Law Week: 11-15 May 2015

Law Week is a National event, which is celebrated every year by highlighting the role of the law and the legal profession in the community and our daily lives. 

This year, Geraldton Resource Centre Inc.is collaborating with Durack Institute of Technology’s Certificate IV and Diploma in Community Services students to host an “AMAZING RACE – LAW EDITION” event on Friday, 15thMay.   

We are inviting 10 teams of 4 to register and participate for amazing prizes throughout the Race plus, thanks to our sponsors:  Clayton Utz;the Law Society of Western Australia; Blue City Mediations; and Cowan Legal, we are offering a first prize of $500; second prize of $250 and third prize of $100.  The registration fee per team is only $20.00 ($5.00 per member) and teams can be from a school, workplace, club or just a group of friends or family members. 

During the Race teams will receive information about the law and legal and associated services while having to complete challenging activities in order to progress to the next stage of the Race.  These challenges will take the teams to various local agencies who work within the legal system.  As the teams successfully complete each challenge they will be given clues that will lead them to the next location. 

The Race will officially start at 8:30 am at Maitland Park and, after visiting all agencies involved;it will finish at Edith Cowan Square where the Prize Ceremony and a sausage sizzle will take place.

For more information or to register your team you can contact Hester Coetsee at Geraldton Resource Centre on 9938 0600 or Johanna Bell at Durack on 9956 6137 or you can email either of them at hester@grc.asn.au or Johanna.bell@durack.edu.au. 

The general public is invited to support the teams along the way.  Come and have fun with us, cheer your favourite team on, enjoy the event and obtain free legal resources and information about the law and the services that Geraldton Resource Centre and other local agencies provide.

New Report Highlights Carbon Farming Role In Ameliorating Salinity

Carbon farming may have a role in ameliorating salinity in the Western Australia Wheatbelt according to a study recently undertaken by the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council (NACC) and the Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA).

“A key finding from the study shows there are potential financial gains to be made by landholders from carbon credits on degraded land with little to no commercial productivity,” said NACC Carbon Farming Coordinator, Sarah Jeffery.

Results of the study were released in a report – Testing carbon farming opportunities for salinity management – which was undertaken to investigate possibilities of revegetating saline land through the sale of carbon credits.

The report highlighted the ability of different plant species to sequester carbon, with two species showing substantially better carbon sequestration abilities: Eucalyptus sargentii and Eucalyptus spathulata.

“These species had at least double the amount of carbon than other species, and were easily the best performing mallee and shrub species across different levels of salinity,” said Ms Jeffery.

Although these two species had better carbon sequestration capabilities, some of the species with lower measurements showed additional benefits, including oil production; fodder value; and increased biodiversity value.

The study showed that even the strong performing species had their limits as salinity levels increased.

“Once the severity of salinity in the soil exceeded 200ms/m, the amount of carbon sequestered by trees and shrubs decreased,” said Ms Jeffery.

Ms Jeffery said that uncertainty over the price of carbon is currently a restricting factor as to whether farmers could profit or cost-recover from rehabilitating saline land through carbon credits. The severity of the salinity on the targeted land was also identified as a key determining factor. Both would require further investigation and case-bycase analysis.

There will be bigger opportunities in the years ahead as the global market picks up

It was also identified in the study that computer modelling for carbon usually gave higher carbon levels than the actual carbon sequestered by the trees. This suggests that potentially through modelling rather than actual figures that carbon credits are a viable option in saline areas.

“I don’t believe carbon credits is the whole answer, but it certainly is a key possibility with potentially bigger opportunities in the years ahead as the global carbon market picks up ” said Ms Jeffery, who thanked the farmers and staff involved in the project. “It really was a great collaborative effort,” she said.

The full report can be found at http://nacc.com.au/carbon-solutions-salinity

Disability grants support access and inclusion

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has welcomed the State Government’s commitment of $1.5 million to fund projects that support people with disability to participate more fully in community life.

Applications for grants of up to $50,000 are now open for the Community Inclusion Grant and the Community Infrastructure Grant, through the Disability Services Commission.

“Beach wheelchairs, automatic doors at community facilities, sport programs and pool hoists at swimming pools had been funded previously through the grants,” Mr Blayney said.

The Community Inclusion Grants, run in partnership with VisAbility, support initiatives to improve community programs and services.

Community Infrastructure Grants, managed in partnership with the Western Australian Local Government Association, will be offered to improve community access, equipment, facilities and spaces for people with disability. 

“The grants programs continue the State Government’s work under the Count Me In strategy, to make communities more welcoming for people with disability, their families and carers and to increase opportunities for community participation,” Mr Blayney said.

“There are many communities across the State that want to include people with disability but need funds to make necessary improvements.

“These grants will help those communities provide more services and facilities so that people with disability can participate in more of the activities their friends and neighbours enjoy.”

Applications for the grants open today and close on July 10, 2015.  An information session will be held at the commission’s office in West Perth, 1-2pm on May 26

Christian Surfers Competition - ANZAC DAY COMPETITION

Eighty spectators and competitors descended upon Back Beach on ANZAC  morning for the 5th Annual Geraldton Christian Surfers Competition and Novelty Beach Games Day. 

The morning began with a tribute to our ANZAC’s with a briefing, last post, flag raising and competitors entering the water to Advance Australia Fair to honour our heroes through a traditional surfer memorial service.   

The surfing competition began with three divisions then followed: 5-8 year old Micro Groms; 9-12 year old Super Groms and 13-18 year old Cadet Groms. 

The surfers cruised up and down the epic offshore waves throwing in impressive turns wherever possible with a  few barrels and an aerial maneuver displayed.    

MicroGroms Champion: Ned Osborn
MicroGroms Runner Up:  Leon Plummer
MicroGroms 3rd:  Gus Osborn
MicroGroms 4th: Liam Liebenberg 

SuperGroms Champion:  Jake Hagen
SuperGroms Runner Up:  Jed Hagen
SuperGroms 3rd: Mylee Grant
SuperGroms 4th: Payton Ovenden 

CadetGroms Champion:  Mac Carter
CadetGroms Runner Up:  Jed Taylor
CadetGroms 3rd: Josh Stanton
CadetGroms 4th:Jak Farrell 

Finally the competition ended with a Tandem Ride Expression Session included: 

Best Wave:  Went to Kim Overden with his son Paydon who achieved a tandem shoulder lift
Most Committed: was achieved by  Mac Carter and Jed Taylor
Inguintity Prize: Louise Turner and her rashie covered dog, Goofy
Longest Ride: Jesse Carter and Josh Stanton
Aussie Mateship Award: Max Hirschhausan, Seth Boothman, Isaac Harrington and Ben Harrington all rode a wave on the same board. 

Presentations of prizes were given at Geraldton Foreshore that evening followed by a viewing of the surf documentary, “Beyond Sight”. 

Christian Surfers Geraldton president Nathan Boothman again was impressed with the community spirit around this event.  "I want to thank God for the amazing day and the huge effort from all our volunteers."  

As event organisers, Christian Surfers Geraldton also want to thank sponsors including Midwest Surf School, BLS Construction, Strathalbyn Christian College, Geraldton Surf Life Saving Club, Sticky Feet Wax, Willocks Surf, Geraldton Surf and Sail, Lighthouse and Baptist Church Youth Groups. 

People looking to learn to surf can call Midwest Surf School on 0419 988 756 or for fortnightly surf adventures can call Nathan from Christian Surfers Geraldton on 0422 428 972.

New Work for the Dole program starts today

The start of the new Work for the Dole Coordinators around Australia has been welcomed by the Minister for Employment Eric Abetz and the Assistant Minister for Employment Luke Hartsuyker.

From today, Work for the Dole Coordinators will start working with local community groups and jobactive employment services to identify potential Work for the Dole activities and projects for job seekers in the 51 employment regions around Australia.

“Work for the Dole is a key component in the Government’s new $5 billion jobactive employment service that starts on 1 July 2015,” Senator Abetz said.

“Work for the Dole helps job seekers, especially young job seekers, to learn new skills and remain active and engaged in their local communities while they look for work.

“Job seekers are reporting that it improves their ability to work as part of a team, communicate with others and boosts their self-confidence.

“Work for the Dole allows job seekers to demonstrate to employers that they have the right skills and the right attitude and are keen and willing to work,” Senator Abetz said.

Senator Abetz said while there is an emphasis on job readiness there is also a substantial social and personal dividend for participants by keeping them actively and gainfully engaged within their community.

Work for the Dole is delivering tangible benefits to local communities.

“Over the past ten months there have been some terrific activities and projects conducted as part of the Work for the Dole pilot,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

“The Government is delighted with the interest from the community sector in offering work experience opportunities to job seekers.

“Some of the activities that have been undertaken include food distribution for families in need, the refurbishment of historic buildings, the development of community market gardens, wildlife rescue and care, and archiving and library services.

“These sorts of activities are giving job seekers skills ranging from office administration and customer service through to warehousing, carpentry and painting.

“Importantly, it is helping to open doors for job seekers and help people move from welfare to work.

“The new Work for the Dole Coordinators will be instrumental in creating further work experience opportunities for job seekers from 1 July 2015.

“I encourage any not-for-profit organisation, local council or state government agency that may be interested in helping local job seekers to contact their Work for the Dole Coordinator,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

In Geraldton Skill Hire WA are the nominated agency.

Jurien Bay celebrates new visitor and civic centre

The new Jurien Bay visitor information and civic centre was officially opened today by Regional Development Minister Terry Redman. 

The $8.628 million project, made possible by the State Government’s Royalties for Regions SuperTowns program, includes a new information technology communications centre, community resource centre, office space, arts and culture studio and exhibition space, and parks and gardens. 

Mr Redman said Jurien Bay was one of Western Australia’s nine SuperTowns selected for its potential to attract population growth and economic investment. 

Royalties for Regions invested $8.443 million into the project, with further contributions coming from the Shire of Dandaragan and Lotterywest. 

“The town centre is the hub for local and regional civic, commercial and community activity and these new services are critical to the growth of Jurien Bay and surrounding towns,” the Minister said. 

“The community spaces in the centre provide appealing places to engage in educational, business and recreational activities. 

“Royalties for Regions is about strengthening and supporting our regional communities to expand their economic and social development and this project is a perfect example of how the community and local government and State governments can work together to achieve this.” 

Mr Redman thanked his Parliamentary Secretary and Moore MLA Shane Love for his advocacy and efforts to help bring this project to fruition. 

In July 2011, Royalties for Regions invested $85.5 million to establish the SuperTown program to assist nine Western Australian towns to plan and prepare for a projected doubling of the State's population by 2056.

Honouring WA's fallen firefighters

Press release from DFES

Western Australia's emergency services community will pay tribute to firefighters killed in the line of duty with an International Firefighters' Day Memorial Service at Kings Park today.

Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Wayne Gregson said Western Australia's fallen firefighters had made the ultimate sacrifice in serving and protecting the community.

"The service is a chance to reflect on their selfless acts of valour, and share the deep sorrow of losing a fellow comrade,” Commissioner Gregson said.

"It is also an opportunity to recognise the work of today's dedicated career and volunteer firefighters who make such a valuable contribution year round. 

"We are very fortunate to have such highly skilled and capable fire services upon which the community can rely.

"The Department of Fire and Emergency Services is committed to ensuring the safety of our firefighters, and we will continue to do all we can to improve and protect their welfare.”

Commissioner Gregson said the day was also a chance to acknowledge those who supported firefighters in what was a physically and mentally demanding profession.

"The commitment of our firefighters would not be possible without the support of their families,” he said.

The memorial service is being held at the Firefighters' Memorial Grove, a place for family and friends to remember their loved ones and for the community to pay their respects.

"The memorial represents the deep respect held for firefighters in the Western Australian community, and is a solemn tribute to those who have lost their lives whilst serving,” Commissioner Gregson said.

International Firefighters' Day is celebrated on 4 May.

For more information visit http://www.firefightersday.org/

Boat, Caravan and Camping Show bigger and better

Couple viewing a slide on ute camper at the 2014 Boat, Caravan and Camping Show.

Enjoy fishing or travelling the ragged expanses of Australia’s outback? Head on down to the Club Marine Boat, Caravan and Camping Show and help celebrate their 10 year anniversary this weekend on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 of May.

There are many exciting activities and entertainment to look out for on the two day show including camping gear exhibitors, fishing demos, new boats on the market, kids casting competition and cooking demonstrations.

To add on to the celebrations, the show has relocated to a bigger venue at the GBSC Sports Park on the corner of Green Street and North West Coastal Highway, allowing new entertainment like the 4x4 Extreme Show and Motorcycle Stunts possible.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said the Club Marine Boat, Caravan and Camping Show always attracts great crowds.

“The expo has grown significantly in the past 10 years and is a great way to increase tourism in Geraldton,” he said.

“We have many great attractions for visitors to discover and what better way is there to showcase them all than the Boat, Caravan and Camping Show?”

“At the show you’ll be able to discuss different ways to travel and places to go with the exhibitors,” said Mayor Carpenter.

“Geraldton should be one of the first places when coming to the Mid West and Coral Coast.”

For more information visit www.geraldtonboatshow.com.au or phone Jane Clarke at Sunset Promotions on 0403 226 303.

Labor proposes new Federal Seat to be named Throssell

State Labor Leader Mark McGowan has announced that WA Labor will make a submission proposing the new Federal electorate in WA be named Throssell after Western Australian Victoria Cross recipient and war hero, Hugo Throssell.

Changes to electorate boundaries, currently being considered by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) will see the creation of a new seat in Western Australia.

WA Labor is of the view that naming the new electorate Throssell would be fitting recognition of an extraordinary man.

Having survived the war, he was welcomed back as a hero. However, his experience made him a pacifist who opposed war.

Shunned by WA society and suffering from what was clearly Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, he committed suicide in 1933.

Comments from WA Labor Leader Mark McGowan:

“The Hugo Throssell story is an amazing story, one worth noting in our Federal Parliament.

“To name a new Federal electorate after a Western Australian Victoria Cross winner would be appropriate.

“As we commemorate the Centenary of ANZAC, I am calling on the Australian Electoral Commission to recognise the significant contribution made by Hugo Throssell.”

Comments from Darren West MLC:

“Hugo Throssell is revered in our region. The unveiling of his statue in Northam as part of the Centenary of ANZAC further acknowledges this.

“As the Captain of the 10th Light Horse Regiment, Second Lieutenant Hugo Throssell received his Victoria Cross for exceptional bravery at Gallipoli.

“It is fitting that a new Federal electorate be named after him, to honour his life and service to our Country.”

ANZAC 100 - a new coming of age

Mrs Barb Thomas, Fr Robert O’Bryan, Ms Melissa Price MP. This World War 1 Memorial located in the grounds of Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church Mullewa was designed and built by the Priest/Architect Mons John Hawes in 1928 during his tenure as priest in Mullewa. During the 1914-18 conflict, 74 from Mullewa enlisted. The restoration of the Memorial, which features a lone pine, was undertaken with Federal funding support and completed in time for ANZAC day 2015.

“ANZAC day, dare I say, outshone Australia Day – the Government, the communities, the RSL and many organizations have been privileged to work together to lift ANZAC to a new level of awareness and appreciation,” Melissa Price, Federal Member for Durack said.

“I attended five ANZAC events in Durack - at the coastal communities of Kalbarri, Cervantes and Jurien Bay.

“I also went to Yuna and Mullewa where Father O’Bryan rededicated the World War 1 Memorial which has been restored with the support of an ANZAC centenary grant.

“It was with pride and in deep reflection that school children, volunteers and community members produced sensitive and unique events that highlighted the meaning of ANZAC to them … personal stories, mementos, great grandfathers long gone, letters from the war, mothers left waiting …

“ANZAC touched and still touches the lives of almost every family in Australia. This year confirmed to me that ANZAC is firmly embedded as a day of national pride. It unites us as one, as Australians.

“For those who attended ANZAC for the first time, many said that they would never miss another ANZAC event. For me and for Durack, ANZAC 100 years is a new coming of age for Australia.”

Fake traffic fines infecting computers

The Australian Federal Police have issued a warning on fake traffic infringement notices circulated by email which may infect computers with malware with a simple click.

The scam email initially asks the recipient to pay an ‘AFP fine’ of approximately $150. If links within the message are clicked, the recipient’s computer is infected with malware which renders it inoperable.

At that point ransomware is activated where the recipient is asked to pay thousands of dollars to reactivate their computer.

Anyone who receives the email should delete it immediately.

If you think you have received a fraudulent email please report it to the Australian Cyber Crime Online Reporting Network (ACORN) immediately or to ScamWatch.

Read more about this alert and other related scams at WA ScamNet.

Making communities safer with new crime tool

The Liberal National Government has committed an extra $7 million in the 2015-16 State Budget to facilitate an integrated closed circuit TV (CCTV) network in a bid to make Geraldton safer. 

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney said the funding would implement the State CCTV Strategy, delivering the Liberal National Government’s election commitment to pioneer an integrated State CCTV network and to fund extra cameras in crime hotspots.  This brings the total investment to $8.5 million following a $1.5million allocation in the last two years. 

Mr Blayney said a more integrated network could be a potential game changer in preventing and prosecuting crime in Geraldton. 

“This will work on several levels - police can assess crime jobs in Geraldton almost immediately, use the vision to prosecute offenders and deter criminal behaviour,” Mr Blayney said. 

“The money will fund councils to buy cameras and CCTV equipment, while the balance will link the cameras together and allow police to access them,” Mr Blayney said

The draft CCTV strategy released earlier this year provided the blueprint about how the Government, local government and the private sector could join together to achieve this through effective use of integrated technology. 

“This Government is committed to making Geraldtonsafer through tough laws and police resources and CCTV has been a great tool in both preventing and solving crime,” Mr Blayney said. 

“This camera network will allow police to access any internet-based CCTV system which is part of the network and view in real time the pictures being recorded.”

Food and wine expo calls out to all food lovers

Imagine the smell of slow-cooked beef, the velvety taste of red wine on your lips, followed by a creamy fudge or homemade nougat.

These are just some of the gourmet delights featuring at the inaugural Quaff Food and Wine Expo and it’s all taking place on Mother’s Day weekend at Queens Park Theatre on May 9 and 10.

For $20 per day and to get your tastebuds soaring, the two-day boutique expo showcases exciting  free samples of delicious wine, ciders, beers, spirits, nougat, waffles, fudges and chocolate.

There will be special food appreciation talks plus the amazing food trucks in the forecourt – all celebrating the local provenance of Geraldton and Western Australia.

With the current food and wine trend booming in the state, the Quaff Food and Wine Expo Committee believed it was time for Geraldton to market and indulge in the current food spectaculars from across the state.

The weekend will see dozens of gourmet food and wine producers including Two Queens Woodfired Street Food, Wild Orchid Wines, Pepperwood, Chidlow’s, Burnt Barrel and much more!

The foodie extravaganza is a new addition to the event calendar in Geraldton.

City Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said Geraldton should expect a big audience at the Quaff Food and Wine Expo.

“It’s something new to Geraldton that we don’t experience often and is already attracting a great deal of attention,” he said.

The expo is an excellent way of enticing many local residents, tourists and people from surrounding towns and cities to our City.

“It’s a great excuse to showcase Geraldton and put to show the amazing things we have to offer,” said Mayor Carpenter.

Quaff Food and Wine WA Public Officer, Darryl Ingvarson, said Quaff Food and Wine was to bring the Midwest an event that captures and presents lifestyle aspects associated with people, food and enjoyment.

“I’m excited that the City’s confidence in supporting this event has been the catalyst for some other great involvement,” he said.

Quaff 2015 is a pilot event organised by a small but passionate group of food and wine enthusiasts, we are looking for like-minded people who might like to join the passion of creating more events like this.

Rigters Supermarkets have also joined the Quaff

For more information on the Quaff Food and Wine Expo or to view exhibitors and vendors visiting Geraldton, visit the Quaff Food and Wine Expo Facebook page or website.

Durack families get Nanny pilot programme

The Australian Government is establishing a new $246 million pilot programme to extend subsidies to nanny home care services to support families to access affordable child care services.

Melissa Price, Federal Member for Durack said subsidised care will be provided to about 10,000 children through this national pilot programme, especially in middle to low income families.

“A major focus of the pilot programme will be on services in rural and regional areas – and that fits Durack like a glove – child care, with aged care are priorities in Durack,” Ms Price said.

“This two year Interim Home Based Carer Subsidy Programme represents the first major tranche of the government’s new child care package which will ensure child care is more accessible, flexible and affordable and better meets the needs of modern families to be in work,” Ms Price said.

“The Federal Government understands many families in work and wanting to work find it difficult to access child care. Workers in Durack, from Kununurra to Carnarvon and Moora, such as nurses, police, ambulance officers and shift workers are too often unable to access care or take advantage of government support due to the hours they work.

“The same often applies for families in rural and remote areas and those who have children with special needs, for whom mainstream child care services can be inaccessible, lack the necessary flexibility, or do not cater for specific needs.

“The two year pilot, commencing in January 2016, will determine whether a sustainable programme can affordably be put in place for in-home care nanny services.

“The government will be working with employee organisations such as police associations, and key stakeholders to both establish the programme and identify participants.

Government assistance will be provided through an hourly subsidy per child towards the cost of using a nanny. The subsidy will be paid directly to services and will be adjusted according to family income, consistent with the broader child care subsidy model soon to be announced,” Ms Price said.

“The Productivity Commission Report into Childcare and Early Childhood Learning recommended nannies be an eligible service for government assistance to families. This has been reinforced to the government through our targeted consultation process.

“Nannies are not meant to replace mainstream services however families need to be able to choose the care type that suits them best, including using nannies in addition to other forms of child care.

“Durack families with young children will receive more support to help them get work and stay in work as further initiatives under the Government’s families package are released in the coming weeks,” Ms Price said.

More information about the Interim Home Based Carer Subsidy Programme will be available on the Department of Social Services website at www.dss.gov.au  

Croquet Club competition won by Sandra Toomey

Members of the Geraldton Croquet Club competed for the Ethel Gratte Perpetual Trophy on Saturday 26 April. It was won by Sandra Toomey. 

Runners Up were Paul Dodson, (one hoop behind) Jeanette Featherby and Jenny Morris. The trophy is a golf croquet doubles handicap event and was keenly contested. The event was very ably managed by Club Captain Ann Bunter; the trophy was donated by Stan Gratte.

If you have been looking for a sport that is not too hard on the body and a challenge for the mind, think about coming to the Geraldton Croquet Club “come and try” day, a free introduction to croquet on 24^th May 2015.

More information at http://www.croquet.myclub.org.au/38.htm

Numbers on Do Not Call Register now permanent

Life is easier for Australians wanting to opt-out of unsolicited telemarketing calls, as registrations of numbers on the Do Not Call Register are now permanent.

‘This means that the more than 10 million numbers currently on the Register will never need re-registering,’ said ACMA Chairman, Chris Chapman.

‘For anyone wanting to opt out of unsolicited telemarketing calls and marketing faxes long term, any new registrations will also be valid permanently.’

Under previous arrangements, registrations of numbers expired after eight years, meaning numbers had to be re-registered. This is no longer the case.

According to ACMA research, the Register is working. Nearly 90 per cent of people on the Register reported a material reduction in unsolicited marketing calls after registration.

The Register is not, however, designed to stop or reduce scam calls so Australians are encouraged to be cautious when receiving unsolicited calls.

Australian mobile and landline phone numbers used primarily for private or domestic purposes, as well as fax numbers, are eligible to be registered.

Registering numbers on the Do Not Call Register is quick, free and easy, taking just a few minutes. Visit www.donotcall.gov.au or call 1300 792 958.

For more information please see the Backgrounder below, or to arrange an interview, please contact: Emma Rossi, Media Manager, (02) 9334 7719, 0434 652 063 or media@acma.gov.au.

Media release 23/2015 - 27 April

Backgrounder

The Do Not Call Register (the Register) is established under the Do Not Call Register Act 2006(the Act). There are currently 10.15 million numbers listed on the Register, with 57 per cent of these being fixed line numbers and 43 per cent mobile numbers.

While new and existing registrations are now permanent, people can still check or remove their numbers from the Register at any time.

It is illegal for most unsolicited telemarketing calls or marketing faxes to be made to numbers on the Register. The vast majority of businesses that use this type of marketing do the right thing, checking their contact lists against the Register. Since the launch of the Register, marketers have checked over 8.5 billion numbers against it.

Marketing calls from registered charities, market researchers, educational institutions and registered political parties are permitted, as are calls from businesses with which the recipient has an established ongoing relationship. All marketing calls, however, are subject to rules which limit the hours calls can be made, requires callers to enable calling line identification and terminate calls upon request.

A Register infographic is available here.

The ACMA is responsible for addressing complaints from recipients of unsolicited telemarketing calls or marketing faxes and for ensuring compliance with the Act. Since the start of the Register, the ACMA has received almost 122,000 complaints and nearly 85,000 enquiries, made over 8,100 contacts with businesses responsible for telemarketing calls or marketing faxes, and conducted over 86 formal investigations.

The Register will not stop scam calls. Australians are encouraged to be cautious when receiving any unsolicited calls and if a scam is suspected, simply hang up.

The change to permanent registrations takes effect on 27 April 2015.

War medals stolen

At about 12.00am on Saturday, 25 April 2015, unknown offenders broke into a white Toyota Landcruiser which was parked at the Double Beach Caravan Park, located on Hull Street in Greenough.

The offender(s) stole a bag containing four war medals (Vietnam) as well as RSL service badges and a Gallipoli war service medal. The medals are engraved with the service number 312629.

Anyone with any information relating to the location of the medals or this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

ANZAC long weekend rubbish collection and open hours

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise residents of the below rubbish collection and opening hours during the ANZAC long weekend.

Rubbish collection for Monday 27 April
Collection will proceed as normal

Civic Centre – Administration Offices

• Saturday 25 April – closed
• Sunday 26 April – closed
• Monday 27 April – closed

Aquarena

• Saturday 25 April – open 11am to 4pm
• Sunday 26 April – open 9am to 4pm
• Monday 27 April – open 11am to 4pm

Visitor Centre

• Saturday 25 April – open 9am to 1pm
• Sunday 26 April – open 9am to 2.30pm (staying open a little longer for the cruise ship)
• Monday 27 April – open 9am to 1pm

Library

• Saturday 25 April – closed
• Sunday 26 April – open 1.30pm to 4.30pm
• Monday 27 April – closed

Retail trading hours
According to the Retail Trading Hours Act 1987, retail shops are categorised as General Retail Shops, Small Retail Shops, Special Retail Shops, Filling Stations. Each category has different trading hours, some shops (such as small retail and special retail shops certified by the DOC) are allowed to open every day of the year. Please refer to Western Australia’s current Acts for details.

Regarding the wages and penalties payments during the public holidays, the DOC is the only authorised organization to explain/answer questions. Neither the City, nor the Chamber is authorised to answer these questions.

There is a hotline number provided by the DOC head office in Perth, which is 62511406.

All shops (except General Retail Shops) needs to check with the above hotline to see if they can open on 25 Apr or/and 27 Apr, and if the employers should pay penalty wages.

For further information contact the City of Greater Geraldton on (08) 9956 6600 or via council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

New signage celebrates City’s heritage

Mid West Ports Authority CEO, Peter Klein, and City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, with the new signage at the Esplanade.

Did you know the Wajarri word for water is baba? Or that fossils reveal dinosaurs walked among the Moresby Ranges? Did you know the Esplanade gets its name from Geraldton’s first jetty which was built in 1857? Or that silos were first constructed at the Port in 1960?

As Heritage Week comes to an end, nine new signs, containing historical and contemporary information about Geraldton, the Port and surrounds have been installed along the Esplanade. 

Dating back to the 1840s, the area surrounding the Esplanade has a significant and long-spanning history. The interpretative and interactive signage includes knowledge and facts dating back to the 1840s through to today.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said visitors to the Esplanade would now be able to learn as they take in a spectacular 360 degree scenic view of the City.

“The series of signs are the perfect addition to the Esplanade,” he said.

“They will be enjoyed by everyone from locals, tourists, adults and kids.

“The signage enhances the area as well as providing both visitors and the community with historical and contemporary information about the surroundings.”

The City worked closely with the former Geraldton Port Authority, now Mid West Ports Authority, during the process and the signs provide a comprehensive coverage of the development of the Port.

An audio unit which will allow onlookers to hear the interaction between Captains and Harbour Masters as ships arrive and depart from the port will be installed in the near future. The installation of two telescopes will enable visitors to have a closer look at Port activities and shipping movements. 

If you aren’t watching the ships coming in, you can observe the birds and sea lions on Seal Rock. Signs contain information about these creatures as well as a number of other topics.

Themes displayed on the signage include:

• The Esplanade
• A timeline from beach landing to Port City
• The Port at work
• Geraldton’s connection to the world
• Our sleepy sea lions
• From land to sea
• Homeland of the Yamatji
• Scenes from a changing foreshore

Local researcher Dr Howard Gray, winner of a 2015 State Heritage Award announced this week, penned all the information for the new signs which have been beautifully designed and created by Creative Spaces, a company which specialises in interpretive signage and who were also recognised at the 2015 State Heritage Awards.

Funding for the entire Esplanade project was contributed from the City of Greater Geraldton, the Department of Regional Development through Royalties for Regions, Mid West Ports Authority, and the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development (Regional Development Australia Fund).

Jobs Growth Shocks the Nation But Can We Sustain It?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) March labour force figures have shocked Australia with better than expected results. The unemployment rate declined to 6.1 per cent, with 37,700 new jobs created, over double the expected amount, of which 31,000 were full time jobs. Over the last six months, we have seen average jobs growth of over 25,000. This will need to continue, as well as see improvements in the economy, if we are to see the unemployment rate continue to fall.

The good news this month is the unemployment rate declined even though the participation rate increased to 64.8 per cent. The retail, housing and civil construction sectors are playing a key role in providing jobs in Australia, as new projects move into the development phase and consumer spending increases.

“Job creation will continue to be a focal points for national and state governments, especially those transitioning from their traditional reliance on the resources sector. It is expected the unemployment rate will remain in the low 6 per cent figures for the next few months but many expect it to rise again towards the latter end of the year. To prevent it from reaching the expected high 6’s, it will be imperative that governments plan for sustainable jobs growth and look to find ways to attract new industries into the region, rather than relying on infrastructure projects for jobs growth.” 

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) March labour force figures for Western Australia have shown the state is making a positive transition from its reliance on the mining boom to encouraging jobs growth in other sectors. The unemployment rate declined to 5.5 per cent but pressure will still be on the government over the coming months as commodity prices continue to fall.

“It will be interesting to see how Western Australia intends to cope with the diminishing strength of its resources sector and, if successful, will be a great example for other resource sector states to follow.”