Social Enterprise Bar Earns Cash and Enlivens Laneway

Pollinators’ first social enterprise bar earned cash to help the non-profit social enterprise support community innovation.

Pollinators’ first ever social enterprise bar has raked in the cash to support social innovation and enlivened the City Hive laneway with colour, laughter and sound.

Held as part of the ‘The Night Before’ celebrations, on Friday April 8, before Triple J’s One Night Stand, the bar earned over $3,500, which will go towards development of Pollinator’s new Creative Hub, opposite Pollinator’s City Hive laneway on Marine Terrace.

Pollinators space lead Angie West said the bar was Pollinators’ first attempt at raising money through drink sales.

She said it was not only a great success in terms of revenue raising, but also made for an excellent night out and fostered a sense of great community, with more than 500 people accessing the laneway next to Pollinators to visit the bar, enjoy street food from the Burnt Barrel, Jaffle Shack and Fleur Tea Rooms, and listen to music.

“It was a great way to enliven our city streets and show off how much Geraldton has to offer to the many people who came to town for the One Night Stand,” Ms West said.

“It started as a real family friendly affair – with kids dancing to the music in their own little mosh pit and having their faces painted. Then, as the evening progressed, we attracted a more adult crowd with this really great vibe and supportive atmosphere.”

The bar was staffed by Pollinators board members and Pollinators members, who volunteered their time.

Pollinators’ first social enterprise bar earned cash to help the non-profit social enterprise support community innovation.

Given the success of the venture, Ms West said Pollinators planned to conduct similar fundraisers in conjunction with other major events in Geraldton.

She said such ventures raised vital funds to enable Pollinators to continue its mission of supporting healthy resilient communities by offering meeting spaces to community groups for free.

Last year alone Pollinators offered many hours of meeting space to Mid West community groups free of charge.

For more information on accessing Pollinators’ co-working and meeting spaces please contact Angie West on 0427381583

The Pollinators Social Enterprise Bar was sponsored thanks to politicians Paul Brown, Ian Blayney and Lara Dalton.  

Mullewa Youth Centre to become crowning jewel of town

Ian Blayney MLA, City of Greater Geraldton Manager Community and Cultural Development Polly Banks, City Coordinator of Youth Development Jesse Steele, Deputy Mayor Neil McIlwaine and Shane Love MLA.

The Mullewa Youth Centre Precinct project will receive a big boost after securing a total of $176,709 in Lotterywest funding.

This grant will go hand-in-hand with the $150,000 that is already set aside for the project as part of the City of Greater Geraldton’s 2015/16 budget.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said that the Mullewa Youth Centre had been identified as a key facility that needed revitalisation.

“The Mullewa Youth Centre plays a crucial role in the community by providing a drop-in centre as well as offering recreational activities for young people in Mullewa and the surrounding areas,” he said. 

“Being granted these additional funds ensures that the City can refurbish the facilities and turn it into a crowning jewel of the town.”

Works that were already planned include upgrades to internal and external walls, the roof and gutters, and the existing toilet. New flooring, air conditioning, kitchen cabinets, doors, windows and security screens will also be installed.

The Lotterywest funding allows for upgrades to the current skate park, BBQ area, additional seating, fencing, mini-football goals and an upgrade to the basketball court.

Refurbishment of the Mullewa Youth Centre was identified as the number one priority for Mullewa by the 10 Year Capital Works Plan Community Panel in 2013.

Last year the Mullewa Youth Centre precinct was accessed more than 6,200 times after school or on Saturdays by young people from Mullewa as well as the surrounding areas of Yalgoo and Pia Wadjari.

The refurbishment project is scheduled to be completed by the end of June.

Check-ups closer to home

Child Health Nurse Kristy Ryan and her son Vagus Ryan.

Most parents would know that when you first have a child, you are welcomed and encouraged to visit the Community Health Centre for regular check-ups on your baby’s health and development with the Child Health Nurse.  What you might not know is that these check-ups can continue throughout the child’s early years – until school entry, and can also be a great place to discuss your own wellbeing and development as a parent. 

Visits to the Child Health Nurse are free for all families and available by simply making a booking on 9956 1985.  If getting into the Community Health Centre in Shenton Street or Spalding is difficult for families, there is also the option of visiting the Child Health Nurse while they are onsite at the Child and Parent Centre – Rangeway, on Hovea Street in Rangeway.  There is a nurse onsite at the centre every Thursday during school terms, from 9am to 3.30pm. If you would like to attend your appointment there, simply advise staff when making your booking. Sometimes there are even appointments available for ‘drop-ins’ on the day.

The Child and Parent Centre - Rangeway is a Department of Education, State funded initiative operated by the Geraldton Regional Community Education Centre.  The centre offers a huge range of free activities, programs and services for children aged 0 to 8 years and their families, on top of the Child Health Nurse visits. You can visit them anytime during the week on Hovea Street in Rangeway, between 8am and 5pm. More information can be found at www.edcentre.wa.edu.au/events or by calling 9921 6814 or emailing cpc@edcentre.wa.edu.au

Hands down to Tristan and Erica at batavia coast

hey guys, just thought i would make you aware and make a point that Tristan and Erica at batavia coast and dive have to positively hands down give the best service in geraldton, im new to scuba diving and they have spent the time with me teaching me all those little tips and tricks i would never find in a text book and making sure i have everything i need, if anyone was ever thinking of learning to dive or need any gear i cant recommend these guys highly enough!! maybe you can give them a shout out to often everyone likes to criticise service in geraldton so when someone stands above the crowd they should be recognized in our community

Adam Taggart

Expressions of Interest: Youth Interactive Public Art Project – Youth Precinct

The City of Greater Geraldton is seeking expressions of interest from Australian based artists to create an interactive artwork in the Youth Precinct Area at the Foreshore in Marine Tce. Geraldton.

The City has recently built a new youth precinct (pictured above) which has been designed to primarily attract 12 to 18 year olds. The Youth Precinct is part of a Multiuser Facility Building and part of the overall Geraldton Foreshore redevelopment. The Youth Precinct provides a range of interactive games, including electronic games, and equipment to stimulate physical and social activity between youth.

PROJECT BRIEF

The proposed Youth Interactive Artwork Project will be guided by the City of Greater Geraldton Public Art Strategy and the masterplan for the activation of the Foreshore and West End Precincts. The Project will also be overseen by the City of Greater Geraldton’s Public Art Committee.

The proposed artwork should add to the engagement and vibrancy of the precinct and should be appealing and interactive, particularly to young people. The artwork project should contribute to the sense of pride young people feel for the space and help young people to develop a sense of ownership and responsibility for the Youth Precinct Area. The project is open to artists to interpret and present design concepts for an interactive artwork that engages with young people. The elements of the work can be functional, abstract, sculptural, conceptual and playful. The project concept must be practical and achievable within the budget and time schedule. The commission is to be completed by the 30 June 2016.

Location

The artwork will be situated in the Youth Precinct Area at the Foreshore. See attached for a detailed map. The artist is invited to choose a specific location(s) within this site. The size and dimensions of the artwork needs to fit comfortably within the desired location; not blocking pathways or intruding on existing structures.

The artwork will be located outdoors and needs to be durable to the natural weathering elements of wind, salt and sun. There is limited access to power, gas and water and any service connections need to be accommodated in the overall budget.

Please note this is a site where there is relatively heavy foot traffic, with children and families frequenting the area. An artwork with sharp edges or one that poses a potential hazard is not practical in this area. 

Budget

Payments of $500 will be provided to each of the three shortlisted artists to provide and present concept designs, from which one artist will be selected for the commission.

The commission budget for the project is up to $20,000 and must include all costs associated with the commission including but not limited to materials, fabrication, signage, design, artist fees, artist travel and accommodation if required and procurement. .

Selection Process

Expressions of Interest will be accepted up until 5pm 26 April 2016. A selection panel consisting of a representative from the Public Arts Advisory Committee and City staff, in consultation with the Youth Advisory Committee, will make a shortlist of three artists who will be offered the opportunity to present their concept to the selection panel by 12 May 2016

The panel will base selection on the creativity and originality of the design concept, practicalities of making and/or implementing the work, the budget, the proposed timeframe; and the appeal and engagement to the youth sector.

The three shortlisted applicants will each receive $500 and present a detailed design concept description, site drawing timeline and budget to the panel.

A commission will then be offered to one of the shortlisted artists with a contract agreement including scheduled payments and timeframe. It is required that the artist be responsible for their own insurance and public liability.

Expression of Interest requisites:

To be considered for this project, please submit the following:

• A brief design concept that illustrates the creative ideas and theme for a proposed work, outlines the timeframe for completing the artwork and provides proposed location(s) within the Youth Precinct area with approximate sizing of artwork.
• A full CV including any demonstrated experience in public art projects.
• Images of previous public artwork (maximum 10 images)

Expression of interest will be assessed against the following criteria:

• Originality, creativity and intrigue.
• Capacity to produce and complete a suitable artwork within an acceptable timeframe.
• A concept that works within the specified budget of $20,000.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and delivering public art works.
• The degree of interactivity the artwork will provide and appeal to the youth sector and ability for the artwork to engage with this demographic.
• Artistic merit including evidence of professional standing within the arts sector.

Once the EoIs have been reviewed, 3 shortlisted artists will be selected to provide a detailed concept. The artists will be provided with a payment of $500 to assist in their development of the detailed concept. Each of the 3 artists will be required to provide:

• A detailed design concept to present to the panel.
• A proposed timeframe outlining the commencement, duration and completion dates for undertaking the art work. 
• Specific location(s) within Youth Precinct.
• Dimensions of artwork.
• What materials the artwork will be made from.
• Considerations for how the artwork will be resilient to the weather conditions.
• Detailed list of resources needed to complete project, including any proposed access to utilities.
• Proposed budget.
• The anticipated lifespan of the artwork and ongoing art work maintenance considerations.

For any further enquiries please contact Eve York, Arts and Cultural Development Officer at: evey@cgg.wa.gov.au or phone: 9956 6749

Expressions of Interest close 5pm on 26 April 2016 and are to be addressed attention to Polly Banks, Manager Community and Cultural Development and can be submitted either by email to pollyb@cgg.wa.gov.au or posted to:

City of Greater Geraldton
Attention: Polly Banks
Re:Youth Interactive Public Art Project
PO Box 101
GERALDTON 6531

Free Parenting Support

Free parenting support is on its way to town.  Dr Tonia Fahey of the Department of Education brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and practical tips to the free Triple P seminars hitting Geraldton later this month. These sessions are perfect for all parents, carers, early childhood educators and service providers; if you have been before, then come again – the content is fresh, new, relevant and practical.  The sessions are short - only two hours long - providing an intensive, valuable insight into each topic.

In the first week of Term 2 the Child and Parent Centre - Rangeway have three amazing Triple P seminars running, twice each (one morning and one evening) for parents, carers, early childhood educators and service providers. The sessions are perfect as professional development for service providers, for any parent who is struggling, and for those working with children on behaviour management plans to introduce wrap around support. 

All sessions are free, and include crèche facilities – but booking are essential.

• The power of positive parenting – Tuesday 26 April: 9am to 11am OR 5.30pm to 7.30pm
• Building confident, competent children - Wednesday 27 April: 9am to 11am OR 5.30pm to 7.30pm
• Raising resilient children – Thursday 28 April: 9am to 11am OR 5.30pm to 7.30pm

“Dr Fahey is an outstanding presenter and after just one visit to town, she has got people raving and wanting more.” says Jennifer Edwards, Coordinator of the Child and Parent Centre – Rangeway. “We need to make sure that these sessions are well attended so that we can keep her, the Triple P services and sessions (running) regularly in Geraldton for our community.”

Dr Fahey will be back later in Term 2, to deliver the second set of seminars in the Triple P series; Dealing with disobedience, 0 to 4s emotional development and Managing fighting and aggression where parents and carers get even further into the nitty gritty of the world of caring for children.

More information can be found at www.edcentre.wa.edu.au/events or bookings can be made by phoning 9921 6814 or emailing cpc@edcentre.wa.edu.au

The Child and Parent Centre - Rangeway is a Department of Education, State funded initiative operated by the Geraldton Regional Community Education Centre. The centre offers a huge range of free activities, programs and services for children aged 0 to 8 and their families. You can visit them anytime during the week on Hovea Street in Rangeway, between 8am and 5pm.

Geraldton Principal chosen to join Harvard elite

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has congratulated former Rangeway Primary School teacher Jacquie Quartermaine, on being one of twenty of Western Australia’s best public school principals to be selected to follow in the footsteps of Harvard alumni such as Barack Obama and Ban Ki-moon thanks to a partnership with the prestigious American university. 

“This wonderful news and a great achievement for Ms Quartermaine. She will be an outstanding ambassador for both Geraldton and Western Australia 

“As a Rangeway Primary School Board Member who has worked closely with Ms Quartermaine, I know the knowledge and experienced she gains will be put to good use when she returns,” said Mr Blayney. 

Education Minister Peter Collier said the principals would travel to Boston in June to learn from the world’s best educators, after being accepted into an intensive course delivered by the Harvard Graduate School of Education with online learning and executive mentoring. 

“The modern principal not only needs to be an exceptional leader, but an entrepreneur with the vision to drive new ideas,” Mr Collier said. 

“The Harvard experience offers a rare opportunity for Western Australian principals to explore leadership in partnership directly with their counterparts from around the world.” 

The 20 principals, who were selected from more than 130 applicants, lead a range of metropolitan and country schools including Broome Senior High School, Swan View Senior High School and Rangeway Primary School in Geraldton. 

“These principals were chosen because they have made an outstanding contribution to public education,” the Minister said. 

“On their return, they will provide expertise in future reform and innovation across all public schools, including their own.” 

A further 20 principals will be selected for the Fellowship Program in 2017.

Students benefit from $42,000 in scholarships through the Hollomby Foundation

Twenty Geraldton Universities Centre students will share in $42,000 in scholarships awarded through the Hollomby Foundation this year.

The GUC’s Hollomby Foundation is dedicated to the advancement of tertiary education in our region.  Named in honour of the late Joe Hollomby, the Foundation supports GUC and Mid West students to fulfil their dreams, building the capacity of our region.

This year’s recipients were chosen from the largest and strongest field of applicants yet, reflecting the record number of students studying at GUC in 2016.

2016Hollomby Foundation scholarship recipients:

Hollomby Foundation Scholarships in Nursing: Natalie Watts, Melissa Kiddle, TenaeMcCombe

Deepdale Bursary: Zoe Harrington

St John of God Health Care Geraldton Scholarship: Kimberly Ryles

St John’sKu’arlu Scholarship: DainiraPapertralk

Horwood Family Education Scholarship: Rachel Clancy

Mid West Development Commission: Jade Briggs

City of Greater Geraldton: Mikala Cooper, Morgan Freeman

Shire of Irwin Scholarship: Kobi Jeffery

Shire of Northampton: Melissa Mellan, Sonia Williams

The Hon. Paul Brown MLC, Member for the Agricultural Region: Brodie Drage, Ciarra Ryan

The Hon. Darren West MLC, Member for the Agricultural Region: Shaun Chester

Ian Blayney MLA, Member for Geraldton: SitaAjaran

Bendigo Bank: Michael Patrick

Bundiyarra Community Aboriginal Corporation: Rianna Pension

Rotary Club of Batavia Coast Scholarship: Danyelle Cowan

Enquiries from businesses or individuals wanting to sponsor a new scholarship are welcome, and should be directed to GUC on 9920 4400.

Community invited to have their say on Beresford Foreshore amenities

Champion Bay Marina.

If you love the Beresford Foreshore you won’t want to miss the opportunity to have your say on the amenities you believe would improve this popular stretch of Geraldton once erosion protection is in place.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said although the engineering design solution to combat erosion and protect valuable infrastructure has already been approved, the City is keen to hear from the community about amenities for this Foreshore space.

“To prevent further erosion of the Beresford Foreshore and mitigate the risk to $55 million of State and City infrastructure located along this part of the coastline a multi-agency Ministerial Working Group has worked extensively with coastal experts to develop the Beresford Foreshore Coastal Protection and Enhancement Project Engineering and Detailed Design Solution,” he said.

The earthworks required to construct extensions to the offshore breakwater and marina groynes and to build three revetments to stabilise the beach present an opportunity for the community to have their say on the repair of damaged paths and landscaping, the replacement of amenities already lost from erosion and the inclusion of other amenities.

“The Beresford Foreshore is very popular and the City is keen to collaborate with the community to develop a priority list of amenities to be included in the staged development of the Foreshore and map out where these attractive extras should be placed,” said Mayor Van Styn.

There are two opportunities for members of the community to have their say on the amenities. The first is to complete the online Beresford Foreshore Amenities Survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/Beresfordforeshore  Hard copies of the survey can be found at the Civic Centre, Geraldton Regional Library and Aquarena.  Survey closes on 2 May 2016.

The second opportunity is to take part in the Beresford Foreshore Community Workshop on Saturday 14 May 2016 from 1.30pmto 3.30pm at the City Civic Centre.  Interested members of the community must register to secure a spot as participation numbers are limited.

Partial funding for construction of the project has already been secured.

“Mid West Ports Authority and the Mid West Development Commission have already agreed to partially fund the project and the City has also applied for grant funding to cover the remaining costs,” said Mayor Van Styn.

“By combining the engineering design solution with community priorities for amenities the Beresford Foreshore will continue to be part of the coastal lifestyle that makes our City such a great place to live.

If you would like to register for the workshop contact Communications Officer - Engagement Janell Kopplhuber on 9956 6945 or email janellk@cgg.wa.gov.au

For more information on the engineering solution search Beresford Foreshore Project on the City website www.gg.wa.gov.au.

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.