Thanks Jessica May and Damien Ethell for the pics.
Every year, local volunteer life guards as well as search and rescue operators are put through their paces in the Mid West, but soon a new technology may be available to help keep our coastline safer.
An Iranian company are planning a purpose built drone or UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) which drop life preservers to drowning people.
From Bloomberg Businessweek:
Amin Rigi says drones should be used to save lives, not spy or kill. The Iranian, who has a bachelor’s degree in robotics engineering, is launching RTS London to manufacture flying robots that drop life preservers to drowning people. His selling point is speed: A video shot on the Caspian Sea shows his prototype reaching a swimmer in 22 seconds, four times faster than a lifeguard.
Preorders have poured in from 25 countries since Rigi, 27, posted the one-minute demonstration video on YouTube. He aims to ship his drones, which could cost up to $10,000 each, by mid-2015. Rigi, who will soon relocate to London to take part in an accelerator program for tech startups, predicts his business, which is developing an array of rescue robots, “will lead a revolution,” unleashing the power of drones to do good.
Would you like to see Geraldton surf life savers equipped with technology like this?
Geraldton Police will be present at the intersection of Broome Street and Goldsworthy Crescent in Spalding on Wednesday 22 October 2014 between 10am and 2pm in a mobile police facility.
They are initiating a local strategy in an effort to engage and interact with the community in a high visibility setting.
This initiative aims to give the public the opportunity to approach and converse with members of the Geraldton Burglary Suppression Team and Volume Crime Team.
Geraldton Police encourage the community to interact and engage with their local police during this initiative to provide information in an effort to solve local issues. Geraldton Police also request for the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour.
The strategy hopes to gather intelligence and information in an effort to resolve recent, and prevent further, incidences of burglary offences in the area. This initiative aims to consolidate the relationship between the community and your local police.
My 9 year old daughter is sick and the Drs need additional information from my side of the family tree which I don't have.
My name is Kristy Logan and I'm looking for anyone who may have known a man called "Ted Steers" who lived in Geraldton or near here around 35/40 years ago. I know this is a long shot.
I wouldn't be doing this at all if it wasn't a medical emergency. This will be kept private but my daughter needs help or I wouldn't be asking.
If someone can HONESTLY help her then please call 0448387690. Please no crank calls as I have enough to deal with and am finding that going in this direction hard enough as it is. Thank you.
Anyone with info can even go through a third party so they don't have to deal with me if that is what they are more comfortable doing. I will do it any way they would like. My daughter is only 9 and doesn't have a say, so someone please, please help us. Any information on "Ted Steers" especially medical, would be a god send for us.
Sincerely
Kristy Logan
Thanks to Everything Geraldton readers who posted these pics of an incredible cloud formation that appeared in our sky today.
If you have any you would like to share post them in the social section of the Everything Geraldton app, available for iphone and android.
The WA Weather Group tell us they are Cumulonimbus capillatus.
Pics posted by
Helen Counihan
Jennifer Robins
Carol Conway
Kerry Wray
Irene Ghannage
Korey Phillips
In Western Australia we have a new story that is very old. It concerns the use of WA Sandalwood (Santalum Spicatum). Before European settlers arrived in Western Australia the indigenous people used the sandalwood fruit and nuts extensively for food and medicine. In the 1800s the settlers exported the stems and roots of S.Spicatum to India and China for their ceremonial use. In the late 1800s in WA the value of the export of this sandalwood oil and wood exceeded that of all other exports. To a small extent this kind of export continues.
However the development of S.Spicatum ‘orchards by Connie and Marty Winch-Buist on their 40 hectare property east of York at Greenhills in Western Australia is reviving the indigenous food culture of these nuts.
The Sandalwood tree requires host trees for healthy growth; these hosts provide extra water and nutrients to the sandalwood.
For Connie and Marty their journey with the sandalwood tree began after buying their property in 2005 and establishing their initial planting of 2 hectares of host trees in 2007. In 2008 they planted their first sandalwood seeds and with other plantings they now have 10 hectares of WA Sandalwood on their 40 hectare property. In 2011 Marty and Connie decided to commence their new nut journey to confirm that WA Sandalwood nuts can be used in the domestic food market. After many trials and cooking processes they established their WA Sandalwood Nut food business. They now grow, harvest, process, package and sell a range of Sandalwood nut food products. Among the products so far developed are the roasted nuts, a dukkah and a chocolate covered nut.
During their journey they learnt about the Woylie (Brush Tailed Bettong) and the importance of the Woylie to the historic distribution of the native Sandalwood tree. The Woylies would scatter and hoard nuts like squirrels, burying them and forgetting about them, so that the seeds germinated and the trees regenerated naturally. The Woylie is listed as a critically endangered native animal and there is a captive breeding program at Kanyana where Connie and Marty are donating their Sandalwood nuts.
Nuts forming
Train loaded with Sandalwood on Railway Jetty - Geraldton - 1920's
Tim, an Everything Geraldton reader, sent this pic of a sign from a local business here in Geraldton. We shared it to Facebook, and the response was massive.
So far nearly 90,000 people have seen the pic, and may agreed with the sentiment while some thought the sign was unnecessary.
The sign reads: Attention Customers. If you are on the phone you will not be served.
Check out the comments on the post by clicking here.
Do you have an opinion?
Geraldton man Jake Drage has been found guilty and sentenced to 9 months jail for reckless driving causing death, following a tragic moped accident that occurred earlier this year in Indonesia.
Today he was found guilty by an Indonesian court and sentenced to 9 months jail. Mr Drage has 1 week to appeal the sentence, three months of which he has already served.
Everything Geraldton readers alerted us to a truck accident North of the 440 earlier this evening. A trailer came off the back of truck just south of wokarena road in the White peak area.
Around 5.30 last night (Tues 14 Oct), police and Department for Fire and Emergency Services responded to a traffic crash on Brand Highway in South Greenough.
Police say that preliminary indications suggested that the vehicle travelling in a southerly direction crossed to the incorrect side of the road, moved back onto the carriageway and lost control causing it to roll over several times.
The vehicle came to rest in a paddock and subsequently caught fire. According to an Everything Geraldton reader, the occupants were freed by two men who saw the car go off the road.
The cause of the crash is yet to be determined and further investigation has been commenced by the Mid West-Traffic Enforcement Group.
Can you help identify any of these people?
Barry Stinson, President of the Birdwood Military Museum Society asks:
The only person’s name of am aware of is the Gentleman seated 4th from the left He is John Thomas Clarke. Ex Geraldton Councillor, and 31 years as leading hand & stationary engine driver at the Western Australian Government Railways condenser, RSL Member who was involved in the Building of Birdwood House the home of the Geraldton City RSL.( Birdwood House opened in 1935)
I would very much like to know if anyone out there can identify any of the other individuals or knows anything about the Honour roll (unveiled September 1916) or photographs behind the group.
Barry can be contacted via:
Ph: 08 9964 1520
Mobile: 0408 222 653
Watch the MWCBAH video
Your help is needed!
Midwest Charity Begins at Home is a finalist in the statewide Orange Seed Project. A project that could see them win a prize to include:
* $50,000 marketing service package from Jack in the Box
* $50,000 advertising sponsorship package from The West Australia, plus a $5,000 cash donation
* $10,000 community service announcement package from Channel 7
VOTING CLOSES Sunday October 19.
How can you help?
- Please follow the link below and VOTE for the Midwest Charity Begins at Homes video.
You may remember John Luk, a local resident who has been voluntarily picking up litter in the city for over 20 years, 3 hours a day. He recently celebrated his 60th wedding anniversary, and Mayor, Ian Carpenter, and CEO, Ken Diehm, hosted John and his wife Anne for afternoon tea.
Press release from the city below.
Many people have marvelled at local resident John Luk’s long time commitment to keeping the Beresford Foreshore clear of litter.
Mr Luk has for many years voluntarily collected rubbish along the beachfront on Chapman Road and you can often see his orange litter bags stacked, groaning under the weight of their bounty at the roadside.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, and CEO, Ken Diehm, hosted afternoon tea with John and his wife Anne last week to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary and to acknowledge Mr Luk’s unpaid work in collecting litter.
“I’d like to thank John for his selfless volunteering work in picking up litter on Beresford Beach,” Mr Carpenter said, “well done John and Anne, our community is all the better with people like you in it.”
The Mayor and CEO presented the Luks with a small gift and flowers.
“However the highlight for John seemed to be our promise to get him a personalised high vis vest,” said Mr Diehm.
Mr Luk was delighted and likened it to being recognised by the ‘burgermeester’ (mayor) in his native country of Holland.
“I will show off the pictures to my family in the Netherlands,” he said proudly.
Anne and John Luk enjoy afternoon tea with Mayor Ian Carpenter and City CEO Ken Diehm
4-year-old Micah enjoying his new backyard.
A local family is over the moon with a brand new backyard thanks to Rotary and Bunnings.
Parents of two, Rachel and Emiel Bressington, said they couldn't thank the Rotary Club of Geraldton and Bunnings enough for a new backyard for their young children.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the Rotary Club of Geraldton and Bunnings who have blessed our family with a fantastic back yard which is now safe for my son who has Fragile X and young daughter,” Rachel said.
“Without both Rotary and Bunnings our yard would be still unsafe. Thank you from a very grateful family.”
Rachel’s backyard had sump holes and no grass, just sand, making it too unsafe for her 4-year-old son Micah to play outside.
Micah, who will turn 5 next month, was born with Fragile X, an intellectual disability.
With funding from Better Start, the Bressington family purchased play equipment and Rotary and Bunnings supplied turf and now the backyard is fully enclosed with fencing.
“Micah is absolutely loving it now that it is safe enough to play outside,” Rachel said.
Around 20 Rotarians and workers from Bunnings pitched in to make the backyard a reality.
Ever get a little confused when entering a roundabout? These tips and video below should help you out.
These general rules are for all vehicles using a roundabout:
When turning left at a roundabout, follow these rules:
When turning right or making a U-turn at a roundabout follow these rules:
When driving straight through a roundabout, follow these rules:
Check out this Street Smarts video or visit www.ors.wa.gov.au for more information on road rules.
Geraldton Astronomy Group have clarified that Geraldton will only catch the end of tonight's lunar eclipse.
In a Facebook post to Everything Geraldton the local group stated, "No we will not to be able to see the lunar eclipse in totality here in Geraldton on Wednesday. Totality will be happening during Moonrise so we will only to be able to see the end of the eclipse low on the horizon."
Tonight's lunar eclipse is the second and last one for 2014. It will be visible throughout most of Australia.
Geraldton Bikes and Boards owner Leighton Thomas has his eyes set on more than just bike sales and service.
He wants Geraldton to become a cycling revolution.
“I want to promote Geraldton, cycling, fitness, health, commuting and the green side of riding,” Leighton said.
“I want to encourage more recreational cyclists and I will do whatever I can to get someone on a recreational bike and introduce them to cycling.”
Leighton has spent time working in Perth and Sydney and has now travelled the globe working with bikes.
But after a tour through Geraldton last year, he decided to move back to his home town.
Leighton grew up in Geraldton and said he couldn’t be prouder to be back working in Geraldton.
“I've worked overseas and learnt some amazing things and to be back in Geraldton fixing bikes is something I’m proud of,” he said.
“Coming back here with this amazing blue sky and amazing view is just great.”
Leighton has a goal to give back to the community and has already donated bikes to several local events.
But it’s not all about bikes.
By Christmas, the store will also be hiring out bikes as well as stand up paddle boards.
Leighton said this will add an element to Geraldton’s tourism.
“I think Geraldton has an incredible draw card for tourism and I think it is completely untapped,” he said.
“The winter here is unbelievable and it’s a great alternative for people in the South West to travel up here in the winter months.
“What we have in Geraldton is a winter where you can walk around in shorts and swim in the ocean, and it’s important for Geraldton to capitalise on the beaches, the surrounds, the climate and capture that tourist dollar.
“We are on the same latitude as Byron Bay and Byron Bay is out of control with tourists.”
Not only is Leighton hoping to ramp up the tourism side of things, but also the sporting aspect.
“Geraldton needs to be a sports development regional capital in WA, especially for outdoor sports because you can train everyday here,” Leighton said.
“And I think Geraldton is a great breeding ground for triathletes because of the climate.
“I’ve worn shorts all year round and I love it.”
If you think you might like to hop onto a bike and give it a whirl, head in and see Leighton at Geraldton Bikes and Boards on Chapman Road.
Ian Blayney MLA for Geraldton and Barry Stinson from the Geraldton RSL with items Mr Blayney has gifted to the Birdwood Military Museum.
Ian Blayney, MLA for Geraldton, presented a range of original and customised First World War cavalry equipment to the Geraldton RSL Museum Monday morning.
The equipment included a 10th Light Horse saddle, bridle, blanket, sword and rifle "bucket".
"Some of it is original, while other bits have been modified over the years," said Mr Blayney.
"I've had them in my shed (in a cabinet) for years but because I sold the shed they have to go somewhere and the museum is the best place."
The 10th Light Horse was the only (Australian Infantry Forces) AIF light horse regiment recruited in Western Australia during the First World War.
Mr Blayney said he purchased the equipment after listening to ABC local radio, and hearing someone discussing the WW1 items. He made contact and purchased the items.
Barry Stinson from the Geraldton RSL said "We don't have a lot of items that are displayable for the 10th light horse and this to the collection is really fantastic; a significant addition to the collection."
Monday 10am to 2pm
Thursday 10 to 2pm
Friday from 5pm
Sunday 11am to 2pm
Other times can be arranged by contacting the secretary
Ph 0427 612 479
email: day1937@iinet.net.au
It's amazing how many people don't actually know this. Check out this short video from the Office of Road Safety on merging if you have any doubts.
Hot tip: Give way to the vehicle in front of you REGARDLESS if in left or right lane.
Also worth noting, the penalty for failing to merge correctly has increased to 2 Demerit Points and a fine of $100.
Watch the video for more info, and check out www.ors.wa.gov.au for more road safety info.
Shoutout to Khya for alerting us to this video.
An almighty crash awoke residents of a Geraldton home this morning, when an allegedly stolen Subaru Forrester crashed into their loungeroom around 9:15am.
One of the residents, a young man, rushed out to see what the noise was, and saw the male driver climbing out of the vehicle while apologising.
The driver then ran off before the police arrived.
The young men who live in the home were left to clean up an awful mess, but were in good spirits. They had thought about sleeping in the lounge room last night, so were glad no-one had decided to do that and there was no injury to any of the occupants.
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