Corella Relocation Program

This stripped tree is just some of the damage caused by corellas in the community.

Local residents may hear some loud noises this week as the City of Greater Geraldton begins training for the Corella Relocation Program.

City Rangers will trial a new type of deterrent which will use dozens of very loud firecrackers as a way to relocate the masses of corellas.

The training till take place this week followed by a trial and then the three-day exercise.

The City of Greater Geraldton will try a new type of deterrent to relocate the masses of corellas.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ken Diehm assured the community not to panic if they hear loud bangs.

“Corellas cause thousands of dollars damage to our City every year, and businesses often have to bear the brunt of the costs, with wiring, seals, trees, sporting turfs and insulation being harmed,” he said.

“Controlling the plague proportions is actually a State Government responsibility, but the City has been forced to take action due to the enormous number of complaints from residents and businesses.”

The objective of the exercise is not to harm the birds but to relocate them so they don’t continue to harm local infrastructure. Previous methods used included a gas gun but this seems to have lost its effectiveness. It is hoped that this new firecracker method may meet with more success.

When the exercise takes place, local Rangers will let off the firecrackers in the morning and evening on three consecutive days which will result in the corellas dispersing and relocating to places away from the City.

The intention is to move them on each time they land. 

The trial will take place at the Wonthella Hockey Club on Friday 23 January at 3pm.

The operation will take place on Wednesday 27 to Friday 29 throughout the City.

Rangers would also like to remind dog owners to ensure their pet is securely locked in backyards as the noise may cause dogs to become distressed.

If you know of any areas where corellas roost in the City, please contact City Rangers, so the information can be used in the relocation exercise on 9566 6600.

UWA student doing linguistics work experience at Bundiyarra-Irra Wangga Language Centre

UWA linguistics work experience student, Mitchell Browne, centre, with the Bundiyarra-Irra Wangga Language Centre team, Jennifer Kniveton-Gregory, Leeann Merritt, Rosie Sitorus and Jayden Dann.

Sounds like?

Linguistics is a field that you’ve probably heard of, but would struggle to describe, and linguists are not exactly thick on the ground.

However, the Bundiyarra-Irra Wangga Language Centre in Geraldton, part of Bundiyarra Aboriginal Community Aboriginal Corporation (BACAC), is fertile ground for linguists and has welcomed another university student from the University of WA, Mitchell Browne, 20, for two weeks’ work experience understanding the region’s languages.

Working alongside the language centre’s Linguist, Rosie Sitorus – who was a university work experience student at Bundiyarra herself – Mitchell is getting hands-on experience and learning some skills he can take into the field of understanding and preserving languages.

Language Centre Coordinator, Jayden Dann, said Bundiyarra-Irra Wangga is pleased to help another university student gain experience in the field of linguistics – which in its simplest form is trying to find and understand patterns in language for recording and preservation.

“Irra Wangga is pleased to facilitate yet another student from university to gain important training, learning, mentoring and knowledge to give the best insight into what language work/linguistics entails,” he said.

“Irra Wangga is essentially upskilling Mitchell to go into a field that is highly important to Aboriginal people which is the documentation and revitalisation of Aboriginal languages.”

Mitchell, who is studying an Arts degree majoring in Linguistics and Management, said he segued into linguistics from another language – computer code.

“I’ve always been interested in different ways of communicating, especially at the subconscious level, and as part of my degree I am required to study another elective which led me to linguistics,” he said.

Mitchell said he hopes to work as a linguist or continue research into languages, especially preserving them.

“I’d like to thank the Bundiyarra-Irra Wangga Language Centre for allowing me to undertake this unique work experience,” he said.

Bundiyarra certainly lives up to its name – ‘a good place’ – with Rosie, and Linguist before her, James Bednall, doing work experience there before being permanently employed!

Blessings for Bjorn

In November 2014, Bjorn Tranquim (age 13) - youngest son of Nalini & Sandro - was diagnosed with Adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) - which is a serious progressive genetic disorder.

Bjorn's older brother, Ramon, had tests to see if he was a sibling match for Bone Marrow Transplant - but he was not found to be . This meant Bjorn qualified for Stem Cell Treatment, only available in the U.S.A.

The family are now relocating to Los Angeles so that Bjorn can commence treatment at UCLA.

I believe God laid on my heart the idea of fundraising for Bjorn - and Nalini was in agreement when I asked if this would be a blessing to their family. 

Nalini and Sandro will be unable to work whilst they are living in the US.  All donations made will go to the Tranquim family to help them with expenses for the duration of Bjorn's treatment (which will be approximately 6 months).

Nalini commented on her Facebook page in December:  
"Please continue to uphold Bjorn and our family in prayer as we face what lies ahead. As the lyrics go in 'Stripes' - 'Standing now with open arms upheld by Your right hand. Lifting my head toward heaven let Your glory shine, let Your healing, divine healing arise'.  We hang on to our Lord and Saviour because He alone holds the future in the palm of His hands. Nx"
[Nalini is a worship artist who released her new album "Today Tomorrow" in November 2014 - you can find further details on her website:  http://www.nalinitranquim.com
'Stripes' is one of the songs off her album]

Please donate to the family if you feel led to - and please take time to leave a message of encouragement for Bjorn.  He will be in isolation for several weeks during the course of his treatment and Nalini is sure that reading messages of support will boost his spirits immensely.

Messages of support can also be emailed to Bjorn at: blessingsforbjorn@gmail.com if you don't wish to make a donation.

Please pray for them all as they embark on a huge journey to the other side of the world, and for healing for Bjorn through the treatment.  God's will be done!

God Bless,
Fiona Davidson ~ family friend

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Hebrews 12:1-3
Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!

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Fundraising Page: http://www.gofundme.com/k67kt8

SES Aussie Day Fundraiser BBQ

Bunnings is proud to once again support local volunteer emergency services with an Aussie Day Weekend Fundraiser BBQ to be held at all stores nationally on Saturday 24 January 2015.

Geraldton residents are invited to celebrate Australia Day and support the Western Australian State Emergency Service Volunteers Association (SESVA) and Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Association (VFRS) by joining Bunnings Warehouse Geraldton team members on the day.

President of the SES Volunteers Association, Gordon Hall, said he is pleased that Bunnings has chosen to support emergency services with this great initiative.

“SES Search and Rescue Volunteers are professionally trained for the response and support for emergency events in their community and to backup and support other communities when required,” Gordon said.

Bunnings Warehouse Geraldton Complex Manager, Natalie Kennedy, said the Aussie Day Weekend Fundraiser BBQ is a terrific way for team members and all Australians to show their appreciation for the wonderful work done by local volunteer emergency services.

“We’d love everyone to come and enjoy a sausage sizzle and help raise vital funds for the great work done by local volunteer emergency services across the Australia Day weekend,” Natalie said.

Between 9am-4pm, team members from Bunnings Warehouse Geraldton will be running BBQs with support from emergency services volunteers, with every cent raised going directly to support the SESVA and the VFRS.

Family activities, fun games and entertainment will also be held throughout the day.

Please contact Bunnings Warehouse Geraldton for specific store details.

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

Lifesaving machine in Queen Elizabeth II Seniors and Community Centre

Mayor, Ian Carpenter, and local resident, Irene Shepherd who regularly uses the QEII Centre, showcasing the new defibrillator.

With a heart attack every second counts, for every minute a person is in cardiac arrest their chance of survival is reduced by ten percent.

Determined to save lives the City of Greater Geraldton has installed an automatic external defibrillator (AED) machine at the Queen Elizabeth Centre (QEII).

An automatic external defibrillator is a life-saving machine that gives the heart an electric shock to restart during a sudden cardiac arrest, a condition that occurs when the heart unexpectedly stops.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said the placement of the AED machine was in support of St John Ambulance WA Community First Responder program.

“According to St John Ambulance WA around 30,000 Australians suffer sudden cardiac arrest every year and fewer than five percent survive, often because help does not arrive in time,” Mayor Carpenter explained.

“Early intervention is crucial in saving the lives of patients suffering a sudden cardiac arrest, which is why we decided to place an AED machine at the QEII.

“These machines are not meant replace the need for an ambulance but when someone suffers a heart attack every second counts.”

According to the Mayor staff will be trained to use the automatic external defibrillator; however the beauty of the machine is that anyone can use it.

“People just have to follow the instructions given by the machine, they are safe to use because the AED automatically assesses the person’s heart and will not shock a normal heart beat,” he explained.

St John Ambulance WA’s  Community First Responder program is a community based initiative designed to create a direct link between St John Ambulance WA, the triple zero (000) call centre, local communities and organisations.

For more information on the Community First Responder program visit www.stjohnambulance.com.au/st-john/ambulance-and-health-services/first-responder

Geraldton showcased on the big screen

Imagine the changes that have transpired in our City from the 1960’s through to today? Well imagine seeing it right before your eyes on the big screen! 

The Geraldton community is invited to ‘Showcase Geraldton’ on Saturday, January 17 at 4:15pm at the Queen’s Park Theatre, to enjoy a late afternoon of films celebrating life in Geraldton.

Channel 7’s ‘Our Town’ episode focusing on Geraldton will premier, which showcases the best in the region and encourages people to move, live, work, study or invest here. 

Our Town is a half-hour documentary series focusing on ten WA towns and Geraldton was chosen to be one of them. 

The film crew hit Geraldton last year and had their hands full interviewing local people, filming tourist attractions, businesses and our education facilities. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said the opportunity to have Geraldton showcased to such a wide audience was an extremely unique and exclusive opportunity.

 “We have so much to be proud of here in Geraldton and it’s great that we can shine a light on our way of life and what makes Geraldton great,” he said. 

“I think the community will get a real kick out of seeing this new documentary as well as the Life in Australia Geraldton film, which will also be shown, a snapshot of Geraldton in the 60’s.

 “I’m sure that many of our local residents will be able to spot someone they know whether it is from the new brand new documentary or the one which dates back over 50 years.”  

 As well as the showing of Our Town, a feature wildflower film will play as will Life in Australia Geraldton.

 Life in Australia Geraldton is a 20-minute film capturing Geraldton in the 1960’s when the population was around 12,000. Now part of the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, the film was originally made by the Department of Immigration to entice immigrants from Great Britain to settle into a new life in Australia.

 The film proves to be a truly nostalgic trip down memory lane for many but is a good reminder of the journey that Geraldton has made to become the vibrant City it is today.

 Filming has been made possible thanks to financial assistance from the City of Greater Geraldton, Mid West Development Commission, Mid West Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Geraldton Ports Authority, Durack Institute of Technology, Geraldton Universities Centre, WA Museum – Geraldton, plus in-kind support from Ocean West and Geraldton Air Charter.

 The wildflower video is being primed for the tourist season and has been produced by Cineport.

 Reserve your free seat for Showcase Geraldton now by calling the Queen’s Park Theatre Box Office on 9956 6662 or dropping into Council offices or the library.

Wounding

An employee's fear has landed him in hot water after he slashed a tradesman who he thought to be a robber. 

Police say that last night (Tues 6/1/15) two tradesmen were working late at a premises on Marine Terrace, completing renovations. 

At about 10.35pm, one of the tradesman, who had been given a key to access toilets at the rear of the neighbouring shop, went to use the facilities.

A male employee who was still working in the neighbouring shop heard noises and went to investigate. As the tradesman reached through the gate to unlock it, the male fearing he was about to be robbed, slashed at the tradesman’s wrist with a knife, causing serious injury to the right wrist of the tradesman.

Police say the 35 year old tradesman will require further treatment in Perth.

A 51 year old male from Mt Tarcoola has been charged with Unlawful Wounding and will appear before Geraldton Magistrates Court at a later date. 

Bushfires spark safety reminder

Volunteer firefighters from the Mullewa Central and Tenindewa Volunteer Bushfire Brigade extinguish a fire on Christmas Eve.

Bushfire season is upon us and City of Greater Geraldton Chief Bushfire Control Officer, Andy Darbyshire, says it’s the perfect time to remind the community to be bushfire safe.

Local fire authorities have been out in full force with several bushfires over the holiday period.

Mr Darbyshire has praised Volunteer firefighters from the Mullewa Central and Tenindewa Volunteer Bushfire Brigade for their tireless efforts in containing a fire which broke out on Christmas Eve.

The bushfire which was sparked by a lighting storm, south west of Mullewa, burnt fiercely for over seven hours until it was contained around1am on Christmas Day. 

“The volunteer firefighters did an amazing job in hot and smoky conditions to bring the fast moving fire under control, ensuring it didn’t impact nearby farmland, roads and rail line,” Mr Darbyshire said.

“They worked in challenging conditions including rocky ground, gusty 45km winds and heavy fuel loads of dead scrub and dry grass.”

The firefighters worked in the early hours of Christmas Day to ensure the fire was thoroughly mopped up to prevent re-ignitions or escapes.

More recently, a blaze at an illegal campsite on Saturday caused close to five hectares of bushland to be destroyed and there was another bushfire in Mullewa on Sunday night.

While acknowledging the volunteers’ efforts, Mr Darbyshire reminded the community to be vigilant and safe this bushfire season.

“While our volunteers are well trained and ready to respond to bushfires, everyone needs to play their part by ensuring their family and property are well prepared,” he said.

The community are reminded to do have the correct fire breaks in place, reduce fuel loads around the home, cut long grass and dense scrub, remove all rubbish and rake up leaf litter, twigs, bark and material that may catch fire, maintain a two-metre gap between your house and tree branches and keep gutters free of leaves and other combustible materials.

For more information about how to prepare for bushfires visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au

The community is urged to contact local police if they see any suspicious activity relating to bushfires.

Parkfalls Residents Association (Inc) and the Parkfalls Community 2014

The Parkfalls Community this year have enjoyed a number of functions organised by the Parkfalls Residents Association (Inc) for the whole community whether they are members or not.

For the second year running the Parkfalls Residents Association had Santa in a fire truck doing the lolly run around the estate.  There was a great turnout for this event with families and children waiting for Santa to arrive.  We would like to say a big thank you to the Nabawa Bush Fire Brigade for supplying the Fire Truck for this event and Esky Kelly an employee of the Shire of Chapman Valley donating his time on a Saturday to drive Santa around.  Esky was accompanied by his beautiful six year old daughter Melody who was so excited to be meeting Santa and help him distribute the lollies.  We also need to thank Santa for coming all the way from the North Pole to visit our families!  The lollies for this event are personally donated by a member of our community every year.

There have been a number of events this year - Sundowners, Christmas in July and the Annual Parkfalls Residents Association Christmas Party.  Our residents offer to hold these events at their homes.  These functions have been well attended and give all residents a chance to meet and chat with people in their community and form new friendships.  They also bring donations/gifts which are given to the Salvation Army.

This year some of the residents got together and organised a Halloween event for the kids.  Parents and kids alike went all out and there were some amazing costumes and the kids had a ball!

The biggest news is the Bill Hemsley Park.  The whole community was surveyed by the Parkfalls Residents Association in 2013 as to what they would like to see in their park.  The results were amazing!  From this survey results were formulated and a Draft Concept plan was drawn up by the Association and presented and accepted in principle by the Shire of Chapman Valley.  The draft concept plan has now gone to the architects to be drawn up professionally.  Next year, around April the draft concept plan should be distributed to all residents of the Estate for comment and fine tuning. There are now over 100 children and increasing living in the Estate so a public open space tailored to the whole community will be a valuable and welcome addition.

Male Charged over Breaking into a Vehicle

At about 11.00am on 26 December 2014, police responded to a suspicious person call in the area of the Webberton Industrial Estate.

On arrival police located a male matching the description given and was spoken to on Place Rd, Webberton.

The male was searched, during which a MacBook Air laptop & Navman GPS system was located amongst other items. This property was subsequently reported and confirmed as being stolen from two vehicles which had been parked on Crawford Street, Webberton.

The 20 year old male from Waggrakine was charged with 2 x stealing and will face Geraldton Magistrates Court on 15 January 2015. 

Callum Williamson AHG Sprintcar Series

A FEATURE race win is not that far away for Callum Williamson in the AHG Sprintcar Series given his form in recent meetings.

The young gun from Geraldton will head into the 11th Annual Sprintcar Muster at the Perth Motorplex this Saturday night with form on his side after collecting trophies at both events last weekend.

On Friday night at the Boxing Day Bonanza at the Perth Motorplex Williamson finished third behind Ryan Farrell and David Priolo.

And then on Saturday night he was second to Jason Kendrick (with Kye Scroop third) after starting from P8.

“We had the car speed and the setup,” Williamson said immediately after the Bunbury result.

He thanked his whole team, his parents and sponsors who put in “110 per cent”.

“This is really rewarding for us and I can’t thank them enough.”

Williamson said they had always been near the mark but now it was all coming together as a team and he is qualifying a lot better.

Only two seasons ago he was third to Cameron Gessner and Mark Wells in the overall points in the AHG Sprintcar Series.

He is currently sixth in the points and he is yet to play his Joker card where he will double his points for that round.

Drivers have until the January 24 round to play their Joker card at the drivers’ meeting at the start of the show.

Family focus on New Year’s Eve event

There will be a family friendly feel on the Foreshore this New Year’s Eve with a fireworks display and family activities sponsored by the City of Greater Geraldton.

The young ones won’t have to stay up until midnight to bring in the New Year with the fireworks predicted to get underway around 9:30pm. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said the City was happy to support the event.

“Bringing in the New Year is something that everyone should celebrate, no matter what age,” he said.

“We’re glad that there is a community event that families can participate in to celebrate the New Year and we are proud to be part of it.”

In addition to the fireworks, the City is proud to present a broad range of family-friendly entertainment on the east side of Dome Café, including activities, a bouncy castle and rides, from 5.30pm until the fireworks at 9:30pm, on Wednesday, December 31.

Local woman undertakes epic world expedition on kayak

Local woman Sandy Robson is kayaking from Germany to Australia.

It’s not every day that someone kayaks from Germany to Australia but local woman Sandy Robson is taking on the ultimate challenge.

Sandy commenced the journey in May of 2011 to kayak the famous historic route from Germany to Australia which was originally made by Oskar Speck in 1932 to 1939.

“I expect my trip to take around five years and I hope I can be paddling into Australian waters to Saibai Island in the Torres Strait by October 2016,” she said.

“That will be a momentous occasion.”

The former John Willcock Senior High School student will be making the journey in five stages and she had already travelled over 10,000kms when she hit Bangladesh last week.

In 2014, Sandy made world record as first person to circumnavigate Sri Lanka by Kayak and was also the first woman to kayak coast of India.

“To sea kayakers, this is a very famous kayak route as it is the longest kayak journey ever made,” she said.

“I am making kayak history by retracing the route and promoting non-motorised water sports and eco-travel.  

“I think that by getting people involved in sports such as kayaking, surfing, snorkelling and kite-boarding those people then develop a good relationship with our ocean environments and want to take care of those environments.  

“I also would like to encourage more women to get out there in the sea too.”

Sandy is part of Sea Kayak Club of Western Australia which has some regional members in Geraldton.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said Sandy’s journey was an inspiration to the community.

“Sandy’s voyage is nothing short of amazing,” he said.

“This is a huge inspiration to so many people and we commend Sandy on this epic journey she is taking.

“She has the full support of the Greater Geraldton community behind her.”

You can follow Sandy’s blog on her website www.sandy-robson.com and also donate to her journey. On conclusion of her trip she will write a travel book to include all of her incredible adventures.

“Living simply out of a kayak, I have found out that there are many things in life that we can do without, but dreams are not one of those things,” Sandy said on her website.

“Be inspired, conquer your fears and get out there in a sea kayak - and don’t think I haven’t noticed the lack of women out there on the water." 

“If I can do it, you can do it too.”

Vicious dog attack leads to City Animal Control Team asking for help

Vicious dog attack leads to City Animal Control Team asking for help

City of Greater Geraldton Rangers have been investigating a dog attack where a much loved family dog was attacked on its owner’s porch. 

Two dogs came onto a property on Kenny Cresent, Rangeway at approximately 4.20am on November 28, where they attacked the dog causing multiple injuries resulting in urgent veterinary treatment. 

Rangers believe the larger white dog is a Bull Arab and the smaller brindle dog with white legs is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Staffy). 

The City is reminding dog owners they have the responsibility to ensure the safety of not only their own dog, but other dogs and people too.

Dog attacks are a serious matter and owners are held responsible for the actions of their pet. A dog attack includes a dog aggressively rushing or attempting to attack a person or animal, as well as tearing clothing, biting or causing physical injury.

In some cases the court may order the dog to be destroyed.

Responsible ownership includes:

•  Ensuring the animal is wearing a collar displaying owners name, address and Council registration tag attached when in public places
• Pet must be confined to the premises where it lives at all times
• Is held by a competent person capable of controlling a dog when in public
• In designated areas, dogs may be exercised off leash, however the person in control of the dog must carry a leash and restrain the dog when required
• Dog must be registered and micro-chipped in a person’s name over the age of 18 years
• Dangerous dogs must be declared. 

Penalties for dog attacks can vary from $200 to $20,000 or potential imprisonment depending on the severity of the case. 

If anyone can identify the two dogs or their owners, the City is urging them to please notify the Council as soon as possible on (08) 9956 6600.

Mr Capurso's side of the story: Regarding the story of a 74 year old man charged with interfering with lobster pots

Everything Geraldton published a media release from the Department of Fisheries earlier in the week. It stated that Mr Capurso was charged with taking crays from other people's pots. His lawyer contacted us and said that Mr Capurso did not take any crays from anyone else's pots. He technically "interfered" with other pots, but this was only to check to see if they were his, and he had some go missing earlier. 

According to Mr Capurso's lawyer, it's true he had an extra two crays, he checked his wife's pots while she was not on board, and he technically pulled up some other pots, which according to Mr Capurso was only to see if they were his. 

Everything Geraldton incorrectly published the assertion that Mr Capurso had "raided" other people's pots. This was not stated in the press release from Dept of Fisheries, only that the pots had been interfered with.

Below is a release from Mr Capurso's lawyer published in full.

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Mr Robert Bogumil and the fisheries Department have severely exaggerated the conduct of Mr Frank Capurso in their media release. They are guilty of highly unfair conduct towards him in order to facilitate the release of their propaganda warnings to the community.

Mr Capurso WAS NOT charged with “raiding other people’s Cray pots” as reported in “Everything Geraldton” on 21 December 2014.

 He was charged with INTERFERING with pots. What does not appear in the media release from fisheries and Mr Bogumil was that 2 of the pots belonged to Mr Capurso’s wife and the fact that she was not on board at the time that he pulled those pots resulted in “technical”  breach of the regulations. What was also not reported was that Mr Capurso only pulled another 4 pots by pulling two of them half way up and then letting them go and pulling two on board and then throwing them back. He did so to check if they were pots he had lost about 4 weeks before. He reasonably believed that they might be the pots which were missing because the ropes were covered in algae and slime. But by pulling them to check he was technically guilty of interfering with them.

The magistrate accepted that Mr Capurso’s conduct was at the very bottom of the scale for this type of thing and only fined him $500. The maximum he could have fined him for the charge alleged on 25 February 2014 was $25,000. This shows that the court did not treat the charges as being serious. His Honour said that it appeared that Mr Capurso’s “curiosity killed the cat”.

Fisheries and Mr Bogumil also did not say in their “press release” that they asked the magistrate to order forfeiture to the state of Mr Capurso’s boat, outboard motor, trailer and other gear and the magistrate refused to do so in the circumstances of this case and ordered that the equipment be returned to him including a shirt which was on board. The magistrate told the fisheries in court he was “not going to take the shirt off his back either”.

They did not say also that it took from 25 February 2014 to 27 October 2014 to charge him and only because his lawyer wrote to them about the boat and trailer and gear they confiscated at the time.

While everyone agrees that people should respect each other on the water in recreational fishing, this case of Mr Capurso, in the way it was reported, was entirely unsuitable to be used as a vehicle by the fisheries to warn the public about serious offending and complying with the regulations.

The authors of the release showed reckless disregard for and were prepared to sacrifice (for their own ends) the reputation of a 74 year old hard working member of the community and a highly respected family man (at Christmas time) who only retired from bricklaying when he reached 73 years old.

Mr Capurso has the upmost respect for the law and the community and his fellow recreational fishers said his lawyer Mr George Giudice. Mr Giudice said that the false reporting has caused his client and his client’s family much hurt and trouble at Christmas. People deserve to know the truth of the matter and Mr Giudice is hopeful that the publication of the accurate story will put the record straight and stop the abusive phone calls to his client’s home which have resulted from the unfair and deplorable publicity arising from the media releases not only to this forum but to Geraldton ABC radio which kindly published a retraction.

Inaugural Cape Burney Santa Run spreads Christmas cheer

Members of the Cape Burney Bush Fire Brigade with Father Christmas at the Santa Run.

Members of the Cape Burney Bush Fire Brigade put on a show for local residents with their first ever Santa Run over the weekend.

The brigade packed into their truck and made their way through the streets of Cape Burney across to Rudds Gully Road to spread Christmas cheer this festive season.

Over 230 bags of lollies were donated from local, Veronica Woods, and handed out to local families and there was an appearance from the man of the moment, Father Christmas.

Cape Burney Bush Fire Brigade Captain, Rob Roffey, said the exercise was all about spreading good cheer.

“The response from the community was overwhelming and it was such an amazing feeling to see families out on the street cheering us on,” he said.

“Our goal for this exercise was purely just to spread Christmas cheer over this festive season.”

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said this sort of community exercise was a great testament to the people who perform a very important job in our community.

“It’s great to see our volunteers out and about spreading festive cheer, it’s what this season is all about,” he said.

“It’s also a great time to remind people to be bushfire safe this summer.”

The Cape Burney Bush Fire Brigade say they hope to make this an annual event.

Ian Blayney calls on Minister for Commerce to investigate high fuel prices in Geraldton

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has written to the Minister for Commerce, Hon Michael Mischin MLC, asking him to investigate the high cost of fuel in Geraldton.

“This is not the first time I have written to ask why fuel is so expensive in Geraldton, but I hope this time there will be a full investigation into the matter,” said Ian Blayney.

“The difference between the average prices of fuel in Perth to Geraldton at the moment is 24.4 cents per litre.

“This seems to be inordinately high and I’m hoping the Department of Commerce will thoroughly investigate this matter to determine why it is so.

“While I accept that there may be extra costs associated with the freight of fuel to Geraldton, this appears to be excessive.

“ I am also concerned that the margin between the wholesale cost of fuel and the retail cost appears to be greater than it has been previously, and I would like some answers to these not unreasonable questions’” said Ian Blayney.

“The people of Geraldton and the Midwest are required by the geography of their location to drive long distances; they should not be paying more for fuel than is required.”

The Comedy Emporium 2015 Summer Nights Season Launched with Beach Party Show

SUMMER nights are about to get a whole lot more enjoyable as Geraldton's longest running and only local stand­up comedy club The Comedy Emporium unveils its Beach Party Show as the first of its 2015 Summer Nights Season!

The team have been continuously busy, but there really is no rest for the wicked! January 9th will see James Masters from Melbourne MC a hilarious lineup, with acts soon to be announced.

“There’s nothing else to do in January.. except hang out with your family ­ and you’ll be sick of them by January!” said Comedy Emporium Director Julian Canny.

Audience members are actively encouraged to wear beach attire as the night will feature heaps of crazy beach themed antics. There will be more competitions, like the infamous “worst hawaiian shirt” and “thong throwing” competition which had the crowd in an uproar in 2014.

The show will be held in The Comedy Emporium’s favourite venue ­ under the stars in the Queens Park Theatre Amphitheatre. Audience members are encouraged to bring a picnic and spread out on the grass.

“Realistically, this is probably the only show you can wear your pluggas to and get away with it” hints The Comedy Emporium Coordinator Emma Howell.

Tickets are available at $10 off until Christmas.

“Look, you can even bring your partner along and have some quality time, with the added bonus that you don’t have to talk to them, just sit back and laugh!” adds Julian.

Presale tickets are available from the Queens Park Theatre at $29, Christmas presale promo tickets $25 or available on the door for $35.

Doors open 6:30pm, live music from 7:00pm and Comedy at 8pm.

Tickets on sale now $29 each. Tickets at the door for $35 (if sales permit) – so make sure you pre book through the Queens Park Theatre. Group discounts apply and for enquiries please ring 0458 306 111. No BYO alcohol. BYO food encouraged. BYO terrible hawaiian shirt. Bar available.

Price delivers funding for Durack trees projects (Wheatbelt and mid-west)

FEDERAL Member for Durack, Melissa Price has announced $140 000 in funding by the Australian Government for two projects in Durack under the 20 Million Trees Programme.

Ms Price said the 20 Million Trees Programme is a key election commitment, providing $50 million over four years to deliver tree planting projects across the country.

“This funding is going to where the action is—to Landcare, community groups and organisations to enable them to plant native trees and shrubs in their local communities,” Ms Price said.

Both projects that have been successful in the first round for the 20 Million Trees Programme are in the southern part of Durack.

“The Yanget Station project, on ground between Geraldton and Mullewa, will see the planting of almost 17 000 trees to improve connectivity for three threatened flora species including the Endangered Grevillea bracteosa.

“The River Connection project in the northern Wheatbelt includes the planting of more than 32 000 trees on the Cunjardine River, a key tributary of the Mortlock River and Avon-Swan River system. This project will provide habitat and food sources for the endangered Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo.

“I congratulate the Department of Parks and Wildlife and Greening Australia. These projects will provide valuable benefits to the environment and for our local community” Ms Price said.

Environment Minister Greg Hunt said nationwide, funding of $4.5 million has been approved for 57 projects.

“The projects funded by the Australian Government through this first grant funding round will deliver up to 1.6 million native trees towards the 20 million trees target.

“These trees and other plants will contribute to re-establishing native vegetation, providing habitat to support threatened plants and animals, and creating greener spaces to improve the liveability of our cities and towns,” Minister Hunt said.

As well as the grants, the Australian Government will be running a tender process for service providers to undertake large-scale tree plantings. Details are available at www.nrm.gov.au/20-million-trees

The 20 Million Trees initiative is an important part of the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme.

Land care comes with Price in Durack communities

Durack, Australia’s largest Federal electorate, will share in $5 million of Federal funding under the 25th Anniversary Landcare Grants.

Melissa Price, Member for Durack said the funding would help communities, catchments and groups in Durack to conserve, engage, protect and trial, all with the aim of developing sustainable agricultural practices or ensuring the health of our environment for generations to come.

“I am pleased to announce that thirteen project in Durack have been successful in attracting funding from the 25th Anniversary Landcare Grants round, in places like the Pilbara, Moore, Mingenew, Yalgoo and the Ord,” Ms Price said.

“We all have a part to play in caring for the land. These projects are a very practical hands-on way of involving a large cross-section of society in doing just that – caring for the land we all love.

“It’s great to see many Durack community-based groups getting involved in the local environment.”

Anne Wilkins, Executive Officer of the West Midlands Group said they were delighted to learn of the Federal funding announcement.

“The grant means a great deal to West Midlands Group and will enable us to undertake a new technology case study and attract speakers on new innovative technology to the the West Midlands Group field day. We have more than 100 members and I expect they will all benefit from this $16 000 grant,” Ms Wilkins said.

The Australian Government is investing over $2 billion in managing Australia’s natural resources over four years.

“We are putting Landcare back at the centre of natural resource management. These grants should have lasting benefits for the environment and productive agricultural landscapes,” Ms Price said.

Funding under this component of the National Landcare Programme will support farmers, Indigenous and community groups, to enhance the environment and improve management of our natural resource base. Australia wide, there are 291 projects that will receive funding of between $5000 and $20 000. Of these, 148 projects will have a strong agricultural focus and 143 will focus on delivering positive environmental outcomes.

Further information about the National Landcare Programme can be found online at www.nrm.gov.au.