Valley View Set For A Day Of Action

Two very different wartime memories will be seen at the Valley View Air Show on Saturday.

In the sky will be Whiskey Whiskey Alpha, putting on a good turn for a 71 year old. Built in 1942 as America re-armed after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Whiskey was designed as a T-6 Texan fighter trainer for the United States Army Air Force and the US Navy.

Whiskey was completely rebuilt at Jandakot 20 years ago by a trio of enthusiasts, including Adrian Thomas who bought out his partners two years later. Flying the T-6 Texan with its 600hp Pratt & Whitney engine is a definite buzz for Mr Thomas, who is looking forward to thrilling spectators at tomorrow’s event.

Firmly on the ground is the Gallipoli trench project, replicating what faced the Anzacs in 1915. Those who have seen the trench before will be amazed by its progress, and  coordinator Tim Rust is confident  the trench will be completed in time for next year’s centenary of the Gallipoli landing.

Gates will open at 2pm on Saturday for the Air Show and Gallipoli trench project, with admission at $20 per car.

A highlight of the event will be the evening concert spectacular with the Royal Australian Navy Band, with tickets covering the air show and concert at $70 still available at Queens Park Theatre, Bennetts On The Mall or Sun City Skin Cancer Clinic, 5 Hermitage Street. Clearly signposted, Valley View is located on the Mullewa road, 25kms after Geraldton Airport.

Comedy Emporium to serve up world class entertainment

Tomorrow night The Comedy Emporium is presenting a huge buffet of comedians at the QPT with its first showcase for 2014. Mike G all the way from USA, will be leading the show of 10 comedy acts from around the globe.

“Mike G is an international comedy sensation who had the crowd in hysterics” states a review from UK radio show 3rd Degree.

The showcase will feature Perth’s Rory Lowe, Gary Sansome from the UK, Melbourne’s Brett Blake and winner of next gen Perth International Comedy Festival Ciaran Lyons, plus the team of your favourite locals.

Following the amazing success of the Beach Party show, The Comedy Emporium staff urge people to buy their tickets ASAP.

“Over 200 people joined the audience for the Beach Party show - as we are inside we can only fit 150 so make sure you don’t miss out!” Said Emma Howell The Comedy Emporium Coordinator.

Recently back from a successful showcase of regional talent at the Perth Fringe Festival, Geraldton Comedy has been put on the map.

“We have been flooded with enquiries from comedians from all over Australia after the news spread about the extremely friendly supportive audiences we have in Geraldton,” said Emma.

Regular musos for the Emporium, Me and the Missus, will be performing at the March Showcase as their last show in town for the next few months, it will be one not to miss.

For more information head to www.thecomedyemporium.com

Doors open 6:30pm, live music from 7:15pm and Comedy at 8pm.

Tickets on sale now for $25 each presale.   Tickets at the door for $30 if sales permit – so make sure you pre book through the Queens Park Theatre. Group discounts apply and for enquiries please ring 0458 306 111. No BYO alcohol. Bar available.

Short course opens up for teams in the Endure Batavia Triathlon

The Market Creations Endure Batavia Triathlon has widened its offering to participants by opening up the short course for team entries. So if you thought the long course was going to be too grueling for your team, the short course might just be the right fit.

The Endure long course puts competitors through their paces across a 1.5km ocean swim, 44km bike ride and 10km run, while the short course covers half the distance.

Geraldton Triathlon Club president Simon Teakle said the aim of the Endure Batavia Triathlon was to have the event as something that catered for all sporting abilities.

“Our vision for the Endure is to make it an event for everyone,” he said.

“Whether you’re a world champion triathlete or someone who just wants to give triathlon a go, we want to cater for everyone.”

In previous years, teams were only open to compete in the long course but the Geraldton Triathlon Club have welcomed the new addition of the short course team event.

Mr Teakle said the teams challenge for both the long and short is all about having a bit of fun.

“The team challenge is a fantastic way to get your mates or your work colleagues involved – have a bit fun tackling an exciting and exhilarating race,” he said.

“If you’re not up to enduring the whole thing, you can always enter into the short course as a team or give it a go solo.”

The 2014 Endure Batavia Triathlon is being held on 6th April. For more information or to register, go to geraldtontriclub.com.au and follow the link to the Endure.

Tom Burlinson will hit the Geraldton stage for Simply Sinatra

Presenting Australian star of screen and stage, Tom Burlinson, in his musical production ‘SIMPLY SINATRA’ - an intimate, yet swinging celebration of the music and career of the legendary Ol’ Blue Eyes.

Simply Sinatra will grace the stage at the Queen's Park Theatre on March 5 at 8pm.

Tom’s illustrious career stretches from acting and singing, to television host and theatrical producer. He first shot to stardom in the ‘80s when he was cast in the title role in the box office hit, ‘The Man from Snowy River’, which became one of the most successful Australian films ever made. This led to a string of starring roles in movies over the next several years.

In the ‘90’s, Tom revealed that as well as being an immensely talented actor, he also had an amazing singing voice. His first professional singing engagement was as the voice of the young Frank in the Warner Brothers mini-series ‘Sinatra’, produced by Tina Sinatra.

1998 saw the creation of Tom’s hugely successful live musical show ‘Frank – A Life in Song’, which played several times in the Australian state capital cities as well as in Toronto, Canada and Las Vegas, U.S.A. This was followed by the national tour of ‘Now We’re Swingin’!’, another musical show celebrating not only Sinatra, but other stars of vocal swing such as Nat ‘King’ Cole, Tony Bennett, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jnr., Bobby Darin and Michael Buble.

‘Simply Sinatra’ has been created for more intimate venues. Now accompanied by a smaller band of fine musicians, Tom sings over 20 of Sinatra’s greatest hits, and talks with considerable knowledge of some of the highlights of his extraordinary career.

From ‘Come Fly with Me’, ‘All the Way’, ‘Lady is a Tramp’ and ‘You Make Me Feel So Young’ to ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin’, ‘That’s Life’ and ‘New york, New York’ plus many more!

Don’t miss this special performance from one of Australia’s most popular entertainers-up close!

Tickets to the show are still available. Prices are as follows:

Adults: $39.00 Pensioners: $32.00 Seniors: $32.00 Family 2+2: $27.50 Child Secondary Student: $24.00 Group 8+: $34.00 QPT Members: $36.00.

The show will start at 8pm, with a "Little Black Dress" event held before hand with cocktail desserts provided and cocktails sold from the QPT Bar from 7:15pm.

Click here to book online.

Aircraft to turn heads at Valley View

This aircraft is set to turn heads at Valley View Air Display as it has in the past. 

David O’Neill said the curiosity began in 2009 when he brought the Polish-built Wilga back from Germany,  where he bought it.

He  found the Wilga while working as a geologist in Moscow, and said it was love at first sight.

“Even if it does have a face that only a mother could love,”  he said. 

Designed and built in Poland as a short-takeoff-and-landing (STOL) civilian utility aircraft, the Wilga evolved throughout its production run from 1962 to 2006.

David O’Neill’s pride and joy, a Wilga Mark 3 bult in 1975, will fly in for Valley View Summer Concert and Air Display on Saturday 8 March, held 23kms past Geraldton Airport on the Geraldton-Mullewa road.

Admission to the not-for-profit event is $20 per car for the air display, gates open at 2pm.

Tickets at $70 per head for the air display and the spectacular evening concert featuring  the Australian Navy Band are available from Queens Park Theatre,  Bennetts On The Mall or Sun City Skin Cancer Clinic, 5 Hermitage Street.

Line up announced for The Comedy Emporium's first 2014 showcase

On March 7th The Comedy Emporium is presenting a huge buffet of comedians at the QPT with its first showcase for 2014. Mike G all the way from USA, will be leading the show of 10 comedy acts from around the globe.  With 100 tickets already sold the show is soon to sell out over the next few weeks.

“Mike G is an international comedy sensation who had the crowd in hysterics,” states a review from UK radio show 3rd Degree.

The showcase will feature Perth’s Rory Lowe, Gary Sansome from the UK, Melbourne’s Brett Blake and winner of next gen Perth International Comedy Festival Ciaran Lyons, plus the team of your favourite locals.

Following the amazing success of the Beach Party show, The Comedy Emporium staff urge people to buy their tickets ASAP.  “Over 200 people joined the audience for the Beach Party show - as we are inside we can only fit 150 so make sure you don’t miss out!” - said Emma Howell The Comedy Emporium Coordinator.

Recently back from a successful showcase of regional talent at the Perth Fringe Festival, Geraldton Comedy has been put on the map. “We have been flooded with enquiries from comedians from all over Australia after the news spread about the extremely friendly supportive audiences we have in Geraldton,” said Emma.

Regular musos for the Emporium, Me and the Missus, will be performing at the March Showcase as their last show in town for the next few months, it will be one not to miss.

“Tickets are still only $25 if you buy before the show. Be quick because there’s just 50 left!” Emma explained. “They’ll go quickly - if we sell out and you’ve haven’t got yourself a ticket… well that sucks.”

For more information head to www.thecomedyemporium.com

Doors open 6:30pm, live music from 7:15pm and Comedy at 8pm.

Tickets on sale now for $25 each presale. Tickets at the door for $30 if sales permit – so make sure you pre book through the Queens Park Theatre. Group discounts apply and for enquiries please ring 0458 306 111. No BYO alcohol. Bar available.

Mothers Day Classic calls for committee members

The Mothers Day Classic is a National Event, held annually, which is a fun run and walk to help raise funds for breast cancer research.

The Geraldton event involves a 2km, 4km and 8km walk or run and will be held in the Stow Gardens on Foreshore Drive on Sunday, May 11.

Last year’s event saw over 300 participants and nearly $3,700 was raised.

Event Organiser Melissa Latham said the event is looking for locals who would like to join the committee for the 2014 event.

The aims and strategies of the committee will be in accordance with the national Mother’s Day Classic mission and goals, set some broad aims and strategies for the event.

Allocates areas of responsibility which may include:

• Liaising with local council regarding venue, permits etc.
• Sponsorship / prizes
• Promotion of the event / PR / media
• On-the-day logistics (registration desk, start line, stage set-up, information etc)
• On–the-day entertainment (MC, aerobics instructor/s, roving entertainers, choirs/singers/bands, jumping castles, face painters etc)
• On-the-day fundraising (raffles, BBQ, flower sales, donation tins etc)
• Grants

The frequency of meetings will vary depending on the tasks that the group will have set. Though given today's availability of internet/email/social media, often these forum's avoid the necessity of 'weekly' meetings.

“I already have the support of the event from the Geraldton Harriers Club and Athletes Foot, though am wanting to get some more locals involved,” Melissa said.

Those wanting to get involved can apply, expressing their areas of interest and previous experience, through an email to Melissa at melissa.latham@live.com.au

For more information about the event itself visit: http://www.mothersdayclassic.com.au/event/wa/geraldton-wa

Northampton celebrates 150 year anniversary

This year, Northampton is celebrating its 150 year anniversary, since being declared a townsite in 1864. To recognise this signifiant occasion, the Shire of Northampton and 150 year planning committee are organising two main events; Wednesday February 19th 2014- This event will include an official ceremony to mark the 150th anniversary, the unveiling of the commemorative family wall, a history photo book launch, the unveiling of the history timeline footpath plaques and an afternoon tea. It will take place at 3pm at Kings Park on Hampton Road and the cost is free.

Sunday March 2nd 2014- An outdoor community concert held at the Northampton Community Centre is planned, featuring live entertainment from Mia Royce, the Damien Cripps Band and Slim Jim and the Phatts. The event will also have fun activities for the kids, including two bouncy castle/water slides, face painting and an arts and craft tent.

Community groups have also been invited to hold their own 150 year celebrations to commemorate the anniversary. These include;

15 March- Opening of the revamped Gwalla Railway Precinct- Northampton Friends of the Railway

March/April- Official opening of the Nokanena Brook Eco Hut and Walk Trail- NEG

14 June- Miniature railway display/rides & displays- Northampton Friends of the Railway

9 August- Family Picnic Day- Northampton Botanic Line

Outer Fringe Festival returns to Geraldton

A selection of world-class comedy and cabaret will hit Geraldton for two nights as part of the Outer Fringe Festival.

The show will be hosted on February 20th and 21st at Queens Park Theatre with two hot shows, handpicked from Perth's hugely popular Fringe World Festival.

Catch Spicks & Specks regular Barry Morgan in his hilarious new show 'Organ is NOT a Dirty Word' at 7pm, then stick around for some spectacular & shocking sideshow stunts with the League of Sideshow Superstars at 8.30pm.

VALENTINES DAY SPECIAL - Call the Queens Park Theatre Box Office on 9956 6662 before COB on Friday 14 February, and receive two tickets to either show for just $30!

For more information about the shows visit www.outerfringe.com.au and to book tickets visit the Queens Park Theatre, call the Box Office on 9956 6662 or head to their website at www.queensparktheatre.com.au

Community invited to celebrate international birthday

The Rotary Club of Geraldton is calling on the whole community to join them for just one hour to celebrate in style, by forming a “Human Rotary Wheel” for Rotary Internationals 109th Birthday. The celebration will be held on Saturday 22nd February at 9am.

Rotary  are calling on  all groups & organisations, Youth, International residents or visitors, sporting groups, businesses, Rotarians past or present & friends of Rotary, and all  community members to turn up and take your place in this “Human Wheel”.

“We want this wheel to represent the diversity and support of the Midwest Community,” said Public Relations Director Sharyn Jones.

“Whether you have been supported by Rotary, know people or groups helped by Rotary or simply don’t know about Rotary, everyone is invited to join in and be part of the celebration,” she said.

People are asked to assemble at Edith Cowan Square (opposite the Court House) on the corner of Foreshore Drive North and Forrest St, Geraldton by 9am Saturday 22nd February.  The Geraldton City Band will entertain us prior to an aerial photo.

All participants are invited to join us for a sausage sizzle preceding the event.

“Please join us and make this happen.  Let us all join and celebrate in the world’s leading and largest service organisation helping to make a difference”.

New online safety forum for parents

This Tuesday, February 11 from 12pm-1pm parents can join in an online forum to celebrate the launch of Chatterbox. New research released by Cybersmart has found that 78% of children and young people would turn to their parents first as a source of online safety information. Chatterbox is an online discussion forum for parents that will equip them to approach online safety issues with confidence and increase their understanding of children’s online experiences. It is like a conversation parents may have around the dinner table with friends about online safety issues.

Chatterbox episodes will be released regularly throughout 2014. Each episode begins with a short introductory video to familiarise parents with the topic, followed by the Chatterbox audio episode, each of which runs for approximately 10 minutes. Parents are then encouraged to submit questions, share stories and advice with each other in our virtual discussion forum.

The informal and interactive nature of Chatterbox will provide parents with a fresh and jargon-free perspective on cybersafety issues. Chatterbox conversations can be downloaded and accessed at home or on a mobile device.

Each chat episode provides parents with targeted steps to help minimise potential challenges and maximise the benefits of online use.  For a sneak peak of the first introductory video click here.

What:  Parents live cybersafety discussion forum

When: Between 12pm and 1pm on 11th February 2014.

Where: Log on at the Chatterbox Vimeo channel

The event will be also be covered on Twitter via #Chatterbox

To access Chatterbox or for more information about Cybersmart, visit www.cybersmart.gov.au

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact: Gretchen Martins, Senior Communications Advisor, on (03) 9963 6801, 0404 836 636 or Gretchen.martins@acma.gov.au

Amazing ANZANG makes its way to the Mid West

The Western Australian Museum tour of The Australian Geographic ANZANG Nature Photographer of the Year exhibition will make its way to the Mid West on February 13.

The Australian Geographic ANZANG Nature Photographer of the Year showcases the unique natural beauty of the Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and New Guinea region via the winning works of the world’s best amateur and professional photographers.

WA Museum - Geraldton Regional Manager Leigh O’Brien said the Museum is delighted to once again share the competition’s incredible images with the people of the Mid West.

“ANZANG is undoubtedly a favourite of ours – the images are always of world-class standard and draw a fantastic response from each and every person who walks through the door - locals, tourists, young and old,” Ms O’Brien said.

West Australian wildlife photographer David Rennie beat the 1828 photographs of 457 photographers from 12 different countries to take out the top prize for his incredible snap of an osprey and spoonbill above Mandurah’s wetlands.

The judges praised the photo for its almost surreal quality and strong contrast between the birds and the moody sky.

Mr Rennie, a past ANZANG People’s Choice Award winner, said winning the overall prize is his greatest career honour to date, and as such has now retired from the pastime.

“Since its inception, I have considered ANZANG the pinnacle of what I do. To win it is like winning an Olympic Gold medal, or being named the Nobel Peace Prize winner - for me it means that much,” Mr Rennie said.

The free exhibition will be on display at the Western Australian Museum – Geraldton from February 13 until April 27.

A bigger show and an extra day for Boat, Caravan and Camping Show

The 2014 Club Marine Geraldton Boat, Caravan and Camping Show will be the biggest in its nine year history, with an extra Show day planned, and new entertainment for visitors to enjoy.

The Club Marine Geraldton Boat, Caravan and Camping Show is the biggest event of its kind in the region. Traditionally held over the last weekend in April, the 2014 Show will make history when it opens its doors a day early!

Show organiser Jane Clarke said because ANZAC Day public holiday falls on the Friday of the Show weekend, it made sense to open the Show early to give the people of Geraldton something extra to do.

“The Show will open at 12.30pm on Friday 25th April (ANZAC Day), allowing extra time for visitors to make the most of this exciting event. The Show will continue across the weekend of 26th and 27th April 2014,” Jane said.

“We will have all kinds of entertainment happening on the Friday afternoon and evening, so that visitors can really enjoy their afternoon out!”

The Club Marine Geraldton Boat, Caravan and Camping Show is well established as a fun and exciting outdoor leisure event. The Show brings together displays of new products and services in boating, fishing, 4wds, camping, accessories, electronics and lifestyle products. The Show is held at the Geraldton Turf Club, and attracts around 5,000 visitors each year.

The 2014 Show is shaping up to be bigger and more exciting than ever before. A full schedule of entertainment and attractions are scheduled including fishing demonstrations in the Aquatank, 4WD Extreme Show, motorcycle action, cooking demonstrations and much more.

New attractions in 2014 may include a VIP marquee, a new stage with seafood cooking demos, new food options and live music.

More show information is available on the website www.geraldtonboatshow.com.au

Exhibitor space is still available and interested exhibitors can call Jane at Sunset Promotions on 0403 226 303 or email sunsetpromotions@bigpond.com for a prospectus. The prospectus is also available on the website.

February is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

February marks the start of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Ovarian Cancer Australia is the peak national body for ovarian cancer. It is a not-for-profit organisation founded in 2001 by people who had been affected by ovarian cancer, either themselves or through someone they loved.

February is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, an annual Ovarian Cancer Australia campaign to raise awareness of the symptoms, risks and impact of ovarian cancer, as well as raise vital funds to support the organisation’s work in awareness, support, advocacy and research.

In February 2014, Ovarian Cancer Australia is aiming to raise $500,000 from 500 community ‘Afternoon Teals’.

To host an afternoon teal visit at2014.gofundraise.com.au

Western Power hosting forums

Western Power will be attending this Saturday's Farmer's Market at Maitland Park and Sunday's Farmer's Market at Railway Station as part of a series of forums and Farmer's Markets that they are participating in over the next couple of months. The company is also hosting a a drop in style public forum on Monday February 3, from 5.30pm - 7.00pm (formal address by Western Power at 6pm) at POSH events and catering, 214 Marine Terrace.

A Western Power spokesperson said, "These events are designed to help the community understand the work we’re doing in their local area and answer any questions they may have about their electricity supply."

Their employees will be on hand to discuss a number of topics with the community including:

• Vegetation clearances
• Land access
• Preparing for significant weather events (bushfires and storms)
• Energy efficiency
• Works we are undertaking to provide you with safe, reliable and affordable electricity

Headline acts finalised for Nukara

The Nukara Music Festival has finalised most of its acts which now include Mama Kin, fresh from a magical year that included ARIA and AIR Award nominations for Best Blues and Roots album and a WAM Award Win in 2013 for Folk Act of the Year, Mama Kin brings her songs and stories to the Nukara Music Festival for the first time.

Other acts include Morgan Bain (who took out the WAM Award for ‘Best Blues & Roots Act of the Year’), Toby will be making her first appearance finally at the festival, Formidable Vegetable Sound System will have you swinging with their 'Electroswing Ecological Edutainment', Tracey Barnett brings her deep soulful blues from the Southwest and Mutima will soothe you earlier on with their smooth African grooves. Local acts so far include Brian Alleaume and Folklore.

All up there’s around 10 hours of live roots music kicking off at 3pm on Saturday March 15th, plus afterwards there will be couple of hours groove/wind down with DJVB (from France) on the ‘Creek Stage’.

More live acoustic music is been planned for the Recovery Breakfast on the Sunday in the way of a ‘Blackboard Open Mic’ giving anyone willing to try an experience on the Creek Stage.

All of the above easily explains why this groovy little fest 30k’s outside of Geraldton (WA) on the most picturesque property in the Mid West has been selling out for a number of years now!

Nukara Music Festival winds up its Earlybird Tickets at the end of this week on Friday 31st January, so save yourselves some bucks by getting into Geraldton CD Centre (Ph: (08)99214821) or buy online at www.greentix.com.au as soon as possible.

Camping is encouraged whether you have a swag or a Winnebago.

More info & updates from the ‘Nukara Music Festival Group’ Facebook page or call 0407 121 021.

Ride to raise awareness of depression and suicide prevention

On March 23 nearly 5,000 Black Dog Riders will hit the highways to raise awareness of depression and suicide prevention.

There are 30 legs of the Black Dog Ride with 1-dayers in every state and territory across Australia.

You can participate in the event in the Geraldton leg of the ride which will be held on Sunday, March 23.

It will depart from the Greenough Hamlet with check-in and breakfast at 7:30am and the ride will start at 9am.

There will be refreshments at 11am at Horrocks Beach and the race will finish at 1pm on Geraldton’s Foreshore with lunch.

You can head to www.blackdogride.com.au or for more information contact Peter Shaw on 9965 3619 or e-mail him on stemp5@bigpond.net.au

Australia Day in Geraldton

Australia Day in Geraldton never disappoints and this year you can track all the day's events using Everything Geraldton's phone app!

The app allows you to track every event on the day and see the time, location and a description of the chosen event. See pictured digram.

Start the day with the Citizenship Ceremony, then try your luck with a free lesson from Kitewest Water Sports and Tours and take in the amazing entertainment during the day capped of with the Market Creations Family Concert and Fireworks Display.

Here’s a run down of some of the activities you can enjoy on the day:

Market Creations Family Concert

This is definitely something you don’t want to miss out on! Geraldton celebrates in style with a big crowd enjoying our spectacular foreshore, a great day of entertainment followed by the family concert and fireworks. Fireworks commence at 8.30pm.

Live musicians on stage include:

• Vince Jones band
• Plank on an Angle
• Me & the Missus
• Nathan Kaye
• Sam Perry
• Murphy’s Brothers
• Sing Australia
• Indie Sound System
• Squid Stereo
• Sirens of Samarkand

9am-3pm Sand Sculpture Competition

This competition always showcases plenty of artistic talent and there are cash prizes up for grabs!

10:30am-2pm Kids Beach Party

Kids can enjoy water slides, bouncy castles plus loads of games and prizes.

Apex Thong Throwing Competition

You can enter into the fun thong throwing competition throughout the day which is open to everyone! Something different!

Have A Go! 10am-2pm

There will be free lessons in stand up paddle boarding from KiteWest Water Sports and Tours or you can take part in some fun beach games with the Midwest Surf School.

The Last Resort Youth Retreat 2pm-6pm

You can bake on a banana chair with a mocktail in your hand, be sheltered by shade under the big green palm trees, or maybe under a beach umbrella enjoying the cool breeze. The Last Resort is the place for youth aged from 12 -18 years to enjoy the Pumping Music, breaking surf, chilling out with your mates and the great Australian sun bake.

The Rotary Club of Geraldton Seniors’ Afternoon Tea and Concert

Local seniors can enjoy a free afternoon tea and concert complete with live performances at the QEII Centre.

Murphy’s Lore 7pm-9pm

The headline act for the day is none other than brother duo Courtney and Chris Murphy! The pair along with their band will perform some great Australian covers as well as a few originals. This is not one to miss.

To view the whole program click here or head to the Everything Geraldton app.

Champion Bay Challenge Ocean Swim on Australia Day

Geraldton’s Foreshore will play host to the Champion Bay Challenge Ocean Swim on Australia Day. Seven time World Women’s Marathon Swimming Champion Shelley Taylor Smith will start the race.

Swim divisions include:

• Junior’s 1km Swim: 13-15 year olds
• Open 1.5km Swim: Male and Female
• 6km Open Swim: Team of 4 or Individual
• Open Swim: 16-18 year olds, 19-35 year olds and over 35’s.

The race will kick off at 8:30am on Champion Beach, Foreshore Drive adjacent to the Champion Bay SLSC Tower.

Online registrations are now available at www.champions.org.au or on the day from 7am-8am.

For more information contact Peter Nelson on 0407 471 828 or e-mail him on admin@champions.org.au

Local band releases album on iTunes

Geraldton band The Art of War have released their second album to iTunes and other digital music providers. The local musicians produce original music with a sound nestled right between Rock and Metal.

The subjects the songs tackle range from the emotional to the political.

The Art of War initially began as a collaboration between musicians, Aaron Willcox and James McDonald.

Both found that they had a passion for the exact same music and their ideas for music were on the same page.

The pair spent many years of gigging separately in local Geraldton acts before starting their own band.

“We are under no illusions, we aren’t in this to be rock stars or even to be famous,” Aaron said.

“It’s purely an exercise in doing what we’ve wanted since first playing an instrument.

“To be creative, to make new music, maybe even garner a bit of a following. Anything else on top of that is a bonus.”

The Art of War's second album can be bought here: https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/ver-2.0/id792958884