Goodness Awards recognise the best of Geraldton community

What connects IGA, Rangeway Primary, community gardens and a Smartphone app for monitoring beach conditions? They are all previous Goodness Award winners!

The Goodness Awards are an inspiring showcase of local organisations and individuals creating what is good in, with and for our community. Award winners will share in more than $10,000 worth of prizes that can help them do more ‘Goodness’.

And the Goodness Festival needs your voice. Let the world know what you admire about others "Goodness", their contribution and their achievements, and nominate them for a Goodness Award.

Full details and the online nomination form are online at http://goodness.org.au/awards/. Nominations close on Monday the 18^th August with the gala Awards night on 30^th August. In 2013 more than 50 nominations were received, and all nominees, winners and supporters celebrated in style at a Gala event.

Nominations for the Awards can be for 11 different categories of Awards:

• Leadership
• Innovation
• Health
• Science
• NRM
• Zero Carbon
• Zero Waste
• Social Enterprise
• Water
• Digital

Dan Clarke was the winner of the Education Award at the 2013 Goodness Awards and said, “I was stoked last year getting the award, there are people in this town who seem to think what we are doing is worthwhile and it’s not just me that thinks so it’s our town that is celebrating this.”

Dan Clarke will once again be taking part in this year’s Goodness Festival where he and other local teachers intend to run a stall on the Australian Sustainable Schools Initiative. Of the Goodness Festival Mr Clarke says, “What a crazy, beautiful thing to celebrate, I don’t want to celebrate anything more than goodness in our town.”

Further details of Dan’s award and the programs he runs are outlined online: http://goodness.org.au/dan-clarke-award-winner/

Wildflowers Galore!

With an above average rainfall throughout Mullewa and the surrounding areas this year, the wildflowers are in full bloom.

Carpets of colour will fill areas in the Mid West and residents and tourists will be treated to yet another brilliant wildflower season with more than 11,000 wildflower species in full bloom.

Some of these species include vibrant clusters of everlastings, daisies, wreath flowers, hakea and orchids.

Now is the time to take the family on a Sunday drive and explore the country side. Wildflower season runs from July through to October, so better start checking it out.

Places to find Wildflowers include:

• Mullewa
• Eneabba area and Western Flora Caravan Park
• Badgingarra
• Lesueur National Park
• Morawa
• Canna
• Perenjori
• Coalseam Conservation Park
• Mingenew
• Three Springs
• Carnamah
• Coorow
• Northampton
• Kalbarri National Park
• Mill Point Lookouk
• Chapman River Regional Park

For more information on wildflowers contact the staff at the Geraldton Visitor Centre on (08) 9921 3999, email to info@geraldtonvisitorcentre.com.au, visit the website on www.geraldtonvisitorcentre.com.au or check out their Facebook Page. Or contact the Mullewa Information Centre on (08) 9961 1500.

Stop. Think. Respect.

beyondblue have launched an Australian-first campaign that shows the devastating psychological effect that subtle racism has on Indigenous Australians.

Invisible Discriminator was released this month as new research shows Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people still face widespread racism from other Australians.

A survey of 1,000 non-Indigenous Australians showed nearly half (42%) believe Indigenous Australians are given unfair advantages by government, more than a third (37%) believe Indigenous Australians are sometimes a bit lazy and almost one third (31%) believe Indigenous Australians should behave more like ‘other Australians’.

The survey also found many Australians think it’s acceptable to discriminate, with one in five admitting they would move away if an Indigenous Australian sat nearby and one in 10 saying they would tell a joke in the pub about an Indigenous Australian. Many more people say that, while they wouldn’t do these things, they do not see them as discriminatory.

beyondblue CEO Georgie Harman said many people harbour unconscious bias, and the Invisible Discriminator character in the ads represents the voice inside the heads of some non-Indigenous Australians.

“Unfortunately, many people don’t realise when they are discriminating against Indigenous people and therefore, don’t understand the profound effect it has on how they feel about themselves. This can be very damaging to their mental health,” she said.

“This campaign challenges everyone to put themselves in someone else’s shoes and ask how they would feel if they were treated with suspicion, laughed at and avoided.

“The best way to reduce harm caused by subtle racism is to stop it, and if you see it happening, call it."

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.

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.

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.

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

Is sexual discrimination alive and well in Geraldton?

Editor's note- The company referred to below has not been specifically named as it is not our intention to unnecessarily name and shame businesses who endeavour to serve our community. However, the issue of discrimination does affect us all and is worthy of discussion. The intention of the article is that awareness is brought to the wider issue.

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Since 1984, choosing someone to work for your company based on their gender has been illegal.

In the time that has transpired it is generally agreed that our society has made good steps toward gender equality, but there is still more work to do.

Apart from the fact that gender discrimination is illegal, it's widely accepted that your sex should be no barrier for people your employment prospects. Whether you want to be a plumber or a midwife, your gender should not determine whether you have employment prospects.

But some Geraldton residents were shocked yesterday after a local business advertised a job vacancy specifically calling for a "junior male".

It's possible that the role required some physical activity or lifting, and it's quite likely that the job may appeal to more males than females. But the description of the role gave no indication as to why someone lacking a Y chromosome would not be considered for the job.

The job was posted on the business' Facebook page. One commenter did pose the question as to why a girl could not fill the role. Another local resident complained that their comment asserting sexual discrimination was hidden.

While it's quite imaginable that the person advertising the position would never consider themselves sexist, it does serve to highlight how unnecessary gender biases still pervade our culture and thinking.

Societal expectations placed on impressionable boys and girls have a strong formative effect and, sadly, can prevent both men and women considering themselves suitable for roles they might otherwise excel at.

It can go both ways of course. This author, a male, has experience the opposite where being a man prevented me from obtaining some jobs I tried to get.

A recent viral video on YouTube (37 million views and counting) sought to demonstrate how sexist our thinking still is. The video is called "#LikeAGirl".

It starts with a director asking some actresses and actors to perform certain tasks, like running or fighting, "like a girl".  As you might expect, the people performing the tasks act in a very uncoordinated fashion.

The same tasks are then given to some very young girls, who make no such effort to act uncoordinated. One young girl is asked: "What does it mean to 'run like a girl' ?"

Her response: "It means run fast as you can."

Watch the full video below.

From the Sex Discrimination Act 1984:

Discrimination in employment or in superannuation

(1) It is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against a person on the ground of the person's sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, intersex status, marital or relationship status, pregnancy or potential pregnancy, breastfeeding or family responsibilities:

(a) in the arrangements made for the purpose of determining who should be offered employment;

(b) in determining who should be offered employment; or

(c) in the terms or conditions on which employment is offered.

Tonight at 6.30pm, the story of ‘Bundiyarra, a good place to go’ will feature on NITV.

Tonight (Thursday 17 July 2014) at 6.30pm, the story of ‘Bundiyarra, a good place to go’ will feature on NITV. The story was recorded by the Film & Television Institute in July 2013 to commemorate Bundiyarra being Incorporated and operating for 15 years.

On National Apology Day, February 13, 2014, Bundiyarra Life and Board Members travelled to Perth to attend a VIP launch screening in Northbridge.

The invitation from FTI stated ‘Bundiyarra’ is the story of the Bundiyarra Founding Elders and how they fought to win their land, in what became one of the first land transfers in Western Australian history. It was noted that the story of Bundiyarra was one of the strongest stories recorded at that point in time.

The photo below is of one of the Founding Members Mr Rob Ronan on the Big screen in Perth (photo courtesy ABC Open – Chris Lewis).

Mumbida gives tourists a wind energy close up

With a quiet, sweeping whoosh, a new tourist attraction with some considerable drawing power has been added to Geraldton’s already diverse choice of things to see. Thanks to the generosity of Mumbida Wind Farm, visitors can now get up close and personal to a massive wind turbine blade, complete with interpretive signage and information for the statistics buffs, at the City of Greater Geraldton’s Renewable Energy Hub located on the crest of the escarpment on the Walkaway-Nangetty Road.

Mumbida Wind Farm representatives officially handed over their contributions to the visitor hub to the City of Greater Geraldton yesterday (Tuesday July 8).

Hugh Webster, General Manager of Mumbida Wind Farm, said he was pleased to be able to donate the blade and interpretive signage for visitors to enjoy.

City Mayor, Ian Carpenter, thanked Mumbida for their generosity in donating theblade and signage.

“Wind farms generally attract a lot of interest and it is wonderful to have this hub for visitors to get this close to a blade and realise their true size and discover more about how wind farms operate,” he said.

Mumbida Wind Farm is a 55 MW renewable energy project developed by joint venture partners Synergy and Infrastructure Capital Group. The wind farm, located 40km south east of Geraldton, consists of 22 turbines which stand 85 metres tall, dotted across the undulating landscape. The Water Corporation purchases 100 per cent of the renewable energy generated by Mumbida Wind Farm to offset the energy requirements of the Southern Seawater Desalination Plant.

Mumbida Wind Farm was officially opened on September 27, 2013 with a total project cost of $200 million. The blades are made of composite fibreglass, weigh 9.5 tonnes and are 48.7 metres in length.

All smiles for an upgraded tourist attraction with the handover of the City’s Renewable Energy Hub at Walkaway: Phil Melling, Director Sustainable Communities; Brian Robartson, Manager Economic, Tourism, Property Development; Ken Diehm, City CEO; Rebecca Tuesley, Coordinator Tourism and Geraldton Visitor Centre; Ian Carpenter, City Mayor; Mark Bennett, Natural Wind Service Manager, GE; Hugh Webster, General Manager, Mumbida Wind Farm; and Heidi Janetta, Project Administrator, Mumbida Wind Farm check out the new hub.

Pic Mumbida Wind Farm hub handover CC

Shark washed up

Here's Jess Keily from GWN7's tweet.

4m Great White Shark washed ashore north of Geraldton. More on @GWN7News tonight 5.30! pic.twitter.com/akZeuH8TWf

— Jess Keily (@jesskeily) July 15, 2014

Mullewa Muster & Rodeo 2014 video

Mullewa Muster & Rodeo Promotional video from Cineport Pty Ltd on Vimeo.

Looks like the Mullewa Muster and Rodeo had another successful year. Check out this video from local film producers Cineport.

For more Muster info head to their website: www.mullewamuster.com

City staff get set to tread the boards for Foodbank

Think City of Greater Geraldton Council staff are boring pencil pushers with no personality?

Boy, are you in for a pleasant surprise on July 26 when City staff present a variety benefit concert to raise funds for Foodbank Geraldton, at 7pm at Queens Park Theatre.

Some amazing talent lurks amongst City staff who will entertain with music and comedy in the With a Little Help From Our Friends concert, so named to promote the idea of people helping others in need, and of course recognising help from well- known friends outside the City who will support the cast on stage.

Leading the friends will be Geraldton’s own very talented Mia Royce along with Aaron Willcox wielding some guitar magic.

City Mayor, Ian Carpenter said this voluntary initiative from City staff and friends shows great community spirit to raise funds for Foodbank. “Staff from across the organisation are volunteering their time, talent and effort, at no cost to the City, we are simply providing QPT as the venue. They are doing all the arranging and rehearsals in their own time,” he said.

“It will be an enjoyable night and City Councillors encourage the community to get into the spirit of the concert and support this great cause.”

City CEO, Ken Diehm, said it is wonderful to see the musical talents of City staff in a charity concert for Foodbank.

“All too often, we focus on our work, and it’s important to note that people have lives outside of work and people who are less fortunate require our support,” he said.

“It never ceases to amaze me the width and breadth of talent of our staff and I encourage everyone to come along and enjoy a fun evening of entertainment to help Foodbank. The generosity of City staff is to be congratulated – and it’s all for a good cause. Helping those in Geraldton who do not have the same opportunities as many of us do.”

The concert has received support from the Mid West Chamber of Commerce and Industry - long supporters of Foodbank and local charities - with promotion to its members, and CBD Chamber members are separately holding a combined food and blankets donation day for Foodbank and the Salvation Army in the CBD on July 5.

With support from city centre traders, flyers for the With a Little Help From Our Friends City concert will be distributed to the public at that event.

In addition to concert box office proceeds being donated to Foodbank, food donation bins will be available in the QPT foyer on concert night. A feature of the night, to boost the fund raising effort, will be the auction of a beautiful Abrolhos pearl pendant, designed and crafted especially for the concert and generously donated by Chimere Pearls. Tickets for the concert are available from the Queens Park Theatre 9956 6662, the Civic Centre, 63 Cathedral Avenue, Geraldton, or online at www.queensparktheatre.com.au

Suicide and PTSD - Harley's story

HARLEY recently shared his story with ABC Open, and told of his struggles after the suicide of his father.

Read the full story here.

Mini tornado

Mini tornado went through Wonthella this morning causing damage to property, fences etc... SES have just finished working on a house in Third Street.Thanks Sally for the pics.

Have your say - Children in bottle shops

A Perth mother has been left shocked after being refused entry to a Liquorland Store in Belmont last Wednesday.

The reason she was refused entry is that she had her 18 month old toddler with her. Security staff informed her that she couldn’t enter as her daughter was under 18 years of age.

Perth Now has the story.

Do you think this is acceptable? Should young children be allowed in to bottle shops if they are accompanied by a parent or guardian?

Have your say.

Community service announcement

NBN Co will be undertaking work on the western side of Chapman Road between Durlacher and Forrest Streets tomorrow (Thursday July 10). Pedestrian movement will be affected and traffic will be restricted to one lane. Traffic management will be in place, please observe directions. The work is expected to take five days between 7am and 6pm each day.