FUNdraising towards a Cancer Free Future

Event Nation is once again taking part in the Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea FUNdraiser. Thursday 28th May 2015 is the official morning tea day, though hosts are encouraged to hold an event any time in May or June.

Therefore Event Nation is inviting Mid West residents to get swept up in the fun of its highly popular Leah Mainwaring Let’s Kick Cancer Brunch FUNdraiser on Sunday June 21 from 9.30am to 12.00pm

Buoyed by the sold-out success of last year’s inaugural event, which raised $4671.18 for cancer research, prevention and support services, while also honouring a beautiful friend and tireless Cancer fundraiser Leah Mainwaring, organisers expect this year’s event to be even bigger and better.

Last year’s Mad Hatter theme ensured an entertaining atmosphere and outrageous attire, and this year’s colourful theme of ‘Fluro (for the tradies’) and Flowers (for the ladies’) promises similar hilarity.

Event Nation director Jodi Reilly said this year’s brunch would include games, prizes, live entertainment, fabulous auction items including a Red FM radio advertising package and accommodation and tickets for four to the West Coast Eagles V Adelaide Crows July 11 home game and several inspirational talks from our special guests including Cancer Council Director - Melissa Price MP and cancer survivors local business owner Wendy Mann and Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service CEO Deborah Woods.

She said for those with children, they needn’t miss out as there would also be a ‘Kidz Zone’ supervised by a qualified child care giver for those aged under 12.

“On the day there will be ‘hand pampers’ by donation and fresh flowers in our ‘Pop Up Florist’ so you can purchase your gorgeous fresh weekly blooms for any amount above the reserve price, all to help raise money for cancer,” Ms Reilly said.

“This year will also see the introduction of our ‘chain of hearts’ in which we’ll invite guests to make a donation and write a special message on their chosen cardboard heart.

“These hearts will be linked together to form the start of out official ‘chain of hearts’ bunting for our 2016 fundraiser.

“Each year guests will be invited to make additions to the bunting.”

Tickets are $50 per person and include a complimentary champagne on arrival, a tapasstyle brunch or continental selection, self-service tea, coffee and juice, live entertainment and the chance to win one of many prizes all whilst having a ball FUNdraising for a good cause.

Tickets for children aged under 12 are just $5 a child, which includes hangout in the 'Kidz Zone', movie, toast and spreads, fruit, fruit juice and water. Children are welcome to bring their own games, iPad etc.

This year Cancer Council aims to recruit 35,000 generous morning tea hosts nationally to support Cancer Council’s life-saving work into prevention programs, world class research and support services (like Cancer Council 13 11 20) for all people affected by cancer.

Tickets sales are available from Chimere Pearls, 272 Foreshore Drive and online eventbrite https://letskickcancerbrunch.eventbrite.com.au or call Event Nation on 99646088.

An amazing discovery at the Murchison Widefield Array telescope

A 3D visualisation of the plasma tubes conforming to the Earth’s magnetic field. CAASTRO, Author provided

The discovery by an undergraduate student of tubes of plasma drifting above Earth has made headlines in the past few days. Many people have asked how the discovery was made and, in particular, how an undergraduate student was able to do it.

The answer is a combination of an amazing new telescope, a very smart student and an unexpected fusion of two areas of science.

Here is how it all happened, from my perspective as the academic who supervised the project at the Sydney Institute for Astronomy.

My research involves studying the variability of stars and galaxies using a new radio telescope, the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA). My colleagues and I were worried about the ionosphere being a problem for this research, because at low frequencies it can distort the radio signals that we receive from outer space.

This makes celestial objects appear to jiggle around, be stretched and squeezed, and change in brightness. I knew this would be a problem for my plan to study how the brightness of stars and galaxies varied, so I wanted to find out how severe the distortion was.

The ionosphere is the part of the Earth’s atmosphere that has been ionised by radiation from the sun. It is made up of a plasma in which the gas molecules have lost one or more electrons. It stretches between 50 to 1,000 kilometres above the Earth’s surface (commercial aeroplanes typically fly at 10 kilometres above the Earth). Importantly, it refracts radio waves, affecting radio communication around the world.

At the beginning of last year I had a final-year undergraduate student, Cleo Loi – who also contributed to this article – looking for a research project, so I gave her the task of investigating how much the ionosphere was affecting astronomical observations with the MWA.

Watch Cleo explain her amazing discovery.

Strange distortions

Around that time, a postdoctoral researcher from Curtin University, Natasha Hurley-Walker, was examining MWA data and came across a night that looked rather unusual.

Celestial objects were dancing around wildly, distorting strongly in shape and flickering in brightness. She flagged this night as one that the ionosphere had rendered unusable for our astronomy research.

The distortions caused by the ionosphere in a particularly bad night of data. The bright points are distant galaxies that appear to move and flicker. On a normal night these would be stationary.

Cleo then developed a way of visualising the distortions caused by the ionosphere on the images of distant background galaxies. She took the data Natasha had identified and applied her analysis to it.

When she showed me and other researchers the distortion maps she was generating, we were surprised to see huge waves of correlated motion rippling through the image. They looked like spokes radiating from a point outside the image.

Cleo’s original visualisation. The red and blue arrows show the apparent change in position of the background sources.

Looking for answers

To try to work out what they were, Cleo transformed the coordinates from a celestial reference frame (that astronomers usually use) to an Earth-based reference frame, which is fixed with respect to the atmosphere. This crucial transformation revealed that the bands were hanging almost stationary in the Earth’s sky.

In the process of writing up our research, we emailed Cleo’s preliminary results to collaborators. The MWA collaboration consists of hundreds of radio astronomers and engineers from Australia, New Zealand, the United States, India and Canada. They were quick to respond with a list of suggestions as to what the bands might be.

It is a critical part of science that good scientists respond to unexpected results with scepticism, particularly if they come from an inexperienced student. But the sheer volume of emails was initially quite overwhelming for Cleo. However, she stayed focused on solving the problem.

The suggestions ranged from possible problems with the telescope, the observing set-up, the imaging process and Cleo’s analysis techniques. Hundreds of emails were exchanged over a few months as Cleo tested and ruled out each suggestion.

Once we had run out of things to test we were left with an interesting dataset, an unexplained phenomenon and an increasing suspicion that the strange distortion pattern was a real effect caused by the ionosphere.

As she was preparing her honours thesis, Cleo had a geometrical insight into explaining the radial spoke-like pattern. She realised that a set of parallel lines viewed at an angle would appear to converge due to perspective distortion, like train tracks going into the distance.

A map of the tubular structure in two dimensions. The black lines are the Earth’s magnetic field.

However, without much knowledge of geophysics, it was several weeks until she made a second critical link: the layout of the spokes matched the Earth’s magnetic field. These strange tubular structures were tracing the magnetic field lines, which are parallel to one another but at an angle to the ground. The agreement was perfect.

Stereo vision

Armed with solid evidence, Cleo and I got in touch with geospace physicists to help us interpret what we were seeing. Suggestions to explain the phenomena included plasma bubbles, travelling ionospheric disturbances and ultra-low-frequency waves.

Finally, Fred Menk from the University of Newcastle suggested they might be “whistler ducts”. These are cylindrical structures aligned to a magnetic field, where the electron content is higher inside than outside. They are thought to guide the propagation of electromagnetic waves called “whistlers” in the same way that optic fibres guide light.

Whistler ducts had never been seen before, but all their properties deduced by scientists over the years matched what we were seeing with the MWA. Except for one thing: we didn’t know how high they were.

Until now, we had only used the MWA to take two-dimensional pictures of the sky. Whistler ducts exist at very high altitudes, and an altitude measurement was necessary if we were to confirm them as a known phenomenon.

Cleo was reluctant to publish the result without an altitude estimate. However, we couldn’t derive that from our data, so we encouraged her to publish the results as they were.

At that point Cleo had a brainwave. She realised that the MWA could be used stereoscopically to achieve 3D vision, like a giant pair of eyes. By splitting the data from the eastern and western receivers of the MWA, she revealed a slight parallax shift in the distortion pattern that let us triangulate the altitude: around 600km above the ground.

We were all astounded that this idea had worked, confirming that these were likely to be whistler ducts.

It has been an exciting year of research. We started out with an astronomy question and found a surprising answer in geospace physics. To the layperson, these might seem like the same field, but to scientists focused deeply within their narrow field of expertise, the gap is wide.

Cleo has shown how a talented but novice researcher can have an advantage over experienced researchers. By approaching the problem without preconceptions she was able to bridge these two disciplines and use a novel technique on a new radio telescope to discover plasma tubes in the sky.

Location of the MWA

Changes to Queens Park Theatre Box Office hours

After having its doors open for more than 30 years, the Queens Park Theatre Box Office will no longer be open during business hours as of Tuesday 9 June, but will continue to open two hours prior a show and during performances for pickup of pre-purchased and online tickets.

The good news is tickets for all shows can now easily be purchased from the City of Greater Geraldton Civic Centre on 63 Cathedral Avenue during normal business hours, the Geraldton Regional Library on Marine Terrace seven days a week and online from the Queens Park Theatre website on www.queensparktheatre.com.au.

For all enquiries about how to purchase a ticket to an upcoming show, please contact Customer Service on 9956 6600.

Applications open for heritage grants for private owners

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney said today private owners of State-registered heritage places can now apply for heritage grants of up to $100,000 towards the cost of urgent conservation work to their properties. 

Mr Blayney said $1.273 million was available under the State Government’s 2015-16 Heritage Grants Program to help private owners conserve and revitalise their properties. 

The grants program, overseen by the Heritage Council of Western Australia, offers dollar-for-dollar funding for urgent conservation works or documentation to help plan future works. 

Mr Blayney saidthe Grants Program is one of the few programs in Australia to assist private owners with the costs associated with maintaining their heritage properties. 

Since the program’s inception in 1997, 690 heritage projects from across the State have received grants totalling more than $15.8 million.Last year it helped generate $3.3 million in building works, demonstrating the tremendous value of this grants program to the conservation of the State’s heritage. 

Last year alone, it helped generate $3.3 million in building works, demonstrating the tremendous value of this grants program to the conservation of the State’s heritage. 

In 2012, the Liberal National Government increased funding for the Heritage Grants Program by 25 per cent, committing an extra $1.046 million over four years. 

Applications for the 2015-16 Heritage Grants Program close at 4pm, Wednesday July 22, 2015.

Gordy Clinch recognised for footy dedication with Indigenous KickStart program

View fullsize

Gordy Clinch with the medal each team member received for winning the National Indigenous KickStart Championship for the fifth consecutive year in Cairns this year. 

Gordy Clinch is a happy man.

He’s been involved in the football KickStart program for six years and has watched WA win the National Indigenous KickStart Championship five years in a row, this year at Cairns in Queensland.

And this year Gordy got the opportunity to travel with the team as assistant team manager as recognition from the WA Football Commission for his dedication to the program.

Gordy is footy team manager, co- forward line coach (with Shaye Hayden), and bus driver for Aboriginal boys playing in the Nicky Winmar Carnival and Stephen Michael Cup, a program that forms the basis of selection for the WA KickStart team.

It’s a great program and “I’d like to see more young Indigenous boys put their name down for the next one.”

The program was developed by the AFL to provide a supported, talented player pathway that complements the National U16 Championship exposing Aboriginal players, coaches, doctors, physiotherapists and trainers to an elite AFL program environment.

Each year, every state is represented by a team of 25 Aboriginal players, aged 15 and under who compete in the National KickStart Championship. The team is led by Aboriginal coaches, trainers and support staff. 

The WA KickStart Squad, including coaches, is selected from the carnival based on leadership qualities, school attendance, community involvement and playing and coaching ability.

Gordy said over the six years he has been involved he’s seen some deadly young Indigenous footballers come through the program.

“It’s a great program and I’d like to see more young Indigenous boys put their name down for the next one,” he said.

“I’d like to thank some people that got me involved in this program; Adrian Bartlett has been a great role model, also Merrilyn Green for giving me support and to my mum and dad.”

WAFC Community Engagement Manager Paul Mugambwa said this year was the first time that the WA Football Commission had taken an assistant team manager outside of its staff at the commission.

“Given the great commitment and passion you have demonstrated over the years with involvement in the Nicky Winmar Carnival and the Stephen Michael Cup, we wanted to reward you for the efforts and be part of this special trip,” he told Gordy.

Other coaches included: Head Coach, Shaye Hayden; Backline Coach, Andrew Beck; Centreline Coach, Jermaine Davis; Forward line Coaches, Gordon Clinch/Shaye Hayden; Team Manager, Chris Brown; and Trainers, East Perth Football Club. 

Regional Grants Scheme funds allocated to Geraldton projects

Hope Springs Community Farm – Left to Right: Lucy, Hon Paul Brown MLC, Lesley Evans and Larry Williamson

The highly anticipated re-introduction of the Royalties for Regions Regional Grants Scheme (RGS) has committed $ 351,963 towards community projects in Geraldton.

A total of 86 successful applicants were announced by Regional Development Minister Terry Redman today, totalling a Royalties for Regions investment package of $9.024 million.

Local Member Hon Paul Brown MLC said the latest round of successful applicants took the total number of projects funded through the scheme to 762 since it first started in 2008-09.

“This Royalties for Regions scheme offers grants from $20,001 up to $300,000 for projects that seek to improve economic and community infrastructure and services in regional WA,” he said.

“I’m very pleased that three Geraldton projects have attracted funding in the latest RGS round for such an exciting and diverse range of projects.

“These will help attract investment, increase job opportunities and improve the quality of life and work in Geraldton communities.”

Successful projects in Geraldton include:

• Chrysalis Support Services      Upgrade to Crisis Accommodation Service
• Hope Community Services      Mount Hill Community Farm Kitchen Project
• City of Greater Geraldton        Mid West China Connect Website

Royalties for Regions has invested almost $100 million through the RGS. Funding is administered by individual Regional Development Commissions.

Chrysalis – Hon Paul Brown MLC and Alison Adam, CEO Chrysalis Support Services

Hon Paul Brown MLC congratulated successful applicants in Geraldton and thanked the Mid West Development Commission board for its guidance in recommending projects suitable for funding.

In 2014-15 a new Royalties for Regions grants program – the Community Chest Fund - was established alongside the RGS to allocate one-off grants of up to $20,000 to support small, locally-driven community projects.

For a full list of successful 2014-15 RGS applicants visit the Department of Regional Development website

Consumers and the community to have their say on country of origin food labelling

All Australians can have their say on what they want in clearer country of origin food labelling in an online survey that will help design the Australian Government’s new labelling system. 

The Australian Government has been consulting with industry – including growers, processors and retailers – to implement a clearer, more direct system for food labelling that will give consumers the information they want in a way that is easy to read and understand. 

“We have completed a two month industry consultation process, and we are now asking for consumer feedback from the very shoppers who will be in the supermarket making use of the new labels,” said Minister for Industry and Science Ian Macfarlane. 

“Consumers have told us loud and clear that they want more useful food labelling, and now we want to hear from them about which options they prefer. 

“Based on our consultation sessions in major capital and regional cities, we have valuable industry information on how we can implement a system that is fair and transparent for consumers without adding extra costs to business.” 

Minister Macfarlane said the community survey and the Government’s market research data are crucial in defining the new framework, and this is the next step in finding a balance for industry and the consumer. 

Minister for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce said the work to improve country of origin food labelling was to make sure Australians had clear and concise information about the food they buy. 

“Many consumers and food producers feel strongly about the need for clearer country of origin labelling,” Minister Joyce said. 

“It’s important that people can make informed choices about the food they buy at their local supermarket. We want Australians to have confidence in knowing where their food is coming from. 

“Australians have asked for simpler food labelling and the Government has listened; now is the chance for people to have their say on simpler and more logical ways to present the information.” 

The country of origin food labelling community survey is available at www.industry.gov.au/cool and hardcopies can be requested by calling 13 28 46.

Dewayne Everettsmith to hit the road for BEYOND SURRENDER national tour, with special guest Sietta

Dewayne Everettsmith’s 2014 release, the beautiful and captivating SURRENDER, provided an insight into a gifted young singer and songwriter.  The album, equal parts uplifting and haunting, took the listener on a journey through Dewayne’s life and experiences.  It featured ‘It’s Like Love’, a song that Tourism Australia adopted for a major international television campaign in 2012, providing the backdrop to one of the most visually arresting television commercials in recent times.

Some twelve months later, Dewayne is preparing to take the songs from ‘Surrender’, along with a selection of newly minted tracks, on a journey across Australia on the BEYOND SURRENDER national tour.  From Warragul to Alice Springs, Bunbury to Mackay, he will take in the vast expanses of regional Australia, sharing his stunning songs with live music enthusiasts in all corners of the country.

Joining Dewayne on the road is Sietta, a duo comprising of vocalist Caiti Baker and producer/instrumentalist James Mangohig.  Theirs is a union traditionally of soul, blues, hip hop and electronica; but when the opportunity presents, Caiti and James strip their songs back to tasteful rhythm and blues guitar and soulfully soothing yet gutsy vocals. In the special occasion of supporting Dewayne, Sietta will fuse rich live vocals with neck-groovin’ guitar; performing songs from their back catalogue as well as some newly written tunes. 

This inspired combination, bringing together two of Australia’s most exciting musical acts, promises an event not to be missed.

Catch Dewayne Everettsmith’s BEYOND SURRENDER national tour
With special guest Sietta.     Tickets on sale now.

JULY
Wednesday 1st                      Queens Park Theatre,  Geraldton, WA

ABOUT DEWAYNE EVERETTSMITH:
Descended from both the Aboriginal community of Cape Barren Island and the Gunai/Kurnai people of Victoria, Dewayne’s career started at an early age, performing amongst his own Tasmanian Aboriginal community. Through various trials and tribulations he has grown as a performer, playing festival stages around Australia and across the Pacific, supporting the likes of Gurrumul, John Farnham, Archie Roach and Guy Sebastian, and dueting with Paul Kelly.  Back in 2011, music critic Bruce Elder stated that he is … ‘a uniquely gifted singer with hints of the soul of Marvin Gaye and the sunny beauty of Johnny Nash.’
 
Whilst developing his music, Dewayne has also lent his support as national ambassador for the official Save The Tasmanian Devil Appeal, earned a Human Rights Week award for bringing Tasmanian Aboriginal Culture and language to the broader community, educating children and working to protect his aboriginal heritage, and was a Young Australian of the Year (Tasmania) Finalist 2014.

‘Surrender’ album out now
website / facebook / twitter

ABOUT SIETTA:
Sietta is the musical combination of singer songwriter Caiti Baker and producer/instrumentalist James Mangohig (B2M, Daniel Johns, Jessica Mauboy, Manuel Dhurrkay). Since commencing their musical union in 2007 in Darwin, Northern Territory, Sietta have released 2 EPs and 2 full length albums encapsulating their broad musicianship in genre-pushing sounds and themes. With songs written and inspired by struggle, love, stigma, mental health, storytelling and fantasy; Sietta present their sound in unexpected forms echoing the influences of Caiti’s childhood exposure of blues, soul, gospel, country and rock n roll.

After years touring nationally and internationally, Sietta have garnered rave reviews for their live electronic performances, although they feel most at ease when they simplify their songs by way of soulful guitar and raw bluesy vocals.  A perfect combination of old and new, Sietta are forever surprising their audiences and gaining new fans everywhere they play.
https://www.facebook.com/siettamusica?_rdr

Cat of the Week- 7th June 2015 – Paris

Our Cat of the Week is available for $100 to the right home. Meet Paris!

Paris is very smoochy! Loves a cuddle and a pat. She is a very pretty girl too!

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 re-home, lost abandoned and homeless cats and re-home 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 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.

Temporary closure of Francis Street carpark bays June 5, 2015

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the public of the temporary closure of an area within the Francis Street carpark.

Parking bays will be closed to facilitate works on the new Multi User Facility and Youth Precinct and are expected to close from Wednesday 10 June, 2015, until Sunday 31 July, 2016.

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

Improvements to Geraldton Residential College

Students at Geraldton Residential College are enjoying new and refurbished bedrooms, along with upgraded facilities thanks to a $2.5 million investment.

Education Minister Peter Collier opened the extensions today, which include 16 new bedrooms in the female student wing as well as upgrades to existing bedrooms, bathrooms, staff accommodation flats and recreation areas.

“These refurbishments are fantastic for current students and will ensure the college is a comfortable home-away-from-home for years to come,” Mr Collier said.

There is also shared accommodation for younger students, which will help students living away from home for the first time to have the support of their peers.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said Geraldton Residential College had been providing boarding facilities for primary and secondary students in the Mid-West for more than 90 years.

“The college staff are outstanding in looking after the students, particularly with supporting them in their studies and organising outings and recreational activities,” Mr Redman said.

“I am pleased Royalties for Regions has been able to further enhance this essential service for our country students.”

City calls Minister of Education to reconsider proposed ‘Super School’ location

The City is urging the Minister of Education to reconsider a proposed public ‘super school’ in close proximity to the City Centre due to traffic concerns.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO, Ken Diehm said a consolidated high school or ‘super school’ on the Shenton Street site would increase traffic in the area by 50 per cent and that the existing road network would not be able to handle the additional traffic flows.

“The City engaged a traffic modelling consultant to investigate what effect the ‘super school’ would have on traffic flows and the road network within the existing school precinct.  The report forecasts an additional 1,400 car trips per day would be generated by the facility and that Durlacher Street alone would see an increase in traffic and congestion of up to 20,000 car movements per day.

“Although sections of Cathedral Avenue and Chapman Road are dual lane and have some capacity for additional traffic, Durlacher Street is only single lane and would require a major upgrade to accommodate the forecasted increase in car movement,” Mr Diehm said.

Several intersections in the school precinct that would also be substantially impacted by an increase in traffic flow and require upgrading were also identified in the report.

“To help traffic flow in and out of the area traffic signals would need to be installed at the intersections of Durlacher and Shenton Street and also at Cathedral Avenue and Maitland Street. Existing turning lanes would need to be lengthened or new ones introduced on Cathedral Avenue, Shenton Street, Durlacher Street and Waldeck Street all of which would cost more than $7Million of rate payer’s money,” Mr Diehm said.

The City is also concerned about community safety as traffic congestion and poorly designed drop off and pick up zones pose a real risk to students and parents alike.

“Every parent who drives into the school precinct knows how awful the current traffic congestion already is and understands the horror of trying to negotiate poorly designed drop off and pick up zones for their school children,” said Mr. Diehm.

“I urge the Minister to reconsider the proposed super school in Shenton St and to provide a commitment that, if a super school is built in Geraldton, our ratepayers are not left to foot the bill for the required traffic management works.”

African Boxthorn Suffers Serious Setback

African Boxthorn plant showing spines and berries

Recent collaborative projects between the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council (NACC), the City of Greater Geraldton and the Shire of Chapman Valley have resulted in the removal of over 13,000 African Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum) plants.

African boxthorn is a widespread Weed of National Significance that reduces biodiversity, harbours feral animals and is a significant public nuisance. During the month of May, thousands of boxthorn plants were removed from around the Greenough River estuary, the Chapman River Regional Park and coastal dunes at Cape Burney and Coronation Beach.

Plants were mechanically removed using small skid steer loaders and a technique called ‘cut and pasted,’ which involves cutting plants down near their base and applying herbicide to the stump.

“This fantastic work has greatly improved the areas’ biodiversity and aesthetic values and I am excited to be involved in future collaborative projects” said NACC Natural Resource Management Officer, Heather Legge.

“Results have been far greater than anticipated and none of this would be possible without close collaboration between the City’s Environmental Planning team and NACC’s Biodiversity, and Coastal and Marine Programs,” said Ms Legge.

Funding for the works came through the City, NACC’s Biodiversity Program’s Hidden Treasures project and NACC’s Coastal and Marine Program.

Safe removal of boxthorn using a skid steer loader.

“This collaborative approach is beneficial because the economy of scale it offers allows more boxthorn to be removed with the funds available,” said NACC Coastal and Marine Program Coordinator, Dr Mic Payne.

“NACC is also extending work previously carried out by the City and Shire of Chapman Valley to develop a regional strategy to control this weed in the Northern Agricultural Region,” he said.

Looking ahead, NACC will continue working with the City and the Shires of Chapman Valley and Irwin to reduce populations of this invasive weed species, and revegetate following its removal. The City is also taking part in the Federal Government’s Green Army program, training a team in chemical handling so that participants can continue to target boxthorn and other weeds.

To find about more about NACC’s boxthorn removal projects in the Geraldton region, please contact NACC Natural Resource Management Officer, Heather Legge, on 9938 0103 or heather.legge@nacc.com.au.

If you would like to find out more about the CGG’s Environmental Sustainability Program, please contact Environmental Sustainability Officer, Bronte Grant on 9956 6932 or bronteg@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Price hosting Geraldton Ice Summit

Melissa Price Member for Durack is hosting a Geraldton Ice Summit on Wednesday. 

Stakeholders in the community, such as police and health officials, rehabilitation services providers and the Assistant Minister for Health Fiona Nash will be in attendance at the summit.

Ms Price is hosting the Summit to hear the concerns of local stakeholders and the broader community and encourages everyone to attend, including people who have been personally impacted by Ice. 

“Following the crime forum I held in Geraldton last year, I want to listen to stakeholders and let the community have their say and share their concerns about the issue,” Ms Price said.
 
This will provide Ms Price with an understanding of the impact the drug is having on Geraldton and Durack, and also expects that information about who is producing and dealing the drug in the region will be shared.

“Through the National Ice Taskforce set up by the Prime Minister on April 8, this Government is committed to addressing the issue,” Ms Price said.

“I’m committed to working hard to see use of the drug decrease in Durack and Australia.

“This summit will play a vital role in shaping the report given to the Prime Minister for consideration for a Coalition of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting at the end of the year.” 

Ms Price will visit a rehabilitation facility after the Summit, to see first-hand the drug’s impact. 

The Summit will be held between 11.30am-1.30pm at the POSH Function Centre on Marine Terrace, with a morning tea from 11am. 

RSVP through Ms Price's electorate office is essential on 9964 2195 or Melissa.price@aph.gov.au.

The National Ice Taskforce is part of the National Ice Action Strategy to be formed by Federal, State and Territory Governments to tackle the growing scourge of ice

Multi User Facility and Youth Precinct tender awarded

Artists impression on the Multi User Facility and Youth Precinct

The tender for the construction of the Multi User Facility and Youth Precinct was awarded to FIRM Construction by Council at Tuesday evening’s Ordinary Meeting of Council.

City of Greater Geraldton Deputy Mayor Neil McIlwaine said the tender went out in separable portions to enable Council to consider individual stages of the construction schedule if required and to better manage construction costs and the final tender value. Awarding of the contract means the redevelopment of the Foreshore will be entering its final phase.

“The tender process was quite competitive and Council awarded FIRM Construction, a WA based company with experience in the construction of civic buildings, schools, offices and industrial projects, to build all five portions of the project for $6,868,446.

“The overall cost for the project is expected to be $8,386,742, which includes all design costs and works undertaken to date.

“Council is looking forward to completing the final stage of the Foreshore redevelopment,” Mr McIlwaine said.

The project is jointly funded with Regional Development Australia providing $3,170,000 in grant funding for the construction of the Multi User Facility; and the Youth Precinct and Event Space receiving $1million in grant funding from both Lotterywest and Regional Development Australia. In total, the City’s has received $5.17million for the projects.

The City’s contribution is $3,217,000 and will be spread over all five portions of the project.

Glamorous Roadshow Glides Into Geraldton

Perth performer and event co-director, Coco Poppin

GERALDTON is set to sizzle when national and local performers take to the stage on July 4 to kick off the regional part of the fourth Perth International Burlesque Festival. 

Presented by Sugar Blue Burlesque, the Roadshow is in Geraldton for the second time, previewing the popular burlesque festival held in various venues around Perth and regional areas from July4-19.  

The one-off show at Queens Park Theatre will feature the seductive talents of home-grown artists such as Sugar Du Joure, Ginger Rabbit, Coco Poppin, A’dora Derriere, as well as Geraldton’s own House of Jezzebelles. 

Hosted by MC Famous Sharron, patrons will enjoy a spectacular and titillating evening of laughter, games and burlesque antics that will make their eyes pop and their jaws ache with laughter. 

Rounding out the roadshow event will be a half-day of burlesque workshops at GeraldtonSenior College earlier the same day.  

Festival co-producer Melanie Piantoni said the festival was one of the most anticipated events in the Australian Burlesque calendar. 

“Now in its fourth year, performers and audiences have seen this exciting event grow in popularity, and they know they will see some of the world’s best burlesque artists in action as well as have the opportunity to do unique workshops with them.  

“Audiences will experience burlesque performance in styles that vary greatly and fantastically across nations, scenes, and personalities, as well as engaging with the local burlesque scene. 

“Above all, it’s a celebration of the local burlesque community because it opens doors for artists, allowing them to realise their uniqueness on the international scene.” 

Doors open for the Geraldton Roadshow at 7.30pm for an 8pm start.   

Roadshow tickets cost $55 general admission, $52 concession/seniors, $45 groups of 6+ and $50 QPT Club Members.  

For tickets visit www.queensparktheatre.com.au and for more information about theGeraldtonworkshops or the festival visit www.perthburlesquefestival.com

Valuer General proposes large increases in Greater Geraldton residential valuations

Large fluctuations in State Valuer General property valuations recently received by The City of Greater Geraldton have left the City concerned of the impact it will have on ratepayers.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO, Ken Diehm, said he was disappointed the large fluctuations in property valuations may mean that a significant percentage of ratepayers will not see the benefits of the cost cutting the City has recently undertaken.

“Over the last two years we have cut our costs by more than $2M. This year we have abolished 47 positions from our payroll and will be presenting cost reductions of more than $4M to the Council as part of the Budget process”.

“Whilst there has only been an increase in total valuations of 2.53%, property values have increased by more than 24% in some suburbs. I am shattered that, despite our hard work in reducing costs, these properties may have significant rate increases simply because of these new valuations”

“The Council and the community have made it clear that they do not want to see significant spikes in rates but these new valuations from the Valuer General make that virtually impossible for residents in some suburbs”.

“I have discussed this matter with the Mayor who has instructed me to explore all available alternatives to reduce the impact of the Valuer General’s valuations on our rate payers, particularly for residents who have had a significant increase in their property value”.

“Should you believe that the assessment of your property is too high, you may object to the Valuer General and have your property reassessed,” said Mr Diehm.

Bright Stars provides care when you really need it.

Bright Stars Family Day Care is a great option for those who need more flexible care for their children.

When a local family had a medical emergency, it wasn’t just their state of health that worried them. With no family support in town they were also highly concerned about who was going to look their children.

Luckily the family had a reliable Bright Stars Family Day Care provider they could call on her during their time of need.

Christen Everist said working as an educator with the City of Greater Geraldton’s, Bright Stars Family Day Care, rather than in a day care centre allows her to give her clients more options.

“I have an extended license and can provide 24 hour, seven day a week care if need be,” Ms Everist explained.

Ms Everist said she helps a lot of families who do not work regular hours and often has children stay overnight.

“It is often people such as nurses and police who require extended care for their children,” Ms Everist said.

“I try and make the overnight stays an adventure for the children, make it a fun, safe, child orientated environment so the children feel comfortable being here.”

Acting manager of City of Greater Geraldton’s Bright Stars Family Day Care service Angela Williams said the family day care model allowed for more flexible care options.

“Family day care operates under the same National Quality Standards (NQS) as other forms of childcare; incorporating national regulations, educational frameworks and an assessment and ratings process,” Ms Williams said.

“However because care is provided by an individual, who is an approved, early childhood educator and care professional operating within their own home, they can choose to offer standard hours or they can offer extended care options in the evenings, before/after school, during school holidays and in some cases overnight and weekends.”

“Plus families have an added bonus, if eligible, to use the Federal Government Child Care Benefit and Child Care Rebate subsidies, no matter what time or day they access care,” Ms Williams explained.

Bright Stars Family Day Care currently has vacancies for children aged newborn to 12 years of age.

For more information on Bright Stars Family Day Care call (08) 9921 7155 or visit www.cgg.wa.gov.au/bright-stars

Boost for Mid-West’s heritage-based tourism

The Monsignor Hawes story will continue to live on for all to experience with the announcement today of a $1.541 million State Government Royalties for Regions investment for the Monsignor Hawes Heritage Centre Project in Geraldton. 

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman, who made the announcement in Geraldton today, said he was pleased the story of Monsignor Hawes was going to be told and celebrated. 

The project complements the restoration of Geraldton’s iconic Catholic cathedral and its environs with the Monsignor Hawes Heritage Centre to be located on the site.  The centre will serve as an information gateway and hub to about 20 Monsignor Hawes buildings located throughout the Mid-West and Gascoyne. 

“If you visit a town in central Western Australia there’s a good chance you will see the work of Monsignor John Hawes - a man of faith, service and impressive architecture,” Mr Redman said. 

“The St Francis Xavier Cathedral, which was completed in 1938, was designed by Monsignor Hawes who arrived in Geraldton as a parish priest in 1915.  The building is generally regarded as one of his finest works. 

“The addition of the centre will provide a long-awaited interpretative forum for the Monsignor story. The centre will also house and display important regional history with a collection owned by the Diocese of Geraldton. 

“This will be a significant addition to the region’s tourism, cultural and heritage assets bolstering Geraldton’s status as a heritage destination.” 

The total project cost of $3.6 million was also made up from funding provided through Lotterywest ($651,000), the Diocese of Geraldton and community fundraising efforts. 

The Mid West Investment Plan, through Royalties for Regions, has invested $82 million since 2011 with the goal of transforming the Mid-West into a 190,000-strong community by 2050. 

For further information on Royalties for Regions projects, visit Bigger Picture – Regions.

Funding to help attract elite sporting events

The Geraldton community will enjoy improved sporting facilities with a lighting upgrade at its premier sports ground, Wonthella Oval, thanks to the announcement today of a $590,000 investment through the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program. 

The project will provide the oval with lighting to the Australian Standard for Sports Lighting (AS 2560.2.3) and Australian Rules Football standard of 500 lux. 

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the lighting upgrade would provide Geraldton with a venue to market itself as a destination for high level, large scale sporting and non-sporting events. 

“The ability to attract elite level sporting events to the region will help to inspire young people to achieve by seeing their champions play,” Mr Redman said. 

“The improved lighting will also provide all user groups with the opportunity to host new events and increase the utilisation of the venue to generate additional income and support their financial viability.” 

The total project cost was $1.5 million, with the remaining funding provided by the City of Greater Geraldton, the Department of Sport and Recreation’s Community Sport and Recreation Facilities Fund and the Australian Football League. 

Sport and Recreation Minister Mia Davies said the Community Sport and Recreation Facilities Fund had contributed $230,000 to the project. 

“This facility will allow the community to have access to quality sport and recreation facilities and means local clubs can train and play at night,” Ms Davies said. 

“This is another example of the State Government’s support for community sport and as we know sport and recreation is what holds communities together in many regional centres.” 

The Mid West Investment Plan, through Royalties for Regions, has invested $82 million since 2011 with the goal of transforming the Mid-West into a 190,000-strong community by 2050. For further information on Royalties for Regions projects, visit Bigger Picture - Regions.