Geraldton Dog Rescue Dog of the Week

Pecan is this week’s Dog Of The Week. Pecan is a male, 1 year old mixed breed who could have some staffy in him.

He is good with other dogs and OK with confident dog social cats. He is a very loyal boy who like to be with his people, he is great on a lead and very easy to walk.

He sits and is very gentle and calm with food. Pecan loves playing with a ball and is currently being housetrained. He is great when left in the back yard, happy to snooze on his bed and not chew or dig. Pecan would make a great addition to any family.

Geraldton Dog Rescue is a not for profit organisation run solely by volunteers. All GDR dogs cost $350 and have been bathed and flea treated, vet checked, vaccinated, wormed, micro-chipped and de-sexed.

If you would like to view a dog or become a volunteer please call 0400219719. Geraldton Dog Rescue can also be contacted via their website www.geraldtondogrescue.com.au or you can find them on Facebook.

Police make 120 arrests in Operation Telepathic

A noticeable increase in police presence in Geraldton over the last few weeks was linked to Operation Telepathic.

The operation focused on a surge in resources in key locations, whilst targeting individual offenders who are known to be criminally active.

Specialist staff from the Police Mounted Section, State Traffic and Perth K9 were involved in the operation to date, and the Police say they have received positive feedback from the Geraldton community.

Within the five week period of the operation so far, over 120 arrests were made for offences including burglary, stealing and anti-social behaviour.

Ongoing actions will include a youth focus with heightened engagement, with partner agencies to address the causes of youth offending.

The public can expect a continuing increase in foot patrols by police around the CBD and shopping centres to promote greater accessibility to the police for the public.

City raises over $8,500 for Foodbank

What a night it was, culminating in fireworks, a standing ovation and more than $8,500 in the Foodbank coffers.

The City of Greater Geraldton Charity Variety Concert, With a Little Help from our Friends, put on by City staff who volunteered their time and talent on Saturday night, along with friends Aaron Wilcox Mia Royce, Julian Canny and James Davies was a roaring success.

More than 330 tickets were sold with all proceeds to Foodbank Geraldton and the audience was blown away by the talent before them.

One patron leaving the theatre commented that he “attends something at QPT once a month and this was the best show” he had ever attended. High praise indeed!

Entertainment was top notch with staff singing and playing a range of instruments very proficiently. The ages ranged from 17-year-old Phoebe Royce – who sang a couple of solos – to her ‘Uncle Bob’ Davis who did a duet with niece and ‘concert friend’ Mia Royce, and all ages in between.

Beck Tuesley sang a couple of numbers penned by her own fair hand that went down a treat, as did Mia Royce, and ‘Bob Worker from the Depot’, aka Mark Canny, had the audience in stitches with his comedic take as a council worker.

Sheri Moulds and Jeff Graham (sometimes known as Yogi Bear) kept things ticking over between acts with clever banter. Annette Walsh was a wonderful accompaniment on violin, while Dave Gibson busted some moves as he sang That Old Time Rock and Roll and Konrad Seidl schmoozed the ladies in the front rows with red roses, crooning the Sinatra classic The Way You Look Tonight.

There are so many others deserving of mention but if you’re lucky you may just see them next year...

The concert was the mastermind of City Director of Corporate and Commercial Services, Bob Davis – only a rare-occasional keyboarder and hobby guitar player – who discovered the City’s hidden musical talent at a hurriedly pulled together Christmas party jam last year.

The players enjoyed that jam so much, and it was so well received by the staff audience that Bob got to thinking about putting on something more adventurous, for charity, and the idea was off and running.

He was delighted with the concert result and said it was a great staff initiative.

“All their effort was volunteered free, in their own time, at no cost to ratepayers,” he said.

“This was our City staff and their friends, as members of the community, doing something worthwhile for our community, and the wonderful people of Geraldton turned out and supported us.

“Mia, Aaron, James and Julian added much to the show, and we’re very grateful for their contribution. It was challenging to create three hours of musical and variety entertainment, but it was fun, and everyone is keen to do it again next year,” Bob said.

“So – yes, there will be another musical variety concert for charity, to be performed by City staff and Friends, next year.”

City CEO, Ken Diehm, was delighted to support the staff initiative and admired their bravery for choosing to put their talents on display.

“I was overwhelmed by both the talent and enthusiasm of my staff in putting on the variety concert,” he said.

“This was a great opportunity for staff to actively demonstrate to the community that they are not just Council workers but are active members of the community where they live work and play.”

Chimere Pearls donated a one-off pearl pendant that fetched $1500 at auction, and City CEO Ken Diehm auctioned off three hours of his time donated for “any legal activities within reason,” he said, collecting another $350.

Win! $100 Jurien Bay Short Stay Accommodation voucher

Thinking of a getaway? Jurien Bay might just be your next stop!

Jurien Bay Short Stay Accomodation are giving away a $100 voucher and all you have to do is click here and follow the three steps.

Entries close Sunday, 10th August and the winner will be announced via the Jurien Bay Short Stay Accommodation Facebook page on Monday, 11th August.

Arrest made after Tarcoola break ins

A 19-year old male has been charged with aggravated burglary and stealing after he was found to have large amounts of stolen property and cash in his possession from numerous vehicles and a house in the Mount Tarcoola and Tarcoola Beach area.

Following information from the public, police conducted saturation patrols within the Mount Tarcoola area at around 2am this morning when the arrest occurred.

The male led police officers to several bush locations where other property items had been hidden. These items have been recovered and the public are requested to contact police if they believe they have had any property items stolen overnight.

A second offender is to be located today.

You are getting sleepy… Now you are a Chicken!

Australia’s Leading Hypnotist Mark Anthony will be showing his very own Comedy Hypnosis show on Friday 8th August at the Wintersun Hotel!

For a crazy night out with friends at this “not to be missed” night of laughs and shenanigans. The audience will star in the show, as Mark uses the power of hypnotism to influence them into hilarious situations. Naughty, mind-blowing and spectacularly funny, this show is a must see for comedy lovers and hypnotism sceptics alike!

“If you're a hypnotism sceptic or just a group of friends looking for a different night out this show is not to be missed. Expect aching ribs, chicken dancing and a cheeky English accent,”  says The Comedy Emporium’s Coordinator Emma Howell.

“This is our first time in the Kuta Room (at the Wintersun) so we wanted to bring something fresh to town.

“As usual with our shows, the tickets are strictly limited.

“Do you really want to miss that one night that your mate clucked like a chicken?”

To see Mark in action, check out this show of his on YouTube.

For more information and tickets head towww.thecomedyemporium.com or at the Wintersun Hotel.

Doors open 7.00pm, hypnotism from 8pm

Tickets on sale now for $29 each presale.   Tickets at the door for $35 if not sold out (The last 4 shows have sold out) – so make sure you pre book online or at the Wintersun. Group discounts apply and for enquiries please ring 0458 306 111. No BYO alcohol. Bar available.

Midwest fishing report by Tackleworld Country

LOCAL ROCKWALLS

There have been big Sambo's and mulloway hanging around the harbour rock walls, and nice size Skippy as well There should be plenty of squid in these areas, Tailor can be found at the back of the reefs, look for the white water as the big greenbacks push tight into the reef waiting for baitfish to get washed off the reef.

NEW MARINER & HARBOUR

Yellow fin whiting and school whiting are getting caught along the foreshore along with herring and small flathead, Seal Rock is still holding Skippy, pinkies, small mulloway and squid.

BEACHES

The beaches have been quiet due to big swells and rough weather with no improvement in the coming week,

OFFSHORE

Offshore fishing has been firing on all cylinders and you dont have to travel far to get a feed, with Dhufish, pinkies and baldies to the south from 10-30m, the shipping moorings holding Dhuie's , coral trout, sambos and amber Jack.

Mackerel have been taken north of Coronations, coral tout and baldies can be found in these areas as well.

There is no shortage of red throat emperor on the inside of pensioners and out wide. Report of big yellow fin tuna 16mile S/W of town

THIS WEEK'S VIDEO

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FISH REPORT WRITTEN BY TACKLEWORLD COUNTRY  GERALDTON 20 ANZAC TERRACE GERALDTON WA 08 99216822

Man flees police at 150km/h with children in car

Police were led on a pursuit yesterday when they tried to stop a 25-year-old male driving in a Holden Commodore Sedan. The vehicle was travelling along Cathedral Avenue when the police attempted to pull him over at the intersection on Cathedral Avenue and Hermitage Street.

The male was driving with two other adults in the car as well as one small child and one infant.

The driver refused to stop and accelerated heavily away from Police turning left onto Hermitage Street.

Police pursued the vehicle through the suburbs of Rangeway and Utakarra and reached speeds which were estimated to be in excess of 150km/h. The vehicle eventually stopped in Wonthella.

The male was conveyed to Geraldton Police Station where he was charged with: 1 x Reckless Driving 1 x Fail to Stop 1 x No Authority to Drive

The 25 year old male driver from Geraldton faced Geraldton Magistrates Court today.

Chapman River walk this Sunday

Join the Chapman River Friends (CRF) for a walk in the Chapman River Regional Park this Sunday afternoon.

There are new flowers appearing every week, and numerous animal tracks and traces to identify. You can also check out the restoration work.

When - Sunday 27th July

Time - 3pm

Where - Meet at Spalding Park - access is from Chapman Road just south of the bridge.

Wear - strong shoes, hat and a jacket if it is cold.

Bring - a water bottle.

CRF will also have wildflower brochures available for purchase for $5

If you would like any more information on the walk please contact Jenna - 0417960737

Increased Police presence noticed and appreciated by community

Everything Geraldton has been getting numerous comments about the noticeable increased Police presence around town lately. People are curious and very positive about what they perceive to be a more visible Police force. Some community members took to Facebook, including the Geraldton Neighbourhood Watch group, to commend the Police for the extra visibility and effort.

Police have also publicly invited members of the community to stop and say hi to Police they see walking the beat in the CBD, and get to know their local force.

New Stock at DaVincis!

DaVincis' new container has arrived with many more unique pieces of furniture!

If you have been looking around for a certain 'something' to have the WOW-factor in your home, we might just have it!

We have dining tables, garden settings, TV units, day beds and much more!  Come on in and have a wander!

Walkaway drug and alcohol centre approved for go ahead

Proposed Mount Hill Walkaway community farm which will provide rehabilitation for drug and alcohol addicts has been approved.

At last nights council meeting over 70 people attended the debate and heard as the council voted 11 -2 in favour of the go ahead rehab centre, even in despite of a petition against the centre with over 270 signatures. Hope Community Services (HCS) are the company behind the centre and are a community services organisation that provides support services to people affected by alcohol and drugs. A range of services are offered by HCS including programs directed to those at risk, counselling services, rehabilitation programs, supervised residential accommodation and transitional housing accommodation.

The proposed Community Farm will enable HCS to expand its services in the Midwest, both in their ability to offer services via the therapeutic community model and their ability to offer supervised accommodation services.

HCS has received a $2 million grant from the Western Australian Royalties for Regions Program that required the development of a detailed business case which was required to demonstrate a quantifiable return on investment, based on a sustainable economic and environmental model.

The land to be developed is located within the locality of Mount Hill and is approximately 15 km south-east from the Walkaway townsite via Nangetty – Walkaway and Allanooka Springs Roads. The site for the centre is approximately 42 km from Geraldton and is located just north of the local authority boundary with the Shire of Irwin.

Proposed development includes an extension to the rear (south) of the existing shed of approximately 130m2, giving a total of 300m2.

Three accommodation units are proposed although only 2 will be initially constructed. The units will be 98m2 each and the floor plan for each accommodation unit will comprise 4 bedrooms with 2 single beds, clothes storage and table/desk and an additional inclusive access (disabled) bedroom. Each accommodation unit will house up to 9 residents and a maximum of 27 residents could ultimately be accommodated at any one time.

The unique locational and physical attributes of the subject land and its high aesthetic appeal, make this an ideal setting for the centre. In addition, the property well developed with infrastructure which can be expanded upon in the future also make the area ideal for the development of the community farm.

The coordination and delivery of therapy programs will be managed in accordance with established HCS programs, management and reporting guidelines. Participants enter into HCS residential programs voluntarily and are not bound to remain in programs. Farm residents will not be referred from the WA Police Service or Justice Department sectors. They will come from current HCS programs at Rosella House or other HCS locations. HCS accepts referrals from drug and alcohol agencies, mental health services, GP’s, welfare agencies, private counsellors, families and self-referral.

All clients accepted into the program are required to have undergone a pre- admission processes including, but not limited to, medical detoxification, mental health and readiness for change assessment. This ensures not only the safety of the individual, the facility and wider community but ensures the client has maximum opportunity to achieve success.

The facility will have 5 to 7 full time employees, with a minimum of 4 to 5 staff on-site at any time during normal business hours, and 1 to 2 staff on-site for evenings and overnight. The community farm will be managed and overseen by a combination of service manager, farm manager, project manager, support workers and care providers and will be staffed 24 hours a day every day of the year.

The HCS has said they have accessed the risks involved and addressed the publics concerns and has put a comprehensive risk management system in place. This includes detailed assessments to determine suitability for potential entry into the program, it should also be noted that the program is not for withdrawal/detoxification purposes.

Australian Ballet on the road to Geraldton

The Australian Ballet hits the road with The Dancers Company, bringing the best of ballet to regional areas

The Australian Ballet’s regional touring program, The Dancers Company, is on the road again in 2014, proudly supported by Principal Partner Telstra.

Travelling far and wide to perform a dazzling triple bill of classical ballet in regional Australia, the tour stars guest artists of The Australian Ballet and graduating students from The Australian Ballet School.

Since its debut in 1980, The Dancers Company has given 714 performances in 65 locations across the nation, entertaining more than 390,000 regional ballet fans.

Local dance students who’ve dreamt of taking a class with an artist of The Australian Ballet will get their chance – a series of open classes will be held in selected venues throughout The Dancers Company 2014 tour.

During July and August the company will present 16 performances and travel over 10,000 kilometres by bus, car, plane and truck to bring a program of spectacular ballet to regional areas in Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia.

This year marks a 30-year partnership between Telstra and The Australian Ballet with Telstra proud to be bringing world-class ballet to Australians in regional areas.

Telstra’s Group Managing Director, Products, Warwick Bray commended The Australian Ballet’s regional touring arm for their long-term commitment to sharing ballet with Australians across the country.

“Telstra is proud to be supporting The Dancers Company tour which provides Australians in regional centres with the opportunity to see live, world-class ballet right on their doorstep.”

The tour will head to Launceston, Hobart, Ballarat, Frankston, Warragul, South Morang, Warrnambool, Geraldton, Mandurah, Albany and Bunbury.

This year The Dancers Company will perform two much-loved favourites, Act III from Swan Lake and Paquita as well as a newly created work, Rimbombo – demonstrating the breadth and beauty of classical ballet.

Australian Ballet perform La Bayadère at Arts Centre Melbourne in September 2014. Competition opens 16 July.

About the program -

Paquita, the popular tutu spectacular, packs a punch with jaw-droppingly impressive footwork, demanding the utmost technical precision from its dancers.

Simon Dow, ex-principal artist of The Australian Ballet and former Artistic Director of West Australian Ballet, presents an exciting new classical work, Rimbombo. This ballet showcases the athleticism and emerging artistry of The Dancers Company’s young male dancers.

Rounding out the program is Act III from the most beloved ballet of all, Swan Lake. The traditional version of the dramatic court scene matches Marius Petipa’s choreography with Tchaikovsky’s iconic score and includes the famous Black Swan pas de deux.

Senior Artist Miwako Kubota, partnered by the 2013 Telstra Ballet Dancer Award winner Christopher Rodgers-Wilson, will tour to Warragul, South Morang, Warrnambool, Geraldton, Mandurah, Albany and Bunbury.

Soloist Robyn Hendricks, partnered by Coryphée Jared Wright, will perform in Launceston, Hobart, Ballarat and Frankston.

This year is a particularly important one for The Dancers Company, marking The Australian

Ballet School’s 50th anniversary. It’s also the final tour of the company’s Artistic Director Danilo Radojevic. He will retire in September after leading The Australian Ballet’s regional tour for 13 years.

“We’ve assembled a stellar line-up of guest artists to lead the stars of tomorrow from The Australian Ballet School. It’s a diverse program of classical and contemporary treats. I can’t think of a more fitting tour to end my time as Artistic Director of The Dancers Company and celebrate The Australian Ballet School’s exciting milestone of a half century,” said Radojevic.

Dates -

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Geraldton - Saturday 9 August

Mandurah - Tuesday 12 August

Albany - Thursday 14 August

Bunbury - Saturday 16 August

For bookings contact - australianballet.com.au or 1300 369 741

For further information on The Dancers Company, performances and public programs, visit:The Dancers Compnay Media Release

australianballet.com.au/regionaltour australianballet.com.au/publicprograms

Goodness Festival 2014

The Goodness & Innovation festival is on for 2014 starting on the 16th of August, this year it promises to bigger and better than ever. The Mid West's unique Festival celebrating 'Goodness' will run from the 15th to the 31st of August. The Goodness Festival is all about celebrating sustainability and innovation in the Mid West aiming to educate, empower and inspire the wider community.

The 2013 festival saw more than 1100 people attend 20 events and 53 nominations were also received for the Goodness Awards. This year there will be more events, including an Energy-Water Symposium and Startup Weekend, as well as the Awards night, Exhibition and community events.

The Festival will feature an abundance of tours, exhibitions, lectures, workshops and awards in and around Geraldton. From Urban heat planning to River Biodiversity Tours at Chapman River to Mobile and Web Technology Training; there’s something for everyone!

The 16 day long festival will provide the community with information and experiences to enable organizations and individuals to live more socially responsible, sustainable and technically savvy lives.

After all, small changes make a big difference in our community. Share the Festival with your friends and come and talk to experts like Nigel Tapper and Lisa Grieve amongst others.

If you have an idea for an event there is still room for bookings, to book a spot or for information on the festival call Pollinators on 0466 694 702

Full details of the Festival are online here. [tentblogger-vimeo 75920758]

Quiz night with a great cause

Anyone who has followed the Geraldton Buccaneers from back in the mid-nineties will remember valued player Roneil Powell. Ron was part of the 1997 Buccs team featured great players including Dan Hunt, Greg Brown and Andrew Kennedy.

Ron was known for being a true team player.

On Sunday February 2, former Buccs import player Roneil Powell, 43, unexpectedly passed away of a cardiac arrest.

The devastating news comes just days after the family’s 4-year-old son Ezequiel was diagnosed with a rare form of inoperable cancer.

Ron is American and his wife Alex Porrata, daughter Yolanda and son Ezequiel reside in California’s Marin County.

On a website dedicated to Ezequiel and Ron, Ron is described as, “a beautiful man, beloved by everyone who knew him.”

Ron is remembered as being team orientated and loved his friends and family. He was down to earth and enjoyed life, especially his time in Geraldton. He even became a fire fighter around 2002/03 (after September 11).

To help out Ron’s family, the Geraldton Buccaneers will host a Quiz Night on Thursday, 31st July 2014 to raise much needed funds to help with the ongoing medical costs for Ez.

The funds will go to the family through the website to help care for Ron’s family.

The Buccs would love to have as many people as possible attend to make it a great, fun night and to raise the all important funds to help Ron’s family.

Date - Thursday 31st July 2014

Where - Activewest Stadium 8th street Wonthella

Time - Doors open 6.15pm quiz starts at 7pm.

Cost - $15 per person all tickets to be pre booked no door sales on the night.

If you can't make the quiz night but would like to donate, click here.

If you would like more information or to book a table, contact Ryan Thompson - 0408 954 311 or Lana Thompson 0408 924 523.

Land lines still favoured by older australians

A survey from 2013 has released findings that quarter of older Australians (855,000) only have a fixed-line telephone at home. While increasing numbers of Australians are replacing their fixed-line telephone with a mobile phone, some groups particularly those aged 65 years and over continue to rely on their fixed-line telephone service. ACMA’s latest report ‘Older Australians resist cutting the cord’ shows that despite more Australians 65 years and over adopting mobile phones, over half (55 per cent) identify the fixed-line telephone as their most used communications service.

The survey shows that older Australians were more inclined to have a fixed-line telephone connection at home (93 per cent), the highest percentage across all age groups at December 2013. In contrast, they are the least likely (74 per cent) to own or use a mobile phone.

The survey indicates that older Australians are less likely to use their mobile phones intensively, making fewer calls, sending fewer text messages, spending less time in calls and dialling a smaller group of different phone numbers than other mobile phone users.

What are your thoughts on this, are you an older citizen that has embraced the mobile phone community or are you still reliant on your existing land line ?

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Midnight basketball new tournament starting August 8

Midnight Basketball’s tenth tournament concluded last month but another one is just around the corner! Another tournament will be starting up again with week one commencing on Friday, August 8.

Each eight-week program includes a hot nutritious meal for players and volunteers, life-skills workshops, bus rides home for each player, awards night after the grand final and of course a whole lot of fun.Come and volunteer for Tournament 11 and see which teams will battle it out at the end of the program.

Volunteers are wanted each night for team managers, bus drivers and bus supervisors, catering helpers, general assistants, scorers and so much more.

Fully organised by a local Midnight Basketball Community Committee, with members from Geraldton Amateur Basketball Association, Centacare, PCYC, School Drug Education and Road Aware (SDERA), Community Alcohol and Drug Services (CADS) and the City of Greater Geraldton; the program enables youth to engage with sport in a healthy and safe environment.

City of Greater Geraldton’s Coordinator Community Development, Yvonne Lovedee, said the success of Midnight Basketball is made possible because of volunteers.

“Volunteers are the backbone of the Midnight Basketball program by providing a safe, happy and cooperative environment, they also provide the chance for youth to engage with a diverse range of community members who share their friendship, knowledge, and access to future opportunities,” she said.

“Without the support of our volunteers the program would not be possible.” Come and see how you can help, each night requires 15 volunteers."

For more information contact: Yvonne 0400 207 627 or visit the Midnight Basketball Geraldton website on www.midnightbasketball.org.au/Locations/geraldton/Pages/default.aspx.

$6.68 million to be spent on Midwest cancer centre

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has received correspondence from Deputy Premier and Minister for Health Kim Hames MLA confirming funding for vital health infrastructure developments in the city. Mr Blayney said he was delighted to receive confirmation that over $6.68 million would be spent on the initial stages of a Midwest Cancer Centre, plus crucial renal dialysis and associated support services including consultancy and office accommodation at the Geraldton Hospital.

“I’ve been pushing for funding through both State and Commonwealth allocations and am delighted we’ve received funding for such crucial health services in Geraldton,” Mr Blayney said.

“On the downside two funding applications for the redevelopment of the Geraldton Health Campus were unsuccessful but I’m heartened by the Deputy Premier’s lobbying on my behalf for this very important redevelopment, especially since we’ve received confirmation from the Federal Minister for Health that Geraldton Hospital is Dr Hames’ top priority for Federal Funding.

“The WA Country Health Service (WACHS) will also continue to pursue funding sources to progress the redevelopment of the Geraldton Health Campus.”

Mr Blayney said a Cancer Centre submission was successful in receiving $5.48 million through the Commonwealth Government Health and Hospital Fund (HHF) to construct a six chair, one bed chemotherapy unit and a seven double bedroom hostel, while planning is progressing for the Midwest Cancer Centre.

Mr Blayney said that under the Commonwealth’s Bringing Renal Dialysis and Support Services Closer to Home project, $45.8 million has been allocated Statewide to expand renal infrastructure and dialysis and support services.

Geraldton will share in the provision of 17 additional renal dialysis chairs and 46 patient accommodation units for up to 92 patients meaning for the first time many patients with kidney disease will be able to receive dialysis near or in their communities.

The Geraldton Hospital has also been successful in receiving an allocation of $1.2 million to provide additional consultancy and office accommodation that is scheduled for phase two of the project.

WA Department of Health Infrastructure Unit resources estimate the new on-site building at the hospital will commence mid-2015 with an estimated completion date mid-2016.

The estimated construction start date on the Cancer Centre and hostel will commence early next year with an anticipated completion date early in 2016.

Mr Blayney said the WACHS had made two funding applications under the HHF and National Partnership Agreement (NPA) for the redevelopment of the Geraldton Health Campus, while a separate funding application for the development of an Acute Psychiatric Unit was submitted to the HHF in 2011 and followed up by a revised version in January 2012.

Mr Blayney said he hoped these unsuccessful applications could provide the framework for a positive application given the Geraldton Hospital’s top priority for Federal funding. If you would like more information contact Ian Blayney:- (office) 08 99641640 or (mob) 0428 244 020

Willocks Surf End of Winter Sale

Willocks Surf's HUGE END OF WINTER SALE is on today! Their biggest ever!

They are repricing all their winter stock all day so shop doors open this afternoon, Wednesday July 23rd at 4:00pm until 6:00pm!

Head into Willocks Surf to grab yourself a bargain!

Merv hits 40-year milestone at Mitchell and Brown

Today Merv Grigsby hit a milestone that many do not reach.

It was 40 years ago today that Merv started working for local company Mitchell and Brown.

With balloons all around the Mitchell and Brown store this week to celebrate the big feat, Merv said he was chuffed to be able to celebrate such a big occasion.

“I guess in this industry you don’t meet many people who have been with one business for 40 years,” he said.

“I love my job, I love meeting new people everyday and the satisfaction of being able to help them.”

In 1974 Merv applied for a role at Mitchell and Brown and started his career as a storeman at the age of 22.

He has since seen the company through name changes, building moves and also the changes in technology.

“It’s been amazing to see the technology change in phones, computers, TVs and stereos over the years,” Merv said.

“I can remember when mobile phones were like a brick.”

Merv worked his way up the ranks and at one point even managed the store. Now Merv enjoys his time as part of the Mitchell and Brown sales team.

Mitchell and Brown General Manager Greg Brown, said Merv had been a very loyal employee.

"There must be so many people in the Midwest that have dealt with Merv over the years and I can't imagine how many washing machines and fridges he has sold," he said.

"He should be very proud of what he has achieved and I am sure he will enjoy a cold beer tonight with the team."

Mitchell and Brown are also celebrating with a sale in honour of Merv's achievement.

The local business, which was established in 1969, are big advocates of supporting the local community, something which Merv said is great to be part of.

“It has been a great journey and never did I think that I would celebrate 40 years with the business,” he said.

“I want to thank everyone who has supported Mitchell and Brown and also those who have supported me through the years I have been here.”