Urgent advice for owners of recalled Samsung washing machines

WA owners of recalled models of Samsung top loader washing machines are being advised by Consumer Protection to urgently seek a refund from their retailer or supplier.

Consumers are no longer advised to seek a repair from Samsung and should instead organise to obtain a refund and the removal of the affected washing machine from their home as soon as possible.

The models subjected to the recall were manufactured between 2010 and 2013 and include model numbers: SW75V9WIP; SW65V9WIP; SW70SPWIP; SW80SPWIP; WA85GWGIP and WA85FWWIP. A total of 14,483 of these models were sold in WA.

The affected units have an internal fault where condensation can penetrate an electrical connector causing deterioration which may in turn cause a fire.

Acting Commissioner for Consumer Protection Gary Newcombe said that, in the case of major faults with products, consumers do not have to accept a repair so they can choose to receive a refund.

“Considering these top loader washing machines pose a fire risk we consider this a major failure and, in these circumstances, the Australian Consumer Law gives owners the right to a refund,” Mr Newcombe said.

“We are deeply concerned that reports now indicate that there have been cases where house fires have been allegedly caused by washing machines that had already been repaired by Samsung under the recall, so we are strongly recommending that the use of these machines is discontinued and they are removed from the home.

“This advice applies even if consumers have initially accepted a repair of their machine under the product safety recall.

“When obtaining a refund, consumers should arrange to have the recalled washing machines collected by the supplier who will dispose of them. The machines should not be re-sold or placed on the verge for bulk rubbish collection, as we want to remove any possibility that they are purchased or picked up by people who may not realise the danger.

“Consumers are entitled to recover damages from the manufacturer for consequential loss or damage suffered as a result of a faulty product.

“I urge consumers to treat this issue with a high priority and check the model numbers on their top loader washing machine and take immediate action if the model in their home is on the recall list. If confirmed, we recommend discontinuing its use, unplugging it from the socket and then contacting the supplier for a refund.”

Consumers who have any problems securing a refund from their retailer should contact Consumer Protection by email consumer@commerce.wa.gov.au or call 1300 30 40 54.

Public comment sought on DRAFT Mid West Business Development Strategy

Mid West Development Commission Chair Honourable Murray Criddle today announced the release of the Mid West Business Development Strategy draft for Public Comment. 

The document is designed to provide capacity building initiatives for Mid West businesses and input is being sought from businesses and industry on the recommended priorities/actions identified in the strategy.

The four week Public Comment Period will commence on September 1 and conclude September 28 2015. 

The strategy commissioned by the Mid West Business Development Strategy Project Steering Group* is a direct result of the the Mid West Regional Blueprint (Blueprint) process.

“The Blueprint identified that in order for the region to grow, a focus is required on building the capacity of our business sector,” Mr Criddle said.

“More than 5,000 small businesses are at the heart of the Mid West economy employing approximately 45% of all private sector workers. Small businesses are the vehicle through which many people enter the workforce, with many having the potential to develop into the larger businesses of the future,” he said.

The draft strategy identifies eight key business development priority initiatives that include:

• the creation of a new entity/function as a peak body to facilitate and attract investment and regional marketing across the Mid West;
• the development of a skills development program that supports critical business issues;
• formation of a maritime cluster and the development of strategic business plans to implementand guide this process;
• development and introduction of a program to support high growth potential businesses (skills and human capital);
• a program to support rural and remote enterprises to increase their competitiveness and profitability, in particular develop modules to support Tourism and Hospitality businesses in the region;
• investigation of the use of an innovation voucher program to support the development of critical clusters;
• the development of a program to support head works and private sector investment; and,
• a program around connecting Mid West businesses to the State’s North & East.

“The strategy once finalised, will help guide future planning and investment with regards to building the capacity and growth of business sector in the Mid West,” Mr Criddle said.

“The Project Steering Group is keen to hear your views on the draft strategy and its identified priorities, so I urge you to take the time to review it and provide comment.

“Feedback will be collated in a summary document that will be released when the strategy is finalised scheduled for November 2015,” Mr Criddle said.

Arrests following pursuit

During the night of 26 August 2015, a Holden Commodore utility and a Mazda hatchback were stolen during a burglary in Caversham, Perth. 

On 27 August 2015, the Holden Commodore was sighted by police, travelling along Indian Ocean Road, Jurien Bay. It will be alleged that following attempts to intercept the vehicle, the vehicle failed to stop and continued towards Geraldton. 

After an effective deployment of the “stinger” it is alleged the youths abandoned the vehicle in a paddock near Dongara. Geraldton Police Dog Handler and Police Dog Bucky, with the assistance of Jurien Bay Police, Dongara Police and Mid-West Gascoyne Traffic Enforcement Group, apprehended four youths running from the stolen vehicle.

A 14 year old male from Nollamara was charged with Steal Motor Vehicle x 2 and receiving, another two 14 year old males from Mirrabooka and Koondoola were charged with Steal Motor Vehicle x 2 and a 15 year old male from Lockridge charged with Steal Motor Vehicle x 2 and No Authority to Drive. All four males were conveyed to Geraldton Police Station and will attend Geraldton Children’s Court at a later date. 

PD BUCKY at the scene

Police seek assistance

At about 1:00am on of Friday 28 August 2015, a window was smashed to gain entry into a fast food outlet in Spalding.

Five people dressed in black hoodies, wearing caps and gloves were seen in the area heading south east.

Police would like to speak to anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident who may have seen the incident or anyone acting suspiciously. Anyone with information is asked to call Geraldton Police Station on 9923 4555.

Cold Chisel rocking their way to Geraldton

Cold Chisel have announced four new tour dates as part of their national tour, Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and…. Geraldton!

In a huge win, Geraldton competed against five other cities to get a visit from Aussie favourites Cold Chisel, on November 13 as part of their One Night Stand tour.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said it was a huge coup for the City to be able to secure Cold Chisel for the Mid West.

“We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to make sure the City can support an event like this, it’s a once in a life time opportunity, and its exactly the sort of high profile event that will deliver real economic and tourism benefits,” he said.

“We’ve managed to beat five other locations in WA as well as Tasmania, to bring Cold Chisel to Geraldton, we can’t quite believe we’ve pulled it off. Cold Chisel has a huge following in the Mid West.”

The event would not be able to take place without financial and in-kind support from the City of Greater Geraldton.

The award winning Australian rock group are no stranger to the spotlight and it’s no surprise as the band has sold 6.7 million albums in Australia, have been inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame and their ‘Light the Nitro’ tour in 2011 sold 285,000 tickets making it the biggest ever tour by an Australian based band.

But the Aussie rockers are showing no signs of slowing down. They have just revealed that their newest studio album, The Perfect Crime, will hit stores on Friday, 2 October, just before they kick off their tour.

In the aftermath of the announcement, the City reiterated the fact that they have put a renewed and emphasised focus on major events in the region and aims to boost the economy through tourism, economic and cultural outcomes.

“Events such as Cold Chisel will bring people from all over the state to our city,” Mayor Carpenter said.

“We have been thinking strategically in this space and the benefits of having a band as big as Cold Chisel visit the Mid West has huge benefits for our economy.

“The City will continue to be active in this space and bring more big events to the community.”

Cold Chisel tickets will play at Eadon Clarke Oval on Friday, 13 November 2015.

Tickets will go on sale from 12pm Thursday, 3 September from www.ticketek.com.au or on 13 28 49.

Senate Inquiry coming to Geraldton

In October a Senate Inquiry into the future role and contribution of regional capitals to Australia will be coming to Geraldton to see first and hear firsthand how our highly diversified City region contributes to the Australian economy.

The decision for the Senate Inquiry to come to Geraldton on 27 October follows a recent address Regional Capitals Australia (RCA) made to Federal Senate Inquiry in Geelong.

RCA Chair Mayor Deirdre Comerford told Senators regional capitals jointly generate $225 billion per annum, or more than 15 per cent of national economic activity, yet there is no consistent national policy dedicated to lift the productivity and liveability of regional capitals.

Delivering the opening set of evidence at the first round of public hearings at this significant Senate inquiry, Mayor Comerford called for additional Federal funding to grow Australia’s 50 regional capitals.

"The time for a rethink is now. RCA has made a clear call to action – our national leaders must take a good look at the potential that sits outside the urban growth boundaries of our capital cities – and commit to sustainably growing our regional capitals.

“Regional capitals are home to almost four million people and service the needs of a total of eight million Australians who live in surrounding areas.  Just over one-third of Australians rely on having a socially thriving regional capital to meet their everyday needs.

“Many people are drawn to the lifestyle and affordability offered by regional capitals and 25 per cent of these centres are growing faster than the national average, with one million additional people projected to live in a regional capital in less than ten years,” she said.

Mayor Comerford told the Inquiry Australia’s four biggest cities are projected to grow in population by about 45 per cent by 2031, adding to social and infrastructure pressures; not only can regional capitals relieve some of this pressure and ease the squeeze, they can also increase output, further boosting national productivity gains.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor and Deputy President of Regional Capitals Australia, Ian Carpenter, said the City region relies on five industries which account for 50% of employment and contributes greatly to national productivity.

“In contrast to other regions in Western Australia where many shires rely predominantly on one or two industries, five industries in the Mid West account for 50% of employment: construction; retail; agriculture forestry and fishing; health care and social assistance; and mining underscoring a diversified local economy that certainly contributes to Australia.”

“The City of Greater Geraldton plays a critical role in the future prosperity of the nation and can only do so with the support of national policies that aim to lift the productivity, population and liveability of these key centres,” Mayor Carpenter said.

The Regional Capitals Australia alliance believes federal government policies must focus on providing infrastructure for better economic outcomes and social amenity; access to communications for better domestic and international connectivity; and education and skills development, that lead to jobs of the future and ensuring that no-one gets left behind.

“Although the RCA continues to advocate for better policy and investment to meet the challenges facing the nation, the City has lobbied hard to get the Senate Inquiry to visit our City and see and hear for themselves exactly how our City region is contributing to Australia as a whole.

“To ensure the Senate Inquiry receives the information it needs we are encouraging local organisations to prepare submissions on the issues of our City region that can be submitted during the visit,” said Mayor Carpenter.

Weapons Charge

At about 7:30pm on Monday 24 August 2015 a male person was walking along Pass Street, Wonthella.

Following several reports regarding the male person received from the public, police attended the area and subsequently located the male. It is alleged that following a search of his person, a 73cm machete was located. The weapon was subsequently seized and the male person was arrested without incident.

The male, a 28 year old from Utakarra, will appear at the Geraldton Magistrates Court at a later date charged with carry or possess weapon other than controlled or prohibited with intent to cause fear. 

Assistance Sought

At about 6:00am on Sunday 23 August 2015 a vehicle was travelling along North West Coastal Highway, Geraldton.

A limestone block was thrown towards the moving vehicle from the overpass on Durlacher Street. The vehicle sustained significant damage to the underside as it struck the block.

The driver did not sustain any injuries and did not witness any persons of interest.

Police would like to speak with anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident who may have seen the incident or anyone acting suspiciously. Anyone with any information is asked to call Geraldton Police Station on 9923 4555. 

RAAF hot air balloon visits Geraldton

The Royal Australian Air Force Balloon is currently on tour and scheduled to ‘land’ in Greater Geraldton.

Update, Tell your friends: 

The Tethered RAAF Hot air balloon rides have been brought forward to Wednesday (tomorrow) at Queens Park from 4.30pm, instead of Thursday.

---

Up, up, and away… the Royal Australian Air Force Balloon is currently on tour in WA and scheduled to ‘land’ in the City of Greater Geraldton on Tuesday 25 August for a three day visit. 

Over the three days, the community can enjoy the sight of the balloon flying over the City and the opportunity of free tethered flights on Wednesday 26 August where local residents will be able to experience the excitement of balloon flight first hand - weather permitting.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said the Air Force Balloon Tour is a great way for people to learn more about aviation and the Royal Australian Air Force first hand from Air Force personnel.

“The Air Force Balloon Tour provides a great opportunity for community members to meet RAAF personnel and learn about the Royal Australian Air Force and aviation, especially how to fly without wings and engines, ” said Mayor Carpenter.

“Residents can also experience the joy of balloon flight first hand during free tethered balloon flights available on a first come first served basis on Wednesday 26 August from 4.30-8.00pm at Queens Park, weather permitting of course.”

Early risers will be able to catch glimpses of the RAAF Balloon flying over Geraldton on the mornings of the 25th and 26th from 6.30-7.30am.

The hot air balloon will also be visiting the Walkaway Primary School on Tuesday 25 August from 10am-2pm and St Francis Xavier Primary School on Wednesday 26 August from 10am-2pm. 

You can keep track of the Air Force balloon during its tour of WA on Facebook www.facebook.com/RAAF.Balloon; Twitter @Aus_AirForce.; Instagram @AirforceAustralia

Star Struck in the Murchison

Keen star gazers in awe of the Murchison Sky

The best star show in Western Australia is coming to the Murchison this September.

Amateur and professional star gazers from across the state will converge on Murchison Settlement on September 5 from 11am for the third Murchison Astronomy Festival.

The festival will bring together scientists, Aboriginal elders and star gazing enthusiasts to listen to talks, learn about Aboriginal culture, dine and, most importantly, lose themselves in the magic of a Murchison night sky.

Festival chairman Sandy McTaggart said the Murchison was renowned as one of the best places in the world to witness night skies in all their dazzling brilliance, unspoiled by man-made light sources.

He encouraged festival goers to bring their own telescopes for expert advice, or use the telescopes provided.

Mr McTaggart said the festival would feature a line-up of experts to explain the marvels of the night sky.

“We’ve got keynote speakers such as Dr Bärbel Koribalski and Dr James Allison from CSIRO’s Astronomy and Space Science,” Mr McTaggart said.

“Dr Koribalski will explain the ‘bridges between galaxies’ - apparently some galaxies exist in relative isolation while others lie beside companion galaxies or are in the process of merging.

“And Dr Allison will show how astronomers are using the Australian SKA Pathfinder to look for small changes in the radio waves from distant super massive black holes.”

Other speakers include CSIRO’s Rob Hollow, who will give an overview of progress in both the Australian SKA and the International SKA projects, as well as Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price MP, who will give a brief Government perspective. Ken Lawson from the Geraldton Astronomy Group will speak about the hardware and techniques required to start astrophotography and nightscape photography.

Festival-goers can also join Yamaji speakers by the Astro fire-pit for an Aboriginal celestial tour of the night sky, conducted to the haunting atmospheric mix of the didgeridoo and guitar by musicians Mulks and Deutekom.

Dinner will be a sumptuous ‘Astro-Feast’ prepared by renowned Murchison chefs. Lunch, dinner, and smoko are included in the ticket price. During the day participants can watch Yamaji artists at work, visit the Murchison Museum to witness local historical artefacts and photographs, or experience the beauty of a dazzling wildflower season on the Murchison Botanical Walk, which was opened in 2014 and provides a detailed insight to the plants and shrubs in Murchison.

“Bring your swag and camp under the stars and you too will understand why the CSIRO and other international astronomers are star struck by the Murchison,” Mr McTaggart said

“Alternately accommodation is available at the Murchison Settlement and nearby Wooleen Station Stay”.

Tickets cost $80 per adult, $60 13-16 years, $15.00 under 12 or $190 for a family of four and booking is essential. Please visit the website www.murchisonastrofest.com.au or call (08) 99637999 for bookings. 

Colourful art installation serves as street furniture

Mayor Ian Carpenter with Craig Maynard from F#Designs and Helen Ansell and Peta Riley from Mulla Mulla Designs.

Geraldton’s newest artwork was installed today and it’s more than just a piece of art, the new addition also serves as street furniture.

Local business Mulla Mulla Designs have created beautiful colourful concrete ottomans which have been installed on Marine Terrace near the clock tower.

Inspired by the Mid West’s wildflowers, the ottomans are painted with a pattern that represents the wattle flower. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said the ottomans added even more vibrancy to the City’s CBD.

“Not only do these beautiful pieces of art look spectacular, they serve a purpose here in Marine Terrace and represent the region’s very unique wildflowers,” he said.

“It’s just another great addition to the street artwork which has been done here in the CBD which is part of the City’s Vibrancy Strategy.

“We get a lot of great feedback on our street art and we know it’s something our community really appreciates.”

Craig Maynard from local business F#Designs was the creator of the concrete ottomans which weigh around 80 kilos each.

Helen Ansell and Peta Riley are the local artists behind Mulla Mulla Designs and have had been exhibiting their work in the Pilbara as well as in Perth.

Helen said they decided to work on the street furniture to give something back to their home town. 

“I worked on the initial acrylic painting of the design and then Peta turned it into a repeatable pattern which is seen on the ottomans. We then collaborated with designer Craig Maynard who specialises in concrete,” Helen said.

“A lot of our work is centralised around local wildflowers so it fits in perfectly with the City’s Wildflower Week campaign.”

Mulla Mulla Designs will be conducting a one-day art and design workshop in Mullewa on Saturday, 29 August from 9am-3pm. For more information or to book your spot email mullamulladesigns@gmail.com

If you’re interested in checking out the Mid West’s wildflowers you can find out more at www.visitgeraldton.com.au

Boost your organisation’s funding with Lotterywest Forum

Does your organisation need funding for projects? The City of Greater Geraldton is working in conjunction with Lotterywest to present a free forum for all local organisations.

Lotterywest work with community organisations that provide services, support and inspiration to the people of Western Australia via grants that are intended to complement other sources of support, including a contribution from an organisation’s own resources.

This free Lotterywest Grants forum is the chance for your organisation to gain a better understanding of the type of projects and organisations that are eligible for Lotterywest funding.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said the forum would be extremely beneficial to local community groups and organisations.

“This is an opportunity to hear about activities and projects which could attract Lotterywest support, the information required for anapplication and handy hints to aid you in your grant applications,” he said.

“Lotterywest give grants totalling millions of dollars and a lot of organisations don’t know that they’re eligible for these.

“I would highly encourage organisations to send a representative to this forum as they will receive vital information which could enhance the likelihood of being successful with grant applications and result a positive impact on your local organisation.”

Every year over 1,000 not-for-profit groups share in Lotterywest Grants totalling millions of dollars with many local organisations not on this list. This forum will increase your chances of gettingyour organisation on the list.

The forum will be held on Thursday, August 20 at 5:15pm for a 5:30pm start at the City Function Room on Cathedral Avenue.

It is open to representatives of all community groups and there will be opportunities for one-on-one meetings after the presentations.

RSVP your attendance to Yvonne Lovedee at yvonnel@cgg.wa.gov.au  or by phoning 9956 6936.

Public Notice - Cardboard crusher at the tip closed for maintenance

The cardboard compacting machine located at the Meru Waste Facility will remain closed for approximately two more weeks to complete required maintenance which cannot be undertaken while the machine is in operation.

Due to the age of the machine, some of the parts that require replacement, including safety guards and electrical isolation switches, must be fabricated locally and fitted.

During this time, all cardboard can continue to be taken to the Meru Waste Facility for disposal.  Residents can discard of their cardboard free of charge and commercial contractors will pay $10 per cubic metre, the same fee Cogman Recycling charges for cardboard disposal at the Tip Shop.

Apply for new aged care places

Applications for the Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR) opened today, with existing and prospective providers of Australian Government-funded aged care across Durack encouraged to apply.

Member for Durack Melissa Price said there will be 10,940 residential aged care places and 6,045 home care places allocated across Australian through the 2015 ACAR.

This includes 1,260 residential aged care places and 438 home care places across WA.

“The ACAR will deliver more residential aged care places and home care places to help further meet demand for aged care,” Ms Price said.

“This round continues to expand the Home Care Packages Programme, giving people more options to live independently in their home, with more choice and flexibility over the services they receive.

“In recognition of community need for home care places for people with more complex care needs, the Australian Government is releasing 1,729 more Level 3 and Level 4 home care places than the 2014 ACAR—an increase of 45 per cent.

“Up to $67 million in capital grants will also be offered as part of the 2015 ACAR, under the Rural, Regional and Other Special Needs Building Fund.

“These grants encourage greater investment in areas of high need, with $11.5 million allocated to support access to residential aged care for older people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.”

For more information on the 2015 ACAR, including information on how to apply, please visit dss.gov.au/2015ACAR.

All applications must be received by 11:59pm (AEST) Friday 25 September 2015.

Leaning Tree Community School Spring Fair

In its third year, the Leaning Tree Community School Spring Fair is a celebration of the student's creativity, community, and fun.  From 10am to 2pm on Sunday 23 August, the grounds of Leaning Tree will be full of creative activities and homemade treats. Join in at the make-your-own bunting stall or decorate a gingerbread man. Enjoy fresh made lemonade, devonshire tea, soups, juices and other tasty goods. Try your luck in the raffles with hundreds of dollars worth of prizes donated by the generous Geraldton community. Find a bargain at the white elephant stall and enjoy entertainment including the annual maypole dance.

The school offers guided tours and as an official open day, staff will be available to answer any questions about the school's ethos and quality curriculum.Leaning Tree Community School is a co-educational, independent school, with children attending from Kindergarten to Year 6.  The early years of childhood and parenting are supported with Rainbow Playgroup for children from birth to 4 and their families.

The core value of Leaning Tree Community School is to nurture the whole child.  This means that the school community focuses on the overall well-being of the child including literacy and numeracy, problem solving, friendships, environmental consciousness, nutrition, creativity, nature play and respect and care for self and others.

Shogun Court Promises Spellbinding Kalbarri Performance

Japanese drumming outfit Taiko On will set audience’s hearts racing at the Kalbarri Zest Festival Chamber of Rhetoric performance.

The Kalbarri foreshore is set to transform into the court of a Japanese Shogun during the Kalbarri Zest Festival’s ‘Chamber of Rhetoric’ evening performance on Saturday September 19.

The beach will come alive with music, dance, puppetry and acting as the story of a Shogun unfolds under night skies at the mouth of the Murchison River.

Attendees can bring a gift to pay tribute to the Shogun and proceed from ‘Sally’s Tree’ on the Kalbarri foreshore park at 5.30pm, to Chinaman’s Beach for the free Chamber of Rhetoric performance.

As in previous festivals, the Chamber of Rhetoric will be held by a giant signal fire, lit to remember the Zuytdorp shipwreck that the Zest Festival commemorates, as well the Nhanda country where the shipwreck survivors found themselves stranded.

Kalbarri Zest Festival director Rebecca Millar said the performance was shaping up to be particularly spellbinding.

“This year we have created a court of a Japanese Shogun where everyone has been invited to pay tribute,” she said.

“We’ll have a community procession of objectschosen and created by the community to honour the shogun, which will converge at the mouth of the mighty Murchison River.”

“Here the audience will hold court with the powerful Shogun believed to be the direct descendant from heaven. The performance will tell the story of how the exchange of culture with Europeans and the appreciation of beautiful objects will test the Shogun’s most loyal court officials and change the destinies of two brothers.” 

The performance will also feature Japanese taiko drumming led by musician Simon Vanyai.

Mr Vanyai will conduct taiko drumming workshops for Kalbarri youth in the lead up to the festival, as well as a workshop for everyone on the Zest Festival weekend. Then, during the Saturday night Chamber performance, Mr Vanyai’s musical ensemble Taiko On will set the audience’s hearts racing with the sound of drumming.

This year’s Zest Festival focuses on the cultures of China and Japan in the fourth year of 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. It brings together food, art, history, dance, and performance in a two-day celebration of culture.

Zest Festival is funded by the Community Arts Network WA, Catalyst Community Arts Fund and 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.

The Design Studio a Geraldton first

On Monday 17 August, The Design Studio by Shane Crothers Homes will open its doors in the Moorings Building, offering people a creative, relaxed, fun new space to meet with designers and draftsmen and custom design a new home.

A Geraldton first, The Design Studio by Shane Crothers Homes is a hub of inspiration for potential home buyers, allowing visitors to take a quiz determining their unique interior style and then giving them the opportunity to flick through sophisticated coffee table books which reflect that style and provide inspiring and unique ideas for the home.

Managing Director Shane Crothers says The Design Studio by Shane Crothers Homes was a concept the company had been wanting to pursue for a couple of years.

“We wanted to create a space where people felt instantly comfortable and at ease and inspired about building their home,” he said.

“We want people to know we’re excited about helping them put their ideas down on paper, that we’re excited about creating something in their home they haven’t even thought about yet but now can’t imagine living without,” Mr Crothers said.

“Our draftsmen and designers can’t wait for people to bring in their shoebox of newspaper and magazine clippings or see all the Pinterest pins they’ve saved on their phone or iPad.”

Continuing the outstanding level of customer service the largest locally owned and operated home builder has built up over the past 18 years, The Design Studio by Shane Crothers Homes will be offering its clients a 48 hour turnaround on all plans and quotes – meaning clients will have a sketched plan and a cost estimate back on their custom home within 2 days of meeting with our draftsmen and designers.

The Design Studio by Shane Crothers Homes will be open from 8am – 5pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 12pm on Saturday. Just walk in and say hi to our friendly team today.

Midwest Fishing report by Tackleworld Geraldton

RIVERS

With the recent rains the chapman has had a good flush of fresh water which has washed a lot of big Black Bream from the upper reaches down river and has provided some good sport fishing with fish to the magic 40cm mark taking lures 

THIS 40CM BLUE LIP SMASHED THIS CRANKA CRAB

DAMO PULLED THIS 38ER OUT OF A NICE SNAG CLOSE TO THE BANK

THE FUZE TRIPLETAIL WORKING A TREAT ON ANOTHER SOLID BREAM

ON OF 4 BREAM TAKEN ON THE CRANKA CRAB

ZEREK 70M FLASH MINOWS IRRESISTIBLE TO BREAM

TESTING OUT THE NEW BOOM BOOM BAITS FROM SAMAKI THERE THE REAL DEAL

ANOTHER FLASH MINOW VICTOM

THIS BREAM SMASHED THIS ZEREK FLASH MINOR BEFORE IT COULD HIT THE BOTTOM

DAMO WITH ANOTHER IMPRESIVE BREAM ON THE CRANKA CRAB

TIDES AND WIND

OFFSHORE

Off shore has been quite with the wild weather but those who have braved the element have picked up Dhu fish To 6kg around African and Pensioners bank while Snapper are getting caught 12 mile  NW of town 

BEACHES

Tailor are on the move at the moment with good reports of fish coming from most reef breaks from west bank, South Gates and Separation point, closer to town try Explosives and Dean Street. Whiting have provided anglers with a good feed in recent times with fish coming from the sand gutters from south of Greenough Separation Point and Drummonds 

Mulloway have been reported from Drummonds Buller and Coronations

PATRICK WITH A LOVELY TAILOR CAUGHT ON THE HALCO CIGAR

ANOTHER GREAT FISH FROM PATRICK THIS TIME CAUGHT ON THE HALCO ROOSTER POPPER 26-13-404

THE BREWSTAR GOT A NICE FEED OF WITHTING AND HERRING THE OTHER NIGHT 

FISHERMANS WHARF

Blue Manna Crabs and Squid have been the move in the Harbor.
Big black bream and Cod can be found around the pylons 

Seasport Charters Kalbarri
Specialising in Jigging, Soft Plastics, Live Baiting & Game Fishing
Quality Shimano Rods & Reels
Tackle & Bait Provided
Long Description
0477901445
Email
seasportcharters@bigpond.com

FISH REPORT WRITTEN BY
CRAIG WISE
20 ANZAC TERRACE GERALDTON WA
08 99216822

GCC Annual Tournament

The Geraldton Croquet Club Annual Tournament was held from 8th - 11th August 2015. Visitors came from Cambridge, Moorabinda, Dunsborough and Fremantle Croquet Clubs and enjoyed a well-run tournament in Geraldton.

Four competitions were held:

• Golf Croquet Level Play Singles,
• Golf Croquet Handicap Singles,
• Golf Croquet Handicap Doubles, and
• Association Croquet Advanced Handicap Singles.

The Golf Croquet Level Play Singles, Block A was won by Max Woolf pictured below receiving his prize from Club Patron Beryl Scott. The runner up Kay Chynoweth is pictured below (centre) lining up a shot during the competition. At right below is Paul Dodson who came third in Block A.

The Golf Croquet Level Play Singles, Block B was won byMaureen Edwards pictured below, left. Runner-up was Owen Keane pictured receiving his prize from club patron Beryl Scott.

The Golf Croquet Handicap Singles

 Block A was won by Paul Dodson, pictured below, left. The runner up was Brian Hadley pictured at right, below.

Block B was won by Paul Christmass, pictured below, left. The runner up was Eleanor Roberts pictured at right, below.

The Golf Croquet Handicap Doubles was won by Kay Chynoweth and Paul Christmass pictured at left, below. The runners up were John Jury and Margaret Stokes pictured below right.

Photos by Maureen Nanson

The Association Croquet Advanced Handicap Singles was won by Geraldton Croquet Club President, Trevor Hansen, pictured below left. Runner-up was Geraldton Croquet Club Captain Ann Bunter pictured at right, below..

A presentation celebration was held on Saturday evening where the Golf results were announced.There was another presentation for the Association players at an afternoon tea on Tuesday afternoon

The raffle was drawn on Sunday evening. The winners were Maureen Nanson, Laureen Lutz and Paul Dodson. The Geraldton Croquet club is very grateful to the following Geraldton businesses for their generous donations to the raffle which was very successful.

At the presentation the Club President and Club Captain thanked the many people who had worked to make the tournament a success, referees, people who dressed the courts, arranged morning and afternoon teas, fetched and served lunches etc. A special thanks went to Ann Bunter for managing the tournament so well.

Feeling Clucky?

The City of Greater Geraldton is looking for a caring home for 12 chickens for 12 months as part of the Sentinel Chicken Testing Program.

If you live on the urban fringe near a river and can care for the chooks, you get to keep the eggs - and the chickens - after the 12 month testing program ceases; however staff from the City’s Health Department will need access to the flock to take blood samples every fortnight.

The program is used across Australia and internationally to monitor potentially serious mosquito-borne viruses which can be spread to humans.

Testing of chicken serum samples provides early warning of increased Murray Valley Encephalitis virus and Kunjin virus activity in the Geraldton area.

Chickens are used in this program as mosquitos are attracted to them however they do not get ill from the virus and cannot pass it on to humans or other chickens.

The Aborvirus Surveillance and Research Laboratory at the University of WA will provide the 6-9 week old chicks and they will be looking for their new home on October 9.

A fox proof fence with easy human access and separation from other chooks is all that is needed and if you think you could help, contact Emily Mace at the City on 9956 6652.