$10 000 grants celebrate national icons; closes 20 March

GRANTS UP TO $10 000 are available to community groups in Durack until March 20.

“You just have to celebrate your national heritage icons,” Melissa Price, Member for Durack said.

“I hope that each national heritage site in Durack will benefit from a grant. Shark Bay is planning a celebration next year to commemorate 400 years since the landing by Dirk Hartog, and Ningaloo and the Kimberly hold festivals and events to promote their sites and icons.

“The Batavia story on the Abrolhos and the work undertaken about this ship wreck through the Geraldton Museum presents another opportunity that may benefit from a grant application.

“Then there is Wilgie Mia Ochre Mine in the Midwest, referred to as the oldest mine in the world.”

National heritage sites in Durack include:

1. Batavia Shipwreck Site and Survivor Camps Area 1629 - Houtman Abrolhos
2. Dampier Archipelago (including Burrup Peninsula)
3. Dirk Hartog Landing Site 1616 - Cape Inscription Area
4. Purnululu National Park
5. Shark Bay, Western Australia
6. The Ningaloo Coast
7. The West Kimberley
8. Wilgie Mia Aboriginal Ochre Mine

“I strongly encourage community organisations such as historical societies, Indigenous groups, National Trust groups, and ‘Friends-of’ groups to consider making an application very quickly.”

Applications for funding close on 20 March 2015.

http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/grants-and-funding/community-heritage-icons-grants

Rotary WA Young Drivers Awareness Program

Geraldton Rotary Clubs in partnership with the RAC and the WA Police are working together to decrease serious injury and deaths in our young drivers who represent a disproportionate number of deaths on our roads.

The program, the first for regional areas, will be held in Geraldton at Towns Football Club on Wednesday 18 March commencing at 9.25am sharp.

120  Y10 and Y11 students will receive education on how to to prepare them better for the challenges faced upon getting their drivers licence.

The program is made up of 6 interactive sessions which are run concurrently through the day, 9.30am – 2pm.

• Police-The law and driving
• RAC- My wheels – Insurance,Finances, ANCAP ratings
• Plan B – Choices- social gatherings, back up plans, drugs, alcohol and Fatigue
• Crash survivor–One moment can change your life
• Distraction, risk and hazards– Inattention, risks and hazards
• Braking distances- Practical demonstration , children will not be in any vehicle

The program has been designed to be interactive, thought provoking, confronting, challenging and fun.

Why is  Rotary so passionate about this program?  We care about the lives of young people.  Regionally we see too any fatalities on our roads, we have witnessed the heartbreak from families and friends when losing a loved one. 

If we can provide education, then hopefully we raise awareness of safety and we can save more lives on our road. 

Contact person: Rotarian Di Gilleland 0419 854 413

Multi-cultural child care opportunities

Parents and carers of all cultures are invited to a free information session about child care on Thursday 19 March, supporting Harmony Week.

Questions different cultures may have about child care include:

• Why is childcare called ‘education and care’?
• Does child care consider my culture?
• What are the different types of child care?
• Can I set up my own child care?

Come to the Child and Parent Centre – Rangeway’s temporary location at the OSCCA Building, Ramshaw Place Geraldton from 9.30 to 11am. A crèche service is available for parents attending the information session. To book your place call 0488020078 or email cpc@edcentre.wa.edu.au.

This activity supports the Regional Children’s Services Plan, a State wide initiative occurring across nine regional areas of Western Australia, to develop a more strategic, long-term approach to children’s services for 0 to 12 year olds in the region.

The project is funded by The Department for Local Government and Communities through the Royalties for Regions Regional Community Child Care Development Fund, which was established to support the development of sustainable models of regional community managed education and care services that meet the needs of families living in regional Western Australia. 

Child Australia is coordinating the Regional Children’s Services Plan project in two of the nine WA regional areas, Peel and the Midwest.

Organisations collaborating with Child Australia to deliver this event are the Midwest Multicultural Mothers Group, Geraldton Regional Community Education Centre through the Child and Parent Centre, Bright Stars Family Day Care and other members of the Midwest Education and Care Services Network.

For further information:

Tina Holtom, Director of Communications and Partners, Child Australia Inc. Tel: 92706636

NWCH closed at 440 from 8pm - Sandbags available if needed

Travellers are advised not to travel north with roads being closed as the cyclone travels further south. NWC Highway will be closed from the 440 Roadhouse at 8.00pm.

If you need sandbags go down to the Geraldton-Greenough SES unit on the corner of Edwards and Davies Road. If you’re at Drummond Cove, sand bags are available from John Batten Hall from this afternoon

Geraldton residents urged to prepare

DFES warns residents and travellers of widespread cyclone risk

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services is urging communities as far south as Perth and the South West to prepare their homes and families for dangerous weather, as Severe Tropical Cyclone Olwyn moves down the Western Australian coast.

The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting that category 3 Olwyn will gradually weaken as it tracks south along the coast, through Carnarvon and Geraldton, but could still pose a danger when it reaches Perth during Saturday.

DFES Assistant Commissioner Darren Klemm said people need to prepare their homes and families, and keep up to date.

"We urge people, especially those in Geraldton, to get ready now by preparing their homes, ensuring they have emergency supplies and be sensible by taking shelter as the cyclone passes,” Assistant Commissioner Klemm said.

"People in Geraldton should be aware that shops could close early this evening, so you should stock up on essential provisions this afternoon.

"If a Yellow Alert is issued for Geraldton, people will need to stay indoors and businesses will close.”

"Those in the Perth metropolitan area should clean their gutters and ensure any loose items are secured.

"Anyone planning a weekend camping or road trip should reconsider, and anyone already camping should relocate to a safe area.

"People from Coral Bay to Wooramel, including Carnarvon, are under a Red Alert and need to remain inside until the All Clear is given.

"We encourage people to keep up to date by checking the DFES and Bureau of Meteorology websites, calling the Emergency Phone Line (13 DFES) or listening to local emergency broadcasts.”

Bureau of Meteorology WA Regional Director Mike Bergin said Olwyn was expected to move southwards through the South West Land Division on Saturday.

"There is the possibility of heavy rainfall, damaging squally winds and abnormally high tides along the west coast,” Mr Bergin said.

"This will include the Perth metro area.”

"There is particular concern for Geraldton, which has not seen a cyclone since Cyclone Hazel in 1979.”

DFES personnel and emergency services volunteers are monitoring developments and undertaking necessary preparations.

Incident management teams have been established to advise the community and help people that may be impacted by the cyclone.

For more information, visit the DFES website at www.dfes.wa.gov.au/.

Publications including Cyclone Smart and Prepare for a Storm are also available for download.

WHAT TO DO:

• Get ready for dangerous weather by preparing your home inside and out. 
• Secure or remove loose material from around your home. 
• Ensure your emergency kit is complete and includes a torch, battery-operated radio, food, mobile phone and essential medications.
• Fill up your fuel tank well before the storm is due to arrive.
• Check your family knows what to do.
• Avoid all non-essential travel. 
• If youare planning travel over the weekend you should reconsider your plans.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS:

• For SES assistance call 132 500 
• In a life threatening situation call 000 
• For the latest weather information call 1300 659 210 or visit www.bom.wa.gov.au
• For information about road conditions and closures contact local Police or Main Roads WA on 138 138 
• To report downed powerlines call Horizon Power on 13 23 51.

PRICE scores $100 mil in primary care for Durack’s Indigenous communities

Scoring more than $100 million for primary and preventable health care for Durack’s Aboriginal communities, Melissa Price says she is being heard in Canberra, loud and clear.

Ms Price, Federal Member for Durack, recently delivered a frank speech in the Federal Parliament saying health care is absolutely fundamental to closing the gap.

“Although there has been some improvement, it is not enough, and we all know there is much work to be done with Indigenous health outcomes," Ms Price said.

“As I said in Parliament, one is left with a sinking feeling that serious restructuring is required to address the difference between living standards of Aboriginal people and the rest of the community. The reorganisation needs to be transformational and this government has made a good start on the right path,” Ms Price said.

Ms Price announced that eleven organisations in Durack would have their funding extended for three years to ensure they could deliver important health care and treatment in local communities. Locations include the Kimberly, Derby, Ord Valley, Carnarvon, and Geraldton. (see list)

“This funding reaffirms the Government’s commitment to closing the gap and the priorities of getting Indigenous Australians into work, ensuring children go to school and making communities safer.

“Overall this Government is investing $3.1 billion over the next four financial years on Indigenous health, an increase of over $500 million when compared with the previous four years.”

The target to halve the gap in mortality rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children does look achievable by 2018. However the target to close the gap in life expectancy within a generation is not on track to be met.

“The Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations play a unique and vital role in our efforts to close the gap in health outcomes through working with communities to improve access for Indigenous families to primary or preventative health care,” Ms Price said.

Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations enable the delivery of services including support from multi-disciplinary teams involving nurses, Aboriginal Health Workers and allied health providers and GPs. The funding will be delivered over three years – from 2015-16 to 2017-18 – to ACCHOs to continue delivering essential primary health care to Indigenous communities.

EXTRACT, CLOSING THE GAP STATEMENT MS PRICE, 230215, FEDERAL PARLIAMENT

Ms PRICE (Durack) (19:15): …..Let us take some time to look at the progress against the seven targets as outlined in the recently released Closing the Gap report: closing the gap in life expectancy within a generation, not on track—limited progress and much more to do; halving the gap within a decade in mortality rates for Indigenous children under five, on track for the longer term—some good news there; access for Indigenous four-year-olds in remote communities to early childhood education, not met—however, noting the target is 95 per cent and all jurisdictions have committed to this; closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous school attendance within five years—new targets have been set against the 2014 baseline to close school attendance gap by 2019; halve the gap in reading, writing and numeracy for Indigenous children, not on track—alarmingly, no overall improvement since 2008 so most unsatisfactory; narrow the gap in year 12 or equivalent attainment, on track and … see the statement here http://melissapricemp.com.au/Newsroom/Videos/ID/356/Statement-Closing-the-Gap-report-230215

New Aboriginal art movement showcased at Western Australian Museum - Geraldton

Aboriginal women from Warakurna collaborating on a painting associated with the Lungarta (Blue Tongue lizard) Dreaming. Photo Tim Acker. Courtesy Warakurna Artists

An exhibition of unique works from an Aboriginal art movement emerging from the Western Desert will open this week at the Western Australian Museum – Geraldton.

Warakurna: All the Stories Got into our Minds and Eyes features paintings and sculptures which were produced at Warakurna, a community at the foot of the Rawlinson Ranges in Western Australia, 300 kilometres west of Uluru (Ayers Rock), and will be on display from 13 March.

Western Desert people were among the last groups of Aboriginal people in Australia to have contact with Europeans.  Warakurna was also in the middle of the flight path of missiles launched from Woomera in the South Australian desert in the 1960s.

WA Museum – Geraldton Regional Manager Leigh O’Brien said the artworks provide first-hand accounts of significant events which impacted on the community.

“The exhibition is a fantastic way of helping all Australians understand the complex history of Warakurna,” Ms O’Brien said.

The paintings are more figurative in style than traditional Western Desert art and document Warakurna’s history: the coming of explorers, prospectors, missionaries, building roads, missile testing, and people’s return to their homeland.

“The paintings and sculptures tell historical and contemporary stories, recreating scenes of everyday life,” Ms O’Brien said.

Warakurna was launched at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra in December 2012.  It will be on display at the WA Museum – Geraldton until 24 May 2015, before traveling to the WA Museum’s Albany, Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Perth sites.

The majority of the paintings in the exhibition were donated to the National Museum by Wayne and Vicki McGeoch under the Commonwealth Government’s Cultural Gifts Program in 2011.  The National Museum purchased a further 10 paintings in 2012.  All of the paintings have been included in the National Museum’s permanent National Historical Collection where they sit alongside early Papunya boards and important works from the Canning Stock Route collection.

Entry to Warakurna is free of charge.  For more information go to http://museum.wa.gov.au/museums/geraldton/warakurna-all-stories-got-our-minds-and-eyes

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.

Dinner is Coming

On Saturday 18th April, the Bootenal Family Tavern will be taken over by A Game of Thrones fans celebrating the launch of Season V (5) of the HBO TV series.

The popular book series A Song of Ice and Fire, and consequential hugely popular television series A Game of Thrones, has taken Australia and the world by storm.  Local business Its All Sorted, wanted to combine their love for the series and their passion for events into something Geraldton has never seen before.

“Bootenal is the perfect location for us to host A Game of Thrones (GOT) Feast, but because of it’s size, there are only 55 tickets - which are already selling!” explains Its All Sorted Managing Director Emma Howell. “It’s going to be absolutely mindblowing.  Tarts & Co are putting together an authentic feast for us, which means each guest will get a three remove (course) meal PLUS a piece of the custom made Iron Throne cake.  Bootenal are also going to make us some beverages suited to the times, and each ticket will include a welcome drink!

“The Comedy Emporium and the Twin River Guard (local medieval reenactment group) are working with us to make sure the evening is full of entertainment and surprises. All of our guests will need to come dressed in GOT costumes, in order to win prizes upon prizes.

“The reaction so far has people a little concerned about how safe they will be at our feast - considering the consistency with which people die at GOT feasts in the series.  But we will be offering the guest right to all who attend, and honouring the pledge of protection under our roof which it provides.”

Photographer Richard Rossiter will be on hand to capture the guests revelling with a range of experiences and props including armed guards, prisoner stocks and a replica Iron Throne; whilst Midwest Pro Audio’s Lachlan Britt will ensure that the guests are able to enjoy a viewing of the first episode of the season.

There’s even an opportunity to be treated as royalty for the evening, with 5 exclusive tickets available for the High Table. “These particular honoured guests will receive a gift, extra free drinks and priority placement, service and attention throughout the evening.”

This is an 18+ event, Saturday 18 April 2015, 5 - 5.30pm arrivals only at the Bootenal Family Tavern, cnr Bootenal Road & Geraldton Walkaway Road, Bootenal WA.  Tickets must be purchased in advance from www.itsallsorted.com.au Contact Its All Sorted for more information 0458 271 853 or admin@itsallsorted.com.au

The Midwest Pet Fair is back!

Geraldton Dog Rescue’s major annual fundraiser, the Midwest Pet Fair, will be back in Geraldton on Sunday 29 March 2015.

Local event coordination business Its All Sorted are excited about hosting the event again, along with the major sponsors of their 2015 Community Events ­ The Abrolhos Group & Dr Kim Pedlow. The team are looking forward to trying out the new venue. “We have shifted to the St Francis Xavier Primary School oval this year, a huge thank you to them for letting us borrow their grounds!” says Managing Director Emma Howell.

2015 will be the third year of the Pet Fair, which usually brings in $4000 ­ $5000 for Geraldton Dog Rescue (GDR), to go toward rehoming the beautiful dogs which find their way to GDR’s
foster homes. This is raised from the $5 entry fee paid by the local community who attend, plus GDR running sausage sizzles and selling merchandise.

“There will be some exciting things to see and do at the Pet Fair this year,” says Emma. “We’ve got the Old McDonald’s Animal Farm joining us to provide a petting zoo, plus Phil from Paint Storm will be painting up a storm throughout the event! Then as usual, we’ll have agility displays from the Kennel Club, a range of local animal oriented businesses on display and some local markets too!” says Emma.

GDR have been finding forever homes and families for dogs who for some reason or another don’t have one. Run on 100% volunteer love, they rehome a dog per day on average, and it just keeps building.

“To make sure this event is as successful as usual, we need the community to get behind it. We want more businesses (animal oriented but also general market stalls) to get involved and hold a stall at the event ­ it’s just $55. And we want more people to come down on the day and have some fun with us! Bring your friends and family, and support your community.”

The 2015 Midwest Pet Fair will be at the St Francis Xavier Primary School oval from 10am ­ 1pm on Sunday 29 March. $5 entry, children under 10 free. For more information www.itsallsorted.com.au 0458 271 853 or admin@itsallsorted.com.au

Alert: Road closures following rains

 COMMUNITY SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Road closures for Mid West region

March 5, 2015

Following wide spread storms in the Mid West region over the weekend, the following roads closures are still in place.

• Short Road at floodway (Closed)
• Arthur Road at Floodway (Closed) Closure set at Arthur Rd and Walkaway-Nangetty Rd intersection.
• Minennooka floodway (Closed) Closure set at Aruthur Rd and Minenooka Rd intersection and also on Sandsprings & Minenooka Rd intersection.
• Ellendale Pool Floodway (Closed) 
• Ramsay Floodway (Closed)
• Phillip Road Floodway  (Closed)
• West Bank Rd Floodway (Closed)
• Hamersley St Floodway (Open)
• Evans Rd Floodway (Open)
• Carnarvon Mullewa Road closed at the river crossing
• Yuna Tenindewa Road Closed at Nundamurra Crossing 
• McCartney Road (Convict Bridge) closed

Grants available to protect Batavia Coast

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney said Batavia Coast coastal managers can now apply for State Government funds to help protect their coastline.

Calling for submissions in the latest round of Coastal Adaptation and Protection grants, Transport Minister Dean Nalder said $1 million was again available to coastal managers in 2015-16.

Mr Blayney said local Coastal Adaptation and Protection (CAP) grants are available to public bodies responsible for coastal management, including:

• Local governments.
• State government agencies.
• Aboriginal land councils.
• Other corporate bodies directly involved with coastal management. 

Mr Blayney said the Batavia Coast like all of WA’scoastline is one of the State’s most valuable assets. 

Coastal Adaptation and Protection (CAP) grants are available for coastal projects such as:

• Coastal monitoring.
• Adaptation planning.
• Asset management.
• Coastal adaptation.
• Maintenance works. 

Projects involving estuaries and rivers are not eligible for a CAP grant. 

The grants program helps coastal managers better understand and adapt to the challenges presented by the WA coastline they are responsible for. 

This is achieved through thorough investigation of local coastal hazards including erosion, accretion and inundation.

Coastal managers are invited to apply for grants up to 50 per cent of the total cost of a project. 

Last year, 16 local authorities shared $1,057,500.  

Submissions close on April 6, 2015. For more information, visit http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/capgrants

Great diversity in 2015 Mid West Art Prize

Frank Walsh SNR - ‘Wandarrie Country Rock Art’ by Frank Walsh Snr.

The much anticipated Mid West Art Prize Exhibition will be re-launched on Saturday 28 February 2015 and is set to showcase a diverse number of pieces from artists around Western Australia. 

Geraldton-born Professor Ted Snell (AM, Cit WA) who is currently a Winthrop Professor and Director of the Cultural Precinct at the University of Western Australia, will officially open the Exhibition this Saturday. 

Because the exhibition is open to artists from throughout WA, working in any medium, visitors can expect an exhibition of great diversity comprised of individual works of a very high standard.

Of the 247 works entered for consideration, 61 works were selected for exhibition.  This selection process was conducted by Allison Archer, manager; Turner Galleries Perth, Paola Anselmi; independent arts writer, curator and public art advisor to the City of Perth and James Davies Director of the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery. 

Both Allison and Paola will assist Professor Snell in judging the exhibition prior to the official opening. 

Director of the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery, James Davies, said the work selected includes installation pieces, light projections, super real painting, prints, sculptures, drawings and Indigenous works and that all selected works are required to be new creations, thereby ensuring an exhibition of quality, freshness and variety. 

“The City of Greater Geraldton recognises that one of the pillars of the City’s Strategic Plan is to support the development of a strong arts and cultural sector and their continued support, along with that of the Art Gallery of WA and local business sponsorship has ensured the continuation of the Art Prize,” he said. 

“This greatly appreciated and crucial support affords the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery the opportunity to provide an overall prize pool of $45,000 in non-acquisitive awards - an amount rarely equalled or surpassed by other regional galleries throughout the nation.” 

Mayor Ian Carpenter said the Mid West Art prize was a great representation of the State’s artistic talent. 

“The Art Prize has also proved to be an excellent opportunity for the acquisition of art works for the City’s art collection and a doubling of acquisition funds in 2012 is a further demonstration of the City’s commitment to regional cultural development,” he said. 

“The Mid West Art Prize is rapidly attaining an excellent reputation throughout the West Australian arts community and the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery is confident that it will continue to grow in stature from year to year.” 

The Gallery celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2014 and over this time many new and varied initiatives have been put in place but few have been of more significance than the establishment of the Mid West Art Prize in 2011. 

However, after thirty years of servicing the artistic needs of the Mid West community, the gallery was in need of a serious upgrade. This upgrade took place during 2014 resulting in the deferral of the fourth Art Prize until 2015. 

Works completed include the replacement of the aged climate control system, removal of asbestos, re-configuration of exhibition spaces, creation of store facilities, installation of a new display system and a thorough clean up and repair of the interior and exterior. 

This work will greatly enhance the overall aesthetic of the Art Prize. The Art Prize will be open to the public from March 2 to May 16. 

The award categories for the Mid West Art Prize are as follows: 

$20,000 City of Greater Geraldton Award for Excellence. 
$5,000 Minerals and Metals Group Highly Commended. 
$5,000 Rio Tinto Aboriginal Award.
$5,000 Geraldton Regional Art Gallery Mid West Award. 
$5,000 Geraldton Regional Art Gallery Highly Commended Award.
$3,500 96.5WAFM Youth Award. 
$1,500 People’s Choice Award. Sponsored by Ian Blayney MLA.

Joshua Cocking – ‘I Believe The Southern Poets Dream Will Not Be Realised’ by Joshua Cocking.

Geraldton Croquet Club Summer Pennants for 2015

Blue Birds from l. Robyn McDonald, Annette Dalton, Jeanette Featherby and Captain Rhonda Reynolds. Photograph by Maureen Nanson

Geraldton Croquet Club Summer Pennants for 2015 ran for 6 weeks commencing 21st January and was completed on 25th February. The club decided to trial evening pennants this year, to avoid the hot days expected in January/February and to give members who work during the day an opportunity to compete. The plan seems to have been successful with four full teams fielding and several reserves available. The competition winners were Blue Birds, Runners-up were Red Faces while Glitter Girls and Black is Black placed third and fourth respectively. The competition was organised and supervised by Kay Chynoweth and enjoyed by all involved.

Reserves:  Jenny Morris, Lizzie Jackaman & Coralie Brockman

ACCOMMODATION ALLOWANCE FOR REGIONAL STUDENTS DOUBLED

The accommodation allowance offered to Western Australia’s apprentices and trainees, who travel to attend off-the-job training, has been doubled. 

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney said the change would help those students who were required to live away from home temporarily as part of their training. 

“Apprentices and trainees, particularly those living in regional and remote areas, need as much support as we can offer them and this allowance increase helps reduce the burden involved with having to travel for training,” Ian Blayney said. 

New travel allowance rates are $70 per night for overnight stays below the 26th Parallel and $110 per night above the 26th Parallel. 

“Accommodation costs in metropolitan Perth and regional WA are high and this Government wants to help those young employees as they enter the workforce,” said Ian Blayney. 

About 650 students would access the allowance each year. 

 “This was an election commitment and I am pleased the Liberal-National Government is able to provide this additional financial assistance,” Ian Blayney said.

Increasing the allowance complements recent improvements made to the training program that reduced the amount of travel for students while also ensuring more efficient training. 

This involved support for lecturers to visit students in regional centres such as Karratha, Kalgoorlie and Geraldton, rather than requiring the students to travel. 

“This more efficient delivery model allows apprentices and trainees to remain in the region and minimise major disruptions to their training and employment schedule,” Ian Blayney said.

Mullewa Youth Centre welcomes former AFL player

Josh Simpson has come a long way from playing football barefoot in the park.

Having represented the Fremantle Dockers on the big stage, the 21-year-old has made his way to Mullewa and is motivating children at the Mullewa Youth Centre.

“My goal here in Mullewa is to inspire the kids and give them a sense of direction,” Josh said.

“Most of all I want to give them hope.”

The Mullewa Youth Centre, which is owned and managed by the City of Greater Geraldton with funding support from the Department of Child Protection, is visited by up to 50 local children a week from the ages of eight to 18.

The Centre hosts a number of youth engagement activities and is open to Mullewa Youth throughout the week as a safe place to enjoy technology, games and different sports.

Jesse Steele was appointed as Co-ordinator on the Youth Centre in late 2014 and has been implementing some positive changes to the Centre and is hoping for some more big additions in the near future.

“I really want to put some energy into the Centre and we’ve started with some renovations to the building,” he said.

“Ultimately we are here to try and provide the kids with some structure and mentoring.

“Sport is such a big focus here in Mullewa so Josh is a great role model for the kids here at the Centre.”

Josh grew up in Yalgoo and didn’t play his first real game of Australian Rules football until he was 13. He went on to represent Western Australia and South Australia before being drafted to the Dockers and played two games with the side last season.

He has now moved to Mullewa with his wife and two children, and is the head coach of the Mullewa League side in the Great Northern Football League.

Josh will spend the next year in Mullewa and hopes to get picked up by another AFL Club in the future.

Caution urged over sea container investment schemes

Investing in a sea container may not be a water-tight investment with claims of scammers offering these lease arrangements.

WA ScamNet has never received any reports of monetary loss to sea container investment schemes but blog threads suggest there are people who have lost money and what has been a genuine line of business now appears to be a target for scammers.

A number of overseas-based ‘buy a shipment container’ websites are named online as ‘Ponzi schemes’ – a form of fraud involving a non-existent business or company that continues because initial investors are given dividends using the start-up money paid by those who join the bogus scheme later on.

One example of an alleged sea container leasing ‘Ponzi scheme’ is Pacific Tycoon, which was the subject of an investor warning by financial market regulators in Canada. Pacific Tycoon is missing from the list of members of the United States’ Institute of International Container Lessors.

Be aware that if an investment scheme turns out to be a web-based fraud by overseas criminals, authorities in Australia may not have the resources or appropriate international powers and law enforcement connections to find those responsible or trace your money.  Why not explore opportunities with Australian based companies?

Let’s say there really is a sea container. There would be no guarantee it will be rented out or that you will ever get money back from the company that you leased it from and if it is all based off shore your chances of enforcing your rights are diminished.

WA ScamNet at Consumer Protection is examining the shipping container investment opportunities currently available in the marketplace and liaising with ASIC and the ACCC. 

Visit WA ScamNet for more information about this alert, as well as how the scheme works and what to be aware of.

Potential investors are advised to exercise caution while investigations are ongoing.

Contamination at Ellendale Pool and Greenough River Mouth

The City of Greater Geraldton has issued a warning for residents to stay out of the river water at Ellendale Pool and the mouth of Greenough River, due to the possible contamination of the water from recent rains.

Water samples have been taken from Ellendale Pool and the Greenough River Mouth which has indicated potential large amounts of faecal contamination, including Enterococci and Amoeba.

After heavy rainfall (>10mm) rain collects pollutants from our streets, gardens and farms which flushes into our ocean and rivers via the storm water systems. This can increase bacterial levels in the water and make the water unsafe for swimming, especially if you put your head under or swallow the water.

Other health risks of swimming in these natural waters can include infection by protozoa such as amoeba. This type of infection can lead to illnesses such as amoebic meningitis, a life-threatening disease.

These organisms generally occur in warm water, permanent health warning signs exist at sites along the Chapman and Greenough River’s warning of this risk.

X Factor auditions on their way to Geraldton

Do you have what it takes to be Australia’s next music sensation? Well this might be your chance.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, is encouraging all locals who think they might have what it takes to be Australia’s next X Factor, to audition next week.

For the first time ever, the hit TV show will host auditions in Geraldton.

Mayor Carpenter is urging locals to perfect their dance moves, dust off their instruments and fine tune their vocals.

“This is such a fantastic opportunity for the Mid West region and anyone with a musical flair should audition,” he said.

“Geraldton is full of local talent and we see this talent at many events around our City.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity so I would encourage people to not hold back and give it their all.”

Geraldton’s pool of talent is regularly seen on Marine Terrace at the City’s local Street Stage program. All emerging performers who have been part of this successful program are encouraged to audition.

Those auditioning will perform in front of The X Factor Producers and the selected best will be chosen to sing in front of celebrity judges at a later date.

Auditions will be held on Tuesday, February 24 at the Ocean Centre Hotel on the corner of Cathedral Avenue and Foreshore Drive, and registrations are from 1pm to 5pm.

You can also download an application form by heading to this link https://fmashows.com/the-x-factor/2015?p=attendinfo&

Tough home invasion and burglary laws a top priority for first up debate

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney said today the Liberal National Government has re-affirmed its commitment to law and order by listing its tough home invasion and burglary laws as the first item for debate this Parliamentary year.  

In delivering this election commitment, the toughest penalties in Australia would be imposed for serious home invasion offenders.  Mandatory sentencing laws for serial home burglars would also be tightened. 

Mr Blayney said the laws will protect the victims - the people who have had their homes broken into and been terrorised and attacked during a home invasion.  

The legislation mandated minimum jail terms of 75 per cent of the maximum sentence for an adult offender who committed serious physical or sexual assault during a home burglary. This means:  

• an offender who breaks into a house and rapes someone will face a minimum of 15 years jail;
• an offender who breaks into a house and seriously physically assaults someone will face a minimum of seven years, six months jail;
• an offender who breaks into a house and indecently assaults someone in aggravated circumstances will face a minimum of five years, three months jail. 

The three strike rules would also be tightened to stop offenders being able to have all their offences bundled together as one strike.  

Mr Blayney said under the new laws, if an offender has committed three burglaries, on three days that is three strikes and they will go to jail.

Mr Blayney said the Liberal National Government was dedicated to making communities safer through tough laws and by providing police with the resources they needed to combat crime and anti-social behaviour.

Cycle instead this Geraldton Bikeweek

Young Bikeweek participants enjoying an event at last year’s celebrations

Residents of Geraldton and Mullewa are invited to don their helmets, grease those chains and get pedalling as the City hosts a number of events for Bikeweek 2015, from Saturday March 14 to Sunday March 22.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Ian Carpenter said: “Bikeweek in Geraldton and Mullewa has always been popular as there are activities for all age groups and levels of experience. I encourage everybody to get involved, families, seniors, community groups and of course, seasoned cyclists.” 

“Celebrating Bikeweek is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to promoting a healthy and active lifestyle and also highlights Geraldton’s network of cycling paths which provide people with a safe and convenient way to ride to work, to school or just to socialise,” he added. 

Kicking off the week of events starting on March 18 is a free Why not Wednesday Commuter Breakfast, encouraging Geraldton residents to walk, ride their bike, scoot, skate, carpool or catch the bus to work or school. Held at the City of Greater Geraldton’s Function Room, participants are required to arrive on their bikes between 6.30am and 9am to be eligible. There will be prizes for the youngest rider, most kilometres and best helmet.

Gero Cycle Chic participants can dress up their bikes with lights for a fun night ride along the Geraldton Foreshore on Thursday March 19before heading back to Pollinators on Marine Terrace for a Sundowner and giveaways. Meet at Pollinators at 6.45pm for a 7pm start.

There will be a Bike Swap Meet on Saturday March 21 from 10am-1pm held at Parking Station No.2, Chapman Road for those on the hunt for parts for their bike and a perfect opportunity for sellers to find a new home for bike parts stashed in the shed they no longer need. There is plenty of room for stalls, so to book a spot visit the City’s website.

The Mullewa community can also enjoy two days of events in the great outdoors starting on Friday March 20 with an Outdoor Movie Night at the Mullewa Youth Centre from 6.30pm.

Bike Workshop and Time Trials will be held at Stock Street (east of the Pool, north of the Basketball Court) where there will be mechanic workshops and engraving, along with a BMX track and time trials. Activity books and Road Safety information will be available, along with a demonstration from the Fire Brigade and much more. This event will run from 10am-1pm concluding with a free BBQ lunch at the pool.

Registration for Bikeweek events is essential, links can be found on each event listing on the City’s website.

For more information contact the City of Greater Geraldton Active Travel Officer on 9956 6600 or email activetravel@cgg.wa.gov.au