Bushfire Cadets to represent Geraldton at Championships

A group of youngsters are gearing up for the Australian Fire Cadet Championships where they will be the first regional Western Australian team to compete and are seeking the community’s assistance to get them there. 

The Waggrakine Volunteer Bushfire Brigade Cadets are one of two teams representing the state at the Sydney-based Championships in October and a GoFundMe page has been established to raise funds.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the group are a huge asset in the community.

“The cadets will be our next volunteer firefighters and will gain key insights from this event,” he said.

“The Australian Fire Cadet Championships provide a safe and enjoyable opportunity for cadet firefighters to compete, develop their skills and interact with other cadets from across the country. It’s a great honour to be invited.

“I encourage everyone to spread the word about the GoFundMe page that has been created and help get these kids to Sydney in October.

“I wish the cadets the very best of luck at the Championships.”

Waggrakine Volunteer Bushfire Brigade Cadet Coordinator Darren Cole said the cadets are extremely excited about going to New South Wales to compete in the Championships.

“This event attracts 26 teams from all over Australia and to be given the opportunity is fantastic not only for the kids, but also for Geraldton,” he said.

“The cadet unit caters for kids from 12 to 16 years old and teaches firefighting skills, fire behaviour, teamwork and leadership whilst having fun.

“Unfortunately we are only allowed to take six cadets to compete in the Championships and none of them have been to Sydney before, so we are hoping to show them a few icons before heading to Myuna Bay for the Championships.

“That’s why we are raising funds – we want to make this a really enjoyable trip for the cadets.”

The Waggrakine Volunteer Bushfire Brigade were a recipient of the last round of the City of Greater Geraldton Community Grants. Round 19 of the 2017 – 18 Community Grants Program is currently open.

To support the Cadets at the upcoming Australian Fire Cadet Championships, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/waggrakine-volunteer-bushfire-cadet

The Waggrakine Volunteer Bushfire Brigade Cadets are representing the state at the Australian Fire Cadet Championships in October and are raising funds to help get them there.

Dozens to Sleep in Their Cars for the Homeless

Fusion Australia with the support of Shelter WA, will be hosting ‘Sleep in Your Car 2017’ on August 11 to raise awareness and funds for homelessness in Australia.

Held during Homelessness Week, the event hopes to create an understanding of the plight of those living without a home by having participants experience homelessness first hand.

In Geraldton on August 11 from 6pm participants will spend the night sleeping in their cars at 193 Marine Terrace (behind Headspace).

There are over a hundred thousand people who are homeless every night in Australia - 48% of these are under 25 years old.  ‘Sleep in Your Car’ aims to raise funds and increase awareness about the homeless.

Once again, Fusion, in partnership with GRC (now RAW) and Ngala Midwest, will run the event in Geraldton  “We are so excited about the opportunity for people to sleep out and make a real difference for the thousands of people that don’t have a home or a bed tonight,” said event organiser Alison Hilton.

So far 26 individuals including politician Ian Blayney MLA have volunteered to give up their beds and sleep rough on August 11.  The Geraldton team hopes to have 30 participants sleeping out and have raised $1500 already and hope to meet our target of $16000 from this local event.  Money raised supports Fusion’s homelessness programs, GRC (now RAW Regional Alliance West) and Ngala Midwest.

For the first time Sleep in your Car – Geraldton will be holding an interactive experience developed by Fusion Housing and Support Team “The Walk without Home”

The Walk without Home has a number of aims:

• To help participants develop empathy and compassion for others.
• To advocate for young people within this system and the obvious gaps in the housing sector that need addressing to best support those most vulnerable.

For those who don’t want to sleep out why not bring a cash donation and participate to discover what it might be like to be young and at risk of homelessness.

Other activities on the night will include games, an adult ball pit/discussion pit, a sausage sizzle and the sharing of information about homelessness in the Midwest and beyond.

Participants over 18 are asked to raise a minimum of $100 (under 18 raise a minimum of $50). The reason for this minimum is that we want people to do this that are committed to raising funds and creating awareness for homelessness.  Fusion is running the event nationwide, with people participating in at least ten different locations.  Here in Geraldton the event is being assisted through a $500 grant from Shelter WA to help cover the administration costs.

For further information or to register, visit www.sleepinyourcar.com.au or call 0423 895 978.

Enrolment reminder for Local Government election

With Local Government elections less than three months away, residents and ratepayers are reminded to ensure they are enrolled to vote and have their say in the future of the City of Greater Geraldton Council.

By simply going onto the WA Electoral Commission website, people are able to check their enrolment to ensure they have the chance to say who runs their community.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said it was important for the local community to vote in the election to ensure they felt confident that the Councillors in their ward would represent their needs.

“Our community is very passionate and vocal when it comes to topical issues and the best way to ensure their voice is heard at Council is through their ward Councillors,” he said.

“Council makes big decisions for our community from providing significant services through to community infrastructure and our Councillors are the voice of the people.

“A strong Council forms the foundation of an effective and efficient Local Government and I urge residents and ratepayers to assess the candidates and vote in this year’s election.”

Just one in three eligible Geraldton residents voted in the 2015 election and this year participation is strongly encouraged among under-represented sections of the community including women, Aboriginal people, young people, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

People who are ineligible to enrol to vote, such as non citizens, but are ratepayers are also entitled to vote in local government elections, as are ratepayers who are enrolled to vote in other parts of the country.

Local government elections take place on Saturday 21 October 21 2017. 

Enrolment forms are available at post offices, the Western Australian and Australian electoral commissions and local government offices.

To check your enrolment head to www.waec.wa.gov.au before 5pm on 1 September 2017.

Hire shack and ice-cream kiosk won’t go ahead

A hire shack and ice-cream kiosk on the Foreshore will no longer go ahead due to the project not being progressed within the necessary timeframes.

After passing through Council in November 2016, the proponents have not moved forward with project, which could open up new opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to capitalise on Geraldton’s world-class Foreshore.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said Council were always looking at ways to activate the premier location.

“Both the hire shack and ice-cream kiosk were passed through council as we felt they would add to the vibrancy of the location,” he said.

“It’s disappointing to not see these projects progress however it may give someone else a business idea to put forward.

“We want our Foreshore to continue to be the crowning jewel in our CBD and we will consider future projects which will enhance the location’s vibrancy when and if we receive applications.”

Safety warning for children on farms during school holidays

WorkSafe has issued a warning to keep children out of hazardous workplaces – particularly farms – during the upcoming school holidays.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Lex McCulloch said today workplaces were not the ideal places to take children, especially potentially hazardous ones like farms.

“What needs to be kept in mind is that a farm is a workplace that frequently contains plant and machinery that can be hazardous to young people,” Mr McCulloch said.

“Farmers and farm owners should keep in mind that they have a duty under WA’s workplace safety laws to ensure that visitors to the farm – children in particular – are not exposed to hazards as a result of the work being done there.

“Children and young people often do not have the maturity or experience to understand hazards and their potential consequences, and this can have serious - or even fatal – results.

“Young people often end up in workplaces during holidays, whether that be with their parents, on work experience or for a treat of some kind like a farm holiday.

“I’m not suggesting that parents are careless – they may simply not recognise the hazards that specifically apply to children and young people in workplaces.”

A Code of Practice on the safety and health of children and young people in workplaces is available from WorkSafe, telephone 1300 307877 or on the website at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au.

Fauna successfully relocated from Olive Street Reserve

Golden Orb Spider

Fauna relocations undertaken as part of the Olive Street Reserve Remediation works have resulted in 672 insects, reptiles and mammals being captured and safely removed from the site during the initial clearance.

A report submitted by Darren Darch of Fauna for the Future stated 648 native insects and reptiles including Orb Spiders, Stick bugs, Binoe’s Prickly and Reticulated Velvet Geckos, Bearded Dragons, West Coast Four Toed Leristas and Gwardars or Western Brown snakes were captured onsite and successfully relocated to similar habitats across the City region.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the Chapman River Regional Park has especially benefitted from the relocation of Orb Spiders into the Park.

“More than 500 Golden Orb spiders were captured on the reserve and many of these were released in the Chapman River Regional Park,” he said.

“This has really helped boost local Golden Orb population numbers which were reduced in a fire in the Park three years ago.”

The report also indicated three feral animal species were netted and later euthanised during the process.

“All the traps used were designed to capture creatures humanly, which ensured any native animals caught would remain unharmed and could be successfully relocated,” said Mayor Van Styn.

“The traps worked so well that 17 Common European House mice, two European Black rats and a Red Fox were also captured and put down after they were confirmed as feral pest species.”

With onsite remediation works now complete, landscaping of the eight-hectare site is proceeding well with mulching and planting operations in full swing.

Ollie’s colourful book preserves Badimaya language

Capturing language: Linguists James Bednall and Rosie Sitorus, in conversation with Badimaya Elder, Ollie George in 2015

One of the last fluent Badimaya language speakers, 82-year-old Ollie George, has had some of his language preserved in a stunning book about to be launched.

Bundiyarra-Irra Wangga Language Centre has completed a book of Ollie’s stories – Nganang Badimaya Wangga: Yarns with Gami Ollie George – a collection of yarns about growing up on Badimaya country.

The book will be launched at Kirkalocka Station about 70km south of Mt Magnet on Wednesday May 24 and is a wonderful project preserving and sharing the Badimaya language.

Working with Ollie, the project has brought together language speakers, linguists and Badimaya and other Yamaji artists to create a lasting legacy of the language through art and a full-colour Badimaya-English book.

Language Centre Coordinator, Jenni Kniveton-Gregory, said this project idea came from linguists Rosie Sitorus and James Bednall.

“What became apparent to Rosie and James after all this language work and spending hours with Ollie, was that this could be the heart of something bigger and special, and that is how this book came to fruition,” she said.

Gami (Pop) Ollie, as he is affectionately known, relates stories in the Badimaya language of growing up and of life on some of WA’s outback pastoral stations. His stories have been captured in Badimaya and translated into English by Rosie and James.

A number of the stories are accompanied with expressive, colourful paintings produced by Badimaya and some Yamaji artists, including the Language Centre’s own talented Leeann Merritt and Nadine Taylor.

The artists came together in workshops held in Geraldton and Mt Magnet and have created some warm and inspiring pieces that reflect Ollie’s life stories.

The project will culminate with the book launch at Kirkalocka Station – where Ollie grew up – and the paintings will be exhibited at Geraldton Regional Art Gallery from the end of May after the exhibition opening on Saturday 27 May.

Chris Lewis from ABC Open has documented the creation of the project and the video will be shown at the art exhibition launch.

Funding for the project was contributed through the Australian Government’s Indigenous Languages and Arts Program and the City of Greater Geraldton. This program is supported by the Departments of Culture and the Arts and Regional Development, Royalties for Regions and Country Arts WA.

In some more exciting news, Ollie George is a finalist in the 2017 NAIDOC Elder of the Year awards, the theme being Our Languages Matter. A fitting nomination with the launch of his book.

West reflects on election result

Member for Agricultural Region Darren West says he’s looking forward to “getting on with the job” of delivering for Geraldton and the Mid West after WA Labor’s stunning election win last month.

Mr West, who was returned at the recent poll said he is determined to get Geraldton moving again and thanked the Geraldton electorate and the wider Agricultural region for their support. .

“Being elected is humbling and I thank the electorate for their faith in us and the opportunity to get things done in the region,” he said.

“WA Labor made some sound commitments to the community before the election and our focus will be on making these projects a reality.

“WA Labor will also retain Royalties for Regions fund but will spend the money more wisely and more fairly with a focus on regional roads and regional jobs and will continue the Country Aged Pension Fuel Card at $575 per year.”

Mr West said his office will remain at 84 Marine Terrace in Geraldton.

“I am not moving out and the door is always open.”

Also elected representing Labor in the Agricultural Region is former City of Greater Geraldton Councillor, Laurie Graham, who will be sworn in to the Parliament on May 21.

Mr West said that he is delighted to get the opportunity to work with Laurie to represent the people of the Agricultural Region, which extends from Kalbarri to Esperance.

“Our differing skill set means that we will complement each other well in the community.”

Mr West also paid tribute to WA Labor Candidate for Geraldton Lara Dalton, who he described as “a breath of fresh air” and the clear choice of the community on March 11.

“The community clearly wanted Lara as their representative in Parliament but sadly the Nationals and One Nation preferences went against her and handed the Liberals the seat.

“While we are very disappointed that Lara was not successful, I remain hopeful that she will contest Geraldton again in 2021 - Geraldton needs her positive approach and willingness to get things done.”

Mr West was sworn in as Parliamentary Secretary to Minister Alannah MacTiernan and will assist with the portfolios of Agriculture and Food, Regional Development, State Development, Trade and Jobs.

Ian Blayney appointed Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Food, Fisheries and Forestry

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney is enthusiastic about his appointment as Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Food, Fisheries and Forestry.

“I am looking forward to meeting industry representatives to discuss the aims and the issues of these important primary industries,” said Mr Blayney.

“Since the mining slow down these industries are reclaiming their status as major economic drivers for the State and significant contributors to the wealth of the nation as a whole.

“I am looking forward to representing the interests of these industries in the Parliament of Western Australia. I intend to be a strong advocate for their advancement.

“Prior to my election to the Parliament of Western Australia in 2008, I was a farmer for twenty five years, with broad experience as a part time consultant on the Grains Research and Development Corporation and Board Member of the Centre for Rhizobium Studies at Murdoch University. I was also the Northern Zone Grains Councillor for the WA Farmers Federation for eight years

“Geraldton is home to Western Australia’s most valuable fishery – the Western Rock Lobster fishery. I look forward to working with the fishermen, industry groups and the Department of Fisheries to ensure that this fishery remain sustainable and viable. I’m excited by the potential growth of aquaculture in Western Australia.

“Aquaculture is also emerging as an important component of sustainable fishing, and Geraldton is well placed with the State’s second aquaculture zone nearly ready for development at the Abrolhos Islands.

“Forestry is an important sector, both in terms of land use and regional employment. I’m very interested in talking to the industry about its growth prospects.

It is my intention to be an effective advocate for these industries, while still maintaining a strong representation for my constituents and electorate in Parliament,” said MrBlayney.

Win a Boat at this year's Club Marine Geraldton Boat, Caravan and Camping Show!

WIN A $32,000 BOAT AND TRAILER PACKAGE AT THE SHOW
Geraldton Boat, Caravan and Camping Show, 29 & 30 April

The 2017 Club Marine Geraldton Boat, Caravan and Camping Show is set to attract more attention than ever before following the announcement of the Show’s biggest giveaway ever!

The Club Marine Geraldton Boat, Caravan and Camping Show is the biggest event of its kind in the region, bringing together displays of new products and services in boating, fishing, 4wds, camping, accessories, electronics and lifestyle products with a huge line-up of entertainment and attractions for the whole family.

The event has always been popular for locals, and Show organiser Jane Clarke said in 2017, people would have even more reason to come to the Show.

“We are very excited to announce that in 2017 we are offering the biggest prize in the history of the Show!”

“A couple of our loyal exhibitors Mandurah Motor Marine and Midwest Marine have teamed up to give one lucky person the chance to take home a brand new boat and trailer package valued at $32,000!”

The Boat Prize will include a new Stabicraft 1410 Frontier fitted with a Suzuki 40Hp 4-stroke outboard and complete with Dunbier trailer. There will also be one-year boat insurance thanks to Club Marine Insurance.

“Never before have we had such a large prize pack to give away at the Show, and we are thrilled that one lucky Show visitor will take home a new boat this year!” Jan said.

The competition will run all weekend at the Show. Show visitors can enter their details on the ipads at the Show, and there will be six finalists drawn across the weekend. Each finalist will be given a key; and at the closing of the Show on Sunday, all finalists can try their key to start the motor. Only one key will start the boat – and that person will be the overall winner!

The boat prize is thanks to Mandurah Motor Marine and Midwest Marine; and Jane said Show visitors can also enter to win one of two Engel 40litre fridges at the Show.

Geraldton’s biggest outdoor leisure event

The Club Marine Geraldton Boat, Caravan and Camping Show is now in its third year at the new venue GBSC Sports Park. Jane said the venue is proving to be ideal for the Show as it continues to grow and expand.

“GBSC Sports Park offers more space for exhibits and entertainment; plus the location on the highway meant great exposure for the Show,” Jane said.

“The Show now has more room to grow and develop in the next few years and we are pleased to be working closely with GBSC Sports Park, and with the local council, to put on what has become an important event for Geraldton.”

The Club Marine Geraldton Boat, Caravan and Camping attracts exhibitors from the local area as well as from Perth metropolitan area and south-west WA; and Jane said she was pleased that many of the same exhibitors support the Show year after year.

“This year we have already booked in some of the big name brands such as Getaway Outdoors, Engel, Geraldton Toyota, Midwest Auto, Sun City Solar and Mickey Blu.”

“We have a huge range of caravans and camper trailer exhibitors this year including ABBA Caravans, Batavia Coast Caravanland, JB Caravans, Pioneer Campers Sales & Hire, Rockingham RV Centre, Track Star Campers and West Coast Campers,” Jane said.

The Show offers more than just a trade Show. Entertainment and attractions planned for 2017 will delight the whole family.

“We have changed the layout of the Show so that now we have not one, but two separate stage areas,” Jane said.

“The Engel Aquatank Fishing Stage will host fishing demos and talks throughout the day, plus flare demos and life jacket safety info thanks to Department of Transport.”

“In the centre of the Show we have designed the new Camping Demo Area, which will have camp oven cooking demonstrations, 4WD and Camping info, new product reviews and more.”

“On the 4WD Track we will have the popular Extreme 4x4 Show, and new this year, we have some local guys and girls showing us BMX demos too! There’s plenty to do for the family with the Kids Casting Competition and kid’s motorbike rides, plus as always there’s food, ice-creams and drinks for sale, plus a bar,” Jane said.

The Club Marine Geraldton Boat, Caravan and Camping Show is on 29th and 30th April. More Show information is available on the website www.geraldtonboatshow.com.au

City pays tribute to Ian Carpenter

Former Mayor Ian Carpenter.

The City of Greater Geraldton is deeply saddened by the passing of former Mayor Ian Carpenter.

Mr Carpenter served as Mayor for nine years and was named an Honorary Freeman of the City in September 2016 along with a long list of achievements and accolades. His patronage spans widely through the Midwest region with service to many clubs, public institutions, boards and committees.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Van Styn has paid respect to Mr Carpenter and said he was a true Geraldton icon who would not be forgotten.

“On behalf of the City of Greater Geraldton community I wish to extend our sincere condolences to the Carpenter family on the passing of a true gentleman,” he said.

“Ian made an extremely significant contribution to our community and his influence in Geraldton will be long remembered.

“Ian’s passion for our community, his humbleness, humour and dedication will never be forgotten.”

Mr Carpenter was first elected onto the Council of the City of Geraldton in October 2003. In 2006 he was appointed the position of Acting Mayor and in April 2007 he voluntarily resigned, as did all City Council, in preparation for the Geraldton/Greenough amalgamation.

In October 2007 Mr Carpenter was re-elected as the inaugural City of Geraldton-Greenough Mayor. In 2009 he was again re-elected as Mayor then publically elected as the inaugural Mayor of the City of Greater Geraldton on 15 October 2011 and remained as Mayor until 2015.

When asked last year about his greatest achievements as Mayor, Mr Carpenter said, “It wasn’t just me, there were so many people involved in the big projects throughout my time on Council and the Mayor is a figurehead that ensures Council functions together to help our community get the best possible outcomes.”

“I was lucky enough to be on Council for the whole process of the Foreshore from the beginning of the public consultation, working out what amenities the community wanted on our Foreshore, right through to the new Geraldton Multipurpose Centre,” he said.

“It really is fantastic to see it completed and see what it has transformed into today.”

Mr Carpenter’s outstanding service to the community of the City of Greater Geraldton for many decades includes significant community service to the Apex Club, Variety Club of Australia, Geraldton Sportsman’s Club and Geraldton Squash Rackets Association.

In addition to the above community service, Mr Carpenter’s served on a wide range of public institutions, boards and committees, such as Mid West Development Commission, Batavia Regional Organisation of Councils, Western Australia Regional Capital Alliance and Regional Capitals Australia.

Massive Outdoor Furniture Clearance at Harvey Norman Furniture

Harvey Norman Furniture and Bedding are having a massive clearance on Outdoor Furniture.

They are clearing the end of season lines and floor stock, so once it is gone – it’s gone! With these massive savings on outdoor furniture you are guaranteed to get a bargain so make sure you bring your ute or trailer so you don’t miss out.

Come in and see Alison and the team at Harvey Norman Furniture and Bedding at 38 Chapman Rd, Geraldton.

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Harvey Norman

Give Country Builders A Fair Go: Master Builders

Government incentives to use regional building contractors and suppliers should be doubled, the Master Builders Association says.

Under the Buy Local Policy, a contractor tendering for a regional Government construction project can claim preferences if it has an office in the area and if it undertakes to purchase services and materials from local businesses.

Its tender price is notionally reduced by up to 10 per cent if both preferences apply, but only in contracts up to $5 million. Master Builders is calling for the incentives to apply in projects up to $10 million. Builders say opportunities to tender for substantial projects in their regions are limited.

The Buy Local upper limit does not reflect their capacity to take on much bigger jobs but the incentives plateau at the $5 million level.

Master Builders supports an increase in the regional preferences.

“We’re calling on the major parties in the lead up to the election to look at the Buy Local preferences and commit to doubling them,” says Master Builders’ director Michael McLean.

“The incentives support builders maintaining a presence in country towns,” he said. “They encourage use of local labour, suppliers and trades and create opportunities for apprenticeships.”

Mr McLean said there were many country builders and regional offices of metropolitan firms capable of taking on $10 million building and construction projects.

“In the interests of a strong building industry, and ultimately, a strong economy, these country businesses and their local subcontractors, apprentices and suppliers need to be fostered,” he said.

But Master Builders says there also needs to be tighter monitoring of successful tenderers who have benefited from the incentives.

“The criteria by which a business is judged to have a regional office need to be strengthened,” Mr McLean said. “A requirement should be that at least a small number of the business’s employees live permanently in the town or locality. And currently, an office can be said to be permanent if it has been operational for six months. This should be increased to a year.”

Mr McLean said there also needed to be more rigorous auditing of the regional content preference. It was too easy to claim at the time of tendering that local labour and materials would be used but then to bring in subcontractors and supplies from elsewhere.

“This is a difficult issue,” Mr McLean said. “Things often are pretty fluid between the time tenders close and actually doing the job but we still believe there’s a need for greater integrity in the system. That means the Government agencies responsible for the projects taking a more active interest.”

Major suicide prevention trial extended to the Mid West

WA Primary Health Network is one of four regions across Australia with higher than average suicide rates and will take part in a $46 million trial aimed at delivering better mental health services.

The Federal Government will establish four Suicide Prevention Trial Sites, including the Mid West, with each site receiving approximately $3 million over three years.

Member for Durack Melissa Price said the local community will benefit from better resources and services for mental health.

“Suicide is tragic and heart wrenching experience for anyone involved, affecting family members, friends and the community,” Ms Price said.

“We must do all we can to turn the tide and reduce our suicide rate.

“We are bringing together and coordinating federal, state and local governments, GPs and mental health service providers to identify issues and deliver a tailored response to a community or individual need.”

WA Primary Health Network will administer the funding and, in consultation with the local community and government, decide what services can be brought together and assess which are most effective.

The four new Suicide Prevention Trial Sites will be established in Darwin, Central Queensland, Western New South Wales and Mid-West Western Australia.

This are in addition to the eight trial sites already announced for Brisbane North, North Coast NSW, North Western Melbourne, Perth South, Townsville, The Kimberley, Tasmania and country South Australia.

Two of the trial sites will be in Indigenous communities.

City urges State Government to fund repairs to heavily damaged rural roads

Significant rainfall in the last week has resulted in more than $2.5 million in estimated damages occurred to rural roads and left the City with no alternative but to urge the State Government to pay for the repairs.

City of Greater Geraldton Chief Executive Officer Ken Diehm said road repairs to this scale were unexpected and will have a serious impact on the City’s operational budget.

“The heavy rainfall in the last seven days has caused extensive damage to our rural roads and river crossings,” he said.

“It was by no means foreseeable and by far exceeds the City’s allocated budget for rural roads this financial year.

“While some of the damage has occurred on roads that lie outside of our Local Government boundary this still impacts members of the community who regularly use these roads.

“The City needs assistance from the State Government to repair these roads otherwise money will need to be diverted from other projects and programs to cover the costs,” Mr Diehm added.

“With more rainfall forecast over the next couple of days we can expect rural roads to be even further damaged and without assistance to repair them our entire community will ultimately be disadvantaged.”

Support Pledged for Create Ranger Parks Initiative

Speakers at the Create Ranger Parks stories of the outback talk in Geraldton on Wednesday, Pew Charitable Trusts outback manager David Mackenzie, Aboriginal Elder Richard Nelly and environmental consultant David Blood.

Politicians, individuals and organisations came together in Geraldton on Wednesday to throw their weight behind ambitious plans to transform purchased former pastoral stations into havens for people and wildlife.

The Create Ranger Parks initiativewould involve the Government transforming unused former pastoral properties – purchased by the WA Government 20 years ago – across the Mid West, Murchison and Gascoyne into parks managed by Indigenous rangers.

Geraldton’sLabor candidate Lara Dalton pledged Labor’s support for the proposal. Ms Dalton pledged five years of funding specifically for the initiative if Labor were elected at the March State election.

The City’s other state government candidates, Paul Brown (Nationals) and Ian Blayney (Liberal) expressed general support but did not make a specific commitment to protecting the parks or funding the ranger programs.

“[Create Ranger Parks] just makes sense,” Ms Dalton said. “It ticks so many boxes – socially, environmentally, and culturally.”

Pew Charitable Trusts Outback Manager David Mackenzie said the initiative would build on the work of a past government initiative that resulted in the purchase of 5 million hectares of pastoral lease for addition to the conservation estate.

However, with such a massive and remote area, and limited budgets, the properties became largely unmanaged, leaving feral animals, fires and weeds to damage the environment and negatively affect surrounding pastoral properties.

“These properties present an incredible opportunity for regional development that will mean a win for everyone,” Mr Mackenzie said.

“We want the Government to finish what it started 20 years ago and create an extensive network of protected parks, managed by Indigenous rangers, with a particular focus on new jobs and business opportunities.

“Labor’s commitment to funding for Indigenous rangers is really welcome but we call on all parties to commit to creating the parks which would leave a lasting legacy for future generations.”

Speaking at the meeting in Geraldton, Aboriginal Elder Richard Nelly said Indigenous rangers working on their traditional country created a whole raft of benefits.

“Having Indigenous rangers working on country makes for healthier lifestyles, improved economic circumstances and better connection to culture and country,” Mr Nelly said.

He envisaged the Mid West becoming a world leader in Indigenous ranger programs.

“It’s up to us to plant the seed for this vision now, and we need lots of support to help water it,” he said.

An independent economic assessment of the proposal by Social Ventures Australia found that every $1 spent on the initiative would bring $3.70 worth of value to Western Australia, of which $2.30 would be a direct benefit for government, covering everything from improved health and increased employment to reduced crime and environmental benefits.

Mr Mackenzie said the program would need to be introduced in a staged manner, with existing land managers training new Indigenous rangers in a process spanning 10 years. He stressed the need for the program to work in harmony with other landholders and people living in the areas.

Also speaking at the meeting, former Department of Parks and Wildlife operations officer and current rangelands ecologist David Blood highlighted the unique and rare nature of many of the landscapes, plants and animals contained in the purchased former pastoral properties.

He presented a slide show outlining stunning vistas of lakes, flat-topped hills, ancient granite outcrops and rare wildflowers – each currently locked away from the public and without conservation management protection.

Create Ranger Parks is aninitiative backed by non-government groups and businesses such as Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation, Western Mulga, and Partnership for the Outback.

The groups are advocating for the program to government in the lead up to the State election. Anyone interested in finding out more, or signing a petition to pledge their support, to visit the website www.createrangerparks.org.au

Coastal erosion study shows potential impact on City coastline

The Cape Burney to Greys Beach Inundation and Coastal Processes Study will be presented to the community at an information session.

A study on the potential effects of coastal erosion and inundation from Cape Burney to Greys Beach will be presented at a community information session on 8 February 2017.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ken Diehm said the Cape Burney to Greys Beach Inundation and Coastal Processes Study was undertaken in preparation for Geraldton wide Coastal Adaptation Planning that will begin this year.

“Before we can begin engaging with the community to develop a Coastal Adaptation Plan we need to understand how sea level rise, coastal erosion and inundation may impact the Geraldton community,” he said.

“MP Rogers, a highly qualified and experienced coastal consultancy who undertook the Study, utilised historical data, water level records, studies on coastal processes, cyclone storm surge modelling and current rates of erosion to make predictions about what may happen to our coastline.

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

As the Inundation Study is highly technical, a community information session will be held from 5.30 to 7pm on Wednesday 8 February at the City Civic Centre to present the report findings in laymen terms and dispel rumours.

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

“During the session, consultants MP Rogers will be presenting the study findings and answering questions.

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

The Cape Burney to Greys Beach Inundation & Coastal Processes Study follows two previously completed studies on Point Moore and the area from Town Beach to Drummond Cove.  Both studies are available on the City website.

The Inundation Study will be available on the City’s website www.cgg.wa.gov.au on Tuesday 7 February 2017 after 5.00pm.

IGA Sports Night

On the evening of Wednesday 1st February more than 70 staff from Rigters Supermarkets enjoyed competing for their Argie Cup at Geraldton Croquet Club. The night pitted staff from Queens Supa IGA, Rigters Supa IGA and Wonthella Supa IGA against each other to see who would claim the glory.

The Argie Cup

The competition was a round robin event played on 6 half courts. Each game was guided by members of the croquet club who explained rules and technique to the players and helped to keep the scores as the games proceeded. The players enjoyed a pizza, drinks and snacks between games and had a great time.

The cup was won by Wonthella Supa IGA with 132 points who held out Rigters in second on 114 points and Queens in third on 86 points.

Wonthella Supa IGA celebrating the win on the night and retaining bragging rights as the winners of The Argie Cup for the second time in a row.

Pictured below, General Manager, Kyme Rigter and Operations Manager, Stuart Bain revealing the results prior to presenting the Argie Cup to Wonthella Supa IGA.

Permanent home for the Men’s Shed Geraldton

Nationals WA Member of Parliament and candidate for the seat of Geraldton Paul Brown MP is thrilled to announce that the Men’s Shed Geraldton have a permanent home.

Speaking in Geraldton today, Mr Brown, accompanied by Land Minister Terry Redman, joined in with the Men’s Shed Geraldton committee and supporters at the handing over of the old Geraldton Fire Station in Durlacher Street as the new home for the group.

Mr Brown said, “I proposed the idea of the old Geraldton Fire Station as a permanent home for the Men’s Shed earlier this year. They were very keen to stay in the CBD and this proposal was very welcomed by the committee and their members.”

The Men’s Shed have been in need of a permanent home for many years, with many plans and possibilities not coming to fruition over this time. Thanks to the generosity of local businessman Bob Ramage the Men’s Shed has been located in the West End of the CBD for the past five years. This has added to the vibrancy of the area, whilst raising the public profile of the Men’s Shed, and supporting their social enterprise part of the business with the passing trade. With the building up for sale, the Men’s Shed have been lobbying very hard for a permanent home.

“As the Fire Station is a state owned asset, due diligence needed to be done on the dollar return to the state. I argued very strongly that the long term social return to the community would far outweigh any short term financial gains. Thankfully, this was agreed, and I would like to thank Minister Redman for his support of this proposal.” Mr Brown said.

Men’s Sheds have become a haven and place of respite for men suffering from mental health issues, depression and isolation and have become one of the most well regarded organisations across Australia. The sheds are run by a group of dedicated volunteers.

“I would like to congratulate the Men’s Shed Geraldton committee, particularly Ross Barden and Garry Hargreaves who have been relentless in their advocacy and determination to find a permanent home,” Mr Brown said.

“This is a great day, and I am glad that I have be a part of such an important project to the Geraldton community.” The Durlacher Street Fire Station will be vested with the City of Greater Geraldton by the Minister for Lands Terry Redman, for the purposes of the Men’s Shed Geraldton.

WACRH set to expand its school holiday program under WA Labor

A McGowan Labor Government will allocate $80,000 to expand and enhance the successful school holiday program run by the WA Centre for Rural Health (WACRH) in Spalding.

The program, which has been running as a trial, has engaged school age children, their parents, university students and the broader community.

Comments from WA Labor’s candidate for Geraldton Lara Dalton:

“The school holiday program at WACRH is a fantastic local initiative that is aimed at young school age children from a broad range of family backgrounds.

“This funding will allow the program to expand to cater for older school aged children and youth.

“Not only does it benefit those families who use the service but it also provides an excellent servicebased learning opportunity for tertiary students on placement with WACRH.

“As a Lecturer at TAFE, I can see the enormous benefits that a program like this provides for all students, no matter what they are studying.

“Many constituents have raised their concerns to us about groups of young people wandering around with nothing to do. This funding announcement will help address this.”

Comments from WA Labor’s Shadow Minister for Tourism and Corrective Services Paul Papalia:

“Lara Dalton has been working with the local community to deliver real benefits to families and locals.

“This program is a fantastic example of the kind of project that WA Labor is interested in supporting – it helps strengthen communities and provides educational benefits to participants.

“I congratulate WACRH for their initiative in establishing the program, which provides activities and something positive for young people to do in a structured environment.”