Geraldton Problem Solvers Awarded at GovHack

Hackers in action at GovHack over the weekend.  

Geraldton problems solvers proved themselves as among the best in the state last weekend as they turned their minds to creating innovative new ways of using government data, as part of the Australian and New Zealand-wide GovHack competition.

One of these teams placed second in its category across the entire state, while a Geraldton mentor, Paul Dowling, won the WA Spirit of GovHack Award.

The GovHack event kicked off at Pollinators’ CityHive on Friday when event organisers released a wide range of data that teams could use to interpret or present in whichever way they could imagine.

Data ranged from natural phenomenon such as rainfall and temperatures to business insolvency statics and population numbers.

With ideas flying around the room, the attendees eventually formed two teams who sought to tackle two vastly different topics.

One team compared data on the numbers of international migrants to regional centres, with the regions' economic growth.

The other developed a prototype for an app that would measure the distances between travel destinations and provide information on the services and rest stops along the way.

The submitted projects were considered by a team judges in Perth, along with entries from across the state, and the app prototype was awarded second place in the Main Roads GovHack Keep Western Australia Moving category.

GovHack facilitator Summer Pirrottina said it was incredible to witness the magic of collaboration in action. “It was amazing to see what a small group of people, who didn’t even know each other before, could create in terms of worthwhile projects,” Ms Pirrottina said.

“They created projects that interpreted dry data and made them into something useful. 

“The migration project disproved the notion that migrants steal jobs by showing that our economy in fact grew with an increase in migrant numbers.

“And the road safety app showed how information can be interpreted to provide practical and useful information to help keep drivers safe.”

View the project submissions here, https://youtu.be/9IGY94WQLZI and https://vimeo.com/176916509.

GovHack Geraldton is supported by Mid West Development Commission, through its Innovation Agenda and commitment to growing a Culture of Innovation, as well as the Mid West's science engagement group Scinapse, Northern Agricultural Catchments Council, Pollinators and GovHack. 

Night of opulence, emotion and celebration in Kalbarri

Kalbarri Zest Festival organisers are promising a night of opulence, emotion and celebration atthe festival’s Opening Night Pleasure Garden at Rainbow Jungle on Friday September 16.

Guests will wear Venetian-carnival-style masks and adorn themselves in ornate Baroque attire as they mingle, dine and sip sparkling wine while listening to the classical music of the Perth Symphony Orchestra String Quartet and the choral music of the Giovanni Consort.

Amid enchanting lighting and sumptuously decorated surrounds, attendees will enjoy canapes, and sparkling wine before indulging in a standing gourmet main meal and desert.

Zest Festival director Rebecca Millar said the Opening Night Pleasure Garden would provide Kalbarri residents and visitors with the excuse to frock up and indulge in life’s finer pleasures.

“This year’s Zest Festival is all about celebrating history and community -  it will be filled with many emotions as we reflect on the past five years and express gratitude to all who have made the Zest Festival a success, especially our major partner the ARC Centre for the History of Emotions,” Ms Millar said.

“It will be a magical evening of cultured activity and stunning music held in enchanting surrounds thanks to the generous support of the Embassy for the Kingdom of the Netherlands.”

Ms Millar said Zest Fest organisers were particularly excited to have secured performances from the Perth Symphony Orchestra and the Giovanni Consort, made possible by the State Government through Tourism WA’s Regional Events Scheme (throughRoyalties for Regions), Mid West Development Commission Community Chest Fund, the Department of Culture and the Arts Regional and Remote Touring Fund and Lotterywest. This much appreciated support shows how important cultural events are in regional WA.

“To have music of such class and distinction here in Kalbarri is a real coup,” Ms Millar said.

“The festival is all about bringing the arts and cultural experiences to us in the country and what better way of doing this than bringing such beautiful classical music to Kalbarri.”

Voyager Estate Winery has produced a sparkling chenin blanc especially for this year’s finale Zest Festival, a glass of which will be provided on arrival at the Opening Night.

A licensed bar area will also be available.Tickets costs $80 and are available at www.zestfest.com.au.

This year’s Zest Festival celebrations are the last in a five-year festival which commemorates the 300th anniversary of the sinking of the Dutch East Indies trading ship the Zuytdorp, on the cliffs north of Kalbarri. The festival is also part of a year-long celebration of the 400-year anniversary of Dirk Hartog’s landing in Shark Bay.

The weekend will also include a kaleidoscope of other cultural activity, including music, dance, art and games.

Keep abreast of plans by checking the website www.zestfest.com.au and on Facebook www.facebook.com/KalbarriZestFestival.

Kick Start your way to better health

University of Notre Dame Physiotherapy student Caitlin Cocks assisting Fay Prunster in the WACRH Kick Start Program.

Members of the community are invited to participate in an eight week supervised health and exercise program.

The WA Centre of Rural Health (WACRH) Kick Start program is for Geraldton residents who are currently not exercising due to ongoing chronic health issues and who would benefit from structured exercise program in a safe environment.

WACRH health science students on rural clinical placements run the program with clinical supervisors.

Kick Start participants complete a comprehensive assessment that includes a case history, health assessment and personal goal setting. Physiotherapy students work with Kick Start participants in the WACRH gym over a period of eight weeks.

The WACRH Director Sandra Thompson said the program provides participants with a ‘kickstart’ to better health and wellbeing in a supported environment.

‘Whilst services like this exist elsewhere, there is no cost charged for Kick Start. So people who may not normally access this type of service due to affordability can benefit from the professional assistance,’ Professor Thompson said.

Local resident Fay Prunster was recommended the program by her GP.

‘I started going to Kick Start to regain fitness and balance and both of these have improved immeasurably since I started,’ Ms Prunster said.

To register your interest in participating in the program, see your GP for a referral or contact Marjorie Collett at the WACRH on 9956 0210.

Census critical for funding

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn with Census WA Director David Waymouth.

By filling out your Census form on 9 August you are ensuring that the populations of Greater Geraldton and the Midwest region are represented properly and therefore are eligible for crucial community services.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn is sending a strong message to the local community and said population numbers were fundamental in getting funding for key projects.

“We all want the absolute best services for our community and every day I have feedback from locals about getting improved services for health, education and policing,” he said.

“An accurate snapshot of our population will determine government funding for big projects such as our proposed hospital expansion and services including higher Police numbers.”

The information provided in the Census estimates the population, which is used to distribute government funds and plan services for your community – housing, transport, education, industry, hospitals and the environment.

“This count needs to be as accurate as possible and that’s where our community need to do their part,” Mayor Van Styn said.

“The numbers that are collected are also used by investors and large national retailers which could mean some big wins for Greater Geraldton in the near future. 

“It is absolutely imperative that everyone gets on board and fills out their Census,” he added.

“Don’t risk our funding cuts, stand up and be counted.”

As part of Census 2016 the City is hosting a series of hubs throughout the region to help people who may need assistance in filling out their forms.

The Census hubs will be set up in four locations including the CBD, Spalding, Rangeway and Mullewa.

Head to www.cgg.wa.gov.au for full information.

City hosts Census hubs

This year the City of Greater Geraldton is making it easier for residents to complete their Census by holding hubs to help people fill out their forms. 

On 9 and 10 August there will be hubs in the CBD, Spalding, Rangeway and Mullewa. Each hub will allow members of the public access to a computer, as well as volunteers who will be available to offer assistance. 

In addition to providing assistance with Census, select hubs will also be providing free food and entertainment. 

“We are making it easier for locals to complete their census by setting up four hubs so if you need assistance to complete your form, simply bring your Census letter with you to a hub and our volunteers will help you out,” City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said. 

“Census are encouraging people to fill out their forms online and some people might not have access to a computer or the internet, and some people may just need help with filling out their form, so we are providing people with those resources.” 

People in the Greater Geraldton district will receive a letter in the mail with a special code for them to go online and fill out the form. Those who would like a hard copy can request one. 

Residents in Mullewa will receive a hard-copy form. 

Mayor Van Styn is urging all local residents to take part in the Census to ensure that the populations of Greater Geraldton and the Midwest region are represented properly and therefore are eligible for crucial community services. 

“Some members of the community have been put off participating in Census in previous years because of unfounded fears that their information will be passed around,” he said. 

“I have been assured that this is not the case – personal information that is collected during the Census is not shared with other Government agencies.”

Those wishing to take advantage of a Census hub will need to be able to produce their special Census letter, which started arriving at households from 1 August 2016. 

You can find more information about the Census their website at http://ow.ly/p0rp302Gk2c and for more information about the local hubs head to the City website at www.cgg.wa.gov.au 

Do you have what it takes to be a 2017 Fringe World Artist?

Do you have what it takes to join the internationally renowned artist’s and explosive act’s taking stage at Fringe World 2017?

Geraldton’s regional Fringe World hub ‘Funtavia’ is now seeking expressions of interest from Mid West artist’s with unique and creative acts to join the Funtavia assemblage.

This is a fantastic opportunity for local artist’s to preform alongside the outstanding national and international Fringe World acts, whilst receiving hints and tips about the worldwide stage!

Geraldton’s regional Fringe World hub ‘Funtavia’ will once again be brought to Geraldton by local event management company Event Nation and local arts production enterprise The Comedy Emporium.

“We are looking for expressions of interest from local artist or performers with original and unique acts that are keen on performing at the festival’ said The Comedy Emporium Ringleader Julian Canny.

“Three artist slots are available with additional opportunities to feature in other aspects of programming also” he said.

Along with programming allocation in Funtavia, local artist will also be provide with opportunities to present their work at various Fringe World locations in WA.

Funtavia is set to return on Thursday 9th to Saturday 11th February for 3-nights of specular entertainment tucked away in Geraldton’s Vibrant West End.

“The festival contributes greatly to the city’s lifestyle and vibrancy and providing unprecedented opportunities for local artists,” said Event Nation Director Jody Reilly.

For more information or to express your interest please contact Julian Canny on 0458306111 or email laugh@thecomedyemporium.com

Free Hearing Checks for over 18’s

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 18 years and over have the opportunity to have free hearing checks when the Australian Hearing bus visits Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service (GRAMS) on August 18 from 9am to 2pm.

Australian Hearing will provide hearing awareness advice, measure people’s hearing and provide steps on the different options available if a patient’s hearing is suffering.

GRAMS chief executive Deborah Woods said, because hearing loss often occurred gradually with age, many people were unaware their hearing was diminishing.

“We’d encourage anyone concerned about their hearing, or those whose family complain about their hearing, to take advantage of this opportunity for a free hearing check,” Ms Woods said.

“It’s a great chance to find out how your hearing measures up – and learn what steps you can take if you’re having hearing problems.”

As well as having a hearing check, visitors to the bus can find information on a range of common hearing issues and view a display of easy-to-use hearing devices for around the home. This includes headsets for watching the TV and alert systems for doorbells.

Australian Hearing Geraldton manager Julie Faulkner said hearing loss was a prevalent issue in the community, with around 60 per cent of Australians over 60 suffering from some form of hearing loss.

“Not everyone who is experiencing problems hearing needs a hearing aid,” Ms Faulkner said.

“Sometimes it’s just hearing the TV at normal volumes, hearing your doorbell, or hearing your friends on the phone that’s the problem.”

Bookings can be made at GRAMS clinic or by calling 9956 6555. 

Community called to register plantings for Million Trees project

Seedlings recently planted along the Chapman River.

With less than 13 years to go till 2029 the call is out for people to help green the City and register trees and shrubs they’ve planted towards the Million Trees project.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said more than 150,000 trees and shrubs have been planted by the community, business and industry since the project began in 2012.

“The community’s top priority of greening the City is well underway and the City is playing a pivotal role in helping the community reach its goal of planting a million trees by 2029,” he said.

“Every year City staff plant trees and shrubs in parks, on verges and on the coast.  We also organise a number of annual community and corporate tree planting days that help revegetate areas along the Chapman and Greenough rivers.

“All of these plantings have been counted towards the Million Trees project.

“We also grow local providence seedlings in our Community Nursery which are planted by community groups, business and industry throughout the City region.  This year alone more than 30,000 seedlings were produced and planted locally.

“Finally, and most importantly, we manage the Million Trees Register so we can keep count of all the trees or shrubs being planted across the City region,” said Mayor Van Styn.

“Although a million trees may seem like a big number I know if everyone continues to plant trees and registers them to make them count we can achieve this goal together.”

If you would like more information on the Million Trees project or to register trees or shrubs you’ve planted in the past four years visit the City Website www.cgg.wa.gov.au

Royalties funding allows Bundiyarra to develop tourism experience

Regional Development Minister, Terry Redman, leaves his mark with local children at a family fun day at Bundiyarra last month, ably aided by Nationals Member for the Agricultural Region, Paul Brown, right.

A unique Aboriginal tourism experience will soon be offered in Geraldton.

Bundiyarra Aboriginal Community Aboriginal Corporation (Bundiyarra) is about to reap the reward of community consultation, strategic planning and solid hard work that has resulted in more than $270,000 in funding through the Liberal National Government’s Regional Grants Scheme.

Regional Development Minister, Terry Redman, announced the funding on July 27. The Regional Grants Scheme is designed to improve and develop infrastructure and services in the regions, through the Royalties for Regions program for community, public and not-forprofit organisations.

Mr Redman said the funding of $272,000 has been awarded to Bundiyarra to help the corporation develop an urban Aboriginal tourism venture.

Bundiyarra CEO, Marchelle Retallack, said the Bundiyarra Board is thrilled with the funding and it allows the corporation to realise a long-held aspiration to expand and be more self-sufficient while offering a unique experience to tourists.

“The Board and staff have worked hard alongside community to make this happen and now we will be able to progress our plans to develop the grounds and offer a unique cultural centre for greater community and a tourism experience around the dreaming tracks on the Reserve,” she said.

“This funding is the icing on the cake; we have been successful in all funding applications submitted this year allowing Bundiyarra to develop a community garden, created by an enthusiastic team of participants through the Work for the Dole Scheme.

“We also received funding through the WA Waste Authority for recycling to avoid creating waste by including natural recycling methods which will make the community garden a stand out. In total we have received $672,000 for the development of a Cultural Centre,” said Ms Retallack.

The Bundiyarra Environmental Health Services Team also received funding through the WA Department of Health to continue for a further four years. This service is vital to the greater community in educating residents in hygiene and keeping their homes pest free.

The Bundiyarra Irra Wangga Language Centre has been equally successful with receiving funding for a further four years through the Australian Government – Department of Communications and the Arts.

“However, this Royalties for Regions funding will allow us to really power ahead with our development and start to build some of the infrastructure that has been designed by community and local architects Eastman Poletti Sherwood,” Ms Retallack said.

A big day is planned at Bundiyarra on August 11 to celebrate the Royalties for Regions funding.

$551,000 for WA coastal projects

Communities across Western Australia will share in $551,000 for strategic coastal planning and to undertake projects that improve the condition and amenity of the State’s coastline.

Planning Minister Donna Faragher recently announced the 23 successful projects to receive funding under the latest round of the State Government’s 2016-17 Coastwest and Coastal Management Plan Assistance program.

Member for Geraldton, Ian Blayney MLA, welcomed the recent announcement and said that local projects- including CapeBurney to Drummond Cove Adaptation Planning,would ensure the community has safer access to our highly-valued coastline and demonstrates the State Government’s commitment to good coastal planning and on-ground management.

Funding is provided to the City of Greater Geraldton to undertake a Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Plan (CHRMAP) in accordance with the Western Australian Planning Commission’s CHRMAP Guidelines. It will include community forums and concentrate on identification and assessment of adaptation options and implementation planning for the whole coastline of the City of Greater Geraldton area, including Drummond Cove, Beresford Beach and Southgate Dunes.

Ian Blayney said the State Government’s commitment was shared by many people with most projects being led by local governments and involving coastal community volunteers and groups.

The latest funding allocations support the Western Australian Planning Commission’s State Coastal Planning Policy, which guides land use and development along Western Australia’s coast.

For more information about projects in your area visit www.planning.wa.gov.au. 

Changes to opening hours and pool modifications at Aquarena

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise changes to pool modifications and the opening hours and at the Aquarena during winter.

The leisure pool will be closed from Monday 18 July to Sunday 11 September. The multipurpose pool (lapping pool) and hydrotherapy are still in operation as normal.

Winter hours:

• Monday to Friday – 5.30am to 7pm
• Weekends – 9am to 2pm

For more information, contact the Aquarena on 9956 6906 or email aquarena@cgg.wa.gov.au

Bret Mosley Dinner/Show at the Bootenal Family Tavern

BRET MOSLEY

DINNER and SHOW

BOOTENAL FAMILY TAVERN
SATURDAY 6th AUGUST

With the popularity of the Andrew Winton Dinner/Show recently we've organised another interesting & talented musician to entertain you with his music & knowledge, from the USA this time.

Bret Mosley enthralled the audience over two days at the Nukara Music Festival in March this year with his Americana styled grooves. 

And what an interesting guy as he has done everything from been a ranch hand, linebacker, fur trapper, ballet dancer, stockbroker, actor, computer programmer, Pilates instructor & art handler, plus he's been playing music since he was 6 years old. What a fulfilled life!

Tickets are limited again to 60 places @ $60 per head which includes a 2 course meal. Avoid missing out on this show by booking ASAP.

BOOKINGS: please phone 99233707 (eftpos/credit card or cash if you're out at the Booty)

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Shore-Tension Units a potential boost for Geraldton tourism and industry

The use of Shore Tension mooring units are a potential game-changer for Geraldton’s tourism and export industries, according to local MP Ian Blayney. 

Mr Blayney, Geraldton MLA, said “I am very excited about the potential of the Shore Tension units recently trialled at Geraldton Port. 

“This would be a real shot-in-the-arm for Geraldton tourism and extra business for the Port. 

 “Berth 2 could also be suited to regular visits of live cattle export ships, which could allow the expansion of the Midwest as a finishing region for pastoral cattle and switching of export from Fremantle. 

“A number of options have been looked at to address the issue of the long- wave, or surge, in Geraldton Port.  The shore-tension units appear to address it, and could be highly cost-effective.”

Mr Blayney said “I have discussed the Shore Tension unit’s potential with the Port Authority and with Premier Colin Barnett. 

“The Premier is very interested in them and I expect, if the trial report is positive that he would support the procurement of sufficient units to open this window of opportunity,” Mr Blayney concluded. 

The units are a Dutch invention and when deployed maintain a constant mooring line tension.  Traditional rope mooring lines have limited capacity to control the movement of a moored vessel under high wind or swell conditions.  Uncontrolled movement of moored vessels is a significant risk to port and vessel infrastructure.  

The constant mooring line pressure applied by the Shore Tension units is designed to dampen the movement of moored vessels and enables vessels to remain safely moored in conditions that would be otherwise unsafe.  

Mid West Ports has recently trailed the use of Shore Tension units to assess their performance in Geraldton harbour’s high energy environment.  The trial was conducted under the guidance of Dr Tim Gourlay from Curtin University’s Centre for Marine Science and Technology.   

The trial report is being drafted and we hope this will confirm that Geraldton’s under-utilised Berth 2 could be used for the safe and reliable mooring of future cruise vessels in most weather conditions. 

Go to www.shoretension.nl to have a look at the units.

Record student numbers and courses continue to grow at GUC

Student numbers at the Geraldton Universities Centre (GUC) continue to grow and so too the range of quality supported and mix-mode delivered programs offered at the Centre to grow community capacity and higher education engagement in the region.

With the addition of 43 newly enrolled students starting programs in 2nd semester, GUC now has a record 279 students studying across its programs in 2016.

New students are enrolled in Bridging (STEPS), Accounting, Business, Education, Nursing and Psychology.

GUC is also looking to introduce at least one new program in 2017, with the Board endorsing Secondary Education to its suite of CQUniversity Education programs.

“This development would strengthen education options for mid-west students who will then be able to graduate in programs from early childhood and primary education through to secondary education, providing qualified local professionals for the region across the whole education system,” Director Natalie Nelmes said.

“Already GUC has run a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education, but now this new course will be available for students with no previous degree.”

Subject to signing off on an agreement with CQU, the potential for Secondary Education to run at GUC will see students undertaking mixed mode delivery across education core units and units in their chosen discipline area of secondary teaching.

Discipline Teaching areas include; Accounting, Business, Biology, Chemistry, English, Geography, Health and Physical Education, History, Home Economics & Hospitality, Industrial Technology & Design, and, Mathematics.

The CQU program also offers a unique opportunity for trade-to-teacher pathways. Students enrolling in discipline areas of Industrial Design and Technology or Home Economics and Hospitality can receive recognition of prior learning if they have previously completed a trade certificate, an Australian apprenticeship with teaching experience or 3-5 years trade work experience in the relevant industry.

“Trade professionals who have experienced a downturn in their fields of industry locally can consider upscaling their education and find a pathway into alternative employment as a trained professional secondary teacher,” Ms Nelmes said.

Photo credit: New STEPS students at Orientation session.

Letter to the Editor: Fed up with builders in Geraldton

Being in Geraldton for five years,and still renting a house,we have decided to start building our own house. One reason being that we have been paying someone else's bond now for five years. The other reason, is that we are not getting younger and it would be nice if we have our own house to retire in. So, we decide on building a house because then you can have your own design and your own choice,right?  

So after saving some money we bought the land...nice big one,no problem there. We started with builder number 1 - he took us to few show houses, and we immediately liked one of them and decide to get the building done, but wanted them to add another metre to the rooms - that's it,no other changes. The gentleman tried his best to talk us out of adding to the house and recon that the house was big enough as it was! As if it is for him to decide!! So we decide to try a other builder - number 2:  He was really helpful and talked with us numerous times,but unfortunately they closed doors and was unable to assist us further. So off we went to builder number 3: He was VERY keen and promised us lots and lots of things. He told us if we find one of their designs that we liked,he will help us change it to our taste. But the minute we had the plan drawn up,changed and printed,his promises soon changed to no more than just talking about it.

So off we went to builder number 4:  He listened to our story,shook his head and told us that we are to get someone to plan our house and pay a fee for it, then that way we have exclusive rights to it. He even gave us an business card from the designer of his choice.
We phoned him and set up an meeting. He very happily came to our house to do the design. Then he said he was scheduled for surgery,but will get hold of us as soon as he can and in meantime will sent us a few of his designs - are still waiting. Eventually, he phoned us after 2 months!! 

So we went to builder number 5:  They told us as soon as we step in the door that they were going on a holiday,but said that they will soon return and in the first week after their return get back to us so we can set up an meeting......we are still waiting!! 

We are now on builder number 6: Our last option because according to the word on the street and customers did not have a pleasant experience with them....we shall see soon.

We are also thinking to just buy existing and leave the building until, one day we can find SOMEONE that is really looking for business and are able to give us what we need,because it is just like banging your head against the wall. Is it really that hard to get what YOU want in Geraldton - it is not that you get it for free or What? 

One unhappy client
Retha Bezuidenhout

Maintenance works on flood damaged roads

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

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

Geraldton's Alex The Kid Sign With Pee Records, Announce National Tour

Geraldton punk five-piece Alex The Kid have big news to announce this morning, in that they've signed to Adelaide punk/hardcore Pee Records and will be releasing their next album Speak Up on 19 August.

Click here to read more. 

$23.1million secured for Beresford Foreshore works

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn, Ian Blayney MLA, Paul Brown MLC and Minister Terry Redman.

A total of $23.1million has been announced for erosion works along the Beresford Foreshore.

Minister for Regional Development and Lands Terry Redman was in Geraldton yesterday and made the announcement which includes $17.28million from the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program, $4million from Mid West Ports and $1.85million from the City of Greater Geraldton.

The project will involve off-shore works to mitigate erosion including a protective 100 metre breakwater extension to the detached breakwater, a 45m extension to the existing groyne and three shore based retaining structures.

Public amenities will also be included in the works which will be funded by the City’s contribution.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said he was happy to hear Minister Redman say the works would help enhance and unlock the area and create a space that people want to be a part of.

“We’ve been working constructively with the State Government for more than two years and this is the best outcome we could have hoped for,” Mayor Van Styn said.

“This is a great collaborative effort between many parties to finally bring together a long term solution for our coast.

“It has taken some time but this is a very significant start and we look forward to continuing the discussions to ensure the best result for our whole city,” Mayor Van Styn added.

The City undertook engagement workshops with the community to develop a priority list of amenities to be included in the staged development of Beresford Foreshore.

Local residents had their say on the repair of damaged paths and landscaping, the replacement of facilities already lost from erosion and the inclusion of other amenities.

Amenity works on the foreshore will include landscaping, barbecues, picnic settings, benches, bicycle racks, showers, play equipment, lighting, drinking fountains and shade structures.

The works led by the City are set to be completed mid 2018 with tenders to go out in approximately four weeks.

Net Set Go - 5 to 7 years olds Term 3 2016

Kids come to the crease at Bluff Point

Children at Bluff Point Primary School enjoying the after school Cricket Skills program.

Children at Bluff Point Primary School (BPPS) have been enthusiastic participants in an after-school Cricket Skills and School Attendance Program.

Sponsored by the Geraldton Sporting Aboriginal Corporation (GSAC) and Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA), the nine week program ran every Wednesday afternoon throughout Term Two.

GSAC provided three trained staff, the cricket equipment and healthy food for the sessions, and the WACA paid for a coordinator to supervise the students at each of the sessions.

The idea for the program was developed in conjunction with Research Assistant Lenny Papertalk from the WA Centre for Rural Health, in consultation with the Bluff Point Primary School (BPPS) Aboriginal Parent group.

‘Parents and teachers of BPPS were looking for something to engage the children and improve attendance levels at school.’

‘An after school sporting program seemed like a solution to keep the kids engaged and active,’ Ms Papertalk said.

Principal of BPPS Celine Bellve said the program was a great success with a huge turnout of children attending each week.

‘It’s been great to see such a mix of ages come along and to watch the older children being role models to the younger ones.’

‘Best of all, this program has encouraged our children to play a sport and have a go,’ Ms Bellve said.

With renewed funding, BPPS and GSAC would like to see the program continue at the school, possibly with a different sport.

GSAC Project Officer Adrian Bartlett can see the potential for programs like these to grow and be run in schools across Geraldton.

‘There is no doubt in my mind that sporting programs increase children’s health, behaviour and willingness to attend school.

‘Children learn the importance of sportsmanship, team spirit and respect for each other by creating a fun, positive, healthy environment for children to look forward to,’ Mr Bartlett said.