An amazing letter published 100 years ago today in the Guardian from "my little dug out somewhere in Turkey"

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Thanks Neil Kidd for sending this in:

One hundred years ago today extracts from Lieutenant T. A. Kidd’s letters to his family appear in page 1 of The Geraldton Guardian; 15th July 1915. This is a transcript and the link to TROVE is below;

AN OFFICER'S LETTERS

Lieutenant T. A. Kidd, writing to his wife whilst travelling from Egypt to the Gallipoli Peninsula, mentions that the officers were shorn of all their glory and were dressed just like troopers. Whilst it might seem cowardly, it was necessary for the protection of both officers and men.

On the 25th May, he wrote from “My Little Dug-out, somewhere in Turkey.”

He states “As we have to carry everything on our backs, besides ammunition, anything we can dispense with is left behind. I have only a blanket, a rubber sheet and a great coat with me. We have no change of clothing, and as it is necessary to sleep fully dressed you can imagine the result.

But the tucker is good and plentiful. Pity they cannot issue sleep in a condensed form; it is a very scarce commodity.

Firing is continuous, the night time being the favourite time for the Turks display. The roar of the machine gun, musketry, field guns and howitzers renders conversation almost impossible.

Shrapnel is bursting over my dug-out as I write. An armistice was declared last Monday to bury the dead, as the bodies were ''humming in real earnest”.

About 3000 Turks and 100 Australians were buried. Our boys fraternised with the enemy's burial party. I think when you read the account of our boys landing you will acknowledge they are the finest fighting men in the world.Sir Ian Hamilton calls them the 'White Gurkhas.'

The country is very hilly, very much like the big hills near Woolanooka, the hills and valleys being covered with thick scrub. Our dug outs are cut in the face of the cliff-like sides in the hills. The weather here is delightful.

We are proper infantry, and work in the trenches. Many of our trenches are only ten yards away from the Turks. One has only to throw a biscuit over when the beggars open fire, and play hell for a time.”

On June 4th Lieut Kidd wrote;

“You will probably hear that I was wounded in operations against some Turkish trenches. It was nothing but a trivial scratch. Don’t worry.”

(In our last issue we published a thrilling account of this incident, in which Lieut Kidd bravely led an apparently forlorn hope. A bullet grazed his nose and cheek, under the left eye, but he was able to resume duty without delay. — Ed).

“B Squadron officers are the happiest family in camp. Have had no mail for such a long time now, but as we are all in the same boat, we consider the mails to be held up somewhere. The Turks are terribly frightened of our Australian lads. We get plenty of first line trench work, but are now enjoying a few days rest. Our first bayonet charge was very successful, the conduct of our boys being magnificent. They displayed courage in its best form.”

Man called "stupid" for sparking unneeded sea rescue

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From the Geraldton Guardian: 

A sea rescue official has described as stupid the actions of a man who failed to report he was safe after his dinghy overturned off Geraldton last night.

Click here to read full story.  

Ornament stolen from gravesite

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Everything Geraldton has received a complaint from a very upset member of the community who has had an item stolen from her father's grave site. 

The item was an ornamental cow. 

If you know anything about the theft and are able to help return the item please call Helen Jupp on 0439640213

Your say: Is it time to legalise cannabis? - Geraldton Police seize 75 plants and charge 6

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A haul taken by Police in Mandurah earlier in the week. 

Your say: Do you think it's time to legalise cannabis?

Some argue it's taking too much valuable Police resources, court resources, and prison space on a drug that is less harmful than alcohol and very readily available. 

Others think it needs to remain prohibited because of potential negative impacts it could have if it becomes even more easily available. 

What do you think?

Major drug busts by Geraldton Police

Throughout the week Geraldton Police have conducted a number of searches on homes in the Geraldton area, as part of a major drug sting. 

Six people have been arrested and charged. Their charges range from possing drugs and drug paraphernalia to intent to sell and supply drugs. 

Police also uncovered large amounts of what is believed to be stolen property. 

A large number of cannabis plants have been seized, as well as amounts of what is believed to be crystal meth. 

Full press release from the Geraldton Police follows:

Drug Warrants Executed

Throughout the week, officers attached to the Geraldton Local Policing Team have executed a number of Misuse of Drugs Act search warrants within the Geraldton sub-district in relation to illegal drug activity.

At about 6:15am on Tuesday 7 July 2015 police attended a residential address on Scott Road, Rangeway.

Following the execution of a warrant, police allege that several items of interest were located. It will be alleged that an amount of cannabis and crystal substance was located along with other drug paraphernalia.

A 24 year old female from Rangeway was subsequently charged with possess prohibited drug and possessed drug paraphernalia while a 27 year old male also from Rangeway was charged with possess prohibited drug. Both will appear at the Geraldton Magistrates Court at a later date. 

Further;

At about 12:00pm on Tuesday 7 July 2015 police attended a residential address on Abelia Street, Rangeway.

Following the execution of a warrant, a number of items were seized. It is alleged that a drug smoking implement as well as two swords and a machete were seized.

A 32 year old from Mullewa was charged with possess drug paraphernalia and will appear at the Geraldton Magistrates Court at a later date.

Further;

At about 6:10am on Wednesday 8 July 2015 police attended a residential address on Hammond Street, Spalding.

Following the execution of a warrant, police allege that a large amount of property, believed to be stolen, along with drug paraphernalia, cannabis and white crystal substance was located.

A 48 year old male from Spalding charged with two counts of possessing stolen property and a 41 year old female also from Spalding charged with possess prohibited drug will both appear at the Geraldton Magistrates Court at a later date.

Police are conducting further inquiries in relation to the various property items located in an attempt to return the items to the identified owners. 

CORRECTION: Error in police release sent earlier today. Police have seized 75 (not 40) mature cannabis plants and charged six people after a series of drug raids across #Geraldton Guardian.

Posted by Geraldton Guardian on Thursday, July 9, 2015




Video: Archeology dig at Tibradden Station

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A very interesting look at some archeological efforts out at Tibradden Station. Geoff Gannon and Chris Lewis from ABC:

Jayden van Beek and an archaeology team from UWA have been exploring the more recent past at one of the area's oldest farming settlements in the Midwest, Tibradden Station. ABC Mid West and Wheatbelt met Jayden as the final stages of excavation were being completed on a shepherd's hut on Tibradden Station. The site was documented but no one was sure what the site had originally been used for and how it had been modified. Jayden explained the task of an archaeologist is to discover "what it was and how it was used, looking for signs of life and proof that someone once lived here". Click here to read more

 

2 British men rowing from Geraldton to Mauritius have called to be rescued for a 2nd time

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#Developing Authorities have mounted a rescue for two British rowers attempting a second world-record rowing trip from #Geraldton to Mauritius.

Posted by Geraldton Guardian on Tuesday, July 7, 2015

UPDATE: Diverted oil tanker and police air wing expected to meet stricken rowers anytime soon. See story here.http://bit.ly/1HeOW7r

Posted by Geraldton Guardian on Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Hog's Breath coming to Geraldton

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The Geraldton Guardian has reported that the rumours surrounding a Hog's Breath in Geraldton are indeed true. 

National restaurant franchise Hog’s Breath Cafe is coming to Geraldton.Hog’s Breath Cafe franchise development manager...

Posted by Geraldton Guardian on Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Wajarri Dictionary app available for iPhone and Android

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iPhone Download
Android Download

A new app has been developed by the Geraldton based Bundiyarra Corp. called the Wajarri Dictionary, and it's now available to download for iOS and Android. 

I had a play with the app, and it's simple to use and easy to navigate. It works on both iPad and iPhone, and worked fine on the Android phones we tested it on. 

You can search English words and see what they translate into, or if you've heard the Wajarri word and want to know what it means in English, you can do that too. 

It's not a comprehensive "learn how to speak Wajarri" resource. Instead, it serves more as an archive of individual words and phrases. In the form of a smartphone app, it is easily accessible to many people whose only computer is their phone. 

It's a free download, and definitely worth checking out. A big thanks to everyone who put so much effort into the project. Protecting this part of our culture and heritage is invaluable. 

From the iTunes App Description

The Wajarri Dictionary app has been developed by the Bundiyarra – Irra Wangga Language Centre (part of the Bundiyarra Aboriginal Community Aboriginal Corporation) which is based in Geraldton, Western Australia. The Wajarri language featured in this app was traditionally spoken in the Murchison region of the state, and is now spoken throughout the wider Midwest and with Wajarri people all over the country and planet.

The app features almost 2,000 Wajarri words, taken from the printed Wajarri Dictionary, launched in 2012. Each word has an English translation, as well a detailed description, including cultural and natural information (where available). Audio recordings with syllable breakdown to assist with pronunciation accompany all entries.

Users can add entries to ‘Favourites’ to assist with language learning and to enable easy access to commonly used words.

The information section of the app features information on Wajarri language, a usage guide, pictures of beautiful Wajarri country and a dedication to the many speakers who gave their language and made projects like this possible.

 

Aboriginal Corp. officers have assets frozen by court after "borrowing" $1.7million

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Former officers of the Geraldton based Murchison Region Aboriginal Corporation, executive officer, Ashley Taylor, and financial officer, Abul Shahid, have had their assets frozen by the Federal Court after an audit found they had made unapproved loans to themselves totalling about $1.7million.

The ABC:

The registrar said both men had repaid most of the money but still owed the corporation more than $300,000.

However, it gets even messier:

It is alleged Mr Shahid used money from the Wajarri People's Trust, of which he was the trustee, to repay money borrowed from the corporation.

Click to read more

Budget at a glance: Rates to rise 3.9% and new tip charges

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Breaking:
Rates will go up 3.9%
$10 per trailer to use the tip 
No verge side pick up any more

The CGG council tonight adopted the budget for the coming financial year. Here's some highlights. We'll publish more soon. 

Budget highlights at glance:
-Total increase in rates revenue limited to 3.9% plus growth.
-It will now cost $10 to use the Meru tip. 
-The verge side pickup is not going to happen any more. 
-Introduction of concessions to soften impact of significant valuation increases.
-Removal of City Centre Specified Area Rate.
-$275,000 for a flood plain management study (grant funded).
-$130,000 allocated to Chapman River Wildlife Corridor and Greenough River.
-$100,000 for Midwest Gascoyne Recovery Project to benefit 19 local
governments.
-Sale of former Greenough Shire office and former Geraldton Depot.
-$4,500,000 to decontaminate Olive Street and provide additional public open
space.
-$50,000 to investigate and establish a Volunteer program.
-$75,000 to fund the HMAS Sydney II 75th anniversary.
-$65,000 for public art.
-$60,000 for an Aboriginal employment and training scheme.
-$150,000 allocated for signature events.
-$94,000 increase in parks maintenance.
-$671,000 increase in road maintenance.
-$182,000 increase in asset management.
-$10,000 for a customer service review.
-$8,000,523 for a Multi User Facility and Youth Precinct on the Foreshore.
-$1,408,000 for 500lux lights at Wonthella Oval.
-$18,071,742 to finalise the Karloo Wandina (Verita Road) Project.
-$7,175,000 for Beresford Foreshore beach protection.
-$1,000,000 for new animal management facility.
-$4,054,700 upgrade to Queens Park Theatre.
-$100,000 Mullewa Transfer Station.
-$486,450 for Town Beach finger jetty upgrade.
-$1,000,000 for Geraldton Airport fire main upgrade.
-$240,000 to provide mobility impaired access to Town Beach.
-$150,000 to refurbish Mullewa Youth Centre.
-$14,458,668 to renew roads and drainage infrastructure.
-$1,693,475 to renew parks and gardens infrastructure.
-$1,701,803 for new roads and drainage infrastructure.
-$1,997,000 to replace ageing plant and equipment.

Why living in Geraldton is amazing

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I had a friend from Perth with me for a couple of days in Geraldton this week. 

While he was in town he made some comments about Geraldton that stood out to me; things that one might take for granted after living in Geraldton for a long time. 

“Everyone’s so friendly”

As we walked along the streets in town, perfect strangers smiled and nodded. My Perth friend was amazed. 

Of course they do, I thought to myself. But watching his constant amazement made me realise this isn't normal. It isn't like this everywhere else. 

“The drivers are courteous”

We had a large vehicle, and more than once friendly drivers let us into traffic. I accepted this as normal, everyday friendliness. But my friend explained to me that would rarely happen in Perth. I suggested to him that everywhere was only 7 minutes away, so drivers generally aren't in a rush. He told me it made him feel guilty and want to be a more courteous driver too.  

“Everyone knows everyone”

At one point my friend spotted a person on the street and began to critique their choice of clothing. I then piped up; "Hey, I know her. That's so and so." I gave a wave and smile. 

After a couple of days of constantly saying hi to people who I knew by name in the street, my friend began to realise that's just what happens in Geraldton. 

Oh, I forgot to mention the glorious winter weather, brilliant coffee, and fast NBN. 

The sense of community is strong, although it's hard measure the way one can measure the crime rate.

Once every city in the world was just a large village, where people knew each other and spoke with each other as they made their way around. 

But in the age of motor cars, freeways, computers and suburbs, one can live in a city of 2 million people and feel completely alone. 

Counter-intuitively, it's easier to have a large number of friends you see regularly in a smaller city like Geraldton, than it is in a large place like Perth or Melbourne. 

As the Geraldton community currently grapples with its share of issues, like increased burglary rates, unemployment, and the cost of living, it's worth keeping in mind the things we posses that can't be measured on a graph. 

Geraldton is special. It's worth protecting. 

Knit Wits give generously

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A big congrats to the "Knit Wit" team in Geraldton who have once again provided a large number of items for the needy in Geraldton and surrounds. Joy Thackrah posted this earlier: 

"We have done it again. The knit wit group of Geraldton have made 5,280 items in 12 mths for the needy of Geraldton and 15 outlying districts. A big thankyou to my girls."

Proud day for Nhanda people as alphabet poster is launched

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The poster was created by the language centre as a resource to preserve the disappearing Nhanda language, with the invaluable help of Nhanda woman, Colleen Drage and her father, Clayton Drage.  A very happy band of people, pictured above, helped launch the poster; at rear, Jacko Whitby, Godfrey Simpson, Jenny Clayton, front, Jenny Kniveton-Gregory, Rosie Sitorus, Leeann Merritt and Colleen Drage. 

On 22 April, on a beautiful sunny day in Kalbarri, the Nhanda Alphabet Poster was launched on the town’s foreshore with people from across the state – and the world – coming together to enjoy the event.

The Nhanda Alphabet poster was created by the Bundiyarra-Irra Wangga Language Centre in Geraldton as a resource to preserve the disappearing Nhanda language, the last full speakers having sadly been lost years ago.

The Nhanda language was once spoken along a coastal strip 20-100km wide, extending from the country of the mighty Murchison River, the food bowl of many Nhanda people, all the way to the region around present-day Geraldton.

Nhanda Elder, Jacko Whitby, performed the Welcome to Country, and said it was an honour to be on land the Nhanda people have lived and hunted on for thousands of years.

“It is an honour to be here on this special day to be part of the launch of the first steps in recording and saving the Nhanda language,” he said. “It is a language which was spoken so strong by our old people and still is used
in content by some Nhanda people today.”

Nhanda woman and Kalbarri local,Jenny Clayton, made an emotional speech and said it was a proud moment for all Nhanda people to come together to celebrate the launch of the poster and other resources.

“I am very privileged and honoured to be here, I’ve got shivers up my spine, I never thought it would happen, it’s been five years in the making,” she said. “Most of our elders, the speakers of our language, have long since passed away, taking with them knowledge of the Nhanda language.

“Our last known speaker of the language was Elder Aunty Lucy Ryder, who along with her daughter Violet’s help, made recordings and a word list of the Nhanda language.

“Our language has been a dying language for a long time, and without your language, you have no identity. It gives our Nhanda people a proper sense of belonging. It is who we are,” said Jenny.

Language centre Coordinator, Jenny Kniveton-Gregory, said the poster may only be a small thing, but it’s a big thing for community.

“The focus over the next two years is to get a Nhanda dictionary compiled,” she said. “And then we will visit schools to talk language.”

Nhanda woman, Colleen Drage, and her father, Clayton Drage, have been instrumental in assisting the Bundiyarra- Irra Wangga Language Centre to work on the Nhanda language, with Colleen officially launching the alphabet poster. “Language is an important part of our lives, and it has been wonderful working with the language centre; I can’t name too many who can speak the language,” she said.

Colleen acknowledged Linguist, Rosie Sitorus, for the big part she has played in recording the language, and thanked other language centre staff, Leeann Merritt, Godfrey Simpson and Jenny Kniveton-Gregory.

“I’m speechless, I didn’t think today would come off,” she said.

Rosie Sitorus said this is the first Nhanda language resource in a long time. “It is wonderful to have community support for the work. Language work can be slow and difficult, even with full speakers, so to have community members embracing the work the language centre is doing is both encouraging and incredibly important in making sure that future resources are also delivered,” she said. 

“This poster is the third in a series of alphabet posters produced by the language centre, following on from Wajarri and Badimaya.

“As a resource they are very versatile, because their use can be as an educational tool, or as a decorative addition to any home or workplace, or a way of introducing young children to their language – and it’s through those children that the language will survive into the future,” said Rosie.

Contact Bundiyarra-Irra Wangga Language Centre on 9920 7900 for more information.

 

Gordy Clinch recognised for footy dedication with Indigenous KickStart program

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Gordy Clinch with the medal each team member received for winning the National Indigenous KickStart Championship for the fifth consecutive year in Cairns this year. 

Gordy Clinch is a happy man.

He’s been involved in the football KickStart program for six years and has watched WA win the National Indigenous KickStart Championship five years in a row, this year at Cairns in Queensland.

And this year Gordy got the opportunity to travel with the team as assistant team manager as recognition from the WA Football Commission for his dedication to the program.

Gordy is footy team manager, co- forward line coach (with Shaye Hayden), and bus driver for Aboriginal boys playing in the Nicky Winmar Carnival and Stephen Michael Cup, a program that forms the basis of selection for the WA KickStart team.

It’s a great program and “I’d like to see more young Indigenous boys put their name down for the next one.”

The program was developed by the AFL to provide a supported, talented player pathway that complements the National U16 Championship exposing Aboriginal players, coaches, doctors, physiotherapists and trainers to an elite AFL program environment.

Each year, every state is represented by a team of 25 Aboriginal players, aged 15 and under who compete in the National KickStart Championship. The team is led by Aboriginal coaches, trainers and support staff. 

The WA KickStart Squad, including coaches, is selected from the carnival based on leadership qualities, school attendance, community involvement and playing and coaching ability.

Gordy said over the six years he has been involved he’s seen some deadly young Indigenous footballers come through the program.

“It’s a great program and I’d like to see more young Indigenous boys put their name down for the next one,” he said.

“I’d like to thank some people that got me involved in this program; Adrian Bartlett has been a great role model, also Merrilyn Green for giving me support and to my mum and dad.”

WAFC Community Engagement Manager Paul Mugambwa said this year was the first time that the WA Football Commission had taken an assistant team manager outside of its staff at the commission.

“Given the great commitment and passion you have demonstrated over the years with involvement in the Nicky Winmar Carnival and the Stephen Michael Cup, we wanted to reward you for the efforts and be part of this special trip,” he told Gordy.

Other coaches included: Head Coach, Shaye Hayden; Backline Coach, Andrew Beck; Centreline Coach, Jermaine Davis; Forward line Coaches, Gordon Clinch/Shaye Hayden; Team Manager, Chris Brown; and Trainers, East Perth Football Club. 

City calls Minister of Education to reconsider proposed ‘Super School’ location

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The City is urging the Minister of Education to reconsider a proposed public ‘super school’ in close proximity to the City Centre due to traffic concerns.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO, Ken Diehm said a consolidated high school or ‘super school’ on the Shenton Street site would increase traffic in the area by 50 per cent and that the existing road network would not be able to handle the additional traffic flows.

“The City engaged a traffic modelling consultant to investigate what effect the ‘super school’ would have on traffic flows and the road network within the existing school precinct.  The report forecasts an additional 1,400 car trips per day would be generated by the facility and that Durlacher Street alone would see an increase in traffic and congestion of up to 20,000 car movements per day.

“Although sections of Cathedral Avenue and Chapman Road are dual lane and have some capacity for additional traffic, Durlacher Street is only single lane and would require a major upgrade to accommodate the forecasted increase in car movement,” Mr Diehm said.

Several intersections in the school precinct that would also be substantially impacted by an increase in traffic flow and require upgrading were also identified in the report.

“To help traffic flow in and out of the area traffic signals would need to be installed at the intersections of Durlacher and Shenton Street and also at Cathedral Avenue and Maitland Street. Existing turning lanes would need to be lengthened or new ones introduced on Cathedral Avenue, Shenton Street, Durlacher Street and Waldeck Street all of which would cost more than $7Million of rate payer’s money,” Mr Diehm said.

The City is also concerned about community safety as traffic congestion and poorly designed drop off and pick up zones pose a real risk to students and parents alike.

“Every parent who drives into the school precinct knows how awful the current traffic congestion already is and understands the horror of trying to negotiate poorly designed drop off and pick up zones for their school children,” said Mr. Diehm.

“I urge the Minister to reconsider the proposed super school in Shenton St and to provide a commitment that, if a super school is built in Geraldton, our ratepayers are not left to foot the bill for the required traffic management works.”

The most amazing video showcasing the Mid West you've ever seen

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Absolutely stunning!

When we watched Kerrin Rowe's creation we were simply stunned. Do yourself a favour and invest four minutes of your life enjoying this wonderful video. 

Kerrin says this about his creation:

‘Australia's Midwest’ was shot over a 10 month period with high end camera equipment and motion control dolly’s to capture the region’s stunning landscapes. The film comprises over 10,000 individual photographs which are combined in video editing software and then rendered to motion. The amazing aspect of Western Australia is that outside of Perth the light pollution is near non existent due to the great distances between towns which allows the night sky to pop out and be visually spectacular. The film captures the night sky over some of Western Australia’s most iconic locations. The underlying theme of the film is about getting outdoors and exploring Western Australia and its beauty, whether that be catching a 15 foot monster set at Gnarloo Station, hiking through 400 million year old cliffs in Kalbarri National Park or snorkelling through the turquoise waters of the world heritage listed Ningaloo Reef.

Film locations:
Nambung National Park, Carnarvon, Geraldton, Kennedy Range National Park, Chapman Valley, Gnarloo Station, Red Bluff, Kalbarri, Kalbarri National Park, Coral Bay, Denham, Exmouth, Shark Bay World Heritage Area, Cape Range National Park, Francois Peron National Park, Beaches of the Ningaloo Reef

If you would like to Follow Kerrin Rowe Media on Facebook click here. 

 

Marjorie Collett is Hiking for Nepal

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When on holiday in sunny UK last year, my friends challenged me to join them on a 4 day trek along an Inca Trail in Peru. At that point, a hike up to Machu Picchu at 13,000ft seemed like a doable task and so I agreed. A year later I'm pondering on the wisdom of my 53 years and am considering that an embroidery course may have been a better option. 

In any case, I’m now committed and have been hiking all over Geraldton, complete with Backpack (weighed down with dumbbells) and walking boots, trying to find appropriate hills to climb. I’ve been jabbed with rabies and yellow fever vaccines, got my altitude sickness tablets, mosquito net, water purifying tablets and shewee (don’t ask….!) and I’m ready to go!

Thursday 4th June I start the travels (alone) to Peru via: - Geraldton, Perth, Sydney, Chile and eventually Lima in Peru, there I meet my friends from the UK and we fly to Cusco to start our trek in the jungle!!

I then considered that since I was doing this huge challenge I may as well make some money for charity…. But which one? 

And then the terrible earthquake happened in Nepal and I knew that these people needed all the help they could get. The least I could do was to raise some money for them with the help of Australia Red Cross. So when I’m walking 10k after work each night (with my friend in tow) I can at least consider that I am doing it for a good cause. Blistered feet, backache, creaking knees are nothing compared to the devastation that those poor people are having to endure. I just hope I live to tell the tale…. Wish me luck!

If you'd like to donate:  Marjorie Collett. BSB 086-082. Account no. 16-870-4917

Click to visit event on Facebook.