National honour for Geraldton RSL president

Geraldton RSL Club president Ross Davies next to the city’s World War One Memorial

Geraldton Returned Services League (RSL) President Ross Davies will represent the State for the handover of the Gallipoli Flame in Canberra on Saturday.

The RSL Gallipoli Flame is part of the 100th anniversary of ANZAC, being conducted by Camp Gallipoli, a Not-For-Profit organisation which raises awareness of our ANZAC heritage and raises money for the RSL and Legacy.

Mr Davies, a Vietnam Veteran, will represent the WA President of the RSL Graham Edwards at the Australian War Memorial. Mr Davies will bring back two torches – one for Perth and one for Geraldton.

The torches, which were originally lit in Albany on 28 September 2014, are  specially-designed for air travel and similar to that used by the Olympic movement.

“This is certainly a great honour and privilege,” said Mr Davies. “It may be that Geraldton is the only regional centre in WA that receives the flame, as I’m not sure if any other RSL club presidents are travelling east.

The Perth torch will tour the State and return to Albany for the inaugural Camp Gallipoli, which will bring together West Australians for an authentic ANZAC experience, camping outdoors under the stars from 24-25 April.

Mr Davies said the Geraldton torch would appear at various locations in the leadup to Camp Gallipoli at Bundiyarra on 24 April and on Anzac Day (25 April).

The 25 camps around Australia are for people unable to go to Gallipoli for the 100-year anniversary and will take place simultaneously on April 24 and 25 in six capital cities around Australia and several regional sites next year.

Free mammograms for women in Geraldton

Local women aged 40 or over can access the free screening mammography service in Geraldton from February 12 to March 1.

BreastScreen WA’s mobile service will be located at the Geraldton Regional Hospital carpark off Milford Street from next week.

According to research, having a screening mammogram (breast x-ray) every two years significantly increases the chance of a woman surviving breast cancer and reduces the amount of treatment required.

More than 75 per cent of breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50 and research shows that screening is most effective for this age group.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Ian Carpenter, urged women to take advantage of the free service.

“We are privileged to have this extremely important service visit Geraldton,” he said.

“Statistics show that screening mammograms may detect up to 90 per cent of breast cancers so we would encourage local woman to use the visiting service.”

Early detection is your best protection. Ring 13 20 50 to make an appointment.

For more information about the free screening visit www.breastscreen.health.wa.gov.au

An 84 year old fish – amazing!

In the wake of researchers discovering WA’s most long-lived fish Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has urged local recreational fishers to take on their South Coast brethren and help Department of Fisheries researchers determine the age of fish species in the Indian Ocean’s West Coast.

The discovery by WA researchers of a Bight redfish that lived to 84 years of agehas set a new State record for long-lived fish.

Bight Redfish

The ‘elderly’ Bight Redfish was swimming in the ocean early last century and still alive and cruising WA’s South Coast late last year.

This redfish was born in 1929 when the Popeye comic was making its debut and the Academy Awards first started. It was swimming around when Philip Collier was WA’s Premier and James Scullin took over from Stanley Bruce as Australia’s Prime Minister, when WA celebrated its centenary and during the Great Depression.

The 60cm Bight redfish (Centroberyxgerrardi) was about average size when it was caught in November 2013.

Now you might wonder how do you tell the age of a fish?

Mr Blayney said “it’s not possible to tell the age of a fish from looking at it. So its age wasn’t discovered until its skeleton went under the microscope at the Department of Fisheries’ Hillarys research centre”.

Researchers from the Department of Fisheries, working in collaboration with Murdoch University’s Centre for Fish and Fisheries Research, assessed the age of this female fish from examining the growth rings of its ear bones (or otoliths), much like the way that tree ages can be identified from a cross-section of trunk.

The research was being supported by recreational fishers and commercial fish processors on the South Coast, who have been donating fish frames of the required species with skeleton and head left intact after filleting.

Otolith of 84yr-old Bight redfish

Bight redfish is one of the key species being checked. Geraldton and Mid West fishers to the 27-degree parallel just north of Kalbarri can contribute to the project which is also looking at pink snapper, blue morwong and donated frames of three near shore finfish species; Australian herring, King George whiting and tailor.

Recreational fishers can play a key part in the research by donating their fish skeletons to help long-term monitoring of fish stocks. 

Also known as 'frames', filleted skeletons, with the heads and guts intact, are essential to assess the status of fish resources. By analysing data from the frames reseachers can make science-based decisions to sustainably manage our fisheries. 

By donating frames before July 1, recreational fishers can win a number of prizes thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

Prizes for this year include:

• A charter trip for two to the Montebello Islands with Monte Bello Island Safaris and return flights from Perth to Exmouth are provided by the WA Department of Fisheries.
• State-of-the-art custom-made fishing rods andUgly Stik fishing rods.
• A day's charter fishing trip for two from Hillarys.
• Quarterly $50 vouchers and other assorted prizes..

Dhufish

To donate frames, label them with your name and address (so they can send you research feedback and enter you into our prize draw - see below), the date and location of your capture (shore catch: general location; boat catch: latitude/longitude or distance and bearing from port and the name of the port). Information you provide about the location of your catch is confidential and only used for research purposes, so you can continue to keep your favourite fishing spots secret.

Fishers can drop off their fish frames at our offices or participating stores listed below. The frames can be frozen, so you can collect a few before dropping them off.

Geraldton
Department of Fisheries 
69-75 Connell Road, Geraldton 6530
T: 9921 6800 or 0407 388 930

Geraldton Fish Market 
365 Marine Terrace, Geraldton 6530
Weekdays and up to 12 noon Saturday
T: 9921 3755

Geraldton Sports Centre
204-208 Marine Terrace, Geraldton 6530
T: 9921 3664 or 0407 388 930

Bridge improvements set for Brand Highway

Transport Minister Dean Nalder today announced that WBHO Civil Pty Ltd had been awarded an $800,000 contract for bridge works on the Brand Highway, between Dongara and the intersection of Brand Highway and Midlands Road. 

The work will involve strengthening bridge 1026 over the railway with reinforced concrete overlay, construction of new road pavement and kerbing, and installation of new traffic barriers. 

“These works will improve the safety and serviceability of the road network and enable growing numbers of heavy vehicles to use this vital link in the Mid West Gascoyne region,” Mr Nalder said. 

The contract is scheduled to commence in March 2015 with work estimated to be completed by June 2015. 

The project will be managed by Main Roads Western Australia’s Mid West-Gascoyne Region.

Positive results for Corella Relocation Program

City of Greater Geraldton Rangers Darren Cole and Neil Ferridge during the training for the Corella Relocation Program.

City of Greater Geraldton Rangers have seen positive results in the aftermath of the recent Corella Relocation Program.

Last week over 1,000 firecrackers were let off over three days as the City trialled a new type of deterrent in a bid to relocate the masses of corellas from Geraldton.

City Rangers have said the operation has shown positive results and they believe they have reduced the presence of the birds in the Geraldton CBD and surrounding areas by an incredible 60 per cent.

City CEO Ken Diehm said it was now a waiting game as to whether the birds would return.

“We have won the battle but we are yet to see if we have won the war,” he said.

“The trial has proven to be a learning exercise for our team and we’ve had an extremely positive response from the community.

“Right now we are waiting to observe what the birds’ next move will be and we are looking at other methods and new technology to add to our arsenal.”

The City was forced to take action after the plague of birds had caused tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage to local infrastructure.

Controlling the plague proportions is in fact a State Government responsibility however the City was forced to take action due to the enormous number of complaints from local residents and businesses.

Specially developed firecrackers were let off in several places around the Geraldton CBD as well as Pass Street, the Geraldton Hockey Association and the Geraldton Turf Club.

Rangers have observed flocks of up to 15,000 corellas and they have spent a lot of time observing the species’ behaviour.

Rangers monitored the flight path of the birds once they were moved on and it was noted that they tended to move in a certain pattern, with several birds staying behind to ‘guard the roost’. After a few times, the birds became familiar with the Rangers and even recognised their vehicle when they pulled up to conduct the exercise.

A cluster of the birds have made the Geraldton Turf Club their home and the City is currently in discussions with the Turf Club regarding the Corella population at the sporting ground.

The City will continue to monitor the behaviour of the Corellas whilst looking into other methods and technology to ensure the birds stay clear of places within the City. 

Rangers believe that the Corella Relocation Program has reduced the presence of Corellas in Geraldton by 60 per cent.

Burglary Charges

At approximately 10.10 am on Tuesday 3 February 2015 it will be alleged, a male attended a premises on King Street, Wonthella and entered the house by smashing a window at the rear of the property.

Once inside the house, it will also be alleged the male stole a quantity of items, including jewellery and a Samsung Tablet.

The 14 year old male from Beresford was located in a vehicle by police that afternoon allegedly in possession of the stolen property. He was arrested and charged with burglary, stealing and breach of protective bail. He will appear before the Geraldton Children’s Court this morning. (4 February 2015).

Armed Robbery

At about 9:00am on Monday 2 February 2015 a male entered the United Fuel Station on 50 Rifle Range Road, Rangeway.

It will be alleged, the male stole chocolates to the value of $16 and left the store. An employee approached the male, requesting the items be returned.

It will also be alleged, the male refused to return the items, challenging the employee and threw a large rock at the employee, striking him in the hand causing a laceration. The male fled the area.

On Tuesday 4 February 2015, a 15 year old male from Wonthella was arrested and charged with Aggravated Armed Robbery. He will appear before Geraldton Children’s Court this morning. (4 February 2015)

Expedition reveals new Batavia burial site

Researchers carefully excavating new burial site at Beacon Island. Photo courtesy Dr Paul Bourke (iVEC@UWA)

Archaeologists from the Western Australian Museum and The University of Western Australia are back at Beacon Island examining archaeological sites related to one of WA’s most famous shipwrecks, the Batavia.

One burial site containing the remains of an adolescent person was carefully excavated by the team yesterday.  Further investigations of other sites are continuing. 

“This is the first human burial to be found undisturbed through archaeological investigations, and represents a unique opportunity to reconstruct events surrounding this individual’s death and internment,” said Dr Daniel Franklin from The UWA Centre for Forensic Science. 

WA Museum Head of Maritime Archaeology Jeremy Green said this information is important because it tell us about the life and times of the sailors on board Dutch East India Company ships. 

“It is as much about knowing where the people came from, what their diet was, as well as how they died,” Mr Green said. 

The Batavia wrecked on Morning Reef near Beacon Island in the Houtman Abrolhos in 1629. 

Of about 341 people on board, most made it to nearby islands; 196 people died, most during a mutiny among the survivors, including women and children. 

The wreck site was discovered in 1963 and since then, archaeological work on several of the islands has located historic material associated with the wreck, as well as human remains: a mass grave was found at Beacon Island in 1999, with excavation work taking place there in 2001. 

Mr Green said there were at least two known burial sites to be studied as part of this expedition. 

“Not only are those two sites of interest, but we suspect there are other graves yet to be investigated as well,” he said. 

“The team of researchers is studying these areas for two weeks as part of the Australian Research Council funded project called Shipwrecks of the Roaring Forties: a maritime archaeological reassessment of some of Australia's earliest shipwrecks.” 

The WA Museum has been studying grave sites on the island since 1994. 

“We are also doing further archival research to find out more about the history of the loss of the Batavia,” Mr Green said. 

The Shipwrecks of the Roaring Forties project is led by UWA archaeologist Professor Alistair Paterson, and involves state, national and international partners including the WA Museum, Prospero Productions, Curtin University and Department of Fisheries. 

“We are testing new methods to improve our knowledge of archaeological sites using the technical expertise of remote sensing scientists from UWA led by Professors David Lumley and Jeff Shragge,” Professor Paterson said. 

Part of the project includes the creation of a virtual reality website that will allow visitors to see Beacon Island as it has stood over time, including the years it was a base for local fishers who built shacks that were only recently demolished.  The website is expected to be online later this year. 

Mr Green and Professor Paterson will present a public lecture at the Western Australian Museum – Geraldton about Shipwrecks of the Roaring Forties from 7pm Monday 9 February 2015.  Bookings via 9921 5080 are essential as places are limited.

Growing stronger regions across Durack

REGIONAL Development Australia (RDA) WA has made appointments to each of its committees.

The appointment of the Chair and the Deputy Chair of the Kimberley, Mid West Gascoyne, Pilbara and Wheatbelt RDAs have been announced by the Australian Government.

• RDA Kimberley – Cr Graeme Campbell (Chair); Cr Elsia Archer (Deputy)
• RDA Mid West Gascoyne – Mrs Vickie Hablitz (Chair); Mrs Leonie Noble
• RDA Pilbara – Cr Fiona White-Hartig (Chair); Cr Lynette Craigie (Deputy)
•  RDA Wheatbelt – Mr Graham Cooper (Chair); Mrs Heidi Cowcher (Deputy) 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the three-year appointments will provide leadership to RDAs to develop a model where all three tiers of government work together.

“The RDA committees can play a key role in growing stronger regions across the nation and ensure all three tiers of government work together,” Mr Truss said.

“The committees will advise on priority activities that will unlock regional economic development and improve the productivity of their region.

“RDA committees will provide advice to Government on critical issues affecting each region and are an important mechanism to increase access to Australian Government programmes in their communities.

“The committees will assist community stakeholders to develop proposals and direct them to appropriate public and/or private funding sources – including the $1 billion National Stronger Regions Fund.” 

Federal Member for Durack, Melissa Price said the four RDAs in Durack had undertaken valuable work over past years and that an important role over the coming term will be to work efficiently and productively across the tiers of government for the benefit of the community.

“This will require some readjustments and prioritising, if the real benefits of inter government collaboration are to be realised.”

Regional Development Australia consists of a national network of 55 committees designed to strongly focus on regional economic development and facilitate local projects that aim to make a difference in their local communities.

The Chair and Deputy Chair will now move promptly to appoint a team of active local community leaders to support them.

Mr Truss and Ms Price thanked retiring committee Chairs and members for their service and wished the new committees well as they work to deliver stronger local regions.

More information on the Australian Government’s National Stronger Regions Fund is available at: www.infrastructure.gov.au

For more information and the latest news from the national RDA network visit: www.rda.gov.au 

Military Museum Searches for “missing” Diggers

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Birdwood Military Museum curator Barry Stinson with the RSL Club's Roll of Honour.

Geraldton’s Birdwood Military Museum finds itself in the middle of a proverbial haystack, looking for 149 “needles”.

The museum, located at the Returned Services Club in Chapman Road, is trying to track down information on 149 Geraldton soldiers who died on duty during The Great War of 1914-19.

The Diggers are listed on the club’s Honour Roll but there is little information about their service, or a face to the names.

“All we know is their names,” says Museum curator Barry Stinson. “When we cross-checked, in some cases there is different spelling, so we can't be 100 per cent sure.

“We’re planning a myriad of activities in the lead up to this year’s 100th commemoration of the Gallipoli Landing (ANZAC Day, 25 April) and we’d like to know more about the city’s soldiers who served in The First World War.”

“We are currently researching Service and War Graves records in relation to the

Individuals to add to our database and are desperately seeking photographs of the Diggers in uniform.”

The museum wants people to scan the list to see if there’s a relative they know of, in the hope they will have more information. Some of the soldiers may not be from Geraldton but all enlisted there.

“We’d like to know things like their family background, what area they lived in, what they did for a job, who they served with and where,” said Mr Stinson.

“Of course, we’d also like any pictures, documents or memorabilia. We don't necessarily want to keep the material but we’d like to digitise it, with a view to perhaps using it in future displays or commemorations.”

Anyone who believes they have a relative in this list can contact Barry Stinson on 0408 222 653.

Release prepared by Greg Smith. Ph 0405 313 000

New Local Planning Strategy and Scheme open for public comment

The City of Greater Geraldton has announced the release of the new Local Planning Strategy and Scheme.

City CEO Ken Diehm said the new Scheme and Strategy is one of the most significant planning exercises undertaken since the formation of the City of Greater Geraldton.

“One of the main functions of Town Planning is to ensure that development and land use proposals are appropriate for the area and maintain and improve our quality of life,” Mr Diehm explained.

“Currently the City operates under four local planning schemes, the town planning schemes of Geraldton, Greenough, Mullewa and part of Cape Burney.

“This process has seen these existing schemes comprehensively reviewed, updated and consolidated into a single new Scheme.”

The Local Planning Strategy guides long-term land use planning and provides the rationale for land use and development control.  It has directly responded to the outcomes of the 2029 and Beyond Designing our City Forum that was held in 2011.

Mr Diehm said the Local Planning Scheme adopted a planning approach in line with the City’s vision of a creative city region with the capacity to sustain a prosperous, diverse and sustainable community population of 80,000-100,000.

The draft Strategy and Scheme is now available for public comment and the documents can be downloaded from the City’s website.  Hard copies of documents are available for public inspection at the: 

• City’s Administration Centre, 63 Cathedral Avenue, Geraldton
• Geraldton Regional Library, 37 Marine Terrace, Geraldton
• City’s Mullewa Office, cnr Thomas and Padbury Streets, Mullewa

The City’s town planning officers are able to provide general information and advice however, anyone wanting to discuss a particular property or matter can contact the City on (08) 9956 6900 or alternatively email council@cgg.wa.gov.au to arrange an appointment.

Submissions should be made in writing and lodged with the City on or before May 4 2015.

Farewell Iris and Bill Newbold

The Batavia Coast Maritime Heritage Association wishes to publicly acknowledge the contribution to our Association and to the Geraldton community of two of our stalwarts, Iris and Bill Newbold, who are leaving to live in Perth.

“Squander not the precious seconds” reads the inscription on one of Bill’s sundials, a motto he certainly seems to have lived by!

Bill arrived in Geraldton in 1948 where the Basile family took him under their wing and introduced him to the infant post-war crayfishing industry. Bill seized the opportunity and with a tiny scooter boat fished local and Abrolhos waters, in those days a very tough and physically demanding occupation. The Abrolhos became a place Bill continues to love, one of his discoveries there being the remains of the Zeewijk wreck on Half Moon Reef which led to the Navy recovering cannon and, with Bill’s directions, later investigations by Max Cramer, Tom Brady, Hugh Edwards and others.

In 1950 when Geraldton fishermen realized they were being dealt with unfairly by the existing buyers, Bill suggested they start a cooperative, and became the first Chairman of the Geraldton Fishermen’s Cooperative. Shares 1-10 were bought by Bill, and by the start of the 1951 Abrolhos season the fishermen had built their own processing factory. The Coop continues to this day, handles about 2/3 of WA’s rock lobster catch and is recognised as a world leader.

The tiny vessel that Bill fished from, the OO, was rolled by a breaker south of Point Moore and he was lucky to survive a 6 hour swim to shore. Bill later built a 65-foot timber vessel, the Irus, in a Wonthella backyard, using it as a fishing and processing vessel and as a carrier boat. The Irus is still afloat as a pleasure vessel in Fremantle.

When iron exports from Australia resumed in 1966 from Geraldton, Bill gained the contract for the tug operations, and continued in that business until his sons took over in the 1970’s. Propellers from their tugs were donated to the HMAS SYDNEY II memorial on Mount Scott.

Premier Charles Court sought Bill out to Chair the forerunner to our present MidWest Development Commission in the 1960’s. In 1977 he instigated a consortium that got the first commercial television station up and running in Geraldton, GTW11.

Bill has left other lasting legacies in Geraldton with his ingenious sundials at the Batavia Coast Marina, Queen’s Park Theatre forecourt, and at Geraldton Airport Greenough Terminal, the first two principally funded by Bill himself. His mind still tackles their complexities and he has other plans ready to go, should the opportunity arise.

“Behind every successful man is a strong, wise and hardworking woman” is an old saying, and nothing could be truer of Bill’s Iris, who recalls an admonition she received when announcing she was to marry Bill in 1952: “Marry a fisherman? Is that the best you can do”? Together they have lived a long and eventful life together, and we wish them well for the future, closer to their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in Perth.

Thank you Bill and Iris!

Howard Gray
Chairman, Batavia Coast Maritime Heritage Association

Abrolhos Islands now named under Greater Geraldton district

The Houtman Abrolhos Islands have been moved from the Shire of Northampton and now fall under the City of Greater Geraldton

In a big announcement for local tourism, the Houtman Abrolhos Islands have been moved from the Shire of Northampton and now fall under the City of Greater Geraldton.

The Department of Local Government and Communities announced that the Minister for Local Government had approved a recommendation to the Local Government Advisory Board to amend the boundary between the district of Greater Geraldton and district of Northampton wherein the Abrolhos Islands now fall entirely under the district of Greater Geraldton.

City CEO Ken Diehm said that this announcement means the City of Greater Geraldton has a seat at the table in terms of contributing to opportunities for the tourism and fishing development of the islands and can play an immediate role in relation to disaster management for the region.

“This boundary change came about due to our great relationship with our neighbouring shire Northampton and we thank Northampton for this extremely positive outcome,” he said.

“Ultimately it is all about the protecting and promoting the Abrolhos.”

The City of Greater Geraldton had advocated for the movement of the boundary as there are a number of service organisations including response units which serve the cluster of 122 islands directly from Geraldton.

This means easier management of disaster events as all service organisations are based in Geraldton.

A special cabinet committee have been working with the Department of Fisheries regarding the management of the Abrolhos and although the City isn’t involved in this committee, we have a significant vested interest in the management of the Islands.

“We want to be more involved and have our voice heard when it comes to the future of fishing and tourism at the Abrolhos,” Mr Diehm said.

“We are proud to have the Abrolhos fall under our district and we will do our utmost to preserve and promote the beautiful islands which hold a very rich history for our community.”

Active citizens recognised in Australia Day awards

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Premier's Australia Day Active Citizenship Award nominees and winners.

(Click image to enlarge)

Australia Day is one for celebrating our great nation but also for recognising the hard work and dedication of local residents and community groups.

The Australia Day Active Citizenship Awards were announced at a ceremony at yesterday’s Australia Day events in Geraldton and Mullewa hosted by the City of Greater Geraldton.

Local volunteer Maureen Campbell took out Geraldton’s Premier's Australia Day Active Citizenship Award and said she couldn’t be happier.

“I wanted to win this award before I turned 80 and I’m 78 so I’m over the moon that I was awarded such a high accolade,” she said.

“I love volunteering. I have no immediate family here and I live alone so I love going out for the fun and the company.”

Maureen is a much valued volunteer of multiple local organisations including Nazareth House, Neighbourhood Watch, Royal Flying Doctor Service, PCYC Geraldton and Centacare.

She is also part of the Cruise Ship welcome team and regularly assists in the kitchen at Theatre 8 functions.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, praised all the winners and nominees of the Australia Day award.

“All the people and groups that were nominated in the Australia Day awards have a heavy involvement in our community and I am proud to congratulate them for being recognised for their efforts,” he said.

“Active citizens make an enormous contribution to the social fabric and health of our community, that’s why the awards are so important, so we can recognise the tremendous efforts of our residents.”

See below for the full list of winners.

Geraldton

Premier's Australia Day Active Citizenship Award - Maureen Campbell

Premier's Australia Day Active Citizenship Award for group or event - Geraldton Hospital Auxiliary and Rangeway Utakarra Karloo Progress Association (RUKPA)

Premier's Australia Day Active Citizenship Award for under 26 year olds - Emma Howell

City of Greater Geraldton Young Achiever of the Year - Jodie Skennar                                                                                               

Mullewa

Premier's Australia Day Active Citizenship Award over 26 years old – Barbara Thomas

Premier's Australia Day Active Citizenship Award for group or event – Our Lady of Mount Carmel Centenary Celebration for Community Group.

Punch results in Fractured Eye Socket

At about 2:20am on Thursday 1 January 2015, police observed a male walking south on Lester Avenue in Geraldton.

Police observed the male interact with another couple (male/female) and after a short verbal exchange, the male struck the 19 year old male victim to the face. As a result the victim received a fractured eye socket.

Police arrested the male and conducted inquiries. He was later charged with assault occasioning bodily harm. The 23 year old male from West End will face Geraldton Magistrates Court on 29 January 2015. 

Nukara Music Festival Early Bird Tickets

IT’S THE FINAL WEEKS FOR 10TH NUKARA MUSIC FESTIVAL EARLYBIRD TICKETS

BOOM! BAP! POW!

There are only a few weeks to grab your EarlyBird tickets to the special 10thNukara Music Festival being held on the outskirts of Geraldton in the scenic Chapman Valley at Nukara Farm on Saturday 21st March. 

The Nukara Music Festival has evolved in many ways over its little lifetime. Initially on an old farm trailer by the creek and now a 2 stage venue, but still a very unique, boutique small sized music festival in the beautiful bush surrounds of Nukara Farm that many travel from afar to attend.

This year’s special anniversary is a slight look back in time bringing some of the favourite acts from previous festivals such as US Bluesman Eugene ‘Hideaway’ Bridges, Blue Shaddy, Punk/Folk/Rockers from Victoria The Go Set, Noongar songstress Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse, Morgan Bain and The Swoop, Boom! Bap! Pow!, Beck Tuesley, plus the band to play at the very 1st Nukara Music Festival, the Dave Mann Collective. 

DJVB (Victor Broido from Switzerland) will wind the crowd down again into the wee hours, and more live music will happen at the Recovery Breakfast Sunday morning (camping overnight is encouraged). 

Tickets are available from Geraldton CD Centre Ph: (08)99214821 and online from Ticketbooth.

EarlyBird $100 until cob 21st February (Full price $125)

Government moves to cut delays for home builders

The State Government has announced reforms to the building approvals process for single residential housing which will reduce time delays, giving owners and builders greater certainty that planning and building requirements will be met.

Commerce Minister Michael Mischin said the Instant Start initiative would allow registered builders to start construction upon lodging a certified permit application while the application was processed by local government.

Mr Mischin said this would remove delays in starting works which had been verified by competent independent experts to be compliant with planning and building requirements.

“Lack of certainty about the time taken to grant an approval are a significant cause of cost, delay and frustration to the home building industry and its clients,” he said.

“Each week of delay can cost the owner hundreds of dollars in mortgage costs on land and in rental costs. 

“Builders have to allow higher margins to cover uncertain start times and cannot schedule subcontractors in the most efficient way.

“With Instant Start, builders can be confident in starting work because both planning and building compliance have been verified by competent and independent experts.”

The Minister said Instant Start would be available to registered builders as soon as required amendments to building and planning regulations were made, which was expected to take six months.  The Department of Planning and the Building Commission will work towards a system of planning verification over this period.

Instant Start would also apply to home renovations when they are carried out by a registered builder.

“These reforms pave the way for more local governments to offer electronic lodgement and processing of building applications. This will reduce variations in requirements between local governments and remove the current manual processing period needed to assess applications for completeness and compliance,” Mr Mischin said.

Aquarena Takes on Epic 24-hour Challenge

Aquarena staff members Zoe Rowcroft, Emily Murphy and Emma Hancox (front) are gearing up for this weekend’s 24-hour swim to raise money for the Cancer Council.

Get your goggles ready because the Aquarena is calling on the community to join in their 24-hour swim to raise money for the Cancer Council.

The swim will take place this Friday, January 23 at 6pm and will go through to 6pm on Saturday.

The rules are very simple - you must have one person from your team swimming at all times, you can even wear floaties if you want.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said the event was a fun way to get involved in raising money for a very worthy cause.

“Everyone has been touched by cancer in some way and we would really like the community to get behind this great event,” he said.

Teams can range from one to 20 people and entry fee is $20 per person with all money going to the Cancer Council.

The Aquarena is also calling on all local businesses to make a donation to the event.

You can go and support the swimmers during the swim with a gold coin donation.

For more information about how you can get involved, contact Emma Hancox at the Aquarena on (08)9921 8844.

Nominations open for Heritage Awards

Barry Stinson was awarded a high commendation for Outstanding Heritage Achievement in last year’s Heritage Awards. He is pictured with Councillor Jerry Clune.

The preservation, promotion and conservation of our region’s rich heritage is recognised by the City of Greater Geraldton’s annual Heritage Awards.

Nominations are now open for the 2015 City of Greater Geraldton Heritage Awards which acknowledges outstanding efforts by local individuals and organisations who have worked to conserve and promote the City’s social, cultural and natural heritage.

Nominations will close on Monday, March 16 2015 at 4pm and the winners will be announced at a gala event during Heritage Week which runs from April 11 to 19.

Mayor Ian Carpenter said the awards recognised people and organisations that play a very important role within the community.

“We have a very rich culture and heritage throughout the region and the stories of our history help us form our local identity,” he said.

“The previous winners are a testament to the high calibre of work that has already been done in conserving our heritage.”

Swansea House was the winner of last year’s award for Excellence in Heritage Building Design and Conservation.

Introduced in 2012, previous winners have included Swansea House, Greenough Museum and Gardens and Glengarry Homestead. Local individuals have also been recognised including Howard Gray, Gary Martin and George Macdonald.

If you would like to nominate a person or organisation in your local community, copies of the Guidelines and Nomination Form can be collected from the Civic Centre, Mullewa District Office and Geraldton Regional Library or can be downloaded from the Library website www.library.cgg.wa.gov.au.

For further information contact City of Greater Geraldton Coordinator Heritage Services, Trudi Cornish on (08) 9956 6659 or trudic@cgg.wa.gov.au. 

Aquarena welcomes energy efficient heating

Stage two of the new geothermal system at the Aquarena has commenced with the new infrastructure to be installed and commissioned by the end of February 2015.

Work commenced on the installation in late 2014 and new pipework and heat pumps are currently being installed.

The innovative system will reduce the Aquarena’s gas consumption by up to 70 per cent per annum and will generate costs savings in the region of $84,000 annually.

Along with the reduction in gas consumption, the geothermal heating system will also have a huge impact in reducing CO2 emissions with an average annual carbon offset of approximately 108 tonnes.

The project has received generous funding from the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism as part of the Community Energy Efficiency Program (CEEP).

The contract for the final stage of the design, installation and commissioning of the heat pump system was awarded to EVO Industries Australia Pty Ltd at a cost of $507,750 excluding GST. EVO have an experienced background in geothermal heating systems having recently completed a similar system for the City of Fremantle.

The total cost for the energy efficiency project is just over $1million. This includes the installation of variable speed drives, pump upgrades, pool blankets and water wise technologies.

CEEP have generously provided a grant of $795,822 for the works. The remaining funding has been provided by the City. The combined energy efficiency upgrades will see a positive return to the City after three years.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said this was the second renewable energy project for the City.

“The Geraldton Regional Art Gallery underwent an air-conditioning upgrade last year using a geothermal system and it has proven to be extremely efficient,” he said.

“Not only are the money savings a bonus but this technology has a positive flow on effect to our environment which makes this a positive long-term investment for the City.”

As well as improving the Aquarena’s heating system efficiency and lowering gas consumption, the new addition will also reduce noise levels and improve air quality.

This project compliments the second stage of the maintenance and refurbishment of the Aquarena.

Schematic design for geothermal system at the Aquarena.

Schematic design for geothermal system at the Aquarena.