The ABC team produced this look at the coastal erosion we are experiencing here in Geraldton. Worth a couple of minutes of your time. The impact that the interruption of the natural flow of sand is having on our coastline caused by coastal marinas, groins and dredging, is incredible.
Yesterday, Thursday March 3 2016, Durack Institute of Technology officially opened three fantastic new facilities.
Hon. Liza Harvey and Hon. Terry Redman MLA were in attendance for the opening, along with staff, students and others. Check out the short video above, which gives a brief look at these great new assets for our community.
John Willcock and Geraldton Senior reunion:
Sent in to Everything Geraldton-
"1979 - 1983.. all those crew who started in year 8 & finished in year 12, at John Willcock & Geraldton Senior. All us 50 year old legends, & a few one year older, WINTERSUN- KUTA ROOM on Saturday nite from 6.30, (6th) for a REUNION. $10 phone Natalie Johnston 0427883684 if you want to catch up."
Spread the word with anyone you know.
Boarding and disembarking from boats at the Francis Street Finger Jetty located at Town Beach will get a whole lot easier once construction of a new jetty is completed by the end of June.
At last week’s Council meeting the contract to demolish the existing jetty and build a new one was awarded to SMC Marine Pty Ltd, a company highly experienced in jetty construction.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the replacement of the jetty means the City will be able to provide improved access to users including people with mobility impairments.
“The new jetty will be approximately 39m long and features 1.3m wide stepped deck configuration that provides increased access for people with mobility impairments whilst enabling easier boarding and disembarking from boats and other recreational water craft,” he said.
Construction of the replacement jetty is estimated to take 13 weeks to complete. The existing jetty wood decking and chafers will be stored at the depot for potential reuse.
During construction the Town Beach boat ramp will be closed to the public to ensure community safety at all times. Recreational watercraft users are encouraged to use the boat ramps at the Batavia Coast Marina during this time.
Students thinking of a friend:
Rhehal Burgess made and shared this video today for a school friend, Jordan Forrester-
"To show you how much we support and love you and your mother, Jordan Forrester, we decided to wear pink on our carnival day for you. I took my camera around to take photos to show that even though you weren't there, we were still all thinking about you. You are the most selfless and strongest person I know and you motivate all of us to keep going. Haley Hamlet made a beautiful speech on behalf of you and your mother which made nearly everyone cry. We did this to show you that, although you may feel alone, you aren't because we will always be by your side your mother was a beautiful flower and unfortunately, the best get picked but we know that she's looking over you, cheering you on just like the rest of us xxx WE LOVE YOU JORDAN xxx #pinkforjordan"
We've had a couple of reports of needles being found in front yards this week, so thought it time to remind everyone to speak with your children about what to do if they see one.
This one was found just this evening opposite a local primary school. Thanks Alyssa for the heads up.
Shared by Ian Blayney:
"Petition Boards for William Patrick Mitchell will be available at these locations, below, for the next 2 weeks before they will be collected and presented to Parliament by Ian Blayney. Please don't hesitate to contact this office if you have any queries:"
Ian Blayney's office - 2/5 Chapman Rd
Katie's Geraldton – 118 Marine Tce
Go Health – 122 Marine Tce
Rocks Newsagency – Marine Tce
Freemason’s Hotel – Marine Tce
Geraldton Health Food – 8/9 Chapman Rd
Wintersun Hotel – 441 Chapman Rd
Bluff Point Newsagency – 429 Chapman Rd
Bluff Point Deli – 437 Chapman Rd
Sunset Supa IGA
Wonthella Supa IGA
Durlacher Street Supa IGA
Thanks Lloyd for sending in the following:
"Great effort Geraldton! As most of you are aware during the month of January, Officers from Geraldton Volunteer Fire & Rescue distributed donation tins throughout the Geraldton Region, raising funds for those affected by the Bush Fire Emergency in the South West Region of WA. We can now confirm a total of $2,701.95 was raised. On behalf of Geraldton Volunteer Fire & Rescue we'd like to sincerely thank our community for your efforts and generosity towards our South West WA Fundraiser."
Lieutenant Ben Collins & Apparatus Officer Tayla Renwick - Geraldton VFRS.
Update on stolen Geraldton Surf Life Saving Club vehicle:
"Stolen Polaris was found this morning burnt out near the cemetery, not a good result for the Geraldton Surf Life Saving Club as unsure if insurance will cover it and we don't have the funds to replace it. Thank you to all that shared, the police for their tireless hours looking for it and the public member who found our life saving equipment that was dumped near Meru tip and called it in, we really do appreciate the support of the community as we support you."
- Lisa.
A question that is often asked by parents new to Geraldton is what playgroups or activities are on in town. Thankfully, Kidz Retreat recently published the following lists of everything that is currently happening in and around Geraldton in 2016:
Playgroups are more than just a great excuse to get out of the house; it turns out that attending regular sessions provides a host of benefits for both parents and children alike. I asked the owner of Kidz Retreat and author of the lists, Daneale Buckley, what exactly those benefits are.
“The play and activities are directed at improving/enhancing the children’s skills. Children of all ages develop a wide range of skills when attending playgroups or activities, such as gross motor skills, fine motor skills, cognitive skills, social and emotional skills.”
“There are a range of benefits for not only children but their parents/guardians who attend playgroup. It supports parents/guardians with separation anxiety, giving the opportunity to expand their social network and become friends with other families who have children around the same age, parents/guardians feel supported when communicating with others in the same situation as their own family. Most of all attending a playgroup or activities gives parents/guardians adult socialisation while children are interacting with their friends. Once looking into Childcare it helps with the transition if you know other families from playgroup who will be attending the same Childcare centre.”
“Children become more confident when they are apart from their parents/guardian, which helps reduce separation anxiety when children are then required to attend either childcare or school.”
If you have ever been unsure of whether or not playgroups are right for you and your child, now you know the perks of attending one. We are lucky to have such a great variety of playgroups and activities available for our little ones to participate in, so matter your location, availability or budget, you are sure to find the perfect group for your family.
Special thanks to Daneale at Kidz Retreat for giving us permission to publish these lists. Be sure to check out their Facebook page to keep up to date with any future changes or additions.
The Geraldton Surf Life Saving Club has reached out to Everything Geraldton to ask for the public's assistance following a robbery overnight. The vehicle stolen is similar to the one pictured.
STOLEN: "The Geraldton Surf Life Saving Club has had their Red Emergency Vehicle stolen (Polaris) some time during the night with first aid equipment attached to it, please keep a look out for it down the beach in the area or it may have been loaded onto a trailer and taken inland, if sighted please contact Lisa on 0417298296, Thank you"
Sent in to EG:
"I would like to ask the public if anyone knows what the worm lookalike thing is as our son was was playing in the sand at camp over the weekend (just North of Buller River) and it gave him a bite - like a mozzie bite, small red lump about 3-4mm diameter but with a puncture wound on the middle like a small hole, he screamed and instant tears. I put ice and an antiseptic cream on it and it came good within a hour.
BUT, when I put this in a container, and put a stick near it, it would stand up like a snake would do defending itself, Hubby and I were like "why is it doing that" was weird. We thought worm too straight away, but we were curious to why it would defend itself like it did, and the pain and wound our Son got from it?"
- Alanna
A Message from the Department of Parks and Wildlife:
"A Pacific gull like this one has fishing line and a hook stuck in its mouth - it's often found near the BBQ area at Foreshore Drive in Geraldton. Can anyone who spots the gull please contact the Parks and Wildlife office on 9964 0901, so we can go out and remove the hook. Thanks for your assistance!"
Love this shot by Bill Belson:
"Osprey at Separation Point trying to keep cool in [Monday's] heat. Sitting with wings slightly raised near the waters edge."
If you have an image you'd like to share with the community send it in to geraldton@justeverything.com.au
(The purpose of the following article is to reduce the amount of questionable Go Fund Me listings that are sent around each day, so that the ones that are genuine are actually effective. Please don't think we want everyone to become hard hearted and stop giving. Geraldton is famous for its generosity, and it's something we can all be proud of.)
If you spend any time on social media, you've probably noticed the huge spike in Go Fund Me listings over the last few months. They've become a popular way for people to reach out to their fellow citizens and ask for money. Everything Geraldton gets sent about one Go Fund Me link each day.
Before I rant on about Go Fund Me listings, I want to share some info about a fantastic charity Geraldton has that I'm surprised so many people still haven't heard about.
They're called "Midwest Charity Begins at Home".
The term "charity begins at home" is an old proverb, essentially meaning "help those close to you first."
Sometimes we get so overwhelmed with world events we forget to help those in very real need right on our own doorstep.
Midwest Charity Begins at Home is run by a bunch of locals who see the needs in our community, and want to do something about it.
I spoke with Chris Dobson about the work they do.
The person must be a Mid West resident, and in financial need due to serious illness.
We can only give cash.
On our website we have an application form. We do need a doctor's certificate. We (the MWCBAH folk) meet up and discuss the application. We usually have funds within a few days.
Because we’re small and local, we can act on it pretty quick.
Sometimes Go Fund Me really is the best way to organise community support around a particular issue. It certainly has its place and is very convenient.
But many of the listings we are sent make us question several things.
Here's a list of some of the problems we are seeing.
(NOTE: We're not telling people to not share their Go Fund Me listings with us. If the need is verifiable and the listing ticks all the boxes, we'd love to help out by sharing it.)
With each Go Fund Me listing people donate to, they are less likely to donate to the next one. Locals have expressed to EG that they feel like they're overwhelmed with people asking for money every day.
A Geraldton resident named Jake Drage was in an Indonesian prison in 2014.
A Go Fund Me listing was created by a well meaning friend of his raising money to bring him home. But this Go Fund Me listing was how the media learned of the situation and, according to people assisting Jake, hamstrung efforts to get Jake released from jail.
I often see Go Fund Me listings set up by acquaintances of who the money is ostensibly for, sharing information that I doubt the people involved would want published for the world to see.
The media love the listings though, as they have become a great source of inside information on tragedies.
Before you publish anything, ask yourself if you're ok for this info to go viral, and for every person in town to know it.
We see many listings that claim to be raising the money for a third party. Donors have no way of verifying if the funds ever make it to the intended source, and in many cases even if a genuine need exists. Legitimate local charities like Midwest Disaster Relief or Midwest Charity Begins at Home do verify if actual need exists first before handing out money or goods, and they themselves must be accountable with funds that they receive.
I've seen Go Fund Me listings for people I know to be quite wealthy. They've been set up by friends of the families following an accident or other event. The people who the money is for owned their home, a successful business, multiple cars... they're basically wealthier than most of the people that are donating to their cause.
The friends who set up the Go Fund Me listings probably don't know their net worth, they're doing it as a kind gesture, the first way they can think of to help out.
EG was sent one the other day where the family in question didn't seem to be in dire straits financially at all, and specifically told me that they wanted to go on a holiday with the money raised. I kid you not. The Go Fund Me listing didn't mention that, of course.
I've seen other people in desperate need who have a Go Fund Me listing, and they can barely raise enough money for a tank of fuel.
When we see so many Go Fund Me listings each week, some with serious need, others with questionable need, we grow numb to all of them. So that means people who are in GENUINE need are getting less donations because of all the listings that get created and shared.
Yes, many people fall through the cracks and we all need to reach into our own pockets to help others out. No one is saying Australia's social welfare is perfect.
But, many of the Go Fund Me listings are written as if Centrelink and Medicare didn't exist. Australia has, despite its shortcomings, one of the most generous health care and welfare systems in the world.
Moreover, there are charities that exist specifically to help people in crisis, and not only are they accountable for the money they handle, but donations to those charities are tax deductible.
Midwest Charity Begins at Home is one local charity that does a fantastic job of getting assistance to people in need in our community suffering financial difficulty due to illness. More about them above.
Mid West Disaster Relief give out countless amounts of second hand furniture and other items to people needing assistance. They're a fantastic asset to our community.
There are plenty of others too... The Salvos and Sun City Care spring to mind.
Now in saying all that, Everything Geraldton will not institute a policy of never sharing a Go Fund Me listing. We're simply asking that people creating these listings consider the points mentioned.
1. Has the person who the money is for actually asked for a go fund me listing to be created?
2. Are you sharing sensitive information? Are you happy with whatever you publish to be known by every person in Geraldton?
3. Have you already exhausted all the official ways of getting financial assistance that exist?
4. Have you spoken with Midwest Charity Begins at Home, or other relevant charities?
Keep in mind that the more Go Fund Me listings we see each day, the less effective they are.
So save them for genuine needs and use existing channels to raise money whenever possible.
It's hard to tell how much of our economy has moved to "Buy and Sell" sites now. They've become an extremely efficient way of getting rid of unwanted items, but plenty of people are running actual businesses in them too.
There's always the concern of giving complete strangers your home address though, especially when they're coming over to inspect the flat screen TV you're trying to sell. Are they scoping your home? Will they be back later tonight to help themselves? We've all had those thoughts.
One very forward thinking cop shop in the US is offering local residents a safe place to conduct their transactions. Farmville (I know, right) in North Carolina has a monitored parking lot at the local police station where people can exchange goods and money, with the assurance a camera is watching.
Here's what they published on FB:
The Farmville Police Department now has an area in the Police Department parking lot where you can exchange items purchased over the internet. This area is located where the officers park their cars at night, right in front of the PD main lobby, and is under 24 hour surveillance. There are parking spaces designated as an Internet Exchange Location and Police Vehicles Only, these areas can be used to exchange items.
With the increase in people buying and selling items online and through social media we wanted to make a location people could feel safe making the exchange.
We understand people feel hesitant to give someone their home or work address or meet them in a random parking lot and wanted to provide a location that was public, monitored and accessible.
If a buyer or seller is unwilling to meet you at this location to exchange items, you probably don't want to be doing business with this person anyway.
Leave a response in the comments below.
The Farmville Police Department now has an area in the Police Department parking lot where you can exchange items...
Posted by Farmville Police Department on Monday, February 15, 2016
Thanks Aleisel for the heads up.
"We seem to have a problem with our school bus service, one bus in particular, the 007 which goes from Strathalbyn to Geraldton Senior and return. This bus has not had any airconditioning both last year and this year and the bus driver has also commented to the kids that the engine cooling system is also defective and they have to stop regularly to cool it down, there are no windows for airflow, these ongoing problems result in the children being late for school. The driver has taken this issue up with his employers but nothing has been done about it. This issue is not adequate in this day and age and numerous times the children are having to get of the bus with heat exhaustion problems."
- Sean Williams, parent.
*Please note a WATER section has been added.
The following alert has been issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).
Time of issue: 5.00pm
Date of issue: 17 February 2016
Bushfire ADVICE for the northern part of Eradu South in the City of Greater Geraldton
ALERT LEVEL:
A bushfire ADVICE remains for people near Geraldton Mount Magnet Road in the northern part of Eradu South in the City of Geraldton.
BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:
WHAT TO DO:
IF DRIVING:
ROAD CLOSURES:
Avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site.
The Geraldton Mount Magnet Road is closed between Moonyoonooka Yuna Road and Mingenew Mullewa Road.
Road information may also be available from Main Roads WA by calling 138 138 or visiting www.mainroads.wa.gov.au.
WATER
The fire has caused a power outage to Water Corporation’s borefield, which supplies drinking water to Mullewa.
Power has now been restored but the tanks that supply drinking water to the town are now low.
Mullewa residents are encouraged to be careful of their non-essential water use over the next 48 hours.
Please avoid using water outside the home on gardens, and try to conserve water indoors if possible.
WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:
EXTRA INFORMATION:
KEEP UP TO DATE:
Visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa or listen to news bulletins.
The next update will be provided by 11am tomorrow, unless the situation changes.
END
Media Contact: DFES Media and Corporate Communications on 9225 5955.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said four 43m high light towers housing 28 lights each were lifted into place yesterday bringing the project one step closer to completion.
“Now that the towers and lights are in place additional works for the oval that were approved by Council in December 2015 can be undertaken,” he said.
“The existing carpark lighting needs improving and the carpark bitumen is in rough shape therefore the carpark lighting will be upgraded and the carpark surface resealed which will not only improve security, it will provide safer access for facility users.
“Retaining walls, stairs, new ramps and hand rails will also be installed to enhance access and inclusion for all and ensure safer access to the pitch from the grandstand.
“Once everything is completed the oval can be used for night programming including entertainment, sporting activities and competitions such as regional and state wide sports as we will finally have the necessary infrastructure needed to host these events,” said Mayor Van Styn.
The $1.5 million project funded by Department of Sport and Recreation, Midwest Development Commission Royalties for Regions, Country Local Government Fund, AFL and the City of Greater Geraldton was awarded to local Geraldton business S&K Electrical.
“The installation of the flood lighting at the Wonthella Oval is part of the record $68.5 million the City will be spending on a wide range of capital works this financial year that are helping stimulate our local economy,” Mayor Van Styn said.
The commission of the flood lighting will be completed by 19 February 2016.
A number of residents have expressed concerns over the state of the oval. CGG have advised us that remedial works are underway.
"The works on remediating the oval have commenced today. The oval is expected to be ready for use at the end of March 2016."
Pic: Posted in the EG app by "tig"
Murchison Off Road Adventures have been running an adventure park just outside of Geraldton with activities such as camping, "Mud Nutz and Forbys" and more.
They've been a real asset to our community, providing something other than the run of the mill entertainment we normally have on hand. They're also a fantastic tourist attraction, bringing in visitors and money into the region.
It seems their future is at stake though, all because of a paperwork drama with the Department of Lands.
Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has put out the following press release regarding the matter.
If you would like to show your support for Murchison Off Road Adventures, contact Lands Minister Terry Redman's office on 6552-6700 or email Minister.Redman@dpc.wa.gov.au
Time for the Minister to intervene in Coolcalalaya lease issue.
Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney is calling on Lands Minister Terry Redman to intervene in the issues relating to the re-leasing of Coolcalalaya Station, near Kalbarri.
“The Lanes purchased the pastoral lease for Coolcalalaya Station near Kalbarri nearly ten years ago for the purpose of developing a 4WD adventure park – Murchison Off Road Adventures.
“I am advised the Lanes sold all their assets to invest in this enterprise, have been slowly building the property and the business.
“My understanding is that approximately three years ago they were visited by the Manager of Pastoral Land and were advised to consider changing the purpose of the lease from pastoral to general.
“They made the applications for a Section 91 Licence and also a Section 79 lease. I’m uncertain whether the need to comply with the renewal conditions for the lease, which would enable this to occur was properly explained to the Lanes, or they misunderstood their responsibility, but the outcome was the expiration of Coolcalalaya Pastoral Lease on the 30th of June 2015.
“Shortly after, the Lanes received a letter from the Department of Lands asking them to close their business, remove their possession and leave.
“The Lanes have continued to negotiate with the Department of Lands in an attempt to comply with the Department's conditions for the issue of a new licence or lease to operate however, time is running out for the Lanes as the application assessment and case referral process will not be completed before they are required to quit the property.
“In the mean time they have been required to dismantle their business and cease operations and I understand, have no other means of income.
Mrs Lane contacted my office in September 2015 to request assistance.
“I arranged for Mrs Lane to meet Minister Redman prior to the Regional Cabinet meeting in Geraldton last year, and have written to him on her behalf, but the outcome is unchanged.
“I had hoped to raise this matter in Parliament, as a Grievance to the Minister, on their behalf. Unfortunately, there is no available opportunity to do so before June, which is too late for the Lanes.
“There appears to be no avenue available other than to call on the Minister for his personal intervention in this matter, so that he may determine what steps can be taken to allow the Lanes to stay in their home and continue their business activities.
“I support the concept of an outback, off road 4WD park.
“This business typifies the economic diversification and investment the Minister is trying to encourage for the rangelands with the introduction of the new Rangelands Lease.”
“Western Australia has limited opportunity for 4 wheel driving in a safe environment. This provides the authentic outback, off road experience with reduced risk. This could be an important local business, providing a broader benefit for the community, reducing risky behaviour on our roads,” said Mr Blayney.
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