The Set List project - Poster Design Competition

I KNOW LEOPARD
Supported by The Inks & Carfax

I Know Leopard is heading to Geraldton and we are calling on all young designers to have a shot at creating the gig poster.

Some basics – you must be anon-professional designer, under the age of 25, from the City of Greater Geraldton to enter this competition.

Deadline is 5.00pm on Monday 24th August 2015.

THE BRIEF

• Head to the band’s website www.iknowleopard.com to hear and see what they’re all about (a little research never hurt anyone!)
• The poster design should be inspired by the artwork of 1920’s& 30’s French Riviera, by the colours of the Mediterranean. Check out the mood board if you need some further inspiration.
• Strive to capture the essence of dreamy summertime vibes and a sense of nostalgia in your design. It should feel sophisticated but youthful.
• Feel free to create your own illustrations or use your own images. If you want to use stock imagery  make sure you respect copyright(you’ll need to provide written evidence that you’ve got the OK to use the images included in your design)
• You can also use the images of the band provided. You can even get creative and alter these if you want. 

THINGS YOU NEED TO INCLUDE

• Name of the band (you’ll need to use the provided I Know Leopard logo for this)
• Name of the support bands – The Inks & Carfax
• Include the event details:
  • Geraldton Foreshore
  • Saturday 10th October 2015
  • 4.00pm gates open
  • For tickets head to www.queensparktheatre.com.au, or purchase at the Civic Centre and Geraldton Regional Library.
• Leave space for partner/ sponsor logos – to be entered by Venue on winning design. These usually appear along the bottom of the poster.

THINGS YOU SHOULD AVOID

• Respect copyright. If you use any images you haven’t created yourself you must own the copyright for the images or have permission to use them in your design.
• DO NOT use design fonts without paying the appropriate fee or donation to the font's creator to obtain a commercial use license.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Poster Size – A3
• Accepted file formats: PDF or  JPEG (for now….you’ll need to provide your working design files if your design is chosen)
• Maximum file size: 3MB
• Minimum file resolution: 300dpi 

PRIZES

• The winning poster design in each town will be printed and distributed to promote The Set List event.
• The winner will receive 4 free tickets to The Set List, a framed copy of your design signed by the band, and band merchandise.
• Three runner ups will receive 2 free tickets to The Set List.
• All Finalists will be displayed in an exhibition at the event.

SOME INSPIRATION TO GET YOUR CREATIVITY FLOWING…

THE RULES
Sorry guys, rules are everywhere …and here are a few more!

• You’ve got to be a non-professional designer under the age of 25, from the City of Greater Geraldtonto enter this comp.
• Your original design can incorporate a range of materials and mediums, but your final entry must be in the form of a two-dimensional poster.
• Entries must adhere to THE BRIEF provided by the artist/band.
• All entries must be received by the deadline and submitted with an entry form to Alexis Zahner at alexisz@cgg.wa.gov.au by 5.00pm on Monday 24th August 2015 – if you are sending large files that can’t be transferred via email, please use dropbox, or feel free to bring in a USB.
• Finalists will be selected by the venue marketing team along with the Programming Panel and the winning entry will be selected by the Band. The Band knows what they like – so their decision is final.
• If your poster was selected as the winning entry, we’ll give you a call to tell you the great news!
• We want to show off your work so some or all of the entries will be hung in an exhibition at the Queens Park Theatre throughout the Festivals on the Foreshore event (September/October school holidays).
• The winner will need to supplyraw artwork files so we’re able toenter additional information andcreate a few extra bits and pieces (like press ads and flyers etc).
• Any artwork you created for the poster (like illustrations or photography etc) you’ll still own the copyright for but by entering the comp you give us permission to use this however we need to for promoting this gig.
• You’ve got to make sure you have all the permissions and copyright required to use any images and fonts you haven’t created yourself. Licensing can be confusing so get some advice if you are unsure.
• The Band has granted you permission to use their images and logo provided for the purposes of this poster comp ONLY. 

Possess With Intent to Sell

At about 6.30pm on Saturday 18 July 2015, police conducted a vehicle stop on a green Holden Commodore on Central Road, Wonthella.

It will be alleged a search of the vehicle resulted in 6 x clip seal bags containing Methylamphetamine, a quantity of cash, electronic scales, and a glass crack pipe were located. A further search of the person also revealed 3 x clip seal bags of Methylamphetamine and 3 x ecstasy tablets. The total weight of methylamphetamine weighed 2.98 grams.

Police executed a search on the drivers residence on Fourth Street, Wonthella and it will be alleged, further items were seized including smoking implements and 22. Calibre bullet.

A 33 year old female was charged with possess drugs with intent to sell or supply, 2 x possess drug paraphernalia, possess a prohibited drug (cannabis), unlicensed person possess ammunition and possessing unlawfully obtained property. She will face Geraldton Magistrates Court on 6 August 2015. 

Disorderly

At about 8pm on Saturday 18 July 2015, police responded to an incident on Digby Street, Rangeway.

On arrival, it will be alleged, police were confronted by a male standing in the middle of Utakarra Road yelling threats, abuse and obscenities at police. The male challenged police to fight several times by taking up a boxer's stance whilst standing in the middle of the road.

The 48 year old male from Rangeway was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct. He will face Geraldton Magistrates Court on 6 August 2015.

Female charged with Theft

On Sunday afternoon 10 May 2015 it will be alleged a female entered a tavern in on Fitzgerald Street East, Northam and stole a 700mL bottle of Jim Beam Bourbon to the value of $40.

At about 10.55am on Thursday 16 July 2015 it will be alleged the same female entered a retail store on Marine Terrace, Geraldton and stole a generic branded pair of women's style black sunglasses to the value of $5.95.

On Friday 17 July 2015 the 30 year old female from Waggrakine was arrested and charged with breach of bail and 2 x stealing.

She appeared before the Geraldton Magistrates Court on Saturday 18 July 2015.

Geraldton Regional Library opening hours reduced

In a continuous effort to lower its overall operating costs the City of Greater Geraldton will be reducing the opening hours of the Geraldton Regional Library.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said the decision to reduce the opening hours was based on feedback from the community during the Community Panel.

“The Community Panel reviewed the library’s range and level of services and recommended reducing overall costs by decreasing the number of hours the library is open a week by closing on Sundays,” he said.

“However, the panel was split equally between finding savings but not wanting to see a cease in Sunday operating. 

“The City has responded by reducing the number of library opening hours during the week but has decided to leave the weekend hours of operation unchanged as Saturday and Sunday are two of the busiest days of the week with approximately 50 people visiting the library every hour,” Mayor Carpenter added.

Popular activities at the library such as Rhyme Time, Storytime and Oral History Mornings will still be offered; as will free access to computer and Wifi.

The library also has a number of electronic resources the community is encouraged to utilise.

“Customers can access the library online from the comfort of their lounge room and take advantage of e-Books, e-audio Books as well as e-Magazines and a host of other e-Resources,” Mayor Carpenter said.

“Although the opening hours may have been reduced, staff will continue to provide friendly and efficient services to the community.”

The new opening hours will come into effect on Monday 3 August:

Monday   1.00pm - 5.30pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday  9.00am - 5.30pm
Thursday   9.00am - 7.30pm
Saturday   9.30am - 1.00pm
Sunday  1.30pm - 4.30pm

Get behind Wildflower Week 2015 – it’s bloomin’ marvellous

Gemma Baker and Larry Williamson show Mayor Ian Carpenter a wildflower inspired piece of jewellery.

The City of Greater Geraldton is calling on local businesses to get behind Wildflower Week 2015.  Running from August 17 to 27 – it is hoped that Wildflower Week will encourage tourists to begin their wildflower adventure in Geraldton and travel to Mullewa to see the annual Wildflower Show.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Ian Carpenter said the City was currently running a promotional campaign in the Perth market to attract people who have never experienced wildflower country to the Midwest region.

“We know that each year over 400 000 people come to WA to see the wildflowers,” he explained.

“Our aim is to bring visitors here and keep them here longer and if our City demonstrates that it fully gets behind wildflower season we might be able to achieve that.”

The City is urging local businesses to embrace the wildflower theme in the lead up to Wildflower Week.

“We are hoping local businesses will be inspired by the wildflower theme, whether it is with a beautiful window display, wildflower products, competitions or perhaps a new wildflower dish on the menu,” Mayor Carpenter said.

“The City has been running an extensive wildflower campaign that has so far included a five week television and Internet promotion, with 30 second adverts played on the seven network and popup adverts displayed on prominent websites such as thewest.com.au, the creation of a wildflower video and extensive coverage on the City of Greater Geraldton and Visit Geraldton webpages, as well as on social media.

“Wildflower Week will be the pinnacle of the campaign, which will culminate with the annual Mullewa Wildflower Show.”

The City will promote and support businesses that pick up on the wildflower theme through the Visit Geraldton website, in print advertising and through other various wildflower promotions.

One local business, Baker Williamson Studio, is already embracing wildflower season with an exhibition, showcasing artwork from various local artists and jewellery with a wildflower theme.

“I have been an admirer and lover of our native flora all my life, I grew up within the jewellery industry and am a Jeweller and Jewellery Designer, so my two passions I have brought together developing my popular  Everlasting Wildflower Jewellery Collection. To support the jewellery we have inspired Artists Australia wide to produce their artistic representation of the Everlasting in the form of paintings, drawings, gift cards, prints, basketry and polymer clay products ,” Gemma Baker explained.

“In addition to the on-going exhibition, we initiated the ‘Baker Williamson Art Prize’ for the first time this year, we put up $1000 prize money to the best art work that best depicted: ‘The transformation of our baron landscapes into picturesque carpets and fields of flowers’ This event inspired many wonderful works of art that will be available for viewing until the end of July, this year’s winner was Aboriginal Artist Margaret Danischewski.”

Another local business supporting the wildflower campaign is jeweller Chimere Pearls who have launched a design competition for a signature pendant with a Geraldton, and in particular wildflower flavour.

With designs coming in from across Australia, entries will be displayed in the Chimere Pearls gallery before a panel of judges selects a winner.

Businesses wanting to take part in the wildflower promotion are asked to register their interest with the Geraldton Visitor Centre.

Opera Australia to tour Mozart makeover in regional Australia

Opera Australia gives Mozart’s The Magic Flute a makeover, and embarks on a two-year tour, which will head to Geraldton this August. 

The Magic Flute is getting a makeover by Opera Australia, and will become an Indiana Jones-inspired tale of adventure in its two-year tour of regional Australia, which will appear in Geraldton on Saturday 22nd August 2015. 

The much-loved opera will retain the music and storyline of Mozart’s original, but director/designer team Michael Gow and Robert Kemp have transformed the setting of The Magic Flute to make it fresh and fun. The Opera Australia regional tour production (formerly known as Oz Opera) is designed to entertain people of all ages, during its tour across 30 regional centres in Victoria, NSW, ACT, and Tasmania in 2014. 

Not only will each town have the opportunity to enjoy the performances of this new Magic Flute, but their younger residents will also have the chance to perform in the show! New to Opera Australia’s regional tour program is the Regional Children’s Chorus. The Geraldton leg of the tour will see St Lawrence’s Primary learn to sing songs, taught by local music teacher Julie Hart,  from The Magic Flute ahead of the opera arriving in Geraldton. They’ll then rehearse with the professional cast, and join them on stage as part of the performance. The Children’s Choruses will be coordinated by professional conductor Alex Pringle, and he will visit each town in advance of the cast arrivals, to rehearse with the local kids. 

Talented secondary school singers will also have an opportunity to audition with Alex Pringle, for the chance to win one of four new Student Scholarships. Winners will spend a week with Opera Australia in January 2015, participating in vocal workshops and opera coaching’s, watching professional rehearsals and then performing for OA’s Artistic Director. These new and unique opportunities promise to inspire a new generation of opera goers and even future performers. 

The cast of The Magic Flute includes twelve Principal Artists from Opera Australia, plus a live touring orchestra of nine under the baton of conductors Simon Kenway and Paul Fitzsimon.  Director Michael Gow and designer Robert Kemp describe The Magic Flute as a timeless story of a hero in search of adventure. “It’s a sort of classic quest, really,” says Gow. “We have a young man who wants to find enlightenment and true love. But he’s got it all the wrong way around, and has to deal with his own ego. So much of this opera is about letting go of what you want, and finding a way to meet people halfway.” Unlike traditional productions, however, theirs is full of references to movies like The Mummy and Indiana Jones! 

Lyndon Terracini, Opera Australia’s Artistic Director is on a mission to make people fall in love with opera, and he believes it’s vital to reinvent productions regularly to make them contemporary and engaging for different kinds of settings. “Australians love a good show” he says, “and we have to make opera just as entertaining for them as going to the football or watching movies. I think audiences are going to really enjoy this new touring production of The Magic Flute. It’s funny, it’s original and it’s unexpected! The cast is terrific too, starring some of our best singers. If you’ve never hear The Queen of the Night’s aria sung live by a really good singer, that’s worth buying a ticket for in itself! But the entire show will be really good fun. Michael Gow and Robert Kemp are masters of storytelling, and they are creating a version of The Magic Flute that will be unforgettable.”

Static school zone signs will replace 74 electronic signs for the short term

Seventy Four school sites will have their Electronic School Zone Signs temporarily replaced with static signs.  Main Roads will be contacting the affected schools on Monday and Tuesday next week. 

Main Roads Managing Director, Stephen Troughton, said "Extensive performance testing was undertaken before we selected the units, however problems have developed following installation of the signs on site.” 

"One of the problems relates to interference with communication networks. We are working with our suppliers to develop an urgent solution." 

This issue only relates to the electronic signs recently installed at 74 schools.  Electronic signs previously installed at 235 schools in metropolitan and country areas are not affected. 

Main Roads apologises for any inconvenience this will cause to schools, parents and motorists.

Local Community Protect Over 4,600 Hectares of Riparian Vegetation in the Mid-West

Fencing to improve river bank stabilisation and protect native vegetation

Funding from the Australian Government has allowed the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council (NACC) to invest over $1,200 000 on-ground to protect and restore the Mid-west rivers and wetlands systems.

The four year project worked with more than 55 local land managers to protect more than 3,200 hectares of remnant native riparian vegetation.

“Even though rivers and wetlands occupy a small proportion of our region, they commonly support a higher diversity of plants and animals than the surrounding landscape’, said NACC Biodiversity Program Coordinator Dr Jessica Stingemore.

On-ground works ranged from revegetation, invasive species control and river bank stabilisation, to implementing alternative watering points for stock, stock river crossings and fencing.

Dr Stingemore said interest from local farmers, Aboriginal groups and local government agencies to be involved in the project was overwhelming.

“We have a further 1,300 hectares of remnant native riparian vegetation being protected in the upcoming year, but project funding is now fully committed”, said Dr Stingemore.

Land managers involved reported increased sightings of native fauna, natural regeneration of local flora and enhanced farm productivity as a result of the project.

Dr Stingemore said NACC will continue to support the local community in protecting and restoring the region’s distinctive biodiversity into the future.

More information on projects NACC can be found on their website www.nacc.com.au

The Rivers and Wetlands project is supported by the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council through funding from the Australian Government.

“Rad” skate park impresses locals

Sam Geerlings makes a jump during the opening of the Wonthella Skate Park last Friday.

It’s already been described as rad, epic and gnarly – and it’s been open less than a week!

The Wonthella Skate Park was revealed and opened to the public last week after undergoing an extensive $800,000 refurbishment and extension.

It was a site to see on Friday with aerial tricks, spins, speed and even backflips, with people of all ages on skateboards, scooters, bikes and roller blades trying and testing out the new and improved skate park.

The popular skating zone was fenced off in April this year and was re-opened to the public with some very impressive new features.

The extension covered an area of approximately 700m2 with a whole new addition as well as a refurbishment to the existing park.

With features for the novice skater up to the advanced, the new skate park includes new additions such as grind rails, ramps, quarterpipe runs, banks, ledges and steps.

A very impressive, yet daunting, 2.5 meter bowl has been installed which most definitely isn’t for the faint at heart although it didn’t seem to deter many of the users of the facility when it opened on Friday.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said the new skate park had already received rave reports.

“The feeling and energy amongst those using the new facility is just phenomenal,” he said.

“It has created quite a buzz amongst our community which is definitely something we aimed for.

“The community had been rallying for this and we listened to their suggestions and we are ecstatic that this has come to fruition.”

If 21-year-old skating enthusiast Jacob Bumbak had one word to describe the new park it would be “rad”.

“We’ve all been waiting for this for such a long time so it’s awesome to see it finally up and running,” he said.

“People are saying it’s the best skate park in the state. It’s going to take us a while to get used to it but all the skaters are really happy.”

Award-winning and renowned company CONVIC Pty Ltd was awarded the contract for the project with a large portion of the work going to local businesses.

Beresford Electrical Services have been separately contracted to provide and install the new floodlighting which will be installed this week.

The project was funded with $306,121 from the City, $310,546 from Royalties for Regions and $183,333 from the Department of Sport and Recreation.

There will be an official opening of the Wonthella Skate Park in the near future which is yet to be announced.

National Broadband Network Rolling out in Geraldton

Over 3,000 households and businesses in Geraldton are a step closer to getting access to the National Broadband Network, with build preparation work now underway. 

In coming weeks, work will be visible in streets as pre-construction activity begins, such as the clearing of Telstra’s pits and ducts. 

Premises included in the build preparations sites released today are situated in the suburbs of Drummond Cove, Glenfield, Moresby, Sunset Beach, and Waggrakine. 

The NBN will update its online maps in coming months to inform residents when physical construction of the network has begun, and when the network will be ready for service.  

Detailed maps which show construction progress including green shaded areas for the ‘build preparation’ phase are available at: www.nbnco.com.au/maps

Member for Durack Melissa Price said it was an important milestone for the area, with the NBN on track to be completed in Geraldton. 

“The message for Geraldton residents is clear – superfast broadband is on its way,” Ms Price said. 

“This follows the announcement of the black spot new and upgraded base stations throughout Geraldton and Durack. 

“However, I’m never satisfied, so if you have a black spot area, please let me know.”  

Under the Coalition Government, NBN Co has more than tripled the reach of its fibre network, now passing more than 909,000 premises nationwide. 

Total active connections to the NBN’s various networks, including the fixed line and wireless networks and the interim satellite service now stand at 498,000. 

And late last year NBN Co released a national rollout plan indicating that by mid-2016 one in every three homes and businesses across Australia will be able to connect to the NBN or have construction underway in their neighbourhoods. 

Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull the announcement of NBN Co’s new construction schedule was delivering on the Government’s promise to get the NBN rollout back on track. 

“When we came into Government, one of our chief priorities has been to get this rollout done sooner, cheaper for taxpayers and more affordably for consumers” Mr Turnbull said. 

Ben Wyatt MLA to visit Geraldton

Ben Wyatt MLA

WA Labor Shadow Treasurer Ben Wyatt will visit Geraldton in early August.

Mr Wyatt is also Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Native Title, Cost of Living, Kimberley and Pilbara.

Mr Wyatt spent his early years in the Goldfields before graduating from Aquinas College in 1991. He studied Arts and Law at UWA and attained a Master’s Degree with Distinction from the London School of Economics.

He trained as an officer in the Australian Army Reserves graduating from the Royal Military College, Duntroon, in 1996. Ben was awarded the Australian Defence Medal in 2008.

Mr Wyatt was elected as the Member for Victoria Park in 2006 following the retirement of Dr Geoff Gallop.

Agricultural Region MLC Darren West said he was delighted to have Ben Wyatt in the Mid West for a two day visit on August 5 and 6 to meet with community groups and stakeholders.

“Investment in the Mid West has virtually stopped under the Barnett Liberal/National Government and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to outline areas of greatest need” he said.

“By contrast, WA Labor invested heavily in Geraldton when last in Government.”

He will also be guest speaker at a Geraldton Labor Dinner at Tides Restaurant on Wednesday night at 7 pm.

Mr Wyatt will also attend a “Pollies in the Pub” at the Camel Bar to answer questions and meet with members of the community. Everyone is welcome.

Further details and tickets are available to the public on 0457689162 or at geraldton.branch@walabor.org.au.

Night maintenance works

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise residents of night road works which will be carried out at the Bayly Steet and George Road roundabout.

Maintenance works are being carried out to fix cyclone damage caused earlier this year.

Anticipated hours of works will be between 6pm Friday 17 July and 6am Saturday 18 July, roads will be partially or fully closed to vehicular traffic (from all directions) at various times throughout the period.

The City apologises for any inconvenience and will endeavour to keep disruptions to a minimum. Motorists and pedestrians are advised to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised personnel and contractors.

If you further enquiries please contact the City of Greater Geraldton on 9956 6600 or email to council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Community to submit objects of power and beauty

Kalbarri resident Sue Malton gathers some of her possessions for possible submission in the Kalbarri Zest Festival’s ‘Taste and Desire; the power of the beautiful’ exhibition.

Kalbarri Zest Festival organisers are calling on Mid West andShark Bay residents to submit objects of “power and beauty”for a festival arts project and exhibition.

Zest Festival director Rebecca Millar urged interested people to submit the items, or a photograph of them, and their related stories for display in the ‘Taste and Desire; the power of the beautiful’ exhibition on the Zest Festival weekend in Kalbarri on September 19 and 20.

Ms Millar said the items and their stories would be curated alongside projected images of Asian artefacts and musings on the emotions that surround the power of the beautiful.

“In keeping with this year’s Zest Festival’s focus on the Orient, this exhibition will explore the power of objects by focusing on the imperial collections of Chinese emperors and Japanese shoguns in the 17th and 18th centuries,” she said.

“It will consider the impact that traded exotic Asian artefacts had on the tastes and desires of Europeans.”

Ms Millar said community submissions could range from anything from a treasured crafted box containing love letters to a tea cup ori-Phone.

“We want people to think about the items in their lives and which ones symbolise powerful emotions,” she said.

“Is it your coffee cup or the humble tea cup? Is it the box that contains your love letters and children’s hair locks hidden away? Is it your grandfather’s old tobacco tin containing his war medals or that casserole dish that has served meals to your family for generations? Is it your first car which brings you freedom or your iPhone that is the vessel that holds all your social connections?

“You may just have an object that you feel is exceptionally beautiful - we want to know why and what emotions it evokes. Or perhaps you have beautiful objects that are Made in China or Made in Japan - we are interested in these too.

Mr Millar encouraged people to tell the story of why they had chosen the object, explaining its connection to the power and beauty theme.

To be considered for exhibition, interested participants should send an expression of interest form, available at www.zestfest.com.au/expression-of-interest-form/and a photograph of their object.

Expressions of Interest should be mailed to Rebecca Millar by 14 August 2015.

The Kalbarri Zest Festival is a five-year festival commemorating the 300th anniversary of the sinking of the Dutch East India merchant ship, the Zuytdorp on the cliffs north of Kalbarri.

The festival will bring together entertainment, art, music, theatre, puppetry, games, cultural activities and foods in a two-day celebration of culture open to locals and visitors alike.

This project is funded by the Community Arts Network WA, Catalyst Community Arts Fund.

Zest Festival is sponsored by the State Government through Tourism WA’s Regional Events Scheme, which is jointly funded by Royalties for Regions.

The Zest Festival is assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body.

For more information visit the website www.zestfest.com.au.

Growth plan will guide investment in the City region

The City of Greater Geraldton has welcomed a recent announcement by the Minister for Regional Development Terry Redman that the City has been chosen as one of four regional centres sharing $7.5 million to develop an economic growth plan for Western Australia.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter said the funding would be used to develop a plan that encourages collaboration and investment between both public and private sector and make Geraldton a highly desirable place to live, marking its place on the national stage.

“The Regional Centres Development Plan will identify which areas or industries need to be invested in so we can attract and retain up to 100,000 people in the City region.  Geraldton has a strong diverse economic base and we want to build more resilience into the economy and more opportunity by capitalising on our natural and human assets. We are well poised to plan for the next century,” he said.

“While our region enjoys an amazing level of economic and cultural diversity, and an outstanding natural environment, it is abundantly clear that we are only scratching the surface of its true potential.

“This is further reinforced when internationally significant assets such as the Square Kilometre Array radio telescope, diverse resource endowment, fishing and agricultural resources, are considered.

“Once the NBN is fully rolled out there will be many opportunities for the private sector in regard to telecommunications, information technology, digital health delivery and even international education including the expansion of  the Geraldton Universities Centre which could potentially establish the Mid West as the State's premier regional hub for knowledge, learning and innovation,”

Mayor Carpenter also says there is real potential for growth in the tourism, food processing, next generation solar, transport and logistics, agribusiness, aquaculture, wealth management whilst land development is ensuring the City can offer unique investment opportunities.

“Considerable public and private investment in the CBD including the Foreshore, West End Revitalisation Project and Batavia Coast Marina Stages one and two ensure the City can attract further investment in the dynamic CBD.

“Extensive planning and investment that has already been undertaken, and progress already made on major projects by both the City and the Mid West Development Commission are providing a strong foundation on which the growth plan can be developed and subsequently implemented.

Delivery Truck Driver Assaulted and Wallet Stolen

At about 3.15pm on Friday 10 July 2015 a delivery truck driver whilst loading goods at Centro Stirling Shopping complex allegedly had his wallet stolen from the cab of his truck.

Police will allege two male offenders took the victim’s wallet and using his credit card, attempted to purchase good inside. The victim, alerted to the incident, confronted the males in the store during which time a scuffle ensued. 

It will be alleged, the offenders ran from the store and were promptly located by police still in possession of the wallet. 

A 24 year old male from Beachlands was charged with stealing and a 27 year old male from Wanneroo was charged with attempted fraud and receiving. 

Both were bailed to appear in the Geraldton Magistrates Court on 23 July 2015.

Quick building and planning approval turnaround support $247 million in projects

In the past twelve months the City approved building applications valued at more than $150 million and planning applications worth over $97 million.

City of Greater Geraldton Deputy Mayor, Neil McIlwaine, said it is important to the City to turn around applications quickly to meet the demand from the development and construction industry.  On average, a building permit takes five working days and a planning application nine working days. 

“In the past twelve months 266 certified building approvals, or 91% of those received, were issued by the City within eight working days rather than the prescribed ten working days, and of the 752 uncertified applications, 99% were assessed within 20 days which is considerably faster than the allowed 25 days.  Planning applications were also processed in excellent time with 91% issued within 15 working days which far exceeds the prescribed time of 60 days.”

“By assessing applications quickly the City is able to support the construction industry which is keeping the City’s economy moving in a positive direction,” Deputy Mayor McIlwaine said.

“The building projects that received approval in the last twelve months are valued at more than $150 million of which $90 million were for new residential dwellings and $38 million for commercial applications.”

Prisoners Continue Landmark Conservation Project

Learning seed collecting techniques with the Department of Parks and Wildlife

There have been some great conservation outcomes achieved by two groups of prisoners working on an ambitious land conservation project in the Greater Geraldton region.

Dating back to 2013, and primarily a partnership between the Department of Corrective Services through Greenough Regional Prison (DCS), Durack Institute of Technology and the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council (NACC), and funded under a Australian Government National Landcare Programme grant, it brings benefits to the Aboriginal community and local people, the environment and local government and Landcare groups.

The multi-agency collaboration, which delivers accredited Conservation and Land Management training to prisoners from Greenough Regional Prison, is aimed at improving the local environment as well as prisoner education and employability, particularly among Aboriginal prisoners.

Dennis Gilleland, Greenough Regional Prison Assistant Superintendent Offender Services, said the Department’s involvement in providing targeted courses for Aboriginal prisoners demonstrated its commitment to reducing the rate of Aboriginal incarceration and breaking the cycle of reoffending.

Three groups of men and three groups of women from the prison have been involved in the 20 week courses where they have addressed some of the region’s key biodiversity issues, with particular emphasis on the restoration of traditional lands.

Work sites were chosen in consultation with project partner, Durack Institute of Technology, which is helping participants link with the Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management course. This has involved supervising prisoners to undertake weed mapping and removal, seed collection, native plant propagation, dune restoration, fencing and revegetation as well as some heritage training.

Greg Burrows, Aboriginal Program Manager for the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council (NACC), said NACC’s original driver for this project was to increase the number of Aboriginal people working in jobs associated with managing country. He said there has been great support from the main partners, the participants and the community, and a great deal of work has been achieved to benefit the environment that otherwise may not have been done.

Work completed in 2014 was extensive, and included the management of a Weed of National Significance, African Boxthorn, at the Buller River; spraying Lantana at Dolby Creek; rabbit control near the Moresby Ranges; protection of Declared Rare Flora at Eradu; undertaking revegetation at Aboriginal Heritage Sites and Jooldarnoo farm at Nabawa; water erosion and sediment control on the Chapman River with the City of Greater Geraldton and considerable hours in the Geraldton Community nursery; along with work on dune rehabilitation.

Mr Gilleland said this work was an important and necessary part of ensuring a safer community and reducing the cost of crime. It provided reparation to the community and contributed to prisoner rehabilitation by helping them develop employment and life skills geared towards adopting a law-abiding lifestyle when they return to their community.

“The prison supports opportunities to improve prisoners’ chances of finding employment upon their release back into the community,” Mr Gilleland said. “It’s well known that employment upon release has a major impact on whether a prisoner reoffends. This project has some clear benefits for everyone involved.”

The courses are open to minimum-security men and women from the Greenough Regional Prison who are approved to work on selected community projects under section 95 of the Prisons Act 1981.

More than 50 male and female prisoners have successfully completed subjects with Durack Institute of Technology, with the majority completing all of the units required to gain their Certificate.

A number of participants were unable to finish the full qualification because they were released but completed units that are recognised throughout Australia. A number of participants have expressed interest in continuing their Conservation and Land Management studies.

“When a new group starts at the Batavia Coast Maritime Institute we ensure that each individual’s existing skills are fine-tuned and expanded within a land management context,” Durack Institute of Technology Conservation and Land Management Lecturer Volker Stanger said. “This works towards fostering the prisoners’ self-esteem. The prisoners are also introduced to, and work with, various industry partners. This could benefit the prisoners when they are looking for employment as well as providing strong benefits to the community and local environment. The way the course is structured is designed to enable their future integration into the workforce.”

In a related project, Greenough Regional Prison continues to assist local community native revegetation projects by producing seedlings in their propagation nursery.

“The purpose of the prison nursery is to provide native seedlings to the region for the purpose of revegetation and rehabilitation of degraded bushland, street plantings, farms and gardens,” Gardens Manager Colin Wise said. “The plants provided will be used in conservation projects throughout the region.”

Offenders on community work orders also assist in the community nursery owned by the City of Greater Geraldton.

New Advice for Revegetation of Midwest's Harsh Landscape

Revegetation in action.

To help guide revegetation practices on some of the region’s most degraded land, the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council (NACC) have released the long awaited second edition of Trees and Shrubs for the Midlands and Northern Wheatbelt.

The publication provides farmers, land managers, landcarers, conservation groups and local government authorities with a comprehensive list of the best suited, naturally occurring tree and shrub species for revegetation projects in the region from Lancelin to Kalbarri, and east to the clearing line.

The first edition, that has not been available in print for several years now, was published by the Department of Agriculture Western Australia in 1996.

Recognising the important documented research of the first edition, NACC was funded by the WA Government State Natural Resource Management Program to produce a second edition in electronic format once again making the information widely available.

“NACC has used the book extensively to guide many of our successful revegetation projects including our Rivers and Wetlands Project that protected over 4,200 hectares in the last three years,” said NACC Carbon Farming Coordinator Sarah Jeffery.

The new edition expands on the books comprehensive species list and provides expert advice on what species are best suited to the different soil types of our region, said Ms Jeffery.

The Trees and Shrubs for the Midland and Northern Wheatbelt 2nd edition is now available on the NACC website at www.nacc.com.au/project/trees-and-shrubs-for-the-midlands-and-northern-wheatbelt/

For more information on Trees and Shrubs for the Midland and Northern Wheatbelt 2nd edition, please contact NACC Carbon Farming Coordinator Sarah Jeffery (E) Sarah.Jeffery@nacc.com.au (P) 08 9938 0110. 

Local contractors leading the way for City’s new facilities

Multi User Facility: An artist impression of the Multi User Facility.

Local contractors have got the ball rolling on Geraldton’s newest project with the initial phases of the new Multi User Facility and Youth Precinct underway.

Perth business FIRM Construction has been awarded the main contract for the project but the City of Greater Geraldton is pleased to announce that up to 80% of the work will be outsourced to local contractors.

A total of nine local contractors have been awarded work on Geraldton’s premier new precinct to date and City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said the City is committed to injecting funds back in to the local community.

“This is a huge project for the City and one that will be extremely beneficial to the whole community, especially our youth,” he said.

“With the total project cost sitting at over $9 million – up to 80% of this work is going to local contractors which was something that was very important to us when we began the planning of this project.”

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 $1 million in grant funding from both Lotterywest and Regional Development Australia.

In total, the City has received $5.17 million in grant funding for the projects and the City’s contribution of $3,937,928 is spread over all five portions of the project.

FIRM have been in contact with the Mid West Chamber of Commerce and Industry to ensure the best economic outcomes for local contractors and the community.

“The Multi User Facility and Youth Precinct will be the final jewel in the crown for our foreshore and is the culmination of more than 10 years of planning,” Mayor Carpenter said.

“We are very proud that our local contractors will play such a big role in the construction of the final two elements of the West End Revitalisation Project.”

The only elements of the projects that will be outsourced are the specialised pieces of equipment which cannot be sourced locally.

The Multi User Facility will provide permanent facilities for TS Morrow, Geraldton & Districts Offshore Angling Club, the Champion Bay Surf Lifesaving club, and boat storage for the Geraldton Yacht Club and Geraldton Senior College. The facility will also provide three public training/meeting rooms, a large public function room and a permanent stage for community events.

The Youth Precinct will provide much needed facilities for the youth of Geraldton and will include a large aerial climbing structure, rage cage, and interactive zones for youth to engage or “chill out”.

Importantly both the Multi User Facility and Youth Precinct have been designed to maximise the opportunities for people with disabilities to become more involved.

Funding also incorporates beach access for people who are mobility impaired as well as the refurbishment of the existing ablution block behind the Visitor Centre to house a beach wheelchair and hoist and an adult change facility.

The fully integrated design will have an uninterrupted access pathway that will enable wheelchair access onto the beach.

Fencing has been already been raised on parts of the Foreshore as construction begins. Fencing includes the area of the Foreshore in front of the Sail Inn towards the back of the Geraldton Visitor Centre, including the existing ablution block and will be in place for an estimated 12 months until construction is complete.

Local businesses contracted for work on the Multi User Facility and Youth Precinct includes:

• SR Plumbing
• Platinum Electrical
• Batavia Timber and Salvage
• GHS Solutions
• Redcat Earthworks
• Onsite Rentals
• Byland Engineering
• Contecreat/Dawn Contracting
• HTD Survey

Construction Site: Fencing has been raised for the initial phases of the new Multi User Facility and Youth Precinct.