‘Rum Jungle’ gets re-blitzed

Volunteers cleaning up Rum Jungle.

African boxthorn plants growing in ‘Rum Jungle’ will be re-blitzed during a follow-up collection of any remaining rubbish in the area.

On Sunday 22 September, City staff will be holding a Boxthorn Blitz Workshop on the triangular strip of Crown Land, located on the west side of Chapman Road south of Macedonia Drive.

The workshop will demonstrate best practice methods to get the small plants under control.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the clean-up offered the perfect opportunity for community members to learn more about this highly invasive plant species and see demonstrations on how to keep it under control.

“African boxthorn is a very resilient plant,” he said.

“It has the ability to reshoot from old wood or seeds spread by birds who eat their fruit and it can germinate almost anywhere and under almost any condition.

“That’s why it is critical that sites where boxthorn has been removed are monitored and follow up control is undertaken to ensure the plants don’t re-establish themselves.”

Project initiator Heather Beswick said the staged clean-up continues to raise awareness around illegal dumping and the impact invasive species are having on the environment.

“Now that the majority of the rubbish has been cleaned up and the boxthorn removed the area is much lighter and easier to see into which will hopefully reduce the problem of illegal dumping,” she said.

“This community led project has really shown the broader community how our bushland is being mistreated but more importantly, how we can take ‘ownership’ of these public spaces and return them to a more natural state that everyone can enjoy.”

The small piece of Crown Land, which has been the focus of the clean-up, lies adjacent to a number of privately owned bushland lots.

“It would be fantastic to see the owners of the rest of the Rum Jungle match the community’s initiative and clean up their land which has been used as a dumping site for many years,” Mayor Van Styn added.

The City will be contacting these landowners regarding the condition of their properties.

The community clean-up of Rum Jungle will take place on Sunday 22 September 2019 from 9am to approximately 11am. Members of the community interested in taking part should wear long sleeves and pants, bring along a hat and water bottle. A barbeque will be held following the clean-up to thank volunteers for their hard work.

The onsite Boxthorn Blitz Workshop will train members of the community on how to use the Boxthorn Blitz Kits which are partially funded by the State NRM program. Anyone who can’t make the workshop but is interested in Boxthorn control can contact City of Greater Geraldton Environmental Planning Officers on 9956 6600.

The Rum Jungle clean-up began in February 2019 with the mechanical removal of highly invasive African boxthorn plants and illegally dumped car bodies and heavy whitegoods. With the assistance of the Waggrakine Volunteer Bushfire Brigade the piles of boxthorn equivalent in size to 16, 8m long shipping containers were burned on site in a controlled burn.

New fire truck enhances community protection

Walkaway Brigade Captain Brendan McCann, Mayor Shane Van Styn, the City’s Emergency Operations Officer Murray Smith, DFES Superintendent Craig Smith and City CEO Ross McKim.

Volunteers of the Walkaway Bush Fire Brigade have welcomed a brand new 3.4U fire truck which will assist in protecting the local community.

The $600,000 truck built by Frontline Fire & Rescue Equipment in Malaga was supplied to the City of Greater Geraldton by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) under the Emergency Services Levy – Local Government Scheme. 

It may have been a long time coming, but the brand new 3000 litre, 4WD vehicle will now be utilised by 54 volunteers for fire management of Walkaway and the surrounding areas.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the new appliance was much needed and was a crucial element of community safety.

“We know there is no one that deserves more kudos for their new vehicle than the incredible volunteers of the Walkaway Bush Fire Brigade themselves,” he said.

“They have worked professionally and persistently to absolutely demonstrate their capacity to make very good use of new resources to protect their community.

“A big thank you goes out to the volunteers for what they do for our community, it doesn’t go unnoticed.”

Grant funds CBD intersection upgrade

Early morning traffic congestion at the intersection of Cathedral Avenue and Sandford Street.

One of the busiest intersections in the CBD will be transformed into a roundabout with the assistance of government grant funding.

The City has recently secured $1.27 million in Federal Black Spot funding to build a roundabout at the corner of Cathedral Avenue and Sandford Street.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the 100 percent grant funded project will improve traffic safety and the general flow of traffic in the area in alignment with CBD revitalisation plans.

“Over the years traffic congestion has steadily increased along Cathedral Avenue in the vicinity of the schools with almost 9,000 vehicles travelling through the intersection every day,” he said.

“Peak hour traffic happens around school pick-up and drop-off times with over 800 vehicles between 8-9am and nearly 1000 vehicles from 3-4pm.  All while hundreds of students cross this busy stretch of road.

“Anyone trying to turn onto or off of Cathedral Avenue at the Sandford Street intersection knows how difficult and time consuming this can be.

“A roundabout at the intersection will enable drivers entering or exiting Cathedral Avenue at the intersection to do so in a quicker and safer way and provide pedestrians with a safer way to cross the road.

“The roundabout will also be the catalyst for planned improvements to the Cathedral Avenue entrance to our CBD which, along with the Rocks Laneway Project, will help revitalise of the heart of our City,” he added.

The City has also received State Government Blackspot funding to build a roundabout at the intersection of Durlacher and Maitland Streets. The design and relocation of services have been included in the 2019/20 Budget with construction planned for next financial year. The project cost is estimated at $800K of which 75% is grant funded.

“I’d like to thank both the Federal and State Governments for supporting our applications and providing the funding to build the roundabouts,” said Mayor Van Styn. 

Design and construction of the roundabouts will take place over the coming months.

Watch the 3D fly through CBD Revitalisation Master Plan video below:

Temporary closure of Goulds Road

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise ARC Infrastructure will be undertaking repairs to the rail crossing located immediately south of the Goulds Road and Southern Transport Corridor intersection on Thursday 12 September and Friday 13 September 2019.

From 6am to 6pm, Goulds Road will be closed to traffic between the Southern Transport Corridor and the Meru Waste Facility access lane with a detour in place via Edward Road and Rudds Gully Road.

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.

Port Celebrate Three Generations of Family History

Hugh Dutton with his wife Emily and son Alan

Inaugural founding five board members Bob Scott, Kevin Critch, Chairman Frank Lemmon, Ian Bogle and Alan Dutton.

The orginal 32 foot single mast schooner cray boat the (ILMA – LFBG 8) used by Carl Newman

With ancestry spanning over a century in the Midwest, local man Jason Dutton is proud to see the roots of Geraldton’s maritime history firmly entwined in his family tree.

A self-confessed history buff, Jason can trace his Geraldton lineage all the way back to 1860.

There to witness the early stages of the region’s maritime, fishing and crayfish industries, the Dutton family also played a major part in establishing the beginnings of Geraldton Port.

Three generations of the Dutton line have worked on the berths, beginning with Jason’s grandfather.

“My grandfather Hugh Dutton (MM) was in shipping between his combat service in both world wars,” he said.

“After he got back from WW1 he worked as a Lumper, which is what Stevedores were called in those days, and loaded ships from the old Railway Jetty before the Port was even built.

“He then started working at the new Port when the first 2 berths were constructed in the 1930s and later berth 3, where he worked continuously until the outbreak of WW2.

“He then served in WW2 and was killed in action in 1942 while fighting in New Guinea.”

Hugh’s son, Alan Dutton, followed in his father’s footsteps and began his career at the Port in 1950.

From humble beginnings as an apprentice mechanic, Alan went on to become one of the inaugural Founding Board Members of the Geraldton Port Authority.

He worked at the Port for four decades, with 20 of those years spent on the Board.

During this time Alan also went on to complete his national service - remaining in the armed forces for two years.

But such was his love for his home town, Alan returned soon after to resume life in Geraldton, despite being offered a promotion to become a second lieutenant.

Jason said his father’s true love had always been the Port.

“My father Alan was a great man who cared very much for other people, his community and his beloved Port,” he said.

“It was the hard work and vision of people like my dad and grandfather that laid the incredibly strong foundations that remain today.”

Jason continued this legacy when in 2013 he began working in one of the Port’s Operational Crews at the Bulk Handling Facility.

In his spare time, Jason continued to delve in to his genealogy and began tracing the origins of the other side of his family.

This is when Jason discovered an even greater tie to the region’s aquaculture industry.

“It turns out my great grandfather Carl Newman was one of the pioneer rock lobster fisherman off the Geraldton coast and the Southern Group of the Abrolhos islands,” he said.

Jason also discovered further links to the armed forces – uncovering the tale of how his great grandfather would ferry sailors to and from war ships during shore leave.

“My great grandfather was the last man to ferry the sailors from the HMAS Sydney II when she came to Geraldton,” he said.

“It was only a short time later that she was sunk while in battle with the HSK Kormoran off Shark Bay.

“To this day this story is told when they do tours of the HMAS Sydney II memorial site.”

Utakarra Road renewal kicks off

Ozone Drive-In located on the south-east corner of Blencowe and Utakarra Roads. (Photo courtesy of the State Library of Western Australia)

A range of improvements planned for Rangeway, Utakarra and Karloo this financial year will kick off with resurfacing of part of Utakarra Road.

Works will start with the section between Wandoo Street and Blencowe Road followed by the section of road between Abraham Street and Davies Road at a later date.

City of greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said investing in urban renewals in the suburbs was long overdue.

“Rangeway, Utakarra and Karloo have roads that need fixing, especially Utakarra Road that used to be the Geraldton-Mount Magnet Highway until the Southern Transport Corridor opened in December 2009,” he said.

“This year we have budgeted more than $1.6 million for road works in these suburbs of which nearly $1 million will be used to resurface sections of Utakarra, Eastward and Horwood Roads, the main east-west thoroughfare through these localities.”

The area around the resurfacing works has seen a number of changes over the years.

“Long-time residents might recall the old Ozone Drive-In located on the south-east corner of Blencowe and Utakarra Roads that opened in September 1964,” Mayor Van Styn said.

“I’d be interested in knowing if anyone attended the last films shown there, The Eiger Sanction and A Howling in the Woods, before it closed on 2 July 1977.”

Resurfacing works are scheduled to begin on Monday 16 September 2019 and will take approximately one week to complete.

Airport runway extension paves way for economic growth

The Geraldton Regional Airport runway extension was officially opened on Friday 6 September 2019 by Federal Member for Durack the Hon. Melissa Price MP, City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn (center) and Member for the Agricultural Region Hon. Laurie Graham MLC.

Recently completed upgrades to the Geraldton Regional Airport are paving the way to long-term economic growth for the City region.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the $24 million resurfacing and extension of the airport runway to 2400m is part of a long-standing plan to open the region to global markets.

“The ability for larger aircraft to be accommodated at the Geraldton Airport provides an important whole-of-network role in Western Australia aviation, tourism and export industries,” he said.

“The significance of this upgrade was recognised long before the works were completed when in April, the Geraldton Airport was named as an alternative emergency landing site for international flights unable to land in Perth.

“Now that larger aircraft such as the Airbus A330 or Boeing 787 can land here, the region has become more accessible to both the interstate and international tourism industries.

“Whilst larger planes mean new airfreight export opportunities directly into Asia can now be explored.”

Construction on the $24 million Airport Runway Resurfacing and Extension Project was undertaken by locally based contractor WBHO. The project was jointly funded with the Australian Government Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) contributing $10 million, the State Government Regional Airports Development Scheme (RADS) $6.5 million and the City $7.5 million.

CBD Foreshore Beach Maintenance works

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise beach maintenance of the CBD Foreshore between the Dome Café and Forrest Street will be undertaken on Monday 9 September 2019.

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.

Woolworths rolls out Quiet Hour in Geraldton

Chris Chippendale, Life Without Barriers Executive Lead, Disability Engagement with Woolworths team members

Thursday 22 August 2019: Following a successful trial period in Western Australia, Woolworths Geraldton will now offer the low-sensory Quiet Hour to customers.

The program is designed to reduce anxiety and sensory stress for customers with specific needs, including autism, by providing a quieter and less stimulating environment in store. 

Autism Spectrum Australia estimates more than 300,000 (or 1 in 70) Australians are on the autism spectrum*.

Woolworths Geraldton will lower lights, turn down music and radio, and turn off oven buzzers for an hour every Tuesday between 10:30am and 11:30am.

Woolworths Geraldton will join more than 260 stores nationally, including 20 in Western Australia.

Woolworths  Group Manager James Ferguson said: “We’ve heard from our customers there is a need in the community for a low sensory shopping experience in the area. 

“Off the back of successful trials, we’re delighted to expand Quiet Hour to Woolworths Geraldton for the benefit of even more customers. 

“Our team takes great pride in ensuring the store is quieter and less stressful for customers who want to shop during Quiet Hour and we look forward to welcoming them in store.”

The low sensory initiative was developed in consultation with disability service providers at Life Without Barriers. 

Life Without Barriers Chief Executive Claire Robbs said: “Quiet Hour is a fantastic accessibility initiative by Woolworths that recognises that people have different accessibility needs. 

“It gives people a way to do their shopping and increase their independence in an environment that is not stressful and overwhelming to them.” 

During Quiet Hour, customers will also notice the following changes:

• Reducing volume on store phones and registers on the trading floor;

• Roll cages will be removed from the shop floor; and

• No PA announcements (excluding in case of emergencies).

Prescribed burns in Cape Burney

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be undertaking several prescribed burns on the eastern side of the Greenough River Walk Trail in Cape Burney on Saturday 3 August 2019.

The burn will commence at approximately 9am and the Greenough River Walk Trail will NOT be closed to the community during this time.

The Cape Burney, Waggrakine and Moonyoonooka Volunteer Bushfire Brigades will be on site to control the burn rate and extinguish the fire by the end of the day.

Smoke from this prescribed burn may affect the surrounding areas. If you have a respiratory condition or are affected by smoke you should contact your local doctor or call Health Direct on 1800 022 222.

Prescribed burns are undertaken by the City to mitigate the severity of bushfires and to help protect lives and property by reducing the build-up of flammable fuel loads.

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

If weather conditions are not favourable this burn will be postponed until a future date.

The City apologises for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

WA ScamNet: Buyer beware fake websites

Recently there have been fake sportswear websites, including one called sksvipstocks dot com posing as shoe brand Skechers.

Alarm bells should ring if sites ask you to pay by direct bank transfer or wire transfer. WA ScamNet's Buyer beware fake websites has some tips on what to look out for before buying online.

A super bargain promoted via an online pop-up or social media advertisement is just like an enticing shop window display with ‘sale’ signs. It can be hard to pass up the chance of big discounts or low prices but digital impulse buying may mean you get nothing in return for your money.

You can report scams or ask for further advice by contacting WA ScamNet on 1300 304 054 or by email.

New home for vital volunteers

DFES Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM, Tom Wilson Deputy Unit Manager, Member for the Agricultural Region Darren West MLC, Minister for Emergency Services Hon Francis Logan MLA, Member for the Agricultural Region Laurie Graham MLC and Councillor Bob Hall at the opening event.

State Emergency Services (SES) volunteers have a new home in Geraldton after the brand new state-of-the-art SES building was officially opened.

The new modern facility featuring an administrative building, shed, garage and training tower was officially opened by Minister for Emergency Services Hon Francis Logan MLA on Saturday.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the building was very much needed for the local group. 

“We have more than 35 Geraldton-Greenough SES volunteers who all work tirelessly for our community,” he said.

“The group has been forced to relocate more than six times so it’s only fitting they have suitable and permanent headquarters. 

“Our SES volunteers provide such a crucial service not only to Geraldton, but also to the state and we thank them for their continuous efforts.”

SES volunteers provide services to the community which include responding to natural disasters such as major flooding, fires and severe storms events.

Their service also extends to mass casualty events, emergency repairs to buildings, restoration of essential services and transportation of cargo and passengers. 

Emergency Services Minister Hon Francis Logan MLA said the SES play an essential role in the WA community.

"This new $1.8 million state-of-the-art SES facility will improve response times, act as a back-up incident control centre when necessary and encourage closer collaboration between emergency services,” he said.

"This modern headquarters is centrally located, purpose-built and equipped with the very latest in communication technology." 

The central location of the building near major road arteries will enable quick response times in during emergencies and they will also be able to provide an additional layer of assistance in the event of an aircraft incident at the airport.

Construction of the $1.8 million facility, was 100% funded by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, and construction was undertaken by local contractor Geraldton Building Services and Cabinets.

The City of Greater Geraldton provided the land to DFES for the project and also managed the design and construction.

Back Beach boxthorn removal works

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise boxthorn removal works in the foreshore reserve adjacent to the South Pipe beach access, Mahomets Flats is scheduled to commence on Monday 29 July 2019 for a period of approximately five days.

Works include the mechanical removal of African boxthorn plants.

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.

Cape Burney subdivision tender awarded

The subdivision of the current leasehold properties in Cape Burney is one-step closer with the tender to construct road, drainage, sewer, water, power and lighting works awarded at Tuesday’s Council meeting.

The $1.2 million project to subdivide the 23 lots located on Gaskin Drive was awarded to BMD Urban Pty Ltd a national company with extensive experience in lot subdivision and development.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said once the works are completed residents will finally have closure on the legacy project, which dates back to 2005 before the amalgamation of Greenough Shire with Geraldton City.

“For more than 14 years leaseholders have been waiting for the leased land on which their homes stand to be subdivided into freehold residential titles,” he said.

“Following Council’s resolution in February 2018 to subdivide a portion of Lot 200, leaseholders have entered contract agreements with the City and made prepayments to purchase their individual lots.

“This is a very satisfying outcome for the community which has enabled all former leaseholders to continue to live in their homes with the added security of finally owning their properties.”

All costs associated with the design, construction and development phases of the subdivision will be funded by the sale of the lots.

Home is not just a building

On any given night, there are 116,427 Australian’s recorded as experiencing homelessness. 42% are under the age of 25.

“Probably one of the biggest things is trust and faith. A lot of that disappears when you see people walking by and any one of those can help you out but a lot of people just choose to ignore you. Having a feeling of no home, there also comes a feeling of no hope as well” – Alex, Fusion past resident.

Behind those statistics and faces are stories. “Most people don’t realise that there’s always a story. People don’t realise that they just need that little bit of help to get up and back on their feet. Two years ago I wasn’t really thinking about the next day or the future. [After] Being with Fusion… now I actually want to live life and be as good as I can be.” – Alex, past resident.

“My life has not been easy. My troubles started when I was around 11. Things got so bad between mum and I by 15 I wasn’t at home. I spent about four months going from place to place  I moved to Perth. Life on the streets in Perth was a time I don’t even want to recall. To say my life was broken is an understatement, but I decided to come home to Geraldton. Off the bus I saw a poster for Stay, and after a phone call I knew my life was going to change. The youth workers at STAY got me settled into a new way of life in about four months. I started counselling. I quit dope. I enrolled in a course at TAFE and I started to feel better about myself. As I was studying STAY supported me to get Austudy, and then into independent living. Four years on I’m doing ok. My life isn’t perfect but it’s better than it was. I have a place to call home and I’m doing my best”  – Sam, past STAY resident.

Alex and Sam's stories of homelessness end with connection, support and shared hope. Will you help build more than a building?

Friday 9 August Fusion Australia partnering with STAY (Short Term Accommodation for Youth) is hosting Sleep In Your Car at Maitland Park.

Held during Homelessness Week, the local event is in its 4th Year and is part of a nation wide campaign creating community spaces to begin to consider what it means to experience homelessness.

Drop in for dinner or stay the whole night. Where you will learning about the experience of homelessness, listen to a children's story reading, participate in a scavenger hunt, food and coffee.

Register to Sleep In your car or sleep rough to raise the crucial funding to prevent and support local young people experiencing homelessness. The Geraldton event aims to raise $15,000 .

Kayla, 17 years old, slept out two years ago and had her eyes opened. “Last night … I was wrapped up, but yet I was cold everywhere… I couldn’t feel my toes. I couldn’t sleep… [I was] uncomfortable on the ground and… I realised an awful thing. There are people out there tonight and other nights, colder nights, that are sleeping out… They’re doing it because it’s their life and they have no where else to go… I couldn’t do that every night, and I don’t think anyone else should have to either.”

You have the power to help transform the lives of vulnerable young people in our community.

Register for the Geraldton event at www.sleepinyourcar.com.au

Signage installation on Foreshore

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be installing new pedestrian wayfinding signage at five sites along the foreshore with works commencing on Monday 29 July for a period of approximately four days.

Works will take place from 7.00am to 4.30pm daily with traffic management in place during this time.

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 turns up the heat on weed control

Steam treating weeds in the Mahomets Flats playground.

Weeds across the City are beginning to feel the heat as the City rolls out a 12-month steam treatment trial for the unwanted plants.

The trial, which began last week, uses a purpose built, steam treatment machine that applies steam directly to plant foliage.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim said the trial is part of ongoing investigations to identify alternative, environmentally friendly and cost effective ways to control weeds.

“Managing weeds in our parks, open spaces, road reserves and paths and even in our drains is a massive, never ending, task,” he said.

“Weeds can have a huge impact on our environment by choking out native plant species and reducing food sources or habitat for native animals.

“They can also create fire hazards which is why weed control is a very important part of the City’s operations.

“Given the sheer volume of work involved in weed control we are always looking for alternative weed management practices that can achieve effective results whilst reducing the need for chemical control methods,” he added.

The trial will monitor the cost and efficiency of steam as an alternative to Glyphosate for weed control.

Delivered: tax relief for Durack

Low and middle income earners in Durack will start to receive immediate tax relief from next week.

Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price said the Morrison Government has delivered on its promise to build a better tax system and provide more tax relief in Durack.

“This will ensure Durack low and middle income earners will keep more of what they earn and have more money in their pockets. This will ultimately boost household consumption, which will be good for the overall economy,” she said.

“Those earning up to $126,000 in Durack will receive up to $1,080, and dual income couples will receive up to $2,160.”

The tax package provides a further $158 billion in tax relief, building on the already legislated Personal Income Tax Plan that announced in the 2018-19 Budget.

The Government has also locked in the benefits of low and middle income tax relief by increasing the top threshold of the 19 cents in the dollar tax bracket from $41,000 to $45,000 and by increasing the low income tax offset from $645 to $700 in 2022-23.

In combination with the legislated removal of the 37 per cent tax bracket in 2024-25, the Government is delivering structural reform to the tax system by reducing the 32.5 cents in the dollar tax rate to 30 cents in the dollar.

“Together, these tax relief measures will create a flatter and better tax system that will improve incentives for those people working hard Durack,” Ms Price said.

“It will also ensure that 94 per cent of Australians will face a marginal tax rate no higher than 30 cents in the dollar in 2024-25.

“Australians voiced their loud and clear support for our comprehensive tax package at the election. They supported a tax system that rewards aspiration and encourages effort, and we have delivered it. 

“Lower taxes are part of our plan for a stronger economy,” said Ms Price.

Strathalbyn Christian College joins the Country Week

For the first time Strathalbyn Christian College will be sending a team of over 50 students to Country Week which will be held in Perth at the end of this month.

The week-long event will provide an opportunity for our students to meet, and play against, other students from regional centres in specific disciplines such as netball, basketball, volleyball and hockey.

They also have a dance team that will have the opportunity to learn a wide range of dances such as Indigenous Contemporary, Ukranianian Cossack and Commercial along with ballet, pilates and Wu Tao.  The Dance program is coordinated by AusDance with students using the studios at WAAPA.

To mark this special occasional the College appointed Overall Team Captains Calli-Rose Woods and Alyse White who have assisted staff with preparation for the event.  Students were also nominated as Sports Captains by their peers: Calli-Rose Woods (Girls Basketball), Bella Davidson (Dance), Jesse McKoy (Hockey), Rene Brand (Netball), Levi Moore (Boys Basketball) and Evan Gilbert (Volleyball).   Each Captain has assisted the Team Coach to organise team practises, assisted with fundraising/promoting and informing students about details about Country Week.  The students participated in fundraising activities to assist with their Country Week expenses.

Calli-Rose Woods and her mother, Julie Woods, helped to design the Country Week Polo Shirts which have an Aboriginal theme.  All elements of the shirt design have special meaning, for example the circle on the front represents the meeting place (of Country Week) and the message stick is symbolic of Welcome to Country

Strathalbyn Christian College students will be stepping out in style in our newly designed Country Week sports uniform. Created with the help of Cooper Teamwear, this design captures the Strath uniform colours of green, blue and white in a unique way. ‘Working with Cooper Teamwear during the design phase of the project was very easy and they were able to meet our short deadline without any problems. The students love the new design and are excited to be representing Strathalbyn Christian College at Country Week” said Anna Hollander, Marketing and Community Relations Manager.

Leading up to Country Week, the students have been playing scratch-matches against Geraldton Senior High School and Geraldton Grammar School which assisted with their team skills.

Blue bin contamination continues

The blue plastic recycling bins in Sunset Beach are being relocated due to ongoing contamination.

The bins currently located on the west side of Chapman Road across from the Glenfield Shopping Centre will be moved 200m to the south to the turning bay in front of the Spalding Horse and Pony Club on the east side of Chapman Road on Monday 1 July 2019.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the ongoing contamination was very discouraging.

“Over the past six months the City has been reminding the community to do the right thing by putting only types 1 and 2 plastics into the blue bins,” he said.

“When other plastics and non-recyclable materials are placed in these bins they become contaminated and the whole lot goes to landfill.

“We’ve already had to relocate the blue plastic bins in Drummond Cove due to contamination and hopefully moving the bins away from the cardboard recycling containers and rubbish bins at their current location will stop the ongoing contamination.

“It’s really frustrating as we are trying to provide a service the community wants and it’s unfortunate that their recycling efforts are actually going to waste.”

To identify what plastics are type 1 and 2, look for the symbol on the item. Plastics include soft drink, juice and water bottles as well as common white or coloured plastic such as milk containers and shampoo bottles.

People are also reminded to remove bottle lids and rinse them out before recycling.

The locations of the bins are:

• Beachlands Primary School – Corner of Whitfield St and Bradley St

• Bluff Point Primary School – 18 Mitchell St

• Drummond Cove – 19 Parkvista Square

• Geraldton Primary School – Augustus St

• Geraldton Surf Lifesaving Club – 260 Willcock Drive

• Leaning Tree Community School – 15 Bayly Street

• Mt Tarcoola Primary School – Acacia Street

• Paringa Park – Paringa Street, Mount Tarcoola

• PCYC – 105 Pass Street, Wonthella

• QEII Seniors and Community Centre Carpark – 88 Durlacher Street

• Strathalbyn Christian College – 15 Cedar Crescent

• Tip Shop - 61 Landfill Lane, Narngulu

• Waggrakine Primary School – Hall Road

• Wandina Primary School – 29 Ajax Drive

For more information about recycling in Geraldton, head to www.cgg.wa.gov.au