The Comedy Emporium’s House Warming Show 2016

The Comedy Emporium is back with their cast of hilarious locals, and hilarious invaders ­ bringing you their first Showcase for the year on Friday 15 April, for their official housewarming!

Christening their new home with the first stand up comedy showcase for 2016, and bringing headliner Fabien Clark to join the fun, The Comedy Emporium want you to join them and reminisce about the old times. You might have to BYO chair but the crew are pumped and full of witty punch lines to settle you in.

“Fabien Clark spins tales and enthrals an ever­chuckling audience... Over the past 10 years, Fabien has established his comic career in the Adelaide scene, last year having impressively won the title of ‘Adelaide’s Comedian Of The Year’. And to top it off, he has single­handedly started and promoted the dreadlock­headscarf combo. One could try to liken the languid wizard of comedy to many other performers on the circuit, but in his low­key relatable humour lies a unique personal lens where the sandpit at his playgroup transforms to Pride Rock and the comedian is no longer Fabien Clark but The Lion King. Sharing Libra shopping expedition woes and craft table nightmares, this businessman from the ‘70s will have you simultaneously nodding and cackling.” Katie Bryant of ripitup.com.au reviews.

MC Luke Joesphe Ryan is sure to keep the House Warming Show rolling in laughs ­ "an unpredictable mix of smut, cheese and wit" reviews The West Australian and "He is brilliant and unpredictable. Comedy lives inside him. I love him. If you don't, you're dumb'" reviews Greg Fleet ­ supported by Jez Watts, other hilarious Perth acts and your favourite locals.

If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at a bit of standup, The Comedy Emporium are always welcoming new faces and would love to see you at their stand up workshops. You could even head down and join another regional team ­ then you don’t have to perform in front of an audience you know!

Tickets are available online now for just $25 (or less if you BYP chair!) at www.thecomedyemporium.com. If you’re late getting your ticket and buy it on the door, it costs more ­ just saying.

Call Ringmaster Julian Canny on 0458 306 111 or email laugh@thecomedyemporium.com for more information

Rob Jefferies stepping down from Chamber

For the past two years, Rob Jefferies has been leading the charge as the CEO of the MWCCI (Mid West Chamber of Commerce & Industry) and navigating its course through challenging economic times. Effective April 30th 2016, Mr Jefferies will step down as CEO, opening up an opportunity for an equally high calibre candidate to take over the reins. 

In his role as CEO, Rob’s influence and previous experience has given the chamber the opportunity to become a very influential organisation. His collaboration between government institutions, the city of greater Geraldton, the Midwest Development commission and also being on the forefront of dealing with new organisations and existing organisations within the Midwest region has given our members many opportunities. 

“It has been a great privilege to work with local businesses and where appropriate be their Voice on many issues and forums in the region” said Mr. Jefferies. Adding “I have made the decision to re-establish my consulting business based in the Mid West, and plan to work in facilitation of business and industry growth, regional development and to undertake project development and management.” 

The MWCCI’s efforts in the last few years through participation in regional planning, proactive engagement of government and industry leaders, taking on significant issues challenging our members’ growth and working to improve the regulatory environment businesses operate in, has established a very strong foundation to develop on. Under Rob’s leadership, the MWCCI has also dealt with many other community aspects which affect our small businesses in the region in relation to rates increases, Sunday trading and also collaborating with government on aspects which affect small business. 

From a chamber perspective Rob has driven the 2020 strategy which will pave the way for the future of the chamber to ensure it remains relevant and continue to provide a meaningful service to the business community. 

MWCCI President, Mr. Trevor Lake said “Rob has certainly paved the future of the Chamber and the next CEO’s role would have been moulded by Rob’s enthusiasm. His go, get and collaborative approach has certainly ensured that all parties who have Geraldton’s interests at heart will ensure that Geraldton and its business community benefit from this approach. We wish Rob all the best in his future endeavours and our hope is that our next CEO will benefit from the ties Rob has built.” 

The search for a new CEO begins. To learn more about the MWCCI, please call our office on 9964 6767 during normal trading hours.

Photos to Celebrate the Importance and Beauty of Rocks in the Murchison

Organisers of the Mount Magnet Astro Rocks Fest are calling for submissions of photos which celebrate the beauty and importance of rocks in the ancient Murchison region.

The photos will be displayed in the Murchison Geo Photo Exhibition, as part of the festival weekend which includes stargazing, talks from scientists, a visit from SciTech, and more over the weekend of May 13 and 14.

Last year’s rock photography exhibition included some 40 entries from around the region and was a popular addition to the festival program.

Mount Magnet Shire CEO, Warren Olsen said the Murchison was home to some of the most ancient rocks on the planet.

Warren said these rocks formed spectacular landscapes, and helped shape the history of the Murchison.

“Indigenous people in the Murchison region created rock art galleries and used rock ‘signposts’ to communicate with each other across space and time,” Warren said.

“They used rocks to grind seed and ochre and make tools. And rocks were vital holders of water in this dry landscape as naturally formed rock holes and gnamma holes.

Warren said rocks were just as important to Europeans, who used rocks to create outback hot water systems known as ‘donkeys’, fire-places and tanks and troughs at windmill sites.

“They also used rocks to create shelters and infrastructure for everything from shepherd huts, homesteads, shearing sheds, churches and chimneys to public buildings, road-works and railways,” Warren said.

“Rocks have been lifted, shifted and re-organised for living, working, mining and simply enjoying the Murchison region.”

Please email your photo entries (maximum of five per person), along with your name and contact detailsto hello@eventnation.com.au, before 4pm April 29.

Photos received after this date will not be accepted.

While copyright remains with photographer, the photos downloaded and displayed will remain property of Mount Magnet Astro Rocks Fest for display at the 2016 and future Astro Rocks Festivals.

The photos will go in the running for a ‘most popular photo’ prize as voted by the public.

For any queries relating to this exhibition or the 2016 Mount Magnet Astro Rock Fest please contact the event coordinators at Event Nation by email gina@eventnation.com.au or phone 08 99646088.

Aboriginal Youth to Get Healthy and Have a Blast

Aboriginal people aged between 12 and 25 are being urged to ensure they’re in good health – and have a blast while they’re at it – at the next free GRAMS Youth Health Day on Thursday April 14.

The Youth Health Day at Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service (GRAMS) from 9am to 3pm will enable anyone who has a free health check to go in the draw for a chance to win prizes such as driving lessons, pamper packs, Quicksilver Skateboard, Bikeand more.

The day will also host a workshop by graffiti street artist Shay Jackey who will encourage participants to try their hand at creating vibrant graffiti art.

There will also be the chance to capture all thefun in the ‘Gigglebox’ photobooth, as well as enjoy non-alcoholic drinks and a barbecue lunch, visit information stalls and take home free health promotion giveaways.

GRAMS Youth Project Officer Danielle Sutton said the Youth Health Days were designed to empower young Aboriginal men and women to make healthy changes to their lifestyle.

“We want to encourage young people to take control of their health not just when they are sick and to use the services that GRAMS provides on a regular basis,” Ms Sutton said.

“If people can make healthy lifestyle choices while they’re young, it will put them in great stead to go onto enjoy a healthy adulthood.

“This way we can enjoy a healthier community as a whole.”

GRAMS will offer free transport to and from the event. Please call (08) 9956 655 to arrange.

For more information, call GRAMS on the number above or visit the website www.grams.asn.au

Aquarena winter hours

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the Aquarena winter opening hours will come into effect as of Tuesday 26 April, 2016.

The outdoor pool will also be closed for winter operations.

New opening hours include:

• Monday to Friday – 5.30am to 7pm
• Weekends – 9am to 4pm

Helping Yamatji Kids be healthy kids

Aboriginal parents will have the chance to give their kids a fun day out – and have the kids’ health checked while they’re at it – at the Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service (GRAMS) Child Health Day on April 20.

Children aged 0 to 5, and their older siblings, can visit the GRAMS Rifle Range premises for activities, a bouncy castle, face painting, giveaways, prizes and dress ups.

They will also be allocated into teams in which they work their way around the practice receiving different elements of their health checks as they go.

GRAMS CEO Deborah Woods said the day was a fun-filled way to ensure Aboriginal children are in good health.

“It’s a really great incentive to get the little ones along, have their immunisations updated, and conduct a whole range of health checks that help us prevent health problems later on,” Ms Woods said.

“The kids have a whole lot of fun while they’re at it and the parents can rest assured they are helping to keep their kids in good health.

“So many diseases and health problems can be avoided through preventative health care and early detection, helping our community to have healthier futures.

Children who complete their health checks will receive a goody and information bag, and go in the running for prizes includes that encourage outdoor activity, such as a trampoline and swing set.

The day runs from 9am to 3pm, a healthy lunch and a day of fun activities including the bouncy castle and face painting are included.

The antenatal and paediatrics clinics will operate as usual.

Change of hours for Geraldton Regional Library

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that new opening hours for the Geraldton Regional Library will come into effect as of Monday 11 April, 2016

In a continuous effort to lower its overall operating costs with a view to diverting more money to renewing ageing infrastructure and reducing increases, the Council has adopted a long term financial plan based on a new organisational structure and a reviewed range and level of services provided by the City.

As a result, the Library will now close on Wednesday mornings and at 5.30pm on Thursday evenings.

New opening hours include:

• Monday – 1pm to 5.30pm
• Tuesday – 9am to 5.30pm
• Wednesday – 1pm to 5.30pm
• Thursday – 9am to 5.30pm
• Friday – 9am to 5.30pm
• Saturday – 9.30am to 1pm
• Sunday 1.30pm to 4.30pm

Completion of Wastewater System Upgrade in City of Greater Geraldton

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has welcomed advice that Water Corporation have completed upgrades to Geraldton’s waste water system. 

“I am very pleased that the construction of 3.2 kilometres of wastewater pipeline on Broome Street and Webberton Road, started in November 2015 was completed in March 2016. 

“This work has improved the reliability of the wastewater services and will ensure that the area has the necessary infrastructure to grow in the future. 

“The pipeline was constructed using open trenching methods to minimise disruption to the community, who were regularly informed through direct mail outs, one-on-one consultation and advertising in the media. 

“I hope this upgrade puts an end to the spate of pipe bursts and the inconvenience experienced by residents in this area,” said Mr Blayney.

Supporting NAIDOC Week in Durack

The Turnbull Government will celebrate the history, culture and achievements of First Australians by supporting events to be held as part of National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week celebrations in July.

Member for Durack Melissa Price said the 2016 NAIDOC grant funding round was part of a more than $2 million commitment from the Australian Government to support NAIDOC celebrations this year.

Ms Price encouraged local organisations to consider applying for funding to help cover the costs of staging events during NAIDOC Week.

“Events can include anything from a community morning tea or barbecue to a flag-raising ceremony or art workshop,” Ms Price said.

“The Turnbull Government is supporting such activities through funding to come out of the Indigenous Advancement Strategy.”

“NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to get together and celebrate the unique place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia, and the national theme this year is Songlines - The living narrative of our nation,” Minister Nigel Scullion said.

“The theme highlights the importance of Dreamtime to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It commemorates the tracks they leave on the land as a record of ancestral spirits who ‘sung’ the land into life.”

Details in relation to the 2016 NAIDOC grant funding are available on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website.

Applications close 4pm AEST on Friday 29 April 2016.

Top Para Triathlete Signed up for Geraldton Sporting competition

Western Australia’s top wheelchair para triathlete has added his name to the heavyweight line up of competitors taking part in this year’s Geraldton Toyota Endure Batavia Triathlon on April 17.

Two times para triathlete state champion Nige Young will compete in the gruelling long course, swimming 1.5km, bike riding for 44km and completing the 10km run in a racing wheelchair.

Mr Young is currently placed number one in the Sunsmart Sprint Series for men para triathletes in WA, and took out fourth place for Australia at the World Open Para Triathlon Championships in Chicago last year.

He also won the men’s para in the Busselton 70.3 Ironman competition in May last year. This is his first time competing in Geraldton.

“A good friend of mine, para cyclist Craig Parsons, has competed in Geraldton before and said it was the most amazing atmosphere and crowd so I’m really looking forward to competing,” Mr Young said.

Mr Young began his career as a triathlete as an 18-year-old in the UK, where he relished the chance to push his body to its limits.

But a car accident on the return from a duathlon when he was 20 resulted in a shattered neck and damaged spinal cord. Doctors told his parents there was a one per cent chance he’d ever be able to move a muscle below his neck. He’d be a virtual vegetable.

But, within months, Mr Young moved his left big toe and went on to regain movement in both legs. He went on to forge a career with the military in the UK but the damage his body sustained meant Mr Young never again considered competing in triathlons.

But one day after moving to Australia Mr Young found himself watching seemingly endless online videos of triathlons. He called the state and national triathlon associations to find out more and in 2014 discovered he could compete – swimming normally, completing the bike leg using a recumbent hand-cycle and running leg in a racing wheelchair.

But why does he push his ailing body to its extremes?

“It’s all about pushing boundaries and saying yes you have a spinal injury but that doesn’t mean life ends,” he said.

“I have always pushed boundaries – even before the accident – I love pushing my personal limits and proving to myself and others that you can do things even if you’re in a wheelchair or have a spinal injury.

“And, I love racing.”

For more information on Geraldton Toyota Endure Batavia Triathlon visit the website: www.geraldtontriclub.com.au/endure-batavia-triathlon.aspx 

Future of Rural Financial Counselling Service secured

Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price has welcomed today’s announcement by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Barnaby Joyce that funding for Rural Financial Counselling Services (RFCS) will continue for the next three years.

Ms Price said a new funding round would start from today and help support rural communities and clients in need for years to come.

“Twelve service providers around the nation will be able to continue their valuable work in helping our farming families, including Primary Production Services Inc,” Ms Price said.

“More than 5,000 clients across Australia accessed RFCS services last year, a clear indication of how valuable it is to farming businesses.

“The continuing funding package of $47 million through to 2019 demonstrates the Turnbull Government’ s absolute commitment to supporting our farmers, fishers, forest growers, forest harvesters and rural small businesses who need advice on managing their finances.”

Ms Price said core funding for the RFCS had continued to increase under the Turnbull Government, rising from $13.56 million in 2012-13 under Labor, to $15.01 million by the end of the new funding round in 2018-19.

“The Turnbull Government is also strengthening the programme by implementing enhancements flowing from the National Rural Advisory Council’s 2014 review of the RFCS, including increased flexibility to boost resources in areas where there is a spike in demand, such as communities hit by drought, flood and other events,” Ms Price said.

“While the number of service providers has been reduced from 14 regions to 12, it means more funds are available to help farmers rather than being spent on administration.

“It will allow more effective and efficient spending so clients can receive the same or higher levels of service, as well as better targeting of areas in need.

“Extra transitional funding has also been made available to regions most affected by the boundary changes, to make sure that services to clients continue smoothly.”

Ms Price said forest growers and harvesters would now be able to access the service, along with farmers, fishing enterprises and small related businesses that are in financial hardship.

“The RFCS is jointly funded and I certainly welcome the ongoing commitment of state and territory governments in supporting the programme. It has been providing an important service to farmers and rural communities for almost 30 years, and we are continuing to demonstrate our commitment to this service,” Ms Price said.

For more information, visit: agriculture.gov.au/rfcs.

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