Women’s Refuge handover true recognition of service to our community

Photo Caption: L/R Anne Pekaar (Chair, Chrysalis), Alison Adam (CEO, Chrysalis), Minister Brendon Grylls, Paul Brown MP

Chrysalis Support Services will be handed ownership of their properties in a proposal put forward by Nationals WA Member of Parliament and candidate for the seat of Geraldton Paul Brown MP.

The Minister for Housing Hon Brendon Grylls MLA, recently made the announcement to transfer the three properties to Chrysalis Support Services (Chrysalis) at a celebratory event in Geraldton, thanking CEO Alison Adam, along with members of the Board and staff.

Mr Grylls said, “I would truly like to thank everyone from Chrysalis for providing services such as these in times of utmost need for people seeking compassion, care and support.”

The properties are currently owned by the Housing Authority and leased to Chrysalis on a peppercorn lease.

“The Housing Authority has considered the support that they have been able to give to Chrysalis over many years as fundamental to ensuring that women and children remain safe in our community,” Mr Grylls said.

Mr Brown said, “Freehold title will give Chrysalis security into the future, and provide them with an asset that will help them to meet their objectives in continuing to provide this vital community service.”

The Housing Authority has supported Chrysalis with the provision of housing since 2010. The Chrysalis refuge provides safe, supported accommodation for women and children escaping domestic violence, and at risk of homelessness. Chrysalis provide a variety of support services including helping young children with trauma associated with family and domestic violence.

Mr Brown said “I would also like to thank the previous Minister for Housing, Colin Holt who gave me his full support for the ownership transfer when I took the proposal to him some months ago, and I also thank Brendon for his commitment to see the ownership transfer through to completion.”

“Chrysalis Support Services has also recently been able to undertake significant renovations to their women’s refuge centre due to a $123,277 grant from the Royalties for Regions funded Regional Grant Scheme, which I also happily supported.”

Drummond Cove Dune Restoration project enters second stage

Coastal bushland recovery is the focus of Stage 2 of the Drummond Cove Dune Restoration project being undertaken with the assistance of the Green Army.

Several areas west of Surfside Terrace were identified by the Drummond Cove Progress Association (DCPA) Coastcare group for Stage 1 rehabilitation works which involved closing off a small access track.

Stage 2 involves the Green Army installing 150m of sand trapping fencing made of Jute mesh and Jarrah stakes which will help prevent vehicle access and give the area vegetation a chance to recover.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said he hopes the community will respect coastal rehabilitation works being undertaken by the community.

“Every year many volunteers spend countless hours rehabilitating bushland,” he said.

“We can only hope that once this project is completed the work involved will be respected by the community and vandalism of the likes that occurred last year at Separation Point where someone purposely drove through 66 Jarrah posts holding 200m of sand trapping fencing doesn’t happen again.”

DCPA Coastcare Coordinator David O’Meara said vehicle access is one of the biggest challenges coastal bushland faces.

“The DCPA has undertaken numerous Coastcare projects over the years to rehabilitate coastal vegetation damaged or destroyed by vehicles accessing the beach,” he said.

“However, the fact Stage 1 of the project was not vandalised makes me confident Stage 2 rehabilitation works will be respected by the community.”

Fencing materials valued at approximately $1400 are being funded by NACC’s Coastal Quick Step Grants.  

Josh Langley; author, illustrator and daydreamer comes to Geraldton.

Fresh from his tour of 16 primary schools in the South West as part of the Margaret River Young Readers and Writers Festival, Josh Langley is bringing his presentation, Being You is Enough, based in his popular kids book of the same name, to Geraldton primary schools the week beginning October 17.

Also while in Geraldton he will be holding a book signing event at Read a Lot Books on Anzac Terrace on Saturday October 22.

Being You is Enough is an inspirational book that helps children with self esteem and confidence and the presentation based on the book has received widespread positive reviews.

Josh has written and illustrated two inspirational books for adults, a children’s book, and paradoxically two books about his search for personal evidence of the afterlife. 

Having lived in Geraldton during his high school years, Josh is eager to return and catch up with old friends, meet some new ones, and see how much the city has changed.  

Duyfken replica sails into Geraldton

Members of the public will have a rare opportunity to interact with the Duyfken replica as it sails into Geraldton this Saturday.

As part of the Festivals on the Foreshore Programme, the floating museum has been specifically built to tell the compelling and relatively unknown story of European contact with Australia in the 1600s.

Visitors can interact with sailing and navigational equipment used 400 years ago to traverse thousands of kilometres across the globe with great accuracy.

The stopover in Geraldton is part of the Duyfken ’s 400th anniversary Dirk Hartog commemorative voyage and exhibition program that will see the ship undertake a 10 week, 1,000 kilometre journey along the Western Australian coast.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn will experience sailing on the vessel first hand as he will be a crew member from the Dongara to Geraldton leg of the journey.

“It was an honour to be chosen as one of seven locations that the Duyfken replica will be making port at during the voyage,” he said.

“Being provided the opportunity to interact with the ship that played a pivotal role in mapping our coastline while catching a glimpse at some of the hard living conditions endured by those sailors is one that doesn’t happen often.

“I highly encourage anyone who is interested to book a ticket and take a tour of this floating piece of history.”

The Duyfken will sail into the Geraldton Marina on Saturday 8 October and will be open until 8pm. The vessel will stay in Geraldton untilFriday 16 October with tours running every day.

Once on board, you can begin your journey of discovery via an audio guided tour.

Visitors will get to see, touch and interact with the sailing and navigational technology of the early 1600s that enabled Dutch mariners to sail halfway around the world from The Netherlands to the Spice Islands of Indonesia.

There will be a Duyfken Open Day on Sunday 9 October which will be the official welcome celebrations with the community invited to dress up as a pirate.

Tickets for a one hour tour of the Duyfken Replica cost $12.75 for adults aged 17 and older, and $5.10 for children aged 5-16 years. They are on sale now via www.ticketek.com.au

Big names to hit GMC stage

Former X Factor Winner Reece Mastin.

A swag of big names will hit the Geraldton Multipurpose Centre stage this Sunday for the RedFM Open Air Arena Concert as part of Festivals on the Foreshore.

Former X Factor winner Reece Mastin and X Factor contenders The Fisher Boys will grace the stage for a free all ages concert, with local group Songbird also performing.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the concert would be a great event for the whole family to enjoy.

“Bring a picnic rug, enjoy the entertainment and take in a beautiful Geraldton sunset while you’re at it,” he said.

“It’s amazing to see even more big names hit the Geraldton stage and we are very fortunate enough to have these amazing acts as part of Festivals on the Foreshore.”

After taking out the X Factor title in 2011, Reece Mastin has already amassed a stockpile of further achievements including two platinum #1 albums, three consecutive chart-topping radio-blasting singles and most recently, a platinum #1 DVD release.

Reece has just released his new album Beautiful Nightmare and says he is looking forward to touring and showing Australia his new music.

"I really hope there's a great reaction to the material from Australian audiences, and from there I'd like to then take the project overseas to see what happens there,” he said.

“I just wanna be able to tour with this record and have kids sing the songs back to me, or have kids on Twitter or Facebook just telling me that they love the record - that would be crazy!

“I just want people to love the music I'm writing and singing, and feel like they're right there in the moment with me.”

Festivals on the Foreshore kicked off on September 30 and runs through to October 16.

There is still loads of great activities and you can head to www.cgg.wa.gov.au for a full programme of events.

Festivals on the Foreshore was made possible by a grant from Tourism WA.

Abraham Street bridge gets higher fence

A review into the recent rock throwing incident near the Abraham Street bridge has resulted in the installation of a higher fence on the north side of the road.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ken Diehm said although the new Abraham Street Bridge and Southern Transport Corridor are owned by Main Roads WA the City has been working with Main Roads officers to review the current arrangements.

“The construction of the Abraham Street bridge included a number of safety measure such as safety screens on the bridge deck, a fence and the bridge batters along the road were purposely left unplanted to reduce areas where rock throwers can hide,” he said.

“However, to ensure the safety of road users Main Roads and the City will jointly fund the installation of a higher fence on the north side of the road which will provide a further deterrent to potential rock throwers.

“Other efforts to increase safety included the removal of vegetation along the highway in areas the City manages and repair and maintenance of damaged fences.”

Mr Diehm said rock throwing at vehicles is not isolated to Geraldton and the police are aware of the issue.

“The throwing of rocks at vehicles is an ongoing issue faced by road authorities around the country and is regularly discussed at the Mid West Industry Road Safety Alliance meetings in which the police are actively involved,” he said.

Installation of the fence is expected to begin next week.

Geraldton’s female performers are damn funny

Get ready to fall off your seat from laughter at The Comedy Emporium Geraldton October Showcase as part of Geraldton’s popular Festivals on the Foreshore. Featuring and focusing on some of Geraldton’s female sensations that have crossed The Comedy Emporium stage, this is one show you won’t want to miss!

The night of hilarity is taking place at the Geraldton Multipurpose Centre on the foreshore at 7pm on Friday October 7. Doors open from 6.30pm.

With an effort to promote geraldton and some the state's best female performers, this Showcase will offer something that Geraldton people can be proud of. Although lead by The Comedy Emporium’s team of female performers they will also be joined by a few of the local boys.

The Comedy Emporium Ringleader Julian Canny said “We have more ladies in comedy here in geraldton then almost the entire WA industry.”

“People do not know how cool that is for places like Geraldton that women are bucking the trend of male dominated line ups in the industry and performing comedy. ” he said.

“although the show will focus on our female talent, it will be no different from any other show” he said.

The Comedy Emporium Geraldton October Showcase is an 18+ show with an open bar. Food will also be available outside in the Festivals on the Foreshore Twilight Dinner Market.

There is only 100 tickets available for this show so get in quick to avoid missing out. Tickets are available online at www.thecomedyemporium.com for $25.

The Comedy Emporium Geraldton October Showcase is sponsored by the City of Greater Geraldton and the Festivals on the Foreshore.

Event Details:
The Comedy Emporium Geraldton October Showcase
Date: Friday, October 7, 2016
Venue: Geraldton Multipurpose Centre
Time: 7pm to 10.30pm

Bond for life as students see the light at the end of the tunnel at GUC

Two students who are set to graduate with a CQUniversity Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) have shown the enormous opportunities and achievements that are possible for MidWest residents undertaking tertiary studies at GUC.

“It feels surreal,” they both said almost simultaneously, when asked how they felt about the amazing achievement of reaching the end of their undergraduate studies.

Rianna Pension (23 year old Aboriginal student) and Norisah Ajaran (mature aged student of Cocos Malay heritage) may have come from very different paths but they are now approaching the completion of a profound journey together as they come out the other side as professional Early Childhood Educators.

“Every year you do, you still feel like its ten-thousand miles away,” Rianna explained in retrospect. On starting her final year she said to herself, “I’ve done this for four years, I can do this! (We) just couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel and finally we’re here.”

“You just have to pinch yourself and ask; is it really finishing … are we really there?” Norisah continued, “4 years seems a long, long time, but it just went so fast.”

Both high achieving students have been studying together for 5 years, having started in 2012 in CQUniversity’s STEPS Bridging program supported at GUC.

“Thanks goodness for STEPS,” Rianna exclaimed. “If it wasn’t for STEPS we would’ve been struggling along the way,” Norisha added. “We wouldn’t be teachers,” continued Rianna. “It was the best thing I did,” Norisah surmised.

Through studying together at GUC the pair have developed a close relationship and formed a strong lifelong bond.

“The relationship, Norisah and ,I” started Rianna, “Yeah, we’ve been through the whole thing together,” extended Norisah, “I’ve had Norisah from the start and I don’t ever want to leave her,” Rianna said.

The pair are currently setting out on their last teaching practicum before graduating in the 4-year CQUniversity undergraduate course. GUC Director Natalie Nelmes chipped in sarcastically “You’d better get the same school then,” to which Rianna jokingly replied “we come as a team.”

“I’m her Uni mum and I love her. The bond that we’ve shared in the class, with the rest of the class, is just something you can’t break,” Norisah concluded. 

Young teaching student awarded study trip to India

Chloe Wilkinson at GUC

Chloe Wilkinson, a GUC student in her second year of CQUniversity’s Bachelor of Education (Primary) course will jet-set to India in January. Chloe has recently been awarded the opportunity to take part in an international service learning experience funded by the Federal Government’s New Colombo Plan Student Mobility Grant scheme.

The New Colombo Plan program is open to Australian university undergraduates up to 28 years of age. CQUniversity selected the Geraldton local as one of only 20 School of Education students nationwide – and the only WA student to undertake the 2017 program. The grant scheme is providing $3000 to go towards Chloe’s travel and accommodation expenses for the two-week study trip.

“10 students will be going to Cambodia and 10 to India. In my application I selected both and was awarded the trip to India,” explained Chloe, “I’m so excited I can’t even begin to explain it! My grandfather migrated from India and I will be the first in my family to go back there.”

The New Colombo Plan program has been designed to foster knowledge of the Indo-Pacific region in Australian students. The main focus of this trip will be to work with Indian teachers and students at a number of schools, exchanging information and ideas about respective curriculums, pedagogies and cultures.

“We will be going to the state of Gujurat and working with the Centre for Environment Education in the capital Ahmedabad,” Chloe said. “It is imperative that being a future educator I gain a comprehensive understanding of other cultures and how different people’s practices and beliefs impact communication, negotiation and problem solving. Being in a foreign country will allow me to consider the cultural differences and enable me to reflect on my own attitudes and beliefs.”

The whirlwind study trip will also include a number of diverse and unique experiences and Chloe cannot contain her excitement at being awarded this opportunity. “We have so many cool activities planned for us, like field trips, workshops, lessons in Guratji, learning about the Indian caste system and going to Gandi’s Ashram and a kite flying festival.”

Chloe will need to fundraise a further $2300 to cover costs of the travel not covered by the Grant scheme (including return travel to Sydney to get on the flight to India) and is seeking support from the Mid-West community. Donations can be made by contacting GUC on 9920 4400 or by emailing info@guc.edu.au

GUC student snapped up before graduation

Photo Credit: (Left to right) Greg Kelly, Martin Sellar and Natalie Nelmes

Local tertiary student Martin Sellar made such an impression on his teaching practicum that he has been snapped up and offered a 12 month contract – all before he has actually graduated.

Martin, a current CQU Graduate Diploma of Learning and Teaching (Secondary) student at Geraldton Universities Centre is currently finishing the last part of his course – including a 6 week internship. By November, once Martin has completed his study requirements with CQUniversity and achieved provisional registration with the WA Teachers Registration Board he will join the profession as he takes up a full-time position teaching Science and Physics to Year 10-12 students at Geraldton Senior College (GSC).

“I’m teaching the current year twelves, which is great, the school has provided me with a mentor, Gordon Anderson, who is the former head of Science, helping to guide me with these students who are about to undertake their final Year 12 exams,” Martin explained.

Martin originally qualified and worked as an engineer, even tutoring engineering students at GUC, before commencing the one year Graduate Diploma.

Geraldton Senior College Principal, Greg Kelly stated “For us to be able to access someone like Martin, with his wide range of skills, who has studied locally, is a very valuable and attractive proposition. We don’t have to go searching for staff from other universities; we can go straight to GUC, who are producing highly skilled and motivated teachers such as Martin.”

After working on an outstanding and engaging out-of-school-hours STEM program at John Wilcock College, Martin introduced the highly successful Maths Grand Prix to GSC in Term 2 during his practicum. The program saw students designing, constructing and road testing handmade miniature model cars. The intriguing activities being recorded and measured introduced a range of concepts and techniques within the science, technology, engineering and mathematics subject areas.

“Good teachers within the STEM subject areas, such as Science and Physics are highly saught after, particularly in regional areas, and Martin is highly skilled in these areas and much more. His rapport with students is a key to his early success,” said Mr Kelly.

“GUC supports CQUniversity courses across the spectrum of education - early childhood, primary, and secondary. This year we are set to graduate 12 students as early childhood and primary school teachers and a further 10 from the Graduate Diploma of Learning and Teaching as Secondary teachers. GUC is proud to be training highly skilled and competent graduates who are filling local professional teaching positions, building our community capacity and aspirations,” said GUC Director Natalie Nelmes.

2017 will be the last chance to undertake the one-year full-time course in the Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Learning. From 2018 it will be necessary to do the Master of Education program (a two-year course). Anyone with an undergraduate degree and relevant working experience with two identifiable subject areas in their academic transcript can apply for the course.

Those who are yet to complete an undergraduate degree can apply to enter the Bachelor of Education (Secondary), a 4 year full-time course, for the first time at GUC. Students in this course choose a discipline teaching area from areas such as 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.

Anyone who is interested in any of the Education courses offered at GUC can contact the

School holiday program is back!

Don’t know what to do with the kids these school holidays? No worries! The City of Greater Geraldton has collaborated with local organisations to present another jam packed School Holiday Program.

The City has partnered with numerous community service providers to offer children and youth the opportunity to participate in a variety of events including heaps of sporting activities, a family fun day, awesome activities at the Museum and the Aquarena, music workshops, chill out zones and heaps more!

City of Greater Deputy Mayor Neil McIlwaine said that the City is pleased to be able to offer another great program of events for local families.

“The School Holiday Program is a very popular initiative and the City is happy to be able to offer kids such a varied and exciting array of activities,” he said.

“We have had great feedback from both parents and children alike so we know it’s a hit.

“Providing such a diverse range of activities would not be possible without the cooperation of so many great community organisations and we thank them for their support.”

Community service providers who have come together to contribute to the School Holiday Program include PCYC, Sun City Christian Centre and WA Museum Geraldton; as well as Child and Parent Centre Rangeway, the Old Geraldton Gaol and the Comedy Emporium.

The Comedy Emporium will present some great improv comedy workshops for kids and PCYC will be offering everything from circus fun, sports days and even a birthday party for everyone to enjoy!

WA Museum – Geraldton is offering a huge range of maritime themed activities from discovering how sailors of the 17th Century found their way across the ocean to exploring the scents, colours and textures of the spices they used.

The City will be hosting heaps of sporting activities such as three-on-three basketball, five-a-side soccer and beach volley ball.

The Sun City Christian Centre will have a wide range of events including dodgeball, an art day, chill out days, ultimate Frisbee and heaps more.

Rangeway’s Child and Parent Centre has heaps of activities for smaller children such as a Mini Maestro music session, family fun day and yoga for children.

To find out more information about the School Holiday Program, visit the City of Greater Geraldton’s website www.cgg.wa.gov.au or contact the City via email council@cgg.wa.gov.au or phone them on 9956 6600.

Town Towers Redevelopment Underway

Artists impression of finished project  

The City of Greater Geraldton has been in negotiations with the developers of Geraldton’s iconic Town Towers building and works have now commenced. 

The application proposes the refurbishment of the existing building to include a mixed use development, consisting of commercial and retail components as well as 40 serviced apartments.

The City has been in talks with property developers for quite some time to ensure the best outcome for the building.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said in-depth discussions had been taking place to ensure the best result.

“Negotiations on rates concessions and incentives have been concluded and all parties have agreed on an outcome that will see Town Towers redeveloped,” he said.

“I extend my praise to the developers on this project who have worked tirelessly on the progression of this development and the works, and on behalf of the City we are very grateful for their investment.”

Built in the 1970s, Town Towers was occupied by tenants until 2008. Since then, it has been empty and under much scrutiny due to crime and vandalism.

“The development of Town Towers has been a big talking point for quite some time as the building holds such significance in our community due to its prominence in our CBD,” Mayor Van Styn said.

“We know the potential this building holds and that’s why we have been working so closely with developers to get this over the line.

“This is a great and very significant indicator of the up-turn in our economy and it means great things for Greater Geraldton’s future.”

Project Manager, Grant Pitman, said the positive growth in Geraldton was a big factor in moving forward with the development.

“We’re extremely excited about the development of Geraldton’s Town Towers and we know the potential this holds for the city,” he said.

“This has been a prolonged process, and a tough project to get off the ground, but it was the proactive approach of the Council and the willingness to work right alongside us that helped us get the project going.

“We see a very strong future for Geraldton and we believe this development will only help grow that.”

A recommendation to grant a rates concession for the building was passed by Council and Mayor Van Styn said the project would mean positive outcomes for the City’s vibrancy.

“This development fits in perfectly with our City Centre Revitalisation Plan,” he said.

“We have a new vision for our CBD and we will be engaging and working with even more key industry stakeholders, developers and investors to help enhance the vibrancy of our CDB.

“Revitalisation in our City centre has been a top priority for us and we have already progressed our Foreshore with the finalisation of the West End Revitalisation Project and the progression of Town Towers is the next phase in our bigger plan.”

Updates on construction works and announcements on road closures will be released in the coming weeks.

Footpath works on North West Coastal Highway

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be renewing the footpath on the Northwest Coastal Highway between Phelps and Marsden Streets with concreting works scheduled to commence on Thursday 22 September 2016 for a period of approximately seven days.

The anticipated hours of work will be between from 6am to 6pm and include removing the slab path and replacing it with a user friendly concrete path.

These works are part of $1,041,084 allocated in the 2016/17 Budget for the renewal of footpaths which will see approximately 1.68km of the footpath network replaced.

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 the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

City to undertake prescribed burning

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that prescribed burning will be conducted in Strathalbyn and Cape Burney.

It will take place on Thursday 22 September in the river area behind Strathalbyn and also on Friday 23 September in the Cape Burney river area.

City staff will be conducting the burning in conjunction with the Green Army and local Bush Fire Brigades.

If you have any queries please contact the City on 08 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Citizenship tests now available in regional Australia

Migrants living in Geraldton will now be able to take their citizenship test locally, rather than travelling to the Perth.

Federal MP Melissa Price, Member for Durack, said regarding the change, “Now, prospective citizens can sit the test at their local service centre in Broome, Geraldton, Karratha and South Hedland, making it a far more convenient option.”

“It is good to see the Government delivering increased services for prospective citizens in rural areas.”

The Department of Human Services and the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) have worked together to help migrants living in Durack can now take an Australian Citizenship test at their local service centre.

Around 141,000 citizenship tests are taken across Australia each year. Last year more than 12,000 – around 230 per week – were conducted in 33 different regional communities across Australia.

The staff at the service centres can guide prospective citizens through the citizenship test process, including verifying documents, administering and setting up the test.

Previously, migrants in these remote and regional areas had to travel to major cities or wait for DIBP to visit their communities.

Minister for Human Services Alan Tudge said Australian Citizenship is an important step in a person’s migration story.

“This service will make it much more convenient for people in regional communities to take their citizenship test locally, rather than travelling into the city,” Minister Tudge said.

“This is a great partnership between the Department of Immigration and Border Protection and the Department of Human Services to make it easier for people in rural and regional areas.”

To find out more about becoming an Australian citizen visit citizenship.gov.au.

Boxing packs a punch against Parkinson’s

A group of Parkinson’s disease sufferers are using boxing to help their motor skills.

During a trip to the Mid-West last week, Sport and Recreation Minister Mia Davies visited the Geraldton Police and Community Youth Centre and observed the Fighting Back program.

Fighting Back is a twice weekly boxing program for people with Parkinson’s. The 15-member group is aged between 55 and 85.

Boxing works by moving your body in all planes of motion while continuously changing the routine as you progress through the workout.  For the participants, the classes have lessened their symptoms and are helping them to lead a healthier and happier life.

“I’d like to congratulate both the PCYC and this special group who are working to improve lives through boxing classes,” Ms Davies said.

“We know sport and recreation has the wonderful ability to help people of all ages and all abilities, under all sorts of circumstances.

“I met one particular participant who only six weeks ago couldn’t walk backwards without falling over, but after participating in the program can now walk backwards while sparring and stay on their feet.”

The non-contact, boxing-inspired fitness routine is improving the ability of people with Parkinson’s to live independent lives across the world, and the Minister said she was pleased to see it now offered in Geraldton.

Through the educational program LEAP, a group of multicultural teenagers act as the group’s sparring partners.

“These teens represent the real meaning of ‘true sports’ by volunteering to help older people improve their physical and mental wellbeing,” Ms Davies said.

Holiday prize scam from Sparking Sword Vacation and White Hunter Vacation

Tasmania Police have issued a scam alert to warn members of the community of the latest scratchie scam where vacations and cash prizes can supposedly be won.

The scam is delivered by post with the recipients address on the envelope. Inside is a brochure and scratchie tickets from a company called Sparking Sword Vacation and White Hunter Vacation. 

A 72 year old man was recently caught in the scam and paid $2120 in two payments. 

Funding available for Community Groups

Nationals WA MP and candidate for the seat of Geraldton Paul Brown, has urged local community groups to apply for Aurizon’s Community Giving Fund.

Aurizon’s Community Giving Fund provides grants of up to $20,000 to assist with community projects aimed at delivering positive outcomes in the areas of Health & Wellbeing, Community Safety, Environment and Education.

“Five WA organisations were successful recipients last year, including one from Geraldton,” Mr Brown said.

“The grants are open to not for profit community groups who hold deductible gift recipient status, so if that is your organisation, I urge you to apply,”

Aurizon’s Community Giving Fund has assist over 220 charities and community groups since 2011. Grant applications are now open and close on Friday, 21st October 2016.

For more information, please visit: http://www.aurizon.com.au/sustainability/community-engagement/communitygiving-fund 

Australian National Championships - Croquet

Each year the Golf Croquet National Championships are played.

Six states compete and take turns to host the event. This year WA clubs hosted the various competitions held over a twelve day period.

Firstly the Gold Medal – a three day event, where each state champion (Bronze Medallist) competes for the Gold and Silver. This year, Chris McWhirter, WA and Australian Team Capotain, won the event for the fourth time.

The Men’s and Women’s Championship Singles were played next.

Geraldton’s Paul Christmass entered his first Australian event and showed that Geraldton is on the radar and does have some good local players. Paul surprised his opposition and spectators by winning many games to end up being 22nd out of 44 players….not bad for only starting to play the game about 16 months ago.

Paul Christmass

The final event was a teams’ event where the six states competed for the Interstate Shield.

This year WA came the closest ever to Victoria, only needing one more winning game against Victoria to be the outright champions….sadly it was not to be this year…but we are heading on the right direction.

Local player Kay Chynoweth was a strong contributor to the team’s result by winning 11 of the14 games she played.

Kay Chynoweth

It is very pleasing to add that, over the last ten months five state team players have visited Geraldton to play in tournaments held at the Geraldton Croquet Club. This has provided encouragement and strong competitive play for our members and has been very much appreciated.

WA Team 2016

Brilliant news! Tourism to the Coral Coast up 15% for the year

In brief:

• The Coral Coast stretches from Cervantes to Exmouth. 
• Visitors spent $638 million in the last 12 months. 
• 951,000 domestic tourists visited in 2015-16 financial year
• That's 15 higher than last year, and 42% higher than 3 years ago. 

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Australia’s tourism industry is currently growing three times as fast as the rest of the Australian economy, and the latest tourism numbers for the Coral Coast show it. 

More than 950,000 domestic tourists came to Australia's Coral Coast, the coastline between Cervantes and Exmouth, and spent $638 million in the last 12 months, the latest figures from Tourism Research Australia show.

The Member for Durack Melissa Price MP said the National Visitor Survey shows Australia's Coral Coast is proving popular for those holidaying in Australia.

“This is great news for the local economy and local jobs,” Ms Price said.

“It is fantastic people are choosing our beautiful region to visit and spend their money.”

Produced by Tourism Research Australia, for the 2015-16 financial year, the survey shows 951,000 domestic tourists visited Australia's Coral Coast, an increase of 15 per cent from the previous year and 42 per cent over three years. 

While visiting tourists spent $638 million, an increase of 16 per cent from the previous year and 58 per cent over three years.

Visitor nights also recorded growth, with domestic tourists staying 4,740,000 nights in Australia's Coral Coast, an increase of 24 per cent from the previous year and 46 per cent over three years.

“The survey shows tourism continues to drive local jobs and economic growth,” Ms Price said.

“Tourism remains an important focus for the Turnbull Government, with our vibrant tourism sector forecast to continue its growth trajectory over the next decade,” she said.

The National Visitor Survey is available on the Tourism Research Australia website: tra.gov.au

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