Northampton Celebrates 20 Years of Community Spirit

The residents of Northampton have been holding their very own community street festival since 1997. Every year, on the second Saturday in October since then, the town has come to life with colour and creativity. Be part of marking history on Saturday 8th October when they celebrate their 20th year of the Northampton Airing of the Quilts.

“We celebrate a tradition which was considered a usual household chore of hanging the bed quilts outside to air after the winter months.  Long before sewing machines were invented, these quilts were sewn by hand and they are proudly displayed by their owners.  This tradition is celebrated in many areas throughout the country and overseas.” says Committee Chair Kaye Simkin.  “Quilts and quilters come from far and wide each year, we have a number of regular interstate and international visitors at the festival.”

The main street in Northampton happens to be part of the North West Coastal Highway and is lined from one end to the other with colourful quilts, arts and crafts.The town has seen more than 840 quilts aired in just one day. On top of all the quilts, the town comes to life with live entertainment, May Pole demonstrations, more than 50 different market stalls consisting of local and visiting artisans, a street parade and a fashion parade, interactive animal displays, a huge variety of food and activities including miniature train rides, pony rides, balloon animals, free face painting, balloons and bouncy castles for the little ones.

“In 2014 we created and displayed the southern hemisphere's LARGEST quilt! We were aiming for the world's largest but someone just beat us. We had to hoist it up over the back of a few semi-trailers” says Mrs Simkin.

“This year some of our talented young Northampton artists have been working hard under the guidance of their terrific teacher Jenny, from "Kurrajong Farm Art". At Jenny's after-school art classes they have been busy creating canvas panels that will be mounted together to form a BIG "QUILT". Keep a lookout for this unusual and fun display at the 2016 Airing of the Quilts - it will be displayed near the CRT shop in the centre of town.” says Pat Mitchell Reynolds, proud supporter of the community festival.

There is even a chance to win prize money as part of the festival! The float parade is open to all and any entrants, free of charge - all with an equal chance of taking home the cash prize. Plus the annual raffles and the Northampton Art Prize will be voted on and presented on the day.

The Northampton Airing of the Quilts is celebrating its 20th Anniversary in 2016, and until this year has been completely run by a volunteer committee of residents, many of whom are also active members of the Lions Club, the Friends of the Railway and more. Plus a lot of them - nor their wives - make most of the (hundreds) of quilts which are hung out to air during the festival.

It is pretty much a street festival which takes over the entire town. A huge day for the region and the local community. The event runs from 9.30am til mid-afternoon, and entry is free. Follow what’s happening at www.facebook.com/NorthamptonAiringOfTheQuilts

Anyone interested in displaying a quilt, having a stall, performing, entering the parade or being part of the day in any way should contact Amy at info@itsallsorted.com.au or 0407 394 569.

Make your mark on our CBD

Geraldton’s CBD is about to get a whole lot brighter with local artists being called on to help enhance bollards.

The City of Greater Geraldton has put a call out for local artists to create maritime or marine themed designs that will be used to decorate the bollards throughout the City centre.

In order to help make our community more vibrant, the top 10 selected designs will each receive $500.

With the original idea formed by the Mid West Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Future Leaders program, City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said he encouraged all local artists to get creative and make their mark on the community.

“This is a great idea from the future leaders of our City and what a wonderful opportunity for any artist to be seen and have their artwork displayed in a prime location,” he said.

“As part of the City’s Growth Plan which is in the final stages of drafting, we have put a big emphasis on the revitalisation of our City and also activating our CBD and making it a vibrant place to live, work and invest.

“And we know public art has received great feedback from our community in the past, so we look forward to seeing what our local talented artists come up with.”

Designs must be submitted as a high resolution PDF or JPEG with the dimensions of 750mm x 750mm.

Entries close 9am on Monday 3 October.

For more information and full specs head to www.cgg.wa.gov.au and search ‘bollards art project’.

Local Agent To Leg It For Cancer

First National Commercial Geraldton manager Dave Tyson has announced he is supporting the 2016 MACA Ride To Conquer Cancer fundraising initiative, which benefits the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research.

The bike ride is held on the 15th and 16th of October and covers a total of 200 kilometres from Perth to Mandurah and back.  Each year thousands of men and women participate in the ride with over $15,000,000 being raised for cancer research during the past 4 years.

‘My wife and I have each lost family and close friends to cancer and we are both committed to raising research funds so we will one day see a cure for cancer’ says Mr Tyson.

‘To participate in the 200 kilometre ride in October, I need to raise $2,500.  So far I’ve raised $1,600 so I still have some way to go to reach my goal however the Geraldton public has been extremely generous so far.’ says Mr Tyson.

‘I’m asking everybody in my local community to get behind me with any donation they can afford. It doesn’t matter how small or large; every donation will help researchers get closer to a cure for cancer.’

To help support Dave Tyson in the MACA Ride To Conquer Cancer, donations can be made via the MACA Ride To Conquer Cancer website at http://goo.gl/7X6XO6 .

Geraldton Senior and Chapman Valley Primary to become Independent Public Schools

Congratulations to Geraldton Senior College and Chapman Valley Primary School who, along with over 70 public schools, have been announced to gain independent public school status for 2017.

“Being an Independent Public School is about empowering schools to be their own decision makers. We have the staff experience and knowledge to achieve positive outcomes with our students. To be recognised by the Department of Education for us to be able to continue to make the changes needed for the future is extremely positive,” said Greg Kelly, Principal of Geraldton Senior College.

“This status allows greater flexibility in how we operate as a school. We will continue to deliver high quality education for the students of the Geraldton community. We invite our community members to join with us in growing and developing as a public school. This supports our future direction as a public secondary school who offers education for those in Years 7-12 commencing in 2019.”

Application for this initiative and making the decision to go down this track began 6 months ago when staff and the community were consulted in the possibility of applying for this change of status. The application process was thorough and explored all areas of the schools including future plans. School Council chairpersons were involved in the process and lobbied heavily for their schools to be selected.

“Working closely with our parents and community was a valuable part of this process, and together we all worked extremely hard on our application. Becoming an IPS enables our school to continue to grow and improve. We couldn’t be happier with the announcement that we are able to join the ranks of other highly successful IPS schools within our system,” said Mel Hancock, Principal of Chapman Valley Primary School.

“I am excited for a fresh vibe that will come about the school and reinvigorate an enthusiasm for teaching and classroom engagement,” says Caroline Rowcroft, Chair of the College Council at Geraldton Senior College. “The school has so many strengths already and the future continues to look bright.”

Changes afoot at St Georges Beach

Recently installed Geotextile bags to reduce erosion of St Georges Beach.

With the recent completion of coastal protection works at St Georges Beach, Rundle Park is now undergoing the next phase of works that will improve community safety at the popular park.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the works include installing a fence and constructing rain water overflow swales to recharge ground water in the area.

“St Georges Beach has always been a popular spot and since the replacement of playground equipment in Rundle Park the area is busier than ever before,” he said.

“Therefore, to improve community safety the City recently installed raised footpaths at the car park entrances which have been effectively slowing down vehicles entering and leaving the area.

“The planned one-way realignment of the carpark will further calm traffic whilst decreasing congestion and a fence to be installed along the west side of the playground will greatly reduce the likelihood of children running onto the road.”

Other works include rerouting storm water into sub-soil drains within the park.

“The raised footpaths are already helping funnel rainwater runoff into the grassed areas of the park where it will be collected in swales rather than letting it flow over the carpark and into the ocean,” said Mayor Van Styn.

“This will not only reduce beach erosion caused during high peak flows, the stored water will recharge ground water as well.”

Works which are scheduled to begin on Tuesday 20 September will take approximately four weeks to complete.

Power Solution Needed in CBD…..DALTON

WA Labor Candidate for Geraldton, Lara Dalton has backed calls for the removal dangerous and unsightly power poles in the Geraldton CBD.

“Over the years our streets have been widened, yet the poles haven’t been moved. They are now far too close to passing traffic and create a traffic hazard.

“Removing these poles and putting the lines underground would beautify our CBD and more importantly, make our town safer,” Ms Dalton said.

Ms Dalton called on the Liberal National Government to work with Western Power and provide adequate funds to get the job done.

“Despite this issue being raised in Parliament in 2013 by Labor MLC Darren West, the poles are still there.

“This is not a massive infrastructure project and could funded from the existing budget.”

Ms Dalton said that Geraldton had not been treated favourably by the Barnett Liberal National Government since 2008.

“We are still waiting on the promised Stage 2 of the Geraldton Regional Hospital, a mental health facility and a 138-room Aboriginal Hostel.

City reminds residents of firebreak deadline

The City of Greater Geraldton is reminding property owners and occupiers that the 5 October deadline to clear firebreaks is rapidly approaching.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn is strongly urging property owners and occupiers in the Geraldton region to adhere to the firebreak deadline.

“The temperature may be cool now, but bushfire season is just around the corner and we need to be prepared,” he said.

“Firebreaks are a crucial element that protect not only your own property from bushfires, but they can also stop fires from spreading to adjacent properties.”

Firebreaks serve a valuable role in protecting properties from bushfires during the summer months, even more so now that higher than average rainfall will see an increase in flammable scrub.

Mayor Van Styn also reminded property owners who may not have cleared their firebreaks yet that they are required by Local Government law to do so.

“Once the 5 October deadline has passed, City Rangers will begin conducting fire prevention work inspections and they will have the power to issue infringements for non-compliance,” he said.

“Don’t risk the $250 fine, or worse, losing your life or your home to a devastating fire. Clear your firebreaks and keep them maintained throughout the year.”

Property owners are expected to maintain their firebreaks from 5 October 2016 until 1 May 2017.

Small vacant lots under 0.4ha must be slashed and have Wattle bush removed. Occupied blocks require a three metre clearance of all flammable material around structures and buildings and Wattle bush must be managed.

Larger blocks will also require a mineral earth firebreak installed along the entire external boundary of the land.

To find out more information, pick up a 2016-17 Firebreak Notice from the Civic Centre, or download a copy from the City’s website at www.cgg.wa.gov.au.

Temporary closure of the Foreshore toddler play area

9 September 2016

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the Foreshore toddler play area will be temporarily closed from Tuesday 13 September to Thursday 15 September 2016 to undertake maintenance work to the soft fall.

The toddler sand playground is not affected and will remain open to the public.

Members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact Jeremy Henderson, Project Supervisor on 08 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Male Arrested and Vehicle Seized Following Police Pursuit

At about 11:00am, Saturday 10th September 2016, Mid West-Gascoyne Traffic officers were conducting patrols of Rifle Range Road, Rangeway and attempted to stop a Ford Falcon sedan.

It is alleged that the driver, a 24 year old male from Morawa attempted to evade Police, abandoning the vehicle and fleeing on foot a short time later.

Police apprehended the male who was charged with Reckless Driving (to escape pursuit by Police) and No Authority to Drive – Suspended.

The vehicle was seized for 28 days and the male will face Geraldton Magistrates Court at a later date. 

Female Arrested – Stealing of a Motor Vehicle and Traffic Offences

At about 2:00am, Monday 12th September 2016, a white Ford utility was stolen from a Beachlands premises.  Police located the stolen vehicle within the hour in the Beachlands area.

A 36 year old female was allegedly found in possession of the vehicle and subsequently charged with Steal Motor Vehicle, Exceed 0.08 and No Authority to Drive – Suspended.

Police wish to praise the numerous members of the public who reported suspicious activity in the Beachlands area prior to the woman being apprehended.  Their timely reports greatly assisted Police efforts which led to her arrest.

The female was refused bail and will attend Geraldton Magistrates Court at a later date. 

How can I help the Police?

 Make it Tougher For Crooks – Geraldton Police Seek Your Help

Geraldton Police are calling for the community to team up with local Police to tackle crime, to make it tougher for crooks.

In what are on their own, simple steps, small actions that the community can take go a long way to prevent crime and assist Police in a variety of ways.

These are some steps that the community can take to stand against crime:

• Timely reporting of suspicious behaviour – Police need to know what you see when you see it

• Get to know your neighbours – More eyes on the street

• Register your Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) with WA Police through your local Police Station

• Even when at home, lock your doors and windows.  NEVER leave keys in locks and consider what a crook may look for when targeting your home, vehicle or business.These may include valuables left in plain sight, a concealed approach (overgrown bushes etc) and limited or no lighting.

Mayor says City has bright future for big events

Geraldton will be a backdrop for many more big events just like the Toyota Australian SUP Titles held in Geraldton. Photo: Surfing WA

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn says the City is dedicated to bringing high profile events to Geraldton through dedicated support and sponsorship.

In the aftermath of the Toyota Australian SUP Titles held in Geraldton, Mayor Van Styn said this was just the beginning of larger scale events coming to the region.

Hundreds of competitors from all across Australia made their way to Geraldton to compete across a number of SUP categories with the competition made possible by a $20,000 grant from the City.

Mayor Van Styn reiterated the fact that this sponsorship was part of the City’s broader strategy to attract large scale events to the Midwest.

“We were absolutely stoked to host the SUP titles for the second year in a row and Geraldton is the perfect location,” he said.

“This is just another example of a big event that we have sponsored and we will be supporting many more major events in the future so we can see more high profile events here in the Midwest whether it is sport, music or other forms of entertainment.

“We want to be a destination of choice for events and we are dedicated to sponsoring events that we know our community will enjoy.”

In the last year alone the City has seen the likes of Cold Chisel, triple j’s One Night Stand event and the Perth Wildcats will head to Geraldton next week for two pre-season games.

“We are really starting to put Geraldton on the map as a destination for high profile events,” Mayor Van Styn said.

“The big events we have secured in the past have been so successful and we can see the positive flow on effects it is having on our tourism and economy.

“Next we will look at the possibility of an AFL pre-season match here in Geraldton.

“Sport is such a big part of our community and that is why we want to support events such as the Toyota Australian SUP Titles and we will look to support other future events,” Mayor Van Styn added.

Surfing WA Events Manager Justin Makes said he couldn’t be happier with how the 2016 Australian SUP Titles wrapped up.

"Geraldton has proven to be the perfect location for both SUP racing and surfing,” he said.

“We had amazing weather and waves over the four-day event window and Australia's best SUP competitors have revelled off the Batavia Coastline.

“This was arguably the best Australian SUP Titles ever and we're thrilled with the outcome."

Opening of Abraham Street bridge marks end of Karloo Wandina Project

Member for Agriculture the Hon. Paul Brown MLC, City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn and Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price MP cut the ribbon - officially opening the Abraham Street bridge.

The official opening of the Abraham Street bridge and roundabout at the intersection of Abraham Street and Utakarra Road marks the completion of the Karloo Wandina project which began with the construction of Verita Road in July 2013.

The staged development of the Karloo Wandina Project over the last three years has been one of the City’s largest Capital Works projects to date totalling more than $25 million.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said many local contractors had directly benefitted from the project.

“The 65m long bridge over the Southern Transport Corridor that connects Verita Road with Abraham Street has created an important link between the northern and southern suburbs,” he said.

“The project has injected more than $15 million into the local economy by employing more than 20 local contractors who provided products or services during the construction of the project.”

The project has also resulted in improved community safety and convenience.

“Before the bridge opened there were more than 1600 traffic movements a day on Verita Road and we expect this number will increase as motorists take advantage of the new linkage the bridge provides,” Mayor Van Styn said.

“To ensure the expected increase in traffic keeps flowing whilst maintaining community safety the T-intersection at Abraham Street and Utakarra Road was changed to a roundabout.

“This project has been three years in the making and is already changing the way people move throughout our City.”

Construction of the $9.8 million Abraham Street bridge and roundabout was jointly funded with Royalties for Regions contributing $5,970,000, the Australian Government Building Better Regional Cities Program $1,030,000 and the City $2,820,000.

City seeks feedback on Mountain Bike Master Plan

With mountain bike riding along the Chapman River more popular than ever before the City has developed a master plan for trail riding that includes the protection of the environment. 

The Chapman River Regional Park Mountain Bike Trails Plan identifies opportunities within the Park to provide high quality mountain biking experiences for residents and visitors whilst protecting the unique biodiversity of the area through effective trail management and informational signage. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said almost one fifth of Western Australians own mountain bikes and are looking for places to ride them. 

“Almost 120,000 mountain bikes are purchased every year in WA which means about 19 per cent of WA residents own mountain bikes,” he said. 

“These cyclists are actively seeking places to ride their bikes in ever increasing numbers with some trails in the south west Kalamunda Circuit in being ridden more than 50,000 times in 12 months.” 

With demand for mountain biking experiences exceeding supply, the development of trails in the Chapman River Regional Park would result in economic benefits for the local community. 

“Once the Mountain Bike Trail Plan has been adopted by Council and the trails in the plan are formalised, Geraldton would be able to attract visitors interested in undertaking this type of informal recreation activity,” said Mayor Van Styn. 

“The City would also play an important role in assisting WA in becoming a world class mountain bike destination, effectively diversifying the state’s tourism industry whilst securing meaningful economic and social outcomes for our local community.” 

The Chapman River Regional Park Mountain Bike Trails Plan is open for public comment till Wednesday 28 September 2016.  Members of the community are invited to make written submissions regarding the draft plan by visiting the City’s consultations page on the website at www.cgg.wa.gov.au.

Are you interested in doing a Bachelor of Environmental Science?

​GUC explores a Bachelor of Environmental Science with CQUniversity and CRT-BCMI

Are you interested in doing a Bachelor of Environmental Science?

If so, come along to the Course Information Session for Bachelor of Environmental Science 5-6pm Wednesday 7 September, Geraldton Universities Centre, 33 Onslow Street Geraldton

GUC is in discussions with Central Regional TAFE, and its Batavia Coast Maritime Institute, as well as industry and CQUniversity, around introducing this degree to Geraldton from 2017.

The Bachelor of Environmental Science will enable students to develop the knowledge and skills required for employment related to environmental monitoring, management and ecologically sustainable development.

Career Opportunities: Completion of the Bachelor of Environmental Science will prepare students to pursue employment opportunities in roles such as:

* environmental officer

* environmental consultant

* environmental scientist

* vegetation management officer

Employment opportunities exist within public and private sectors, for example; local catchment authorities, regional resource management organisations, State and Federal Government natural resource management departments, environmental consulting firms, local councils and mining companies.

EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST NOW!

Should there be enough local interest students would enrol in the CQUniversity’s Bachelor of Environmental Science as distance students but receive weekly tutorials for theoretical units and undertake 3-4 day intensive courses each semester in practical units that make up the program. Field work is also applicable in some of the intensive practical units.

Students with the Diploma of Conservation and Land Management or Diploma of Environmental Monitoring and Technology would receive 8 units of credit in the program, meaning they could complete their degree after two years of full time study.

Please express your interest to brendanp@guc.edu.au or phone 9920 4404 and check out the link to the course through; www.guc.edu.au/courses/environmental-science/

Image credit: NACC

Midwest Charity Begins at Home Inc have Four Events Coming Up

Midwest Charity Begins at Home Inc have three events coming up to help raise money that stays here in the Midwest to help those in financial need due to serious illness.

We have helped over 163 families so far and are getting applications for assistance weekly!

FAMILY DINNER NIGHT
Saturday 10th September from 5.30pm
Spalding Park Golf Club
Cost: $35 a head for an all you can eat buffet
Drinks available at the bar, games, raffles etc... will be held
Tickets available at Mitchell and Brown
This is run by our YOUTH committee

BRIDGET JONES BABY Movie Premiere
Thursday 15th September from 5.15pm
Orana Cinemas
Cost: $30 a head with champagne and tapas, ticket, and 2 choices from the candy bar (popcorn, chocbomb or drink)
Tickets available at Mitchell and Brown and Flowvitality

2016 Mitchell and Brown Midwest Charity Begins at Home Gala Dinner
Saturday 5th November from 6pm
Moon over Marrakesh is our theme
For Sponsorship opportunities and tickets please contact us at info@charitybeginsathome.org.au

Straight Up Health Charity Fundraising Day

Refurbished Mullewa Youth Centre reopens

Shane Love MLA for Moore and Mayor Shane Van Styn officially open the Mullewa Youth Centre.

The popular Mullewa Youth Centre has officially reopened its doors after being closed for four months to allow for an extensive refurbishment of the building and make improvements to the surrounding precinct. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the long list of much needed works wouldn’t have been possible to complete without support from Lotterywest. 

“The City’s project budget focused on the building itself and included upgrades to internal and external walls, roof and gutters and the existing toilets along with the installation of new flooring, air conditioning, kitchen cabinets, doors, windows, security screens and disabled access and an ambulant toilet,” he said.

 “Thanks to a Lotterywest grant we were also able to make much needed improvements to the grounds and facilities surrounding the Youth Centre including the installation of mini AFL goals, fencing and reticulation along with resurfacing of the basketball court, replacement of skate park shade shelters and seating, skate park upgrades and landscaping.”

According to Mayor Van Styn, the refurbishment of the highly frequented Centre was the community’s top priority. 

“Last year there were more than 7500 individual visits by young people from Mullewa as well as the surrounding areas of Yalgoo and Pia Wadjari,” he said. 

“The Centre is open 35 hours a week after school and on Saturdays but during the four school holiday periods the Centre is open 48 hours per week to provide important diversionary activities for youth. 

“Which is why the refurbishment of the Centre was identified as the number one priority for Mullewa in the 10 Year Capital Works Plan Community Panel in 2013.” 

The Centre, which is largely funded by the Department for Child Protection and Family Services, offers a variety of recreational and sporting activities and a range of programs around music, healthy cooking, basketball including the Dismantle Bike and School Holiday programs.

The $326,709 project was jointly funded with Lotterywest contributing $176,709 and the City $150,000.

Rough medicine on the high seas

A burial at sea. The Illustrated London News, November 1880
Courtesy State Library of Victoria

Rough Medicine: Life and Death in the Age of Sail will open at the Western Australian Museum – Geraldton on Saturday, 10 September 2016.

WA Museum CEO Alec Coles said the exhibition explores the fascinating history of how illness impacted upon and even shaped early sea voyages from the 17th Century until the advent of the steamship in the late 19th Century.

“Sickness could render a voyage anything from uncomfortable to horrific, or even fatal. Disease spread rapidly in cramped quarters, drinking water was often polluted, food perished and new climates brought new ailments from heatstroke to malaria with few escaping a visit to the ship’s surgeon,” Mr Coles said.

An eye-watering array of surgical instruments features in this absorbing and sometimes confronting exhibition. Ship surgeons carried an array of instruments including saws to amputate limbs, a procedure that only one in three people survived; a cork-screw like trephine to remove sections of skull; tooth keys to break off teeth at their roots; and it was recommended that every ship carried a jar of at least 50 leeches to bleed patients and rebalance the ‘humours’. 

Mr Coles said until ether was trialled in 1846, operations were conducted without anaesthetic and the surgeon’s most prized skill was speed. 

Rough Medicine: Life and Death in the Age of Sail explores immigrant voyages that are part of the histories of thousands of Australians.

The exhibition brings together an extraordinary collection that includes passengers’ letters and diaries, surgeons’ journals and artefacts including bone syringes used to inject mercury, surgical kits, and even jars of parasites and leeches.

South Australian Maritime Museum Senior Curator Lindl Lawton will present a free public lecture, From ‘laudable pus’ to the bloody flux…surviving the age of sail, at the WA Museum – Geraldton from 7pm – 8pm on Friday, 9 September. Those attending will have the opportunity to see a special preview of the exhibition from 6.30pm.

WA Museum – Geraldton Regional Manager Catherine Belcher said places are limited and bookings via 9431 8393 or geraldton.museum@museum.wa.gov.au are essential. 

“This unique opportunity to understand more about life at sea through the focus on ship-borne illness and medical treatments will be an excellent way to begin the exhibition’s time in Geraldton and is sure to book out,” Ms Belcher said.

Rough Medicine is developed, designed and toured by the South Australian Maritime Museum. This free travelling exhibition is supported by Visions Australia and will be on display at the WA Museum – Geraldton until 20 November 2016.

http://museum.wa.gov.au/museums/geraldton/rough-medicine

Funding for community gardens

Nationals WA Member of Parliament and candidate for the seat of Geraldton, Paul Brown MP has welcomed the latest round of funding through the State Government’s Community Gardens Grants Program (CGGP). Funding for community gardens had been extended to 2019-20, which provides $100,000 per year for the establishment and maintenance of community gardens.

"Community gardens are often a central hub of local communities," Mr Brown said.

"They are not just for the green-fingered. They provide people of all generations an area to come together, share a cuppa and their love of the great Western Australian outdoors.

“As well as enabling people to learn about gardening, community gardens can build a greater understanding and a sense of community between neighbours, parents, young people and people from diverse backgrounds.”

Since the introduction of the grants program by the State Government in 2013, 37 projects totalling $464,853 have been funded across Western Australia.

“I am pleased the State Government has made a further commitment to fund the CGGP because community gardens foster community spirit and a sense of stewardship, particularly in regional WA,” Mr Brown said.

“I encourage our local Geraldton community gardens enthusiasts to apply.”

Brand Highway drivers targeted at litter hotspots to keep WA beautiful

Motorists who litter along the Brand Highway are the target of a new campaign to reduce rubbish on roadsides and change long-term litter behaviour to keep the environment clean.

Nationals WA Member of Parliament and candidate for the seat of Geraldton, Paul Brown MP said the State Government had launched the Regional Roadside Litter Prevention Project along three litter hot spots – the Brand Highway, the Great Eastern Highway and the Forrest Highway.

Roadhouses on the Brand Highway that have committed to be a part of the trial are:  

• Gingers Roadhouse Upper Swan
• Caltex Cataby
• Liberty Cataby
• BP Dongara
• Puma Tarcoola Geraldton
• Gull 440 Geraldton

The project is supported by the Keep Australia Beautiful Council (WA) and Main Roads WA, and will run until the end of December.

The project is centred on the “WA Naturally Thanks You” message and will encourage people to do the right thing with their rubbish by promoting a sense of personal responsibility.

As part of the project, informative signage will appear on the roadside and at rest stop bins along the Brand Highway. Complimentary litter bags will also be available at these six roadhouses. The Keep Australia Beautiful Council will also survey drivers at the roadhouses on their reactions to littering.

Based on the results of this trial, the State Government will consider extending the project to other areas of high littering in Western Australia.

Key messages

• The State Government is committed to reducing the volume and types of litter in Western Australia.
• Western Australia needs to reduce its rate of littering to prevent harm to the environment and wildlife. Litter looks unsightly, attracts vermin and damages our waterways.
• The $185,000 Regional Roadside Litter Prevention Project will help reduce litter where it is most prominent along three of our main highways.
• The trial sites are along the Brand Highway, the Great Eastern Highway from Perth to Merredin, and the Forrest Highway.  
• The four month trial is centred on the message “WA Naturally Thanks You” to encourage people to do the right thing with their rubbish by promoting a sense of personal responsibility. 
• The trial includes roadhouses distributing litter bags to drivers. Printed on each bag is a link to a website and an educational quiz about littering issues and correct disposal of rubbish.  
• The Keep Australia Beautiful Council will survey drivers at the participating roadhouses to get their response to the project.  
• Based on the results of this trial, the State Government will consider extending the project to other areas of high littering in Western Australia.  
• The State Government will introduce a container deposit scheme in 2018 to further reduce littering of drink containers in our community.

Everyone is capable of making a difference and I’m confident thanking people in advance for doing the right thing will help change the habit of roadside littering.

Along with a container deposit scheme for Western Australia in 2018, we can make a big difference

Results from the 2015–16 National Litter Index confirmed that roadsides continue to attract high volumes of litter and are the source of most of the litter found in Western Australia.