Last chance to have your say on the Beresford Foreshore

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9 May, 2016

If you love the Beresford Foreshore and are between the ages of 15 and 45 it’s not too late to have your say on the facilities or amenities that would improve this popular stretch of Geraldton coastline.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said registrations for the Beresford Foreshore Community Workshop have been steady over the past three weeks with only a few spots remaining to be filled.

“The response from the community to take part in this workshop has been really great with more than 30 residents aged between 10-85 years already registered to attend,” he said.

“However, we still have a few spots open for teenagers of all ages and members of the community under the age of 45.

“The workshop is an important opportunity for people of all ages to share their thoughts and ideas on the Beresford Foreshore and I would encourage residents to register before it’s too late.”

If you would like to attend the workshop call 9956 6945 or email janellk@cgg.wa.gov.au. Registrations close Thursday 12 May at 5pm.

Check out this amazing letter a school sent to its students before NAPLAN test

A school sent this letter to homes recently prior to the NAPLAN tests happening.

The response on social media has been incredible, with a lot of people impressed with the approach the school has taken.  

Here are some of the comments from Everything Geraldton's Facebook page: 

Future needs met with new Geraldton station

With the opening of a new $6.53 million fire station in Geraldton on Friday 22 April firefighters in the Midwest Gascoyne are better resourced than ever to support the growing regional community.

Emergency Services Minister Joe Francis said the new station, on North West Coastal Highway, delivers first class facilities for emergency services personnel who provide a lifesaving service to the community.

"They work to protect the community every day - responding to fires, road crashes, chemical spills and other serious incidents,” Mr Francis said.

"This new facility will provide extra capacity to allow firefighters to train, store equipment and recuperate between incidents."

Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Wayne Gregson said that as communities like Geraldton continue to expand, DFES must be forward thinking and ensure it can meet the growing demand for emergency services. 

“The state-of-the-art design of this fire station encapsulates DFES’ vision of catering for future expansion, and our commitment to adapting to the changing needs of the community,” Commissioner Gregson said. 

“As more and more incidents occur in this State requiring crews from near and far, this additional capacity may be critical to emergency response in this region in the future.” 

The purpose built station includes three large appliance bays and an increased accommodation capacity, with the ability to meet extra demand for staff and equipment in the future.

The facility features an outdoor training area, including a confined space rescue tower to enhance firefighters' skills, and a hygiene facility to ensure personnel are free from contaminants when returning from incidents.

Midwest Gascoyne Superintendent Kim Lambkin said the firefighters from the station face a diverse range of hazards and challenges. 

“These include major industrial incidents, emergencies on heavy haulage road and rail networks, heavy export port facilities and its busy airport,” Superintendent Lambkin said.

“This means that the men and women who serve here must receive varied and intense training. These training needs are catered for by this building.”

Last year, firefighters from Geraldton Fire Station attended more than 450 incidents. Demand for emergency services is expected to increase, with the population in the region predicted to grow to more than 80,000 by 2026.

The new fire station replaces the existing station which was built on Durlacher Street in 1969.

160509 plaque

160509 truckpush

Road Maintenance works on Walkaway/Nangetty Road

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that it will be undertaking road maintenance works in the locality of West Casuarinas from Monday 16 May till Friday 3 June 2016.

Shoulder maintenance to repair the edges of the road and reduce deterioration of the road seal will occur on the Walkaway / Nangetty Road between Kiely Road and Casuarinas Road.

Traffic management will be in place during this time. Motorists and pedestrians are advised to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and direction from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City regrets any inconvenience and will endeavour to keep disruptions to a minimum.

For more information on the road maintenance please contact the City’s Acting Coordinator Roads, Dave Bairstow, on 9956 6600.

Footpath renewal works on Chapman Road

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that it will be renewing the footpath on Chapman Road between Cathedral Avenue and Post Office Lane with works scheduled to commence on Monday 9 May 2016 for a period of approximately seven days.

The anticipated hours of work will be between from 6am to 6pm and include removing the slab path and replacing it with a user friendly concrete path.

The works will require some sections of the footpath and some driveways to be partially or fully closed at times to pedestrian and vehicle traffic. As access to driveways will be limited during this time, the City encourages people to park their vehicles outside of the work area.

These works are part of $1,175,739 allocated in the 2015/16 Budget for the renewal of footpaths which will see approximately 3kms of the footpath network replaced.

The City requests motorists and pedestrians to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and direction from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City regrets any inconvenience and will endeavour to keep disruptions to a minimum.

Please direct all enquiries to Moneer Fates, Project Manager on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

MY RANT ABOUT THE WELFARE CARD

Time and time again we are faced with the same scenario, liberal or labor introduce some punitive measure designed to change behaviors the major parties team up while the greens are on the sidelines making statements against the measures. Select information is given to media but what about the facts they all ignore, who mentions those facts and how often is our media on the end of really informing the general public?

The welfare card trials have been debated on the assistance it is supposed to provide addicts or those caught in bad behavior situations, the greens come out with income management failure stories and the information is limited to these areas. Those who have witnessed first hand what effects drunks or other addictions cause take the simplistic approach that if there was no cash then that would not happen. Others take a more in depth look and suggest the heart of the addiction needs to be addressed first.

Both are in a sense true. Maybe it wouldn't happen for short periods but there is always crafty people who will find ways around it and that information spreads so it will always be short lived. Some people need to reached out to and feel supported to break into new lifestyles others will never change and no amount of restrictions support or help will change that for very long.

What is not being said is how they will manage to achieve these results. How can a banking product be introduced that can pick and choose consumers? How is that in line with consumer laws and protections in place? Will it be a way forward that businesses will pick consumers based on if they are 'working class' only. It could be done by simply stocking an item that is restricted such as prepaid cards. Will discrimination become more widespread and allowed?

Is that mainly due to the fact it is a prepaid card itself but they are masking this fact? Is Australia happy to change our entire social security system to one that mirrors the USA concept of providing social assistance via prepaid cards that can restrict brands or products in large chain supermarket stores. Will every person look towards someone they know with a challenging disability and ask if they deserve to be limited in life due to that disability?

This is not income management in the sense the greens may point out, it is much  more than that, income management is the mechanisms of centrelink holding money. The security of conduct being accountable all the way up the chain and onto the floor of Senate or the house. Every aspect or situation is covered in some form of legislation and when push comes to shove, those on income management could have payments made directly into the bank account of any businesses they wished to deal with. Given it would of been a major hassle but the right to do it was there.

I say was because this card will remove that area entirely. A visit to centrelink to reveal your housing costs and other bills cost will set an amount to be directed to these areas. If not via the centrepay system where government charges the biller for the service then it will need to be made via the welfare card.

Any direct payments are taken to of been made from a card and will attract fees that the biller can then charge onto the consumer. Direct debits the most commonly used payment type will be prohibited. The form of payment costing nothing is taken away from those that can least afford the few dollars it costs.

Rent at a cost of $250 per week paid via the card attracting a charge of 2% will increase yearly rent cost by $260. Money that could be used for healthy food.

The rest of the 80% is put onto the card and indue a private organization can then place its own restrictions on where the card can be used. Centrelink effectively wipes its hands of if you can access that money to pay for your living costs and needs. There will be limited information of the sort Indue can pick and choose, with less scrutiny to ensure objectives are achieved.

Will family tax benefits for all soon shift to this sort of card, after all it is also welfare. So to are the allowances, childcare benefits and pensions thousands rely on. Will all money be forced into payment systems that skim a few dollars here and there and consumers allocated rather than have any choices to keep prices low and markets competitive.

Not to mention a prepaid account funds are owned by the issuer until the holder calls on the funds. Social Security has been an inalienable payment to protect people for a long time, this will ignore that fact and issue income support, allowances and the family tax benefits of some to an issuer of a card. If it was placed in to a bank account like the legislation actually does state, it would be owned by the account holder.

I doubt it will be rolled out to major cities as some might gleefully suggest, as the merchant code process and control over store owners is simply not sound enough nor policed in any sense. Getting around the card will be easier if implemented in major city areas. The control will not be there only the fact it is a prepaid card and the pretend benefits of reducing alcohol or the like will not really be possible, will anyone wake up to the whole thing then I wonder?

The bigger implications are being ignored and hard questions thrown off the table, will you start to question the motives and future for our country today or will you too just ignore it until it's too late?

Targeted processes are already in place to deal with individuals situations so why the huge costs of a trial if there is not much more to it?

When it comes to all politicians these days there is ALWAYS more to it.

How many know that in May 2015 basics cards were replaced with stored value cards but funds could be recalled to the income management account. It was the real first step in the welfare card trial and has obviously already been in trial under a varied form. Stored value cards are prepaid cards. Link to instrument : https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2015L00781

Ultimate goal appears to be to send income support to private organizations who are paid more to restrict the payments of those on income support than the people who actually need the assistance due to ill health or the jobs pool getting lower and lower every year.

How's that for class war!

sandra legro
Spencer street sebastopol VIC

Ian Blayney requests Ministerial Assistance for Drummond Cove Erosion

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has approached Transport Minister Dean Nalder to request assistance to repair White Hill Road, Drummond Cove. 

“I approached Minister Nalder’s office yesterday and provided him with photos showing the extent of the erosion and damage to White Hill Road, which has now been closed. 

“I have informed him that State assets are also being threatened, as there is important sewerage infrastructurenearby. There is an urgent need to address the issue. 

“I will provide whatever assistance I can to help the City of Greater Geraldton repair the damage. 

“I think establishing a fund through Royalties for Regions, to help mitigate beach erosion in regional communities, would be an excellent project going forward, and I hope some consideration will be given to it,” said Mr Blayney.

Spreading the magic of science

Members of Scinapse - Emma Jackson, Andrew Outhwaite, John Gourley, Ken Lawson and Mark Canny.

The Mid West’s network of science lovers has revamped its name and released an exciting new events calendar aimed at spreading the magic of science.

The former Mid West Science Engagement Group (MWSEG) is now called Scinapse, and has unveiled a host of exciting new initiatives aimed at enabling everyday people to become swept in science’s wonders.

Scinapse committee chair Emma Jackson said the group was fired up about sharing its upcoming events, which range from a short film making workshop and stargazing to understanding the wonders of brain development.

“Scinapse is all out sharing our passion for science and engaging the community in fun and exciting events that demonstrate the amazing possibilities of science," Ms Jackson said.

“We cover everything from making mesmerising science films, like we will as part of the Sci Film competition, to realising the magic of astronomy as you gaze at the heavens like we will at the ‘Fireballs in the Sky’ event at Mt Magnet Astro Rocks Festival.

“We’ve a host of events coming up that will prove anyone of any age can become swept up in the magic of science.”

Next on the agenda is a short film making workshop in Geraldton on April 30, which will school people in the art of film-making in the lead up to the Sci Film competition.

Participants will learn how to make and edit a film on mobile devices, techniques for making films for a theatre screen, how to communicate a science story through film, the best free film editing apps and online resources for use after the workshop.

They can then create and submit three-minute films featuring science stories, with winners to be showcased on the cinema screens.

This will be followed by the Fireballs in the Sky Event at Mt Magnet Astro Rocks Festival on May 13, understanding the wonders of neurology and brain development event on June 2-3 and Goodness Festival and National Science Week activities on August 14-21.

As MWSEG, the group has already conducted a raft of activities, including crystal workshops, science films about bees, considering a productive farming future, upskilling kids in computing coding through CoderDojo and hosting the Science Festival Community Night.

Keep up to speed on Scinapse events and find membership forms on Facebook, or through Pollinators website http://pollinators.org.au/science/.

And, if you have an upcoming science event, please contact Scinapse for help in promoting it. Contact 0438 925 058.

Scinapse is a partnership with Scitech, Inspiring Australia and local science engagement organisations. 

New lease of life for club equipment

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney is inviting local sport and recreation clubs to revitalise existing gear or purchase new sporting equipment with the opening of the latest round of the Community Sporting Club Equipment Subsidy Scheme. 

The subsidy, which started in December 2013, encourages regional and metropolitan sporting clubs across Western Australia to apply for a $500 grant to spend on equipment accessible to all club members. Previously a one-off payment, applicants are now able to re-apply. 

To date, 890 regional clubs had received$445,000, and 719 metropolitan clubs had received $359,000, for new equipment.    

The $500 subsidies can be spent on equipment such as balls, bats, racquets, bibs, protective gear, team uniforms, First Aid kits, shade tents and safety gear. 

The subsidy will help clubs provide the equipment they required to keep pace with the growing population in regional WA.  

Sporting equipment is expensive and this investment provides support for regional residents to remain active. 

Administered by the Department of Sport and Recreation, the four-year scheme will deliver $1 million to metropolitan clubs and $1 million to regional clubs.

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For more information and to apply, visit http://www.dsr.wa.gov.au/club-equipment

The subsidy is part of the Supporting Community Sport Initiative which also comprises the Athlete Travel Subsidy Scheme: http://www.dsr.wa.gov.au/funding/individuals/athlete-travel-subsidy-scheme

For more information on Royalties for Regions projects, visit Bigger Picture-Regions

$1.75 million from Royalties for Regions to support young athlete travel

The latest round of the Athlete Travel Subsidy Scheme is now open, supporting young regional sports stars to travel and attend sporting events and training opportunities across WA and nation-wide.

Nationals WA Member of Parliament Paul Brown MP said the program was helping to take the burden off regional athletes and their families and allowed them to concentrate on their sport.

“Talented athletes aged 13 to 21 are being supported in their quest to be the best when attending regional, state and national level training and events, thanks to the Athlete Travel Subsidy Scheme and Royalties for Regions,” Mr Brown said.

“Grants are available from $150 up to $1,000 depending on the level of event and the distance required for travel, and the funding can be used to help support any out-of-pocket travel and accommodation costs.”

Since the program started, 887 regional athletes have benefited from $624,106 in funding assistance from the Athlete Travel Subsidy Scheme and Royalties for Regions.

Mr Brown said the initiative was supporting the next generation of WA’s sports stars.

“Regional WA is home for many of Australia’s sporting greats, including Brownlow medalist Nat Fyfe and former Hockeyroos captain and Olympic champion Rechelle Hawkes.

“It’s important for Royalties for Regions to support this investment into our young athletes to help them reach their full potential on the field, in the pool, on horseback, in the surf or wherever their chosen sport takes them.”

Minister for Sport and Recreation, Mia Davies MLA, said a total of $1.75 million from Royalties for Regions was earmarked to support the Athlete Travel Subsidy Scheme over four years.

“Promising young Western Australian athletes face unique challenges, with the distances they have to travel to compete and increase their skills and abilities being significantly larger than other states,” Ms Davies said.

Application for the Athlete Travel Subsidy Scheme close on May 13. For more information and application guidelines visit www.dsr.wa.gov.au/funding 

Big Sky Readers & Writers Festival brings national talent to local venues

The Big Sky Readers & Writers Festival returns to Geraldton next month and the program should excite lovers of reading, art, photography, poetry, humour and storytelling.

The 20 to 22 May Festival is headlined by much-loved Aussie actor and now author Steve Bisley, who will provide the keynote address based on his memoir Stillways, feature in an intimate three-course dinner at Salt Dish Café, a Literary Lunch amongst the olive trees of Bentwood Olive Grove, and a Q&A with other featured authors with the lively subject: Australia is a lucky country, run mainly by second-rate people who share its luck (with credit to Donald Horne).

The Big Sky Readers & Writers Festival, now in its 11th year, will comprise more than 22 events over three days with additional highlights including Poetry in the Pub at the Bootenal Family Tavern (with a free shuttle bus from the Library), and The Great Debate at Geraldton Universities Centre.

There will be captivating discussions, debates, masterclasses and presentations on a range of styles and genres, with something to excite the literature lover in everyone, providing the opportunity for guest to get up close and personal with writers throughout the weekend.

Other visiting talent includes:

• Australian Illustrator Kyle Hughes-Odgers
• Award-winning novelist Rod Jones
• Photographer Daniel Craig
• Rural romance writer Loretta Hill
• Non fiction writers Grantlee Kieza and Rosemary Sayer
• Short story writer Susan Midalia
• Poet and musician Kevin Gillim
• Young adult writer Lara Morgan

There are many events free to attend, and ticketed events are priced from $42 to $100.

To find out more about the Big Sky Readers & Writers Festival please visit: http://library.cgg.wa.gov.au/big-sky-2016.aspx. A full program will be available online shortly.

To reserve tickets phone (08) 9956 6659 or email library@cgg.wa.gov.au. 

The Festival is made possible thanks to support from City of Greater Geraldton, Lotterywest, writingWA, Friends of the Geraldton Library, Geraldton Universities Centre, Ray White Geraldton, Eastman Poletti Sherwood Architects, Incite Security, Coop Bookshop Edith Cowan University Mt Lawley, Zeewyk Pearl Apartments, Ocean Centre Hotel, Water Corporation, Department of Fisheries and WA Museum Geraldton.

The Festival is supported by the Department of Culture and the Arts.

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.