Call for Green Army participants

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Member for Durack Melissa Price is encouraging young people to join the Green Army, joining what is fast becoming the largest-ever team of young Australians supporting environmental action across the country.

“Green Army projects are underway around the country and young people who want to gain valuable skills, training and experience in environmental and conservation fields are encouraged to register their interest,” Ms Price said.

“The Geraldton Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo Propagation/Revegetation Project – Stage 1 will be based at the City of Greater Geraldton Community Nursery, planting native seedlings that will provide habitat and foraging food for the endangered black cockatoo.

“The team will also educate the public that visit the nursery on the importance of planting native seedlings in their backyards and how it can contribute to increasing the Carnaby's populations.

“They will also help with planting activities around the City of Greater Geraldton to improve habitat values for the Carnaby's.

“Planting native flora for the black cockatoo during this project will provide much needed food sources and habitat for this endangered species.”

The Green Army provides young people across the country with a chance to take part in important environmental and conservation activities, while at the same time receiving training and qualifications.

Participation is open to a diverse range of young people, including Indigenous Australians, school leavers, gap year students, graduates and job seekers. Participants must be aged between 17 and 24 years and an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

The Green Army was a key Coalition election commitment, and with more than $700 million committed over four years, the Green Army is one of the Government's major environmental initiatives and encourages practical action to support local environment and heritage conservation projects across Australia, providing training to thousands of young Australians by 2018-2019.

Young Australians interested in joining the Green Army can apply through the appointed Service Providers for each state and territory. Contact details for Service Providers are available from environment.gov.au/green-army

Mark McGowan visits Geraldton to talk jobs

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WA Labor Leader Mark McGowan visited Geraldton last week to talk to the community about Labor’s vision to create jobs.

Mr McGowan said “We are here to put jobs on the agenda.

“We all know that the resources sector is changing, so it’s important to diversify the economy and create new job opportunities for West Australians.

“It should have happened a long time ago but unfortunately Colin Barnett failed to plan for life beyond the resources boom. This is why so many West Australians, including people in Geraldton, are now facing the prospect of unemployment and this is why we should be talking about ways to diversify the economy and create new jobs.

“We’ve already announced important plans to ensure that people and businesses in regional WA benefit from big State Government projects.

“A WA Labor Government will give people in Geraldton a fair go.”

Mr McGowan also said WA Labor’s Priority Start policy would create jobs in Geraldton, by ensuring all big State Government construction projects deliver apprenticeships and traineeships for locals.

 

Drug seizure in Wonthella

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Yesterday Geraldton Police siezed thousands of dollars worth of drugs from a home in Wonthella.

Multiple types of drugs were seized, methamphetamine (est. $30,000 worth), cannabis and cocaine including drug paraphernalia and around $2500 in cash.

A 32 year-old woman was arrested after allegedly being found in possession of the methamphetamine.

"The seizure of the drugs marks a significant crack down of the amount of drugs hitting Geraldton streets," Officer O'Keeffe said. 

Eighth Street power outages for floodlighting project

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise there will be power outages on Eighth Street to Towns Football Club, Geraldton Squash Club and Geraldton Hockey Club between the hours of 8.30am and 3pm on Monday 30 November.

The outage is necessary to finalise the installation of the new transformer for the Wonthella Oval Project.

The City and its contractors will endeavour to have the outage time kept to a minimum.

If you have any queries contact the City on 9956 6600.

Solar hybrid powering SKA stargazing

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Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has welcomed the announcement that State Government had approved regional energy provider Horizon Power to execute a power supply agreement with the CSIRO for the supply of electricity to the observatory.

Site works will soon start on the construction of a diesel-solar hybrid power station that will support the world-leading telescopes at the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory (MRO).

"This agreement helps deliver the Government's broader commitment for the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) and Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) radio telescopes, which are precursors to the international Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project," Premier Colin Barnett said.

"The eyes of the world are on Western Australia as the observatory is already producing outstanding scientific results in advance of the SKA."

Dr Nahan said Horizon Power would start site works in January on a two megawatt solar-diesel hybrid station at the observatory, about 315 kilometres north-east of Geraldton, which will provide power for the world-class scientific radioastronomy research facility.

"The project draws on Horizon Power's experience to deliver remote renewable hybrid power solutions and develops a capability that can be leveraged to other projects," he said.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the new power station was supported by a $10 million investment from Royalties for Regions and the partnership with the cutting-edge scientific project would boost the region's profile.

"Royalties for Regions is about strengthening and growing our regions and helping regional communities realise their economic potential through the delivery of projects such as this," Mr Redman said.

A further $5.5 million has been invested by the State Government from consolidated revenue.  

This mother affected by suicide is travelling around Australia raising awareness

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"Jaie's Journey" is searching for an location to hold their Geraldton event. If you can help please click here to contact Susan Gliddon McColl

Jaie Moran tragically took his own life on the 1st of April 2014.
Jaie's mother, Sandra Moran is visiting towns around Australia to help raise awareness of mental health issues and illnesses, provide some relevant information and to discuss the impact of mental illness and suicide on communities and survivors of suicide. 

Sandra is in the process of having Jaie's Journey registered as a 'Not for Profit' organisation so that not only will this ride bring validation and support to people who need it but, along with her family, will endeavour to continue helping people at risk including bereaved families in their times of need.  She knows it will not be an easy task and the challenges will be ongoing, but it is a ask that she will bear and with her, her many supporters.

With assistance from other coordinators they will do their best to keep everybody updated.  

More information, see Sandra's Blog HERE

Friends of Point Moore AGM

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The Friends of Point Moore Incorporated will be holding its AGM on Sunday 13 December at 2pm at the Community Hall in the Belair Lifestyle Village, next to Belair Caravan Park, Marine Terrace, Geraldton.

Parking is available on the road outside the village, disabled parking is provided within the grounds.

This will be followed by ‘Christmas in the Park’ at Coxswains Crescent, Point Moore.

For more information contact Chairman, David Harrington on 0418 942 664.

City urges home renovators and DIYers to be asbestos aware

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The City of Greater Geraldton wants to make people more aware of asbestos.

In a stark message to all home renovators, tradies, handymen and DIYers, the City of Greater Geraldton wants to make people more aware of asbestos as part of Get to Know about Asbestos this November.

Many Australians wrongly believe that only fibro homes contain asbestos. With asbestos products still commonly found in and around brick, weatherboard, clad and fibro homes built or renovated before 1987, it’s vital that homeowners, renovators, tradesmen and handymen are aware of asbestos.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Shane Van Styn, said home renovators and tradies need to be asbestos aware, and learn where asbestos might be found in homes and on properties and how to manage it safely because it’s not worth the risk to themselves or to their families.

“In Geraldton the predominant issue is asbestos sheet fencing, roofs and eaves. With the winds, fences often get damaged and sheets need removing, so it’s important that the entire sheet is taken out and no pieces are left in the ground,” he said.

“Earthmoving contractors also need to be on the lookout as sometimes blocks being cleared can have asbestos buried that could be disturbed and be spread around the property leading to a major contamination issue which is expensive to remediate.”

He encourages people to visitwww.asbestosawareness.com.au to find out more information.

Chair of the Asbestos Education Committee, Peter Dunphy, said asbestos could be anywhere.

“Under floor coverings such as carpets, linoleum and vinyl tiles, behind wall and floor tiles, in cement floors, internal and external walls, ceilings and ceiling space (insulation), eaves, garages, roofs, around hot water pipes, fences, extensions to homes, garages, outdoor toilets, backyard and farm sheds, chook sheds and even dog kennels,” he said.

“No one can tell if a product contains asbestos just by looking at it. Only scientific testing by an accredited National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) can confirm if asbestos is present. If people aren’t sure if a product contains asbestos they should treat it as if it is asbestos and take all the necessary precautions to protect themselves and families.

“However, to be sure if asbestos is in homes, owners can have properties inspected by a licenced removalist or a licensed asbestos assessor to confirm if asbestos products are present,” said Mr Dunphy.

“If in good condition and left undisturbed, asbestos generally doesn’t pose a health risk. Although, with the aging of homes the popularity of DIY, renovating, knock-down-rebuild and with the redevelopment of old fibro home sites, it’s important that anyone working in or around homes or buildings constructed or renovated before 1987 know the dangers of asbestos and how to manage it safely.

“When homes contain asbestos, DIY is not recommended and renovating properties without knowing where asbestos might be located has been likened to playing ‘Renovation Roulette’.

“Don’t play Renovation Roulette! Don’t cut it, don’t drill it, don’t drop it, don’t sand it, don’t saw it, don’t scrape it, don’t scrub it, don’t dismantle it, Don’t tip it, don’t water blast it, don’t demolish it, and whatever you do, don’t dump it!”

I will be nominating for the Tarcoola ward vacancy

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Hello,
My name is Ron Ashplant and I will be nominating for the Tarcoola ward vacancy. This is required because of the recent election of mayor Van Styn, The election will be in January 2016. Both my places of work are located within the Tarcoola Ward.

I work at the Accor Ibis Styles Hotel, and I'm also an Aproved Manager at the Tarcoola Tavern. I have given notification of my intention to nominate for the Tarcoola Ward early, so that any one that lives in the ward are most welcome, and i would encourage them to contact me through my face book page. 

By dropping in to talk to me at the Tarcoola Tavern, or contacting me on 0400215031.
I look forward to being able to assist , and work with and on behalf of the communities that make up the Tarcoola Ward.

 I have developed this Facebook page to provide a platform for ideas to be posted and shared with our City of Greater Geraldton Community. Ideas big and small, ideas that when worked through make our communities a better place to live and prosper. Ideas that look at development of new industries and opportunities that value and expand the current mix of industries that our city as a regional centre provides.

If I have to good fortune to be elected to the City Council again there are a number of things I wish to pursue, which I will share with you all in the near future.

Thank you and please don't hesitate to comment or message me with any ideas or questions you may have.

https://www.facebook.com/ashplantr

Kind Regards,
Ron Ashplant

It’s Toy Run time again!

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Riding escort: Lt Jeff Milkins of Salvation Army Geraldton met to discuss the Salvation Army Toy Run with Snr Const Darryl Peden and Santa's Helpers from the Ulysses Club; from left, Dale Clifton, Linda King (kneeling), Cyril McKenzie, John Norton and Terry Marsden.
Picture: Contributed.

Geraldton streets will be booming forthe annual Salvation Army Toy Run on Saturday December 5.

Cruisers, scooters, tourers, café racers, trikes, chook chasers – if it’s licensed with two wheels (or three) it can join the grand parade of machines with donated gifts for under privileged local children.

WA Police will escort this year’s Run, which will encircle Geraldton and conclude with the machines displayed on the City’s foreshore.

Coordinated by Geraldton Ulysses Club, the non-profit event sees all gifts distributed to clients of the Salvation Army in Geraldton and the Mid West.

Geraldton Salvation Army corps officer Lieutenant Jeff Milkins is hoping for a big turn out this year.

“This is our only major source of donations for Christmas and we rely on the Toy Run to make sure every needy child receives a gift this Christmas,” he said, adding with a smile that it would be niceto see the gifts grow up a bit.

“We always get soft cuddly toys of all shapes and sizes, that’s wonderful, but our clients are all ages,” Lt Milkins explained.

“Needy children in that age group up to 12 or 14 years often miss out while their younger siblings have all the fun.”

Riders are asked to meet in the Cathedral Avenue carpark behind the SGIO building at 9.30am, for the start at 10am.

Migrant family on Welcome Walls targeted in a scam attempt

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A migrant family, whose names appear on Fremantle’s Welcome Walls, has been the target of a scam attempt and there are concerns others may also be targeted.

Scammers have contacted a family listed on one of the Fremantle panels, demanding a payment of $599 for the names to remain on the walls.

Western Australian Museum urge people to ignore the scammers demand and hang up immediately.

The concern is highest for vulnerable people such as seniors from migrant families where English might not be their first language.

Anyone who is contacted by people purporting to be from Government departments demanding money, should always independently contact that organisation to verify if the approach is genuine.

Never use any details the suspicious caller or email has given you.  Refer to your phone book or a known official website.

You can report scams to WA ScamNet via email or by calling 1300 30 40 54.

Its in the Bag

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We would love to put a shout out to the ladies of Geraldton for a project we would like help with -
 
We all know that domestic violence and homelessness for women increases at this end of the year.
The Share the Dignity program helps women who arrive in these unhappy circumstances.
 
Between now and 11.12.2015 we are participating in “Its in the Bag”.
It’s the simplest thing – most ladies  have a handbag we don’t use – and we all collect the shampoos and soap from hotels we stay in.
Put the items in the bag and add a small tissue pack, a lipstick sample you didn’t use…….
Then contact Su 0438 239 922 or Chez 0438 643 989 to organise a drop off or a pick up.
 
After 11.12.2015 we will take the bags we have collected to our refuge.
I don’t know how many ladies have been in the position where they have nothing…….
A new bank account, Centrelink….. and all you have is a plastic shopping bag to put your papers in.
There is no dignity in that.
 
Help us to share a little dignity before the year is out. 
 
Thank you,
Su and Chez

Our experience at the Wintersun

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I just wanted to finish off my night writing a few words about The Wintersun restaurant. After being recommended this recently refurbished family friendly restaurant, my wife decided to take myself along with our son (4) and daughter (3).

We ordered our meals and were offered pencils and colouring in sheets that occupied the kiddies. Meals arrived with 3 waitresses presenting the dishes all ready to go, nobody had to wait watching the others eat.

No sooner did we start eating our meals (I had a perfectly cooked steak and my wife had "the best chilly mussels ever"), that my son had an accident. He had rocked on his chair, slipped causing the chair to flip out with him crashing to the floor. He was soon followed by his bowl of pasta that shook hands with his head, resulting in a split on his scalp...and a good measure of blood.

The staff jumped into action assisting my wife and I. The recently first aid trained staff member (that I regret not asking her name) was phenomenal at reassuring my wife it was going to be ok. Confidence with her first aid and strategically offered Freddo frogs quickly resolved matters. We were additionally presented with a fresh bowl of pasta (at no charge).

We would like to sincerely offer a whole hearted thank you to all the staff at The Wintersun Hotel. We will definitely be returning. The friendly, efficient and extremely helpful staff made our experience one to remember. Given that one day we will have to explain were my son got that scar from, one not to forget either.

Thanks
Grant and Cathy

Greenough River Re-Opens

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that there is no health hazard present at the Greenough River.

Since the river was declared closed on 15 October, bacterial samples were taken to assess the water quality for recreational use at the time of the incident as well as one week after; results have now been received and show that there is no health hazard present. 

While the results from the samples taken show no harmful bacteria is present, there are general health risks of swimming in these natural waters and permanent health warning signs exist at Greenough River, Chapman River and Ellendale Pool.

The health risks mainly exist to people or animals that drink the water or place their head under the water where water could rush up the nose; which could result in illnesses such as amoebic meningitis or bacterial infections.

Further information is available through the Healthy WA website.

http://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Healthy-WA/Articles/A_E/Amoebic-meningitis

http://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/Corporate/Articles/A_E/Bacterial-water-quality

World Lung Cancer And COPD Day – Walk For Awareness Tues 17th Nov 11 AM

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This event is aimed at getting as many people as possible out walking to raise awareness of Lung Cancer, COPD, Lung and Respiratory Diseases, to spread the message that there are things you can do to reduce breathlessness and support groups like Yarraly available to all.

It doesn’t matter how far or little people can walk. Australian Lung Foundation will add up the distances walked by each participant across the country and track these on our On-line Map. A gold coin donation is all it costs to participate.

The walking event will be held in the park on the foreshore just north of Dome with participants doing laps beginning and ending at an information table. The idea is that groups are able to measure out and record the distances completed so that these can be tracked on Lung Foundation On-line Map.

All we need to do is –

  • The walking event - This has been organized for Tuesday 17th Nov 
  • The event is held at – Foreshore just North of Dome – 11am
  • Measure out some distances – 25m, 50m, 100m, 300m, 500m 1km and provide walkers with a Participation Form
  • A gold Coin donation will be requested by all participants – this will go to the Australian Lung Foundation.
  • Invite a local politician or celebrity to participate or any members of other groups that you might be involved with, work colleagues etc. It will only be an hour out of their day, but could end up saving a life.
  • If unable to attend the Foreshore possible measure a distance in the office and get staff to do a walk and send through total distance and donations.
  • Invite local journalists to cover the event (provide them with the Media Press Release prior to the event)
  • An information desk for passers by will be set up to let them know about COPD and Lung Cancer. This is World Lung Cancer Awareness day.
  • Get as many participants in the walk and submit your group’s distance via the On-line Map Tracker – contact Michelle to upload. 0432580613
  • Lung function screening, tests undertaken on the day – The Respiratory Nurse at the Geraldton Regional Hospital will be conducting the screenings on the day for us from 11 - 1.

If anyone would like to order Green TShirts as worn in above photo they are $10 ea.

Lungs in Action TShirt

Or a white or black Lungs in Action TShirt these are $18

Show Us your Lungs T Shirt

These Show Us your Lungs T Shirts are $30

These can be ordered by yourself directly with the Australian Lung Foundation or we can take your orders and make one bulk order. Size range for XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL. We will need numbers very quickly to ensure that they don’t get sold out and that the order has time to be sent across to us here in Geraldton.

If we could all please get behind this important event and support it would be great. Our lungs are so important to life yet get very little recognition.

Changes to Transwa Sunday bus service

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Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has welcomed Transport Minister Dean Nalder’s decision to make changes to two of Transwa’s weekend bus services.

“Transwa have decide to terminate the Sunday service from Perth to Leeman. The last service will be on Sunday 6 December 2015.

“This service will be replaced with an additional Perth to Geraldton service, which will operate along Indian Ocean Drive.

This service will commence from Sunday, 13 December 2015.

“The northbound Sunday service will depart East Perth station at 9:30am (Joondalup at 10:00am) and arrive in Geraldton at 3:25pm

“The southbound Sunday service will depart Geraldton at 9:30am and arrive at East Perth at 3:25pm.

“These new services will be advertised soon.

“I am very pleased that Minister Nalder has made these changes in response to my representations on behalf of constituents, who use these services regularly. The new times are more consumer friendly and will assist people who wish to travel to Perth for the weekend,” said Mr Blayney.

Rubik’s Cube toilet block closed on Monday 16 November

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The City of Greater Geraldton advises that the Rubik’s Cube toilet block located at the north end of Foreshore will be unavailable for use on Monday 16 November 2015 due to ongoing works on the Foreshore. 

The nearest alternative toilet blocks are located at the Batavia Marina Carpark and the Rest Centre public ablutions located next to playground and Waterpark.

The City apologises for any inconvenience.