Triple J Unearthed NIDA Competition

triple j Unearthed and rage have teamed up with the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) for a unique initiative which pairs Australia’s most talented emerging artists with the creative brains of NIDA students.

A team of NIDA students will bring their skills, expertise and professional equipment into collaborations with six innovative Unearthed artists to make a music video, which will be aired on rage.

Now we’re on the hunt for rising stars to receive this opportunity. Are you in a band, a solo act, producer or MC? We want to hear from you!

TO ENTER:

1. Create a triple j Unearthed profile
2. Contact us with a link to your triple j Unearthed profile by Sunday 3 April

THE PRIZE:

• Team up with NIDA directing, design, and production students to conceive and execute a music video.
• NIDA will provide film equipment, locations for studio shooting, access to the supporting NIDA departments and a budget of $200.
• Music videos will be aired on rage on ABC1.

Last year NIDA students teamed up with Polish Club and Donatachi with some pretty amazing results. We can’t wait to see what the class of 2016 comes up with!

Life Saving Breast Screenings on Offer at GRAMS

Mid West woman are being urged to take the opportunity for potentially life-saving free breast cancer screenings at Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service (GRAMS) from March 14 to 24.

The BreastScreen WA (BSWA)10-metre van will be parked at the GRAMS Rifle Range Road clinic to encourage Aboriginal women aged over 40 years to attend for a free mammogram.
GRAMS CEO and Breast Cancer survivor Deborah Woods said “Having the highly visual van at the premises was a real coup in GRAMS’ ongoing bid to encourage preventative health care.

“GRAMS had been working for the past several years to encourage women to take advantage of free screenings. Having been through this first-hand and knowing the absolute difference early detection makes, this really is a potentially lifesaving screening.”

Dedicated GRAMS chronic disease registered nurse Blaise Chapman stated that In 2010 the attendance for GRAMS patients at the BSWA van was 78 women. In 2012, GRAMS’s ran a health promotion clinic which resulted in 176 women having a mammogram and in 2014 they ran another clinic in which 209 women attended.

“Of this 209, two patients were diagnosed with breast cancer and five were recalled for a biopsy.

“With the BSWA van parked at GRAMS this year for the first time, we’re hoping to encourage even more women to attend.

“The more women who attend, the better the chance of detecting breast cancer while they are still treatable.” Ms Chapman said

Attendees should book at least 24 hours in advance of their visit by phoning the GRAMS clinic on 9956 6555

The van will be open from 8.30 to 4pm on Monday March 14, Tuesday March 15 and Thursday March 17. It will open from 10am to 6pm on Wednesday March 16 and 9am to 1pm on Saturday March 19.

The following week it will open from 10am to 6pm on Monday March 21 and 8.30am to 4pm from Tuesday March 22 to Thursday March 24.

Wonthella Oval carpark closed on 20 March

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that sections of Wonthella Oval carpark will be closed for resealing works on Sunday 20 March 2016. 

Traffic management will be in place, however motorists and pedestrians are advised to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and direction from authorised City personnel and contractors. 

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause. 

If you have any queries regarding the scheduled works please contact Brian Lumley, Construction Site Supervisor on 08 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Road sealing works in Utakarra

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise road sealing works will be undertaken on the Utakarra Reserve. 

Works are scheduled to take place between Friday 18 March 2016 and Monday 21 March 2016. 

Access to the Turf Club from Utakarra Road and the Utakarra Reserve sporting facilities may be limited during this time. Traffic management will be in place, however motorists and pedestrians are advised to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and direction from authorised City personnel and contractors. 

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause. 

If you have any queries regarding the scheduled works please contact Moneer Fates, Project Manager on 08 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Regional Capitals Recognised in National Infrastructure Plan

Infrastructure Australia has recently released its first long-term Australian Infrastructure Plan which means for the first time, a clear role for Australia’s regional capital cities was identified. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor and Deputy Chair of Regional Capitals Australia Shane Van Styn said the new plan being released was not surprising. 

“Australia’s regional capital cities jointly generate $225 billion every year – that is more than 15 per cent of national economic activity,” he said. 

“Additionally, nearly eight million people – or one-third of Australians - reside in or access the services and infrastructure located in a regional capital. 

“I agree with Infrastructure Australia that regional capitals, like Greater Geraldton should be considered national economic assets.  

“Equally, I agree with the report’s recommendation that growing regional capital cities should be efficient, liveable and productive centres that are a priority for the Australian Government,” he added. 

To enable this growth to occur Infrastructure Australia also recommended that long-term infrastructure plans should be created for regional Australia. 

Regional Capitals Australia (RCA), an alliance of 30 regional councils – which the City of Greater Geraldton is an active member, has been making this case for some time. 

“We know that for any regional infrastructure plan to be successful, a key component will be identifying the infrastructure needs of regional capital cities,” Mayor Van Styn said. 

“Investing in better productivity infrastructure in these cities will continue to add billions of dollars to the country’s bottom line. 

“Together with my RCA colleagues, we are calling for the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development to build a list of national strategic projects in regional capitals that boosts the productivity and increases the liveability of cities. 

“Once this is done, we recommend that a Regional Capitals Productivity Fund be created to ensure these projects are funded.” 

With national benefits to this action, Infrastructure Australia recommends that part of the solution to turning the tide on Australia’s $53 billion congestion bill is fostering long-term population growth in Australia’s smaller cities in a bid to ease the squeeze on infrastructure in the five metropolitan cities. 

“For population growth to occur in regional capitals, the Government must invest accordingly,” said Mayor Van Styn.

“Investing in the right infrastructure in regional capitals will contribute directly to Greater Geraldton’s economy, providing jobs, increasing value-add spending in our service sector and the availability of skills in the region.”

The new Minister assisting the Prime Minister on Cities, the Hon Angus Taylor, has made positive comments that regional capitals are “absolutely squarely” in focus for the government’s thinking about cities. 

“We are calling on the government to ensure there is also strong consideration to plan for infrastructure that will continue to make all our regional capital cities, liveable, competitive and productive for the benefit of our residents and for all Australians.”

Renewal works to Carpark #3 – Anzac Terrace

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that resurfacing works will be carried out in the City’s Car Park #3 located on the corner of Anzac Terrace and Durlacher Street. 

Works are scheduled to commence on Tuesday 8 March 2016 and expected to last for a period of approximately 29 days. Works will be carried out on week day between the hours of 6am and 6pm, there will be minimal disruptions and the City will endeavour to keep the car park open, however it may be closed for short periods of time. 

Motorists and pedestrians are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and direction from authorised City personnel and contractors. 

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause. 

If you have any queries regarding the renewal works please contact David Bairstow, Sealed Roads Supervisor on 08 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Great news for Kalbarri: First steps to Western Australia's biggest Micro Grid

Minster for Energy, Hon Mike Nahan has today announced a $300,000 contribution by Western Power into a feasibility study which will investigate how it can develop what could be Australia’s biggest edge of grid energy project, in Kalbarri.

Mid West Development Commission Chairman Murray Criddle, said “the Kalbarri community has often experienced more than its fair share of power outages” and he welcomed the announcement by the minister.

Being at the end of a very long power line, Kalbarri would be an excellent location to develop a micro grid and if successful, would contribute to substantial improvements in the reliability of power supplies in the town and would help enhance the long term sustainability of the community.

The inclusion of further renewable energy sources in addition to the existing Kalbarri wind farm would help build the profile of Kalbarri as an eco-tourism destination and enhance the $20M investment already being made in the region by the state through Royalties for Regions under the Development Commission’s Mid West Investment Plan, with the development of the Kalbarri National Park Skywalk project.

Following on from our work with Western Power and community over recent months, this is a very positive step forward and we look forward to continuing to work all the parties to help bring this project to life.

Paul Brown nominates for Seat of Geraldton

Paul Brown with wife Rebecca, son Jack and daughter Jaymee.

Nationals WA MP Paul Brown has today confirmed his intentions to contest the Seat of Geraldton in the 2017 State election.

Mr Brown said he had officially nominated for the position this week after much discussion with family, friends and colleagues around the move.

“There are many reasons why I’ve decided to contest the seat of Geraldton, but ultimately, it comes down to ensuring the people of Geraldton have a strong voice to stand up and fight for their best interests in State Parliament,” Mr Brown said.

“Living and working in Geraldton, I hear feedback that the people of Geraldton want to see change. Geraldton is a major regional centre and a key player in regional WA and I want to help see it reach its full potential.”

Mr Brown said Geraldton residents felt like they had missed out on opportunities in recent years.

“Projects like the Oakajee Port, the Geraldton Hospital, and economic revitalisation of the town have slipped by the wayside because there simply hasn’t been that drive in State Parliament to make these projects happen.

“The Nationals WA have a strong track record of delivering for regional Western Australia, and I want to see Geraldton get its fair share.”

Mr Brown said The Nationals WA had a history of challenging the status quo – with Brendon Grylls, Wendy Duncan and Mia Davies all vacating safe seats in 2013 to safeguard the future of Royalties for Regions.

“Leaving the Agricultural Region to contest the Seat of Geraldton might be a risk, but the greater risk would be not to do it and leave Geraldton’s future to city-based decision makers.”

Mr Brown said the 2017 State Election was particularly important for voters outside the metropolitan region – with changing electoral boundaries abolishing the electorate of Eyre to create a new electorate in Perth.

“Less country seats and more city seats means regional voters need to make sure they have a strong regional voice in the Parliament that will represent their interests and have the capacity to deliver,” he said.

“The people who choose to live and work in great regional communities like Geraldton deserve better than having their voice lost in a party room dominated by Perth politicians.”

The Nationals WA will pre-select for the Seat of Geraldton on April 30.

Clean Up Australia Day on March 6 is a chance to give back to the environment

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney is backing the Minister for Environment’s call to clean up and encouraging Geraldton residents to get involved in Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday, March 6.

Environment Minister Albert Jacob said volunteers had already registered at more than 350 sites in Perth and across WA - from the Abrolhos Islands off the coast near Geraldton to Yallingup in the South-West - so there were plenty of opportunities to join in.

"Historically, WA does not perform well on littering compared with other States," Mr Jacob said.

"The 2014-15 Keep Australia Beautiful National Litter Index showed WA's littering performance was improving, but we still recorded the largest litter volume in Australia.

"This is still not good enough - it's up to all of us to make an effort to keep our State beautiful. Not only is littering damaging to the environment, it can also choke, entangle and kill wildlife and it's a fire hazard."

On Clean Up Australia Day, the Minister will be targeting litter with local volunteers in the area of the QuinnsMindarie Surf Life Saving Club.

The community can register for Clean Up Australia Day at http://www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au

WA Labor to roll out new science labs in local primary schools

WA Labor will use Royalties for Regions funding to roll out new science labs and equipment at primary schools in Geraldton and the Mid-West.

This week WA Labor Leader Mark McGowan announced the ‘Science in Schools’ policy, to ignite a passion for science among kids in regional WA, starting at an early age. The policy is part of WA Labor’s vision to broaden WA’s economy and create jobs.

In most of the primary schools in the region, science is taught in general classrooms not fit for purpose built science labs. We need to create a more hands-on learning environment to get kids engaged in science.

Under WA Labor’s state-wide Science in Schools policy, we will:

• Allocate $12million to convert existing classrooms into science labs; and
• Allocate a further $5million for grants of $25,000 to enable schools to buy resources to equip labs.

The rollout of the program to our primary schools will be funded through Royalties for Regions.

Comments from Member for Agriculture Region, Darren West:

“Under a WA Labor Government, Science in Schools will be a priority for Royalties for Regions. It’s great news for kids in the Mid-West.

“We want our kids to be given the tools they need to aspire to a career in science and it’s important to immerse them in science at an early age.

“It’s all part of our plan to broaden WA’s economy and create jobs in a broad range of industries.

“Many parents are worried about their future and their kids’ future. It’s time to get serious about preparing students for jobs outside of the resources industry and create new employment opportunities.

“This policy is good for kids and good for the economy.”

Royalties for Regions invests in Queens Park Theatre

Local entertainment will receive a boost, thanks to Royalties for Regions investment in Geraldton’s Queens Park Theatre.

National WA Member of Parliament Paul Brown MP said the Queens Park Theatre was one of seven projects across regional WA to share in more than $940,000 in funding from the Regional Venues Improvement Fund.

“Access to high quality entertainment is a really important part of creating sustainable and vibrant regional communities,” Mr Brown said.

“Investing in arts venues is essential in attracting the entertainment that residents and visitors to regional WA enjoy.”

Mr Brown said the Queens Park Theatre would receive $102,221 to upgrade the audio mixing console, digital signage, cinema digital projector, lighting and wireless communications.

“The Queens Park Theatre is a tremendous asset to the local community and this funding will complement the current major refurbishment works being undertaken by the City of Greater Geraldton,” Mr Brown said.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said creating opportunities for culture and the arts will support economic development and build vibrant communities in regional WA.

“This investment will ensure regional arts organisations, artists and arts workers have the necessary support to deliver a variety of experiences to our regional communities,” Mr Redman said.

The second round of grants open in March and focus on improving the functionality of regional performing arts venues and upgrading technical equipment.

The Regional Venues Improvement Fund is part of the $24 million Creative Regions program, funded by Royalties for Regions, to deliver greater investment in regional arts and culture initiatives.

For more information visit www.dva.wa.gov.au or www.biggerpicture.regions.wa.gov.au

Tax claims easy with myDeducations

Member for Durack Melissa Price is encouraging workers in Durack to tally work-related deductions using the myDeductions tool within the ATO’s phone app. 

“The 2015-16 financial is going to be the first time taxpayers can use the myDeductions tool to complete their return,” Ms Price said. 

“In the 2014-15 financial year, 8.4 million individual taxpayers claimed work-related expenses. 

“Rather than storing the piles of receipts at home, this is a great tool to ensure all work-related expenses, including car trips and donations, are stored and accounted for electronically.  

“All work-related expenses in the myDeductions tool can be uploaded when tax returns are being filled in, or sent directly to the tax agent.” 

There are three simple rules for workers in Durack to follow:

Ø The money needs to be spent themselves

Ø The expenses must be work-related and

Ø There must be a record to prove it.

 “While people incur different expenses during the year it is important for taxpayers to check what they are entitled to, based on the type of work they do,” Ms Price. 

“I encourage workers to download the ATO app and use the myDeductions feature, if they haven’t already.” 

To get started visit ato.gov.au/mydeductions

24 Year old male charged with burglary and stealing offences

Between 10.00pm on Sunday the 29th of November and Monday the 30th of November 2015 a 24 year old Beresford man used a large rock to smash the glass entry door at the Northgate Shopping Centre in Geraldton.

Once inside the main shopping centre the male smash the front glass door of the Target Store and approached the electronics area in the store.

Utilising a rock the male offender smashed the glass cabinet which contained mobile phones. The male offender stole 13 mobile phones with a total value of $5,347.00.

As a result of inquiries the offender was arrested on the 17th of January 2016 and charged with Burglary and Stealing.

He appeared before a Magistrate on the 27th of January and was remanded in custody to reappear on the 29th of January 2016.

42 Year old Female from Utakarra Charged with Disorderly behaviour and obstruct police.

At about 11.00pm on Friday 26th of February 2016, Police were called to a disturbance on Bonamia Street, Rangeway.

On police arrival they observed a 42 year old female arguing with a male in the street. The attending officers separated the pair and attempted to stop the female from yelling and swearing in the street however she failed to obey the officer’s request and was subsequently advised she was under arrest.

The female refused to get into the police vehicle pod, officers attempted to place her into the pod however the female placed her feet on either side of the doorway, after a short struggle the female was secured in the pod area.

After being placed into the police vehicle pod the female had to be removed to prevent injury to herself, as she was being removed she attempted to run from police. The female kicked out at police and continued her yelling and screaming abuse. She was handcuffed and put back into the secure pod and conveyed to the Geraldton Police Station where she was released on bail to appear in the Geraldton Magistrates Court at a later date.

She was charged with disorderly behaviour in public and obstruct police.

Drummond Cove male charged with driving offences following pursuit.

Between Friday the 26th of February and Saturday the 27th of February 2016 an 18 year old male from Drummond Cove driving a Holden Commodore motor vehicle failed to stop for Police on 3 separate occasions throughout several suburbs in the Geraldton district.

Police engaged in pursuits on the 3 occasions, however due to the driver’s reckless driving manner and danger to the public Police aborted the pursuits.

Police received information from the public which led them to an address in Drummond Cove where the 18 year old P Plate driver was arrested.

He was charged with:

• 3 x Reckless driving
• 3 x Driver of a vehicle failed to comply with a direction to stop (circumstance of aggravation) and
• 3 x No authority to drive (fines suspended).

The 18 year old appeared before a Magistrate on Sunday the 28th of February and was remanded in custody to reappear in Court on the 4th of March 2016. 

Geraldton Croquet Club Summer Pennants Competition Result

Geraldton Croquet Club completed the summer pennants competition on the evening of 25th February. Round 6,  the final round was held on a warm night with strong gusty winds. The result was as follows:

The winning team, Red Devils won the competition and will be awarded the pennant on presentation Day, 17th December 2016.

Red Devils, l-r (Captain) Wendy McDonald, Robyn McDonald, Rhonda Reynolds and Pamela Kerr

Coastal management funding now available

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has welcomed the Barnett Government’s announcement that the Page Content management of one of Western Australia's most valuable assets has received another boost with $1 million in State Government funding available in the next financial year to help local coastal managers to sustainably manage their stretch of coastline.

“Minister Nalder is calling for submissionsfor funding in the latest round of the Coastal Adaptation and Protection (CAP) Grants.

“He is looking for projects that embrace the sustainable management of the coastline, which will be highly regarded.

“The Government wants to support local coastal managers as they seek to better understand the Western Australian coastline they are responsible for and work to adapt to the challenges presented.

"With a better understanding of the risks posed by coastal hazards, local managers can make informed decisions leading to more sustainable coastal management," said Mr Blayney.

Administered by the Department of Transport, the grants program was introduced in 2009 to refocus coastal management efforts by local coastal managers and provide financial help for thorough investigation of local coastal hazards including erosion, accretion and inundation.

As part of the program, the department also provides technical advice and other resources, including coastal data to help managers deal with coastal change.

Last year, 11 local authorities shared $1.057 million in grant funding to deliver projects benefiting local communities.

These included $44,000 for the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River to investigate erosion of the coast from Prevelly to Gnarabup and more than $54,000 in funding for the City of Albany to develop an adaptation and protection strategy for the southern coastline from Emu Point to Middleton Beach.

Coastal managers are invited to apply for grants up to 50 per cent of the total cost of a coastal adaptation project.  Activities include monitoring, adaptation planning, asset management, adaptation and maintenance.

"The program builds partnerships with local managers that will preserve and enhance coastal values and assets into the future for the benefit of the wider community," the Minister said.

Australian science on show at Pollinators in Science Week

Member for Durack Melissa Price has congratulated Pollinators for its efforts to inspire people to experience a taste of Australia’s great scientific expertise through The Goodness Festival. 

“I’m thrilled that Durack will participate in National Science Week this August, with Pollinators selected to receive $15,000 from the Turnbull Government to ignite local science engagement,” Ms Price said. 

The Goodness Festival is among 41 projects chosen nationally to receive funding in a $500,000 grant round announced this week by Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Christopher Pyne. 

These initiatives will give Australians from all walks of life the opportunity to meet scientists, explore many different aspects of science, discuss the hot topics and celebrate the contribution of Australian science to our society, culture and economy. 

“This grant will help showcase and celebrate innovation and achievement towards sustainability in the Mid West, and raise awareness of just how important a role science plays in everyday life,” Ms Price said 

“Science is critical to our wellbeing, prosperity and international competitiveness, so engaging the community and equipping young people with future-focused knowledge and skills is vital. 

“That’s why the Turnbull Government has committed $1.1 billion through the National Innovation and Science Agenda to incentivise innovation and entrepreneurship, and promote science, maths and computing in schools.” 

The successful grant recipients were announced by Minister Pyne at Adelaide’s Magill Primary School. Mr Pyne was joined by Professor Flint, the singing palaeontologist whose science-themed musical A Brief History of Life, the Universe and Everything will tour South Australia during National Science Week. 

From examining the pests in Perth’s pantries; to a mobile HealthLAB touring the Territory; from citizens scientists saving Nemo; to celebrating Indigenous science and scientists at Redfern; Science Week festivities take place around the country. 

National Science Week has become one of Australia’s largest festivals since it was first held in 1997. Last year 1.3 million people participated in over 1700 events and activities nationally, including local science festivals, music and comedy shows, expert panel discussions, interactive hands-on displays, open days and online activities. 

National Science Week is supported by the Australian Government, with partners CSIRO, the Australian Science Teachers Association and the ABC. Sponsors include NewScientist, Cosmos, Popular Science and PrimaryConnections. 

National Science Week will run from August 13 to 21 with more details available at scienceweek.net.au.

TAFE Reform leads to uncertain future for Durack staff

Nationals WA Member of Parliament Paul Brown MP is concerned the announcement of major reform in the TAFE sector will result in job losses at the Geraldton based Durack Institute of Technology.

Recently announced by the Minister for Training and Development, TAFE reform will see the amalgamation of the eleven TAFE colleges and their 70 campuses, many located throughout regional WA, to a network of five TAFE colleges. These five TAFE colleges will see two TAFE colleges located in the Perth metropolitan area, and three TAFE colleges in regional WA. Regional TAFE colleges will be amalgamated under Northern Regional TAFE, Central Regional TAFE and South Regional TAFE.

For Geraldton, this means that TAFE campuses located in Exmouth, Carnarvon, Wiluna, Kalgoorlie, Merredin, Northam, Moora and Geraldton will come under the management of Central Regional TAFE.

“It is unclear, whether Durack Institute of Technology or the Goldfields Institute of Technology will become the managing TAFE College for the Central Regional area,” Mr Brown said.

“This creates a great deal of uncertainty for Durack Institute of Technology staff during a time when Geraldton is experiencing an economic downturn due to the slowdown of the mining construction boom and low commodity prices, particularly the iron-ore price, causing major insecurity throughout the Mid West mining sector.”

“The loss of public sector jobs really hurts a regional community such as Geraldton,” Mr Brown said.

Mr Brown is also concerned that the reform will see the weakening of strategic educational objectives as outlined in the Mid West Economic Blueprint.

“The Mid West Economic Blueprint clearly outlines the need for education and training in the Mid West to have strategic collaboration and integration of school, VET and university pathways to deliver more effective and seamless transition into higher education opportunities. This is based on local education and training needs, and I fear that the focus on what is needed locally will be lost under this amalgamation model,” Mr Brown said.

Abraham Street Bridge closes the gap

The last bridge planks have been lifted into place for the Abraham Street Bridge.

The gap between Verita Road and Abraham Street has been filled with the last bridge planks lifted into place over the rail line last week. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the placement of precast concrete planks marked a milestone in Stage 2 of the Karloo Wandina Project. 

“Last week 20, 14.4m long precast concrete planks weighing 13 tonnes each, were lifted into place over the railway line completing an important phase in the construction of the 68m long and 14.2m wide Abraham Street Bridge,” he said. 

“This means the Karloo Wandina Project has reached an important milestone and is now one step closer to being completed.” 

In the coming weeks a concrete deck covering the bridge span beams will be poured and road safety barriers including anti-vandalism screens will be installed before the final layer of asphalt is laid connecting Abraham Street and Ackland Road. 

“At the moment Verita Road is averaging 1600 traffic moments per day and the Abraham Street Bridge will certainly provide a much needed link between the southern and northern suburbs,” said Mayor Van Styn. 

“The final stage in the Karloo Wandina project will be the construction of a roundabout at the Abraham Street / Utakarra Road intersection to accommodate traffic once the Abraham Street Bridge opens.” 

Construction of the Abraham Street Bridge is the City’s largest Capital Works Project in the 2015/16 financial year. The $9 million project, which is part of the $38.2 million Karloo Wandina Project, is funded by the State Government’s Royalties for Regions via the Mid West Investment Plan, the Australian Government’s Building Better Regional Cities program, Asia Iron and the City.