New Mullewa entrance mural to celebrate culture and cohesion

Callaghan Park will be the site of a vibrant new mural set to add to the cultural cache of Mullewa.

The new piece will be a collaborative effort from renowned local artists Charmaine Green, Helen Ansell, Pauline Bell, Debra Maher and Susan Merry.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn is excited about the new work.

“Mullewa already has some fantastic public art and this new painting will be a wonderful addition to the collection,” he said.

“This artwork celebrates the key components that make up the rich fabric of Mullewa’s heritage and I look forward to seeing the finished product.

“I urge everyone to come and check out the mural once it is installed.”

Artist Charmaine Green is also looking forward to seeing the work come to life.

“Our vision for the entrance mural is to represent the pathways of connectedness and cohesion of the Mullewa community whilst also depicting the elements for which Mullewa is famed,” she said.

“The name Mullewa comes from the traditional name for the Mullewa Spring so water is a connecting theme throughout the mural.

“As artists, we are delighted to be a step closer to finishing the work and we encourage everyone to come down and view it once it is complete.”

The new Mullewa entrance mural is due to be finished by the end of June, subject to weather.

For more information on attractions in Mullewa see here.

Temporary closure of Point Moore access tracks

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that due to increased coastal surge and swell associated with the current and forecast weather fronts in the coming days, the access tracks to Point Moore will be closed to ensure community safety. The closure will go into effect at 4pm today, Thursday 9 June 2022.

Weather conditions and the beach will be monitored over the coming days. The public updated on the re-opening of the gates.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these closures may cause.

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

Bulk verge side rubbish collection to return

Geraldton residents will be pleased to learn that the popular bulk verge side rubbish collection will make a comeback next financial year, following Council’s decision to reinstate the program annually.  

The free collection allows residents to dispose of bulky items such as white goods and furniture as well as green waste on their verge side for City contractors to dispose of or recycle.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn hopes this will reduce waste being disposed of in the bushland.

“You just have to talk to people as well as see the chatter online to get a feel for how much the community want bulk verge side rubbish collection to return,” he said.

“We are still determining the time of year the collection will take place. Our summers are notoriously windy and there is a lot of rain come winter. The last thing we want is for the rubbish to spread from the verge side, and managing that is essential to its success.

“This is an expensive program that our community has been asking for. We’re returning it to help beautify all areas of Geraldton as opposed to some of these items being dumped in the bush.”

Bulk verge side waste was collected for a number of years but the City ceased the program in 2016 to reduce costs and decrease the incidents of untidy verges.

Having a thriving community that provides opportunity whilst protecting the environment and enhancing the social and cultural fabric is a key part of the City’s Strategic Community Plan, and reinstating the free collection is a step towards achieving this.

The City has budgeted $650,000 in the 2022/23 Budget for the annual collection of bulk verge side rubbish.

More information about when the program will start will be announced soon.

Sand bypassing works

As part of the Northern Beaches Stabilisation Program the Mid West Ports Authority will be undertaking sand bypassing works on the Beresford Foreshore between Tuesday 7 June and Friday 10 June 2022.

During this period, sand from Pages Beach will be transported by the Port to placement sites along the Beresford Foreshore.

The purpose of the sand by-passing is to feed sediment into the longshore current operating in a northerly direction along the Geraldton coastline. Through a coastal process known as littoral transport, the sand bypassing provides sediment to Geraldton’s northern beaches through the action of the breaking waves and the longshore current.

Traffic management will be in place to minimise the disruption to traffic in the area. Working hours will be between the hours of 7.00am to 5.30pm for duration of the works.

For further information on these works and the Northern Beaches Stabilisation Program in general, contact the City of Greater Geraldton (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Chapman Road footpath works

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the footpath on Chapman Road in front of the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery (GRAG) and Park is being renewed.

From Monday 6 June to Wednesday 8 June 2022 the footpath will be closed with a pedestrian detour in place. Access to entrance of the GRAG building will remain unchanged.

These works are part of the GRAG Park Upgrade project here

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.

Preservation and access for Point Moore

Point Moore by Ian Ogelsby

New boom gates to be installed at key access tracks herald a well-balanced approach to the management of Point Moore beach.

Following extensive community consultation last year, Council made the decision to introduce the gates to protect the coastal vegetation whilst allowing vehicle access and prioritising the safety of beach users.       

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn welcomed the arrival of the gates.

“Nearly 800 community members responded in the Point Moore Beach Usage Survey and the majority of people were deeply concerned about protecting the sensitive coastal ecosystem,” he said.

“Most people who drive on the beach are respectful of pedestrians and the environment so we did not want to ban vehicle access.

“However, due to the changing nature of the coast, it is important to be able to prevent vehicles from driving on the beach when there is insufficient space between the dune and the waterline.

“Installation of the new boom gates will allow for beach access when conditions permit and restrict when they are deemed a risk, so everyone may enjoy the area and we can protect the environment,” added Mayor Van Styn. 

The contractor anticipates having all the new gates completely installed by Friday 3 June.

The installation of the new works is partially funded by a $76,000 Coastwest grant awarded to the City by the Department of Planning, Lands, and Heritage.

Additional works to be performed include sand trapping fences, brushing and potential CCTV installation pending budget approval.

Temporary closure of off lead dog exercise area

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the off lead dog exercise area located in the Leonard T Green Memorial Park will be closed for maintenance works on Wednesday 1 June and Thursday 2 June 2022.

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.

Bus shelter construction Wonthella

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise a bus shelter on the east side of Central Road between First Street and Place Road to will be renewed with works scheduled to commence on Tuesday 31 May 2022 for a period of approximately two weeks.

The anticipated hours of work will be from 7.00am to 6.00pm. Traffic management will be in place during this time which will include detours for occasional road closures.

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

Geraldton Aquarena main 25m pool unavailable

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that the Geraldton Aquarena’s main 25m pool will be unavailable to the public on the following dates as the venue will be hosting the annual Short Course Classic swimming competition: 

·         Saturday 4 June

·         Sunday 5 June

Both the leisure and hydro pools will remain open as normal during this time.

The City apologises for any inconvenience the temporary closure of the main pool may cause.

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

Batavia Coast Marina Enabling Works

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that Development WA and its contractor, Civcon WA will be accessing the stormwater outfall on the Geraldton Foreshore adjacent to Forrest Street between Wednesday 25 May and Friday 27 May 2022 as part the Batavia Coast Marina Stage 2 Enabling Works.

Working hours will be 7am to 5.30pm for the duration of the works.

During this period, temporary bunding will be installed around the stormwater outfall, and traffic management will be in place to minimise disruption.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

For further information on these works please contact Aaron Connoley at Civcon WA on 0424 176 213 or email aaron.connonley@civconwa.com.au.

City purchase Club Rocky’s for new Youth Centre

(L-R) Acting Director of Community Services Fiona Norling, City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn and Youth Crime Prevention Officer Lydia Young

Young people in Geraldton now have a dedicated space of their own with the City of Greater Geraldton purchasing Club Rocky’s in Wonthella just last week.

Over the next couple of months, slight renovations will be made to transform the building into a more suitable space for young people.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn is delighted with the acquisition.

“We’re investing in the future of our community by developing a safe space for young people to come together locally,” he said.

“The purchase of this building makes sense on so many levels – its proximity to the Geraldton PCYC who we have a great relationship with, the Wonthella Skate Park as well as the Geraldton Aquarena.

“All of these facilities are heavily visited by our community and we’re looking to transform the area into a zone for young people to get together safely and positively after school and during the holidays.”

The City’s Youth team currently operate out of Lester House in the Geraldton CBD, however, the size of the building limits what activities can be run as well as how many participants can be involved.

Club Rocky’s in Wonthella will allow the City to increase the programs currently delivered and build upon the popular School Holiday Program, which engages a variety of young people in both Geraldton and Mullewa.

“Our five-year vision for the building and area is for it to be a fun, vibrant and safe space. Some immediate upgrades are required but we will do more extensive works over the next few years,” added Mayor Van Styn.

The acquisition of the land in Wonthella links back to the City’s Strategic Community Plan and delivering on the community’s vision for spaces, places, programs and services that foster connection and inclusion as well as more activities for young people to be involved in.

More information about the City’s new Geraldton Youth Centre will be available over the coming weeks.

Rubbish collection and landfill changes for Easter 2022

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise of the following changes in rubbish collection days and landfill opening times over the Easter holiday period.

Collection of 240L municipal garbage bins on residential and commercial premises for the City of Greater Geraldton are as follows:

Normal Collection Day                              New Collection Day

Friday 15 April 2022                                 Saturday 16 April 2022

Normal rubbish collections recommence on Monday 18 April 2022. 

Please ensure that all rubbish bins are on the verge by 6am on your collection day.

Meru Landfill will also be closed on Good Friday 15 April.

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

Tree removal in the CBD

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be removing a dead Norfolk Pine located on the corner of Marine Terrace and Foreshore Drive on Thursday 17 March 2021.

The City is always reluctant to remove trees as they add to the liveability of our community, however the removal of this tree is necessary to ensure community safety.  A new tree will be planted in its place during the winter months.

Pending appropriate weather conditions on the day, the area will be closed to traffic with detours in place during the works.

Members of the community are requested to use alternative routes, 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.

Dog Breeds Banned Overseas - Suffering Continues in WA

As Norway moves to ban the breeding of bulldogs and cavalier King Charles spaniels, RSPCA WA has urged puppy purchasers here to be cautious of these breeds too.

The court-ordered ban has spurred the RSPCA to remind people that breeds like pugs, bulldogs and cavaliers can be ‘fundamentally unhealthy’.

On Monday, Oslo District Court ruled that selective breeding of British Bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels breached the country’s Animal Welfare Act. The decision effectively bans the two breeds, which are notorious for problems associated with their flat faces and other characteristics.

RSPCA WA Animal Welfare Policy Officer Dr Talia Morgan said the decision was a win for dogs in Norway whose suffering had gone unabated for far too long.

‘Dogs in Australia with exaggerated features, like those around the world, also endure pain and suffering because of them; the associated health issues are well-documented and utterly heartbreaking,’ she said.

‘We know that pugs, British bulldogs and French bulldogs struggle to breath due to multiple airway deformities; that Dachshunds frequently suffer spinal problems which can lead to paralysis; and that cavaliers are prone to heart defects and headaches, due to their unnaturally small skulls.

‘These dogs don’t need to suffer, and consumers have incredible power to encourage responsible breeding by choosing to buy puppies bred for good lifelong health and welfare, rather than looks.’

Dr Morgan said owners of dogs with exaggerated physical features often encountered massive costs associated with medication, surgery, and specialised and ongoing vet care.

‘For example, surgery for a Dachshund with spinal problems will cost upwards of $5000, while surgery to correct a pug’s obstructed airway could set you back $8000. Plus, these dogs usually need ongoing extra daily care from their owners,’ she said.

‘I understand why people are drawn to these breeds. They are very cute and often have gorgeous temperaments, which just makes it all the more heartbreaking if they are suffering.

‘If you’re looking to welcome a dog into your life, please choose a healthy dog. It’s worth doing your research which will reveal, for example, that a flat-faced dog is 150 per cent more likely to suffer heatstroke than other breeds.’

RSPCA WA said exaggerated features to avoid when getting a dog included very flat faces, very large and protruding eyes, disproportionately short legs, and excessively wrinkled skin. Advice is available at RSPCA’s Smart Puppy and Dog Buyer’s Guide. Better yet, give a dog a second chance by adopting.

The RSPCA continues to campaign for a fundamental shift in the way purebred dogs are selected and bred. To get behind our push for a better future for purebred dogs with exaggerated features, see Love is Blind.

Europcar WA announced as Australia Day fireworks sponsor

Europcar WA Geraldton Branch Manager Dylan Corbett with Mayor Shane Van Styn.

Geraldton will be treated to a fireworks show at the conclusion of the 2022 Australia Day event thanks to local vehicle rental company Europcar WA.

Once Thrifty Car and Truck Rental WA, the company has now changed brands to Europcar WA, however they still have the same local staff you know and trust along with the same friendly service, fleet range and locations in Geraldton and around the state.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said he is pumped.

“A huge thank you to Europcar WA for coming on-board as our 2022 Australia Day fireworks sponsor,” he said.

“The community love fireworks and I know this vibrant display will bring joy and excitement to many.

“We appreciate Europcar WA’s support and look forward to seeing people come together for a respectful Australia Day event that acknowledges all members of the community.”

Europcar WA Geraldton Branch Manager Dylan Corbett said the company is excited to sponsor the fireworks show.

“We are looking forward to being involved in the Australia Day fireworks for the first time and we always look forward to being able to support the Geraldton community” he said.

“Thank you to the City of Geraldton for giving us the opportunity to be a part of this fantastic event.”

Respectful and inclusive Australia Day events are planned for both Geraldton and Mullewa on Wednesday 26 January. The Geraldton events program will be available for the community next week.

The Europcar Fireworks Show will go off at the conclusion of the event at approximately 8.30pm. 

For more information about the City’s Australia Day event, please click here.

Utakarra Road partial closure Utakarra Road partial closure

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advice the west bound lane only of Utakarra Road between Blencowe Road and Abraham Street is currently closed for resurfacing works.

The Cons Liquor site development contractor is resurfacing the road in front of the bottle shop with works expected to be completed on Thursday 9 December 2021.

A detour is in place for west bound traffic.

Members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from the contractor.

Christmas on the Terrace returns

Daniel Power from Midwest Aerial Arts enjoying the festivities at Christmas on the Terrace 2019

Christmas on the Terrace will return to Marine Terrace after a year’s hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Over 100 stallholders will join businesses in the area for another epic celebration in Geraldton’s premier shopping strip.

This year’s Christmas on the Terrace also has a digital twist, featuring augmented reality app “Eyejack” that allows event-goers to snap quirky and festive videos.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn is pumped for the event’s return.

“Christmas on the Terrace is back for 2021 after a challenging year of COVID-19 restrictions,” he said.

“There is over 100 registered stallholders including food vendors and roving entertainment, plus a whole lot of excitement and cheer in the community.

“This year we also have the unique addition of an augmented reality experience, and a competition to go with it. Anyone who creates a video on the night using the EyeJack app has the potential to win a $100 Buy Local Greater Geraldton Gift Card.

“We invite everyone to come down, enjoy some delicious cuisine, soak up the atmosphere and have a great time whilst supporting our local businesses this festive season” added Mayor Van Styn. 

The addition of the Christmas on the Terrace augmented reality experience is proudly sponsored by Rio Tinto.

Those who download the Eyejack app will be able to film presents falling from the sky, penguins roaming the streets, Santa Claus plus lots more. QR codes will span the event area – each code having their own unique filter.

The City is encouraging members of the community to post their most creative video using the filters to Instagram for a chance to secure a $100 Buy Local Greater Geraldton Gift Card. Whomever has the most creative video will be announced as the winner via the City’s social media on Friday 10 December.

Marine Terrace, from the Geraldton Police Station to Orana Cinemas, will be closed to vehicles to allow safe access for pedestrians. Free parking will be available in the City’s CBD car parks, however, parts of Lot 601 and Parking Station 1  (near Rocks Laneway) will have limited access.

Christmas on the Terrace and is set to take place in Marine Terrace on Thursday 9 December from 5pm – 8.30pm.

For further information check out cgg.wa.gov.au/christmas-on-the-terrace

Local history within easy reach for Geraldton youngsters

(L-R) Geraldton Primary School Year 3 Teacher Crystal Murray, Education Assistant Special Needs Careena Gryta, City of Greater Geraldton Coordinator Heritage Services Lorin Cox, Geraldton Primary School Principle Jacquie Quartermaine with Year 3 students.

Year 3 students in Geraldton will take a deep dive into the people, places and events that shaped the community following the production of a Local History Education Pack.

The pack provides teachers with accurate and engaging resources for the classroom, allowing youngsters to learn about the old Court House, transformation of Marine Terrace, previous Town Hall plus loads more. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the Local History Education Pack was sure to be a success in the classroom.

“We hope the resources influence youngsters to experience a positive interaction with local history,” he said.

“We have many historic gems in our locality and passing that information onto the next generation is extremely important. 

“My congratulations to everyone involved, in particular the Geraldton Regional Library team for producing the Local History Education Pack and the Western Australian History Foundation for their support.”

The grant supported the involvement of Diane Evans, a local education professional with a passion for history who was engaged to provide advice on content including relevance to the Australian Curriculum.

As a result of this consultation, the Geraldton Regional Library have developed a factual, relevant and engaging education pack that has recently been distributed to the most historic school in the area, Geraldton Primary School.

The Geraldton Regional Library’s Local History Education Pack will be delivered to all local primary schools before the end of Term 4.

Home schooling families operating within Geraldton are also eligible to receive a pack. For more information regarding the Local History Education Pack, please click here.

Cyclone Seroja financial assistance remains available

Five months on from Cyclone Seroja, many people are still in recovery phase.

Those impacted by the Cyclone are reminded there are still financial assistance packages available.

Please visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au/recovery for full details including criteria, eligibility and application details.

Reinstallation of shade sails

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise shade sails and shade domes over playgrounds throughout the City will be reinstalled starting the week of Monday 13 September 2021 in preparation for the coming summer season.

Works will take about two weeks to complete.

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.