Jacobs has expressed her frustration with what she believes is the failure of the courts to dish out punishments that would deter bad behaviour, calling for her area to become gated.

"As a resident of Strathalbyn, I am angry and saddened by the recent information regarding the reality of all the Burglaries in Strath and Gero in general. The Police have the 'Burg Squad' up from Perth, with full-on NCIS-like capabilities, dogs etc and yet our own Shire of "Greater" Geraldton are refusing to aid them! When handed a person with proven, hard evidence of several (30-40) Burgs the Magistrate hands down the only sentence they can- 10 hours of community service. COMMUNITY F*&#ING SERVICE !?! So unless we get a Politician with half a brain (good luck with that one....) we are screwed and for those who think moving will help- don't waste your time, as it is everywhere! Everywhere, that is where the parents ignore, pander to bad behaviour and in some cases encourage their kids to steal! I am serious folks, lets get "GATED"!"

Post by Collette Jacobs.

If you see anything you'd like to share with the Geraldton community, you can post it straight into the Everything Geraldton smartphone app. Over 11,000 people have downloaded the app, and it's used by thousands of locals every day, It's a great way to stay in touch with what's happening near you.

It’s available on iPhone and Android. 

iPhone: http://evth.in/GeraldtoniPhoneApp

Android: http://evth.in/GeraldtonAndroidApp 

Graves trashed

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A concerned community member sent these images in to Everything Geraldton. 

They said:

"My brother discovered these smashed grave while he walked through the cemetery, amongst them were our father's grave, aunty's and our grandmother who is buried with our other aunty... not only our family's graves were smashed also a whole lot more... it is a shame that any person can be so heartless to destroy the only sentimental place we come to gather to mourn our losses... there were beautiful tombstones smashed ... "

Another resident also contacted us recently:

"Sitting here dismayed about my day! My mum went out to the cemetery today to visit my deceased brother and to her horror found his resting place and another's trashed! Lights were destroyed, bottles smashed, a small cross on his cross broken! What kind of a person is so heartless to trash a resting place?! My family is hurt and so angry at this act! This is the 3rd time this has happened since we layed him to rest nearly 2 years ago!
"We are struggling to pay for his head stone and with this happening were wondering if spending money on a toom stone just to be vandalised is actually worth it! I want the person who did this (if they're reading this now) to know that their actions have devastated my family! And that it's disgusting to see a great man -my brother's RESTING place in such condition!
"So to the person who did this to my brothers gave, I say: "how black is your heart?! How would you like this done to someone you love? You put your loved one to rest and you expect them to get that respect and dignity that they deserve! I'm angry that you've done this and I'm hurt that it means nothing to you to trash the cemetery! Shame on you!"

Bushfire warning for Eneabba, Brand Closed

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Brand Highway closed between Eneabba and north to the Indian Ocean Drive turn off. 

The following alert has been issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).

Time of issue: 12.20pm

Date of issue: 26 November 2014 

Bushfire ADVICE for Eneabba, and the 30 kilometres north of the town, in the Shires of Carnamah and Irwin

ALERT LEVEL:

A bushfire ADVICE has been issued for people in Eneabba, and the 30 kilometres north of the town, in the Shires of Carnamah and Irwin.

The alert level for this fire has been downgraded.

There is no threat to lives or homes but there is a lot of smoke in the area.

A wind shift is pushing the fire away from the town.

Although there is no immediate danger you need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.

There is fire burning on both sides of Brand Highway, near Eneabba and for the 30 kilometres north of the town. 

BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:

The bushfire is moving in a south westerly direction.

It is out of control and unpredictable.

WHAT TO DO:

Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.

Watch for signs of a bushfire, especially smoke and flames.

Close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners but keep water running through the system if possible.

Read through your bushfire survival plan.

If you do not have a plan decide what you will do if the situation gets worse.

WHAT TO DO:

Be extremely careful when driving through the area.

Turn your headlights on and drive slowly.

Watch for emergency services personnel and follow their directions.

If you cannot see clearly, pull over, keep your headlights and hazard lights on, and wait until the smoke clears.

If you have a respiratory condition and you have been affected by smoke you should contact your local doctor or call Health Direct on 1800 022 222. 

ROAD CLOSURES:

Avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site.

A number of roads have been closed including:

Brand Highway, between Eneabba and the Indian Ocean Drive turn off.  

WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:

Firefighters are on the scene working to build containment lines. 

Aerial support has been sent to assist ground crews.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

The incident was reported this morning. 

The cause of the fire is lightning .

The Shire of Irwin is managing the fire.

KEEP UP TO DATE:

Visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa or listen to news bulletins.

The next update will be provided by 4pm today unless the situation changes.

Support grants launched for Geraldton and surrounding regional businesses

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Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney said this afternoon that State Government grants of up to $25,000 are now available to help regional businesses in Geraldton and the Mid West improve their competitiveness and engage with major projects in Western Australia.

Commerce Minister Michael Mischin said the second regional round of the Industry Facilitation and Support Program (IFSP) would enable eligible small to medium-sized businesses to apply for up to $25,000 in matched funding through the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program.

Mr Blayney said he welcomed IFS program and said the grants had been put to good use in the first round purchasing new equipment, upgrading facilities, engaging expert consultants and providing staff with specialised training.

“There are many opportunities for regional businesses and economies to benefit from major projects happening across Western Australia,” Mr Mischin said.

“Engaging local businesses and supporting them in entering new markets and supply chains strengthens local economies bringing enormous flow-on benefits to communities.

“A total of $400,000 was awarded to 31 companies in the first round, resulting in the creation of more than 20 new jobs, six apprenticeship positions and generating almost 70 contracts worth more than $21 million.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the second round of the program had been broadened, with the amount available increasing from $20,000 to $25,000 and the turnover threshold cap boosted.

Mr Redman said eligible sectors had expanded to include agribusiness and tourism and previous IFSP recipients would also be eligible to apply.

“I am pleased to see Royalties for Regions funding supporting regional businesses and economies to engage in major markets and also look beyond our borders to national and international supply chains,” he said.

“The IFSP assists businesses to increase their competitiveness and help them succeed as suppliers to major market including the resources, utilities, food, tourism and government sectors.”

 
Visit http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/industry-and-innovation/industry-facilitation-and-support-program-ifsp-regional-round-2 for more information.


 Contact:    Ian Blayney:- (office) 08 99641640 or (mob) 0428 244 020

Bushfire still out of control - Brand Highway near Seven Mile Road

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Bushfire ADVICE for Brand Highway near Seven Mile Road, 10 kilometres north of Dongara in the Shire of Irwin
 
ALERT LEVEL:

A bushfire ADVICE has been issued for people travelling near Seven Mile Road, 10 kilometres north of Dongara in the Shire of Irwin.

  • You need to be aware and keep up to date.
  • There is no threat to lives or homes but there is a lot of smoke in the area.
  • Although there is no immediate danger you need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.
  • The fire is burning in thick scrub north of Seven Mile Road.
  • It is burning slowly in a southerly direction.
  • It is out of control and unpredictable.

WHAT TO DO:

  • Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.
  • Watch for signs of a bushfire, especially smoke and flames.
  • Close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners but keep water running through the system if possible.
  • Read through your bushfire survival plan.
  • If you do not have a plan decide what you will do if the situation gets worse.

 

ROAD CLOSURES:

Seven Mile Road is closed.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area, reduce speed and drive carefully due to smoke. 
 
WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:

  • Firefighters are monitoring the fire.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

  • The cause of the fire is lightning.
  • The Shire of Irwin is managing the fire.

    KEEP UP TO DATE:
    Visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa or listen to news bulletins.
     
    Further information will be released as it becomes available.

Total Fire Ban for Geraldton and parts of the Midwest Gascoyne today

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Total Fire Ban for parts of the Midwest Gascoyne today

Tuesday 25 November 2014 - 12:00 AM

Total Fire Ban has been declared for parts of the Midwest Gascoyne today. 

This includes: 
• Greater Geraldton
• Chapman Valley
• Mingenew
• Morawa
• Northampton

Today, Tuesday 25 November 2014 any activity that could start a fire is banned. 

This means: 
• You must not light or use any fires in the open air 
• All open fires for the purpose of cooking or camping are not allowed 
• Hot work such as metal work, grinding, welding, soldering, gas cutting or similar is not allowed unless you have an exemption 
• You must not undertake any other activities that may start a fire. 

If a Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban has not been implemented by your local government you are able to harvest or move vehicles across paddocks for agricultural purposes. 

You could be fined up to $25,000 or jailed for 12 months or both if you ignore the Total Fire Ban. 

For information on activities that can or cannot be carried out during a Total Fire Ban visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au/totalfirebans/Pages/TotalFireBanWhatCantIDo.aspx

If the information you want is not available from the website, telephone the Total Fire Ban Information Line 1800 709 355. 

This information is also available by visiting www.dfes.wa.gov.au