Visual Arts students graduate

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Durack Institute of Technology celebrated the graduation of students in its Diploma of Visual Arts qualification.

The program, in its second year of delivery in Geraldton, has now seen 17 students graduate.

A showcase of selected works from the 2015 graduating class is now on display at the Aboriginal Learning Centre at Durack’s Fitzgerald Street campus.

The exhibition is free to attend and will be open to the public from Friday 27 November until Friday 4 December.

Durack’s Managing Director, Bill Swetman, said the wonderful work on display was a testament to the hard working visionary creatives who commenced their Diploma journey in February this year.
“The eight individuals have covered a lot of technical and theoretical areas, much of which I imagine was enjoyable, however some challenging as well.”
Bill continued, “The wonderful efforts of the students should be acknowledged, the works showcased in the exhibition are finished to a professional level.”
“The graduation event and exhibition was named Illuminarty ‐ The Grad Show by the student group because it is a celebration of the 12 month journey of artistic practice and hard work.” Durack Arts Coordinator Lexie Lazenby said.
“This qualification has given the students a chance to study across a wide range of disciplines including theory, photomedia, sculpture, textiles and environmental art, whilst preparing them for entry into work at a professional level.”
Lexie continued, “The artwork on show is polished, innovative and offers a glimpse into the professional future for this year’s eight graduates.”

Durack’s Diploma of Visual Arts qualification allows local students to commence a study pathway and progress to further learning in vocational and higher education in Advanced Diploma or Degree qualifications. As a result, Durack’s graduating Diploma students can articulate directly into the second year of a university Visual Arts Degree.

Fenella Bryant, 2015 graduate, said she has grown both personally and professionally while completing the course.
“This week I was accepted into the Australian National University School of Art as an undergraduate in a Visual Arts Degree! I couldn’t have achieved this without accomplishing the Diploma of Visual Arts at Durack Institute of Technology.”
“Attending Durack this year has not only fulfilled a life‐long ambition, but it has been a truly life changing experience. I discovered parts of myself I had hidden for years and exposing them through the techniques I learned has not only been a very positive experience, I gained confidence to apply for east coast art schools. I cannot recommend the course and tutors highly enough.”

Visitor Centre generates millions for local economy

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Research has revealed tourists spend more than $100 per trip after receiving information on what there is to see and do from Visitor Centres.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Shane Van Styn said the number of people coming through the door at the Geraldton Visitor Centre increased by more than 7,000 people or 15 per cent from last year which generated almost $6 million in total for the local economy.
“Over the past twelve months more than 57,000 people came through the visitor centre doors, and according to the ‘Value of Visitor Centres’ report, the information provided by visitor centres increases visitor spending on average by an additional $104 per trip which equates to an additional $5,928,000 being spent in Geraldton.”
"Increases in visitor numbers at the Geraldton Visitor Centre is attributed to several factors including the new location, an exceptional wildflower season and an increase in cruise ship visits and.
“One year ago today the Visitor Centre moved into the refurbished Original Railway Station located right on the Foreshore and in the heart of our CBD,” he said.
“The Original Railway Station in one of Geraldton’s iconic buildings, a tourist destination in itself, offering travellers and locals an opportunity to have a coffee at the Carriage Café whilst planning what they want to see and do in our fantastic City region.
“For the first time ever, the City was promoted across the state as the hub for wildflower tourism with many visitors stopping at the Centre to see the beautiful wildflower display before heading out to go on their own tour,” said Mayor Van Styn.
“The number of cruise ships stopping over in Geraldton has also increased with 13 ships anchoring in the past year. 
“With almost 20,000 passengers and crew coming ashore, many of whom stopped in at the Visitor Centre, spent on average $60 per person making the financial benefit to our community over $1 million.”

Other highlights during the Centre’s first year in its new location included holding its first art exhibition in conjunction with Yamaji Art, being named a finalist in the GWN 7 Top Tourism Awards and receiving the Professional Development award and the Geraldton Cruise Ship Meet and Greet volunteers won the Community Excellence Award for Not For Profit organisations 2015 at the Thank a Volunteer Day and Volunteers of the Year Awards ceremony on Friday night.

Family fundraises despite adversity

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A Father's passionate plea for good luck comes following one of his children being struck down with a mystery illness. The family already works hard to care for their middle child who suffers with severe cerebral palsy.

Ashley Walker wrote his plea on Facebook saying:

I'm a father of five, our middle child has Severe Cerebral Palsy and is cared for by her brilliant Mother and Sisters with help from our awesome Carers. We built a basic special home and care for Kayla Koo Walker. We fundraise every year for PMH children's hospital to help people wherever we can. I have always worked and still constantly have bad luck now our second eldest has been struck down with a mystery illness and will lose her eyesight. We just want some good luck.

Despite all this, the family works hard annually to raise funds for the PMH Foundation who supports the family through Kayla's visits to Perth for medical treatment.

Commencing in 2013, Kayla’s Christmas Lights was started in order to provide a lasting tribute from the Walker Family for their 10 year old daughter and sister, Kayla is no longer palliative as of February this year and isn’t ventilated anymore. The lights are now a celebration of Kayla’s Life and Strength.

Kayla was born prematurely in 2008 with a virus in her brain which has left her with Cerebral Palsy (Quadriplegia – which in turn means she has no head, neck or limb control), wheelchair bound for life, epilepsy and multiple complex care requirements such as a tracheostomy (a tube in her neck which is her airway), a PEG (for nutritional support – this is a tube inserted into Kaylas stomach) and an infusaport (this is intravenous access for medications, taking bloods etc which I do myself at home as to reduce the amount of time Kayla is hospital).

"In its first year Kayla’s Christmas Lights raised a whopping $11,800 for the PMH Foundation as a part of the PMH Foundation's Christmas Lights Campaign. 

The Walker House is on Strathalbyn Road in Geraldton and has a massive 88 metres of road frontage on a corner block making it the perfect location for families and visitors young and old to marvel at hundreds of kilometers of lights. Christmas Eve (2013) it was estimated that over 2000 locals visited leaving donations over $1200. 

2015 will be the last opportunity to raise funds for the PMH Foundation due to the much anticipated move to Perth Children’s Hospital which is expected to take place in April 2016. 

Mother Nic Walker said when Kayla was first diagnosed doctors didn’t expect Kayla to live long and prepared us to take her home to die.
"The outlook should she survive was bleak, as they believed Kayla would never recognize us, respond to stimulation and basically endure a short life in a vegetative state.
"Despite such a poor prognosis and multiple bumps in the road Kayla is a beautiful little 11 year old with a very outgoing personality, Kayla knows who we are, responds appropriately emotionally and follows our every move with eye movement and a little head control.
"This year Kayla has spent 5 months in Perth with inoperable scoliosis to her spine, which saw her unable to even sit in her wheelchair due to her pelvis being wedged under her rib cage. Surgery was deemed too dangerous and during the investigations it was discovered Kayla had multiple clots throughout her major blood vessels which have been left permanently damaged, however with a bit of research and the financial support of the local community via Kayla’s Go Fund Me page we obtained a special suit and with day physio has allowed Kayla to sit up again and even attend school for the first time in 3 years.
"Every year we switch on our lights on the 1st of December however this year our celebration of Kayla’s life was delayed when our 15 year old daughter Storm began experiencing extreme eye pain. Our optometrist discovered Storm has a condition called Bilateral Hemianopia which in most cases is caused by a tumour of the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. This time it was Storm who was rushed down to Perth and we were told the devastating news that Storm has permanently lost most of her peripheral vision and the doctors are unable to isolate the cause or get the worsening pain under control.
"As a family we are so grateful to the PMH Foundation for their support over the years and really want this year to be successful in our fundraising, it will make all the effort we have put into our display worthwhile and bring us a lot of joy to know that we are still making a difference to other families like ours," she said. 
Click here to support kayla's lights
 

Notice of Road Closure - Christmas On The Terrace

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Notice of Road Closure - Christmas On The Terrace

Mall closure on Marine Terrace between Freemasons Hotel and Skill Hire will be in place during the Christmas On The Terrace Event.

Mall closure will be on the 10th December 2015 commencing from 4.00pm – 9.00pm.

If you have any queries please contact 1800 878 546 or Stewart Stellmaker – Traffic Manager - 0409 119 265.

See event details here

Hundreds of millions to be invested in tackling ice

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Durack will benefit from extra efforts to tackle the drug ice as part of recent announcements by the Turnbull Government Member for Durack Melissa Price said today.

The Government will invest almost $300 million over four years to improve treatment, after care, education, prevention, support and community engagement to tackle ice.

The package includes an additional $241.5 million to be invested through the 31 Primary Health Networks (PHNs), which will use their local knowledge to boost the alcohol and other drug treatment sector and reduce demand for ice, and an additional $13 million to introduce new MBS items for Addiction Medicine Specialists to increase the availability of treatment.

The announcement follows the Ice Forums Ms Price hosted in Broome in Geraldton, to form part of the final National Ice Taskforce report presented to the Prime Minister.

“Police all over Australia including our local police have done a great job, making a record 26,000 arrests in 2013-14. In 2014, customs intercepted more than 50 times as much ice by weight than in 2010,” Ms Price said.
“But ice remains easy to get, and the price hasn’t changed. The Taskforce says we must also address demand if we are to be effective in combatting ice.
“I’m very pleased to see local people will make decisions about how best to help our region’s ice problem. This is much better than Canberra deciding what’s best for us.”

Minister responsible for drug and alcohol policy Senator the Hon Fiona Nash said helping those who are hooked on this drug to get off it takes the biggest buyers out of the market and reduces demand.

“PHNs will choose what forms of treatment is best bang for buck in the local region – be that counselling, rehabilitation or other forms of treatment. Government and PHNs will also work closely with the Aboriginal Community Controlled health sector to invest in culturally appropriate services.
“Existing services will be extended by another 12 months to 30 June 2017 to allow considered planning of service delivery by PHNs going forward.
“The PHNs also deliver mental health treatment services which will provide a vital link between the drug and alcohol treatment sector and the mental health sector.

This means helping people who are on the drug to get off it, and educating others never to start taking it. Removing the buyers from the market will break the business model of the drug dealers. For more information about the National Ice Taskforce, including the Final Report, go to pmc.gov.au/ice

 

Writer hopes to inject more positivity into the world

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A Kalbarri writer is attempting to inject more positivity into the world with the launch of her new magazine Inspired.

Inspired features profiles about everyday people doing extraordinary things in the world.

Speaking at the Inspired launch function in Geraldton on Friday, Samille Mitchell said the magazine was designed to uplift, engage and inspire.

“As a long-time journalist I knew it was writing in-depth stories about positive topics that really fired me up so Inspired is my outlet to do that,” she said.
“I get so fired up by the people I interview – I’m amazed by their awesomeness and thrilled by what’s possible.
“I hope that reading these stories may make other people feel compelled to unleash their best selves on the world.
“If everyone’s taking that extra step, just imagine the possibilities for nature, for humanity, for the planet.”

A crowd of about 40 supporters attended the launch function at Hot Locs Hair Body and Soul in Geraldton.

Samille raised money for the magazine’s first issue through a crowdfunding campaign.

The magazine features stories like the Australian man who launched the charity Skateistan, which helps Afghan girls find confidence through skateboarding, as well as a formal education.

It covers Free the Bears Fund founder Mary Hutton’s efforts to save bears across Asia, it recounts the personal tale of a woman who acted as a surrogate mother for her sister, and a whole heap more.

“The magazine features 10 of the stop stories from the Inspired website, which offers new stories every fortnight,” Samille said.

Samille is now seeking partners and advertisers to produce a second issue in mid 2016.

Anyone interested in finding out more, reading Inspired stories, or ordering a copy of the magazine, should visit the website www.inspired.org.au

There is an actual bull running around the Geraldton CBD

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Geraldton Police have confirmed a bull has escaped from the Geraldton wharf and is running around the Geraldton CBD. If you spot it call them on 9923 4555

We'll update when we have more info. 

Random Acts of Kindness encouraged this Christmas

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Alyce Bain suggested a great idea this festive season:

With all the terrible stuff in the news at the moment I want to challenge everyone with a '3 Acts of Kindness for Christmas' movement. This December, Pay it forward with 3 anonymous acts of kindness. It could be as simple as leaving a nice note on someone's car, paying for someone's lunch, or helping someone to load shopping in their car. Whatever it is, let's spread the love and Christmas cheer this holiday season 🎄🎄

Innovation to boost well-being and quality of life

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Businesses and communities in Durack stand to benefit from a more innovative Australia.

Member for Durack Melissa Price said the Australian Government’s new Innovation and Science Agenda included a range of initiatives that would improve the well-being and quality of life in Australia’s regional and rural areas.

"The agenda is a broad-ranging strategy that will change the way all Australians work together to shape the future,” Ms Price said.

“Strong, vibrant, regional communities and innovative, sustainable rural industries are in Australia’s national interest.

“Agriculture and our regional economies are, and will remain, a foundation of our national economy as we position ourselves to embrace new opportunities.”

Ms Price welcomed the Agenda’s range of new initiatives that build on existing measures such as the Entrepreneurs’ Programme, Industry Growth Centres Initiative and the rural R&D system.

“This announcement presents a range of opportunities across the community,” Ms Price said.

“There’s assistance for local business to innovate and grow, support for entrepreneurs to back their ideas and get access to the capital they need, and closer connections between industry and research, particularly in agriculture.

“There are also new initiatives for our young people to get the digital literacy and science, technology and maths skills they need for the jobs of the future.

“Durack’s best resource is its people and we all need to work together to transform our future and unleash our best ideas.”

 

QPT to close for renovations, reopens mid 2016

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A Season Finale will see a close to an amazing and busy year at the Queens Park Theatre and will be the last event before its doors close for major upgrades in 2016.

The Finale will take place on Friday 11 December 2015, from 6pm in the Queens Park Amphitheatre with tickets on sale online or from the Civic Centre, Geraldton Regional Library and the Visitor Centre.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Shane Van Styn, said the Finale is a way to celebrate the successes of the 2015 season.
“The 2015 season saw more than 100 local, national and international acts take to the stage, which is a huge effort, especially for our QPT staff members who worked countless hours to ensure the community had access to high class entertainment,” he said.
“I invite the Geraldton community to join the City and QPT staff for an evening of live entertainment from local string ensemble Vivace! and Perth-based brass funk band Junkadelic.”

The Queens Park Theatre will then close its doors for six months for a much needed refurbishment which will include the replacement of the current 33 year old air conditioning system, roof and interior renovations.

Local air conditioning and refrigeration specialists, Cramer and Neill, were awarded the tender to replace the outdated air conditioning with a new HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system.

Mayor Van Styn said he was pleased a local business was awarded the tender.
“It’s important to keep work in our community and support our local businesses,” he said.
“We want to be able to support our local economy and we encourage others to do the same.”

When the QPT reopens in mid-2016, theatre goers will experience new luxury with new carpet, bathrooms, technical equipment and the addition of new digital signage to the building.

It’s anticipated the QPT will reopen sometime in late July or early August of 2016.

5 Gero pubs to hit up on a Saturday night

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Looking to head out to a pub in Gero on a Saturday night? This list might help you to choose your next Saturday night outing! These 5 pubs are all located in Geraldton’s CBD are all in walking distance of each other. 

  • Provincial

Pros: This is the place to be in Geraldton on a Saturday night. There’s usually some cool live acoustic tunes, awesome ambiance, potent cocktails and woodfired pizzas.

Cons: It’s a small space so sometimes it can be hard to find a spot to sit with you and your friends so make sure you book ahead. On the Saturdays that it is super busy you might find yourself waiting in line to go in or waiting a while to get a drink at the bar.

Side note: Awesome wicked cool artwork on the walls 

  • The Gero (The Geraldton Hotel)

Pros: The Gero has the coolest of all cool beer gardens! Heaps of space to sit and enjoy a drink or space to dance to one of the cool DJs they usually have on a Saturday night. If you hang around late enough you can walk outside the door and head into Gero’s one and only nightclub – the Vibe! (Vibe Nightclub has recently undergone major renovations) 

Cons: If you’re not into “doof doof” music sometimes a Saturday night at the Gero might not be for you. And if you’re offended by skimpys – don’t head inside.

Side note: The Sunday Sesh at the Gero goes off! 

  • Breakers (Breakers Bar and Cafe)

Pros: You can enjoy a nice pub meal here before the tables and chairs are moved and the dance floor opens. Saturday night usually sees some sort of cool music or visiting DJ or even our popular local DJ Strawn.

Cons: The Breakers outside area is lacking in size and is usually full with smokers or people try to get some “fresh air”.

Side note: Breakers is your Pre-drinks stopover before hitting the nightclub - as it tends to go off on a Saturday night. 

  • The Camel Bar

Pros: From about 9pm -10pm the Camel bar usually gets pretty rowdy. There’s heaps of bar staff on and always some sort of entertainment whether it’s a band or karaoke. There’s a nice outdoor area, a pool table and a cool separate bar for functions… And this one’s mainly for the ladies – TWO SEPARATE BATHROOMS. You won’t find yourself lining up for the loo here.

Cons: If you don’t like people trying to cover an 80’s ballad in the form of karaoke – some Saturday nights might not be the best for you! The Camel Bar can also get super busy which can leave you lining up waiting to get in.

Side note: They have a cool “Beers of the World” challenge. (Limit per on of beer, each visit) 

  • The Freo (The Freemasons Hotel) 

Pros: Better known as “The Freo” one of Geraldton’s oldest pubs is still kicking. There’s a big selection of beers, always good tunes and has a nice chilled out atmosphere. The Freo has awesome nights such as Rewind back to the 90’s, 80’s nights and you’ll often see visiting acts but also our own locals such as Anne Williams, The Inks and Zain Laudher.

Cons: If you want to have a boogie with a drink in your hand this is a no-no! So drink your alcohol before stepping foot onto the dance floor.

Side note: You can now get cocktail carafes!

If your Pub should be on this list, email lewis@justeverything.com.au

Paranormal Investigators visit Freemasons Hotel and QPT

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Professional Perth-based paranormal investigators Haunted were in Geraldton yesterday investigating the unexplained.

They visited the Queens Park Theatre and the Freemason’s Hotel.

Check out what exciting things they found by heading to their Facebook page. 

󾭩GERALDTON YOU ARE HAUNTED󾭩

Posted by Haunted on Tuesday, 1 December 2015


Well done council photographer !

Posted by Haunted on Monday, 30 November 2015

Airport staff commended for caring attitude

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I would like to give a massive thanks to the security ladies and gentlemen at the Geraldton airport. 
Fly out day is always a hard day for our 4 year old daughter but without a doubt every 3 weeks and the lovely staff help make the trip so very pleasant with hugs, high fives and letting her know they are looking forward to seeing her again.
I can't express how thankful I am to see their happy friendly faces every trip. 
A massive thanks from a very very grateful mother and happy little girl.
- Daneale

Wheelchair carousel to be placed on the foreshore

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The Foreshore will once again feature a ‘merry go round by the sea’ thanks to an Everlasting Partnership between the City of Greater Geraldton and Variety WA Mid West for the installation of a wheelchair carousel in the Youth Precinct.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Shane Van Styn, said the new carousel will provide people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to play on our Foreshore.
“The City has been actively designing, building and refurbishing Foreshore spaces and amenities to be accessible and inclusive,” he said.
“The addition of universally accessible play equipment in the Youth Precinct which includes a wheelchair carousel and nest swing means more members of our community will be able to enjoy the Foreshore than ever before.”

Variety WA Mid West Regional Coordinator, Jan Ajduk, says their organisation was pleased to be a partner in the City’s new Everlasting Sponsorship program and to also be part of the final stage of the Foreshore development.

“The installation of the universally accessible and inclusive play equipment in the Youth Precinct will enable children to come together, interact and engage with each other side by side regardless of age or ability,” she said.
“The City is very pleased to partner with Variety WA Mid West in our new sponsorship program that enables organisations to sponsor or partner with the City to deliver projects and programs the community highly values,” said Mayor Van Styn.

Mayor urges community to dig deep this Christmas

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This Christmas there will be thousands of families in the Mid West who will go without food.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Shane Van Styn, is urging the community to get behind Foodbank’s Christmas Appeal and make a donation. He has kicked off the campaign by pledging $2,000.
Food donations can be made at local supermarkets as well as the Civic Centre, Aquarena and the Geraldton Regional Library. You can contact Foodbank to make a monetary donation.

Dig deep this Christmas.

Parcels stolen from doorstep

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Local Trevor Dunen claims he had two parcels stolen off his front door step in Strathalbyn after they had been delivered by Australia post, one containing 2 Albums, by Pink Floyd- "The Wall" and "Dark Side of the Moon" in Quadraphonic.

The other Parcel contained Led Zeppelin IV with an orange label and a rare misprint on the label.

"All three albums have rare matrix/serial numbers and are valued at around $1000 plus all up.

The albums were allegedly stolen by an aboriginal male, he was seen by the next door neighbors leaving my home with my property.

Half an hour before the records were stolen this aboriginal person was caught behind a bush near my front door and asked to leave, any person knowing any information please pm me or the Geraldton Police.

If you have my rare albums and return them, nothing more will be said."

Mr Dunen said "a $100 reward would be offered for their return."

Geraldton Police currently have no lines of inquiry relating to this incident and are appealing to the public for information. 

Anyone with any information is asked to call Geraldton Police station on 9923 4555  or make a report online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au