ATC Midwest awarded Gold Badge from Mental Health First Aid Australia

Mental Health First Aid Australia recognises ATC Midwest with their Gold Badge under the MHFA Skilled Workplaces Initiative.

ATC Midwest has been awarded the Gold badge because they maintain a ratio of at least 20% of FTE staff with a current Mental Health First Aid Certificate.

“We invest heavily into the development of our team. Mental Health is an issue in Australian workplaces, especially amongst youth” said Dave Clare, General Manager of ATC Midwest. “Our Recruitment Officer and our Industry Consultants are mentors to all our apprentices and trainees. Having this specialised training is critical to us engaging, inspiring and developing tomorrows leading workforce today.”

The Government of WA Mental Health Commission states:Around 75 per cent of all severe mental illness starts before the age of 24. By age 21, just over half of young people will have experienced a diagnosable psychiatric disorder. Suicide accounts for 17.8 per cent of deaths in the 15-19 year age group and nearly a quarter of all deaths in the 20-24 year age group. Good mental health is fundamental to quality of life and physical health. It contributes to the ability to find satisfying social roles in life and allows people to form positive relationships with others. For young people who are still developing socially, emotionally and physically, the development of a mental health problem or disorder can disrupt and seriously impede their social development, education, family relationships and vocational path. Improving services and support for children and young people is a matter of priority for the Mental

http://www.mentalhealth.wa.gov.au/mental_illness_and_health/youth_mentalhealth.aspx 

“This is why it is critical for employers seeking to put on an apprentice or trainee consider using services like the ones provided by ATC Midwest. It’s not just about handling paperwork and payroll for small businesses. Our people are highly trained to handle these issues that youth are facing today and provide lifestyle support to them.” Mr Clare said.

Solar hybrid powering SKA stargazing

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has welcomed the announcement that State Government had approved regional energy provider Horizon Power to execute a power supply agreement with the CSIRO for the supply of electricity to the observatory.

Site works will soon start on the construction of a diesel-solar hybrid power station that will support the world-leading telescopes at the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory (MRO).

"This agreement helps deliver the Government's broader commitment for the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) and Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) radio telescopes, which are precursors to the international Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project," Premier Colin Barnett said.

"The eyes of the world are on Western Australia as the observatory is already producing outstanding scientific results in advance of the SKA."

Dr Nahan said Horizon Power would start site works in January on a two megawatt solar-diesel hybrid station at the observatory, about 315 kilometres north-east of Geraldton, which will provide power for the world-class scientific radioastronomy research facility.

"The project draws on Horizon Power's experience to deliver remote renewable hybrid power solutions and develops a capability that can be leveraged to other projects," he said.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the new power station was supported by a $10 million investment from Royalties for Regions and the partnership with the cutting-edge scientific project would boost the region's profile.

"Royalties for Regions is about strengthening and growing our regions and helping regional communities realise their economic potential through the delivery of projects such as this," Mr Redman said.

A further $5.5 million has been invested by the State Government from consolidated revenue.  

City urges home renovators and DIYers to be asbestos aware

The City of Greater Geraldton wants to make people more aware of asbestos.

In a stark message to all home renovators, tradies, handymen and DIYers, the City of Greater Geraldton wants to make people more aware of asbestos as part of Get to Know about Asbestos this November.

Many Australians wrongly believe that only fibro homes contain asbestos. With asbestos products still commonly found in and around brick, weatherboard, clad and fibro homes built or renovated before 1987, it’s vital that homeowners, renovators, tradesmen and handymen are aware of asbestos.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Shane Van Styn, said home renovators and tradies need to be asbestos aware, and learn where asbestos might be found in homes and on properties and how to manage it safely because it’s not worth the risk to themselves or to their families.

“In Geraldton the predominant issue is asbestos sheet fencing, roofs and eaves. With the winds, fences often get damaged and sheets need removing, so it’s important that the entire sheet is taken out and no pieces are left in the ground,” he said.

“Earthmoving contractors also need to be on the lookout as sometimes blocks being cleared can have asbestos buried that could be disturbed and be spread around the property leading to a major contamination issue which is expensive to remediate.”

He encourages people to visitwww.asbestosawareness.com.au to find out more information.

Chair of the Asbestos Education Committee, Peter Dunphy, said asbestos could be anywhere.

“Under floor coverings such as carpets, linoleum and vinyl tiles, behind wall and floor tiles, in cement floors, internal and external walls, ceilings and ceiling space (insulation), eaves, garages, roofs, around hot water pipes, fences, extensions to homes, garages, outdoor toilets, backyard and farm sheds, chook sheds and even dog kennels,” he said.

“No one can tell if a product contains asbestos just by looking at it. Only scientific testing by an accredited National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) can confirm if asbestos is present. If people aren’t sure if a product contains asbestos they should treat it as if it is asbestos and take all the necessary precautions to protect themselves and families.

“However, to be sure if asbestos is in homes, owners can have properties inspected by a licenced removalist or a licensed asbestos assessor to confirm if asbestos products are present,” said Mr Dunphy.

“If in good condition and left undisturbed, asbestos generally doesn’t pose a health risk. Although, with the aging of homes the popularity of DIY, renovating, knock-down-rebuild and with the redevelopment of old fibro home sites, it’s important that anyone working in or around homes or buildings constructed or renovated before 1987 know the dangers of asbestos and how to manage it safely.

“When homes contain asbestos, DIY is not recommended and renovating properties without knowing where asbestos might be located has been likened to playing ‘Renovation Roulette’.

“Don’t play Renovation Roulette! Don’t cut it, don’t drill it, don’t drop it, don’t sand it, don’t saw it, don’t scrape it, don’t scrub it, don’t dismantle it, Don’t tip it, don’t water blast it, don’t demolish it, and whatever you do, don’t dump it!”

It’s Toy Run time again!

Riding escort: Lt Jeff Milkins of Salvation Army Geraldton met to discuss the Salvation Army Toy Run with Snr Const Darryl Peden and Santa's Helpers from the Ulysses Club; from left, Dale Clifton, Linda King (kneeling), Cyril McKenzie, John Norton and Terry Marsden.
Picture: Contributed.

Geraldton streets will be booming forthe annual Salvation Army Toy Run on Saturday December 5.

Cruisers, scooters, tourers, café racers, trikes, chook chasers – if it’s licensed with two wheels (or three) it can join the grand parade of machines with donated gifts for under privileged local children.

WA Police will escort this year’s Run, which will encircle Geraldton and conclude with the machines displayed on the City’s foreshore.

Coordinated by Geraldton Ulysses Club, the non-profit event sees all gifts distributed to clients of the Salvation Army in Geraldton and the Mid West.

Geraldton Salvation Army corps officer Lieutenant Jeff Milkins is hoping for a big turn out this year.

“This is our only major source of donations for Christmas and we rely on the Toy Run to make sure every needy child receives a gift this Christmas,” he said, adding with a smile that it would be niceto see the gifts grow up a bit.

“We always get soft cuddly toys of all shapes and sizes, that’s wonderful, but our clients are all ages,” Lt Milkins explained.

“Needy children in that age group up to 12 or 14 years often miss out while their younger siblings have all the fun.”

Riders are asked to meet in the Cathedral Avenue carpark behind the SGIO building at 9.30am, for the start at 10am.

Bisby New Chair Master Builders Geraldton Branch

Peter Bisby, the Regional Manager of Redink Homes Geraldton was last night elected Chairman of the Master Builders Geraldton Branch.  

Peter takes over from Serena Giudice who has been the Chairman of the Master Builders Geraldton Branch for the last 4 years. 

“Mr Bisby has been actively involved in our local Geraldton Committee for seven years so he has a good understanding of how the industry and our member-based Association works, said regional Manager Di Gilleland.  “Peter also sits on the Master Builders Housing Council at their head office in West Perth.

The role of regional Chairman is really important, with such a wealth of experience and knowledge required of the building industry in the mid-west.  Peter certainly has the experience to carry out this new position”, she said.

Mrs Gilleland said the past year has been challenging for those involved in the building industry, with the current downturn it has been tough for many.

“There will always be challenges for builders and specialist contractors and that’s why we need a strong Association and an active membership to respond to these issues, such as planning approvals, industrial relations, energy efficiency, apprenticeship training, safety standards and the like”, Mrs Gilleland said. 

“Mr Bisbys’ expertise and his additional role on housing council will mean us having an extra voice for our regional committee and our members.  We have a number of new initiatives set for 2016 so an exciting year ahead”, said Mrs Gilleland. 

The 2015/16 Master Builders Branch office bearers are: 

Chairman                 Peter Bisby/Redink Homes

Past Chairman        Serena Giudice/Geraldton Homes

Vice Chairman        Paul Mandosio/Mandosio Homes                                                     

Secretary                 Andrew Crothers/GBSC                     

Treasurer                 Paul Kerr/Midland Brick                                

Committee Member  David Blakemore/Crothers Construction                  

Committee Member  Janette Brennan/Ray White Geraldton                     

Committee Member  Ross Conti/Conti Homes                                                        

Committee Member  Laurie Dines / Ocean Air Solutions    

Committee Member  David Dibble / 1st Dibbs

Committee Member  Shane Richard / Elite Electrical

The Master Builders Association was formed in 1898 by a group of builders who recognised the need to have a reputable organization to represent their interests before governments, clients and unions. Its services to members have evolved over the last 117 years.

Migrant family on Welcome Walls targeted in a scam attempt

A migrant family, whose names appear on Fremantle’s Welcome Walls, has been the target of a scam attempt and there are concerns others may also be targeted.

Scammers have contacted a family listed on one of the Fremantle panels, demanding a payment of $599 for the names to remain on the walls.

Western Australian Museum urge people to ignore the scammers demand and hang up immediately.

The concern is highest for vulnerable people such as seniors from migrant families where English might not be their first language.

Anyone who is contacted by people purporting to be from Government departments demanding money, should always independently contact that organisation to verify if the approach is genuine.

Never use any details the suspicious caller or email has given you.  Refer to your phone book or a known official website.

You can report scams to WA ScamNet via email or by calling 1300 30 40 54.

Empowering youth initiatives to help young people into jobs

Member for Durack Melissa Price is inviting organisations in Durack to put forth fresh and innovative ideas to help vulnerable young Australians find and keep a job.

Minister for Employment Senator Michaelia Cash today released the grant guidelines for the new Empowering YOUth Initiatives, inviting organisations to apply for funding to deliver projects that help young people at risk of welfare dependency into work.

“I invite not-for-profit community organisations to put forward proposals for innovative projects that offer a different approach to those currently available,” Ms Price said.

“The Government recognises that some young people face greater barriers to finding and holding onto a job than their peers, for example those who leave school early or come from a different cultural background.”

The Empowering YOUth Initiatives are part of the $331 million Youth Employment Strategy announced in the 2015-16 Budget and follows the release of guidelines last month for the new Transition to Work service, a further Government initiative to tackle youth unemployment.

Minister Cash said the Government is keen to leverage off the local knowledge and experience of community organisations working closely with vulnerable young people.

“These vulnerable young Australians face greater challenges and have a higher risk of long-term unemployment and a life of welfare dependency,” Minister Cash said.

“That is why we’re investing $50 million in the Empowering YOUth Initiatives - to give young people the extra help they need to move into work.”

The first round of projects set up under the Empowering YOUth Initiatives will focus on young people who are living in regional areas with high levels of social disadvantage, early school leavers, Indigenous, or from a culturally and linguistically diverse background.

“We really want to encourage not-for-profit community organisations to think outside the square and run innovative projects to engage with those who are most at risk of being consigned to a lifetime of welfare dependency,” Minister Cash said.

“This could be an innovative way to prevent unemployment, remove barriers to employment, or just as importantly, sustain employment.”

The learnings from these trials will be used to shape future service delivery to achieve better employment outcomes for young people

The first round of projects will commence from March 2016.

Information sessions for interested organisations will be held in capital cities during November and via online webinars.

For more information and eligibility details please visit: employment.gov.au/employment-services-procurement-information

Report on Hydraulic Fracturing delivered to Parliament

Nationals WA Member of Parliament Paul Brown has welcomed the tabling of the report from the Standing Committee on Environment and Public Affairs on the ‘Implications for Western Australia of Hydraulic Fracturing for Unconventional Gas,’ to the Western Australian Parliament.

“Having been a member of the Committee that has spent a considerable amount of time investigating the unconventional shale gas industry that is emerging in Western Australia, I am confident that the report will ensure that private landowners and the government are better able to reconcile the challenges and benefits in development of the industry,” Mr Brown said.

“This inquiry was initiated by the Committee as we saw the considerable level of concern that was being experienced in communities across the state as proposals for shale gas exploration developed.”

“The modern shale gas industry is very early in its development in Western Australia and the Committee has recognised that this gives the WA government the opportunity to learn from both the positive and negative experiences of other states and nations”. Mr Brown said.

The Standing Committee on Environment and Public Affairs held numerous hearings with private citizens, government departments, industry members and opponents of the shale gas industry over the two years of the inquiry, along with visits to sites in the United Kingdom, United States of America and South Australia. The Committee also met with a number of academic, government and Not-for-Profit agencies during their visit overseas.

Mr Brown said, “The Committee has been unanimous in the findings and recommendations that have formed its report to Parliament. We have kept an un-biased view of the industry and determined the facts from the large amount of evidence and opinion that we were provided.”

One of the issues that the Committee focussed on was the importance of land access agreements and has recommended that an independent statutory body be established to better safeguard the ability of landowners to negotiate with resource companies that are seeking to develop shale gas facilities on private land.

“The Committee has also called for more robust regulations to ensure that full transparency of all chemicals used in the hydraulic fracturing process is available to the public. We have also recommended that the government ban the use of all benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) chemicals in the industry.” Mr Brown said.

The Minister for Minerals and Petroleum, Hon Bill Marmion MLA, will now have ninety days to consider the recommendations that have been made by the Committee in the report before making his response to Parliament on behalf of the government.

Greenough River Re-Opens

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that there is no health hazard present at the Greenough River.

Since the river was declared closed on 15 October, bacterial samples were taken to assess the water quality for recreational use at the time of the incident as well as one week after; results have now been received and show that there is no health hazard present. 

While the results from the samples taken show no harmful bacteria is present, there are general health risks of swimming in these natural waters and permanent health warning signs exist at Greenough River, Chapman River and Ellendale Pool.

The health risks mainly exist to people or animals that drink the water or place their head under the water where water could rush up the nose; which could result in illnesses such as amoebic meningitis or bacterial infections.

Further information is available through the Healthy WA website.

http://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Healthy-WA/Articles/A_E/Amoebic-meningitis

http://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/Corporate/Articles/A_E/Bacterial-water-quality

Addressing Huff & Puff in Our Community

Yarraly – Midwest Lung and Respiratory Support Group Geraldton, helps raise awareness this World COPD Day with a Walk for Awareness on 17th Nov 11am – 12pm, on the Grassed Area North of the Dome Geraldton.  The will also be information displays at Geraldton Regional Hospital Foyer both on the 17th – World Lung Cancer Day and the 18th – World COPD Day.  Free Spirometry (lung Testing) will be done at the hospital on 17th November.

To mark World COPD Day (18 November), Lung Foundation Australia is encouraging all Australians over the age of 35 to take breathlessness seriously and ask their health professional for a lung health check.

“Contrary to what people think, breathlessness is not a normal part of ageing.  Feeling out of breath is a symptom - a symptom not to be ignored,” said Professor Christine McDonald, Respiratory Physician at Austin Hospital, Melbourne.

“When we exercise it is normal to huff and puff and experience breathlessness. That feeling of being out of breath is temporary and, with rest, our breathing returns to normal.  If you are feeling breathless when doing simple activities like walking up a flight of stairs, it’s time to see your health professional because you could have COPD,” she said.  

COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a progressive long term disease of the lungs which causes shortness of breath1.  

Yarraly – Midwest Lung and Respiratory Support Group in conjunction with GRH Rehab Physio Dept is raising awareness of the prevalence and impact of COPD.

Yarraly – Midwest Lung and Respiratory Support Group representative said, “We want everyone in Geraldton who is more breathless than others their age or who has a cough that won’t go away to get a lung health check by visiting their health professional.”

Lung Foundation Australia estimates that approximately 1.45 million Australians have some form of COPD.2,3 This represents approximately one in seven Australians aged 40 and over.2

Lung Foundation CEO, Heather Allan, said that over 750,000 Australians2,3have COPD that has progressed to a stage at which symptoms, such as breathlessness may already be present and affecting their daily lives.  “Half of these people do not have a doctor’s diagnosis of COPD and are therefore not taking the important steps to slow down the progression of the disease.4 “

In Australia, COPD is the fifth leading cause of death5.

If you are 35 years or older and have a history of smoking or had occupational exposure to dust, gas and/or fumes and you have a persistent cough with or without phlegm or are more breathless than others your age, it is recommended you speak to your health professional for a lung health check.

Lung Foundation Australia encourages everyone to take a couple of minutes to do a simple online lung health checklist at www.lunghealthchecklist.com.au  and to join a local World COPD Day event to help raise awareness of COPD. 

---

World COPD Day Local Event Activity Details:

What: Walk for Awareness
Where: Grassed Area north of Dome
When: 17th November 2015 at 11am
Cost (if any): Gold Coin donation
Contact: Michelle0432580613

What: Display and Information Booths – Also free Lung Testing on 17th Nov
Where: Geraldton Regional Hospital Foyer
When: 17 and 18th November 2015
Cost (if any):  No Cost
Contact: Michelle0432580613

Changes to Transwa Sunday bus service

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has welcomed Transport Minister Dean Nalder’s decision to make changes to two of Transwa’s weekend bus services.

“Transwa have decide to terminate the Sunday service from Perth to Leeman. The last service will be on Sunday 6 December 2015.

“This service will be replaced with an additional Perth to Geraldton service, which will operate along Indian Ocean Drive.

This service will commence from Sunday, 13 December 2015.

“The northbound Sunday service will depart East Perth station at 9:30am (Joondalup at 10:00am) and arrive in Geraldton at 3:25pm

“The southbound Sunday service will depart Geraldton at 9:30am and arrive at East Perth at 3:25pm.

“These new services will be advertised soon.

“I am very pleased that Minister Nalder has made these changes in response to my representations on behalf of constituents, who use these services regularly. The new times are more consumer friendly and will assist people who wish to travel to Perth for the weekend,” said Mr Blayney.

Final results of the Geraldton Croquet Club Spring Pennants

The victorious Blue Team, l-r Ken Morris, Maureen Edwards, Margaret Stokes and Ruth Shave.

The third and deciding round of Spring Pennants was played on 14th November 2015. The results are as follows: 

Blue Team won the Pennant by winning 11 games with a total score of 98 hoops

Black Team won 10 games, also with 98 hoops.

Red Team won 9 games with 88 hoops, and

Yellow Team won 6 Games with 58 hoops.

 Round Three game details:

Yellow Team: l - r Jenny, Wendy, Sheryl & Coralie. (Jenny substituted for Colin in round one)

Blue Team: l - r  Margaret, Maureen E, Ken & Ruth

Red Team: l - r Rhonda, Kay C, Pamela & Sandra. (Beth substituted for Pamela in final)

Black Team: l - r Maureen N, Robyn, Paul & Christi who substituted for Jeannette in round one.

Photos by Maureen Nanson

Interim Chair appointed to Developing Northern Australia CRC

The Australian Government progressed the agenda for developing the north today, appointing Richmond Shire Mayor, Mr John Wharton AM, as the interim Chair for the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Developing Northern Australia.

Congratulating Mr Wharton on his appointment, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Christopher Pyne said establishing the new CRC was a key element of the White Paper on Developing Northern Australia.

Member for Durack Melissa Price welcomed the appointment and said Mr Wharton was familiar with the challenges of doing business in the north.

“Mr Wharton has a long history of leadership in local and regional development issues in the north and brings a wealth of practical experience to the position,” MS Price said.

As the interim Chair, Mr Wharton will consult extensively with stakeholders to set the direction and research agenda for the CRC, which is expected to commence in early 2016.

“I encourage businesses in Durack to participant in discussions and engage with the CRC to ensure its work provides benefits for our region,” Ms Price said.

“The Australian Government is investing $75 million in this industry-led CRC to assist businesses, governments and researchers to work together to identify opportunities for business and growth in the north,” Mr Pyne said.

“Mr Wharton is well placed to lead the establishment of this CRC. He brings to the role extensive experience in regional development and primary production, and he has strong links to the north as a long serving local government member.”

Minister for Resources, Energy and Northern Australia Josh Frydenberg said the CRC would be located in northern Australia and focus initially on areas where the north has particular strength, for instance in agriculture or tropical health.

“The north has particular strengths in areas such as agriculture and tropical health, among others. With Asia's burgeoning middle class on its doorstep, significant opportunities exist to commercialise research and development and establish new industries in these fields,” Frydenberg said.

The CRC will build on existing research, expertise and networks to quickly identify areas where collaborative research can deliver real-world outcomes of benefit to industries in northern Australia.

The CRC will form a consortium of partners, drawing from northern industry, the research community, government jurisdictions and international organisations.

The CRC will also work closely with the Industry Growth Centres, sharing knowledge, experience and resources to improve the competitiveness, productivity and sustainability of northern Australia’s industries.

Today's Remembrance Day service in Geraldton

The City of Geraldton R&SL held a Remembrance Day service at Birdwood House at 11.00 am on 11th November to mark the 97thanniversary of the armistice which ended WWI. R&SL Secretary Steve Butler and President Ian Heberle addressed the gathering and wreaths were laid.

The service was well run and well attended and appreciated by all. At the conclusion of the service R&SL President Ian Heberle invited those attending to fellowship in Birdwood House.

The picture below shows the forecourt of Birdwood House during the 97th Remembrance Day service in 2015.

In the foreground are Verna Holmes-Tanner of the Kelmscott-Pinjarra 10th Light Horse Memorial Troop with “Cuffy” standing with reversed boots in the stirrups and a rifle in the scabbard in memory of fallen members. Verna says Cuffy is from Clayton Station on the South Australian border, the Kidman Remount Station which supplied horses to the Australian Forces in the Boer War and World War II. He is likely a descendant of the horses of the original 10th Light Horse.

One Andrew Barton (Banjo) Patterson when promoted major, commanded the Australian Remount Squadron in the Middle East from October 1916 until he returned to Australia in mid-1919. He may have trained or ridden some of Cuffy’s ancestors.

English village school proud to remember ANZACS

A tradition which started sometime after the First World War sees children from the Sutton Veny CE Primary School children in Wiltshire, England, participate  in a tribute to ANZACs.

During the war Australian soldiers were billeted in camps near the village and New Zealand troops were on Salisbury Plain. Sutton Veny House served as a convalescent home. Many soldiers and nurses died and were buried in the churchyard at St. John’s the Evangelist.

Since 1918, when a group of four school children went into the woods, picked wildflowers and placed them on the graves of newly buried Australian soldiers, pupils have laid posies by the headstones.

On ANZAC day each year, a service is held in the churchyard or in the church. Australian and New Zealand army personnel attend this service and each child from the school places a posy on a war grave. The participation of Sutton Veny School in the ANZAC day ceremony continues to foster the relationship between members of the Australian and New Zealand forces and British society. This has developed strong overseas links with New Zealand and Australia. Visitors and relatives of those who died frequently contact the school, or visit to share memories and gain information from the expanding range of resources. The school class names reflect and recognise the commitment to the ANZAC link.

There are 168 First World War burials in the Sutton Veny Australian War Cemetery which is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Of these, 144 are Australian and include two nurses. What is especially sad is that many of these soldiers, so far from home, had survived the terrible conditions and slaughter on the battlefield only to die when they had returned to the safety of the quiet English village. Many succumbed to their wounds while others were struck down by the Spanish flu pandemic which hit Sutton Veny in 1918.

On Remembrance Day poppies are sent by the Geraldton City RSL, each child lays a poppy on one of the war graves. This has a profound impact on the children’s empathy and cultural understanding. It is a very moving service

Target & Uniting Church Christmas Appeal

Geraldton Store Manager, Mitch Baker, and Garth de Kock, Operations Manager at Lighthouse Church launch the Target and Uniting Church Christmas Appeal Campaign

The UnitingCare and Target Christmas Appeal has launched in all Target stores across Australia and will run through until Christmas Eve. The aim is to raise $1 million to assist families in need. Unlike previous years, customers at Target Stores will be able to simply purchase a $1 bauble gift tag at the checkout. Target will donate all the proceeds to the UnitingCare Christmas Appeal. Customers may also donate unwrapped gifts, as in the past, and leave these at the layby counter. Mitch Baker, manager at the Geraldton Store, says that there has already been a great response to the new system.

The administration of the Christmas Appeal takes place through local Uniting Churches. In Geraldton this happens through Lighthouse Church. Over many years, Lighthouse Church has sponsored a special day for the sharing of gifts with children of disadvantaged families through theTarget/UnitingCare Christmas Appeal.

This year’s Hands-on Christmas will take place from 9am to 11am on Sunday December 20th. It is a fun time for children to make Christmas craft items and hear the Christmas Story while parents choose gifts for them. Samantha Leonardis, who organizes the event, says that the response last year from the children was quite amazing. “It was the first time we did it this way and the children were a little wary at first, but in no time they were enthralled, moving from table to table to hear more of the Christmas Story and to make another craft item. It was a wonderful and emotional day for all of us. And the congregation were all involved in telling stories, helping the families and sharing the goodies”.

Any disadvantaged families wanting to share in the Hands-on Christmas should register at the Lighthouse Church office as soon as possible. Please note that the closing date is Friday December 11th.

Wastewater upgrades begin in Spalding

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has welcomed Water Minister Mia Davies announcement that the State Government would begin a project to replace 3.2 kilometres of wastewater main in Spalding, in mid-November.

“The $2.3 million project will cater for growth in the area and will also address the problems that Water Corporation has experienced with pipe bursts in recent years.

“I am pleased that this project is now being undertaken and I hope that this will bring an end to the deficiencies of the aging waste water pipe network that have affected residents who live in the area,” said MrBlayney

Minister Davies said that Water Corporation will carry out the project in two stages. The first stage of construction will begin at the existing Broome Street pump station and continue along Houston and Crawford streets.

The second stage will take place at the intersection of Webberton Road and Anderson Street and will continue south along the Webberton Road future extension. 

This project will ensure the area has the necessary infrastructure to grow and develop in future.   

The Minister said work would be carried out within existing road reserves and would also take place along the future road reserve earmarked for the extension of Webberton Road. 

"Traffic management will be in place and access to Houston and Crawford streets will be available for local road users," she said.

"Local residents will be contacted when their driveways need to be temporarily blocked. 

"I thank the community and road users for their patience while the Water Corporation undertakes this essential work." 

Geraldton Business Named Finalist in Business Awards

Geraldton-based event organiser Event Nation has been named a finalist in this year’s Western
Australian Regional Small Business Awards.

The business has made a name for itself for organising outstanding events throughout regional WA.

The WA Regional Small Business Awards recognise small business excellence across seven
categories, with one category winner being named WA’s Regional Small Business of the Year.

Each category winner will receive a cash prize and a trophy and the overall winner will receive
$25,000 worth of television advertising and the production of a 30-second commercial.

Winners will be announced at a gala dinner at the Hyatt Hotel in Perth on November 20.

Event Nation director Jodi Reilly said she was humbled and honoured to have been selected as a finalist.

“It’s a real honour to be recognised for all the hard work and passion the Event Nation team puts in to any project,” Ms Reilly said.

“We are so passionate about what we do, so it’s really fantastic to be recognised for the depth of service and commitment we offer our clients.”

Ms Reilly said small businesses were the lifeblood of Western Australia.

“There’s so much attention on the resources industry but 96.73 per cent of all WA businesses are small businesses,” she said.

“It’s the small businesses that prop up the local communities, whose owners live among its
customers, whose kids go to school locally.

“So it’s so nice to have an award that recognises the importance of small businesses to our
communities.”

Traffic Stop Leads to Multiple Arrests

On Sunday 1st November 2015, Mingenew Police with the assistance of Geraldton Police stopped a vehicle near the Geraldton Bowling Club, Onslow Street, Geraldton.  

As a result of enquiries, the vehicle was found to be stolen from a burglary which occurred in the early hours of the morning that same day. 

The vehicle was searched with house breaking implements, drugs and other items located.   

The driver, a 15 year old male from Wonthella, was charged with Steal Motor Vehicle, Trespass, and Stealing. 

One passenger, a 17 year old male from Karloo, was charged with Steal Motor Vehicle, Trespass, Possession of House Breaking Implements, Possess a Prohibited Drug with Intent to Sell or Supply and Stealing 

Another passenger, an 18 year old male from Wonthella, was charged with Steal Motor Vehicle, Trespass and 2 x Stealing.  

Another passenger, a 15 years old male from Wonthella, was charged with Steal Motor Vehicle and Use a Prohibited Drug.   

The offences are alleged to have occurred between the 1st and 2nd November 2015. 

The males will appear at Geraldton Magistrates and Children’s Court.

Burglary – Wonthella – Firearms Stolen

Between Friday 30th October 2015 and Saturday 31st October 2015, a burglary occurred at a premises on Second Street Wonthella where 2 x firearms were stolen. 

The firearms stolen were both double barrel shotguns. 

 Police are seeking assistance from the public in relation to the incident.  

If anyone has any information please call Geraldton Police on 99234555 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.