Kaleidoscope of talent announced for Big Sky

Avid readers need to look no further to find their next burst of creative spark, with Geraldton Regional Library releasing the dates for Big Sky Readers and Writers Festival 2022.

Set to be held from Thursday 29 September until Sunday 2 October, this year’s line-up features a ‘kaleidoscope’ of talent from across the state.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn was thrilled to see it back for another year.

“This long running staple on the Geraldton events calendar continues to bring exceptional experiences to local venues throughout the region,” he said.

“Big Sky is a must-see for literature lovers everywhere and I applaud everyone involved for organising another ripper year.

“The full programme and tickets will be released very soon, so keep an eye on the Library’s social media so you don’t miss out!”

The 2022 line-up features Geraldton born author Holden Sheppard, whose debut novel Invisible Boys won several accolades, including the WA Premier’s Prize for an Emerging Writer in 2019. His second novel, titled The Brink will be published in August.

Other writers making an appearance include Amanda Bridgeman, Emily Brugman, Melody Dia, Brooke Dunnell, Dr Kate Forsyth and many more.

A full list of guests and moderators can be viewed on the Geraldton Regional Library’s website.

Funding for the Festival has been provided thanks to Lara Dalton MLA, Sandra Carr MLC and Darren West MLC; and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, along with support from the Geraldton Universities Centre, local businesses and community groups.

Unsealed rural road closures due to heavy rainfall

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that due to heavy rainfall unsealed rural roads between Geraldton and Eradu Road North and Eradu Road South including Walkaway and Greenough districts are closed to all traffic, with the exception of local residents, until further notice.

Local residents are advised to use 4 wheel drive vehicles wherever possible, exercise caution and drive to conditions as required to assist with minimising damage to the roads at this time.

For all the latest updates on road closures go to the Road Conditions Report https://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/road-condition-report.aspx

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 closures may cause.

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

Artwork bus shelters installation

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise eight new bus shelters featuring artworks by local artists will be installed at the following locations starting on Monday 1 August 2022 for a period of approximately five days.

• Harrison Street, Bluff Point near Bluff Point Primary School

• Central Road, Wonthella between Place Road and First Street

• Shenton Street, Geraldton near Geraldton Senior High School

• Shenton Street, Geraldton near the Geraldton Regional Hospital

• Chapman Road, Bluff Point across from Bluff Point Shopping Centre

• Fitzgerald Street,  Beachlands across from Central Regional TAFE

• Chapman Road, Geraldton in front of North Gate Shopping Centre both street sides

The anticipated hours of work will be from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.

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.

Feedback wanted on Draft Chapman River Estuary Action Plan

Chapman River Estuary

If you enjoy visiting the Chapman River Estuary then you won’t want to miss the opportunity to have your say on a draft action plan to enhance and protect the unique area.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the Draft Chapman River Estuary Reserve Action Plan was developed in collaboration with the community, Traditional Owners and the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council (NACC).

“During a series of workshops members of the community took the opportunity to share what they value about the estuary, what threats and issues they see and suggested actions to address these,” he said.

“Some of the key issues they identified include weed and feral animal management, maintenance of the shared path, fencing and educational signage.

“The estuary is a very popular recreation spot, the site of a federally listed Threatened Ecological Community, a place of cultural significance to many Aboriginal people and home to migratory shore birds, turtles and other wildlife.

“This is why we are inviting the community to give us feedback on the draft action plan, to ensure it will enhance and protect this unique area for our future generations.”

Members of the community can provide their feedback on the draft plan online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CREstuary . Hardcopies of the Draft Plan and feedback form are also available at the City Civic Centre at 63 Cathedral Avenue and Geraldton Regional Library on Marine Terrace. The deadline to provide feedback is 9am on Monday 15 August 2022.

More information on the Chapman River Estuary Reserve Action Plan is available here

Million Trees Project wants your plantings

Grace and Christoph Kopplhuber have recently begun revegetating their Moresby property by planting more than 150 seedlings, shrubs and trees this winter.

If you’ve been busy greening our City region by planting seedlings, shrubs and trees on your property you can make them count by registering them with the Million Trees Project.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said although 510,459 plantings have been registered since the project began in 2012, more registrations are needed to meet the 2029 project deadline.

“When you drive around the region you can see residents and businesses have been busy beautifying their properties and revegetating their land,” Mayor Van Styn added.

“These plantings have already greatly improved how the area looks, and over time will help cool the City and help reduce our carbon footprint, all of which benefits current and future generations.

“However, if we are going to meet the 1 million plantings by 2029 we need everyone who has planted both native and non-native perennials in the City region in the last 12 years to register them with the project if you haven’t already done so.

“Help us make every tree count.”

This year, around 12,000 local providence seedlings and trees grown by volunteers at the Community Nursery will be planted in our parks, bushland and coastal reserves by community groups, local business and City staff.

All perennial plants (plants that live more than two years) including trees that produce food, decorative and ground cover plants can be registered towards the project.

Plantings can be registered online on the City’s website here or by calling 9956 6600.

More information on the Million Trees Project here

Geraldton’s Heritage Collection welcomes historic One Pound Trader’s Note

City of Greater Geraldton’s Heritage Collection has welcomed a second One Pound Trader’s Note.

An important part of the region’s history has joined the City of Greater Geraldton’s Heritage Collection and it’s in the form of a One Pound Trader’s Note.

The Scott and Gale One Pound Trader’s Note donated by former Midwest resident Richard Shepheard, dates from the 1870s and is one of two historic and rare Pound Notes which were auctioned in Sydney in November 1997. 

The second Pound Note was purchased by the Geraldton City Council and dates from the 1860s.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn thanked Mr Shepheard for his donation.

“The City’s Heritage Collection already contained one of the notes and it’s now bolstered with a second, which we are very grateful for,” he said.

“You can just imagine the adventures both of these notes have been on since being printed in the mid-1800s. How times have changed.

“Preserving our history is a key part of what the Geraldton Regional Library does and I encourage everyone to check out both the Heritage and Local History Collections. They are full of gems that showcase the region’s transformation.”

The One Pound Trader’s Notes were essential to local trade in the early days of the colony, due to the shortage of coinage in circulation. They were printed between 1858 and 1874 by English Printers Blades, East and Blades. 

It’s alleged that only a few of the notes still exist. 

The design of the Note contains a black swan, which is believed to pay homage to both the Swan and Greenough Rivers.

(L-R) Richard Shepheard with Mayor Shane Van Styn, City Manager Libraries, Heritage and Gallery Trudi Cornish and Coordinator Heritage Services Lorin Cox with the One Pound Trader’s Notes.

Present to witness the historic handover were City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn, Manager Libraries, Heritage and Gallery Trudi Cornish, Coordinator Heritage Services Lorin Cox, Richard Shepheard, Jeff Smith, Jeanie Sojan, Roy Sojan and John Scroop.

To view the One Pound Trader’s Note, please visit the Geraldton Regional Library’s website by clicking here.

City calls for ablution block at Kojarena

(L-R) City of Greater Geraldton Councillors Tarleah Thomas, Jennifer Critch and Jerry Clune at the Kojarena Truck Stop on the Geraldton-Mt Magnet Road.

Upgrades to the Kojarena Truck Stop are on the City of Greater Geraldton’s radar, following the loss of the Giles Road ablution block earlier this year.

Located on the Geraldton-Mt Magnet Road, the pullover bay is frequented by a variety of travellers but has no facilities.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn believes it would make an ideal location for an ablution block.

“Truck drivers are required to have a driving break every five hours as part of fatigue management and the Kojarena Truck Stop is that break spot for many,” he said.

“With the loss of the Giles Road ablution block and no other facilities close by, it makes sense for this area to be upgraded to accommodate all drivers.

“We are calling on the State Government to improve the Kojarena Truck Stop – ideally, we would like to see the area sealed along with toilet and shower facilities added, so that people don’t have to relieve themselves in the bush.”

The Giles Road ablution block was destroyed by vandals earlier this year.

It was one of the only public facilities along the Geraldton to Mullewa stretch, which is 99kms, and will not be rebuilt as it is in the direct path of the proposed Dongara-Geraldton-Northampton Outer Bypass.

“Upgrading the Kojarena Truck Stop would be a positive step forwards, especially for female truck drivers who form an integral part of the industry. It would also help to repair the relationships that have been impacted by the Dongara-Geraldton-Northampton Outer Bypass news,” added Mayor Van Styn.

The City of Greater Geraldton encourages the State Government to consider this request.

Animal Management Facility nearing capacity

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that the Animal Management Facility is nearing capacity and for a short period of one week will not be able to accept any surrendered dogs.

This is so that City Rangers and dog rehoming partners are able to properly care for the large number of dogs that have already been surrendered.

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

City’s community funding program is now open

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn and Dave Kroiter from Sun City Christian Centre.

Organisations in the Midwest searching for a financial boost can now apply for the City’s latest round of Community Grants.

Round 27 of the Community Grants Program is designed for not-for-profit groups, clubs, and organisations to implement projects, activities and programs that enhance and promote community wellbeing within Greater Geraldton. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said a Community Grant could provide much needed support.

“We are fortunate to have so many organisations that do such wonderful work in our community,” he said.

“Providing a helping hand to these groups is one of the most important services the City provides to foster wellbeing and enhance capacity.

“I encourage all community groups who feel they would benefit from financial assistance to apply for a Community Grant.”

For those seeking assistance with the application process, draft submissions must be lodged by Sunday 7 August so that feedback can be supplied.

The final deadline for submissions is no later than 5pm on Wednesday 24 August 2022.

For a full list of the eligibility requirements, please refer to the Community Funding Programs Guidelines and access the City’s online grant information site here. 

Geraldton Regional Art Gallery goes bush

Two creative, new exhibitions launching this week will see works displayed not only in the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery (GRAG) but also on-site at the Wonthella Bushland Reserve.

Set to open on Friday 8 July from 6pm, The Alternative Archive and Open Borders have been generated by WA artists through the Creative Grid network.

Open Borders explores the nature of borders, as they impact the social, political and economic fabric of our communities. Nine local artists and groups have also made artwork set in the Wonthella Bushland Reserve, which relate to their gallery works.

The Alternative Archive is a major touring exhibition, including the 2021 artworks by a number of Midwest artists examining lost stories, and perhaps what history doesn’t tell.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn is looking forward to the opening night.

“GRAG is once again leading the way by enabling artists to express themselves in new and creative ways,” he said.

“I am looking forward to visiting the installations in Wonthella and seeing how those works link back to what is being displayed in GRAG.

“I encourage everyone to come and check out The Alternative Archive and Open Borders when the exhibitions open.”

Open Borders and The Alternative Archive will open at 6pm Friday 8 July for the opening night event and continue until Sunday 4 September.

The Wonthella Bushland installation of Open Borders will commence with a performance at 10am Saturday 9 July and only be available for viewing until 4pm Sunday 10 July.

Tickets to the opening night event are limited, so patrons are requested to register their attendance via Eventbrite.

The Alternative Archive has been made possible through the Regional Exhibition Touring Boost managed by the Department of Local Government Sport and Cultural Industries, supported by Royalties for Regions, and delivered by Art on the Move.

Temporary closure of HMAS Sydney II Memorial female toilets

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that the female toilets in the ablution block at the HMAS Sydney II Memorial are temporarily closed due to vandalism.

Repair works are currently in place to address the damage.

The male and unisex toilets remain open at this time.

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.

Community invited to green the Foreshore

The return of winter rains means it’s time to break out the gardening gloves and come along to the annual Million Trees Community Planting Day on Saturday 2 July 2021 on the Beresford Foreshore.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the annual event gives members of the community the opportunity to be part of something really big.

“For nearly a decade, the City has been holding annual planting events for the community to take part in,” he said.

“This year we are aiming to plant 800 seedlings on the Beresford Foreshore, all of which will be counted towards the Million Trees Project.

“Thanks to the efforts of everyone involved in planting seedlings over the past ten years, the look and feel of our City has certainly improved.”

No gardening experience was required for one of the youngest community members to plant a seedling at the Million Trees Community Planting Day in 2021.

If you too would like to be part of the community’s top priority to green the City grab a mate, your partner and your kids and meet us at the Chapman Road carpark across from Mitchell and Brown between 9am to 11am on Saturday 2 July 2022.

No gardening experience required and refreshments will be provided. Please wear suitable clothes and footwear. Bring your own gloves and a water bottle.

Since the Million Trees project began in 2012 nearly 510,000, seedlings, trees and shrubs have been planted. More information on the Project here

Geraldton claims silver in Top Tourism Town Awards

Geraldton has claimed silver in the 2022 GWN7 Top Tourism Town Awards.

Geraldton has claimed silver in the 2022 GWN7 Top Tourism Town Awards, which was held in Perth just last night, cementing itself as a popular holiday destination on the rise.

Gold was claimed by Mandurah with Esperance securing bronze.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn congratulated everyone involved.

“We have some amazing holiday destinations in Western Australia so the competition is always very tight,” he said.

“Our congratulations to Mandurah for taking out the top gong.

“I would also like to thank everyone who voted for Geraldton – it allowed us to claim silver. I challenge everyone to increase their voting efforts next year so we can secure gold!”

Greater Geraldton’s award-winning submission was targeted at families and showcased all the thrilling activities on offer.

The GWN7 Top Tourism Town Awards recognise destinations that have a strong commitment to tourism and increasing visitation in their region.

Winners from each state will progress to the national awards held later this year.

More information about the 2022 GWN7 Top Tourism Town Awards is available by clicking here.

Cape Burney BBQ renewal

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the barbeque in Mersey Park, located on Mersey Street, in Cape Burney is being renewed with works beginning on Thursday 23 June 2022.

The replacement of the gas barbeque with an electric one will take approximately two weeks to complete. The barbeque will be out of service 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.

Road closures for HMAS Stalwart III Freedom of Entry March

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that the following roads will be closed as the City welcomes the ship’s company from HMAS Stalwart III during their Freedom of Entry March on Saturday 25 June.

• Chapman Road from Durlacher Street to Snowden Street

• Foreshore Drive from Cathedral Avenue to Forrest Street

• Forrest Street from Foreshore Drive to Anzac Terrace

• Durlacher Street from Foreshore Drive to Marine Terrace

• Marine Terrace from Durlacher Street to Chapman Road

Road closures will be in place from 2pm to 4pm.

The City apologises for any inconvenience during this time and will endeavour to keep disruptions to a minimum.

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

New lights give Queens Park Theatre a ‘glow up’

Mayor Shane Van Styn (L), Cr. Parker, Cr. Tanti, Cr. Reymond, Cr. Keemink, Cr. Clune, Cr. Hall and Cr. Librizzi take a moment to inspect the upgrade.

People passing by the Queens Park Theatre (QPT) at night may have noticed the building has had a glow up, with the installation of new lighting fixtures now complete.

The works, which were conducted as part of the City of Greater Geraldton’s capital renewals program, saw the outdated exterior lights replaced with state-of-the-art technology.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the upgrade brings the QPT in line with other national landmarks.

“Here at the City we routinely receive requests from the public to turn the QPT different colours as a show of support for certain causes,” he said.

“We were very limited in what we could do with the previous lighting structure, which had reached end of life and was starting to experience technical difficulties.

“The new system boasts 60-degree lens filters and the ability to assign every fixture a different colour to create custom lighting designs that support awareness or themed occasions.”

The 30 new lighting fixtures are a performance exterior linear Graze luminaire and are controlled by a modern interface that simplifies the customisation process.

QPT staff are working with Council to put in place an application process for community causes to ensure they align with the City’s values.

The new lighting system was installed by TLS Productions.

Fitzgerald Street drainage works

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise drainage works on Fitzgerald Street, between the Durack Institute of Technology and Augustus Street, are scheduled to begin on Tuesday 21 June 2022 and take approximately six days to complete.

To ensure community safety partial road closures with detours will be in place for the duration of the works.

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.

Sports funding applications decoded

Applying for grant funding will be made easier through a free information night hosted by the City of Greater Geraldton and the Department of Local Government, Sport & Cultural Industries later this month.

The Grant Information Night on Wednesday 29 June will take a deep dive into what funding is available, eligibility, timeframes, and how to present an application to maximise success for local sporting clubs.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn urges the community to attend.

“Sport is such an integral part of our way of life in Geraldton, therefore it is essential that we help sporting organisations in the Midwest attain the funding they need to keep our community active both physically and socially,” he said.

“I encourage everyone who is part of a sporting club to come down to the Grant Information Night and learn how to apply for the funding to help support their organisations.”

The Grant Information Night will feature Youth Affairs Council WA Grant Officer Matthew Tomich who will virtually present the process of grant writing as well as the factors to consider when submitting a funding application.

The presentation will be held at the Geraldton Multipurpose Centre between 5.30pm and 7pm Wednesday 29 June.

RSVP is essential and free tickets are available by clicking here.

Kempton Street footpath maintenance

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise maintenance works on the off road shared path on Kempton Street, between St Georges Beach and Hosken Street, will start today and take approximately two days to complete.

Pedestrian management will be in place during the works.

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.

Temporary closure of Yarraman Park playground

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise maintenance works on the Yarraman Park playground equipment will be begin Thursday 16 June 2022 for a period of approximately three weeks.

To ensure community safety during the works, the playground located on Yarraman Road in Waggrakine will be closed.

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.