SAY (Students Advising Youth) Project

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WA Police and The Lions Drug Education Foundation are calling on all WA students aged between 12 and 18 years to be Community Safety Champions as part of the SAY Project for 2016.

This year’s theme is “The impact of alcohol and other drug misuse on family violence.”

Applicants must have support of their school or a member of an established youth organisation to participate. Then compile a 90 – 105 second film to show how you can make your community aware of this year’s theme.

There are some great prizes and for more information visit WA Police Website or contact Senior Constable Jonine Harrison at Geraldton Police Station. 

Police Dog Bucky Assists In Arrest

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On Saturday 18 June 2016 at about 12.40am, Geraldton Police arrested a 16 year old female from Geraldton.

Police allege the 16 year old was the driver of a stolen Holden Commodore which became bogged in sand on the roadside after crashing into wooden bollards causing substantial damage to the vehicle.

It is further alleged, the female ran from the vehicle and was located shortly after by Geraldton Police Dog. She was found approximately 100 metres from the vehicle.

The 16 year old, who did not appear to have any injuries, was charged with the following:
1 x Steal Motor Vehicle
1 x Dangerous Driving
1 x Excess 0.08% and
1 x No Motor Drivers Licence (never held)

She will appear in Geraldton Children’s Court. 

Carriage Café will change hands, not close down

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The City of Greater Geraldton is currently examining alternatives for operation of the Carriage Café, located at the Visitor Centre.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ken Diehm said that the Carriage Café was gaining in popularity which is diverting resources away from the prime purpose of the Visitor Centre.

“The Carriage Café has proved to be popular and the City expects that it will continue to be the case, especially considering its vicinity to the Youth Precinct and the newly builty Geraldton Multipurpose Centre,” he said.

“The decision has been made to seek expressions of interest to run the café, which will free up Visitor Centre staff to focus on their main purpose.”

The City will be calling for expressions of interest from commercial and not-for-profit organisations in the near future.

It is expected that alternative arrangements will be made for operation of the Carriage Cafe from early July.

WALGA looking to enhance panel of suppliers

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WALGA is seeking tenders to enhance its panel of suppliers for road building materials and related services, and local businesses are encouraged to apply.

The City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said this was a great opportunity for local providers to be placed on WALGA’s panel.

“I urge local businesses to put in an application to become a WALGA preferred supplier,” Mayor Van Styn said.

“There are many benefits for businesses wishing to become a WALGA preferred supplier details of which are available on WALGA’s website.”

Request for tender documents will be available from WALGA’s website www.walga.asn.au on Saturday 18 June. Further information in regards to the request for tender can be obtained from Craig Grant on 9213 2037.

Tenders must be submitted electronically via the WALGA Provider Portal. Information on portal access is provided within the request document.

The deadline for tenders to be submitted is Thursday 14 July 2016, 3PM WST.

Utakarra getting "competitive priced" liquor store after appeal by business owners

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Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney says he is deeply disappointed that an appeal by Con’s Liquor against the decision to deny its application for a large discount liquor outlet is Utakarra, has been upheld by the Liquor Commission of Western Australia.

“I’m surprised this appeal has been upheld given the range and volume of submissions against this development.

“I remain of the view that the location and size of this particular liquor outlet is not in the best interest of the Geraldton community.

“The Commission has acknowledged that Geraldton is a city with a higher percentage of at risk persons than in other parts of Western Australia and that there are social issues within the town relating to the use of alcohol, and it yet has overturned the initial decision to prevent this development from occurring,” said Mr Blayney.

The liquor store, operating as Con’s Liquor Geraldton and owned by business man Mr Peter Jeffree’s company PDG Geraldton Pty Ltd, submitted that there is no liquor store of the size proposed currently operating in Geraldton and that as a result of existing arrangements consumers have been deprived of competitive prices and access to the multiple advantages of buying liquor as a bulk sale.

Mr Blayney said that the proposed site of this liquor store is near Bundiyarra and Geraldton Streetwork Aboriginal Corporations and both organisations had submitted applications against this proposal, as has many other organisations. Submissions opposing the proposal were also made by the Commissioner of Police and on behalf of the Executive Director of Public Health. 

“I think that the community has a right to expect that all undertakings given by the applicant Mr Peter Jeffree will apply to all subsequent owners and operators of this business. I would expect that the Liquor Commission will make the undertakings a condition of any sale or lease of the licence.

“I am advised that any further appeal must be to the Supreme Court of Western Australia, to determine whether there has been an error in law in reaching the decision to uphold this appeal,” said Mr Blayney.

Letter to Editor: Our jobs going to cheap overseas workers

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A bit of information for Tradesmen out there who may be finding it a bit tough at the moment.
Are you aware that our Australian Government is actively seeking foreign workers to do YOUR job-STILL?
Linked here is the Skilled Occupation List, issued May 2016.
https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Work/Work/Skills-assessment-and-assessing-authorities/skilled-occupations-lists/SOL
On this list you will find
Electrician
Carpenter
Roof plumber
Fitter Turner
Brick layer
Cabinet maker
Shipwright
Tiler
Plasterer
Glazier
Panelbeater
Locksmith
Ships Office
Ships Engineer
Registered Nurse

How did I come across this?
Someone posted a link on Facebook to an Indian website showing it with hundreds of enquiries from people who will in all likelihood, do your job (and mine) for a pittance.
I thought it was a joke, until I searched it up on the Immigration and Border Protection website.
Perhaps you need to write to your local member Melissa Price here
http://melissapricemp.com.au/Contact-Melissa
and ask why, and what she is going to do about this if anything?
Or are you just going to sit on your ass complaining, and do nothing?
Apathy will kill your job, and mine.
You have about a month to do something, to find out where your local member stands, and find out what they are actually going to do.
Just write who you are, what you do and your work situation and ask why foreigners are being sought to take your job.
Doesnt need to be War and Peace.

- Rob. 

Premier undervalues regional tourism

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WA Labor Candidate for Geraldton, Lara Dalton today said she was surprised and disappointed at the Premier’s recent comments about focussing his Government’s tourism efforts on the CBD. 

Ms Dalton said that while she recognised Perth had much to offer, the tourism experience would be better served by also highlighting the many fabulous attractions outside the metropolitan area. 

“I have worked in the tourism and hospitality industry for many years and know how valuable tourist dollars can be to local businesses. 

“I would have thought our Government dollars would be much more wisely spent on promoting our great state as a holiday destination rather than just the Perth city centre,” Ms Dalton said. 

Ms Dalton said that Geraldton and its hinterland had many wonderful attractions including the Abrolhos Islands and the Batavia story, Aboriginal heritage and art, cultural tourism, Greenough historical buildings as well as the beautiful beaches and carpets of spring wildflowers that draw so many visitors to the region. 

“Geraldton is also home to the newly renovated Regional Art Gallery which hosts many wonderful travelling exhibitions, the WA Maritime Museum, the HMAS Sydney Memorial and the many amazing churches designed by Monsignor Hawes, forming a heritage trail of architectural significance.” 

“Our region is well serviced with excellent accommodation facilities for travellers on every budget. 

“It is also blessed with much natural beauty with our rivers, the unique Moresby ranges, the magnificent Kalbarri National Park just up the road and many other scenic areas along our beautiful coastline,” Ms Dalton said. 

“It saddens me that the Liberal/National Government is not looking beyond the horizon and instead is focussing very narrowly on greater Perth.” 

Ms Dalton said she would like to invite the Premier to spend a few of days in Geraldton and the Mid-West so that he could see first-hand exactly what this regional centre has to offer. 

“I would be happy to show the Premier these many attractions which also include our world class foreshore, made possible due to the support of the local community and the Gallop Labor Government. 

“Mr Premier, tourism is an important component of future growth of the regional centres like Geraldton.” 

Maintenance Works on Flood Damaged Roads

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be undertaking road maintenance works on the following flood damaged roads:

As access to driveways may be limited during maintenance, the City encourages residents to park their vehicles outside the work area where possible.

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

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

Country Football Showdown

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Avon supporter, Mia Davies MLA and GNFL supporter, Paul Brown MP. 

Nationals WA MP’s Mia Davies and Paul Brown will be on opposing sides during this weekend’s Country Championships regional fixture between the Great Northern Football League (GNFL) and Avon Football Association (Avon), which will take place under the lights at Wonthella Oval this Saturday night.

As Minister for Sport and Recreation Ms Davies is a footy fan no matter what the colour jumper, but as Member for Central Wheatbelt, she’ll be throwing her support behind Avon for the match, with Member for the Agricultural Region and Geraldton local, Paul Brown barracking for the GNFL.

The regional fixture is an initiative between the Western Australian Country Football League and Landmark to bring the Landmark Championships to the regions. Senior fixtures will be held throughout regional WA during the weekend of June 17-19, with a total of six matches being played. Matches will be played in Mount Barker, Kalannie, Narrogin, Geraldton, Bunbury, and Wongan Hills.

“As someone who is passionate about country grassroots sport, it’s great to see the first round of the Landmark Championships will be held in regional WA,” Ms Davies said.

“I’m also pleased the women will be playing a curtain raiser, opportunities like this are now even more important with the announcement of the AFL women’s league this week,” she said.

The Landmark Country Football Championships have been held over 40 years, and the remainder of this year’s fixtures will be played in the metropolitan during the 8-10 July.

Local Geraldton MP Paul Brown said, “This game is a great way to be able to showcase the new lights at Wonthella Oval, along with the refurbishment works that have taken place around the oval and in the grandstand. It will be a great evening of football, and I am looking forward to seeing a very high quality match.”

The day will kick off at 3pm with a Women’s match, followed by a Midwest AFL Masters Match from 3:45pm. The Avon vs GNFL match will commence at 5pm.

“I encourage everyone to come down and see some great local football, support our men and women players, and support WA Country Football,” Mr Brown said.

Letter to Editor: Dealing with Mental Health system

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April 20

I have in the past year been to a psychiatrist twice in Perth as I have bipolar and sciziod personality disorder. The first time the Perth psychiatrist compiled a report back to my Dr here in Geraldton recommending that I see a psychiatrist on a regular basis at mental health.

My Dr referred myself to mental health, I was seen by a triage nurse who refused myself based on the fact that I was not suicidal or threatening others. 6weeks ago I was sent to Perth by my workplace for another assessment by the same psychiatrist and the report came back recommending that I see a regular psychiatrist at mental health.

Once again my Dr referred myself to mental health and 2 weeks ago I was contacted by a lady at mental health who made an appointment to see myself at home. The time was made for wednesday 10.00am. I waited until 10.45am and then rang mental health who got her to ring me.

She explained she forgot and had gone shopping instead and commented that she didnt need to see me now as I seemed ok. She told me that the mental health psychiatrist would make an appointment for me soon.

Today I contacted mental health as it has been a month since the referral and asked when I would be assessed or seen. I was told that there was no referral and to go back to my Dr and request another referral.

At this I got angry and explained that this whole process was frustrating and asked why I was the one why had to try to arrange so called professional when I had the mental health issue? I was told to see my Dr.

As you can imagine I am extreemly frustrated at the lack of communication, lack of response and confusion caused by mental health staff. I feel truly sorry for those clients who are less able than myself to address this type of disfunctional so called service.

- Matt. 

Letter to the Editor: These people have decided to take the ashes of my Pop

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April 30

I just want to take a moment to talk about something that has happened to my family recently. Yesterday my Nans house was broken into.

The entire house was ransacked and many possessions were stolen, but that isn’t what bothers me. What is truly disgusting about this act is that these people have decided for some reason to take the ashes of my Pop.

Yes, they stole the remaining physical piece of a human being from his own family. They have literally stolen a mans dying wish to have his ashes spread with his partner, all for the sake of their own “benefit”.

Although I do not see where there is one. Along with this, the entire house is trashed. Kerosene has been poured over anything flammable in attempts to set the house ablaze and there is bleach throughout the entire house. There is nothing in the house untouched. I don’t know what they were looking for, but they certainly would not find anything of true value to them in my Nans home. My Nans house is an archive; it holds things from generations in our family and there is nothing in her home apart from items of sentimental value.

It is unforgivable to want to destroy something like that. With all this said, in this time of need I have seen people come together. It has been heartwarming to see just how many people have opened their homes to my Nan and offered their services. As we live in a materialistic society it is refreshing and relieving to see that people are still happy to help and not expect anything in return.

I encourage everyone to be more like this. Focus on what you can give to the world rather than what you can receive from it. It isn’t hard to be a decent human being, though do not expect anything in return as you will be disappointed. Kindness is rewarded all in good time.

It infuriates me that there are people in the world who could perform such despicable acts, but if we change our mindset goodwill can easily overthrow disdain.

(By Emily)

 

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