So many touching comments after this "Stories of Geraldton" post

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As you may know, Everything Geraldton has been publishing images and quotes from everyday people around Geraldton, in the footsteps of Humans of New York. 

A recent post featuring a foster family with over a dozen children was particularly inspiring, and the comments touching. 

If you haven't taken a moment yet to read the comments on Facebook, I suggest you do. 

Part two of this post will be published Friday. 

Here's one example of the inspiring comments you'll read. 

Police need your help identifying these people

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Public Assistance Required.

Do you know this person? They may be able to assist police with an inquiry. 

Contact Geraldton Police 99234555.

Reckon you know them? - pls give us ring - they maybe able to assist with a stealing of alcohol investigation. 9923 4555. 

Lighthouse Open Day - expressions of interest wanted

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International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend 

Open Day at Point Moore Lighthouse  

Sunday 21st August 2016
10.30 – 1.30pm

Geraldton, Western Australia

You are invited to submit an expression of interest to participate in this annual event which will be held in the grounds of the Point Moore Lighthouse and the adjacent Bob Davies Park on Sunday, August 21st. 

We want people with interests in Geraldton’s West End precinct and the surrounding marine environment to support the promotion of the iconic lighthouse as a special feature in our maritime history and itsplace in the heritage of the Batavia coast.  

Participation in the Point Moore Open day will be our acknowledgement of the International Weekend of recognition and visitors will be able to view inside the Lighthouse base with the assistance of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). It is expected the newly refurbished Geraldton Volunteer Marine Rescue group’s headquarters in Davies Park across the road from the lighthouse will be open to the public.  

Interactive and static displays, presentations and promotions will be vital to the success of the day and provide opportunity to showcase, deliver messages and gather support from the community. 

To satisfy requirements for conducting a public event and to understand what space will beneeded pleaseconsider and commit to the event as soon as possible andrespond with the following details:-

Your/organisation’s name, contact detail, a short description of the proposed activity and the extent to which you will be self sufficient, by Thursday June 30th.   Thank you.

Built Environment Offers Opportunities

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The downturn in the state’s economy has prompted 5 industry and professional associations to join forces and host an Information Forum on where future work opportunities might be for design and construction businesses.

Being promoted as “Future Opportunities for the Built Environment”, the forum will be held on Thursday 16 June at Perth Arena.

The 5 host organizations are:

  • Master Builders Association of WA
  • Australian Institute of Architects
  • Consult Australia
  • Australian Institute of Building
  • Engineers Australia

According to spokesperson, Michael McLean, this is the first time each of these 5 industry groups have come together to sponsor a joint event.

“Rather than dwell on the current downturn, we thought we would be pro-active and try and help our respective members to identify some of the “hot spots” across a few major sectors which will provide opportunities for architects, engineers, builders and specialist contractors”, Mr McLean said.

“It’s a difficult and extremely competitive business environment for the building and construction industry at the moment so being aware of where to focus our energies will be strategic and hopefully productive”.

“It’s not all doom and gloom in the built environment as some very large construction projects will soon be coming out for tender in areas such as shopping centres, aged care, public infrastructure, industrial developments and educational buildings”, Mr McLean said.

“We have attracted an excellent blend of presenters from 5 key areas:

  • Phil Helberg (Building Management & Works)
  • Dean Mudford (LandCorp)
  • Stephen Beer (Vicinity Centres)
  • Dr Penny Flett (Brightwater Care Group)
  • Kieran Kinsella (Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority)

“This inaugural forum will also allow attendees to pose questions to the panel and to network with kindred members from different segments of the industry which employs over 140,000 workers – the second largest of any industry in WA”, Mr McLean concluded.

Registrations can be made to https://events.engineersaustralia.org.au/ei/getdemo.ei?id=2980&s=_BE00UDUMQ

Kalbarri Boardriders making waves for the environment

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NACC’s Coastal and Marine Program team this week joined-up with members of the Kalbarri Boardriders for a bit of landscape restoration – helping to revegetate the dunes surrounding a new memorial shelter at Jacques Point.

The shelter, which was solely funded by community donations and many volunteer hours, was recently erected in memory of two young men from Kalbarri who lost their lives when the trawler they were aboard sank at Nichol Bay last year.

NACC’s Quick Step Grant Program provided the Boardriders with 200 coastal native plants which were put in the ground with help from more than 25 volunteer members of the community.

NACC Coastal and Marine Project Officer Vanessa McGuiness said: “It was fantastic to see so many people jump in and help support the Kalbarri Boardriders revegetate such an important site that is valued highly in the community. We hope to see more projects go ahead like these in the region, supporting both Kalbarri and the environment.”

Vanessa said that adding to the perfection and beauty of the day, the surf picked-up just as the plants were all in the ground, and getting ready to be watered by Rick Davey, Ranger from the Shire of Northampton.

“Then it was a case of ‘Surf’s up’,” she said.

Look out for the memorial shelter’s grand opening on Sunday 5 June.

For more information on the Coastal and Marine Program, or opportunities to apply for grants, please contact Vanessa McGuiness on 9938 0108 or vanessa.mcguiness@nacc.com.au.

Building a competitive Western Australian defence supply sector

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Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has congratulated GCo Electrical in Geraldton on their receipt of a $30,000 grant toimprove their competitiveness to secure work related to the Australian Government's multi-billion dollar defence programs.

The funding is part of the defence-specific round of the State Government's Industry Facilitation and Support Program (IFSP).

Mr Blayney said IFSP would enable small and medium-sized businesses in Western Australia to purchase equipment, upgrade facilities, and contract finance and marketing experts.

“The successful recipients will use this funding to up-skill and diversify their business base, ensuring they are in the best position possible to take advantage of defence-related contracts,” Mr Blayney said.

“GCo Electrical will use this funding to improve internal business infrastructure systems to ensure they continue to offer a broad scope of works and solutions to their customers.”  

The IFSP defence round will provide more than $350,000 in dollar-for-dollar assistance to 16 WA businesses.

Mr Blayney said IFSP has supported 257 WA-based SMEs to win 539 major contracts valued at $313 million since 2011.

"The State Government's $4.4 million investment in local industry has resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in major contracts that have created 565 new jobs, including 66 apprenticeships," Mr Blayney said.

“I’d like to congratulate Murray Hadley and his team for developing a company that looks across WA and Australia for work.

“One of Geraldton’s strengths into the future is to develop as a venue for education and training, and as a base for companies like GCo,” said Mr Blayney.

Goodness Festival to Inspire

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Pollinators and partners have met to plan a range of inspiring science, sustainability and innovation activities during the 2016 Goodness Festival in Geraldton.

Held over National Science Week from August 14th to 21st, the Goodness Festival brings together a kaleidoscope of exhibits, activities and presentations aimed at thrilling participants with the wonders of science and innovation. Last year more than 3500 people participated in Goodness activities, and 2016 promises to be just as attractive.

This year’s Goodness Festival will operate under the themes of Ocean Science, Bright Green (environmental conservation), Smart Health (health-related technology), Light Science (astrology and astrophotography), Engineering Energy and Social Innovation.

It will include a mix of professional development workshops and talks, community events and festivities, school events and activities and a ‘hub’ of activity at the WA Museum.

“There are plans for some fascinating tours, professional development opportunities, inspiring public talks, pitches for funding and interactive family activities,” Mr Outhwaite said.

Pollinators is also welcoming organisations and individuals to help create the Goodness Festival by hosting their own activities under the Goodness Festival umbrella.

Pollinators Community Lead Andrew Outhwaite said this model enables partner organisations to host science, sustainability and innovation events that suit their needs, while leveraging Pollinators’ marketing, communications, partnership and back-end administration capabilities.

“It’s a win-win-win where an organisation might use the Goodness Festival as an opportunity to bring a speaker to Geraldton, Pollinators will help market it and sell tickets, and our community gets inspired and informed in ways that otherwise wouldn't happen” Mr Outhwaite said.

Goodness Science, Sustainability and Innovation Festival is an Inspiring Australia initiative, supported by the Australian Government as part of National Science Week, and by Regional Development Australia Mid West Gascoyne.

Anyone interested in being part of the Goodness Festival should check the website for updates: http://www.goodness.org.au or contact Mr Outhwaite directly via email andrew@pollinators.org.au or on 0466 694 702

Scholarships invaluable for growth of local students

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Corin Desmond

Jarna Kendle

Central Regional TAFE students Corin Desmond and Jarna Kendle are among the first recipients of the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council (NACC), Conservation and Land Management (CALM) scholarships, delivered through the Batavia Coast Maritime Institute (BCMI) campus in Geraldton.

The scholarships were introduced last year, and Corin and Jarna encourage anyone considering a career in this industry to apply – regardless of their age or experience.

Corin, 20, began studying at the BCMI in 2014 and was a scholarship recipient in 2015. He startedstudying the Certificate IIin Conservation and Land Management (CALM), and is now completing his Diploma in CALM.

Corin went straight from Year 12 to study at the BCMI, choosing TAFE over university as he prefers the hands-on experience offered through vocational education and training. Since undertaking the course Corin said he has learnt theory aspects that are equally as important as the practical elements, like record keeping and management skills.

Growing up in an environmentally conscious family, studying CALM was a natural choice for Corin as he’s spent many hours volunteering with his father who works with the Department of Parks and Wildlife.

He was involved, from inception, in the black-flanked rock wallaby project where a number of the species once thought to be locally extinct were recently released into Kalbarri National Park.

“I was involved as a volunteer, collecting scat and setting up camera traps to monitor the effectiveness of pest control to check that the area was safe to release the animals,” he said.

Corin said receiving the scholarship has helped him enormously from an economic perspective.

“It has the flow on effect of freeing up more time for study and also allows me more time to volunteer, and take part in BCMI’s ongoing Abrolhos islands’ restoration project.”

The BCMI’s Biodiversity Conservation Projects Manager (Abrolhos islands), MarykeGray, said Corin has been a significant participant in the Abrolhos project.

“Corin is a great asset to the restoration project, demonstratingpractical skills including on-site groundworks, biodiversity monitoring and developing site management plans,” she said.

“He has shown great leadership to the Certificate II and III students on his regular trips to the Abrolhos.”

Both Corin and Jarna said the NACC scholarships are a fantastic opportunity and encourage everyone interested in the field to apply to study the CALM program at the BCMI. They both said lecturers have been incredibly supportive and helpful of anything they have undertaken, and age is no barrier to applying.

Jarna, 32, who is equally passionate about the environment, has returned to study after a break to raise her family.

Originally a biosecurity officer, Jarna said being a NACC scholarship recipient to assist with expenses while studying the Certificate IV and Diploma in CALM has not only helped financially but has given her confidence knowing she has qualifications on her resume.

“I’ve always been passionate about the environment and wanted to gain qualifications to confidently re-enter the workforce,” she said.

“Studying at the BCMI has been amazing with opportunities like being a part of the Abrolhos project and working with industry partners like NACC and the Department of Parks and Wildlife.”

Jarna said she has had some incredible job opportunities presented already, through the study and work experience elements of the course, including an offer from a national company with a base in Geraldton.

“I want to finish my studies first and then I really want to get back into biosecurity,” she said.

Both Corin and Jarna’s advice to anyone thinking about a career in CALM is to gain some experience by volunteering

“And get to know the local community members who are involved,” added Jarna.

For more information visit this link: http://www.durack.edu.au/students/future/scholarships/government-funded-scholarships on the Central Regional TAFE website or contact Maryke Gray on (08) 9956 2892.

Applications for the NACC scholarships close on Sunday, June 5 2016.

Kathleen Nelly named named Durack Aboriginal Student of the Year

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Kathleen Nelly with her Aboriginal Student of the Year award – and others she has earned over the past two years! 

Kathleen Nelly has achieved a great deal since beginning work at Bundiyarra in 2013, and in April this year, she was named Durack Institute of Technology’s Aboriginal Student of the Year. Through a work placement at Bundiyarra as part of her Business Certificate II, Kathleen became a fulltime employee.

Last year, Kathleen returned to study the Certificate IV in Digital Media and Technology at Durack three days a week, while working at Bundiyarra for the other two, and was the recipient of three scholarships to help her on her way.

She was awarded the 2015 Aboriginal Education and Employment and Training Committee (AEETC) Academic Careers Pathways scholarship, and the 2015 Rio Tinto Aboriginal Scholarship. Kathleen also earned herself the 2015 Mid West Development Commission Certificate IV in Digital Media Scholarship to continue her studies at Durack Institute.

Kathleen, 21, has achieved what she set out to do and is now working fulltime at Bundiyarra once again as Administration Coordinator.

Kathleen said she is thrilled to have successfully completed her studies and looks forward to using her new skills as part of her full time role.

Trying to get help in the system

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A woman reached out to EG a few weeks ago, at her wits end and demanding a return phone call. I rang back as quickly as I could. For privacy reasons we'll call her Jane. (That's not her real name, but Jane is such a wonderful name I like to use it whenever I can.) 

I wondered what I had done to upset her. Turns out she wasn't upset about anything to do with Everything Geraldton. Moreover, she didn't live anywhere near Geraldton. She lives in Rockingham. That would be Mark McGowan's electorate if I'm not mistaken. 

She reached out to EG, as well as a number of other media outlets, in a desperate attempt to have her story told. She told me the other outlets had basically said "we don't like to deal with these sorts of things" and I guess I can understand why. But I decided to listen to Jane for some time as she related her troubles. 

Here it is in a nutshell. 

Jane has seven kids. She's come out of a violent relationship. She had a VRO for her and her children's protection, but as she put it, "I may as well wipe my arse with the VRO." She says her ex breached it at least 20 times. 

Her ex husband committed a terrible crime recently and is about to go to jail. Jane says he got her onto meth a decade ago, and she says she's been off it for a bit over 100 days. Jane is also medicated for bipolar.

Oh yes. Seven kids, who have been brought up in a violent home, and are about to see their father locked away for a long time. 

Most men I know head to the doctor for that special procedure after kid number three, because they know the limits of what they can cope with. But Jane has seven, ranging from 14 to 1.

Jane copes. 

But barely. 

And she's been trying to get some help. 

Admittedly, she's already helped out by the government/taxpayer. She doesn't work, and receives the usual benefits a single mother receives. 

But Jane has been trying to get some assistance with caring for the kids from agencies like DCP. 

But because Jane copes she doesn't quite qualify. 

You see, Jane was told the only way she could get some extra assistance was if her kids were in actual danger. 

Jane had explained she was suicidal and barely coping at times. But it seems "barely coping" translates into "you're coping so you're not our problem." 

Someone kindly advised Jane that all she needed to do was lie to DCP and tell them she had neglected her youngest child. Jane told them the lie they needed to hear, and was then able to get day care for the children. 

It seems that if you're on the edge of coping, and can feel yourself slipping, there's not a lot of help available until you've actually slipped. 

Jane doesn't want her kids to go into foster homes. But she tells me she doesn't feel like she's coping much of the time. She says she's trying to get some sort of in home care or assistance to help keep her from the edge, but because she isn't bad enough of a parent, she's struggling to get the assistance. In her words: "I'm not a bad enough mum for DCP to do anything, but don't feel like I can keep treading water for much longer."

But having recently watched Jane try and navigate the numerous organisations that are ostensibly there to help, I can see why she's frustrated.

Here's another example of the difficulty faced by Jane in looking for assistance.

Jane's nine year old daughter has been more difficult than usual lately. Perhaps that's an understatement. She actually tried to run onto the road in front of a car. The daughter confessed to a psych worker she wants to kill herself, and explained how she would carry it out. She also explained how she would hurt her siblings. Jane tells me that this daughter has a history of similar behaviour. After the recent episode of the nine year old running out the front of the home and heading for the road, only stopped by a friend who happened to be arriving who tackled the girl to the ground, Jane sought help. 

As per her instructions from the support agencies, she called the Police. They said in a nutshell "What do you expect us to do? Call agency X or go to the emergency department of the hospital." Agency X also said "go to the hospital." The hospital admitted the daughter, but wanted her gone the next day with no other advice. After arguing and fighting Jane was able to take the daughter to another hospital in Perth. But they didn't want her either, because she wasn't displaying any problematic behaviour at that time. So home Jane went. But she didn't make it all the way home. Nine year old started threatening to open the car door and jump out on the freeway. So off to the nearest hospital, Fiona Stanley. And guess what. They don't want the daughter there any more either. Fair enough. They've got sick people to look after. So where do you take a suicidal nine year old who's threatening to hurt her siblings and herself? DCP will know. 

Nope. DCP said, and I quote because I heard the conversation, "That's up to you to talk to the hospital about."

"But I can't take my daughter home because it's unsafe, and the hospital says I can't leave her there. What do I do?" Jane asks. 

"That's up to you to talk to the hospital about," DCP says again. 

I'm sure you're a better parent than Jane. I'm sure you'd never make the life choices that would lead a person to this point. Good for you. 

But the fact of the matter is there are plenty of people like Jane living in our communities, and they struggle to navigate the complicated network of government departments and agencies. And some of these people don't fit our definitions of who qualifies for assistance.

They feel like they're being handballed each time they pick up the phone and ask for help.

I've done as much independent investigation as I can, viewed correspondence and court records, but as you can imagine DCP aren't too keen on speaking with the media about specific cases. I'm sure there's more than one side to the story, and I'm sure the individuals at all the different agencies are doing their best. Is Jane just someone who has failed to take responsibility for her own actions and needs to blame the "system" to make herself feel better, or is she someone who doesn't quite fit the description of a person who needs help, and hasn't said the magic words yet to get it? Is her case symptomatic of the disconnected age we live in where we can't even reach out to our neighbours or family and ask for help, and instead depend on the tax payer to fund an agency to solve our problems?

I don't know. But I keep meeting people who can't find the help they say they need, and they seem to be trying their best.

Geraldton City Band achieved an outstanding result of second place

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Last weekend saw the Geraldton City Band travel to Perth to compete in the 2016 State Band Championships. This annual event is a competition for both brass and concert bands and also includes soloist sections. This year, the Geraldton City Band (GCB) entered in the C Grade Brass Band section against two Perth bands, Town of Victoria Park, and City of Perth, and achieved an outstanding result of second place. Town of Victoria Park took out first place with 168 points, with GCB only three points behind on 165. That score also earned GCB the Les Nisbett trophy for the highest aggregate points awarded to a country band over the whole competition. One of the band's members, Melanie Penny, also scored a fantastic mark of 92 for her solo performance in the Brass C grade solo section.

This year has seen a large increase in member numbers for GCB which saw them performing with thirty five members on stage. The band is fortunate to have several music teachers from local schools as members and in turn, they are encouraging their talented students to come and join in. The brass band allows them to experience yet another genre of music and exposes them to a mature community group setting. GCB also maintains a strong bond with the Morawa School Brass Band and have quite a few of their players sign up after moving to Geraldton.

The State competition is one event that the GCB endeavours to attend most years. It helps the band maintain a high standard which then flows through to all other engagements, and this recent achievement is certainly something for all of us in the City of Geraldton to be proud of.

The band rehearses on Wednesday evenings, so if you would like to come and join in or have a listen, please call Mary on 0417 910 045, for some further information.

State CCTV Strategy Infrastructure Fund

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Greater Geraldton’s application for CCTV funding through the State CCTV Strategy Infrastructure Fund has been approved. 

The Liberal-National Government made an election commitment in 2013 to provide $5 million in funding to Local Government Authorities (LGAs) to install additional CCTV cameras in crime hotspots by way of a grant funding process.  

A specific grant application process was developed by the State CCTV Strategy Secretariat designed to ensure CCTV grants deliver infrastructure that addresses applicable offences, and based on technology consistent with the future requirements of the State CCTV Strategy.  

In November 2015, the Minister for Police approved the proposed two-stage application process for CCTV grants. This will see LGAs submit an initial Expression of Interest (EOI) and, for those applications approved by your office for progression, undertake further detailed work in a discrete Proposal of Works phase.  

CURRENT STATUS:

The EOI application period for the $5 million State CCTV Strategy Infrastructure Fund opened on Monday, 2 November 2015 and closed on Friday, 18 December 2015.  

A total of 60 applications were received from 52 different LGAs, with some submitting more than one application for funding, seeking an estimated $10.037 million in grant funding. A total of $1.26 million in co-funding was also offered by applicant LGAs across the total of all applications received.  

A State CCTV Strategy Infrastructure Fund Assessment Panel assessed the grant applications against the stated selection criteria. 

There are three categories of applications:

  • applications that are recommended for immediate progression through to the Proposal of Works phase
  • applications that may be progressed through to the Proposal of Works should additional funding become available
  • applications that should not progress any further

PROPOSAL OF WORKS PHASE 

Unlike previous grant funding rounds administrated by WA Police, the State CCTV Strategy Infrastructure Fund is being administered in a two–part process, consisting of an initial Expression of Interest phase (followed by a more detailed Proposal of Works. 

Proposal of Works - Formal quotes on an agreed scope of works will be provided by LGA applicants - as opposed to the original EOI applications, could result in costs that are materially lower than the indicative funding figures initially quoted. Should this be the case, this ‘additional funding’ will become available from the initial grant pool and will be redirected to additional grant applications on the standby list – Attachment B. In this scenario, it should be noted these LGAs (Attachment B) will not be contacted until later in this financial year. Please note, that it is planned that all $5M grants will be allocated by the end of 2016. 

The State CCTV Strategy Secretariat will immediately work with the successful LGA applicants to develop a definitive cost and technology model for proposed projects.  

Confirmation of the cost of proposed projects will also be undertaken as part of the Proposal of Works. Given that some variation may have taken place as a result of recommendations by the State CCTV Strategy Secretariat, it is during the Proposal of Works phase that all applicants will secure formal quotes on the agreed scope of their project. It is expected this should also result in a lower cost to Government overall. 

Half of the project funding will be immediately paid to the LGA at the completion of this activity, with the balance to be paid at the completion of mandatory acquittal processes when installation has been fully completed by the LGA.

It’s time to plant your wildflowers!

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It’s time to start planting your wildflowers!

Transform your yard with carpets of Everlastings this wildflower season.

The City of Greater Geraldton is urging local residents to take part in this year’s wildflower campaign by planting Everlastings in their gardens.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said it would be amazing to see gardens across Geraldton blooming with wildflowers.

“Last year the City ran a very successful campaign designed to attract tourists to the region to see our spectacular wildflowers,” he said.

“We promoted the region as a hub for wildflowers where people can come and discover some of the 12,000 species that are found in the Midwest and many local businesses reported an increase in business as a result of the campaign.”

“This year we are encouraging everyone to get on board and embrace our spectacular wildflowers. For those who would like to create their very our own wildflower spectacular the Geraldton Visitor Centre is selling packages of Everlasting seeds that can be planted in flower beds or pots.”

Now is the time to plant your wildflowers so they flower from late July to September during the wildflower season.

If you’re looking to plan your wildflower adventure in the Midwest you can find more information on the Visit Geraldton website at www.visitgeraldton.com.au

Big Sky 2016 reaches new heights

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The 2016 Big Sky Readers & Writers Festival, held last weekend (20 to 22 May) hit new heights with events attracting approximately 1000 people.

The visiting writers and artists were unanimous in their praise of the Festival program and of Geraldton’s attractions.

Festival Director and Geraldton Library Manager Susan Smith said the special guests enjoyed an overnight stay on the Abrolhos before the events commenced.

“Nearly all of our guests were visiting the Islands for the first time and were amazed and inspired by their beauty and the environment. It was a great way to begin their Big Sky experience. 

“Many of our visiting artists spent Friday working with local school groups before the Festival opening on Friday night.

“Geraldton Universities Centre was our base for the Festival, providing a superb space for our workshops, break-out sessions and keynote address.

Susan said there were many highlights across the Festival but these were her top picks:

  • Former concert pianist and more recently Geraldton pilot David Tong performing Chopin at the opening celebration at the Libraryon Friday night for 100 guests.
  • Much-loved Aussie actor and writer Steve Bisley’s entertaining keynote address peppered with stories of his student days at NIDA with Mel ‘Gibbo’ Gibson and Judy Davis as well as anecdotes about his acting career.
  • The moving session at the WA Museum Geraldton when author Rod Jones spoke with curator Kate Naughtin about his personal experience of forced adoptions within the current exhibition ‘Without Consent’.
  • Steve Bisley, short story writer Susan Midalia and photographer Daniel Craig discussing their art forms with the theme ‘Capturing the fleeting moments of our lives’.
  • The Great Debate with the controversial subject: Facebook I hate you - attracting lots of laughs as a local team pitched their arguments against visitors Kyle Hughes-Odgers, Loretta Hill and Grantlee Kieza.
  • Seeing the amazing work of artist Kyle Hughes-Odgers who paints images on various media around the world – from entire buildings and huge walls to beautiful detailed illustrations.
  • The Big Sky Feast at Salt Dish café where guests were served a sumptuous meal with accompanying wines while listening to anecdotes from Steve Bisley and Loretta Hill - a perfect way to escape the blustery weather.
  • Sunday morning’s Q&A session when author Rosemary Sayer held her own with Steve Bisley, Rod Jones and poet Kevin Gillam.
  • Poetry in the Pub at Bootenal Family Tavern, led by Kevin Gillam and Rosie Sitorus with many community members sharing their poems and enjoying live music.
  • Eating a gorgeous lunch at Bentwood Olive Grove while listening to book readings and enjoying a surprise cello performance by Kevin Gillam.

Susan Smith said the 11th Big Sky Festival was only possible thanks to her dedicated staff, a team of wonderful volunteers, and funding and/or in-kind support from the City of Greater Geraldton, Department of Culture and the Arts and Regional Development and Royalties for Regions, writingWA, Lotterywest, 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.

Dates for next year’s Big Sky Festival will be announced in coming months.

A plea for help from BMX club following 3 successive break ins

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Hi guys... I am the secretary for the Woorree Park BMX club.

We are needing the assistance of the public. Our club has been targeted and broken into 3 times in the last 13 days.

We hadn't gone public as not to draw too much attention to it but this last time they have taken all our medical supplies.

The first time they took all our food etc from freezers. The thieves are going to great lengths to do these break ins and damage is being done.

The public's help in notifying police if they see something suspicious after dark or even our club presidents number is on the fence.

We urge for anyone or everyone's help please. 😢

Regards, 

Jo. 

"I have an issue with Geraldton drivers" - Letter to the editor

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I have an issue with Geraldton drivers, an issue that is probably shared by a large proportion of the people who live here. You see, on a regular basis I encounter the small minority of drivers that cannot seem to park their cars.

I don't know what it is that makes it so hard for some drivers to successfully place their vehicle inside two white lines. Or why some drivers are in such a rush to get wherever they are going that they cannot take the extra 60 seconds to reverse their car, straighten up and park in the centre of those two white lines.

I know this problem might seem insignificant, petty even but when I regularly have to climb over the back seat of my car to place my children in their child restraints because I cannot open the passenger door far enough to squeeze them in, the problem starts to wear on me.

Case in point (there was no way I could open my door wide enough to get my kids in the car without hitting the side of their car, I tried):



The issue is compounded by the fact that our carparks are on the small side and only one way. Sometimes you have no choice but to play the "reversing game" (where you go in and out and in and out and in and out...) in an attempt to get out of your own park without hitting anyone else's car. Sometimes you get lucky and can drive out through the empty park in front of you.

Unfortunately the law is somewhat ambiguous on the whole "parking correctly" thing but this excerpt from the Drive Safe Handbook stands out to me:

3.18 Parking To ‘park’ means to permit the vehicle to remain stationary whether the vehicle is attended or not - except for the purpose of avoiding conflict with other traffic, complying with another law, or picking up or setting down passengers or goods (for a maximum of 2 minutes). Before you park your vehicle, ask yourself:

* is it safe to park here;
* is it legal; and
* will it cause trouble to other road users.

Though I did find this information in the Road Traffic Code 2000 Reg 179 interesting as well:


Subject to sub regulation (2), a driver parking a vehicle on a length of carriageway, or in an area, on which parking bays are marked (whether or not a “park in bays only” sign applies) shall position the vehicle completely within a single bay. If a vehicle is too wide or long to fit completely within a single parking bay, the person stopping the vehicle shall park the vehicle within the minimum number of parking bays needed to park that vehicle.

Though I doubt they meant this when writing that regulation…


It would be muchly appreciated if people could take that extra 60 seconds, think about the people around them and park properly. 

From your local Annoyed Driver

- N. Thompson