Free School Holiday Family Fun Next Week

Want to entertain the kids for free these school holidays? You can on Thursday 21 April at the Child and Parent Centre – Rangeway when they hold a free Family Fun Day with the Midwest Early Years Network.

From 9am to 1pm children aged between 0 and 8 years of age and their families are invited to join in the fun at the new centre on Hovea Street in Rangeway.  With airbrush tattoos, face painting, bouncy castles, play dough, water play, bubbles, sensory play, car restraint checks, art, craft and more; the day is sure to be a hit for young and old!

The Child and Parent Centre - Rangeway is a Department of Education, State funded initiative operated by the Geraldton Regional Community Education Centre. The centre offers a huge range of free activities, programs and services for children aged 0 to 8 and their families. You can visit them anytime during the week on Hovea Street in Rangeway, between 8am and 5pm. More information can be found at www.edcentre.wa.edu.au/events or by calling 9921 6814 or emailing cpc@edcentre.wa.edu.au

Geraldton Principal chosen to join Harvard elite

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has congratulated former Rangeway Primary School teacher Jacquie Quartermaine, on being one of twenty of Western Australia’s best public school principals to be selected to follow in the footsteps of Harvard alumni such as Barack Obama and Ban Ki-moon thanks to a partnership with the prestigious American university. 

“This wonderful news and a great achievement for Ms Quartermaine. She will be an outstanding ambassador for both Geraldton and Western Australia 

“As a Rangeway Primary School Board Member who has worked closely with Ms Quartermaine, I know the knowledge and experienced she gains will be put to good use when she returns,” said Mr Blayney. 

Education Minister Peter Collier said the principals would travel to Boston in June to learn from the world’s best educators, after being accepted into an intensive course delivered by the Harvard Graduate School of Education with online learning and executive mentoring. 

“The modern principal not only needs to be an exceptional leader, but an entrepreneur with the vision to drive new ideas,” Mr Collier said. 

“The Harvard experience offers a rare opportunity for Western Australian principals to explore leadership in partnership directly with their counterparts from around the world.” 

The 20 principals, who were selected from more than 130 applicants, lead a range of metropolitan and country schools including Broome Senior High School, Swan View Senior High School and Rangeway Primary School in Geraldton. 

“These principals were chosen because they have made an outstanding contribution to public education,” the Minister said. 

“On their return, they will provide expertise in future reform and innovation across all public schools, including their own.” 

A further 20 principals will be selected for the Fellowship Program in 2017.

Students benefit from $42,000 in scholarships through the Hollomby Foundation

Twenty Geraldton Universities Centre students will share in $42,000 in scholarships awarded through the Hollomby Foundation this year.

The GUC’s Hollomby Foundation is dedicated to the advancement of tertiary education in our region.  Named in honour of the late Joe Hollomby, the Foundation supports GUC and Mid West students to fulfil their dreams, building the capacity of our region.

This year’s recipients were chosen from the largest and strongest field of applicants yet, reflecting the record number of students studying at GUC in 2016.

2016Hollomby Foundation scholarship recipients:

Hollomby Foundation Scholarships in Nursing: Natalie Watts, Melissa Kiddle, TenaeMcCombe

Deepdale Bursary: Zoe Harrington

St John of God Health Care Geraldton Scholarship: Kimberly Ryles

St John’sKu’arlu Scholarship: DainiraPapertralk

Horwood Family Education Scholarship: Rachel Clancy

Mid West Development Commission: Jade Briggs

City of Greater Geraldton: Mikala Cooper, Morgan Freeman

Shire of Irwin Scholarship: Kobi Jeffery

Shire of Northampton: Melissa Mellan, Sonia Williams

The Hon. Paul Brown MLC, Member for the Agricultural Region: Brodie Drage, Ciarra Ryan

The Hon. Darren West MLC, Member for the Agricultural Region: Shaun Chester

Ian Blayney MLA, Member for Geraldton: SitaAjaran

Bendigo Bank: Michael Patrick

Bundiyarra Community Aboriginal Corporation: Rianna Pension

Rotary Club of Batavia Coast Scholarship: Danyelle Cowan

Enquiries from businesses or individuals wanting to sponsor a new scholarship are welcome, and should be directed to GUC on 9920 4400.

Sunset festival to celebrate National Youth Week

With National Youth Week in swing, the City of Greater Geraldton will be celebrating with the ‘Gero Youth Fest’ taking place this Thursday on the Foreshore.

A sunset festival event will include local stage performers, heaps of music, entertainment, rage cage activities and there will be lots of prizes to be won.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said he encouraged local youth to get down to the Foreshore to celebrate the great event.

“Our youth are the future of this community and it is important we engage with them and put on events such as this one,” he said.

“Every year we celebrate National Youth Week with great events and this year will be no exception.

“There will be some great local young artists down there providing musical entertainment plus heaps more so I hope everyone gets down there and joins in the festivities.”

National Youth Week 2016 is ustralia's largest celebration of young people and is celebrated all around the country.

The free event will take place on the Foreshore at the Youth Precinct on Thursday 14 April from 6pm – 9pm.

For more details visit the City’s website at www.cgg.wa.gov.au or call the City on 9956 6600.

Community invited to have their say on Beresford Foreshore amenities

Champion Bay Marina.

If you love the Beresford Foreshore you won’t want to miss the opportunity to have your say on the amenities you believe would improve this popular stretch of Geraldton once erosion protection is in place.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said although the engineering design solution to combat erosion and protect valuable infrastructure has already been approved, the City is keen to hear from the community about amenities for this Foreshore space.

“To prevent further erosion of the Beresford Foreshore and mitigate the risk to $55 million of State and City infrastructure located along this part of the coastline a multi-agency Ministerial Working Group has worked extensively with coastal experts to develop the Beresford Foreshore Coastal Protection and Enhancement Project Engineering and Detailed Design Solution,” he said.

The earthworks required to construct extensions to the offshore breakwater and marina groynes and to build three revetments to stabilise the beach present an opportunity for the community to have their say on the repair of damaged paths and landscaping, the replacement of amenities already lost from erosion and the inclusion of other amenities.

“The Beresford Foreshore is very popular and the City is keen to collaborate with the community to develop a priority list of amenities to be included in the staged development of the Foreshore and map out where these attractive extras should be placed,” said Mayor Van Styn.

There are two opportunities for members of the community to have their say on the amenities. The first is to complete the online Beresford Foreshore Amenities Survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/Beresfordforeshore  Hard copies of the survey can be found at the Civic Centre, Geraldton Regional Library and Aquarena.  Survey closes on 2 May 2016.

The second opportunity is to take part in the Beresford Foreshore Community Workshop on Saturday 14 May 2016 from 1.30pmto 3.30pm at the City Civic Centre.  Interested members of the community must register to secure a spot as participation numbers are limited.

Partial funding for construction of the project has already been secured.

“Mid West Ports Authority and the Mid West Development Commission have already agreed to partially fund the project and the City has also applied for grant funding to cover the remaining costs,” said Mayor Van Styn.

“By combining the engineering design solution with community priorities for amenities the Beresford Foreshore will continue to be part of the coastal lifestyle that makes our City such a great place to live.

If you would like to register for the workshop contact Communications Officer - Engagement Janell Kopplhuber on 9956 6945 or email janellk@cgg.wa.gov.au

For more information on the engineering solution search Beresford Foreshore Project on the City website www.gg.wa.gov.au.

The Comedy Emporium’s House Warming Show 2016

The Comedy Emporium is back with their cast of hilarious locals, and hilarious invaders ­ bringing you their first Showcase for the year on Friday 15 April, for their official housewarming!

Christening their new home with the first stand up comedy showcase for 2016, and bringing headliner Fabien Clark to join the fun, The Comedy Emporium want you to join them and reminisce about the old times. You might have to BYO chair but the crew are pumped and full of witty punch lines to settle you in.

“Fabien Clark spins tales and enthrals an ever­chuckling audience... Over the past 10 years, Fabien has established his comic career in the Adelaide scene, last year having impressively won the title of ‘Adelaide’s Comedian Of The Year’. And to top it off, he has single­handedly started and promoted the dreadlock­headscarf combo. One could try to liken the languid wizard of comedy to many other performers on the circuit, but in his low­key relatable humour lies a unique personal lens where the sandpit at his playgroup transforms to Pride Rock and the comedian is no longer Fabien Clark but The Lion King. Sharing Libra shopping expedition woes and craft table nightmares, this businessman from the ‘70s will have you simultaneously nodding and cackling.” Katie Bryant of ripitup.com.au reviews.

MC Luke Joesphe Ryan is sure to keep the House Warming Show rolling in laughs ­ "an unpredictable mix of smut, cheese and wit" reviews The West Australian and "He is brilliant and unpredictable. Comedy lives inside him. I love him. If you don't, you're dumb'" reviews Greg Fleet ­ supported by Jez Watts, other hilarious Perth acts and your favourite locals.

If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at a bit of standup, The Comedy Emporium are always welcoming new faces and would love to see you at their stand up workshops. You could even head down and join another regional team ­ then you don’t have to perform in front of an audience you know!

Tickets are available online now for just $25 (or less if you BYP chair!) at www.thecomedyemporium.com. If you’re late getting your ticket and buy it on the door, it costs more ­ just saying.

Call Ringmaster Julian Canny on 0458 306 111 or email laugh@thecomedyemporium.com for more information

Rob Jefferies stepping down from Chamber

For the past two years, Rob Jefferies has been leading the charge as the CEO of the MWCCI (Mid West Chamber of Commerce & Industry) and navigating its course through challenging economic times. Effective April 30th 2016, Mr Jefferies will step down as CEO, opening up an opportunity for an equally high calibre candidate to take over the reins. 

In his role as CEO, Rob’s influence and previous experience has given the chamber the opportunity to become a very influential organisation. His collaboration between government institutions, the city of greater Geraldton, the Midwest Development commission and also being on the forefront of dealing with new organisations and existing organisations within the Midwest region has given our members many opportunities. 

“It has been a great privilege to work with local businesses and where appropriate be their Voice on many issues and forums in the region” said Mr. Jefferies. Adding “I have made the decision to re-establish my consulting business based in the Mid West, and plan to work in facilitation of business and industry growth, regional development and to undertake project development and management.” 

The MWCCI’s efforts in the last few years through participation in regional planning, proactive engagement of government and industry leaders, taking on significant issues challenging our members’ growth and working to improve the regulatory environment businesses operate in, has established a very strong foundation to develop on. Under Rob’s leadership, the MWCCI has also dealt with many other community aspects which affect our small businesses in the region in relation to rates increases, Sunday trading and also collaborating with government on aspects which affect small business. 

From a chamber perspective Rob has driven the 2020 strategy which will pave the way for the future of the chamber to ensure it remains relevant and continue to provide a meaningful service to the business community. 

MWCCI President, Mr. Trevor Lake said “Rob has certainly paved the future of the Chamber and the next CEO’s role would have been moulded by Rob’s enthusiasm. His go, get and collaborative approach has certainly ensured that all parties who have Geraldton’s interests at heart will ensure that Geraldton and its business community benefit from this approach. We wish Rob all the best in his future endeavours and our hope is that our next CEO will benefit from the ties Rob has built.” 

The search for a new CEO begins. To learn more about the MWCCI, please call our office on 9964 6767 during normal trading hours.

Photos to Celebrate the Importance and Beauty of Rocks in the Murchison

Organisers of the Mount Magnet Astro Rocks Fest are calling for submissions of photos which celebrate the beauty and importance of rocks in the ancient Murchison region.

The photos will be displayed in the Murchison Geo Photo Exhibition, as part of the festival weekend which includes stargazing, talks from scientists, a visit from SciTech, and more over the weekend of May 13 and 14.

Last year’s rock photography exhibition included some 40 entries from around the region and was a popular addition to the festival program.

Mount Magnet Shire CEO, Warren Olsen said the Murchison was home to some of the most ancient rocks on the planet.

Warren said these rocks formed spectacular landscapes, and helped shape the history of the Murchison.

“Indigenous people in the Murchison region created rock art galleries and used rock ‘signposts’ to communicate with each other across space and time,” Warren said.

“They used rocks to grind seed and ochre and make tools. And rocks were vital holders of water in this dry landscape as naturally formed rock holes and gnamma holes.

Warren said rocks were just as important to Europeans, who used rocks to create outback hot water systems known as ‘donkeys’, fire-places and tanks and troughs at windmill sites.

“They also used rocks to create shelters and infrastructure for everything from shepherd huts, homesteads, shearing sheds, churches and chimneys to public buildings, road-works and railways,” Warren said.

“Rocks have been lifted, shifted and re-organised for living, working, mining and simply enjoying the Murchison region.”

Please email your photo entries (maximum of five per person), along with your name and contact detailsto hello@eventnation.com.au, before 4pm April 29.

Photos received after this date will not be accepted.

While copyright remains with photographer, the photos downloaded and displayed will remain property of Mount Magnet Astro Rocks Fest for display at the 2016 and future Astro Rocks Festivals.

The photos will go in the running for a ‘most popular photo’ prize as voted by the public.

For any queries relating to this exhibition or the 2016 Mount Magnet Astro Rock Fest please contact the event coordinators at Event Nation by email gina@eventnation.com.au or phone 08 99646088.

Aboriginal Youth to Get Healthy and Have a Blast

Aboriginal people aged between 12 and 25 are being urged to ensure they’re in good health – and have a blast while they’re at it – at the next free GRAMS Youth Health Day on Thursday April 14.

The Youth Health Day at Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service (GRAMS) from 9am to 3pm will enable anyone who has a free health check to go in the draw for a chance to win prizes such as driving lessons, pamper packs, Quicksilver Skateboard, Bikeand more.

The day will also host a workshop by graffiti street artist Shay Jackey who will encourage participants to try their hand at creating vibrant graffiti art.

There will also be the chance to capture all thefun in the ‘Gigglebox’ photobooth, as well as enjoy non-alcoholic drinks and a barbecue lunch, visit information stalls and take home free health promotion giveaways.

GRAMS Youth Project Officer Danielle Sutton said the Youth Health Days were designed to empower young Aboriginal men and women to make healthy changes to their lifestyle.

“We want to encourage young people to take control of their health not just when they are sick and to use the services that GRAMS provides on a regular basis,” Ms Sutton said.

“If people can make healthy lifestyle choices while they’re young, it will put them in great stead to go onto enjoy a healthy adulthood.

“This way we can enjoy a healthier community as a whole.”

GRAMS will offer free transport to and from the event. Please call (08) 9956 655 to arrange.

For more information, call GRAMS on the number above or visit the website www.grams.asn.au

Helping Yamatji Kids be healthy kids

Aboriginal parents will have the chance to give their kids a fun day out – and have the kids’ health checked while they’re at it – at the Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service (GRAMS) Child Health Day on April 20.

Children aged 0 to 5, and their older siblings, can visit the GRAMS Rifle Range premises for activities, a bouncy castle, face painting, giveaways, prizes and dress ups.

They will also be allocated into teams in which they work their way around the practice receiving different elements of their health checks as they go.

GRAMS CEO Deborah Woods said the day was a fun-filled way to ensure Aboriginal children are in good health.

“It’s a really great incentive to get the little ones along, have their immunisations updated, and conduct a whole range of health checks that help us prevent health problems later on,” Ms Woods said.

“The kids have a whole lot of fun while they’re at it and the parents can rest assured they are helping to keep their kids in good health.

“So many diseases and health problems can be avoided through preventative health care and early detection, helping our community to have healthier futures.

Children who complete their health checks will receive a goody and information bag, and go in the running for prizes includes that encourage outdoor activity, such as a trampoline and swing set.

The day runs from 9am to 3pm, a healthy lunch and a day of fun activities including the bouncy castle and face painting are included.

The antenatal and paediatrics clinics will operate as usual.

The Comedy Emporium’s House Warming Show 2016

The Comedy Emporium is back with their cast of hilarious locals, and hilarious invaders -bringing you their first Showcase for the year on Friday 15 April, for their official housewarming!

Christening their new home with the first stand up comedy showcase for 2016, and bringing headliner Fabien Clark to join the fun, The Comedy Emporium want you to join them and reminisce about the old times. You might have to BYO chair but the crew are pumped and full of witty punch lines to settle you in.

“Fabien Clark spins tales and enthrals an ever­chuckling audience... Over the past 10 years, Fabien has established his comic career in the Adelaide scene, last year having impressively won the title of ‘Adelaide’s Comedian Of The Year’. And to top it off, he has single­handedly started and promoted the dreadlock­headscarf combo. One could try to liken the languid wizard of comedy to many other performers on the circuit, but in his low­key relatable humour lies a unique personal lens where the sandpit at his playgroup transforms to Pride Rock and the comedian is no longer Fabien Clark but The Lion King. Sharing Libra shopping expedition woes and craft table nightmares, this businessman from the ‘70s will have you simultaneously nodding and cackling.” Katie Bryant of ripitup.com.au reviews.

MC Luke Joesphe Ryan is sure to keep the House Warming Show rolling in laughs ­ "an unpredictable mix of smut, cheese and wit" reviews The West Australian and "He is brilliant and unpredictable. Comedy lives inside him. I love him. If you don't, you're dumb'" reviews Greg Fleet ­ supported by Jez Watts, other hilarious Perth acts and your favourite locals.

If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at a bit of standup, The Comedy Emporium are always welcoming new faces and would love to see you at their stand up workshops. You could even head down and join another regional team ­ then you don’t have to perform in front of an audience you know!

Tickets are available online now for just $25 (or less if you BYP chair!) at www.thecomedyemporium.com If you’re late getting your ticket and buy it on the door, it costs more ­ just saying.

Call Ringmaster Julian Canny on 0458 306 111 or email laugh@thecomedyemporium.com for more information

Completion of Wastewater System Upgrade in City of Greater Geraldton

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has welcomed advice that Water Corporation have completed upgrades to Geraldton’s waste water system. 

“I am very pleased that the construction of 3.2 kilometres of wastewater pipeline on Broome Street and Webberton Road, started in November 2015 was completed in March 2016. 

“This work has improved the reliability of the wastewater services and will ensure that the area has the necessary infrastructure to grow in the future. 

“The pipeline was constructed using open trenching methods to minimise disruption to the community, who were regularly informed through direct mail outs, one-on-one consultation and advertising in the media. 

“I hope this upgrade puts an end to the spate of pipe bursts and the inconvenience experienced by residents in this area,” said Mr Blayney.

Supporting NAIDOC Week in Durack

The Turnbull Government will celebrate the history, culture and achievements of First Australians by supporting events to be held as part of National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week celebrations in July.

Member for Durack Melissa Price said the 2016 NAIDOC grant funding round was part of a more than $2 million commitment from the Australian Government to support NAIDOC celebrations this year.

Ms Price encouraged local organisations to consider applying for funding to help cover the costs of staging events during NAIDOC Week.

“Events can include anything from a community morning tea or barbecue to a flag-raising ceremony or art workshop,” Ms Price said.

“The Turnbull Government is supporting such activities through funding to come out of the Indigenous Advancement Strategy.”

“NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to get together and celebrate the unique place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia, and the national theme this year is Songlines - The living narrative of our nation,” Minister Nigel Scullion said.

“The theme highlights the importance of Dreamtime to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It commemorates the tracks they leave on the land as a record of ancestral spirits who ‘sung’ the land into life.”

Details in relation to the 2016 NAIDOC grant funding are available on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website.

Applications close 4pm AEST on Friday 29 April 2016.

Tariff cuts create more export opportunities for Durack

The opportunities for Durack businesses to export are continuing to grow, with a third round of tariff cuts under the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement (JAEPA).

Member for Durack Melissa Price said tariffs on a further 1200 products have fallen, providing a competitive boost for Australian exporters.

“92 per cent of Australian products are now entering Japan duty-free.  This will increase each year until 2034, when 98 per cent of our goods will enter duty free or receive Australia-only preferential access,” Ms Price said.

Ms Price said the three landmark free trade agreements the Coalition concluded with the major economies of North Asia are creating opportunities for Durack businesses to grow and expand.

“The agreements with Korea, Japan and China form a powerful trifecta, which are opening doors to millions more customers for Durack businesses,” Ms Price said. 

“These agreements are not just for big business and companies that are already active in international markets. They are for small and medium businesses to take advantage of.” 

Ms Price said the Coalition Government had launched a new FTA Portal to help small and medium businesses take advantage of the free trade agreements. 

“Many businesses are looking to export but are uncertain about how to go about it and whether they are price competitive,” Ms Price said. 

“The new FTA Portal seeks to answer those questions. It provides free and accurate information on tariffs under the FTAs so small and medium businesses can easily work out how price competitive they will be. 

“I want to see local businesses taking advantage of the free trade agreements to boost jobs and growth in the Durack economy.”

Top Para Triathlete Signed up for Geraldton Sporting competition

Western Australia’s top wheelchair para triathlete has added his name to the heavyweight line up of competitors taking part in this year’s Geraldton Toyota Endure Batavia Triathlon on April 17.

Two times para triathlete state champion Nige Young will compete in the gruelling long course, swimming 1.5km, bike riding for 44km and completing the 10km run in a racing wheelchair.

Mr Young is currently placed number one in the Sunsmart Sprint Series for men para triathletes in WA, and took out fourth place for Australia at the World Open Para Triathlon Championships in Chicago last year.

He also won the men’s para in the Busselton 70.3 Ironman competition in May last year. This is his first time competing in Geraldton.

“A good friend of mine, para cyclist Craig Parsons, has competed in Geraldton before and said it was the most amazing atmosphere and crowd so I’m really looking forward to competing,” Mr Young said.

Mr Young began his career as a triathlete as an 18-year-old in the UK, where he relished the chance to push his body to its limits.

But a car accident on the return from a duathlon when he was 20 resulted in a shattered neck and damaged spinal cord. Doctors told his parents there was a one per cent chance he’d ever be able to move a muscle below his neck. He’d be a virtual vegetable.

But, within months, Mr Young moved his left big toe and went on to regain movement in both legs. He went on to forge a career with the military in the UK but the damage his body sustained meant Mr Young never again considered competing in triathlons.

But one day after moving to Australia Mr Young found himself watching seemingly endless online videos of triathlons. He called the state and national triathlon associations to find out more and in 2014 discovered he could compete – swimming normally, completing the bike leg using a recumbent hand-cycle and running leg in a racing wheelchair.

But why does he push his ailing body to its extremes?

“It’s all about pushing boundaries and saying yes you have a spinal injury but that doesn’t mean life ends,” he said.

“I have always pushed boundaries – even before the accident – I love pushing my personal limits and proving to myself and others that you can do things even if you’re in a wheelchair or have a spinal injury.

“And, I love racing.”

For more information on Geraldton Toyota Endure Batavia Triathlon visit the website: www.geraldtontriclub.com.au/endure-batavia-triathlon.aspx 

Future of Rural Financial Counselling Service secured

Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price has welcomed today’s announcement by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Barnaby Joyce that funding for Rural Financial Counselling Services (RFCS) will continue for the next three years.

Ms Price said a new funding round would start from today and help support rural communities and clients in need for years to come.

“Twelve service providers around the nation will be able to continue their valuable work in helping our farming families, including Primary Production Services Inc,” Ms Price said.

“More than 5,000 clients across Australia accessed RFCS services last year, a clear indication of how valuable it is to farming businesses.

“The continuing funding package of $47 million through to 2019 demonstrates the Turnbull Government’ s absolute commitment to supporting our farmers, fishers, forest growers, forest harvesters and rural small businesses who need advice on managing their finances.”

Ms Price said core funding for the RFCS had continued to increase under the Turnbull Government, rising from $13.56 million in 2012-13 under Labor, to $15.01 million by the end of the new funding round in 2018-19.

“The Turnbull Government is also strengthening the programme by implementing enhancements flowing from the National Rural Advisory Council’s 2014 review of the RFCS, including increased flexibility to boost resources in areas where there is a spike in demand, such as communities hit by drought, flood and other events,” Ms Price said.

“While the number of service providers has been reduced from 14 regions to 12, it means more funds are available to help farmers rather than being spent on administration.

“It will allow more effective and efficient spending so clients can receive the same or higher levels of service, as well as better targeting of areas in need.

“Extra transitional funding has also been made available to regions most affected by the boundary changes, to make sure that services to clients continue smoothly.”

Ms Price said forest growers and harvesters would now be able to access the service, along with farmers, fishing enterprises and small related businesses that are in financial hardship.

“The RFCS is jointly funded and I certainly welcome the ongoing commitment of state and territory governments in supporting the programme. It has been providing an important service to farmers and rural communities for almost 30 years, and we are continuing to demonstrate our commitment to this service,” Ms Price said.

For more information, visit: agriculture.gov.au/rfcs.

Blayney asks new Planning Minister to visit Southgate Dunes

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has invited new Planning Minister Hon Donna Faragher to Geraldton so that she can better evaluate the implications of any changes to the local planning scheme. 

“I would certainly welcome the opportunity to show Minister Faragher the dunes and meet with agencies to discuss the potential for degradation and erosion that may arise from any proposed development. 

“Community sentiment has changed since the City’s proposal to change the local planning scheme to allow development was put forward. 

“There is no appetite in Geraldton for either change to the scheme or development of the dunes. 

“This is an important issue for Geraldton and I look forward to hearing that Minister Faragher has accepted my invitation

Study on potential effects of coastal erosion completed

The City has recently received the Town Beach to Drummond Cove Inundation and Coastal Processes Study and will be releasing it to the community on Tuesday 5 April 2016.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ken Diehm said Council had resolved to undertake the study to get a better understanding of how sea level rise, coastal erosion and inundation may impact the Geraldton community.

“Last year the City commissioned MP Rogers, a highly qualified and experienced coastal consultancy, to undertake two coastal processes studies, one for Point Moore and the other for the area from Town Beach to Drummond Cove,” he said.

“Both reports utilised historical data, water level records, studies on coastal processes, cyclone storm surge modelling and current rates of erosion to make predictions about what may happen to our coastline.

“Maps in the reports show the extent of possible coastal erosion over four different time periods and the areas that could be inundated by different intensities of storm events over these timeframes.”

As the Town Beach to Drummond Cove Inundation Study is highly technical the City will be holding two Community Information Sessions on 6 April to present the report findings in laymen terms and dispel rumours.

“Given the technical nature of the Study the City has decided to hold two community information sessions as soon as the report is made public to provide clarity around the findings and prevent misinformation being spread in the community,” said Mr Diehm.

“Consultants MP Rogers will make presentations at both meetings and be able to answer questions related to the study.

“The Information Sessions are open to anyone interested in our coastline and I encourage members of our community to come along.”

Two Community Information Sessions will be held on Wednesday 6 April at 2pm and 5.30pm at the QEII Upper Hall.

The Inundation Study will be available on the City’s website on Tuesday 5 April 2016 after 5.00pm.

Triple J just announced that "One Night Stand" will be in Geraldton this year!

In a huge announcement from triple j, Geraldton will host some of Australia’s biggest music acts as part of triple j’s music festival ‘One Night Stand’.

In an announcement today, the radio station confirmed that Geraldton was the chosen location for the event on 9 April which will include artists Boy & Bear, Alison Wonderland and Urthboy along with special guests.

Every year triple j chooses one place in Australia to host One Night Stand and Mayor Shane Van Styn said this was a huge opportunity for Geraldton and the region. 

“It’s absolutely amazing to have the calibre of artists come to the Mid West and play in Geraldton,” he said. 

“The event will bring people from all across the state so it’s a great win for our local economy and community.” 

The all ages, drug and alcohol free event has proved extremely popular in the past visiting places including Dubbo, Mildura, Collie and Alice Springs. 

Psyched to be heading to WA, triple j Content Director Ollie Wards said everyone at triple j is really excited to be road tripping to Geraldton with some awesome musical mates.

“We’re lucky to cover so much of this massive country and visiting cool regional towns like Geraldton is one of the best things we get to do,” he said.

“We can’t wait to throw the biggest free concert the town has ever seen and maybe try the famous lobster while we’re there!”

Mayor Van Styn said the City is continuing to put an emphasis on bringing top-class entertainment to Geraldton.

“We have seen the success of big events such as Cold Chisel last year and we want to continue to bring big names here,” he said. 

“Often regional places are left off the map when it comes to big acts but we want to change that.

“It is with the support of the community that we are able to bring such amazing events here and we hope the community will support this one with gusto.

“A big shout out also goes to local resident Brad Gundlach for nominating Geraldton to be in the running to host this event. 

Entry for the event will be a gold coin donation with money going towards a local youth charity which will be announced at a later date.

One Night Stand in Geraldton will be held at the WA Country Builders Stadium (Wonthella Oval) on Saturday 9 April with gates opening from 3pm. 

There will be regular updates and more information on the City’s website and Facebook page.

Who’s up for a One Night Stand in… GERALDTON, WESTERN AUSTRALIA!!!???

Posted by triple j on Wednesday, March 9, 2016

We're pumped to bringing the #triplejONS party to... GERALDTON, WA!!!! https://t.co/k34lpKvhrY pic.twitter.com/y3U5QzVzvE

— triple j (@triplej) March 10, 2016

Government Increases Pensioner Rate Concession Cap

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has welcomed the State Government’s announcement that it has now made a final determination and approved the capped limits for eligible pensioners in respect of local government rates and water rates concessions, to apply for the 2016-17 rating year. 

“I’m very pleased the Government has listened to the concerns of Western Australia’s seniors and raised the local government rates cap to $750, an increase on the previously announced amount of $550, effective 1 July 2016,” said Mr Blayney. 

“The State Government offers a generous range of additional concessions and rebates, including the seniors Cost of Living Rebate, the Energy Assistance payment and importantly the Aged Pension Fuel Card. 

“Western Australia has the most generous rates concessions in the nation.  In 2015-16 across Australia the average value of Local Government Rates concessions for seniors and pensioners is $230.  The average value of Water Service concessions across the States, with the exception of New South Wales, is around $250,” Mr Blayney said. 

The State Government will provide an estimated $2.6 billion in social concessions in 2015-16 in the form of rebates, discounts, subsidies and direct payments to improve the affordability of services and help reduce the cost of living for individuals and families.  

In the 2015-16 Budget the Government announced its intentions to introduce a number of reforms to social concessions to better target assistance to those most in need.  The introduction of a dollar cap to the rebates was one of the reforms.  

The State Government is now working to increase the range of Seniors Card rewards, this March releasing an Expression of Interest call for the private sector to put forward an innovative model to broaden Seniors Card benefits.