Fishability Program Launches in Geraldton

Fishability (formerly Fishers with Disabilities Association Inc.) is a Western Australian charity which provides regular recreational fishing opportunities for children and adults living with disabilities. Over the years, the Association has grown and expanded its reach to include any members in the community requiring support to go fishing. Disability Service Providers, Aged care facilities; Education Support Centres; participants with mental health issues and socially isolated members of our community all benefit from the recreational fishing activities.

Under the leadership and guidance of a skill based Executive Management Board, and as a result of supply and demand, Fishability has expanded its programs in to Geraldton and secured local residents Peter Stratford and Chris Wilson who has volunteered to oversee the regular ongoing program.

Peter has years of recreational fishing experience having performed his role as Volunteer Fishing Liaison Officer with the Department of Fisheries for many years in Geraldton. Chris, an Iluka employee with a passionate civic mind to serve within the community identified with Fishability and also put his hand up to support the organisation to get the program up and running.

The introduction of Fishability will ensure a sustainable and regular program of activities in Geraldton, catering to children and adults in the community requiring support to experience the joy of fishing. The ongoing activities are supported by Fishability volunteers and are delivered at no cost to the participant.

The Fishability program officially commences in Geraldton on Thursday 28th July at the Batavia Museum Boardwalk and will continue on a monthly basis. http://fishability.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Geraldton-Calendar-Jul-to-Sep-2016.pdf

With the ongoing support from Department of Fisheries and Recfishwest, peak body for recreational fishing and through the Recreational Fishing Initiative Fund, Fishability has been able to design and manufacture a purpose built trailer and equip it with the fishing and safety gear required to deliver an effective, safe and welcoming program to the Geraldton community.

Fishability Executive Officer, Di Bruce said: “With a strong presence of members in the Perth metropolitan and Albany, Busselton and Mandurah areas, the Executive Management Board felt it timely to expand the operations of the organisation and provide our programs to children and adults living with disabilities in Geraldton. With emphasis on participation and ability rather than disability, the Geraldton Fishability team will ensure everybody has the opportunity to experience fishing with the support from volunteers, family and friends. With the modified equipment Fishability can offer our participants, it means that every person can enjoy the right to fish, regardless of age, disability or experience.

Changes to opening hours and pool modifications at Aquarena

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise changes to pool modifications and the opening hours and at the Aquarena during winter.

The leisure pool will be closed from Monday 18 July to Sunday 11 September. The multipurpose pool (lapping pool) and hydrotherapy are still in operation as normal.

Winter hours:

• Monday to Friday – 5.30am to 7pm
• Weekends – 9am to 2pm

For more information, contact the Aquarena on 9956 6906 or email aquarena@cgg.wa.gov.au

Bret Mosley Dinner/Show at the Bootenal Family Tavern

BRET MOSLEY

DINNER and SHOW

BOOTENAL FAMILY TAVERN
SATURDAY 6th AUGUST

With the popularity of the Andrew Winton Dinner/Show recently we've organised another interesting & talented musician to entertain you with his music & knowledge, from the USA this time.

Bret Mosley enthralled the audience over two days at the Nukara Music Festival in March this year with his Americana styled grooves. 

And what an interesting guy as he has done everything from been a ranch hand, linebacker, fur trapper, ballet dancer, stockbroker, actor, computer programmer, Pilates instructor & art handler, plus he's been playing music since he was 6 years old. What a fulfilled life!

Tickets are limited again to 60 places @ $60 per head which includes a 2 course meal. Avoid missing out on this show by booking ASAP.

BOOKINGS: please phone 99233707 (eftpos/credit card or cash if you're out at the Booty)

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Shore-Tension Units a potential boost for Geraldton tourism and industry

The use of Shore Tension mooring units are a potential game-changer for Geraldton’s tourism and export industries, according to local MP Ian Blayney. 

Mr Blayney, Geraldton MLA, said “I am very excited about the potential of the Shore Tension units recently trialled at Geraldton Port. 

“This would be a real shot-in-the-arm for Geraldton tourism and extra business for the Port. 

 “Berth 2 could also be suited to regular visits of live cattle export ships, which could allow the expansion of the Midwest as a finishing region for pastoral cattle and switching of export from Fremantle. 

“A number of options have been looked at to address the issue of the long- wave, or surge, in Geraldton Port.  The shore-tension units appear to address it, and could be highly cost-effective.”

Mr Blayney said “I have discussed the Shore Tension unit’s potential with the Port Authority and with Premier Colin Barnett. 

“The Premier is very interested in them and I expect, if the trial report is positive that he would support the procurement of sufficient units to open this window of opportunity,” Mr Blayney concluded. 

The units are a Dutch invention and when deployed maintain a constant mooring line tension.  Traditional rope mooring lines have limited capacity to control the movement of a moored vessel under high wind or swell conditions.  Uncontrolled movement of moored vessels is a significant risk to port and vessel infrastructure.  

The constant mooring line pressure applied by the Shore Tension units is designed to dampen the movement of moored vessels and enables vessels to remain safely moored in conditions that would be otherwise unsafe.  

Mid West Ports has recently trailed the use of Shore Tension units to assess their performance in Geraldton harbour’s high energy environment.  The trial was conducted under the guidance of Dr Tim Gourlay from Curtin University’s Centre for Marine Science and Technology.   

The trial report is being drafted and we hope this will confirm that Geraldton’s under-utilised Berth 2 could be used for the safe and reliable mooring of future cruise vessels in most weather conditions. 

Go to www.shoretension.nl to have a look at the units.

Record student numbers and courses continue to grow at GUC

Student numbers at the Geraldton Universities Centre (GUC) continue to grow and so too the range of quality supported and mix-mode delivered programs offered at the Centre to grow community capacity and higher education engagement in the region.

With the addition of 43 newly enrolled students starting programs in 2nd semester, GUC now has a record 279 students studying across its programs in 2016.

New students are enrolled in Bridging (STEPS), Accounting, Business, Education, Nursing and Psychology.

GUC is also looking to introduce at least one new program in 2017, with the Board endorsing Secondary Education to its suite of CQUniversity Education programs.

“This development would strengthen education options for mid-west students who will then be able to graduate in programs from early childhood and primary education through to secondary education, providing qualified local professionals for the region across the whole education system,” Director Natalie Nelmes said.

“Already GUC has run a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education, but now this new course will be available for students with no previous degree.”

Subject to signing off on an agreement with CQU, the potential for Secondary Education to run at GUC will see students undertaking mixed mode delivery across education core units and units in their chosen discipline area of secondary teaching.

Discipline Teaching areas include; Accounting, Business, Biology, Chemistry, English, Geography, Health and Physical Education, History, Home Economics & Hospitality, Industrial Technology & Design, and, Mathematics.

The CQU program also offers a unique opportunity for trade-to-teacher pathways. Students enrolling in discipline areas of Industrial Design and Technology or Home Economics and Hospitality can receive recognition of prior learning if they have previously completed a trade certificate, an Australian apprenticeship with teaching experience or 3-5 years trade work experience in the relevant industry.

“Trade professionals who have experienced a downturn in their fields of industry locally can consider upscaling their education and find a pathway into alternative employment as a trained professional secondary teacher,” Ms Nelmes said.

Photo credit: New STEPS students at Orientation session.

$23.1million secured for Beresford Foreshore works

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn, Ian Blayney MLA, Paul Brown MLC and Minister Terry Redman.

A total of $23.1million has been announced for erosion works along the Beresford Foreshore.

Minister for Regional Development and Lands Terry Redman was in Geraldton yesterday and made the announcement which includes $17.28million from the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program, $4million from Mid West Ports and $1.85million from the City of Greater Geraldton.

The project will involve off-shore works to mitigate erosion including a protective 100 metre breakwater extension to the detached breakwater, a 45m extension to the existing groyne and three shore based retaining structures.

Public amenities will also be included in the works which will be funded by the City’s contribution.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said he was happy to hear Minister Redman say the works would help enhance and unlock the area and create a space that people want to be a part of.

“We’ve been working constructively with the State Government for more than two years and this is the best outcome we could have hoped for,” Mayor Van Styn said.

“This is a great collaborative effort between many parties to finally bring together a long term solution for our coast.

“It has taken some time but this is a very significant start and we look forward to continuing the discussions to ensure the best result for our whole city,” Mayor Van Styn added.

The City undertook engagement workshops with the community to develop a priority list of amenities to be included in the staged development of Beresford Foreshore.

Local residents had their say on the repair of damaged paths and landscaping, the replacement of facilities already lost from erosion and the inclusion of other amenities.

Amenity works on the foreshore will include landscaping, barbecues, picnic settings, benches, bicycle racks, showers, play equipment, lighting, drinking fountains and shade structures.

The works led by the City are set to be completed mid 2018 with tenders to go out in approximately four weeks.

Kids come to the crease at Bluff Point

Children at Bluff Point Primary School enjoying the after school Cricket Skills program.

Children at Bluff Point Primary School (BPPS) have been enthusiastic participants in an after-school Cricket Skills and School Attendance Program.

Sponsored by the Geraldton Sporting Aboriginal Corporation (GSAC) and Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA), the nine week program ran every Wednesday afternoon throughout Term Two.

GSAC provided three trained staff, the cricket equipment and healthy food for the sessions, and the WACA paid for a coordinator to supervise the students at each of the sessions.

The idea for the program was developed in conjunction with Research Assistant Lenny Papertalk from the WA Centre for Rural Health, in consultation with the Bluff Point Primary School (BPPS) Aboriginal Parent group.

‘Parents and teachers of BPPS were looking for something to engage the children and improve attendance levels at school.’

‘An after school sporting program seemed like a solution to keep the kids engaged and active,’ Ms Papertalk said.

Principal of BPPS Celine Bellve said the program was a great success with a huge turnout of children attending each week.

‘It’s been great to see such a mix of ages come along and to watch the older children being role models to the younger ones.’

‘Best of all, this program has encouraged our children to play a sport and have a go,’ Ms Bellve said.

With renewed funding, BPPS and GSAC would like to see the program continue at the school, possibly with a different sport.

GSAC Project Officer Adrian Bartlett can see the potential for programs like these to grow and be run in schools across Geraldton.

‘There is no doubt in my mind that sporting programs increase children’s health, behaviour and willingness to attend school.

‘Children learn the importance of sportsmanship, team spirit and respect for each other by creating a fun, positive, healthy environment for children to look forward to,’ Mr Bartlett said.

Long tedious grant applications – a thing of the past

Water Monitoring with the Friends of Moore River Estuary.

Long tedious grant applications may be a thing of the past – as a new quick and simple approach has proved successful for five community groups in the NACC NRM Region to obtain funding for small coastal projects.

Dune restoration and protection at Coronation Beach and Glenfield Beach; revegetation at Jacques Point and the Lancelin foreshore; and water quality monitoring at the Moore River Estuary; are just a few of the projects that were funded through the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council’s easy to apply Coastal Quick Step grants program last year.

The grant program has been designed exclusively to service community groups for small one-off projects, up to $2,000, that can be completed in a short timeframe.

NACC Coastal and Marine Project Officer Hamish Longbottom said “The grants are designed to be easy for groups to quickly turn good ideas into reality. It’s amazing what a difference these relatively smaller projects are having in our coastal communities.”

The Coastal Quick Step grants are a part of NACC’s Coastal Community Grants program which will be opening in mid-July providing up to $10,000 for larger projects aimed at improving the management of our region’s unique coastal environment.

“We are looking forward to seeing more of these kinds of projects that contribute towards the successful protection and management of our coastline,” said NACC Coastal and Marine Project Officer Vanessa McGuiness.

For more information on the NACC’s Coastal and Marine Program, and opportunities to apply for the grants, please contact Vanessa McGuiness at Vanessa.McGuiness@nacc.com.au or on 9938 0108.

The grants programs are supported by NACC, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme. 

Revegetation of the coastal dunes undertaken by the Kalbarri Boardriders and local volunteers at Jacques Point.

Funds for Beresford Foreshore erosion works

Works to address erosion of Beresford Foreshore in Geraldton are part of a $23.1 million project announced today.

Nationals WA Member of Parliament and candidate for the seat of Geraldton, Paul Brown MP, said this project is vital to protect an important part of our community and is supported by $17.28 million from the Royalties for Regions program, and would address an ongoing and expensive erosion problem along the Beresford Foreshore.

“The Beresford Foreshore, along with St George’s Beach, Sunset Beach and Drummonds Cove, all located north of the Geraldton port, have all been severely impacted by coastal erosion in recent years,” Mr. Brown said.

“Works will soon begin on the Beresford Foreshore to address the threat to the sensitive coastal environment and critical public and private infrastructure including a protective breakwater extension and an extension to the existing groyne.”

Also speaking at the event on behalf of the Minister for Transport Dean Nalder MLA was his Parliamentary Secretary, the Hon Jim Chown MLC.

“I have actively been lobbying for a state government solution for the Beresford foreshore and it is pleasing to see the Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister for Transport acknowledge the role that the Geraldton Port and its infrastructure have played in hastening coastal erosion in the City,” Mr Brown said.

The Beresford Foreshore project will involve off-shore works to mitigate erosion including a protective 100m breakwater extension to the detached breakwater, an extension to the existing groyne and three retaining structures.

“This project is the outcome of multiple coastal engineering investigations based on extensive wave, current and sediment flow data gathered over a decade,” Mr. Brown said.

“The detailed sand nourishment and protection structure designs have been heavily scrutinised and peer reviewed by national and international experts.”

Mr. Brown said the project will reactivate and revitalise the Beresford shoreline making it a more attractive and versatile public space for locals and visitors alike

The project will be managed by the City of Greater Geraldton and is expected to be completed in 2018. 

Mayor Shane Van Styn, Ian Blayney MLA, Paul Brown MP and Minister Terry Redman MLA.

Ian Blayney calls on the State Government for Coastal Erosion Assistance

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has called on the State Government to offer financial assistance to protect Geraldton from the impacts of coastal erosion at Beresford Foreshore and Drummond Cove, two sites of immediate concern.

During a Grievance to the Minister for Transport, Mr Blayney outlined the damage to property that had occurred to date and the vulnerability of millions of dollars of both State and Local Government infrastructure.

“I have contacted 560 households at Drummond Cove to gauge local feeling on this issue,” said Mr Blayney.

“From the responses I’ve received so far, about 68 per cent of the residents are in favour of preserving the current coastline, while 22 per cent consider retreat a more sustainable option.

“In relation to Whitehill Road 89 per cent of the residents wish to retain a road in a similar position.

“Assets at risk along this stretch of coastline include a high voltage electrical cable, a telecommunications cable and sewerage infrastructure. If the coastal erosion extends further inland beyond the tree line, there is significant risk to residential housing,” said Mr Blayney.

The Minister responded that the Department of Transport had been closely involved in the development of a solution for Beresford Foreshore and the Government was in the final stages of considering a long term solution to an ongoing and permanent erosion problem that threatens critical infrastructure and liveability along the priority Beresford coast.

He also thanked the Member for Geraldton for raising the issues with him on behalf of the people of Geraldton, and he looks forward to working with Mr Blayney to find a long term solution for the community.

Regional Vision Revised

The Northern Agricultural Catchment Council (NACC) is excited to announce the 2016 update of Northern Agricultural Region’s NRM Strategy is now delivered on the NARvis website. The update is the culmination of input gathered from a range of community workshops and stakeholder surveys carried out over the past four years.

NARvis aims to provide valuable information, resources and links to support and inspire positive action, along with showcasing the updated regional aspirations and goals – which will provide strategic direction for future projects and NRM funding in order to maximise the benefits from these investments.

NACC would like to say a massive “THANK YOU” to everyone who has contributed in one way or another towards helping to make the regional aspirations and goals a true reflection of the community’s vision for the region.

Project Coordinator and NACC Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Coordinator Emma Jackson said “While NACC has facilitated the update of the NRM strategy, we couldn’t have done this without the valuable input and direction of a vast range of stakeholders.

“NARvis has been developed by, and for the benefit of, the regional community. It has been awesome to have so many different people involved in the project,” she said.

What’s new on NARvis:

Revised regional aspirations and goals.

Updated regional climate change information and projected impacts, based on the most recent modelling by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) and CSIRO, along with mitigation and adaptation options, including inspiring case studies.

New Aboriginal History and Culture theme page, to further recognise and support the important contribution of our region’s Traditional Owners in managing natural resources.

These improvements are reflected in the recently released NARvis Summary Document Version 2

What’s next for NARvis:

Continuing to showcase more regional NRM projects and case studies on the NARvis website, and count the contribution of these projects towards achieving the regional goals – members of the community working on projects can contact NACC directly, or Share Your Project with NACC via the online form.

Developing strategies and working towards achieving the goals identified on NARvis. Find out how you can get involved, from recycling to applying for a grant, and everything in between!

Continuing to review and improve NARvis and the regional goals as community priorities change.

Please jump online and check-out the Northern Agricultural Region’s NRM Strategy – visit: www.narvis.com.au. There are videos to help navigate the site, and opportunities to leave a comments at the bottom of any of the webpages, to help in the further development of the strategy. 

Geraldton Universities Centre unveils Birndu Nyina Garden in honour of Aboriginal graduates and award winning students.

Geraldton Universities Centre will this week unveil the Birndu Nyina Garden with a NAIDOC Week morning tea on Friday 8 July, from 10.30am-12noon. 

Birndu Nyina means to sit quietly in Wajarri language, with the extended title; Birndu nyinamanha, nganggun-nganggunmanha meaning to sit quietly thinking, to ponder. 

Overlooking Geraldton CBD, the secluded native garden is a commemorative and meeting space celebrating the achievements and contributions of Aboriginal students who have graduated in Geraldton and those that have been awarded scholarships through organisations supporting the Hollomby Foundation. 

Featuring a central sitting place where a native tree will grow - shading the area - will be plaques of the names of alumni Aboriginal students, supporting organisations and the scholarship recipients. 

“Building aspiration and increasing the numbers of Aboriginal students at GUC to reflect the percentage of Aboriginal people in our wider population is a key aim at GUC. This garden will be a special place for students to come and relax and take in the beautiful surrounds, but also a place to recognise the wonderful achievements of Aboriginal students who have graduated out of programs here” GUC Chair Steve Douglas said. 

To date there have been 14 Aboriginal graduates in programs such as Nursing, Social Science, Indigenous Sector Management, Business Accounting, Early Childhood and Primary Education. Over the last 4 years 9 Aboriginal students have been awarded scholarship through the Hollomby Foundation, including recent recipient, Dainira Papertalk, who was awarded the inaugural Ku’Arlu Nursing scholarship and industry placement at the St John of God Hospital Geraldton, as well as the Yanburi scholarship through Sinosteel Midwest Corporation. 

Bundiyarra Aboriginal Community Aboriginal Corporation is an integral long-term donor through the Hollomby Foundation and has supported scholarships for Aboriginal students, with the current recipient in 2016 being Rianna Pension. 

Currently, 18 Aboriginal students are enrolled in programs at GUC across all the programs currently offered; Bridging, Accounting, Business, Education, Engineering Nursing, Psychological Science and Social Work. 

GUC acknowledges the financial support from Bundiyarra Aboriginal Community Aboriginal Corporation to host this event during NAIDOC Week 2016, and the language support from Irra Wangga Language Centre. 

Funds for Beresford Foreshore erosion works

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has welcomed works to address the erosion of Beresford Foreshore in Geraldton as part of a $23.1 million project announced today.  

“This is the first section of Geraldton’s vulnerable foreshore to be addressed,” said Mr Blayney. 

“The project, which is supported by $17.28 million from the Liberal National Government’s Royalties for Regions program, will address an ongoing and expensive erosion problem at Beresford Foreshore. 

“The Beresford Foreshore, located north of the Geraldton marina, is an important part of the Geraldton waterfront and has been severely impacted by coastal erosion in recent years,” said Mr Blayney. 

“Works will soon begin to address the threat to the sensitive coastal environment and critical public and private infrastructure including a protective breakwater extension and an extension to the existing groyne.” 

Mr Blayney said the project will involve off-shore works to mitigate erosion including a protective 100m breakwater extension to the detached breakwater, an extension to the existing groyne and three retaining structures.  

“This project is the outcome of multiple coastal engineering investigations based on extensive wave, current and sediment flow data gathered over a decade,” Mr Blayney said. 

“The detailed sand nourishment and protection structure designs have been heavily scrutinised and peer reviewed by national and international experts.” 

Mr Blayney said the project will reactivate and revitalise the Beresford shoreline making it a more attractive and versatile public space for locals and visitors alike 

The project will be managed by the City of Greater Geraldton and is expected to be completed in 2018.

“I have also surveyed residents of the Drummond Cove area, to better understand their expectations regarding the stabilisation of the coastline, and the consequences of this action.  

“I look forward to working with the Council, state government agencies and the residentsof the affected areas, to find ways to address the coastal erosion issue as a matter of priority,” said Mr Blayney.

Emergency sand nourishment to slow Drummond Cove coastal erosion

In an effort to slow down the rate of coastal erosion, save trees and protect at risk state government infrastructure sand nourishment works will begin today along Whitehill Road in Drummond Cove.

The works expected to take five days to complete will see approximately 5,000m3 of sand placed along the shoreline.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said that although Council recognises sand nourishment is only a temporary solution, it aligns with the community’s preferred option to combat the erosion of Whitehill Road.

“Council understands sand nourishment is only a stop gap measure but we are faced with an imminent threat and understand the sand could wash away quickly,” he said.

“However, it is better than no action at all and has the support of the Drummond Cove Progress Association and was also identified by the local community as the preferred temporary solution during the Whitehill Road Community Workshop held in May.

“At this point, $50,000 in emergency funds for sand nourishment will hopefully buy us some time to continue discussions with Western Power, Telstra and Watercorp regarding at risk infrastructure and medium term solutions such as sand bags, rock revetments or concrete squares on matting can be investigated.

“Permanent solutions to coastal erosion at Drummond Cove cannot be considered by Council until data collection and modelling of the ocean currents in the area are undertaken and Coastal Adaptation Planning for the entire Geraldton coast has been completed,” Mayor Van Styn said.

Premier opens elements with a focus on access and inclusion

WA Premier Colin Barnett has today opened three facilities on the Geraldton Foreshore that have a strong emphasis on access and inclusion.

A wheelchair beach access ramp, the Francis Street Finger Jetty and the Changing Places facility were all officially opened, highlighting the City’s dedication to access and inclusion.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the three elements kept in line with community’s top priority.

“Access and inclusion was identified as a top priority during the 2015/16 10-year Capital Works Plan and the City remains committed to improving the lives of those living with disability,” he said.

“Providing accessible and inclusive facilities on the Geraldton Foreshore is just one of the measures to ensure all members of our community can enjoy our coastal lifestyle, regardless of ability.”

Upgrades to the Foreshore toilet block are complete and it now features an integrated adult change table and hoist facility, making it the first facility in WA to receive type 2 ‘Changing Places’ accreditation.

The Changing Places facility also provides people with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy the beach via the newly installed mobility beach access path for wheelchairs. A specially designed beach wheelchair is also available for use.

In addition to the Changing Places facility, the Francis Street Finger Jetty was recently demolished and rebuilt as a 39m long and 1.3m wide stepped jetty that makes it easier for people with mobility impairments to board and disembark vessels.

Totalling over $875,000 the elements were partially funded by the Disability Services Commission and the Department of Transport Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme and the City. 

Geraldton Multipurpose Centre officially opens

Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett has today opened the Geraldton Multipurpose Centre and Youth Precinct on the Geraldton Foreshore with the project totalling over $9million.

Boasting a board room with stunning ocean views, as well as a function room, meeting rooms, commercial kitchen and an outdoor stage set in pristine park land, this state-of-the-art facility is the crowning jewel of the West End Revitalisation Project.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the opening of the Centre was a momentous occasion for the City.

“The Geraldton Multipurpose Centre is a stunning building and the City is very pleased to be able to show off the hard work that has gone into realising the community’s vision for this space,” he said.

The Geraldton Multipurpose Centre will be available to hire for both corporate and private functions such as meetings, conferences and events.

The versatile outdoor space will also play host to a variety of community celebrations such as Australia Day and Festivals on the Foreshore.

“This space will be a great hub for many of our local events on the Foreshore,” Mayor Van Styn said.

“With the Youth Precinct and the beautifully restored Original Railway Building adjacent, this area will be a hive of activity and a great place for our community to enjoy.”

In addition to the facilities that can be hired by the general public, the Geraldton Multipurpose Centre will also be the home of organisations such as TS Morrow and Geraldton and Districts Offshore Fishing Club.

Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price MP joined Colin Barnett in opening the facility today.

“This project is a great addition to Geraldton,” Ms Price said.

“Geraldton is a great regional city which continues to grow, and I believe this project will help enhance the city’s attraction to live and visit.”

Construction of the Geraldton Multipurpose Centre commenced in early 2015 after extensive consultation with the community.

Regional Development Australia provided $4.1million for the Geraldton Multipurpose Centre and Youth Precinct, with $1million from Lotterywest, $60,000 from Variety WA and a contribution of $3.86million from the City. 

West End Revitalisation Project finalised with opening of final elements

Today’s official opening of the Geraldton Multipurpose Centre and other elements on the Foreshore by WA Premier Colin Barnett marks the completion of the West End Revitalisation Project.

The project commenced in 2013 and involved the construction of the Eastern Breakwater and Youth Precinct, refurbishment of the original Railway Building, upgrade of the Foreshore toilet block, reconstruction of the Francis Street Finger Jetty, the installation of a mobility beach access ramp, and the construction of the Geraldton Multipurpose Centre and Event Space.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said that it was fantastic to see everything come together to create such a wonderful space for the community to enjoy.

“We’re pleased that Premier Colin Barnett could be here for such a momentous occasion for Geraldton and the Midwest,” he said.

“The opening of the various elements on the Foreshore completes the transformation of the West End into a vibrant and lively space that everyone can enjoy.

“We have put a very strong focus on access and inclusion, and we are very pleased with the final product.”

The $11.1million project was funded by Regional Development Australia, Royalties for Regions through the Mid West Development Commission, Mid West Investment Plan, Lotterywest, Mid West Port Authority, the Department of Transport Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme, the Disability Services Commission and the City of Greater Geraldton. 

2016 Camino to be Historic Cycling Event

The Camino San Francisco 2016 is on again!

This year’s Camino will be a historic bicycling event to celebrate the heritage of Monsignor Hawes. It is a group cycle and not a race.

The two-day cycling event has been planned for height of Geraldton’s wildflower season on the weekend of 27 -28 August.

Fr Robert Cross (Director of Heritage, Diocese of Geraldton) said ‘As it was last year, the Camino San Francisco would have a broad appeal. Some might like to do it as a spiritual pilgrimage, others as history enthusiasts, lovers of flora or people who just enjoy a relaxing cycle along the back roads’.

He said, “People will have their own motivation for participating; it is part of a worldwide trend where people are embracing Caminos and walking (or in this case cycling) for self-discovery.”

The renowned Catholic Priest and architect Monsignor John Hawes built over 20 buildings in the Mid West and the Camino participants will have the opportunity to cycle to several of his buildings and imbibe their architectural beauty and history.

Cyclists will commence the Camino 2016 from St James’ Kojarena Catholic Church and ride along the back roads to the historic property of Tibradden and then onto Ellendale Pool for lunch and a short break.

Participants will then cycle to Walkaway where dinner and overnight accommodation will be provided.

On Sunday morning, pilgrims will ride to the Greenough Hamlet for a hearty breakfast before cycling along coastal tracks to The Hermitage via Cape Burney with our final destination being St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral where participants will be welcomed by Bishop Justin Bianchini.

The Camino San Francisco 2016 will build on the existing Monsignor Hawes Drive Trail and provide a deeper experience of the priest/architect and his works.

It is a great opportunity to improve your fitness, learn about Geraldton’s local history, enjoy the wildflowers along the route and the company of like-minded and motivated people.

Fr Robert extends an invitation to anyone interested in participating, saying it was not a religious event per se but an encounter with the spirit of what motivated Hawes in his life and works.

Participants will pay a fee to cover costs. To book your place in the 2016 Camino San Francisco event visit: http://www.geraldtondiocese.org.au/camino-home

Pics from last year

Pics from last year

Chiropractic Clinic not a pain in the neck

All this week Geraldton community members have been able to take advantage of visiting Chiropractic students from Murdoch University’s School of Health Professions.

The final year students are offering free chiropractic consultations in a supervised student teaching clinic at the WA Centre for Rural Health.

Don’t worry if you missed out, as they will be returning to the Midwest.

Next week they will be based in Mount Magnet from 27th June to 1st July. They will then back in Geraldton from 4th to 8th July. With another Mount Magnet visit from 29th August until 2nd September.

Geraldton appointments can be pre-booked by contacting Christopher Hodgetts on telephone 0402 422 156.

Mount Magnet appointments can be pre-booked by contacting Lyndon Woods on 0429 209 255.

Bishop’s soft approach to GST won’t fly in WA

The Nationals WA Candidate for Durack Lisa Cole has called out Deputy Liberal Leader Julie Bishop for her soft approach to securing a fairer share of GST revenue for WA.

“Contrary to Ms Bishop’s comments at the weekend, it is the role of West Australian elected representatives to put the interests of their constituency before their personal political aspirations as Minister,” Ms Cole said.

“WA’s federal Liberal team should be pulling every lever available to them in order to deliver the best possible outcomes in their own state to secure a fair share of the GST back to WA and they have clearly failed to do this.

“Even Ms Bishop’s state colleague Treasurer Mike Nahan agrees WA needs a far stronger approach from WA’s federal Liberal representatives.”

Ms Cole said while WA’s share of GST revenue had plummeted over the past several years to a record low of 30 per cent, New South Wales would be virtually debt free by the end of the financial year largely as a result of the generous share of GST revenue it received.

“NSW received 97 cents in the dollar last financial year and is now in a position to pay down their debt, yet here in WA we are seeing unforeseen record debt levels due to an unfair distribution of GST,” Ms Cole said.

“At present we have a system which penalises economic success and rewards mediocrity. The current distribution formula set by the Commonwealth Grants Commission (CGC) is clearly flawed and must be fixed.

“If other State’s wish to share WA’s success during the good times, they must also share in the more challenging times, reforming the structure of our Federation will be key to achieving this.”

The Nationals WA team is encouraging West Australians to use the #fixourfederation hashtag online to send a strong message to Canberra.

“By using the hashtag #fixourfederation everyday West Australians will send a loud and clear message to our federal politicians that WA won’t continue to be ripped off on GST.”

Ms Cole said West Australians had an opportunity to send Canberra a message on July 2 by voting for The Nationals WA.

“While The Nationals WA are prepared to cross the floor to ensure WA is a priority in Canberra, the Liberal Party will toe a party line set by their colleagues in the eastern states,” Ms Cole said.

“The people of WA deserve better than self-serving politicians.”