Former soldier walking around Australia to raise awareness for PTSD

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Geraldton man Royce Hardman and his dog Trigger are walking around Australia together to raise money and awareness for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Royce says he moved to Geraldton after leaving the army.  "Perth was too much for me," he says. 

"I joined the army when I was 18, and went to Afghanistan at the age of 20. I have seen myself and my friends suffer with PTSD, and I am doing this for all ex and service ADF members."

Royce and Trigger plan to start the trek around September this year, and will be heading off from Perth travelling anti-clockwise. Royce tells us he expects the trip to take one to two years. 

Royce says the Facebook page set up for the walk will have information regarding donations in the near future, with "some large charities" being a part of the walk.  

Click here to visit and like Trigger's Big Trek on Facebook. 

Geraldton Work for the Dole Host Forum

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Geraldton Work for the Dole Host Forum

Presented by The Department of Employment & Skill Hire

We welcome all Local Not-for-profit organisations, charities, state, territory or Commonwealth Government organisations and Local Sporting and Community organisations.

FREE FORUM

  • Date: Friday 5th of June 2015 
  • Time:10:00am - 12:30pm 
  • Venue: Posh, 214 Marine Terrace, Geraldton
  • Morning tea and refreshments will be provided

Work for the Dole is being rolled out Nationally to help job seekers prepare for the work environment by participating in activities that are of local benefit.

Do you have any projects coming up that we can assist you with labour? Would you like to show case your community involvement? Come to our forum and you can learn more!!!

Please contact SKILL HIRE 9921 0999 if you are available to attend or alternatively, email cherylc@skillhire.com.au for further information.

April was our third highest month on record for burglaries

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For the Mid West Gascoyne district in April 2015, 187 burglaries of dwellings were recorded by Police. 

This is third highest number we have on record (since July 1999). What makes this number even more startling is that it occurred in April, not a December or January when home burglaries usually spike in number. 

The number is significantly higher than the most recent December and January figures of 142 and 155 respectively. 

The only time 187 has been surpassed was:

January 2014 - 192 Burglaries of dwellings
January 2002 - 198 Burglaries of dwellings

Of note

  • Rangeway recorded its single worst month ever for home burglaries, with 34. That's more than one per day. 
  • The entire suburb of Wandina which includes all of Seacrest, according to data from the WA Police, recorded only 1 burglary for the entire month of April. 
  • In April of 2014, there were 89 home burglaries in the Mid West Gascoyne district, almost 100 less than this year. 

New café on the foreshore ?

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Jessica Millward from the Geraldton Guardian has a great write up on the debate currently going on regarding adding another cafe to Geraldton's foreshore. (link)

Christian Watters, the proponent of the venture, went to the city with the idea for the small cafe. He's the energy behind the idea for the Geraldton Ocean Baths, and he and his wife own and run Jaffle Shack, Fleurs, and Cavania. Their reputation for working towards a more vibrant CBD and Marine Terrace is well proven. 

Colin Dymond is also a well regarded local businessman, who currently owns the lease for the relatively new cafe called Two Foreshore, located right next to the kid's playground. The building is owned by the City of Greater Geraldton. They used to run a rest centre of sorts that sold ice creams, but recently leased the building out. 

Mr Dymond's argument against the new cafe is basically that he wouldn't have spent the money on leasing and fitting out the building had he been aware the council was going to allow more competition on the foreshore.

Mr Watters' argues that the cafe will attract more people to the foreshore and CBD, benefiting all. 

Click here to read full article. 

Click here to read Mr Dymond's original letter and public comments.

 

‘Sport for All’ program a boon for Geraldton

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Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney is enthusiastic over the Government’s Sport for All program. 

“The good news is the Sport for All program – which includes funding for Kidsport as well as Nature Play, ClubTalk and the Community Volunteer Project has been funded to the tune of $10 million over the next two years,” Mr Blayney said. 

“Geraldton kids have greatly benefitted from the Kidsport program since its introduction by the Barnett Government.  

“The City of Greater Geraldton has received $178,132.75 in Sportskids funding for kids at 73 sporting clubs with 673 boys and 691 girls assisted in their sports participation, this is a successful project” said Mr Blayney. 

“The Sport for All program shows the government’s ongoing commitment for active pursuits is as strong as ever. I hope the community takes advantage of this program and gets involved,” Ian Blayney said.

Please don't abandon arts and culture

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I was surprised to see the backlash towards the City of Greater Geraldton over the recent loss of jobs within the city staff. For the last two years incessant cries of "reduce the rates" have in no way been countered by anyone asking for the City to continue to spend money as it's needed.

Yet when the reality of reducing expenses actually occurs, no-one wants to see job losses, or wants their precious kerb side collection to disappear. 

Perhaps this is to be expected. Only those who are negatively affected by something bother to sign petitions, create community groups, or attend council meetings. So those who are happy with moderate rate increases for the foreseeable future made no noise at all, and those who are secretly happy to see staff reductions at the city also made no noise when that happened. 

I'd like to make some noise in favour of something that I don't think is under threat yet, but I'd like it to stay that way; namely the level of funding provided towards the arts and culture in Geraldton. 

"Arts and culture" is a broad term. In many people's mind it basically means painting, or maybe it means "waste of money".

Arts and culture, to me, encompasses everything from performances and entertainment, to sculptures, literature and paintings. Sport also plays a massive role in the culture of the Geraldtonian, and needs to continue to be fostered. 

Over the last 8 years, I watched my step daughter succeed year after year in the Randolph Stow awards. For those who don't know, Randolph Stow was a successful author who hailed from Geraldton. The awards are run by the City of Greater Geraldton through the Library, and the opportunity for young people to participate is city wide. 

She is now at UWA studying to become an English Teacher. It would be inaccurate to say the only reason she chose that is because of the awards. But remembering her pleasure in receiving the awards each year makes me appreciate the contribution they played in fostering a love in her for the craft of writing. 

As the accountants and number crunchers look at what the council is spending money on and what it needs to cut back on, items like these are going to be hard to justify. But I would argue that they are somewhat priceless. 

As much as I love business and free enterprise, things like this are unlikely to ever be funded by the private sector, as a direct return on investment is essentially impossible. 

But without a thriving culture, what makes Geraldton a great place to live?

The sports, music and arts scenes in Geraldton have all birthed wonderful stories. The Mid West punches well above its weight when it comes to the number of sports starts we've exported, considering our population.

We've also produced a premier, the first female parliamentarian, and multiple award winning authors, and I'm sure there's much more to come. 

Geraldton has been fortunate to become host to a wonderful new organisation called the "Comedy Emporium" in recent years. We have the well known Sunshine Festival each year which gives many people a sense of Geraldton's identity, we have a popular local basketball team, football league and lots of people who are into their fishing and hunting. 

I understand organisations like the Chamber of Commerce demanding rate reductions. If businesses can't afford to do business, Geraldton becomes a less practical place to live. But without the rich tapestry of arts and culture, Geraldton would become a place little to offer, giving people even less reason to stay, and thus do business. 

Geraldton really is an wonderful place to live. If you scratch the surface of our friendly and laid back lifestyle, you'll see an enormous spectrum of culture and art that adds a unique flavour to life in our region. 

Let's not allow that to fall into disarray like a poorly maintained road, for the sake of a few dollars a week. 

Skydiver collides into parked vehicles

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Stock image: latch.r

A male skydiver was taken to Geraldton Regional Hospital after veering off course in a skydiving incident yesterday afternoon (18/5/15).

Geraldton Police say that a Geraldton resident reported damage to his vehicle as a result of contact by a wayward skydiver yesterday afternoon. 

Inquiries revealed that a male skydiver had veered off course during a planned jump in the Point Moore area, and collided with two nearby parked vehicles. 

He sustained non-life threatening injuries and was taken to Geraldton Regional Hospital where he received treatment. 

Want to be on the Geraldton episode of WA Weekender?

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WA Weekender to film in Geraldton

The City of Greater Geraldton has put a call out for all wannabe film stars, as Channel 7’s WA Weekender programme is coming to Geraldton.

WA Weekender is a lifestyle program that showcases the best of WA. The show will apparently air during prime time to an audience of around 72,000 people. 

Local businesses were given the opportunity to pay to be featured in the show.

Two segments will be filmed for the series. The first is "A City on the Beach" focusing on Geraldton's beachfront lifestyle. Segment two is "Amazing Tours" showcasing the various attractions and tours available in town. 

WA Weekender will be filming in various locations throughout the CBD and on the Foreshore on Wednesday May 20.

Mayor Ian Carpenter is encouraging people to take part in the action.

“We are asking people to come to town on May 20, visit your favourite café, take your kids to the foreshore and you may have the opportunity to feature in the program,” he said.

The segments will go to air on 13 June and 19 June at 5.30pm on Channel 7 and GWN 7.

Contact the Geraldton Visitors Centre on 9956 6670 for specific filming locations.

Geraldton fuel prices similar to Perth

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During the recent December/January holiday period, Geraldton residents were outraged over the large, inexplicable difference in fuel prices between Geraldton and Perth. 

Apologists for the fuel retailers in town justified the 20 - 30 cent difference by saying it costs more to get fuel to the Mid West, retailers needed to charge the extra just to survive, and if you don't like it, leave. 

MLA Ian Blayney responded to the public outrage over what felt like extortion by calling on the Minister for Commerce to investigate the situation (link).

Since Blayney's call for an investigation, and the public and media outcry, prices have mysteriously come much closer to Perth prices. 

The Perth Metro average today was 137 cents for regular unleaded. 

Prices in Geraldton today ranged from 131.5 cents to 147.9, for regular unleaded. At least 6 fuel stations were less than the Perth Metro average. 

In December, the difference between the Mid West and Perth Metro for the average price of ULP was 25.2 cents. In May so far, the difference has been 6.9 cents. 

Other than the threat of investigation, it's unclear why fuel is all of a sudden able to be sold at prices similar to Perth. 

Average ULP Price Difference between Mid West and Perth Metro

Prices via FuelWatch

Gindalbie wants to put a Nuclear Waste dump in Shire of Yalgoo→

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Emily Piesse and Rebecca Curtin for the ABC:

Iron ore miner Gindalbie Metals and a Goldfields councillor have made applications to host a low-level radioactive waste dump in separate regions of Western Australia.

Click to read full article.  

Do you know who owns these rings?

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Police say they are trying to find the owners of these rings 

The plain gold band ring has an engraved date inside ending 1950.

If you have any information please pass it on to A/SGT FEATHERSTONE or S/C HARRISON at Geraldton Police Station on 99234555.

It would be great to reunite them with the owners.

Annual verge side collection postponed

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The City’s annual verge side collection has been postponed as part of the ongoing review of the range and level of services being provided to the community.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO, Ken Diehm, said the review was prompted by results of the Community Summit in which verge side collection ranked #39 on the priority list of services and suggestions received from participants indicated the community’s concern with the cost of providing the service.

“Although 65% of Summit participants voted for the verge side collection to continue the comments and suggestions we received during the Summit expressed their concerns about the amount of people using the service in relation to the $200,000 it costs to provide verge side collection to the community,” he said.

“Council also received some suggestions on how the service could be made more cost effective and we want to investigate these ideas.

“The City is in a time of financial constraint and it’s Council’s highest priority to ensure all services provided to the community are not only cost effective but are also good value for money,” said Mr Diehm.

Residents are encouraged to take their household waste to the Meru Landfill where trailer loads up to 300 kilos and green waste can be disposed of every day from 7.30am - 4.30pm free of charge.  Household goods that are still useable can be taken to the Cogman Recycling Tip Shop.

Alternatively, green waste can be composted at home and unwanted goods sold at a garage sale or put up for sale on a variety of ‘buy and sell’ Facebook pages in Geraldton.

A full list of items that can be disposed of at Meru and recycling options available in Geraldton can be accessed on the City’s website onhttp://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/live/my-environment/waste-and-recycling/recycling-in-geraldton.aspx.

For further information contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or via council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

City gives back to the community

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Community Grant recipients, Midwest Community Living Association, will use funds from Round 16 to help with events like the International Day with a Disability basketball games at the Foreshore.

Twenty local groups are celebrating financial boosts with the money going towards community driven projects, all thanks to round 16 of the City of Greater Geraldton’s Community Grants Program.

A total of $175,000 was awarded to the community groups for projects which aim to make a positive contribution to the Geraldton area.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said community groups aren’t often acknowledged for their hard work and contribution to the public.

“People often turn a blind eye to our community groups and that’s where the Community Grants Program comes into play,” he said.

“Each grant is valuable and beneficial to not only the groups receiving it, but to the community.

“The Community Grants program provides the opportunity for local groups who need our assistance to continue with their efforts and communal projects,” said Mr Carpenter.

Grants will see projects including the Short Term Accommodation for Youth’s (STAY) Learner Driver Program, Chrysalis Support Services’ Volleyball Against Violence, Ex Victoria District Hospital Staff Associations reprint of ‘Miss Crowley’s Girls’ book, and the Geraldton City RSL Sub Branch Birdwood House project, all put in place.

Recipients for the 16th round include:

  • STAY
  • Tenindewa Progress Association
  • Community Group of Greenough (Inc)
  • Midwest Community Living Association
  • Geraldton Aboriginal Regional Medical Service
  • Chrysalis Support Services
  • Women’s Health Resource Centre Inc
  • Batavia Coast Maritime Heritage Association
  • Wonthella Bowling Club Inc
  • Wonthella Progress Association
  • Ex Victoria District Hospital Staff Association Inc
  • Friends of Geraldton Gardens Inc (FroGGs)
  • Mullewa Women’s Indigenous Group
  • DADAA Ltd
  • The Apex Club of Geraldton
  • Inspired Living Foundation
  • Pollinators Inc
  • Geraldton Amateur Swimming Club
  • Mullewa District Agriculture Society Inc and,
  • Geraldton City RSL Sub Branch

The purpose of the Community Grants Program is to provide assistance for one off events, activities, projects and programs delivered by local community groups and organisations.

For further information relating to the Community Grants Program, contact the City of Greater Geraldton on (08) 9956 6600 or via council@cgg.wa.gov.au. 

*Twice each year the City of Greater Geraldton returns funds to the community in the form of community grants. Last financial year, 37 Community Grant Submissions were successful with $275,830.20 returned to the community for projects valued at $931,981.94.

Bill Rowe's killer back in jail after committing a "terrifying house raid"

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Amanda Banks and Gabrielle Knowles for the West Australian: 

"The man jailed for killing farmer Bill Rowe with a cricket bat at a Geraldton beach on Christmas Day in 2007 is in jail again after a burglary that "absolutely petrified" a woman who was at home alone."

  • Mathew McDonald was given only five years for his original offence. 
  • He never applied for parole while service that sentence.  
  • He is now back in jail after another home invasion.  

Missing Child

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"Missing my 12 year old brother Macka Couzner last seen in spalding, he's afraid of the dark if anyone has seen or heard of him please contact us on 0428230121 or the police please."

We've spoken with the boy's mother who is quite distressed. If anyone is able to help please contact Geraldton Police on 99234555 or the above number.

Update from Police: @GeraldtonPol: Urgent missing person 12 year old Macka COUZNER, wearing grey hooded jumper, black shorts, black/red skate shoes

An interesting history of the Camaleer

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Fascinating piece from Monash Journalism (Mojo) on the Camel drivers of early Australia, including a great quote from the Geraldton Guardian in 1917 on the use of the Camel in World War 1:

 

“Their work is arduous and monotonous in the extreme, and consists mainly of conveying water rations, fodder and ammunition to the mounted column that has hurried Johnny Turk over the border of Egypt into his own territory again.

Right well has the job been done, and but for the Camel Transport Corps the campaign would have been impossible. Day after day, week after week, huge trains of camels loaded with war materials, attended by Arab drivers and superintended by the C.T.C., have moved across the blinding, shifting desert.

… Personally, I look on them both as evidence of the wonderful spirit of our men, who, after a year of fighting over one of the most arid deserts of Africa, are able on reaching the other side to behave like big joyous schoolboys seeing only the bright side of life. ”

 

Click here for full article