Geraldton principal Harvard-bound

Waggrakine Primary School principal LisTurner will study at Harvard University next year, as part of a prestigious leadership program run by the Liberal National Government. 

Geraldton MLAIan Blayney said Ms Turner would travel to the prestigious university in Boston to learn from the world’s best at the Graduate School of Education. 

“Ms Turner is one of 20 of WA’s top Independent Public School principals taking part in the program in 2017,” Mr Blayney said. 

“They’ll spend a week at Harvard, after which time they’ll go on to complete an online course while taking on projects to make their local schools even better.” 

The principals will form a pool of skilled leaders who can as mentors to other principals and contribute to school leadership development programs across Western Australia’s public schools. 

Harvard University was chosen because of its international reputation for excellence in school leadership development

“As principal of Waggrakine Primary School, Ms Turner has already shown she can push the boundaries of what is possible and bring innovation into the classroom,” Mr Blayney said 

“Waggrakine is now Geraldton’s biggest Government primary school.” 

Each principal who completes the program will become an Independent Public School Fellow. 

The fellowship program costs $631,700 over two years (75% Australian Government and 25% Western Australian Government funding) 

A full list of 2017 participants is below. 

For more information, visit http://www.education.wa.edu.au

Learning Potential app-dated guide for families

A parenting app popular with Durack families is getting a refresh in time for the school holidays thanks to the Turnbull Government, with hundreds of articles, activity suggestions and advice to help families with children of all ages. 

The Learning Potential app has been downloaded 118,000 times since it launched in August last year and the latest updates come in time for the school holidays with a range of new features and 45 new articles that include a variety of activity ideas and parenting tips developed based on data of the information families had been seeking out. 

Member for Durack Melissa Price said local families had been enjoying Learning Potential’s the advice and suggested things to do with their children. 

"The Learning Potential app is a trusted resource for parents across the country because it uses the latest national and international research and is designed in collaboration with expert agencies, like the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority and the Office of the Children’s E-Safety Commissioner,” Ms Price said. 

“The Learning Potential app is free to download and easy to use and it helps parents in their role as the first teachers in any child's life and better allows them to complement the work of teachers and schools. 

“In the face of Australia’s declining rankings in international education benchmarks, the Turnbull Government’s Learning Potential app gives parents ways to easily tap and share advice, tips and ideas on being actively involved in their child’s learning and to ultimately help boost their personal skills and education outcomes. 

"Whether they’re in the high chair or when they’re in high school, the Turnbull Government’s Learning Potential app has hundreds of articles, games and tips designed to help parents no matter what stage their children are at.” 

Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham said the app offered parents trusted advice for any of the burning questions they had. 

“As a dad I know what it can feel like to be looking for guidance but not wanting to sift through some of the dubious parenting advice you find on the internet,” Minister Birmingham said.

“Our Learning Potential app helps fill that gap of trusted advice and helps encourage parents to try new ways of engaging with their children. 

“Our updates build on the success of the popular Learning Potential app with new articles on a range of topics like how to teach children to read using phonics, whether handwriting or typing notes is best and managing stress during exams and activities for little ones designed to improve motor skills or encourage a love of science.” 

For further information or to download the app visit learningpotential.gov.au

Geraldton Airport security to increase with funding

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn, Minister for Transport Bill Marmion and Ian Blayney MLA.

Security at Geraldton’s airport will be improved after being awarded nearly $300,000 in State Government funding to replace baggage handling/X-ray and explosive trace detection equipment.

Keeping abreast with the latest technical standards, the new equipment is set to be installed during 2017.

Minister for Transport Bill Marmion announced approval of grants under the Regional Airports Development Scheme (RADS).

Geraldton Airport was among seven regional airports to receive RADS funding which supports upgrades to regional and remote aviation infrastructure.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the new equipment would be a welcome addition to Geraldton’s airport.

“There were about 127,000 passenger movements through our terminal last year. We want to continue to operate at a high standard and this funding allows us to do so,” he said.

“We’re hoping to secure more funding from the Government in the near future for significant infrastructure upgrades, to enable operation of larger aircraft through our airport to grow regional tourism and export trade.

“Real prospects have been identified for direct airfreight exports from Geraldton, and we need upgraded capacity at the airport to enable and support that growth in economic activity and jobs.

“We have already lodged submissions with the State, seeking funding support to extend the length of our main runway to 2400 metres, and we will also be seeking Building Better Regions funding support from the Federal Government in 2017,” he added.

Holiday fun to run in Spalding

Children participating in art and craft at the Spalding Family Centre in the October school holidays.

Children of the Spalding area will be in for a treat these summer holidays.

A new summer holiday program organised by the Western Australian Centre for Rural Health (WACRH) will be taking place at the Spalding Family Centre and Mitchell Street park in Spalding.

Following on the success of the holiday program held in October, this extended program will see lots more fun holiday activities.

There will be bike repair workshops, movie nights, arts and culture, health and wellbeing activities, circus fun, rap dancing DVD-making, community barbeques and plenty of sports.

Children will be able to test drive the WACRH blender bike. The bike uses pedal power to make healthy smoothies.

There will also be morning maths and reading learning circles to give kids a head start to their 2017 school year.

The holiday program is supported by the City of Greater Geraldton (CGG) and WACRH is collaborating with the Geraldton Sporting Aboriginal Association (GSAC), the Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service (GRAMS) and other agencies.

Professor Sandra Thompson, WACRH Director, was pleased that WACRH could again be involved in the holiday program.

“We interviewed residents in the Spalding area as part of a soon to be released report called Reality Street.”

“What was clearly expressed by the residents was the need for holiday activities to be put on in their area for children to alleviate their boredom.”

“There are lots of activities held in central Geraldton and in the sporting areas of Wonthella but it’s often difficult for children in Spalding and the northern suburbs of Geraldton to get there.”

“By holding this extensive holiday program we will engage with kids to provide a safe and happy environment. Staff and students have been planning this to ensure a range of great activities to challenge and involve the kids,” Professor Thompson said.

Adrian Bartlett, GSAC Project Officer, noted that the holiday program has origins from over 20 years ago.

“Back in 1994 the Department of Sport and Recreation initiated a school holiday program with GSAC and Geraldton Streetwork Aboriginal Corporation (Streeties) called Streetsports.”

“Many people may remember the Streetsports trailer full of sporting equipment being moved to different community parks and ovals around Geraldton for children to play with.”

“In my early days of working for GSAC on this program, we used to get up to 100 kids a day coming along.”

“It’s great to see the return a holiday program which was shown to effectively engage kids over 20 years ago and has now evolved into something bigger and better,” Mr Bartlett said.

The program is for children aged between 6 to 16 years old. Parents and relatives are welcome to come along to have some fun and to lend a hand.

The program is being held in the first week of the school holidays from Monday 19th up to Friday 23rd December. It then starts up again after Christmas from Monday 9th to Wednesday 25th January. It will run on weekdays (not on public holidays) from 9am to 4pm. For Thursday 12thand 19th January it will run from 12-5pm.

There are no costs to attend the Spalding Summer Holiday Program thanks to the sponsorship from the CGG and other agencies. It’s all free.

Healthy morning tea and lunches will be provided every day, thanks to generous donations from Foodbank.

For more details, contact Lenny Papertalk at the WACRH on 9956 0200.

Brede Street retaining wall works

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it is undertaking works to extend the existing retaining wall along Brede Street to reduce rainwater runoff from the vegetated slope.

The estimated date of completion of works is 23 December 2016.

During this time members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au. 

Point Moore residential waste water systems study released

A study that investigated the potential impact the aged residential waste water treatments systems in Point Moore could be having on the local area has been released and is now open for public comment.

Acting on an April 2014 Council resolution to undertake studies of the area, specialist consultants GHD were contracted to complete the Point Moore Residential Onsite Effluent and Disposal Study (ROETD) which reports on the performance of the existing systems and impacts they could be having on public health and the local environment. 

City of Greater Geraldton Chief Executive Officer Ken Diehm said Council requested the Study be undertaken before further lease extensions could be considered as many of the dwellings were built more than 40 years and no longer meet State guidelines.  

“Many of the 178 houses at Point Moore were originally built as holiday cottages in the 1960s and 1970s and these dwelling use onsite septic tanks with effluent disposed via leach drains or soak wells,” he said. 

“Given their age, these systems don’t conform with current state legislative requirements and according to the study, many of them are in poor condition which has resulted in ground water contamination. 

“Although Council has extended 35 residential leases till 2028 they resolved they would not consider further lease extensions until detailed studies of the area which included the area’s vulnerability to coastal erosion and inundation and the REOTD Study were completed.” 

On 7 December 2016, the ROETD Study was presented to Point Moore residents and property owners.  The City is now seeking advice from State Government agencies to find a way forward. 

“The City will be taking a multi-agency approach by working with the Departments of Water, Health, Environment Regulation, Land and other key agencies to determine what the report means to the local community,” said Mr Diehm.  

“The City has also met with the Friends of Point Moore community group to develop a strategy going forward.” 

The ROETD Study follows the Point Moore Inundation & Coastal Processes Study which reported on the vulnerability of the area to coastal erosion and inundation. 

Both Point Moore studies are available on the City website.  The public comment period for the ROETD Study closes on 22 January at 4pm.

Funtavia Announces Ship-Load Of Performers

Awarded ‘Best New Venue’ at the 2016 Fringe World Awards, the Funtavia ship is set to dock back into Geraldton’s West End, Marine Terrace on Thursday 9 to Saturday 11 of February 2017. 

It is with absolute excitement that on Thursday night Funtavia organisers launched their 2017 program and sponsors list as part of CGG Christmas on the Terrace activities. From its inception in 2016 the program has doubled to feature more international, national and local artists. 

“We are proud that Funtavia has been able to bring a taste of Fringe World to Geraldton and the way in which the community embraced the 2016 pilot festival whole-heartedly.” 

Funtavia is part of Fringe World Festival, the third largest Fringe Festival in the world. 

Funtavia 2017 will feature more than 30 performances over three evenings of jam packed entertainment and fun nestled right in the heart of the west end Marine Terrace.  

 “Februarys program expect to see rappers, graffiti artists, rambling parents, comedians, improvisors, games of thrones fans, musicians and entertainers alike. No show will be the same, but we guarantee that each one will be insanely entertaining.” said Creative Producer Julian Canny  

Open each afternoon from 5.30pm will also be the Baba Marda pop-up bar, food stalls and entertainment in the Funtavia Hub, West End – this area is free for all to moseyon in and enjoy. 

Jodi Reilly, Event Producer says“ Funtavia aims to further boost Geraldton’s reputation as a colourful, lively and enviable place to live. This year we are working with tourism and hospitality partners to bundle up attractive packages that encourage visitors to stay a little longer and see what we love about our fabulous city.” 

Funtavia will host a first for regional WA, four locally produced original shows will feature as part of the program. The four shows are The Hungry Games, Smell like Meme Spirit, An Incompetent Life and Regional Produce.  Funtavia offers an incredible opportunity for our local artists and producers, not only to perform but to also become involved with the international arts sector and make connections with people across the industry. Many of these productions will be touring Perth for future performances. 

“We are extremely excited that we are able to deliver something that is really unique to Geraldton and invests directly into our local performers, while offering world class entertainment, and this is all made possible thanks to our generous event sponsors.” Ms Reilly said. 

Excluding opening night all tickets are $18 and will be available until sold out (so get it early). Tickets can be purchased online through our website www.funtavia.com

Head over to the website to keep up to date with information and to download the full event program. 

Sponsorship prospectuses are available from the Funtavia Crew at Event Nation – 08 9964 6088, funtavia@eventnation.com.au or our event website www.funtavia.com

Program copy: click HERE.

Record student numbers and donations as student scholarships open for 2017

2016 Scholarship recipients and Hollomby Foundation donors.

Student numbers continue to grow at GUC with more than 300 students expected to be studying in 2017.  With the record number of students, the Hollomby Foundation, thanks to its generous donors, will offer $70,000 worth of scholarships to assist students to study in the Mid West next year.

“Scholarships are already oversubscribed so with more students, the ability to offer more support through scholarships is most welcome. The Hollomby Foundation scholarships address a definite need and help reduce the financial barriers to study that some people face,” stated GUC Director, Natalie Nelmes.

Hollomby Foundation scholarships assist not only the region’s local talent to be able to study locally but also recognise their academic commitment, community participation, future aspirations and of course, financial need.

“Scholarships can help students to cover the cost of books (sometimes as much as $500 a semester), the home internet connections vital to keeping up with their study or a lap top to study with.  For some students, they are also required to travel from towns within a 2 hour radius of Geraldton and that fuel expense mounts up,” explained Ms Nelmes.

The Hollomby Foundation is named after the late Joe Hollomby, affectionately known as the ‘shortbread man’, who raised over $1million for charities and local organisations as well as people in need, baking and selling shortbread and apple pies.  The Hollomby Foundation was established for the advancement of tertiary education in our region and supports Mid West students to fulfil their educational dreams.

2017 Hollomby Foundation Scholarships have been made possible by the following generous donors;

Deepdale Bursary, St John of God Health Care Geraldton, RSM Geraldton, The Horwood Family, Greenough River Solar Farm, Mid West Development Commission, City of Greater Geraldton, Shire of Irwin, Shire of Northampton, Ian Blayney MLA, Darren West MLC, Paul Brown MP, Bendigo Bank, Bundiyarra Community Aboriginal Corporation, Rotary Club of Batavia Coast and MidWest Art Management.

For a list of scholarships and application details click here; http://www.guc.edu.au/students/scholarships-3/

Applications are open until 5pm Wednesday 8 March 2017.

Applications for Accounting, Business, Education (Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary), Environmental Science, Psychological Science, andSocial Work close 20 February. Applications for Graduate Diploma of Education and Engineering close 6 February. Nursing and STEPS applications have closed for Term 1 2017. For further information please contact the GUC on 9920 4400, email brendanp@guc.edu.au or visit www.guc.edu.au/courses/

Intersection resurfacing works in Rangeway

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be resurfacing the road at the T-intersection of Diosma Street and Betula Street in Rangeway with asphalt works scheduled to begin on Thursday 8 December 2016 for a period of approximately 1 day. 

The anticipated hours of work will be between 7.00am and 6.00pm.

Traffic management will be in place and members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City has allocated $523,127 for the resurfacing of 17 intersections in the 2016/17 Budget.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on 08 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au. 

City declared RV Friendly Town

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn on location at the Francis Street carpark where free 24hr free overnight parking is available for campervans and self-contained RVs.

A five-year long Council aspiration for the City to become more RV friendly has been fulfilled with Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia officially declaring Geraldton an RV Friendly TownTM. 

To qualify for the program, the City had to meet the needs of RV travellers which include easy access to general shopping areas, provision of low cost overnight parking for self-contained vehicles, access to potable water and a free RV dumping point. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said joining the network of 270 RV Friendly Towns across Australia with RV Friendly status will deliver direct benefits to the local community. 

“By joining the network, the City of Greater Geraldton will be promoted to RV travellers across Australia through the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) magazine, website and social media,” he said. 

“With the self-contained RV tourism market estimated to be worth more than $2.5 billion annually, Geraldton is now well positioned to access this lucrative market. 

“We already know that if we can capture just those visitors who currently bypass our City we can realistically increase overnight stays by 50% which would result in an estimated $9.5 million annual boost to our local economy.” 

According to CMCA Chairman Garry Lee, the CMCA RV Friendly TownTM network makes a significant contribution to the RV tourism market in Australia. 

“The number of registered RVs in Australia is expected to grow to more than 700,000 vehicles by 2020 as more baby boomers enter the market and regional Australia, which includes the City of Greater Geraldton, will benefit from this extraordinary growth,” he said. 

“Through a combination of social media and word of mouth RV tourists will quickly let their fellow travellers know what a great place Geraldton is to visit and experience what it is that makes this City region unique.” 

In an effort to further increase RV tourism in the area, the City will also be initiating a pilot project that utilises smart phone technology to notify holiday makers of the availability of overnight parking bays at the Francis Street carpark. 

“In the coming months the City will be trialling a mobile phone app called RV Parking Solution which informs passing traffic as to the number of RV parking bays in the Francis Street carpark, number of bays available, when bays will become available and the facilities available for use on site,” said Mayor Van Styn. 

For more information on visiting Geraldton go to the visitor centre website www.visitgeraldton.com.au

Nature playground planned for Wandina

Wandina Primary School Principal Di Miller and City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn are joined by year three and year five students on the proposed site of a nature playground located on both school land and City owned land in Derna Park.

Getting back to nature will be easier than ever before for Wandina children with the signing of an agreement between the Wandina Primary School and the City to construct and maintain a nature playground in the heart of the suburb. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the school had contacted the City earlier in the year about jointly building a playground. 

“In July the Wandina Primary School approached the City with a proposal to construct a nature playground jointly on school land and City owned land located in Derna Park,” he said. 

“The proposal presented a unique opportunity for the Wandina Primary School and the City to pool funds and build a playground facility which would be used during school hours by students and after hours by the community.” 

Wandina Primary School Principal Di Miller said the idea to jointly build the playground came from the school’s strong focus on the local community. 

“The idea to jointly build the playground came from recognising the importance of involving the local community in the school and wanting to offer more activities to the young families in the area,” Ms Miller said. 

“With Derna Park located next door, approaching the City to jointly build a nature playground which would enable Wandina children of all ages to experience play in a natural environment was the obvious thing to do.” 

According to Mayor Van Styn the timing of the nature playground proposal couldn’t have been better with the City planning to construct a toilet block in the popular park this financial year. 

“Derna Park is classified as a District Park in the City’s hierarchy of parks which entitles it to playground equipment and a toilet block,” he said. 

“Although Derna Park is already popular with the local community, the addition of a nature playground and toilet block will result the Park becoming a top location for families from across Geraldton to visit and enjoy.” 

With the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the City and Wandina Primary School regarding the construction and maintenance of the playground, a Royalties for Regions application to fund the construction of the playground will be able to proceed to the next stage.

Waterwise Rewards Program

Water Corporation has launched a Waterwise Garden Rewards to help the community save water in the garden. Through this program customers can purchase a selected product at Bunnings stores - then Water Corporation will pay for one or two more depending on each offer. 

Products available include selected mulch, soil improver or soil wetting agent from WA brands Richgro and Baileys. 

Offers available through the program are selected: 

• Mulch: Buy four bags and Water Corporation will pay for one more; or buy eight bags and Water Corporation will pay for two more
• Soil improver: Buy eight bags and Water Corporation will pay for two more
• Soil wetting agent: Buy one bottle/bag and Water Corporation will pay for one more 

To receive your reward, visit https://www.watercorporation.com.au/gardenrewards and register to download an e-voucher.  

There is a limit of one voucher per household, and customers must choose one of the four offers available. Vouchers can be printed or displayed on a smart phone screen.

City to recommence wildlife control program

The City will recommence its wildlife control program to relocate corellas from our CBD and other community assets.

After proven success last year, the City of Greater Geraldton will recommence its wildlife control program in a bid to be on the front foot in protecting public infrastructure and community assets.

Last year the City introduced a new method to relocate corellas from our CBD and other hotspots where the birds were causing significant damage to buildings, sporting grounds, businesses and other community assets.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ken Diehm said it was imperative the City acted promptly and responded to early warning signs.

“The corellas in our community have been an issue for some time now and during that time not only have we decreased the plague proportions but we have been able to study their behaviour and strategise a plan to deter them from our public infrastructure,” he said.

“Every year corellas cause thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to our City but we have now found a method to control this issue in a safe way that poses no threat to wildlife.”

The strategic operation undertaken by City Rangers maps out pinpoint problem areas to deploy the handheld deterrent which fires a cartridge approximately 20 metres into the sky close to where the corellas are roosting.

The acquired specialised device made in New Zealand is specifically designed for controlling wildlife in an extremely safe and effective way.

There are three different cartridges which omit different high pitched sounds in order to relocate the birds.

The exercise will begin this week concentrating on current corella activity within central Geraldton, Wonthella, Utakarra, Walkaway and Mullewa. The operation is expected to continue for a month. Residents are advised not to be alarmed if they hear loud noises in their area. 

For further information on the program contact the City on 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au

Community to celebrate International Day of People with Disability

In the spirit of breaking down barriers and celebrating abilities, the City of Greater Geraldton has teamed up with local service providers to host a number of events as part of International Day of People with Disability.

On Thursday 1 and Friday 2 December, celebrations will include wheelchair basketball, a live petting exhibit, the Creative Waves art exhibition plus heaps more.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the event was celebrated on an international scale and it was very significant for the City to recognise.

“We are committed to facilitating the inclusion of people with disability and we think it’s very important to support the celebration and recognise the great work that is done within our community,” he said.

“We are proud to support International Day for People with Disability by hosting a celebratory event plus teaming up with local community organisations to present some great activities.

“I would encourage everyone to come down and check out the events.”

International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is an annual global event that aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability, and celebrate the achievements and contributions that people with disability have made to the community.

This year the City will be hosting celebrations on Friday 2 December from 4-7pm at the Geraldton Multipurpose Centre stage area on the Foreshore. There will be wheelchair basketball, family friendly activities, a free sausage sizzle and more.

The Creative Waves art exhibition by people with a disability will be held on Thursday 1 December at the Queens Park Theatre opening at 6pm.

There will also be a live petting exhibit presented by Central Regional TAFE Animal Studies and Students on Thursday 1 December from 9-11am.

Full details can be found on the City’s website at www.cgg.wa.gov.au

Wheelchair Basketball will be just one of the great activities held as part of International Day of People with Disability.

Better facilities for Mid West cancer patients

A new state-of-the-art cancer centre in Geraldton will enable patients in the Mid West to receive vital chemotherapy services closer to home. 

Member for Durack Melissa Price today welcomed the opening of the Midwest Cancer Centre, which was constructed with $4.1 million in federal funding. 

The new centre has six chemotherapy treatment chairs and one patient bed, as well as facilities for use by breast cancer nurses. The project also includes a hostel for patients and families with seven double bedrooms. 

Ms Price said the ageing population in the Mid West meant that the number of cancer cases was continuing to rise. 

“Cancer is something that affects us all, directly or indirectly,” Ms Price said. 

“Investing in facilities and services in regional areas like Geraldton is important for individuals, families and communities and I’m proud to be a part of a Government which has delivered this facility. 

“A cancer diagnosis is hard enough on patients and their families. This new facility will allow many local patients to get the treatment they need close to home, without the added burden and cost of having to travel to the city.” 

Minister for Health Sussan Ley said tetter health services in rural, regional and remote areas of Australia are an absolute priority of the Turnbull Government’s health reform agenda. 

“This new cancer treatment centre will make a huge difference to people in the Midwest who are diagnosed with cancer and require chemotherapy,” Minister Ley said. 

“This cancer centre is a great example of delivering the kind of services that regional Australia deserves.” 

The Australian Government also provided $1.2 million for consulting rooms and offices for the new Garburdiny Renal Centre adjacent to the cancer centre. The renal centre has been operating since September. 

The Geraldton Cancer Centre is one of five new cancer centres and patient accommodation projects funded by the Australian Government with a total of $22.3 million. The other centres are in Albany, Narrogin, Kalgoorlie and Northam. 

“These centres will be used as the base to provide holistic, multi-disciplinary cancer services for patients in rural Western Australia, linked closely to major cancer centres in Perth and to each other,” Ms Ley said.

WA Police Pride Parade Involvement

The Commissioner of Police authorised all police officers and staff, for the first time in WA Police’s history, the ability to participate in uniform in the annual Pride Parade held in Northbridge, Perth.

Commissioner Karl O’Callaghan said the decision reflected the values of the agency and was a demonstration of our commitment to equality and diversity.

“A lot of police officers have been waiting for this decision and I am pleased to be able to support them and make it happen in my time as Commissioner”. 

On Saturday night, 19 November 2016, approximately 25 police personnel participated in the parade and the Commissioner was represented by Deputy Commissioner Steve Brown APM who participated in the march.

Numerous officers from regional Western Australia attended and it demonstrates widespread organisational support for persons within the LGBTI+ community. Members of the public, even in regional WA, should feel comfortable approaching their local police to speak with them about LGBTI+ related crime issues, domestic violence etc. 

Suspected Arson – Durlacher Street

At about 6:00am on Sunday 20 November 2016, police officers were called to attend smoke emitting from the rear of the Podiatry Clinic, 165 Durlacher Street, Geraldton.

On investigation, a fire was located outside in the rear of the premises and it appears that a bin was set ablaze which has spread to a nearby vehicle and the building itself. DFES attended the scene and extinguished the fire.

The fire appears to be suspicious and WA Police and DFES are currently investigating.

Police are appealing to any witnesses who may have observed the fire or any suspicious activity around that location leading up to the fire to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000. 

Serious Crash (Car vs Scooter) – Rangeway

At about 11:00pm on Saturday 19 November 2016, police were called to attend a serious traffic crash on the North West Coastal Highway in Rangeway. It appears a scooter has hit the side of a van, causing the scooter to lose control and crash.

On arrival, police assisted paramedics with the 34 year old rider of the scooter who suffering life-threatening injuries. The rider was airlifted by RFDS to Perth in a critical condition for emergency surgery.

Other road users have reported to police that the scooter was being ridden erratically before the incident. Police are investigating if alcohol was a factor in the crash.

Mid West Gascoyne Traffic Enforcement Group and the Major Crash Investigation Section are investigating the incident.

Police are appealing to any witnesses who may have observed the altercation and are urged to call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000. 

Update: Police have issued a correction to the age of the person.  

Grievous Bodily Harm – Geraldton Hotel

At about 7.00pm on Saturday 19 November 2016 a fight broke out inside the Geraldton Hotel with one male reported to have been knocked unconscious.

Police attended the scene and took a man into custody. He is currently assisting with our inquiries.

The victim reportedly suffered serious injuries, including a bleed to the brain, and is currently admitted within the Geraldton Regional Hospital for treatment.

Police are appealing to any witnesses who may have observed the altercation and are urged to call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000. 

Greenough Pioneer Museum have a very cool "Women Through The Ages" exhibition at the moment

Get down to the Greenough Pioneer Museum and check out the Women Through the Ages exhibition. 

Thanks Michelle McKoy for these great shots.