Muslim women’s style on display at WA Museum

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Muslim fashion bloggers Delina Darusman-Gala and Mya Arifin with a group of friends. Photo: Marinco Kojdanovski. © Powerhouse Museum, Sydney.

An exhibition showcasing Muslim women’s contemporary fashion will open at the Western Australian Museum – Geraldton this week.

Faith Fashion Fusion: Muslim women’s style in Australia focuses on an emerging modest fashion market and the work of Australian Muslim designers and entrepreneurs.

A group of well-respected Australian Muslim women also share their experiences of faith and fashion, including three Geraldton women.

WA Museum – Geraldton Manager Leigh O’Brien said Faith Fashion Fusion will help people better understand the diversity of women in the community.

“While most Muslims are Australian born, their families come from more than 70 different countries,” she said.

“Visitors will see a range of modest fashion from the famous Burqini, to denim, to red carpet dresses.

“It is interesting that many of the designs have broader appeal for women looking for longer, looser fitting fashionable clothing.”

The exhibition was developed in consultation with a wide range of individuals, including those from Australian Muslim communities and organisations.

“I am so pleased three Geraldton women have agreed to be part of this exhibition,” Ms O’Brien said.

“They are all Muslim, but their experiences and fashion choices are all very different.”

Faith Fashion Fusion is a travelling exhibition from Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum.

It opens at the WA Museum – Geraldton 13 December until 1 March 2015.

The exhibition will then move to the WA Museum’s Kalgoorlie and Albany sites, and then to the Western Australian Maritime Museum.

For more information visit http://museum.wa.gov.au/museums/geraldton/faith-fashion-fusion-muslim-womens-style-australia

Chinese film crew showcases Geraldton to millions of on-line viewers

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A Chinese production crew were in Geraldton recently filming an episode of the popular online travel show, Traveller.

A Chinese production crew from Traveller, were in Geraldton recently to film an episode of a hugely popular online travel show.

Traveller is broadcast on QQ.com, China’s most popular website. Each episode of Traveller has been seen at least 3 million times.

The crew from QQ TV were in the region thanks to local tour operator, and owner of Geraldton Air Charter, Wendy Mann who believes that the production company chose to use her business because she has recently taken part in the China Ready and Accredited program that is run by the Tourism Council of WA, in conjunction with Tourism Australia and the Chinese Government.  

“Businesses that are certified as China Ready are trusted by the Chinese Government to look after Chinese travellers and treat them with cultural care and understanding,” Mrs Mann said.

“Geraldton Air Charter believed that by obtaining China Ready Accreditation we could benefit from the potentially huge and largely untapped market in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.”

City of Greater Geraldton Acting Mayor, Neil McIlwaine, said more local tourist operators should consider getting ‘China Ready and Accredited’.

“Our aim is to position Geraldton and the surrounding region as a major tourist hub,” Councillor McIlwaine explained.

“We tried our best to highlight the best that the region had to offer,” said Mrs Mann.

 “Whilst in Geraldton they filmed the Sydney Memorial and at the Fishermen’s wharf, we then took the whole crew to Pink Lake (Hutt Lagoon) and the Abrolhos Islands.

 “I also hosted them at my house where they filmed how to cook Abrolhos Lobsters the ‘local’ way.”

 According to Councillor McIlwaine many local businesses benefitted from having the film crew in town.

“It is my understanding that Geraldton Air Charter had to charter two more aeroplanes as well as coaches to ferry the crew around,” he said.

“They also stayed in local accommodation, dined in local restaurants and even filmed a segment in Latitude Gallery.”

Mrs Mann said she would recommend more local tourist operators become China Ready and Accredited.

“We now have understandings with two major Perth based Chinese Travel agents and have also signed a contract with one of the largest travel agents in China,” Mrs Mann said

“We consider it something of a coup to have hosted the team from QQ and at looking forward to the awareness that will be generated when the program about Geraldton is streamed online on Christmas Day.”

For more information on becoming China Ready and Accredited visit www.tourismcouncilwa.com.au/accreditation/china-ready.

40 today with Severe fire danger - total fire ban

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Severe fire danger advice for coastal parts of the Central West on Thursday
 
A Severe Fire Danger Rating has been forecast for Thursday 11 December for coastal parts of the Central West.
 
This includes:

  • City of Greater Geraldton - coastal part
  • Shire of Chapman Valley - coastal part
  • Shire of Northampton - coastal part

Bushfires can threaten suddenly and without warning. Stay alert and watch for signs of fire, especially smoke and flames. Have your bushfire survival plan and kit ready.
 
Keep up to date with bushfire information through local radio, websites and TV. Do not wait for a warning before you act. If you see flames call triple zero.

These are very hot, dry and windy conditions for a bush or grass fire.

If a fire starts and takes hold: 

  • It will be unpredictable, move very fast and difficult for firefighters to bring under control. 
  • Spot fires will start and move quickly. Embers may come from many directions. 

If you live in or near bush with high fuel loads then you are at risk and need to act: 

  • Read through your bushfire survival plan. If you do not have one decide what you will do if a fire starts. 
  • If you are not prepared to the highest level, leaving bushfire risk areas early in the day is your safest option. 
  • Homes that are prepared to the highest level, have been constructed to bushfire protection levels and are actively defended may provide safety. 

You must be physically and mentally prepared to defend in these conditions. 

To find out what the Fire Danger Rating means to you visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au or call 9395 9300 during normal office hours.

Check the Fire Danger Rating for your area by visiting www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 213 (call charges apply).

 

A Total Fire Ban has been declared for today, 11 December, for parts of the Midwest Gascoyne.  
 
This includes:  
 
• Shire of Carnarvon 
• Shire of Shark Bay 
• City of Greater Geraldton 
• Shire of Chapman Valley 
• Shire of Northampton 

On Friday 11 December any activity that could start a fire is banned.   
 
This means: 
• You must not light or use any fires in the open air 
• All open fires for the purpose of cooking or camping are not allowed  
• Hot work such as metal work, grinding, welding, soldering, gas cutting or similar is not allowed unless you have an exemption 
• You must not undertake any other activities that may start a fire. 

If a Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban has not been implemented by your local government you are able to harvest or move vehicles across paddocks for agricultural purposes. 
 
You could be fined up to $25,000 or jailed for 12 months or both if you ignore the Total Fire Ban. 
 
For information on activities that can or cannot be carried out during a Total Fire Ban visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au/totalfirebans/Pages/TotalFireBanWhatCantIDo.aspx
 
If the information you want is not available from the website, telephone the Total Fire Ban Information Line 1800 709 355. 
 
This information is also available by visiting www.dfes.wa.gov.au

 

Bats, bibs and balls for Christmas

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Sports clubs throughout Geraldton have received an early Christmas present thanks to the State Government’s equipment scheme which provides up to $500 for new gear.

Everything from referee jerseys to tennis nets have been purchased by clubs that received a grant under the Community Sporting Club Equipment Scheme.

The scheme, which started last year, gives regional and metropolitan sporting clubs around Western Australia a one-off $500 subsidy to spend on increasing or upgrading shared sporting equipment accessible to all club members.

Member for Geraldton Ian Blayney MLA said 12 clubs in the electorate were among the 402 clubs which received the grants.

The Geraldton-based clubs with their equipment funded under the scheme are:

  • Batavia United Football Club (Balls, training equipment (bibs, cones, goals), goalie gloves, uniform [with additional funding required])
  • Geraldton Bowling Club Inc. (Coach Training Kit which will be used also by club members)
  • Geraldton Harriers Club Inc. (Flag Markers for the safe marking of courses.)
  • Geraldton Little Athletics Centre (New discus', shotputs and turbo javelins)
  • Geraldton Internationals Rugby Union Club (New playing kit)
  • Geraldton Roller Derby League Inc. (cone markers, referee jerseys, helmet covers for game playand practice, agility ladder, bibs, storage bag for training equipment)
  • Geraldton Surf Life Saving Inc. (rescue tubes)
  • Spalding Park Tennis Club Inc. (Tennis balls/nets for upcoming season)
  • Tarcoola Park Tennis Club (tennis nets for junior and senior tennis)
  • Towns Cricket Club (Cricket Balls, Cricket Stumps, Boundary Markers)
  • Walkaway Pony Club Inc. (Quik release jump cups. new safety requirement)
  • Wonthella Bowling Club Inc. (Orbital Bowling Measure)

“In total,. $201,000 was awarded with 165 applications from regional WA and 237 in the metropolitan area. Subsidies for regional clubs are provided through the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program,” Mr Blayney said. 

The scheme provides regional clubs with direct assistance to help with the cost of shared equipment. 

Administered by the Department of Sport and Recreation, the four-year scheme will grant $1 million to metropolitan clubs and $1 million to regional clubs. Applications for the next round open in March 2015.

Enrolment quota determined for the redistribution of federal electoral boundaries in Western Australia

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Acting Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers today announced the enrolment quota for the redistribution of federal electoral boundaries in Western Australia is 94 026.

“The enrolment quota is the first step in the redistribution process and is important as it sets numerical parameters that redrawn boundaries have to meet,” Mr Rogers said.

“When the boundaries are redrawn during the redistribution process, each electoral division must have between 84 623 and 103 428 electors – that is, a margin of up to 10 per cent variation from the quota.”

The enrolment quota was determined by dividing the number of electors enrolled in Western Australia as at 1 December 2014, the date the redistribution formally commenced, by the number of House of Representatives seats to which the state is entitled at the next federal election (16).

Members of the public will be invited to submit their suggestions about the redistribution in March 2015 with guidelines available to assist interested people or organisations. 

Proposed boundaries will be released later in 2015 with the final determination expected to be made on 19 January 2016.

An indicative timetable for the federal redistribution process in Western Australia is available at www.aec.gov.au/WA-timetable.

Annual Family Fun Day returns

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Cray Z will be making an appearance at Sunday’s 98.1 Spirit Family Fun Day.

Get ready for another day of fun and entertainment with the annual 98.1 Spirit Family Fun Day.

Renowned for being a hit with the kids, the event will be held on Sunday, December 14, from 12pm to 4pm at the Aquarena.

The pool inflatables including the BIFF, Crocodile BIFF and SMIFF will be open as well as the brand new outside run, slip and slide castle.

Other activities also include the Tarzan rope, Old McDonald’s Farm, plus everyone’s favourite pool friend Cray Z will be there with lots of giveaways and prizes.

Entry is $2. For more information contact the Aquarena on 9921 8844.

Jingle all the way with Carols by Candlelight

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Everyone’s favourite Christmas event, Carols by Candlelight, will take place on Sunday at Maitland Park.

Get your singing voices ready because this year’s Carols by Candlelight is set to be bigger and better than ever.

Held in Maitland Park on Sunday, December 14, the park will be bustling with activities for the whole family from 6pm, with the carols getting underway from 7pm.

Presented by Christian Churches of Geraldton with major sponsors City of Greater Geraldton, Rigter’s IGA and Iluka Resources, there will be a host of fun activities including craft, a bouncy castle and yummy food stalls.

City Deputy Mayor, Neil McIlwaine, said the Christmas Carol tradition was one that everyone should get involved in.

There will be something for the whole family at this year’s Carols by Candlelight.

“The City is proud to be part of such a great community event and it’s something that everyone can come and enjoy,” he said.

“We encourage the community to come and have a look at the activities on offer and join in the fun.”

Carols committee Convenor, Sue Mischke, said the event brought the community together to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus.

“We come from different backgrounds but have a common goal in wanting to provide an event where the Geraldton community can share the Christmas season together.”

The Geraldton City Band will be playing up a storm alongside guest singers and local acts.

The Carols Committee said this year’s carols is set to be even more family friendly after taking on board community feedback from last year’s event. 

The night will kick off with special kids segment with the much requested Christmas favourite Jingle Bells and a new pre-carols activity. The ‘Join the Nativity’ photo booth is set to be a hit with children joining in the action by dressing up as Joseph, Mary, a shepherd, a king or an angel. Costumes will be provided and families are encouraged to bring along a camera to capture the moment.

Battery operated candles and carol programs will be available on the night. This year Everything Geraldton will be providing lyrics online for those who want to sing carols by the light of their smart phone or tablet. Head to www.everythinggeraldton.com.au and select "Carol Lyrics" from the menu. 

For those unable to attend, the event will be broadcast live by Radio Mama.

The Geraldton City Band will be playing alongside local acts and guest singers.

Doors open for new Visitor Centre

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Geraldton Visitor Centre’s Glenda Blyth, Rebecca Tuesley, Jenny Bunter and Myriam Glorieux.

The brand new Geraldton Visitor Centre has opened its doors for the first time today, located at 246 Marine Terrace in the Original Railway Building.

Beautifully and carefully restored by the City of Greater Geraldton, the rich history of the building is entwined in the new modern facility which is now open to the public.

In the coming weeks the historical display and interpretation information will be installed upstairs as well as a kiosk outside, and we can expect the restored Merry Go Round By The Sea to be fitted on the brand new decking next to the iconic Morton Bay Fig tree in the coming months.

Parking is available behind the Sail Inn and there are more parking bays closer to the Mid West Ports Authority. An official launch of the Visitor Centre will take place in January 2015.

The cost of the Visitor Centre restoration was around $2.13 million with the City providing $1.03 million, $1 million from the State Government as part of Royalties for Regions and an additional $100,000 coming from the Federal Government’s Regional Development Australia Fund as part of the overall allocation for the West End Revitalisation Project.

You can contact the Visitor Centre on (08)9956 6670 or via email info@visitgeraldton.com.au

Community Nursery gets a facelift

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The City of Greater Geraldton’s Community Nursery has been in operation for many years but has welcomed a new relocation to Adelaide Street, Waggrakine, along with some much needed upgrades.  

With the goal of the Nursery to grow local provenance native plants for revegetation of our natural bushland environment, over the last three months the nursery has received a considerable facelift thanks to the Section 95 prisoner team from the Greenough Regional Prison.

Boasting a wide variety of skills and enthusiasm to match, the prisoners have completed a number of projects over the last few months at the nursery, including paving, building a privacy screen and benches, painting, installing a sump, building shade houses and wicking beds, and also building and installing windows and drying racks.

City of Greater Geraldton Deputy Mayor, Neil McIlwaine, praised the prisoners for their hard work on the nursery upgrade.

“It was great to see the prisoners putting their skills to such good use and watch the Community Nursery grow and change over the last few months,” he said.

“It’s been a real team effort and we’re very proud of all of the hard work that everyone has put into upgrading the Community Nursery.”

To assist the prisoners to gain extra skills, some of the work has been carried out in conjunction with training that the prisoners received through Durack Institute of Technology’s eleven week industrial skills program.

Coordinated by the City’s Natural Areas Officer, all of the planting is carried out by a team of energetic local community volunteers who meet on a weekly basis. 

In January the nursery will swing into action to begin propagation of this year’s native plants and the nursery provides a warm welcome to new community volunteers who would like to be involved.

For more information about how you can become a volunteer with the Community Nursery, visit the City website at www.cgg.wa.gov.au

Mid West Cat Shelter Mending Hearts

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CORAL's STORY - "I lost my babies"

When MWCS rescued Coral she was riddled with worms and so skinny you could see every bone on her tiny body. Before MWCS met Coral she was heavily pregnant. Unfortunately she was so malnourished that she soon miscarried the litter of kittens she was carrying.

Coral's first few weeks in foster care were very quiet and sad. She would only leave her bed to snuggle on her foster carer's lap, gripping tightly to her foster carer's arms. Coral never wanted to roam the house and was not interested in playing. Her foster carers were worried and tried introducing her to other cats unsuccessfully.

Things only improved slightly for Coral, and she was soon grumpy with the other adult cats.

However a new addition to the foster family changed everything! ....

ANA's STORY  - "I've never known my mum"

Ana and her litter mates were found alone and hungry, only one week old! They were so tiny they could easily fit in the palm of your hand. The kittens were monitored closely to see if mum would return, but she never did.

Rangers were worried for the kittens' welfare and called MWCS in to help.

A dedicated foster carer spent many hours hand-raising the kittens, tending to their every need just like their mum would have done.

Ana's litter mates grew into confident, independent kittens. However Ana always stayed close to her foster carer, seeking attention.

At 8 weeks old the kittens were socialized with a new foster carer. It was here that her carer's realized Ana was showing signs of the behavioural problem 'pica'. Pica is a potentially dangerous condition that causes the kitten to chew and eat foreign objects like wool. It is most common in hand raised kittens, and can be reduced by socializing with adult cats.

Ana still had the company of her sister and one adult cat, but Ana's condition didn't seem to be improving. Her foster carer was worried.

But then Coral joined the foster family...

CORAL ADORES ANA!!! - "A new relationship mends two broken hearts"

Coral and Ana are never far from each other. Ana seeks out Coral whenever she can, spending more time with Coral than her own sister!

Coral and Ana are often found snuggled together, or grooming each other. Ana’s pica problem has now resolved and Corals lonely days are a thing of the past!!

These two have developed a strong bond in foster care and MWCS would love to see them find a forever home together.

Two broken hearts mended by each other, patiently waiting for their forever home. If you are interested in adopting Coral and Ana, they will be available for a bonded-pair discounted price of $250. Please call 0487 193 244 to speak with our coordinator about adopting these two wonderful girls today!

Calling all Geraldton kids to join the school holiday fun at Bunnings Warehouse Geraldton

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WHAT: Summer holidays are here and to make the most of the long break, team members from Bunnings Warehouse Geraldton will be on hand to entertain kids with free School Holiday D.I.Y. Workshops in January.

The School Holiday D.I.Y. Workshops, running every Tuesday and Thursday* throughout the summer break, will provide a range of fun, hands on and engaging activities for local kids starting in January. 

Bunnings Warehouse Geraldton Complex Manager, Natalie Kennedy, said kids are encouraged to join the D.I.Y. Workshops as they provide an opportunity to get creative and make new friends.

“Local kids are all welcome to join in the D.I.Y experience, learn crafty tips and meet new people these school holidays,” Natalie said.

“The workshops are an exciting opportunity for kids to create the perfect show and tell item of what they have learnt over summer,” Natalie said.

The Kids School Holiday D.I.Y. Workshops are suitable for children of all ages.

Bookings are recommended; please contact Bunnings Warehouse Geraldton for further details.
 
WHEN: Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the school holiday period starting in January. 

WHERE: Bunnings Warehouse Geraldton, 181 North West Coastal Highway, Tel: (08) 9965 9600

$2.7m continues local alcohol and drug service

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Member for Geraldton Ian Blayney MLA has today announced that WACHS Mental Health has been awarded more than $2 million over the next five years to continue operating the Midwest Community Alcohol and Drug Service, with offices in Geraldton and Carnarvon, and outreach to many other communities. 

WACHS Mental Health has offered alcohol and drug services in the local community for 15 years. 

Mr Blayney said the funding that ensures treatment and support for people battling alcohol and other drug problems will continue locally until 2020. 

This funding has been announced alongside a further seven five-year contracts for Community Alcohol and Drug Services (CADS) which have been awarded to service providers across WA.

 As a funding package the eight new contracts comprise $60 million over the next five years.

 “We know people are battling problems with alcohol and other drugs throughout the State, and people can now continue to get help close to where they live, which can be a vital point of difference between someone seeking help or not,” Mr Blayney said.

 With the contract in place, the Midwest service – along with others throughout WA - will be known as Community Alcohol and Drug Services (CADS).

 “Most people come to our treatment services for problems with alcohol, so the new name makes it clear that these services are here to help people with alcohol as well as illicit drug problems,” Mr Blayney said.

CADS services operate in four metropolitan Perth corridors, in addition to seven services in the Midwest,Wheatbelt, South West, Great Southern, Kimberley, Pilbara and Goldfields.

 The 11 CADS services combine to provide alcohol and drug services across 27 offices in different communities.

 The services provide free out-patient treatment, referrals, counselling, education and support to adults, young people and families.

 The Metropolitan-based services operate as integrated services and are delivered through an innovative partnership between the State Government’s Next Step service and specific non-government service provider partners.  The integrated services provide medical, counselling and support services from a single site.

Bodyboarding Legend to visit Geraldton

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Hardy celebrates winning The Pipeline Pro 2009: Alex Ormerod

Bodyboarding legend Ryan Hardy will be visiting Geraldton on the 27th of December 2014 to host a coaching clinic in his quest to promote bodyboarding across regional WA.

Hardy from Margaret River is one of the most famous bodyboarders in the world having won World Tour events in Hawaii, Tahiti, Chile and Australia leading him to finish 2nd in the world in 2006 and 2011. Hardy is also attributed with re-defining the modern style of bodyboarding and riding some of the most dangerous waves on the planet without a jetski assist!

Now heavily involved in bodyboard coaching and development through his bodyboarding school (ryanhardybodyboardingschool.com.au) Hardy has decided to share his expertise with the bodyboarders across the state.TheGeraldton event will also be run in conjunction with Midwest Surf School and Bali Bodyboarding.

Hardy shares his knowledge: Cian Salmon/ Bali Bodyboarding

Hardy commented from the Canary Islands where he is on tour for his sponsor Funkshen Bodyboards:

‘Geraldton had a reputation for breeding Australian champions and World Tour competitors in the early 2000s (Sean Virtue, Ben Sukiennik and Kris Nelson) so I am really excited to come up to Geraldton, meet the bodyboarders and do some coaching in Geraldton.’

This event is open to all ages and abilities. Interested participants can register on line at ryanhardybodyboardingschool.com.au to partake in the 2 hour coaching session on the 27th of December 2014.

Hardy carves in Bali: Cian Salmon/ Bali Bodyboarding

City rally for equal GST cut

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The City of Greater Geraldton has shown their support for equal GST distribution by backing the Fair Go for the West Campaign.

The campaign is rallying for Western Australia to receive a fair share of the GST. More than 9,000 people have joined the petition.

WA will get just 37 cents back from every dollar of GST raised this year, with other states including South Australia and Tasmania receiving more than they generate.

City Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said City Councillors had no hesitation getting behind the campaign.

“This campaign highlights the significant imbalance in the current GST distribution,” he said.

“It’s time we made a stand and worked towards rectifying the situation.

“Having our fair share of the GST will not only benefit the Mid West region, but also the whole of WA.”

Federal Member for Durack, Melissa Price, has vocalised her support by urging all 46 local government areas in Durack to support the movement.

To show your support, you can join the petition by visiting this link http://bitly.com/fairgoforthewest

More than 30 new aged care places in Durack

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More than 30 new aged care places will be delivered in the electorate of Durack, worth an estimated $800 000, following the conclusion of the 2014 Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR).

Melissa Price, Federal Member for Durack, said the additional places will go some way to helping meet demand for quality aged care services in our community.

“I am personally very pleased with this outcome,” Ms Price said.

“I have been conducting aged care round-tables in Durack in places like Geraldton, Carnarvon and in the northern Wheatbelt and have been pushing hard in Canberra for an increase in aged care places in the electorate.

“Older Australians in Durack will benefit from 29 new home care places that will help them stay at home longer.

“There will also be three new residential aged care places in Roebourne in the Pilbara.

“This is a good start with more homecare places for Geraldton and Broome and surrounds, and more residential places in Roebourne.

“However we have to keep up the work and ensure the needs of older Australians right across Durack, from the Kimberley to the northern Wheatbelt, are being met.

“The Government believes older Australians want and deserve to have the support and care they need to live active and healthy lives, and to continue to choose the aged care services they need.

“I am pleased that new aged care places will help meet the growing needs of older Australians in Durack.”

The ACAR is the process that allocates funding for new Government residential aged care and home care places and for capital grants each year.

More information on the 2014 ACAR is available at: www.dss.gov.au/2014ACAR

Blue Heelers gets splash of colour

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Brand new artwork has been installed on the Blue Heelers building in Marine Terrace.

The old Blue Heelers Tavern has been given a fresh new outlook with the installation of brand new artwork on the exterior of the building.

A series of eight panels were installed on the building this week, which is part of a number of street artworks commissioned by the City of Greater Geraldton.

Local artist, Michelle Santarelli, designed and painted the eight panels and says her inspiration came from Western Australia.

“The artworks are inspired by WA’s people, richness and abundance,” she said.

“There are representations of different cultures, groups and different individuals as well as the colours of the soils, the colours of the fish and wildflowers, metals, rocks and crystals.”

Michelle collaborated with fellow artist Anthea da Silva, to create portraits for some of the panels which embody Greater Geraldton’s diversity. Local artist Karen Sanders was also involved and has painted the bottom half of the building with a series of butterflies and wings.

Several artists have been appointed to brighten our CBD as part of the City’s Vibrancy Strategy.

The City has worked with the Arts and Cultural Development Council (ACDC), local artists, entrepreneurs, not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) and city centre landowners with the aim to add some vibrancy to the city centre.

Deputy Mayor, Neil McIlwaine said the City is committed to improving the look of the City’s CBD.

“We’ve already seen some amazing artworks completed and it really has had a positive outcome for the community,” he said.

“It’s great to see buildings like Blue Heelers getting revamped.”

Artist Rose Holdaway is also working on an artwork on the Men’s Shed located in Marine Terrace.

The mural of silhouettes are portraits of local individuals.

“The inner paintings represent things that have come up in conversation regarding what the individuals like,” Rose said.

“Three of the figures painted are from the Men’s Shed and the others are people from around West End.”

Project pandora

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Press release from Project Pandora, a Geraldton based initiative: 

Back in c1999 a CD was released in Geraldton featuring local talent called Pandora’s Box – 114 degrees 36 minutes.

It was released and engineered at the time through Beaver & Badger Underground Productions & Opus Music.

The original CD distribution did really well with Triple J’s Unearthed coming to Geraldton and broadcasting live some of the local bands.

With such a plethora of original music happening in the Midwest & the benefits of social media, we are getting fired up to do it all again!

With respect to the original concept, we are happy to open phase 1 of Project Pandora:

  • An initiative to launch original music in the Midwest.
  • Chance to record your song in a professional studio.
  • Song will be part of a compilation album on iTunes.
  • Youtube clips and marketing strategy.
  • Workshops with Entertainment lawyer and industry professionals.
  • And all free.
  • Artists retain 100% copyright.

Once we have collected enough data we will launch the next phase of the project in 2015 by opening submissions.

Our main goal is to help talented artists and musicians to reach their potential and provide them with a gateway to the entertainment industry, with support networks, that would otherwise be unknown or unaffordable. You’ll also be in care of great in-house musicians and networking opportunities through the songwriting process and provide a non-competitive atmosphere. Music isn’t a competition!

For more info head to:
www.projectpandora.info (Survey can be found here)

Burglary arrest

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On the 19th of November 2014 a burglary was committed at a property situated on African Reef Boulevard, Greenough. At that time a large quantity of property was stolen, inclusive of three (3) four (4) wheeled motorcycles.

Inquiry into this offence by the Geraldton Burglary Suppression Team officers led the identification and arrest of a 26 year old male offender person from Rangeway on 2nd December 2014, and the recovery of some of the stolen property.

As a result the male was charged with the below offences, and will appear in Geraldton Magistrates Court on 18 December 2014.

  1. Burglary with intent to commit offence (Place),
  2. Stealing,
  3. Steal Motor Vehicle.

Christmas in the City

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Marine Terrace will be buzzing tomorrow for Christmas on the Terrace.

The festive season is upon us and what better way to kick off celebrations by checking out the number of Christmas events hosted by the City of Greater Geraldton.

Festivities will kick off tomorrow, Thursday, December 4, with the ever-popular Christmas on the Terrace.

Marine Terrace will be a hive of activity tomorrow from 5:30pm with a host of fun activities for the whole family.

The main street will be a sea of colour and entertainment with unique market stalls, food and great Christmas bargains from our local retailers and artists.

Deputy Mayor, Neil McIlwaine, said the number of community events this holiday season was a great way to showcase our City.

“The festive season is such a great time to get out and about and see what our local community has to offer,” he said.

“It’s such a fun and social time of year and we encourage everyone to have a look at some of the activities on offer for the whole family.”

Other events this holiday season include the Mullewa Community Street Festival held on Friday, December 5.

The festival will be an evening of family entertainment for the whole community to enjoy with lots of stalls including art and craft and indigenous painting. There will be free entertainment including face painting and a jumping castle as well performances from Ricochet Circus and Edward De Bozo.

You’ll have every reason to laugh with The Comedy Emporium’s Christmas Comedy Feast on Saturday, December 13.

And Sunday, December 14 will see a Family Fun Day at the Aquarena from 12pm followed by Carols by Candlelight at Maitland Park from6pm.

For more information on these and other great events happening this holiday period, visit the City of Greater Geraldton website atwww.cgg.wa.gov.au

Australians hungry for everything the internet has to offer

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New Australian Communications and Media Authority research shows that while internet connections have stabilised, Australians’ appetite for data and content is ever-increasing. 

‘Consumers are doing more over the internet, using more devices and accessing more online services,’ said ACMA Chairman, Chris Chapman. ‘Growth in these areas is posing both opportunities and challenges for traditional industry revenue streams.’

Key insights into Australia’s rapidly changing communications and media market are contained in the ACMA Communications report 2013–14 tabled in federal parliament today.

Australians are using more devices to connect to the internet, with nearly seven in 10 of us (68 per cent) using three or more different devices. The most popular are mobile phones (76 per cent), laptop computers (74 per cent), desktop computers (67 per cent) and tablet computers (54 per cent).

Fixed-line data downloads leapt 53 per cent from the previous year, while mobile handset downloads skyrocketed by 97 per cent.

The number of fixed-line telephone connections continued to decline (by more than two per cent) to 9.19 million services, while more than half of 25-34 year-olds are now mobile only. This reflects a 33 per cent rise in the number of adult Australians who have ‘cut the cord’.

Mobile services (voice and data) are now at what is presumed to be saturation levels with services in operation decreasing slightly from 2013 levels to 31.01 million. Similarly, growth of internet connections stabilised with 81 per cent of Australians (14.7 million) having a home internet connection.

The telecommunications industry continues to deliver improved infrastructure to support this intensive engagement with the online world. Mobile network operators have made significant progress in providing 4G mobile networks across the country, while the NBN rollout is moving ahead.

The report shows a significant majority of Australians are generally satisfied with their communications services. 89 per cent of Australians are satisfied or very satisfied with their fixed-line telephone services; 86 per cent for mobile and 79 per cent with their internet service.

Communications report ‘Fast facts’ are available below. A summary video is available here.

ACMA Communications report 2013–14—Fast facts
The ACMA Communications report 2013–14 confirms that Australians are engaging more deeply online through using multiple devices, performing a greater number of activities and going online more often.

Daily life

  • 14.72 million Australians had access to the internet in their home at June 2014.
  • 68 per cent of internet users accessed the internet via three or more devices in the sixth months to May 2014, an increase of six percentage points from the previous year.
  • 77 per cent of online Australians banked or paid a bill online and 69 per cent used social networking.
  • 50 per cent of Australians undertook five or more types of online activities in the previous four weeks at June 2014 and the proportion of people performing no activities dropped by three percentage points to 20 per cent.

Going mobile

  • At June 2014, there were 31.01 million mobile services in operation in Australia, down slightly by 0.3 per cent.
  • At May 2014, 12.07 million people used a smartphone, up eight per cent from May 2013.
  • 76 per cent of Australians accessed the internet via mobile phone at May 2014.
  • The volume of data downloaded via mobile handset increased by 97 per cent from the quarter to June 2013 to the quarter to June 2014.

Over-the-top (OTT) communications services

  • The number of VoIP users increased by six per cent to reach 4.87 million people
  • Strong growth continuing in the use of mobile phone and tablet OTT services, increasing by 41 and 48 per cent respectively.

Downloading and streaming

  • Australians downloaded 1,034,959 terabytes of data in the June quarter 2014—a 53 per cent increase on the June quarter 2013.
  • 93 per cent of data downloaded occurred via fixed-line broadband.
  • The average mobile phone internet user downloaded 1.9 GB of data in the quarter ending June 2014, compared to 155.0 GB for the average fixed-line broadband user.
  • 44 per cent of Australians streamed video or audio content in the six months to June 2014, compared to 40 per cent at June 2013.
  • 8.22 million Australians accessed professionally produced video content services in the six months to May 2014, an increase of 4.6 per cent compared to the six months to May 2013.

Communications service and infrastructure developments

  • There were 1,384 carriage services providers (CSPs) at the end of June 2014, a net increase of 24 over the year, and 208 telecommunications carriers supplying network infrastructure.
  • Australian households connected to the National Broadband Network (NBN). At June 2014, 604,460 premises were passed by the NBN (234,799 at June 2013) and 210,628 premises were activated.
  • Mobile network operators have made significant progress in rolling out 4G mobile networks at June 2014:
  • Telstra’s 4G network covered 87 per cent of the population, up from 66 per cent from the previous year
  • Optus expanded its 4G metro population coverage to 78 per cent (on-street) and 58 per cent (in-building)
  • VHA’s network (including 3G and 4G) reached 96 per cent of the Australian population adding, on average, more than 100 new 4G sites per month.

The economic value of internet-related transactions

  • Revenue from the sale of goods or services online by businesses operating in Australia reached $246 billion during 2012–13, a $10 billion increase over 2011–12.
  • Expenditure on online advertising grew by 19 per cent to total $3.99 billion over the 2013 calendar year. This represented a 30 per cent share of total media advertising expenditure, compared to 25 per cent in 2012 and 20 per cent during 2011.

Telecommunications consumer safeguards
All qualifying CSPs met the Customer Service Guarantee Benchmarks with regard to installing and repairing standard telephone services and meeting appointments for residential and small business customers.

  • In 2013–14 the number of new complaints to the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman declined by 12 per cent to 138,946.
  • The DNCR recorded a nine per cent increase in the number of participants, up to 9.6 million numbers listed.

National interest issues

  • At June 2014 there was a four per cent decrease in number of calls to the emergency service numbers Triple Zero and 112.
  • Telstra again performed above emergency call answering regulatory requirements, in terms of the time taken to answer each call.

Internet security

  • There was an increase in the average number of computer infections reported under the Australian Internet Security Initiative, up from 16,034 per day in 2012–13 to 25,839 per day at May 2014.

Broadcasting industry regulatory performance

  • All major metropolitan free-to-air commercial network licensees met the Australian content transmission quotas for overall content, drama and documentaries.
  • All regional commercial radio and television broadcasting licensees broadcast the required amount of material of local significance.

ACMA Hotline for illegal and offensive online content

  • There was an increase of nearly 550 per cent in the number of items of online child abuse and other illegal material referred to law enforcement agencies. The increase is a result of a rising number of complaints to the ACMA, coupled with greater efficiencies in the ACMA’s pursuit of the removal of such material.

The ACMA Communications report draws on a number of key data sources including:

  • the ACMA’s annual data request to carriers and carriage service providers and other information gathered by the ACMA as part of its day-to-day responsibilities
  • an ACMA-commissioned survey of communication consumers conducted in May 2014, covering both usage over the preceding six months and as a snapshot on the day of the survey in May 2014
  • desk research undertaken by ACMA staff
  • Roy Morgan Single Source
  • data released by other agencies, such as the Australian Bureau of Statistics.