‘Sport for All’ program a boon for Geraldton

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney is enthusiastic over the Government’s Sport for All program. 

“The good news is the Sport for All program – which includes funding for Kidsport as well as Nature Play, ClubTalk and the Community Volunteer Project has been funded to the tune of $10 million over the next two years,” Mr Blayney said. 

“Geraldton kids have greatly benefitted from the Kidsport program since its introduction by the Barnett Government.  

“The City of Greater Geraldton has received $178,132.75 in Sportskids funding for kids at 73 sporting clubs with 673 boys and 691 girls assisted in their sports participation, this is a successful project” said Mr Blayney. 

“The Sport for All program shows the government’s ongoing commitment for active pursuits is as strong as ever. I hope the community takes advantage of this program and gets involved,” Ian Blayney said.

Stronger Laws To Ban Psychoactive Substances

The State Government has announced legislation will be introduced into State Parliament this week to close a legal loophole and clamp down on the promotion, sale and supply of new psychoactive substances.

“These synthetic drugs can cause serious health problems including tremors, chest pains, increased heart rate and blood pressure, seizures and an altered mental state. The legislation will help remove these substances from circulation within the community,” Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney said.

“These substances are extremely worrying for parents concerned about their children having access to them and the Government has moved to eradicate them from shop shelves.”

Mr Blayney said the legislation will make a real difference for the local community of Geraldton.

The new laws will give WA Police the power to seize and destroy a substance that has a psychoactive effect.

It includes penalties of $48,000 or four years’ jail for the manufacture, sale or supply of psychoactive substances and the promotion of synthetic drugs attracts a $24,000 fine or two years’ jail.

“This Bill will control these potentially harmful substances that have no legitimate use and help remove them from circulation in Western Australia.”

Those concerned about alcohol or drug use can call the Alcohol and Drug Information Service for support and referral on 9442 5000 or visit http://drugaware.com.au/Drug-Information.aspx

Spur into action; the annual Mullewa Muster is here again!

It’s time to dust off the cowboy boots the annual Mullewa Muster is here again – ye-ha!

Come and experience the red dust, rodeo action, beaut utes, whip crackin’, country music and big skies in the wild west on Saturday 30th May 2015.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Ian Carpenter said the Mullewa Muster was a great day out with something for the whole family.

“Visitors can experience the excitement of a Full Point rodeo as well as a Beaut Ute and whip crackin’ competition. There will also be lots of stalls and fun activities for everyone,” said Mayor Carpenter.

“The Mullewa Muster and Rodeo has come a long way and has attracted thousands of people since its inception in 2012. The event is a big drawcard for contestants as it is the highest paying prize money rodeo in the State. Last year a third of our competitors actually travelled from interstate for the Rodeo.”

This year the Mullewa Muster Country Music Concert will feature Adam Harvey, The Sunny Cowgirls, Chelsea Basham and Vince Jones & No Limits.

There will be gourmet burgers, fully stocked bars, oven pizzas, curries and much more food available throughout the day and into the evening. And if you need a bit more kit, you’ll find country outfitters on site, selling clothes, hats and cowboy boots.

Free camping is available on site and breakfast will be served on Saturday and Sunday morning.

For the full line-up and event times visit www.mullewamuster.com

PRICE welcomes national Ice taskforce to DURACK

An ICE TASKFORCE consultation meeting conducted in Broome this week by the National Ice Taskforce has been welcomed by Melissa Price, Member for Durack.

Broome was selected by the Taskforce, as one of eight locations across regional Australia to gather grass roots information on local impacts, effective programs and current efforts to combat the use of Ice.

Ms Price said she was very pleased the Ice taskforce had come to Durack and to Broome for the consultation session on Tuesday which was attended by more around 40 people.

“It was good to see a broad range of groups represented at the Ice meeting, including representatives from hospitals, the ambulance service, police, youth, training and various aboriginal medical services,” Ms Price said.

“Distressingly, it was reported that assaults on local ambulance drivers and medicos are increasing, apparently attributed to the use of Ice.

“The Kimberley locals are on the front foot with the Ice issue, endeavouring to address it proactively, with many involved in the Taskforce meeting also actively involved in the Kimberley Ice forum, which convened in April.

“From comments made at the Ice Taskforce meeting this week, it seems that Ice is not at the epidemic stage yet, so now is the time and opportunity to get the issue under control.”

“Ice is an issue that reaches deep into the community, so we need to work in partnership to tackle it and its impacts which are linked to anxiety, depression, psychosis, aggression and violence.”

Anyone can make a submission by 29 May 2015 to the National Ice Taskforce at www.australia.gov.au/drugs.

Financial help offer for seriously ill

The late Colin Burgess received Mid West Charity Begins at Home funding to ease the financial strain on his family during his final days and beyond.

Mid West Charity Begins at Home (MWCBH) is encouraging Mid West residents living with serious or terminal illness to apply for financial relief.

The volunteer-run charity has captured the hearts of the region with its efforts to raise money to ease the financial burden of contracting a serious illness.

It has so far helped more than 110 Mid West families in need.

MWCBH president Chris Dobson urged anyone suffering financial strain from paying for medical costs incurred by serious illness to apply for financial relief.

“Having a serious or terminal illness is hard enough but also battling to pay the bills and keep the family financial afloat just adds to the burden,” Mrs Dobson said.

“It’s especially hard for people living in the Mid West as they often have to travel to Perth and live in the city while they undergo treatment – something that is not only huge emotional burden on families but a financial one too.

“Our aim is to ease the pain of such illness by lessening the financial strain at a time these people need it most.”

Geraldton woman Geraldine Burgess received such support while her now late husband Colin, better known as Scruff, battled for his life in 2012.

Mrs Burgess said the support not only helped financially but also in making her realise that people cared.

“The money was provided at what was a really terrible time,” Mrs Burgess said.

“I was unaware of who or what Mid West Charity Begins At Home was when they contacted me, letting me know that someone had nominated us for assistance. I was overwhelmed by the incredible support they offered.

“I felt very safe knowing that I had some money there.

“And it’s not just the monetary assistance, but also knowing that the community cared.”

While Mr Burgess was too ill to realise the money had been awarded to him and his family, Mrs Burgess said he would have been relieved to know his family had financial support.

“The Mid West Charity Begins at Home committee are such beautiful people – they understand that money can make a difference at that time and they also really cared,” she said.

MWCBH raises most of its money by selling tickets to its annual gala dinner, at which it conducts an auction of goods and services donated by the Mid West business community.

Anyone interested in applying for financial help can find out more and lodge an application online by visiting the website www.charitybeginsathome.org.au

Infrastructure Grants now open for incorporated not-for-profit organisations

Councils and incorporated not-for-profit organisations in the electorate of Durack can apply for funding of between $20,000 and $10 million for capital infrastructure projects under Round Two of the National Stronger Regions Fund.

Melissa Price, Federal Member for Durack said she strongly encourages eligible parties to apply, with the Fund designed to strengthen communities and deliver economic growth within Australia’s regions.

“More than 400 applications were received under Round One seeking funding of over $1.2 billion, reflecting the importance of this programme to Australia’s regions,” Ms Price said.

“Round Two applicants have more time to develop their applications, closing on 30 July, and the quality for this round is expected to be much higher.

“Please seek feedback if you were unsuccessful in Round One and contact my office for assistance.

“This programme presents an opportunity for local councils and organisation to receive funding towards priority projects, and I would hope that all eligible parties submit an application.”

Ms Price said following feedback from stakeholders on Round One, some changes have been made for Round Two.

“Under Round Two, $25 million will be quarantined for those projects seeking funding of less than $1 million. This will create more opportunities in Durack for those who may not need $10 million in funding, but do need a smaller amount to achieve real outcomes,” Ms Price said.

“Applicants will also be allowed to submit two applications. This is a boost for potential applicants in Durack allowing them to target two key projects which may not have been funded by other means.”

The Australian Government is providing $212 million to successful applicants under Round One of the programme.

More information on the programme, including on the application process for Round Two, is available at http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/nsrf.

Time to change up Reconciliation Week

The City of Greater Geraldton is ‘changing up’ Reconciliation Week events this year by inviting other organisations to come on board with their own events and activities.

Mayor Ian Carpenter said that this year’s Reconciliation Week theme ‘It’s time to change it up’ meant that more organisations and members of the community are involved in Reconciliation Week than ever before hosting events and activities that celebrate the spirit of reconciliation.

“This year the City has changed it up by asking the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and sponsor or host events and activities of their own during the week-long celebration which takes place from Wednesday 27 May toWednesday June 3 2015,” he said.

“The 2007 Young Australia of the Year Tania Major, a recognised leader and advocate for Aboriginal people at both the state and national level will be speaking about ‘Walking in both worlds’ at the Western Australian Centre for Rural Health on Thursday 28 May, 4pm-6pm,

“Mid West Ports will be paying tribute to Kenny Maher (deceased) for 28 years of service with the Port and launching their own Reconciliation Action Plan at a morning tea on Friday 29 May and the Bundiyarra Irra Wangga Language Centre have activities planned for the Mullewa community on Friday 29 May from 8.30am-12 noon at the Mullewa Town Hall,” Mr Carpenter said.

The highlight of the week is the Reconciliation Concert featuring stand-up comedian, dance and rap artist Sean Choolburra and the Yamaji Music Collective. Sean who is known as the funniest and most enduring Aboriginal Australian comedian will be accompanied by five well-known local acts.   Tickets are on sale now at the QPT Box Office, Civic Centre and Geraldton Regional Library at a special early bird price of $15 for adults and group/family tickets are only $10 each.  The concert is on Friday 29 May at 7pm at Queen’s Park Theatre.

Other activities during the week include Gunnado Dance Performance Spectacular on Thursday 28 May 9am-3pm at Gunnado Farm, Aboriginal Arts, Crafts and Culinary Markets on Friday 29 May 5pm-9pm at Queens Park Theatre forecourt and Aboriginal stories will be shared during Oral History morning on Wednesday 3 June, 10am-11.30am at the Geraldton Regional Library.

Police dog "Bucky" assists in catching thieves syphoning fuel

Picture via Mid West Police on Facebook

Two men have been charged after Police dog "Bucky" assisted last Friday in a call for assistance. 

Police media release follows:

At about 3:30am on Friday 15 May 2015 police responded to a call for assistance at a property on Horseshoe Court, Deepdale.

Police dog ‘Bucky’ was deployed at the property where police will allege that two male persons were located. It will further be alleged that the two persons were attempting to syphon fuel from vehicles. The two males were subsequently arrested.

A 28 year old male from Spalding was charged with stealing and trespass while a 35 year old male from Carlisle was charged with stealing, trespass and possess drug paraphernalia. Both persons will appear at the Geraldton Magistrates Court at a later date. 

Fostering The Next Generation Of Young Environmental Leaders

Students speaking with PhD Candidate, Tim Doherty about Feral Cat Ecology.

Farming and conservation can go hand-in-hand. That’s a key message that came across loud and clear at a recent workshop attended by students from the Western Australian College of Agriculture in Morawa.

Organised by the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council (NACC), the workshop aimed to inform, motivate and empower the future environmental land-carers, stewards and leaders in the region.

Students tuning in on a presentation by Leah Adams.

“It was fantastic to see the keen interest in the environment by the next generation of environmental leaders in the region,” said Perenjori-based NACC Natural Resource Management Officer Sarah Gilleland.

Ms Gilleland said the field day helped the students to better understand and advocate for key environmental issues, such as the impact of invasive species, and gain a greater awareness of local biodiversity. It also provided them with tools to take action.

“It’s important that young people are informed and inspired to take a greater interest in understanding their local biodiversity, as well as conservation and cultural issues. We feel that if young people understand the issues better they will be more likely to take action,” said Ms Gilleland.

Environmental champion Like Bayley of Bush Heritage Australia was among the impressive line-up of presenters to share their knowledge and passion for Australian wildlife conservation.

“When I’m out in our beautiful landscapes, I truly appreciate that we are in a precious part of the world that needs to be protected. And I’m always willing to pass-on this appreciation and information that I gain to others,” he said.

Mr Bayley also encouraged the students to consider careers in environmental science, highlighting how rewarding, fun and diverse this type of work can be – from venturing out to explore nature reserves, to taking part in community events such as the Blues for the Bush concert.

Luke Bayley gives presentation on Bush Heritage and Environmental Science.

The students heard first-hand about local cultural heritage from Aboriginal Elder Alan Eagan, who described how the landscape surrounding Morawa has changed throughout his lifetime.

Many of the students took a keen interest in this topic with some noting that they would like to visit local heritage sites to gain a better understanding of their significance.

“I really want to thank each of the presenters – Luke Bayley from Bush Heritage Australia, Botanist Jenny Borger, Leah Adams from Shire of Perenjori, Tim Doherty from Edith Cowan University and local Aboriginal Elder Alan Eagan – for helping make the day such a success,” said Ms Gilleland. “And thanks also to the Morawa District High School and the Western Australian College of Agriculture who contributed to the workshop.”

For more information about NACC’s Biodiversity Program, contact Jessica Stingemore at NACC, (P) 9938 0106 (E) jessica.stingemore@nacc.com.au.

Road closures at Greys Beach

Proposed road closures during works at Greys Beach in Point Moore.

The City of Greater Geraldton will be undertaking works at Greys Beach, Point Moore from Monday 18 May for up to four weeks.  

From Wednesday 20 May, until the works are complete, it will be necessary to close Marine Terrace between Monsoon Lane and the Lighthouse carpark to traffic.

The road closure will be in place Monday to Friday between the hours of 7.30am - 5pm for the duration of the works. 

Traffic management will be in place during the hours of closure.

For more information on the road closure or the works being undertaken please contact the City’s Project Manager, Mike Dufour, on 9956 6600 or via council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Money lost after false threat of power disconnection

Money lost after false threat of power disconnection 

A Northbridge business has lost $6,000 after getting calls from a scammer claiming to be from Synergy, WA’s largest energy retailer, and threatening to disconnect their power. 

Consumer Protection and Synergy have launched an investigation after the business paid $3,000 each into two bank accounts in Victoria. 

The male claiming to be from Synergy rang the proprietor of the business three times regarding an alleged overdue account and threatened to disconnect their power unless the payments were made immediately. 

Synergy confirms that they did not contact the customer requesting the overdue amount be paid immediately. Synergy asks customers to remain diligent and to contact Synergy directly to verify any request if they are concerned. 

Acting Commissioner for Consumer Protection David Hillyard said it is common for scammers to cold call consumers pretending to represent government departments and businesses like Synergy. 

“These calls often come with threats and create a sense of urgency so the recipient of the call doesn’t have the time to check the authenticity of the demand,” Mr Hillyard said. 

“Consumers and businesses should think carefully when they get a demand for payment out of the blue like this, and independently contact the organisation to verify if the demand is genuine. 

“Also consider whether that organisation would act in this way for an overdue account and why you haven’t received a written letter of demand. Resist the temptation to act in haste as it will be almost impossible to recover the money once it is sent. 

“Other scam calls have involved people pretending to be from the tax office or police, threatening arrest if a fake fine or tax bill is not paid immediately. They rely on people reacting out of fear without questioning the demand, so stop and think and take time to confirm it directly with the organisation claiming to be represented.” 

More information on scams is available at www.scamnet.wa.gov.au or enquiries can be made by contacting WA ScamNet by email wascamnet@commerce.wa.gov.au or by calling 1300 30 40 54. 

Water playground shuts down for winter

Geraldton’s popular Foreshore water playground will be closing for its annual winter shutdown as the colder months start rolling in.

The playground will close on Friday 29 May, 2015 and reopen on Friday 25 September, 2015.

For any enquiries about the closure contact the City of Greater Geraldton Reserves Supervisor, Graham Smith, on (08) 9956 6600.

Art Gallery ablution block closed for refurbishment

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that the Art Gallery ablution block located behind the Gallery will be closed from Monday 18 May 2015 for approximately seven days. 

This is so that the building maintenance team can undertake extensive maintenance including new architraves, repairing and painting doors and replacing locks. 

There will be signs and bunting up to alert the public about the works. 

The closest alternative ablution blocks are the Rubik’s Cube on the north side of the foreshore or next to the playground on the foreshore.

Weather Delays Indian Ocean Row Bid

The Indian Ocean record attempt by rowers James Ketchell and Ashley Wilson has been delayed due to unpredictable weather conditions.

Adventurer James and Scout leader Ashley, who survived Hodgkin lymphoma at the age of 19 and has lived with epilepsy from the age of seven, were due to begin their attempt to cross the 3,600 miles from Australia to Mauritius on May 8.

But concerns were raised that their feat to beat the fastest recorded time of 85 days, two hours and five minutes would be threatened by severe weather conditions caused by Cyclone Quang.

Ashley, 37, from Wickham, Hampshire, said: "The news from the challenge weather router Charlie has come as a great blow to both James and myself.

"Having meticulously planned our departure for this weekend, this latest severe weather update may stall our launch from Geraldton by several days.

"It just goes to show you who's the real boss in this challenge and we have to respect both the ocean and its weather system to get to Mauritius safely."

Last year James, 33, from Basingstoke, became the only person in history to row the Atlantic Ocean, climb Everest and cycle unaided around the world.

He added: "This last-minute delay is necessary to avoid any potential Cyclone Quang-type weather in the coming days that could have proved catastrophic to the challenge and our world record attempt."

The departure delay does mean that the two Scout ambassadors will have the opportunity to visit scouting and young people groups in Western Australia as they continue to raise awareness and money for Young Epilepsy, The Scout Association and The Elifar Foundation.

Lisa Farmer, director of development at Young Epilepsy, previously said:
"Everyone at Young Epilepsy is amazed by Ashley and James's courage, and very moved that they are taking on this challenge to help inspire young people with epilepsy.

"Ashley is a hero and we know that thousands of young people will be glued to this adventure. He is an inspiration and is helping us by raising vital funds and fighting stigma."

A new departure date has been set for either May 16 or May 17 from Geraldton marina. To follow their progress or support their fundraising efforts, visit www.nothings-impossible.co.uk.

Annual verge side collection postponed

The City’s annual verge side collection has been postponed as part of the ongoing review of the range and level of services being provided to the community.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO, Ken Diehm, said the review was prompted by results of the Community Summit in which verge side collection ranked #39 on the priority list of services and suggestions received from participants indicated the community’s concern with the cost of providing the service.

“Although 65% of Summit participants voted for the verge side collection to continue the comments and suggestions we received during the Summit expressed their concerns about the amount of people using the service in relation to the $200,000 it costs to provide verge side collection to the community,” he said.

“Council also received some suggestions on how the service could be made more cost effective and we want to investigate these ideas.

“The City is in a time of financial constraint and it’s Council’s highest priority to ensure all services provided to the community are not only cost effective but are also good value for money,” said Mr Diehm.

Residents are encouraged to take their household waste to the Meru Landfill where trailer loads up to 300 kilos and green waste can be disposed of every day from 7.30am - 4.30pm free of charge.  Household goods that are still useable can be taken to the Cogman Recycling Tip Shop.

Alternatively, green waste can be composted at home and unwanted goods sold at a garage sale or put up for sale on a variety of ‘buy and sell’ Facebook pages in Geraldton.

A full list of items that can be disposed of at Meru and recycling options available in Geraldton can be accessed on the City’s website onhttp://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/live/my-environment/waste-and-recycling/recycling-in-geraldton.aspx.

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

Join Bunnings Warehouse Geraldton to support The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal

This month, Bunnings Warehouse Geraldton is again teaming up with The Salvation Army to raise funds for its annual Red Shield Appeal, urging locals to get behind the cause and dig-deep to show their support.

The Red Shield Appeal is The Salvation Army’s biggest annual fundraising drive and Bunnings is pleased to continue its long-standing involvement to help raise vital funds to support Australians in need.

The Salvation Army assists more than one million Australians in need each year - which works out to be around one person every 30 seconds. In a typical week, the Salvos provide 100,000 meals, 5,000 food vouchers for the hungry, 2,000 beds for the homeless and refuge to 500 victims of domestic violence.

During the annual fundraiser, volunteers from The Salvation Army will be visiting local Bunnings stores nationally to give customers the opportunity to make a donation.

Dr Bruce Redman, Media Director for The Salvation Army, is grateful for the ongoing relationship between The Salvation Army and Bunnings and hopes to raise more funds than ever before to support the Salvo’s valuable work in the community.

“By donating to The Red Shield Appeal, Geraldton residents can make a significant difference to people’s lives, whether it is a local doing it tough or someone on the other side of the country, every donation helps support those who need assistance,” he said.

Bunnings Warehouse Geraldton Complex Manager, Natalie Kennedy is encouraging Geraldton residents to head down to their local Bunnings and show support for the Salvos.

“We look forward to once again supporting The Salvation Army’s annual Red Shield Appeal, as it makes a huge difference to so many Australians in need,” Natalie said.

Aquarena’s new geothermal system up and running.

The indoor swimming pools and air temperature inside Geraldton’s Aquarena are now heated using state-of-the-art geothermal technology.

The indoor swimming pools and air temperature inside Geraldton’s Aquarena are now heated using state-of-the-art geothermal technology.

By using innovative heat exchanger technology, water pumped from 50 metres below the ground is used to heat the pools and air inside the centre. The water is then injected back into the ground at another location.

Geothermal energy is renewable and cost efficient, making the Aquarena environmentally friendly for a sustainable future.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Ian Carpenter, who officially flicked the switch turning the system on, said the geothermal system was a big win environmentally and financially for the City.

“The new system has the potential to cut the Aquarena’s gas consumption by up to 70 % per annum, saving the City of Greater Geraldton around $84,000 every year,” Mayor Carpenter explained.

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

The project has received generous funding from the Department of Industry and Science, with the Federal Government generously provided a grant of $795,822 for the works. The remaining funding has been provided by the City.

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

The combined energy efficiency upgrades will see a positive return to the City after three years.

Champion Croquet player comes back to Geraldton May 9,10,11 - 2015

Martin Clarke, who started his croquet career at Geraldton, is returning to the Geraldton Croquet Club to play a demonstration match, coach local players and join in club games. Anyone is welcome to come along on Saturday morning around 11 am to watch a demonstration match, and the game will be explained to those who have not had the opportunity to learn about it before.

Martin has won events in Geraldton and represented WA three times whilst residing here in the early – mid 90’s. Since then, he has represented WA many more times, captained Australia, and played in several World Championships and competitions in locations all around the world, including most recently in the Golf Croquet World Championships held in New Zealand earlier this year.

In Golf Croquet, Martin is currently ranked no 1 in the state, No 4 nationally and No. 62 in the world.

If you are interested, come along to see what this most flexible sport is all about, or contact coaches on 99383619 for further information.

The club is located in the South West corner of Maitland Park, entry is from Maitland Street.

Waterwise program benefits Mid West businesses

Five Mid-West businesses participating in the State Government’s Water Efficiency Management Plan (WEMP) program will reap the benefits of saving 680 million litres of water last financial year. 

The program assists 338 businesses State-wide who use more than 20 million litres of drinking water each year to reduce their water use. 

In 2013-14 these businesses saved a collective 14 billion litres of water, which is the equivalent of 6,222 Olympic swimming pools. 

The five Mid-West businesses to receive major awards are:   

• Geraldton Hospital Campus – Champion and Gold Award
• Iluka Resources Ltd Midwest Operations – Platinum Award
• Mid West Ports Authority – Gold Award
• Nor West Seafoods Pty Ltd – Gold Award
• Novotel Ningaloo Resort – Silver Award 

Member for Geraldton MLA, Ian Blayney, thanked the participating businesses for their commitment to water efficiency, particularly the 106 which were recognised for water saving at today’s ceremony. 

“Congratulations to the businesses in the Mid West for their efforts to save water through the WEMP Plan program,” Mr Blayney said.  

“We often forget that businesses – like households – are making changes to the way they operate in order to save water, and money.  

“It is excellent to see these businesses making permanent changes to their operations which continue to deliver significant savings in the long-term.”

There are 338 businesses participating in the WEMP program across WA.  

Since the Program was introduced in 2007 it has saved 45.7 billion litres of water – the equivalent of more than 20,000 Olympic swimming pools of water.  

Champion Awards are presented to businesses who receive Platinum or Gold awards for two consecutive years, Platinum Awards are for more than 50 per cent improvement in water use, Gold Awards are for 35-50 per cent improvement, Silver Awards are for 25-35 per cent improvement and Bronze Awards are for 10-25 per cent.

City gives back to the community

Community Grant recipients, Midwest Community Living Association, will use funds from Round 16 to help with events like the International Day with a Disability basketball games at the Foreshore.

Twenty local groups are celebrating financial boosts with the money going towards community driven projects, all thanks to round 16 of the City of Greater Geraldton’s Community Grants Program.

A total of $175,000 was awarded to the community groups for projects which aim to make a positive contribution to the Geraldton area.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said community groups aren’t often acknowledged for their hard work and contribution to the public.

“People often turn a blind eye to our community groups and that’s where the Community Grants Program comes into play,” he said.

“Each grant is valuable and beneficial to not only the groups receiving it, but to the community.

“The Community Grants program provides the opportunity for local groups who need our assistance to continue with their efforts and communal projects,” said Mr Carpenter.

Grants will see projects including the Short Term Accommodation for Youth’s (STAY) Learner Driver Program, Chrysalis Support Services’ Volleyball Against Violence, Ex Victoria District Hospital Staff Associations reprint of ‘Miss Crowley’s Girls’ book, and the Geraldton City RSL Sub Branch Birdwood House project, all put in place.

Recipients for the 16th round include:

• STAY
• Tenindewa Progress Association
• Community Group of Greenough (Inc)
• Midwest Community Living Association
• Geraldton Aboriginal Regional Medical Service
• Chrysalis Support Services
• Women’s Health Resource Centre Inc
• Batavia Coast Maritime Heritage Association
• Wonthella Bowling Club Inc
• Wonthella Progress Association
• Ex Victoria District Hospital Staff Association Inc
• Friends of Geraldton Gardens Inc (FroGGs)
• Mullewa Women’s Indigenous Group
• DADAA Ltd
• The Apex Club of Geraldton
• Inspired Living Foundation
• Pollinators Inc
• Geraldton Amateur Swimming Club
• Mullewa District Agriculture Society Inc and,
• Geraldton City RSL Sub Branch

The purpose of the Community Grants Program is to provide assistance for one off events, activities, projects and programs delivered by local community groups and organisations.

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

*Twice each year the City of Greater Geraldton returns funds to the community in the form of community grants. Last financial year, 37 Community Grant Submissions were successful with $275,830.20 returned to the community for projects valued at $931,981.94.