Pilot safe after emergency landing

Thanks everyone for sharing info. Many residents were concerned following what appeared to be a plane crash in Worree earlier this evening. The plane DID NOT crash however, and a local pilot who knows the pilot of this plane attributes exceptional pilot skills to the safe landing following minor issues with the aircraft. 

Here's some of the information sent in already to Everything Geraldton:

Peter: Just saw a single prop light aircraft fly past Strath heading East 6:50pm with what looked like some smoke trailing behind and an engine not sounding very healthy. Hope they got back to airport. It was heading that way.

Matt: Just saw plane with black smoke trailing come down real low and disappear near Eastlyn, engine sounded sick! Concerned.

Angie: There has been a light plane crash at the end of Place Rd in Wooree. No fire and pilot safe.

Dillon: Hey guys a plane blowing smoke just emergency landed in rowan reserve emergency crews there now police and fire brigade at the end of Place road. Multiple fire trucks there now, plane landed safely

 

Thanks Murray and Kim for the images.

Donated food and gifts stolen from Salvos in Geraldton

Image: Lt Jeff Milkins ruefully surveys what was left behind by the burglar.

Christmas spirit was thin at Geraldton Salvation Army, after donated gifts were stolen in a brazen daylight burglary earlier this morning.

When alarm systems triggered shortly before 6am, Lieutenant Jeff Milkins was quickly on the scene, to find himself threatened by a masked intruder wielding a crowbar.

“I backed off, he was making it quite clear that he was serious,” said a shaken Lt Milkins.

Donated foodstuffs and gifts were carted away in a wheelie bin by the offender, who fled into bushland east of the Salvation Army church in Ainsworth Street.

Gifts that were donated in the recent Salvation Army Toy Run were targeted by the burglar, particularly those intended for boys in older age groups.

“We had just begun distributing gifts and food to the needy of our community, but this has taken our efforts backward,” said Lt Milkins.

“Damage to the building is probably in the thousands of dollars, it is going to severely impact on our work at this time of year.

“Police arrived quickly and are investigating, in the meantime so close to Christmas Day, we can only plead for replacement donations from caring members of the Geraldton community.”

Top Instagram pictures from the last month #everythinggeraldton

Brilliant shot from a plane. @draviationgeek #everythinggeraldton

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Great pic of the Marina. #everythinggeraldton @ariana_hall

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Taken onboard the @eco_abrolhos by @slimcontroller #everythinggeraldton

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Brilliant photo @kiss_chasey #everythinggeraldton

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Beautiful sunset.

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Incredible! Thanks David Ford for sharing. #everythinggeraldton

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#Geraldton family took this picture in Dongara. Thanks @bumpsbirthsbabesphotography

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Marine Terrace looking festive. #everythinggeraldton

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Marine Terrace looking festive. #everythinggeraldton

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Community has say in playground equipment

The community’s passion for playgrounds has sparked the creation of a Reference Group to assist the City in the selection of playground equipment to be installed in six parks in the coming months as part of a phased approach to reviewing playground equipment.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO, Ken Diehm, said the City had received a lot of questions from the community regarding the removal of playground equipment including letters from school children.
“Year Five students at Geraldton Primary School wrote the City to ask when the playground equipment was going to be replaced,” he said.
“The interest and concern revealed in their letters encouraged the City to form a reference group so the community could be involved in the replacement of playground equipment in parks.”

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Shane Van Styn, says the Community Playground Reference Group has been given a number of tasks in relation to playgrounds.

“The first role the Reference Group is to choose playground equipment they believe would be best suited to each of the parks that falls within the 2015/16 Budget of $429,000.00 allocated for renewal,” he said.
 “Their second role is to share their knowledge and experience of playground equipment so the City can get a better understanding of what the community values, this will help set the foundations for decision making around playground equipment in the future.”

Membership in the Community Playground Reference Group comprises of primary school teachers, child educators, neighbourhood development group representatives and parents with their children.

On 22 September, Council resolved to implement a phased approach to the renewal of playground equipment in parks.

“Six parks identified as high priority in the Public Open Space Strategy will have their playground equipment replaced in the coming months,” said Mayor Van Styn.
“Council will also be examining the replacement of playground equipment at other parks during the Mid Year Budget Review in February 2016.”

The following parks will have their playground equipment replaced first:

  • Mahomets Beach
  • Glendinning Park
  • Muir Park
  • Spalding Park
  • Pages Beach
  • Rundle Park

Plenty to do this school holidays

The kids won’t have a chance to get bored during the school holidays as the City of Greater Geraldton kick starts its seven week long School Holiday program on Sunday 13 December.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Shane Van Styn, said this is the third school holiday program the City has pulled together and it offers a huge range of activities for kids to do.
“The program is absolutely jam packed with activities such as cartooning and hip hop dance workshops, skateboarding and basketball clinics, Kung-Fu cupcake, a disco day, sea monster mask making, dodgeball and this time around the kids can even try out stand up paddleboarding,” he said.

The City has worked closely with several local organisations to develop an exciting calendar of events and activities both here in Geraldton and also in Mullewa.

“There is a real variety of activities to choose from and most of them are free of charge however, for some of the activities spaces are limited so you will want to register early to ensure you can take part.”

For a full run down of all the events and activities and to register to attend those activities with limited spaces, visit www.cgg.wa.gov.au

There's a another council election happening to fill Van Styn's seat

Six candidates have stepped forward to fill the only remaining seat on Council. 

The Tarcoola Ward seat remains empty following the election of Councillor Shane Van Styn to Mayor in October. 

An extraordinary election will be held on January 15, 2016. It will be a postal vote election. 

The term expiry for the elected person is 21 October 2017.

Here is a breakdown of Candidates and why they want your vote.

(Candidates have been placed in the following order as they appear on the AEC website) 


BLOCK, Fred

In 1997, when I told people in Perth I was moving to Geraldton, they said, 'Geraldton? What do you want to move to Geraldton for, it's the rear end of the world?' I didn't think it then and I definitely do not think it now. Although I was not born here, I am a proud Geraldtonian. Geraldton has become a vibrant city. A city that has made all those knockers eat their words. Everywhere I travel I tell whoever will listen about this great city in which I live. When I last ran for Council in early 2000, a number of people labeled me a tree hugger because I had the occasional beer with a few Greens voters. I said then and I'll say it now. If elected, proposals that benefit the majority of the community will get my vote. Those that don't won't. 

Email: Block1@westnet.com.au


ASHPLANT, Ron

I am seeking your support to be your council representative for the Tarcoola Ward. I work at both the Ibis Styles and The Tarcoola Tavern. I make my decisions based on common sense and speak my mind honestly and without fear. I will listen to any idea, big or small, that when worked through together, can make the communities within Tarcoola a better place to live and prosper. I have the leadership skills that are required to create the atmosphere to develop the opportunities for new industries as well adding to the mix of industries that our city as a regional centre provides. The Tarcoola Ward represents all generations and it is my role to: - Provide Leadership. - Provide support and guidance. - Provide the opportunities that will enhance the well being and development of our community. Thank you. Ron Ashplant

Mobile: 0400 215 031
Email: ron.ashplant@westnet.com.au


ELS, Nicholas

I and my family have been 'Geraldtonians' for eight years, and our children attend a local school. As a family, we are active in the sporting community and focused on youth development and creating opportunities. I manage a small management consulting business, and my wife is a teacher at a local school. As a former employee of local council's, I have extensive management and executive experience in local government in the areas of governance and risk, major projects and acting Chief Executive Officer roles in the Midwest Region. I hold a Bachelor of Law Degree and Graduate Company Directors Diploma. If successful; I bring my previous local government experience, a deep passion for youth sporting development, encouraging small business opportunities, and to keep rate increases to a minimum. I will undertake to consult and bring the voice of the Tarcoola Ward residents to the council table.

Mobile: 0424 601 801
Postal Address: 14 Mildwaters Place, Mount Tarcoola Geraldton 6530
Email: nicholas.els@hotmail.com


WARD, Jon

I have lived in Geraldton for 35 years, and have forged a long career in the employment and training sector. As the father of two adult children, an active community member, and Life Member of the Geraldton Apex Club, the prosperity of our community is of the utmost importance to me. The massive rates increase inflicted upon ratepayers in 2012/13 saw a backlash on Council the likes that has never been seen before, resulting in most of the then sitting Councilors being tipped out at subsequent elections. I was one of the instigators of "The Ratepayers Demand Change" group that led to legal action being brought against the council over this massive rate hike. This action resulted in much greater transparency in Council operations, and much more open communications. But the job is still only half done and my pledge to ratepayers is to be your strong voice on Council.

Home: 9921 4838
Mobile: 0478 643 027
Email: wardies@westnet.com.au


FIORENZA, Peter

I have lived and worked in Geraldton all of my life. I have worked in local education in the area for close to 20 years, and been part of a great number of organisations that contibute to the beat of our city. I care about Geraldton and the community. In recent times, Geraldton has grown substantially, but has been able to hold onto, and protect its unique appeal -the very reason people choose to call it home. At the moment, we are facing a number of challenges that threaten the balance of a growing city, and keeping its unique qualities. I want to ensure that these challenges are met. I have no agendas, but a vested interest in our future. I will listen to, and speak on behalf of residents in my decision making- decisions that are of benefit to the greater Geraldton community as a whole.

Mobile: 0427 320 342
Postal Address: 131 Glenfield Beach Drive Drummond Cove 6532


COLLIVER, Natasha

I will represent the grassroots needs of the Tarcoola Ward, by supporting the ongoing expansion of the Wandina Primary School and the development of shopping facilities in Wandina. I will make sure that our parks and recreation facilities meet our community's expectations and are well maintained. Being a working mum, I know how important it is to balance the family budget and get value for money. Your rates are no different. Keeping a lid on rate rises is a priority for me. I am a committee member of a number of local community and sporting organisations. Through my work with these groups and in my professional working life, I have worked hard to ensure quality outcomes that meet the needs of our community. Geraldton is a great place to live, and I enjoy playing an active role in my local community. This is why I am running for Council.

Mobile: 0428 218 049
Email: natasha.colliver@icloud.com


CGG first council to implement relocation of Corellas

The City of Greater Geraldton is the first Council in WA to implement a new wildlife control method in a bid to protect public infrastructure and community assets.

This week, the City will introduce a new method to relocate corellas from our CBD and other hotspots where the birds are causing significant damage to buildings, sporting grounds, businesses and other community assets.

The City has acquired a specialised device which was made in New Zealand and is specifically designed for controlling wildlife in an extremely safe and effective way.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ken Diehm, said after much research, the City had found a new and safe way to relocate corellas.
“This issue has been a high priority for us and we have been looking into effective ways we can control the plague proportions and this method is safe and poses no threat to wildlife,” he said.
“The bottom line is that this exercise will not harm the birds but encourage them to relocate so they don’t continue to harm our local infrastructure.
“Previous methods used included a gas gun and firecrackers which have been effective but we are hoping this new method will build on the success of previous years,” he said.

The new handheld deterrent fires a percussion cartridge approximately 20 metres into the sky close and activates where the corellas are roosting. There are three different cartridges which omit different volumes and frequency of sounds in order to move the birds.

Every year corellas cause thousands of dollars worth of damage to our City with local sporting clubs and businesses often bearing the brunt of the costs, with wiring, seals, trees, sporting turfs and insulation being harmed.

“Controlling the numbers of corella proportions is actually a State Government responsibility, but the City has been forced to take action due to the enormous number of complaints from residents and businesses,” Mr Diehm said.

The strategic operation has been mapped out to pinpoint problem areas and City Rangers have been undertaking training to use the new device.

As part of the operation, Rangers will be stationed at different areas in the community with the intention to move them on each time they land.

The exercise will begin this week and is expected to take up to a month. Residents are advised not to be alarmed if they hear loud noises in their area.

 

No respect for those with a Disability

Claire Sleeman says she is not pleased with members of the public not respecting those with disability:  

It has come to my disgraced attention that a lot of people have no respect for people with disabilities in this town anymore. I am fed up with having to put up with mothers at the aquarena using these changerooms with their toddlers and people using disabled parking bays.
I hope all the people I have upset have gone home and thought about their laziness but come on you people, one day you will need it too. 

Australian Chamber Orchestra to come to Geraldton

Member for Durack Melissa Price welcomed the Australian Government’s support for bringing arts and cultural experiences to audiences in regional Australia.

“I am pleased to announce that locally, the over $121,900 awarded to the Australian Chamber Orchestra Pty Ltd through the Playing Australia will include a tour of their Four Seasons program led by Artistic Director Pekka Kuusisto to Geraldton,” Ms Price said.
“Additionally, the over $495,000 awarded to arTour also includes a performance of Bram Stoker’s Gothic horror story Dracula in 2017.
“These outstanding arts events will visit Geraldton, giving local audiences the opportunity to experience performances of outstanding quality in an arts venue in their own community.”

Minister for the Arts, Senator the Hon Mitch Fifield today announced funding of more than $1.3 million to support six performing arts projects and 12 contemporary music acts to tour their latest work to regional and remote Australia in 2016.

Tours have been supported through the Playing Australia and Contemporary Music Touring programs administered through the Australia Council.

“Australia is home to some of the most talented performing artists and contemporary musicians in the world and the Australian Government is committed to ensuring these experiences are made available to audiences in regional and remote locations,” Minister Fifield said.

“This latest round of funding will support 257 arts performances in 108 destinations across Australia in all states and territories, including classical music, ballet and theatre.
“It will also support 12 contemporary music tours to 157 destinations across all states and territories, including jazz, country, soul, indie and contemporary art music.”

Regional Fringe World Festival Hub to be shipped to Geraldton

Event Nation and The Comedy Emporium are shaking up Geraldton’s arts and culture scene by partnering with the internationally acclaimed performing arts festival, Fringe World to bring Geraldton the first ever regional Fringe World hub – Funtavia!

Fringe World Perth is the third largest Fringe Festival in the world – and yes a slice of it will be here in Geraldton in 2016!

This pilot event on February 12 and February 13 will bring a medley of international, national and local acts to the stage to deliver never seen before performances in Geraldton. Open each afternoon from 5.30pm will also be a pop-up bar, food stalls and entertainment in the Funtavia Laneway – this area will be free for all to mosey on in and enjoy.

Event Nation director Jodi Reilly and The Comedy Emporium Ring Leader Julian Canny believe Funtavia will boost Geraldton’s reputation as a colourful, lively and enviable place to live.

“We are extremely excited to bring an international event and world class performers to the local stage,” Ms Reilly said.
“We believe so strongly in the power of events to not only entertain but also to bring people together as a community, to boost social pride and to attract visitors to see what we love about our fabulous city.
“So we’re super excited to add Funtavia to the annual Geraldton social calendar, I felt there was a real lack of nautical themed art festivals here.”

Mr Canny said Funtavia would also bring unprecedented opportunities for local performers.

“A team of artists from the Comedy Emporium will perform alongside international acts at Funtavia, and then go on to perform in Perth and Mandurah as part of Fringe World,” Mr Canny said.
“One performance, ‘Fat Girls in Bike Shorts’, that is sure to sell out early, will also feature in the Adelaide Fringe Program 2016.
“These are incredible opportunities for our local artists and producers to become involved with the international arts sector and make connections with people across the industry.”

Ms Reilly and Mr Canny are keen to ensure the event is accessible to as many people as possible so have insisted on keeping ticket prices to a low $15, apart from the ‘you-don’t-want-to-miss-this’ headline act Otto & Astrid – Kunst Rock ( Art Rock), tickets to this show are still a low $20.

“We believe so strongly in this event that we’re funding it out of our own pockets, Ms Reilly said.
“We are welcoming businesses to take advantage of Fringe World’s great reputation and love of supporting local by coming on board as a corporate sponsor or event sponsor, because every dollar will help us to make sure this pilot event returns next year bigger and better.”
“It will be a really great chance to support this lively injection into the Geraldton social calendar and align your business with a brand of international renown in our own backyard.”

Head over to the website www.funtavia.com to keep up to date with information, purchase tickets and to download the full event program.

Tickets sales open December 10 and be available until sold out (so get it early). Tickets can be purchased either online through our website, at our CGG West End Markets Dec 10 ‘Pop- Up Bar’, or at the MWCCI Twilight Markets Dec 11.

Sponsorship prospectuses are available from the Funtavia Crew at Event Nation – 08 9964 6088, funtavia@eventnation.com.au or our event website www.funtavia.com

 

Elves descend on Marine Terrace last night to make it a festive Wonderland

Last night a Christmas blizzard hit Marine Terrace. 

Barbara Thompson said the magic of this Christmas blitz was obvious from the Courthouse right through to the roundabout at Orana Cinemas.

Some tinkling bells were heard late last night and reports of some happy Elves, and Santa helpers in resplendent red suits and white beards were weaving their Christmas cheer up and down the Terrace.
With it being so close to celebrating Christmas the helpers thought Geraldton needed some help to put a heart back into the City centre, lift traders’ spirits and encourage people back into the centre of town to view their handiwork.
The bollards and some Norfolk trees have received some special Christmas attention and indeed the City centre looks very Christmassy indeed.
The Festive helpers were very impressed with the extra effort the businesses are making in decorating their windows for the Geraldton Best Decorated Christmas Window Competition. The results of this will be announced and applauded on the 21st Dec, just four sleeps before Christmas.

Peals of laughter and clapping of congratulations were heard from the 50 plus helpers when they stood in awe of the special effort made by the Ray White and Rotary Clubs ‘A little Ray of Giving’ collaboration which will open up the doors of this display this Thursday 10th December when the Christmas on the Terrace evening celebrations are in full swing.

All gifts will be kindly accepted and gifted to children so they too may celebrate a happy Christmas.

A faint message was spotted on a window and on closer inspection this morning it was thought to have said “Joy, Peace and Goodwill to All” and “to all a goodnight” 

Locals to sail yacht from Geraldton to Rockingham in preparation from Cockburn Sound Regatta

On Friday 18th December, a crew of approximately 8 Geraldton crew and Skipper, will depart our pristine waters, setting sail for Rockingham, 230 Nautical Miles South, in preparation for the Cockburn Sound Regatta. 

Not only is the sail south an adventure of some significance, which may take up to 40 hours, but it is the first Geraldton yacht to nominate in a Perth regatta for some time. 

The West Coast of Australia is some of the roughest coast in the world, and is home to some of Australia’s worst maritime disasters, The Batavia and HMAS Sydney II. The coast can be strewn with boat-strangling cray pots and infested with sharks, but the crew is keen to embrace the adventure.

The Cockburn Sound Regatta, 27th-30th December, will feature 100’s of boats in various classes, and being in the festive season, will gain exposure to many tourists and Perth locals. 

The Shady Doctor, previously known as The Fremantle Doctor, is renown on the West Coast as a competitive race boat, and will gain significant interest. 

The Crew and Skipper of The Shady Doctor are keen to promote our Geraldton lifestyle to the population south of Perth, and in doing so, seek sponsorship for costs associated with the journey south, crew logistics, boat maintenance, and regatta race fees. 

In exchange for sponsorship, we can offer promotion of businesses in the form of flags featuring the business logo, Stickers on the hull, logo/sign writing on crew apparel and local promotion. Or, come aboard for some team building, and experience the thrill and exhilaration of being part of a racing crew.

 

Christmas Trading Hours

Minister for Commerce, Hon Michael Mischin MLC, has approved the City of Greater Geraldton’s application for temporarily extended retail trading hours over the 2015 Christmas period.

Trading hours will be extended on the following days:

  • Sunday 13 December - 10am to 4pm

  • Sunday 20 December - 10am to 4pm

  • Monday 21 December - 6pm to 9pm

  • Tuesday 22 December - 6pm to 9pm

  • Wednesday 23 December - 6pm to 9pm

It is up to the discretion of the individual trader whether or not they choose to open their doors for these additional hours.

For more information contact the City Council on (08) 9956 6600.

Bundiyarra-Irra Wangga Language Centre marks 10 years

Christmas won’t be the only celebration on at the Bundiyarra-Irra Wangga Language Centre next week.

This year marks 10 successful years for the Language Centre and to celebrate the milestone, a Lunch for Language will be held at Bundiyarra on Wednesday 16 December.

A healthy spread of tucker including damper, stews, barbecued sh and salads will be provided.

Guests will be entertained with tradi onal dancing, music and entertainment. It’s the perfect opportunity for a catch up yarn with friends, an opportunity to make new ones and share some pre-Christmas cheer.

The Irra-Wangga Language Centre moved to Bundiyarra in 2005 building on the extensive work already done by the Yamaji Language Centre with languages in the Mid West, Gascoyne and Murchison regions.

Since that me, Irra-Wangga has gone from strength to strength producing more than 20 publica ons including the popular Wajarri Dic onary that was 25 years in the making – and which will go into a second print run next year thanks to the generous support of Sinosteel Midwest Corpora on.

Other publica ons include the Badimaya Dic onary, various language alphabet posters and myriad language recordings and oral histories.

Language Centre Coordinator, Jennifer Kniveton-Gregory, said the Language Centre has worked hard to capture the full picture of language, not just the words on the page, or in the air, but complete with the full cultural context.
“The role of the Language Centre is to help capture that essence. Language has a real connec on to country and all languages in the region face the possibility of being lost in one genera on,” she said.
“Community is invited to Bundiyarra on Eastward Road, Geraldton from noon on 16 December to help celebrate the wonderful past decade of language work and inspire the next 10 years.”

Please RSVP to Bundiyarra on 9920 7900 for catering purposes. 

Thursday Night in Lights

Looking for something to entertain the kids this Thursday night, 10th December? 

Why not come downtown to our static display for Little Ray of Giving. Kids can enter the colouring completion while they are there, write a letter to Santa and have a photo with Santa. Kids and parents will each get a present to take home. 

Entry requires a present (under $10) or a donation in which we will buy presents with for the Little Ray of Giving. 

There will be colouring stations, letter writing desks and a gift wrapping section!

We will be there from 5.30-8pm, Thursday 10th December, on the corner of Durlacher St and Chapman Rd.

 

Mobile black spots on the agenda

Member for Durack Melissa Price has again asked for nominations of mobile black spot locations in the electorate of Durack to be submitted by December 21st for consideration under Round 2 of the Mobile Black Spot Programme.

“The Commonwealth Government has committed $60 million which will help provide new or upgraded mobile coverage in Durack under Round 2 of the Mobile Black Spot Programme,” Ms Price said.
“I strongly encourage residents of Durack to nominate mobile black spots in the local area before the deadline of December 21.”
Black spot nominations for Round 2 of the Programme can be made online at communications.gov.au/blackspots or emailed to Ms Price at Melissa.Price.MP@aph.gov.au.
“The Turnbull Government understands the importance of mobile coverage in regional and remote areas of Australia. The Coalition invested $100 million under Round 1 of the programme which will see almost 500 new mobile base stations built nationally. This is the biggest one-time increase in mobile coverage from a single funding programme in the history of mobile telecommunications in Australia,” Ms Price said.

Locations nominated as mobile black spots by people living in Durack will be added to a national database.

The database will be provided to mobile operators as part of a competitive selection process, where operators will be required to nominate sites where they would build new or upgraded base stations to serve the black spot locations nominated by the public.

The Government will then select successful locations in accordance with the ranking process set out in the Mobile Black Spot Programme Round 2 guidelines, which will be issued publicly prior to the commencement of the competitive selection process.

The competitive selection process is scheduled to begin in early 2016, and the Government expects to be in a position to announce the successful locations under Round 2 by the end of 2016.

Over 6,000 locations were nominated under Round 1 of the programme, with Round 1 set to provide new or upgraded coverage to around 3,000 of the nominated black spots.

Black spots which are not set to receive new or upgraded coverage under Round 1 of the programme will remain in the database as eligible locations for Round 2.

 

School community supports parent struck down with lung cancer

Quintin De Klerk was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer earlier this year.  He has been on a clinical trial for chemotherapy in Perth, which has been working well. 

Personal Assistant to the Principal Fiona Davidson at Strathalbyn Christian College advised college parents via email, asking for their support. 

Recently in Perth the Oncologist advised Quintin that he has 3 cracked vertebrae (from the spread of cancer) and will need radiotherapy treatment.
Quintin and his wife Jenine (who is a member of staff at the College) do not have permanent residency in Australia, so they have to pay for the radiology treatment up front (no Medicare cover is available). 
The cost will be $20,000. If Quintin doesn’t receive the treatment urgently he soon won’t be able to walk, and therefore wouldn’t able to work and support his family – so time is of the essence.
If you feel led to donate to this lovely family, a Go Fund Me Page has been set up to assist with Quintin’s treatment costs:
https://www.gofundme.com/quintindeklerk

Around $5000 has been raised so far.