PRICE at the pub with TURNBULL

POLITICS IN THE PUB is on offer in Durack with Melissa Price MP bringing the Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP, Minister for Communications, to the Freemasons Hotel in Geraldton for a beer and a chat with all and sundry.

Ms Price said it was a coup bringing Minister Turnbull to Durack.

“My goal has been to make Durack more relevant in Canberra so that they sit up and take more notice of us, and one way to do that is to get key Ministers and influencers to come to our part of the world,” Ms Price said.

“Earlier this week I had the Hon Bronwyn Bishop in the Kimberley, next Wednesday 22 April I am brining Minister for Employment, Senator the Hon Eric Abetz to Geraldton and of course we had the Prime Minister in February.

“My next guests, I hope, shall be the Hon Sussan Ley, Minister for Health and the Hon Michael Keenan, the Federal Justice Minister, both of whom I have invited.”

Politics in the Pub is your chance to meet informally with Minister Turnbull and to talk about the Government’s plans, performance and leadership, and to gather some rare insights into this seemingly controversial politician.

There is no agenda so bring your questions and comments to the Freemasons on Wednesday 29 April at 630pm – 730pm for this free event.

It would help if you could RSVP at 9964 2195 or mpricedurack@gmail.com.

Carus Thompson and The Inks Performing at Bootenal Family Tavern

CARUS THOMPSON

BOOTENAL FAMILY TAVERN
SATURDAY 9th MAY 8.30pm 

Supported by THE INKS

Originally coming to prominence as part of the explosion of the roots scene with his band Carus & The True Believers, Carus Thompson is a gifted songwriter and storyteller. 

His energetic, passionate and genuine pub-rock approach to performance sets him apart from the majority of singer-songwriters. He's no show gazer. He gives every gig his all, and he has built a legion of fans through Europe and Australia because of it.

One of the few truly independent Australian troubadours to have a carved a full time living from his craft, years of touring have assured Thompson the enviable ability to draw hundreds of people anywhere he goes. 

He’s has the rare skill of being able to engage an audience emotionally as well as entertain; always ensuring the crowd get out of their seats.

Carus is proud to continue the Aussie tradition of pub-rock energy, even if he is using an acoustic guitar to do it.

 See him live and you will understand why he is one of this country's favourite live performers. 

Presale Tickets $15 ea ($20 on Door) available now from the Bootenal Family Tavern Ph 99233707 Or book online http://tickets.oztix.com.au/?Event=50852

Knitting for ANZAC

Members of the QEII Senior Centre’s Knitters and Crotchet group, Perdita Kellett, Diana Keighram, Pat Parker, Audrey Varley and Jan Macey.

It was a sea of red poppies at the QEII Senior Centre’s Knitters and Crotchet group.

Over 200 poppies have been knitted to be sold at ANZAC Day activities with all proceeds going to RSL and Legacy.

Local knitter Diana Keighran knitted a total of 105 poppies.

“It takes me around 20 to 25 minutes to knit one poppy but it’s easy,” she said.

“It gives me a chance to do something different.”

With close to 40 hours of knitting time from Mrs Keighran, her friends in the knitting and crocheting group all pitched in a large amount of time and effort as well as donating all the wool to the project.

The local group knit items which are distributed all over the Mid West and throughout the state for those in need.

The group’s items, such as rugs, baby clothes, beanies and trauma teddies, go to local nursing home Nazareth House and local hospitals as well as King Edward Hospital in Perth.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, praised the work of this local group.

“This group is continually giving back to the community both locally and state-wide,” he said.

“The whole community is getting behind the ANZAC Day from school groups, to ex-servicemen and many community groups.”

The QEII Senior Centre’s Knitters and Crotchet group meet every Friday from 9am to 12. Everyone is welcome.

You can purchase your own knitted or crocheted poppy for a gold coin donation at the ANZAC Day services on Saturday at Birdwood House or at Camp Gallipoli on Friday which will be held at Bundiyarra.

You can find out more information on ANZAC Day activities by visiting the City website www.cgg.wa.gov.au

BMX action coming to Geraldton

BMX fans are in for a treat when BMX Sports Western Australia brings its State Super Series to Geraldton.

The City of Greater Geraldton, BMX Sports Western Australia and the Woorree Park BMX Club are joining forces to present round 5 of the Super Series. 

This fun and exciting event will take place on Sunday 31 May at the Woorree Park BMX Club.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Ian Carpenter said he was pleased to see major events such as the State Super Series coming to Geraldton.

“These events can attract over 400 riders competing in a one day event and along with them come their families and supporters,” Mayor Carpenter said.

“This is great news for local accommodation providers and other local businesses, as all these people need somewhere to stay and places to eat.”

The event involves riders aged from two years up to 52 years who race around the track to gain valuable points in the State Series.

Spectators are welcome and entry is free. Racing starts at 11.00am.

Mayor Carpenter said the Super Series will be a great day out for the whole family.

For accommodation needs go to www.visitgeraldton.com.au, where you will also find a full list of entertainment, for when you are not at the track, and a guide to local dining experiences.

Local attractions and fishing spots are also listed on the Geraldton Visitor Centre website.

National ICE Taskforce

MELISSA PRICE, Federal Member for Durack said tackling the ice scourge that is harming so many communities is a top priority for the Australian Government. Ms Price said Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s announcement this week that the Commonwealth would form a National Ice Taskforce, headed by former Victorian Chief Commissioner of Police Ken Lay, was a vital step in ensuring that the campaign against Ice is being fought in an effective way.

“Ice use is a growing problem across the country. It is ruining individuals, destroying families, and harming communities,” Ms Price said.

“I eagerly welcome this initiative by the Prime Minster because my constituents are telling me that ice is a rapidly growing problem in a number of centres across Durack.

“It is tragic to speak with my constituents who are sadly affected through a family member who has become addicted to ice – for many there is no turning back, and only misery lies ahead so it has to be addressed at the source and through the intermediate dealers - and quickly.

“I have invited Minister for Justice Michael Keenan to the electorate to meet with authorities, and the community about the ice scourge, and I know that the local police are serious about this issue.”

The overall purpose of the Taskforce will be to examine efforts to address ice and identify ways to take a systematic, comprehensive and coordinated approach to education, health and law.  As the ice scourge affects the whole community, the Taskforce will consult widely to ensure that all aspects of this menace are being addressed.

The Australian Crime Commission considers ice poses the highest risk of all illicit drugs to our nation. Following advice from the Taskforce the Commonwealth Government will be working with States and Territories to develop a National Ice Action Strategy to tackle the growing scourge of ice.

The Taskforce will provide an interim report to the Prime Minister by the middle of this year. The Prime Minister will take the report to the first subsequent meeting of the Council of Australian Governments to ensure that the campaign against Ice is fought in a coordinated and targeted way.

Those interested in submitting to the Taskforce should register with the  Office of Melissa Price 08 08 9964 2195, melissa.price.mp@aph.gov.au

The return of the Pacific Jewel

The Pacific Jewel on her first visit to Geraldton last month.

For the fourth and final time this season, the Pacific Jewel will be visiting Geraldton yet again on Sunday 26 April, as part of their Indonesian Adventure itinerary.    

The ship is expected to arrive at 8am and depart the same day at 4pm. Maximum passenger capacity is approximately 1950 and 700 crew. 

Pacific Jewel is due to anchor in Champion Bay and tender to the Batavia Coast Marina where stallholders and Meet and Greet Volunteers will welcome passengers ashore. 

The itinerary started in Fremantle and includes calls to Geraldton, Broome, Lombok, Benoa and Komodo before returning to Fremantle. 

Pacific Jewel will then head to Singapore where it will undergo a refit. 

For enquiries phone the City’s Cruise Ship and Visitor Information Officer, Joanne Brown, on (08) 9956 6670.

Mid West Cat Shelter Bonded Pair Cats of the Week

BONDED PAIR CATS OF THE WEEK available to the right home for $300. Meet Mini-Me & Muggle.

BONDED PAIR – Kitten sisters who would love to stay together. Mini-Me (Tabby & White) is shy and likes to be close to her playful, friendly sister Muggle (Black & White).

We have a number of cats and kittens on our “cats and kittens for adoption” album including: Ivory, Leyla, Paris, Cleo, Pumpkin & Sweetie.

The adoption fee for our cats is $150 and kittens is $200, (with the exception of Cat of the Week) which includes microchip, sterilization, immunization, vet check, worm and flea treated. That is a huge saving on the vet work alone! Mid West Cat Shelter Inc is a registered charity whose main objective is to rescue and rehome, lost abandoned and homeless cats and rehome them to responsible pet owners. We promote sterilization and containment, for the wellbeing of your cat, your neighborhood and the environment.

As part of the implementation of the new Cat Act, MWCS has recently received grant funding from the State Government, to provide a sterilization subsidy to low income earners in the City of Greater Geraldton. So if you have an adult cat that is not yet sterilized you can find the Application forms at your local vet.

If you would like to adopt Rocco & Bailey or any of our other cats or kittens, visit our website www.midwestcatshelter.com our Facebook page www.facebook.com/midwestcatshelter or phone 0487 193 244 to speak to a coordinator.

New “lick” for historic Birdwood House

Having been built in 1935, it’s always been a battle to maintain the appearance of Geraldton’s historic Birdwood House … but no more.

Thanks to a $10,000 community grant from City of Greater Geraldton, the Geraldton Sailors, Soldiers and Airman’s Memorial Trust will be able to paint the building exterior, which is home to the Geraldton City Returned Services League and Birdwood Military Museum.

“The money has come at an opportune time, given the fact we are in a cycle of 100 years of Anzac history,” said Museum president Barry Stinson.

“The building is indelibly connected to our community and Anzac heritage, with it being named after Field Marshall Sir William Birdwood, who commanded the Anzacs at Gallipoli.”

Several community groups also use Birdwood House for meetings and group activities. The RSL recently hosted a group of motorcycle riders travelling around Australia to raise funds for malaria research.

“It really is an all-purpose meeting place for many people,” Mr Stinson said. “The City is a great supporter and this will ensure the building is kept for posterity.

Work will start soon after Anzac Day (25 April) and is expected to take several weeks.
  
Further information, Barry Stinson, 0408 222 653.

Works to begin on Wonthella Skate Park extension

Outline sketch of proposed works at Wonthella Skate Park.

The local skating community will be able to put their skills to the test after the Wonthella Skate Park undergoes a refurbishment and extension. 

The skate park will be fenced off from Monday, 20 April as construction takes place. The planned extension to the skate park will cover an area of approximately 700m2 and will include various new elements for both beginners and established skateboarders.

The various new transitions and obstacles will complement the existing skate park structure, with the existing section to undergo a considerable refurbishment.

The completed skate park will include a number of tried and tested features such as grind rails, ramps, quarterpipe runs, banks, ledges and steps.

A significant area of the new extension will be utilised to house a bowled area which will be an entirely new feature of the skate park.  

Mayor Ian Carpenter said the extensions were a result of feedback from the community.

“We listened to what the community had to say and we have taken their suggestions on board with the design of the newly refurbished and extended skate park,” he said.

“Local youngsters have been rallying for this project for quite some time and we are happy to see it come to fruition.

“The finished product promises to be a big hit with the local skating community.”

CONVIC Pty Ltd has been awarded the contract for the project and the business has an extensive background in skate park construction.

The award-winning team are one of the leading contractors in this field and will be utilising a number of local contractors to provide secondary services during construction.

CONVIC have built prized skate parks throughout Australia and the world, including Australia’s largest skate park in South Hedland. CONVIC have a swag of awards under their belt including awards for their skate park construction in Fremantle and Singapore.

Beresford Electrical Services have been separately contracted to provide and install the new floodlighting.

Works will begin on April 20 2015 and completion is expected by June 30. During this period, the entire skate park will be closed to the general public.

$85,000 given to local businesses through Royalties for Regions

Small to medium-sized businesses in Geraldton are the beneficiary of Royalties for Regions funding to increase competitiveness, productivity and engagement in major projects.

Funding disbursed under round 2 of the regional Industry Facilitation and Support Program (IFSP) will go to 36 businesses, totalling more than $680,000.

Member for the Agricultural Region Hon Paul Brown MLC said dollar-for-dollar IFSP grants up to $25,000 were provided to heighten business performance and competitiveness in local, national and global marketplaces.

“The expansion of this program to include regional businesses is a great way to help stimulate local economies and provide a platform for business operators to reach new growth objectives,” he said.

“Royalties for Regions is allowing these businesses and companies to engage in larger, more major markets, in some cases catalysing a push toward broader involvement in national and international supply chains.”

Businesses in Geraldton to successfully apply for round 2 IFSP grants include:

• GHS Solutions, Wonthella: $20,000
• Shine Aviation Services, Geraldton: $20,000
• JR & DL Peck, Geraldton: $25,000
• Geraldton Building Services & Cabinets, Webberton: $20,000

TOTAL: $85,000

In 2014 a total of 31 regional companies received $400,000 in IFSP funding, which helped create more than 20 new jobs, six apprenticeship positions and generated almost 20 contracts worth $208 million.

Eligibility for the latest round was expanded to include agribusiness and tourism sector businesses, as well as those who have previously received IFSP funding.

Mr Brown said the regional component of IFSP was funded by the Royalties for Regions Regional Buy Local Initiative.

“In the five years to 2016-17 the Regional Buy Local Initiative will have invested almost $10 million into facilitating regional business opportunities,” he said.

“Given the current downturn in some WA sectors this is an opportune time to ensure small businesses in regional WA continue to develop and Buy Local provisions are met state-
wide.”

More information on IFSP funding can be found at www.commerce.wa.gov.au.

Funding extension for alcohol and drug treatment in Wiluna

The Ngangganawili Aboriginal Corporation drug and alcohol treatment service in Wiluna has been given Federal Government funding for a further year for their Substance Misuse program.

Member for Durack, Melissa Price said Ngangganawili Aboriginal Corporation could continue to offer programmes to help individuals and families affected by substance abuse.

“The Government has allocated $87 million in 2015-16 for alcohol and drug treatment activities provided by non-government organisations,” Ms Price said.

“This means that Ngangganawili Aboriginal Corporation can employ an Alcohol and Other Drugs Counsellor to improve access to drug and alcohol treatment and rehabilitation services to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Wiluna and surrounding areas.”

Services will address education, intervention and residential rehabilitation. The Substance Misuse program will also establish and maintain networks with relevant government and non-government services and establish referral pathways based strictly on client need.

Ms Price said a review of the drug and alcohol treatment services sector, commissioned by the Department of Health, was under consideration by the Commonwealth, state and territory.

“The review was initiated in 2013 to examine the duplication and overlap between services and propose a better way forward,” Ms Price said.

“Extending funding for 12 months will provide clarity for Ngangganawili Aboriginal Corporation and others in the alcohol and other drug sector while these longer term plans are developed.”

Ms Price said the review’s findings required analysis and consultation between the Commonwealth, states and territories, all of which provided funding for alcohol and other drug treatment.

Commonwealth funding provides treatment and support to individuals including mothers, teenagers and older Australians, as well as families and communities affected by substance misuse.

Plugging the supply leaks: What's stopping businesses from buying local

Vickie Hablitz, Chair of RDA Midwest Gascoyne with  Alan Bradley, Executive Officer -  ‘Checking for Leaks in Geraldton’

Late last year Regional Development Australia Midwest and Gascoyne, Executive Officer Mr Alan Bradley and Board Members, commissioned the services of PRACSYS consultants to develop a Local Supplier Survey: Plugging the Leaks, to determine where supply ‘leaks’ occur in the region.

The report summarises the results of the survey and how some of these ‘leaks’ could be ‘plugged’ locally to keep Geraldton’s economy vibrant.

A number of Geraldton companies were asked a series of supplier related questions with many interviewed face-to-face by RDAMWG Regional Coordinator, Barbara Thompson. Some of the one-on-one interviews drew some quite candid responses.

The mission of this survey is to help connect local businesses, so they can all work together to see where they can help ‘plug the supply leaks’ from Geraldton, identify opportunities to supply each other to retain more wealth and social capital in the local economy, and become more resilient in a changing environment.

Ms Thompson said many local operators are so busy working in their business that they don’t have time to work ‘on’ their business.

“This was quite apparent,” she said.

“A lot of operators were unaware there is often a local alternative to their supply need but they are too time poor to explore that avenue.

“This report also offers some practical tips on how businesses could network better between each other and help keep local money in the community,” said Mr Bradley.

Regional Development Australia Midwest Gascoyne Chair, Ms Vickie Hablitz, said “Working together and using each other’s services is one of the most important things we can do in the community.”

A copy of the report can be downloaded from the RDAMWG website at www.rdamwg.com.au

ANZAC Day for the Troops

On 25 April Australians will commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Gallipoli landings during the First World War and honour the sacrifices of those service personnel who helped forge our national identity.  This Anzac Day Australians are also asked think of current serving personnel and recently returned veterans from operational service overseas.

Melissa Price, Member for Durack, said it is equally significant to commemorate the acts and deeds of those present at the Gallipoli landings as it is the ongoing work of the men and women who continue to serve and represent our nation abroad today.

“It is important to honour and support the current generation of Australian Defence Force members and veterans who serve on our behalf in what are often complex, challenging and extremely dangerous environments," Ms Price said.

“In gratitude for the service of our current personnel I encourage residents throughout Durack to donate to ex-service organisations such as the RSL, Legacy and Soldier On. These organisations provide phenomenal support to our ADF personnel and their families.”

Donations can be made to Legacy (www.legacy.com.au) or Soldier On (www.soldieron.org.au) in support of those personnel who have been wounded and those family members who are suffering financially and socially from the death of a loved one.

Messages of support can be emailed to serving personnel at supportthetroops@defence.gov.au.

Or send a care package, via Australia Post 13 April to: An Australian Defence Member, AFPO 60, Australian Defence Force NSW 2890

Further details can be found at melissapricemp.com.au/Newsroom/Policies

Widening works on North West Coastal Highway

The State Government will spend $1.75 million to upgrade the North West Coastal Highway between Northampton and Binnu in the Mid West-Gascoyne Region, as part of its commitment to improve safety on the State’s road network.

Transport Minister Dean Nalder said the highway was an important coastal route, providing an intra-State link between Perth, the Mid-West, Gascoyne and Pilbara regions.

“About 30 per cent of the vehicles using this part of the road are heavy vehicles, including road trains, some with oversize or overmass loads,” Mr Nalder said.

The work involves culvert extensions, shoulder reconstruction and the widening of seal for 8.5 kilometres of road, as well as installation of audible tactile edgelines, and minor upgrades to the Binnu East Road intersection.

“These measures will dramatically improve the safety and reliability of this section of road,” the Minister said.

In 2013-14, Main Roads delivered the first phase of the project by widening the seal on the section 17.3km immediately south of proposed works.

The work is funded by speeding fines and red light infringements paid into the Road Trauma Trust Account.

Contractors DownerMouchel will deliver the works, which are due for completion by June 2015.

Happy Birthday to us!

The Comedy Emporium and the Queens Park Theatre present

Happy Birthday to us!

Tickets available from www. thecomedyemporium.com

It’s here already - The Comedy Emporium are turning 2! On Friday 1 May, Geraldton’s local comedy crew will light up the Queens Park Theatre with their Birthday Gala show - a show like no other.

“We are so excited for this birthday party! Last year we made party hats with our guests, this year we’re going to make mad party hatters out of our guests.” says The Comedy Emporium Ringleader Julian Canny. “Look not all the jokes can be gold, ok”

The Birthday Gala show will be something The Comedy Emporium audience’s have never seen before - like every show - but with added extra. The team’s new Comedy Improv Troupe will feature, as well as a bit of musical comedy to make sure there is a lively party atmosphere! Not to forget the great acts that will be announced soon from the international touring scene.

And they really do have reason to celebrate. In just two years since their inception, The Comedy Emporium has given life to 27 regional WA comedians who didn’t know their talent existed before they were touched by purple and orange. They have created opportunities for these new comics to enter the Perth comedy industry, and actually have over 50% of WA’s female comedians within their teams!

“Working with these amazing locals, we’ve been able to generate over $34,000 worth of paid performance opportunities for the regional WA entertainers. As well as many other opportunities for free development. This includes things like selling 3000 tickets, running over 125 free workshops around regional WA and activating unused spaces.” says The Comedy Emporium Regional Producer Emma Howell. “If you come to one of our shows, you’re guaranteed to laugh at least 4.2 times per minute - we’ve tracked it.”

“Our youngest performer is 14, and you may have heard that he’s representing WA in the National Class Clowns competition (that’s for funny teenagers) at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.”

Doors open 6.30pm, live music from 7.15pm, comedy from 8pm.

For more information and tickets head to www.thecomedyemporium.com or QPT.

Tickets on sale now for $25 early bird until 1 April. Then $29 each presale $35 at the door. For enquiries please ring 0458 306 111. No BYO alcohol. Bar available.

Durack consumers closer to lower checkout prices

Consumers in Durack are a step closer to lower prices; local businesses are closer to growing their business, following the release of the Competition Review final report.

The Australian Government commissioned the independent report as part of the first comprehensive assessment of Australia’s competition policies, laws and institutions in more than 20 years.  The report includes 59 recommendations for improvement of Australia’s competition policy.

Member for Durack, Melissa Price said the review is aimed at reducing the cost of living for families and giving small and medium businesses the tools to succeed.

“Healthy competition can lead to lower prices at the check-out for families and local businesses becoming more competitive by reducing blocks and barriers,” Ms Price said.

“It is a sure way to raise productivity and grow our economy, ultimately leading to higher living standards, better paying jobs and improvements to our quality of life.

“The release of this independent final report is a significant step towards the Government’s election commitment of an effective competition framework to benefit consumers and businesses.”

Some of the recommendations include further freeing up retail trading hours, re-evaluating restrictive planning and zoning policies, relaxing parallel import restrictions, potentially making cars more affordable, and altering road pricing and taxes in order to fund road infrastructure.

The report by Professor Ian Harper and his panel is out for eight weeks public consultation, and citizens in Durack are encouraged to submit their views.

“It is important we get this framework right to maximise the benefits to households and minimise unnecessary restrictions on businesses innovating and adapting to new technologies and global competitive pressures,” Ms Price said.

The Minister for Small Business Bruce Billson said he will take on board the views expressed in submissions and will work with the Prime Minister, and state and territory colleagues.

“All of the reforms proposed warrant careful consideration before making any change.

“I look forward to the views of citizens on which recommendations they think would most benefit them.  Each state and territory has unique circumstances, so we will need to respond to the recommendations relevant to each jurisdiction.” A full Government response will be developed by the end of this year.

The full report, together with details of the consultation process, can be found on the Treasury website: www.competitionpolicyreview.gov.au 

Western Power’s Mid West Energy Project completed

The State Government Tuesday officially marked the completion of one of the largest powerline projects ever undertaken in Western Australia.

Energy Minister Mike Nahan said the Mid West Energy Project, completed this month by Western Power, would be a significant contributor to future State and regional development. 

“Western Power’s Mid West Energy Project is a substantial achievement that will boost power supplies to Mid-West communities and industry,” the Minister said. 

“The $400 million project is more than a single powerline - it’s a combination of two major powerlines and a number of substation upgrades that will enable more than 500 extra megawatts of energy for the Mid-West region. 

“The project will enable the connection of future industrial projects in the Mid-West and facilitate the connection of renewable sources of electricity generation, particularly wind and gas-powered generation in the region.” 

Dr Nahan said Western Power’s new transmission line to Eneabba was the State’s largest powerline development since the line to Kalgoorlie was built in the mid-1980s.

 “Western Power is to be congratulated for completing the project within the original budget of $418.1 million and well under the final budget set by the State Government of $406.5 million,” he said.

“It’s a significant project that will greatly benefit the Mid-West now and enable future growth for many years to come.”

       Fact File

• The Pinjar to Eneabba powerline is 190km long

• The project includes 388 steel lattice towers, 2,900km of powerline and has an average tower weight of 24 tonnes

• It also includes a new 330/132 kV terminal substation at Three Springs

• Western Power is a State Government owned corporation that is committed to providing safe, reliable and affordable electricity to more than one million customers across a network area of 255,064sq.km

Retail trading hours for Easter and ANZAC holidays

Minister for Commerce, Hon Michael Mischin MLC, has approved of the additional trading in the City of Greater Geraldton during the Easter and ANZAC long weekends as part of the Retail Trading Hours Act 1987.

The following extended trading hours will come into place:

• Monday April 6, 2015 – 10am to 5pm
• Monday April 27, 2015 – 10am to 5pm

Retailers are invited to exercise their individual discretion as to whether they choose to trade these additional hours.

To further clarify the trading hours during Easter and ANZAC 2015, please refer to the below:

• Good Friday April 3, 2015 – closed.
• Easter Saturday April 4, 2015 – normal trading, 8am to 5pm.
• Easter Sunday April 5, 2015 – closed.
• Easter Monday April 6, 2015 – approved to open, 10am to 5pm.
• ANZAC Day April 25, 2015 –closed.
• ANZAC Monday April 27, 2015 – approved to open, 10am to 5pm.

For more information contact the City Council on (08) 9956 6600.

Summer Rains Spark Profusion of Outback Life

By Samille Mitchell

Life-bringing summer rains have drenched the dry earth of the Gascoyne and Murchison sparking a profusion of new life across otherwise red dusty plains.

The unusually high summer rainfall has caused rivers and creeks to swell with rushing waters, lakes and pools to fill, and carpets of lush green grasses to soften the normally harsh reds of the countryside.

The new water sources lure thousands upon thousands of waterbirds– species like swans and pelicans, heron, ibis and ducks - each descending on the region in great flocks from afar having mystically learned of the rain.

Local bird species also proliferate, with budgerigars and raucous flocks of parrots exploding from trees and wheeling through the skies in great shocks of colour and tiny wrens dancing through the undergrowth.

The water sources themselves also come to life with long-dormant species of frogs and fish, crustaceans and turtles emerging from the red earth into newly formed pools to breed furiously before the waters recede.

The resultant writhing, teeming, mass of life is one of Mother Nature’s biggest gifts in what can otherwise be harsh desert country.

Enjoying Mother Nature’s magic is Frances Jones at Wooleen Station, who is watching the long-dry Wooleen Lake fill and lure waterbirds by the thousand.

“The land just experiences this amazing transformation – it goes from so barren to everything just being so alive,” Frances says.

Ms Jones says there a myriad of places to witness the transformation, from simply driving the main roads through the region to taking the self-drive Gascoyne Murchison Outback Pathways trails, or getting off the beaten track and staying at a station stay.

“The station owners can give you access to secrets spots along their rivers and pools,” she says.

“Otherwise all the Gascoyne Murchison towns have pubs, caravan parks, bed and breakfasts and tourist centres where you can enjoy the local hospitality and get a good insight into what to see and where to explore.”

Similarly rapt with the land’s transformation is Karen Morrisey in Mount Magnet. She says, although it’s not wildflower season, the rain causes some species to bloom.

“The mulga acacias begin to flower profusely about three weeks after rain,” she says.

“With the heavy rainfall last month the usually grey-blue trees are now covered in masses of golden wattle flowers.”

Ms Morrisey marks late Autumn as one of the best times to visit the region.

“The rains have refreshed the landscape with a veil of green and rock holes with tadpole-filled water pools reflecting blue skies above red earth,” she says.

Hotspots to visit include the bridge over the Murchison River south of Murchison Settlement, Gascoyne Junction, where the mighty Gascoyne River rushes by, and national parks such as Kennedy Range and Mt Augustus. The national parks look particularly striking with their brooding hulks of ancient rock softened by soft green grasses.

Then there are the myriad of pools and nature reserves across the region – places like Bilung Pool north of Murchison Settlement, Peace Gorge outside Meekatharra, Lake Nallan outside Cue and The Granites outside Mount Magnet.

Each places holds its own special brand of natural magic – be it rushing waters, temporary waterfalls or striking landscapes blanketed with green.

Gypsies bring their Bohemian style to Geraldton

Loretta Palmeiro (clarinet/sax), Andrew Scott (accordion), Shannon Haritos (bass), Richard Ashby (guitar), Cameron Jones (guitar)

Sydney based, traditional French gypsy band Spyglass Gypsies will bring their swinging originals to the Queens Park Theatre next month for a one night only show as part of their Western Australian tour leg.

The band brings an energetic and playful flare to the stage with a set of songs that are reminiscent of the bygone days of a bohemian Paris.

Established in 2010, the group came together through a shared love of jazz music and have performed together in previous jazz projects.

“We love the history and traditions of Gypsy Jazz music” said guitarist and band leader Richard Ashby, “but we also love contributing to the genre with our own compositions, bringing a modern slant to the traditional style.”

Performing throughout Australia since 2010, the band have appeared in numerous noted venues such as the Sydney Opera House, Art Gallery of NSW and the Vanguard and appeared as several festivals such as Kiama Jazz & Blues Best, Newcastle Jazz Festival & the Gypsy Jazz Festival in Brisbane.

The Spyglass Gypsies will tour Geraldton with a full five piece band featuring guitars, clarinet, soprano saxophone, accordion and double bass guitar, and will be sure to have the audience on their feet dancing to their original tunes.

Spyglass Gypsies will be appearing at the Queens Park Theatre on Thursday 23rd April 2015, at 8.00pm, tickets are now on sale at www.queensparktheatre.com.au or at the box office on 9956 6662.