Fail to Stop Arrest

On Wednesday 31 January 2018 officers from the Geraldton Traffic Office attempted to stop a vehicle in Central Road Wonthella. A 26 year old male from Geraldton initially failed to stop for police. After a short fail to stop incident the driver stopped his vehicle and was arrested by police.

He will appear in Geraldton Magistrates Court on a number of charges including

  • Fail to stop
  • No Authority to Drive
  • Reckless Driving

Possession of Drugs

On Wednesday 31 January 2018, Officers from the Geraldton Police Station conducted a traffic stop in Glenview Street Mount Tarcoola. As a result a 43 year old male from Waggrakine has been charged with possession of a prohibited drug. The drugs were located in a number of syringes inside the vehicle.

He has been summoned to appear in the Geraldton Magistrates Court

Suicide prevention trial site makes progress

Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price confirmed that the Mid West region Suicide Prevention Trial, one of 12 national trial sites to combat suicide, is making good progress in identifying effective approaches to suicide prevention.

In 2017, the Mid West region received a share of the Federal Government’s $192 million election commitment to strengthen mental health care in regional Australia to run the three-year trial.

“The Mid West region has a much higher rate of suicide than the national average, and that is due to the large proportion of high risk populations we have in the region” Ms Price said.

“We know that Aboriginal people are susceptible to depression which is closely linked to suicide, but so are farmers, fly in/fly out workers and fishers working in remote communities.

“The Mid West suicide prevention trial site is focused on helping reduce suicide rates among these at-risk populations, and to sharing this knowledge across Australia.

“We have tasked the PHNs, the overarching federal health framework nationally, to come up with a suite of strategies to combat suicide.

‘These strategies need to be inclusive, need to be bold, and most importantly, they need to work” Ms Price said.

The communities of Geraldton, Mullewa, Morawa, Mt Magnet, Meekatharra and Carnarvon are being targeted during the Mid West trial, and each will have the opportunity to develop a suicide prevention action plan. The PHN’s suicide prevention trial coordinator employed has already visited many of these sites, in preparation for this next stage.

The trial will facilitate learning about how best to prevent suicide at a local level and how best support can be provided to at-risk individuals.

The four-level approach includes:

  1. Focusing on general practitioner (GP) training to identify and improve the treatment of depression;
  2. Educating the public via a depression awareness campaign
  3. Cooperating with stakeholders and community facilitators to provide training to improve the recognition of symptoms of depression and referrals to GPs
  4. Low threshold support for individuals, high risk groups and their families.

People needing access to psychological services and support can seek a referral from a GP to the Midwest Mental Health Portal. More information is available at www.wapha.org.au/mental-health-portal

Chapman River mountain bike trail designs revealed

If you love bike riding and adventure, you won’t want to miss seeing the concept plans for the Chapman River mountain bike trails at a community information session on Tuesday 6 February at the QEII Centre.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the concept plans were exciting and offered something for everyone.

“I’ve had a sneak peek at the designs and I can’t wait to try out the new facilities being built in Spalding Park,” he said.

“Bike riders of all ages and abilities will be able to hone their riding skills on a pump and jump track and skills loop before meeting at a new trailhead and heading out on the formalised 11km long river loop trail.”

In November 2016, Council endorsed the Chapman River Regional Park Mountain Bike Master Plan, which ensures the Park is shared and enjoyed by all recreational users including mountain bike riders.

“Over the past 23 years the City has developed a number of plans and strategies regarding the environmental management and recreational use of the Chapman River Regional Park,” Mayor Van Styn added.

“It is exciting to see years of community consultation resulting in a project that is sustainable and will enhance the environmental and cultural values of the Park.

Project construction is scheduled to begin in March with an estimated date of completion before the end of the financial year.

The Chapman River Mountain Bike Trials Community Information Session is on Tuesday 6 February 2018 from 6.30-7.15pm in the QEII Seniors & Community Centre Upper Hall on Durlacher Street. The presentation will be followed by an opportunity for members of the community to ask questions regarding the designs.

Construction of projects in the Chapman River Regional Park Mountain Bike Master Plan projects  is joint funded with the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program, managed by the Mid West Development Commission, contributing $235,500, Lotterywest $65,000 and the City providing $49,500 towards the delivery of the projects.

Funding to build a stronger community in Geraldton

Member for Geraldton Ian Blayney MLA is pleased that the City of Greater Geraldton has been awarded $16,585 through the Youth Development Scholarship Program as part of the Country Local Government Fund (CLGF).

‘As a significant employer in Geraldton, the City is well placed to create opportunities for young people in the region’, said Mr Blayney.

‘It will allow local government employees to gain valuable skills, knowledge and leadership capacity through real life experience and will provide local opportunities to further develop their careers.

‘The Liberal led Government introduced this fund as the first Royalties for Regions initiative back in 2009 to assist country local governments to support and build communities.

‘These prospects will help to ensure the retention of young people in Geraldton, enabling them to build stronger partnerships within the community sector. This, in turn, will help to promote the sustainability and future success of our economy.

‘I would like to congratulate the City of Greater Geraldton for securing the funding and I wish the chosen participants all the best throughout the program and in their future careers.’

Earlier this month the Government announced that a total of 70 grants have been awarded to 39 country local governments across four programs through the CLGF.

Small businesses clean up Food Safety Awards

Three local businesses have been recognised for their commitment to food safety with a five star rating in the City of Greater Geraldton 2017 Food Safety Awards.

The rating system ranks business from three to five stars based on a strict hygiene criteria that has seen the winning businesses awarded five out of five stars.  

Tasty Little Cheesecakes took out the Home Business Category

Greenough Visitor Centre won Restaurant/Café Category

Aussie Pastries secured the Snackbar/Takeaway Category

Tasty Little Cheesecakes took out the Home Business Category while Greenough Visitor Centre won Restaurant/Café Category and Aussie Pastries secured the Snackbar/Takeaway Category.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn applauded the businesses on their outstanding efforts in providing quality and safe food to the Geraldton community.

“The Five Star Program is a great way to give a pat on the back to those businesses in town that strive to deliver quality foods,” he said.

“In order to receive these awards, a strict criteria needs to be met and maintained and these businesses have shown that they are willing and able to meet these expectations and then some.

“It is fantastic to see these businesses achieve excellence and I wish them the very best for the future.”

Customers should note that businesses are now able to display stickers advertising their official star rating.

For more information about the City of Greater Geraldton Food Safety Awards, please visit www.cgg.wa.gov.au.

Rural roads reopen following heavy rainfalls

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise all rural roads, with the exception of Rose Road, have reopened to traffic.

Drivers are advised to use caution as there may be still water flowing across these roads.

Members of the community are requested to obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience recent road closures may have caused.

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

Limestone block installations in Glendinning and Hadda Parks

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be installing limestone blocks to existing soft fall boarders to help prevent sand from blowing onto grassed areas.

Works at Glendinning Park will take place on Thursday 1 February 2018 and Hadda Park works at Mahomets Beach will take place on Friday 2 February 2018. The estimated date of completion for both jobs is Friday 2 February in the afternoon.

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.

Anti-Social Behaviour – Karloo

Between 19 January and 23 January 2018 Geraldton Police received a number of complaints of Anti-Social Behaviour occurring at several locations in Karloo. One incident was recorded and uploaded onto social media.

Geraldton Police have conducted ongoing inquiries into these incidents and to date have charged 7 people with a number of offences.

  • 31 yr old female from Rangeway – Disorderly Behaviour
  • 17 yr old female from Rangeway – Disorderly Behaviour
  • 13 yr old female from Rangeway – Disorderly Behaviour
  • 20 yr old female from Spalding – Disorderly Behaviour
  • 23 yr old female from Northampton – Disorderly Behaviour
  • 16 yr old female from Utakarra – Disorderly Behaviour
  • 42 yr old male from Karloo – Criminal Damage, Disorderly Behaviour

If you have any information for police, contact Crimestoppers on 1800333000.

Burglary Arrests Geraldton

the weekend of Saturday 27 and Sunday 29 January 2018, Officers from the Geraldton Police Station arrested and charged two juvenile females for a number of burglaries that occurred during December (2017) and January 2018 on Geraldton Businesses.

2 people were arrested and charged with the following:

  • 14 year old female from Rangeway – 1 x Agg Burglary with Intent, 1 x Agg Burglary and Commit and 1 x Stealing.
  • 14 year old female from Rangeway – 1 x Agg Burglary with Intent, 2 x Agg Burglary and Commit and 2 x Stealing.
  • Both will be attending the Geraldton Children’s Court

Cricket champs success to attract more events

The City of Greater Geraldton are set to attract more high-quality sporting events to the region after the success of the recent Toyota Australian Country Cricket Championships. Picture: Arctic Moon Photography

After the success of the recent Toyota Australian Country Cricket Championships, the City of Greater Geraldton is set to attract more high-quality sporting events to the region.

The 10-day tournament saw the local economy benefitting from 500 people staying in Geraldton with the total economic output estimated at $1.1 million.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said hosting the Championships was another step closer to securing more sporting events.

“We are continuing to showcase ourselves as a destination that can host top-notch sporting events and this is the perfect example alongside last year’s AFL pre-season Derby match,” he said.

“It will open up a lot more opportunities for us to host other nation-wide cricket competitions and we are currently in talks with the WACA regarding the possibility of a regional Big Bash match here in Geraldton.

“We have proved that we have top-class facilities to hold these kinds of events and we look forward to bringing more to our region as we know how invaluable the benefits are.”

The Championship Exhibition Match was well attended with nearly 600 people at Wonthella Oval taking in the action.

The tournament was delivered in partnership with Cricket Australia, Western Australia Cricket Association (WACA) and the Geraldton Regional Cricket Board.

Cricket Australia Executive General Manager of Game and Market Development, Andrew Ingleton congratulated Geraldton on the event.

“We are very pleased to have brought the Toyota Australian Country Cricket Championships to Geraldton. The city continues to establish itself as a destination of choice with a stunning Foreshore, excellent sporting venues and welcoming people,” he said.

“Geraldton is a wonderful place to visit, and these Country Cricket Championships have provided a great opportunity for many visitors to appreciate everything this town has to offer.

“The success of the competition comes down to the backing from state and regional associations and local communities off the field.  We could not run such an event without the outstanding contribution and support of the local cricket community and our event partners, namely, the City of Greater Geraldton, Toyota, Kookaburra, the Geraldton Cricket Board, Gatorade, Sanitarium, umpires and officials.”

Mayor Van Styn added that the event was a great example of local clubs and boards working in conjunction with the City and outside parties.

“We were very lucky to work alongside Cricket Australia, the WACA and also our Geraldton Regional Cricket Board,” he said.

“A lot of hard work and effort was put in from a lot of our local clubs and it is a testament to the great outcomes that can come from collaborations like this one.”

February bumper month for Cruise Ships

Councillor Bob Hall receives a plaque from Azamara Journey Captain Magnus Davidson.

A total of five cruise ships will call Geraldton home for a day in February making it a bumper month for the local cruise ship calendar!

With two ships already hitting our shores this year, there are a total of 12 cruise ships scheduled to visit Geraldton in 2018 with the possibility of more.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said Geraldton was becoming an increasingly popular spot for cruise ships to stop.

“We love having the cruise ships come here to Geraldton, the benefits to our community are massive,” he said.

“In February alone there will an estimated quarter of a million dollars injected into our local economy.

“Four of the five ships coming in February have never been to Geraldton before so it’s great that our name is now on their radar.

“With extended trading hours in operation it’s fantastic that ships scheduled to visit on a Sunday will have a lot more variety when it comes to retail.”

The first ship of 2018 was ms Regatta followed by an unscheduled stop by Azamara Journey. Next will be Crystal Symphony on Sunday 4 February.

“We love seeing all the tourists disembarking off the ship and into our community on various tours and sightseeing ventures,” Mayor Van Styn added.

“After spending significant time at the Port during Azamara’s visit, I had several passengers commenting on how clean and attractive our City was and a majority of them carried shopping bags back onto the ship after enjoying their day out which was great to see.

“Big kudos to our cruise ship meet and greet volunteers who are always giving warm welcomes to our guests.”

With the recent acquisition of four shore tension units by Mid West Ports Authority,  Mayor Van Styn said Geraldton is becoming known as a ‘safe port’ for ships that are including Western Australia on their itineraries.  

“We are now able to have ships berth in Port instead of anchoring in Champion Bay, which is definitely a draw card,” Mayor Van Styn said.

“Geraldton is continuing to establish itself as a destination of choice and it’s great that we are being seen by thousands of cruise ship passengers from all over the world!’

City to upgrade sporting facility lighting

Evening football and soccer activities at the Greenough Oval and Alexander Park will soon come under new light when flood lighting towers at both facilities are replaced in the coming months.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the decision to replace the towers was based on the findings of a recent audit conducted on sporting tower floodlighting at all non-leased grounds and several leased facilities with tower floodlighting. 

“The audit reported some light towers had reached their end of life whilst other towers were in need of maintenance,” he said.

“Many of these towers and floodlights were installed by the sporting clubs with the assistance of volunteers and we are thankful for their dedication and hard work.

“Unfortunately, the efforts of well-meaning volunteers has in many cases resulted in inadequately maintained floodlights which have now become financially unviable for clubs to continue to maintain or the towers becoming non-compliant.”

The Sporting Facilities Lighting Audit Report recommends removing the floodlight towers at the Greenough Oval and Alexander Park, as they no longer meet standards in terms of pole height and lighting levels.

“The light towers at the Greenough Oval, home to Rovers Football Club, are originally from the Gloucester Park in Perth and were installed more than 20 years,” Mayor Van Styn said.

“The Alexander Park towers have been lighting up Rovers Soccer Club, Chapman Athletics Soccer Club and the Marconi Soccer Club activities since the early 2000s.

“Although these towers have served these sporting groups well, due to their age and condition they now need to be replaced.”

Mayor Van Styn said asset renewal is a Council priority.

“This Council has been taking measures to improve the financial sustainability of the City and has concentrated spending on renewing our existing assets,” he said.

“The 2017/18 Budget includes $700,000 to renew sporting tower lighting which we are putting towards keeping the floodlights on at the Greenough Oval and Alexander Park.”

To improve the future management of flood lighting, a Sporting Flood Lighting Policy will be developed in the coming months.

Local heroes recognised on Australia Day

Nominees and winners of the Australia Day Active Citizen of the Year Awards.

Several community members have come away with a win following the Australia Day Active Citizen of the Year Awards on Friday.

Presented in both Geraldton and Mullewa, the Australia Day Active Citizen of the Year Awards acknowledge those who demonstrate leadership and enhance community life. 

Geraldton’s Community Citizen of the Year was presented to Emma Jackson, and local icon Bobby Pepper claimed Community Citizen of the Year (55 and over). Youngster Jessica Muller took out the 26 and under category and Geraldton Seniors Week Committee secured Community Group of the Year Award.

Mullewa’s Julie Freeman was awarded the Community Citizen of the Year and Casey Tunbridge obtained the 26 and under prize. Tenindewa Progress Association secured Community Group of the Year Award and Community Citizen of the Year (55 and over) was presented to Kim Keeffe. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn congratulated the winners and nominees.

“Each person who won or was nominated gives back to our community in a number of ways and I thank them for their ongoing contribution,” he said.

“They encourage positive change, enhance our community life and make Greater Geraldton what it is – a flourishing regional City.

“The Australia Day Active Citizen of the Year Awards are a great way to acknowledge those who put their blood, sweat and tears into our community and I thank everyone who took time to nominate.”

Winners of the 2018 Awards will join previous recipients Di Gilleland, Grant Woodhams and Julian Canny.

Mayor Van Styn, Australia Day Ambassador Tim Britten, Ian Blayney MLA and Laurie Graham MLC presented the recipients with a medal and framed certificate on the day.

For more information about the Australia Day Active Citizen of the Year Awards, please visit www.citizenshipawards.com.au

Community nursery growing strong

Plant production at the Community Nursery is in full swing with volunteers aiming to grow 20,000 local native plants to help revegetate Geraldton’s natural bush and beach areas this year.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the Community Nursery is steadily ‘growing’ from strength to strength.

“Following the well-attended Volunteer Open Day in October last year, the number of nursery volunteers has grown to well over 40 who have all shown a keen interest in acquiring new skills,” he said.

“Recently, volunteers ranging in age from 13 to 82 attended a propagation workshop to learn the secrets behind successfully growing our very diverse native plants.

“Over two days, volunteers and MEEDAC work for the Dole participants banded together to learn how to germinate various seeds, how to prick out and pot on seedlings and how to grow local native plants from cuttings.”

Volunteers have already put their new knowledge to use when the first seeds ‘hit the dirt’ before the Christmas.  Now that the break is over, propagation will begin in earnest.

Community Nursery participants (from left) Kyle Cleminson, Anna Beyer and Roslyn Kelly use skills learned at a propagation workshop to prick out and pot on seedlings. 

Indian Ocean Drive Safety Package Underway

Work is underway this week to install audible edge and centre lines on Indian Ocean Drive, one of the improvements recommended by the recently released Road Safety Review report.

Public safety is a priority for Main Roads, as is the safety of our workers out on the road, so for the duration of these works we ask that drivers remain patient with the traffic management on site.

Main Roads has also installed advanced guide signs at the end of the current passing lanes to let drivers know how far they’ll need to travel before they reach the next passing lane opportunity.

Where signs were found to be less reflective they have been replaced, and line maintenance has also been carried out to ensure the lines are whiter and brighter for vehicles travelling along the route in all conditions.

Planning for the first set of passing lanes is well underway, with tenders to be advertised early in the new year and construction scheduled to begin near Ledge Point by April 2018.

Drivers along Indian Ocean Drive will see a lot happening over the next few years. Other recommendations such as the wide centre line treatment (similar to the Great Northern Highway between Muchea and Wubin in the Wheatbelt and the Coalfields Highway in the South West) are in the planning stages with funding to be sought through the normal budgetary processes.

Thank you for your patience and assistance when encountering changed traffic conditions, road works and temporary traffic management impediments.

Changing the World – one inspirational story at a time

Inspired Magazine founder Samille Mitchell with the latest issue of the magazine hot off the press.

Kalbarri writer Samille Mitchell is again showcasing the work of inspirational people striving to change the world, with the launch of the third issue of Inspired Magazine.

Inspired Magazine volume 3 takes readers across the globe to meet nine inspirational people working to make the world better.

It features people like the can-do Aussie Gemma Sisia, who is transforming lives for Tanzania’s bright but poverty-stricken children with free schooling in Africa.

It tells the tale of American man Conor Grennan’s bid to reunite stolen Nepalese children with their families. It shares the heartbreaking story of Live Your Legend founder Scott Dinsmore.

And includes a new feature on ethical travel with a story about a trip into the pulsing jungles of Borneo, plus more.

Samille, who founded the magazine three years ago, said she was extremely excited to have Inspired’s third issue back from the printers.

“I can scarcely believe we’ve managed to pull together the third issue of the magazine,” she said.

“And this year we’ve gone national – it’s amazing to think Inspired Magazine will now be in newsagencies across the country.”

Samille said it had been a testing road bringing the third issue to print.

“Producing a print magazine at a time when such magazines are in serious decline was probably not the most sensible business idea!” she said.

“There have been many times when I’ve questioned what I’m doing dedicating so much time and effort to telling these stories.

“But I’m so seriously passionate about sharing the stories of inspiring people that I just don’t seem to be able to give it up.

“I really think the media could do with a dose of hope and inspiration to help counter the negativity and political bickering that makes up so much of the news.”

Samille said producing a national magazine from her home office in Kalbarri had also posed some challenges.

“But I love that I can connect with all these amazing people all over the world, while still getting to live in a town that I love.”

Inspired’s first two issues were produced thanks to crowdfunding campaigns supported by a whole host of generous people. The third issue has been made possible thanks to partnerships with profit-for-purpose businesses.

Inspired Magazine is available in Geraldton at newsagencies, Pollinators, Flow Vitality, or by ordering online at www.inspired.org.au

City balances Budget

After years of hard work to identify efficiency gains whilst maintaining a high level of service to the community, the City of Greater Geraldton’s budget has reached surplus. 

At last night’s Ordinary Meeting of Council, the City’s operating result was reported to be sitting at $3.2 million in surplus with an underlying surplus of over $145,000 after allowing for prepaid grants.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said it was a big win for Council who had been working hard for years to find efficiency gains to pave the way for a bright financial future for the City.

“Two years ago we had an operating deficit over $9 million and financial sustainability was projected to be at least 10 years off,” he said.

“It’s been a rewarding journey and it’s great to see that the City is back on track and has ended years of operating losses.”

Mayor Van Styn said while the financial position of the City was a huge win for the organisation, it was not a time for Council to be frivolous with spending.

“We are still budgeting for a deficit of $1.2 million this year and we need to continue to work hard to achieve sustainable surpluses,” he said.

“We still have a backlog of asset renewals so we need to continue to be smart with our long-term financial planning to ensure we can still offer key services to our community whilst keeping up with infrastructure renewals.”

The City has also dramatically lifted its FHI score from being in the bottom 20% to possibly the top 20% of Councils within Western Australia on the Department of Local Government’s Financial Health Indicator (FHI) calculator.

The FHI Calculator is the current benchmark measurement of a Council’s overall financial health.

“The FHI calculator enables us to measure our overall financial health and this information assists in our long term financial planning,” Mayor Van Styn said.

“The City’s operating financial position has improved significantly as a result of the flow on effect of cost saving initiatives that Council has undertaken over the last few years including changes to organisational structure, staffing levels and our range and level of services.

“Council’s score progressed from 53 in 2015-16 to 87 in 2016-17 and is projected to increase even more in the next financial year.”

Mayor Van Styn also commented on the City’s positive audit result.

“There were no specific comments and/or recommendations arising from the audit which is extremely rare and indicates the fine work, commitment and knowledge from the City’s Finance team,” he added.

Free vaccinations to stop Parvo

Mayor Shane Van Styn and the Mayor Pooch, Bella.

An influx of Parvovirus has brought organisations in the Midwest together to hold a free vaccination day to protect our canine friends.

The deadly virus has claimed the lives of over 120 dogs this year and the City of Greater Geraldton is urging dog owners to take action and vaccinate.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said Parvovirus has no cure and the only prevention is through vaccination.

“Parvovirus is a highly infectious disease that kills dogs, but it can be easily prevented by vaccinations,” he said.

“As a dog lover myself, I’m delighted that we can join forces with Central Regional TAFE, Geraldton Dog Rescue and the veterinary services to raise awareness and vaccinate dogs for free.

“Unfortunately we are unable to provide this service to the whole community, however, those who receive Centrelink benefits or have a Senior Citizen Card are encouraged to attend and have their dogs immunised.

“We want to help educate the community through this free event.”

The virus is highly contagious and attacks dogs’ gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular systems. The main source of Parvovirus is through the faeces of infected dogs, making it even more important to bag and bin your dog’s faeces when in public places. 

The free vaccination day will take place on Wednesday 4 October at N-Block, Central Regional TAFE from 9am to 4pm.

In addition to the free barbecue and information session, the City’s Rangers will be there microchipping dogs at no cost.

“A big thank you to our Rangers for providing such a vital service,” added Mayor Van Styn. 

To secure your dog’s free vaccination, please email skye.strutton@crtafe.wa.edu.au or call 0427 566 112. 

New CEO looks to build on solid foundations

City of Greater Geraldton’s new CEO Ross McKim.

Ross McKim has been appointed as the City of Greater Geraldton’s Chief Executive Officer and says he looks forward to continuing the years of hard work bringing the City to a financially sustainable position.

At the Ordinary Meeting of Council in Mullewa today, a recommendation was passed with unanimous support from Council appointing Mr McKim as CEO for a five year term.

Over the past two years, Mr McKim has been the City’s Director of Infrastructure Services and most recently stepped into the role of Acting CEO after the departure of previous CEO Ken Diehm in June.

City of Greater Geraldton Deputy Mayor Neil McIlwaine said Mr McKim had put himself in good stead with the City and emerged as the most outstanding candidate for the position.

“We had a great response for the job role with over 20 quality candidates applying from around Australia,” he said.

“After a rigorous selection process, I am very pleased to announce that Mr McKim has accepted the role as CEO.

“Ross has been working at the City for the last two years as the Director of Infrastructure Services and has a wealth of knowledge and experience leading local government teams.

“I look forward to working closely with Ross now and into the future.”

Mr McKim has over 25 years of local government experience and has previously held leadership positions at Cairns, Redlands and Tablelands Regional Councils, where he was responsible for the delivery of a diverse range of local government services. 

His qualifications include a Masters of Business Administration, an Honours Degree in Civil Engineering, a Graduate Diploma in Municipal Engineering, a Diploma in Community and Youth Work and various certificates relevant to local government operations.

Mr McKim said he was honoured and humbled to be the successful candidate for the role.

“The City of Greater Geraldton is a very progressive local government with a strong national reputation for community consultation and innovation and I am honoured to take up the position of CEO,” he said.

“I'm looking forward to working closely with the Mayor, Councillors, staff and the community in building on the great work currently underway.” 

Mr McKim also added that Council had worked extremely hard over the past years to build strong foundations for the City.

“The Councillors have made a number of courageous decisions over the last two years with the intention of bringing the City back to a financially sustainable position,” he said.

“I look forward to continuing this work which should see the City reach a surplus in the very near future. 

“Complementing this endeavour, is the need to develop robust asset renewal programs that will ensure the City’s nearly $1 billion in infrastructure remains fit for purpose.”

Mr McKim added that he will continue to work with stakeholders on initiatives that will help to grow the local community.

“I look forward to working with key stakeholders such as the Midwest Development Commission and the Midwest Chamber of Commerce and Industry to develop and implement initiatives to assist in the growth of the local economy,” he said.

“The Progress Midwest model combined with the completion of the Greater Geraldton Growth Plan demonstrates the Council’s commitment to doing all it can to grow the local community.

“I also look forward to developing and implementing the City’s customer service strategy and working with local community groups to ensure their input is provided to Councillors as part of the decision making process.”

Mr McKim will officially take up the new position on 28 August 2017 and said he is excited to keep the City of Greater Geraldton moving forward.

“I am passionate about local government and all that it represents and achieves,” he said.

“I very much appreciate the faith both the Council and staff have shown in me and it is very rewarding as it provides me with the opportunity to continue doing what I love – which is serving the local community to the best of my ability.

“I believe Geraldton has a very bright future ahead of it, and I am excited about making a positive contribution.”