Urgent item introduced at tonight's Council Meeting

Please be advised there has been an urgent special item introduced into tonight’s Council Meeting agenda.

The item will discuss the City and Council’s response to the COVID-19 situation and will seek guidance on future measures, particularly associated with the preparation of the 2020-21 Council Budget. 

The updated agenda can be found on the City’s website here: https://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/council-meetings/ordinary-council-meeting/24-march-2020/156

The item 2020-21 BUDGET GUIDANCE – COVID-1 can be found on page 53 of the agenda.

Council Meeting will proceed with social distancing measures implemented. If you’d rather watch the Meeting online, you can watch the livestream here: https://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/your-council/council/council-meetings/live-streaming-of-council-meetings.aspx

Hilltop Hoods will be back

Hilltop Hoods have made a commitment confirming they will return to Geraldton to play a music event in the future.                                                                                                                  

After the recent ban from the government for all non-essential events of over 500 people – WoW Fest 2020 which was set for the Easter long weekend will not be proceeding as scheduled. 

However after recent discussions with this year’s headliners, Hilltop Hoods have made a commitment to return to Geraldton.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn thanked Hilltop Hoods for their assurance.

“We know the Geraldton community will be absolutely pumped with Hilltop Hoods reassuring us that they will play in Geraldton in the future,” he said. 

“We understand there was a lot of disappointment around the recent announcement, but the health and safety of our community is our top priority.” 

Middle Kids, Montaigne and Adrian Eagle were also scheduled to play at WoW Fest 2020 and confirmation of their involvement moving forward will be made when a date is announced in the future.

Tickets holders are advised, they can get their ticket refunded for WoW Music Fest 2020 or they can keep it and it will be honoured for the next scheduled music event featuring Hilltop Hoods. 

For ticket refunds, or any WoW Fest enquiries – contact the City on 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au

Funtavia rescheduled due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns

Geraldton’s Funtavia Festival planned for 1-2 May 2020, will be rescheduled due to concerns about the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak upon the event.

Funtavia Chair Rob Jefferies states “This decision has been made with careful consideration by the Funtavia Board after undertaking an extensive risk assessment process.“

“We had to act now and seriously consider the major risks such as a forced delay by circumstance beyond our control to meet our financial responsibilities to our sponsors, performers, and contractors and to best position Funtavia for its future sustainability.

“The Board attained the most relevant, objective information available to us from responsible agencies and authoritative health officers to make the decision,” said Mr Jefferies.

Professional public health advice provided to Funtavia included a forecast that COVID-19 cases in WA are expected to peak around July/August 2020. Therefore the closer Funtavia is to that time, the greater the risk.

Mr Jefferies said “This advice, along with further information relevant to Funtavia’ circumstances, greatly assisted our risk management process and decision making.”

“Our considerations are specific to the Funtavia event, and should not be projected onto others”, he advised, “key risk factors, financial resilience, timing and other considerations are going to vary, so differences in approach between events can only be expected,” Mr Jefferies added.

Funtavia is at a critical time in event preparations, moving from the planning stage where it could use the work completed in a rescheduled event, to the next stage of committing funds and resources based upon a set date and venue.

Mr Jefferies advised “An important core value of Funtavia and valuable feedback from previous years, is that Funtavia provides an amazing event, in a safe atmosphere where everyone thoroughly enjoys each other's company.”

“It is a joyous celebration of community spirit, but with this jubilant interaction an environment exists where recommended precautionary practises like social distancing become very difficult, and we also had to ask ourselves if a COVID-19 incident did occur, how could health officers reasonably trace and assist people who may have had a close contact,” Mr Jefferies said.

The Funtavia Board believes that the event’s well regarded sense of security and good will is compromised by the overshadowing concerns of the potential impact of COVID-19 in the community.

“Given the potential risk of an escalation of the COVID-19 threat that may exist in May, the level of concern already evident within the community, potential impact on adequate attendance numbers and the financial risk to our not-for-profit organisation, the Funtavia Board strongly believe this is the right decision for Funtavia,” Mr Jefferies added.

The Festival will be rescheduled once there is clarity around the extent of the COVID-19 impact on the Midwest. Once there is stability, Funtavia will regroup to determine the best time to hold the Festival.

Mr Jefferies expressed the Funtavia Board’s great appreciation of the support that the event receives.

“Whether you are an artist, partner, sponsor, volunteer, contractor or patron, please know that we greatly value all the time, effort and support invested into the Festival, this is why we continue and have drive to deliver this unique event. We look forward to the continuing support that shall move us to an incredible future festival.

The Funtavia website, Facebook, Instagram and E-news will contain relevant updates.

WoW Fest 2020 Announcement

Given recent communication from authorities, all unnecessary events over 500 people will not go ahead, and as such – WoW Fest 2020 will not proceed as programmed.

We’re saddened by this news, however public health and community safety are our absolute top priorities at this time. 

We’d like the community to know that they can get their WoW Music Fest tickets refunded by calling the City on 9956 6600. 

We understand and appreciate the frustration and inconvenience this is causing, but unfortunately this decision is out of our control and we’d like to thank the community for their patience and support as we move forward.

City taking realistic approach to recycling

In what has been described as a “nationwide crisis” the City of Greater Geraldton are ensuring a realistic approach to recycling.

In recent years China placed restrictions on foreign waste and now only accept material with a contamination level of no more than 0.5%.

As a result, many Councils in eastern Australia have ceased recycling collection due to this restriction and recycled waste is going to landfill.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said many people don’t understand the current struggles associated with recycling.

“It’s been reported that just 9% of plastics from Australia have actually been recycled, a lot of it is ending up in landfill – and people aren’t aware of that,” he said.

“We don’t think it’s sustainable to increase rates to introduce a recycling program that is in actual fact, just ending up in landfill. 

“Due to current recycling limitations, we are taking a considered approach to try and ensure we give our community realistic options to recycle and ensure that it ends up being recycled and not in landfill.”

There are currently no recycling facilities within WA that don’t rely on Asian markets to recycle the material. Each recycling facility within WA only sort, bale and then ship the material to other countries for further processing.

In July 2019 the Federal Government announced that it would be placing a future ban on export of waste plastic, paper, glass and tyres. This will have a significant impact on the current recycling market and where these materials will eventually end up without any remanufacturing sites within in WA.

Recent Cleanaway fires at their Material Recovery Facility in Perth (which was the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere) have had a big impact on recycling with places such as Kalgoorlie–Boulder and City of Mandurah having to send kerbside recycling to landfill due to the facility not being able to take the material. 

With studies showing that Food Organic and Garden Organics (FOGO) potentially makes up for 40% of our waste stream – the City has made the decision to introduce a FOGO trial which will commence in March. 

FOGO material will be processed locally for the local market without relying on any international fluctuating markets. 

In June, the State will also be implementing a Container for Change scheme. All eligible glass, plastic and aluminium bottles can be taken to at least one refund point in Geraldton by June 2020 for a 10 cent refund.

“We are serious about reducing waste and that’s why we are implementing realistic and worthwhile recycling initiatives,” Mayor Van Styn added.

“FOGO material is a valuable commodity which should not be dumped in landfill which is why we are going to collect it and process it locally to make compost for the City and community to use.”

The small scale trial of kerbside collection of FOGO waste slated to reduce waste to landfill by potentially 50% will begin in March. The trial will also give the City an opportunity to perfect the composting process.

A total of 500 randomly selected house across nine City suburbs will soon be receiving their lime green lidded FOGO bins in the lead up to the first collection.

A series of ‘Street Meets’ will be held in the neighbourhoods of the selected households over the next two weeks where City staff will be on hand to answer questions about the trial and deliver free kitchen caddies to trail participants. 

For more information on the FOGO trial or where to recycle, head to the City’s website for details www.cgg.wa.gov.au

Smoke alert in Geraldton

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise there is a current smoke alert in place for Geraldton.

There are no fires in Geraldton however overnight winds have blown a large amount of smoke from bushfires in the South West.

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.

For more information visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au

Geraldton to embrace driverless technology

RAC’s Intellibus is bound for Geraldton.

State-of-the-art driverless technology will soon be a feature in Geraldton’s CBD with RAC’s Intellibus making its way to the Midwest.

Endorsed at this week’s Council Meeting, demonstrations will begin in April 2020 and will travel a 2.6km return loop commencing at the Geraldton Visitor Centre, via the Museum of Geraldton, travelling primarily along Marine Terrace, Foreshore Drive and Museum Place.

 City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the RAC Intellibus is a huge opportunity for the region.

“Not only are we committed to improving transport and movement within our CBD, but we are also committed to embracing the latest in innovation and technology so this is the perfect fit for our community,” he said.

“This experience is a huge coup for Geraldton and we know both our community and visitors alike will love the addition to our CBD.

 “I can already envisage the Intellibus will be utilised significantly - especially during peak times such as cruise ship visits and it will be a focal element for tourism and marketing of the Midwest.

“This really is a fantastic outcome for Geraldton and we look forward to working with RAC on the implementation,” he added.  

The identified route includes travel through the Marine Terrace Mall, past the newly developed Town Square, Ghost Office and Rocks Building - with stops at the Visitors Centre and Museum of Geraldton. 

Those on board will learn about the changing nature of transport, mobility, road safety and observe how the Intellibus interacts with road users including motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

RAC Executive General Manager Advocacy and Members Patrick Walker said they were excited to partner with the City to bring this world-leading driverless technology to an iconic Western Australian location.

“Regional areas present unique road safety and mobility challenges — that’s why engaging these communities is a priority, to help us all better understand and prepare for the changing nature of transport,” he said.

“Nearly 1,600 passengers experienced driverless technology in the south-west during our hugely successful visit to Busselton last year, and we’re excited to now extend this opportunity to residents and visitors in Geraldton. 

“The demonstration will ensure even more Western Australians can see, experience and share their views on the technology so that together, we can help prepare WA for a driverless future,” he added.

Council also approved the extension of the demonstration to three months to include the rollout of RAC’s educational ‘Imagine Program’ to local schools.

The demonstration is pending the provision of a special permit issued by the Department of Transport.

As of January 2020, more than 16,100 passengers have experienced the Intellibus, which has travelled more than 24,770kms in autonomous mode.

For more information, visit http://www.rac.com.au/intellibus

Forrester Park playground renewal

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the play equipment at Forrester Park in Waggrakine will be replaced with works scheduled to take place from Thursday 30 January to Friday 7 February 2020.

Works include the removal of the aged equipment, installation of a new playground and softfall mulch.

To ensure community safety, the playground will be temporarily closed during the works.

New shade sails will be installed at a later date.

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.

Australian history lands at GRAG

Brenda L Croft, Self-portraits on country, Wave Hill, 2014 (installation detail).

Geraldton Regional Art Gallery (GRAG) will welcome a new exhibition this week that considers the ongoing impact of the Gurindji Walk-Off at Wave Hill Station in 1966.

‘Still in my mind: Gurindji location experience and visuality’ showcases a pivotal moment in Australian history through photo-media, videos, paintings, found objects and archival materials.

Each artwork communicates and expresses deeply-felt notions of home, community and country. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn encouraged members of the community to attend opening night.

“We are proud to welcome this touring exhibition to GRAG that represents and considers such a significant time in Australian history,” he said.

“Still in my mind reflects on a major turning point and I’m sure it will get people talking, which all great art is supposed to.”

The exhibition derives its’ name from the inspired words of revered Gurindji/Malngin leader Vincent Lingiari, “that land… I still got it on my mind.”

Lingiari was pivotal in the seminal Gurindji Walk-Off – where he led over 200 countrymen, women and children off Wave Hill Station to protest poor wages and conditions.

‘Still in my mind’ is developed in partnership with UNSW Galleries, UQ Art Museum, and Karungkarni Art and Culture Aboriginal Corporation, with support from Australian Research Discovery Indigenous Award, National Institute for Experimental Arts, ARC Centre of Excellence for the Dynamics of Language and the Berndt Research Foundation.

The tour is presented by Artback NT and supported by Visions of Australia. 

‘Still in my mind’ will officially open at GRAG at 6pm on Friday 31 January and will be followed by a floor talk with Curator and participating artist Brenda L. Croft at 11am on Saturday 1 February. 

RSVPs to these events can be made through Eventbrite.

City calls for a jury of its residents to deliberate services (Copy)

The call is about to go out community members, as the City of Greater Geraldton seeks 30 everyday people to take part in a citizens’ jury that will shape the future delivery of Council services.

Over the coming weeks, residents from across the City region will be randomly called by Thinkfield, WA’s premier field research company, and offered the opportunity to be a jury panel member in the second stage of the recently launched Community Voice Project.

During the second stage, the City will provide in-depth information to the panel on its range of services including the costs involved, for examination by the group before panel makes recommendations to Council on the delivery of these services in the coming years.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn urges residents to pick up their phone when they get a call or the opportunity to be involved may be missed.

“We know people may be wary of taking calls from unknown numbers,” he said.

“But I would like to encourage people to take the call and talk to the person on the other end, as it might just be our consultant calling.

“Otherwise you might miss the chance to be on the panel.”

The City and Council will be placing great value on what this panel has to say.

“Our priority is to provide good value for money whilst ensuring our services reflect the community’s wants and needs in line with their willingness to pay for them,” Mayor Van Styn added.

“We look forward to hearing what the Panel will recommend to Council on behalf of the community they will be representing.”

The first stage of the project, the Community Voice Survey is still underway. 

Residents who have an opinion on the services the City provides or have ideas on what the Council should be doing over the next three years can take the survey available online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/voices1  or in hard copy at the City Civic Centre, Geraldton Regional Library, QEII Centre and Mullewa

Mayor makes formal bid for old fire station

Mayor Shane Van Styn has offered the state government $1 for the old fire station on Durlacher Street.

In a bid to secure the old fire station building and land on Durlacher Street, City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn has offered the state government $1 for the site.

With the aim of redeveloping the space into a public carpark, a formal letter has been sent to Minister for Emergency Services Hon Francis Logan MLA requesting the state to relinquish the site to the City freehold for $1.

Mayor Van Styn said the City had been in negotiations with two state governments for five years in order to gain control of the site - with both governments saying they would offer it to the City.

“Our last correspondence from the state was last month from Minister Logan stating the City should make an offer,” he said.

“So here is our offer! Let's get this long overdue deal done and clean up this state owned eyesore in the middle of our CBD.

Mayor Van Styn also added that the state government don’t have plans for the site for at least the next 10 years and the building is already disused and falling into disrepair.

“The prospect of this site remaining derelict for 10 years, or more, is not well received by the Geraldton community and this is why we are appealing to the state for a collaborative approach in order to ensure this land is put to use,” he said.

“Vibrancy in our CBD has been a top priority for the City and we have seen amazing transformations such as Rocks Laneway and Beresford Foreshore.

“It is important that we continue to work hard where we can to acquire land and buildings before they become dilapidated and create negative space in our community.

At a Council Meeting in November 2019, Council made the decision to begin negotiations with the state government to secure the land on freehold purchase.

The City has been advised that preliminary PFAS testing (GHD) has occurred on the site and additional PFAS testing is required to ascertain the extent of the PFAS contamination. 

The City has also been advised that this follow up testing may not occur for up to ten years as the site has been classified as a low priority. 

As part of the formal offer, the state would contribute 50% of the project costs estimated at around $400,000 in total.

“We want to work proactively with the Minister and the state to ensure a positive outcome for both parties,” Mayor Van Styn added.

“Negotiations will continue and we hope a resolution will be made in the near future.”

QPT launches new booklet for 2020

Entertainment lovers will revel in the Queens Park Theatre’s (QPT) brand new program for 2020, which is now available for you to feast your eyes on.

My Greatest Period Ever, Ocean Film Festival, Sleeping Beauty by Moscow Ballet La Classique, Arj Barker and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival are just some of the shows that can be enjoyed this season.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn encouraged people to pick up a copy of the booklet.

“As always, the QPT is bursting at the seams with quality entertainment from around the globe and you can see it all in the new program that’s now available,” he said.

“Performances are happening throughout the year and by grabbing a copy you can make sure you don’t miss any.

“The QPT is the place to be for your dose of entertainment and we look forward to seeing you there.”

February kicks off with the gruesome and quirky Murder Ballads, Haunted Tales and Songs about Killing and in April Adam Thomson’s Bohemian Rhapsody Soundtrack Live will unfold with tracks such as Somebody to Love, We Will Rock You and I Want to Break Free.

Edward the Emu comes to life on stage come early June and it set to be popular with all members of the family.

Lots more will be happening at the award-winning venue and you can stay in the loop by collecting a copy of the program from the QPT, Civic Centre, Geraldton Library and Geraldton Visitor Centre.

It can also be viewed online by clicking here.

Total fire ban in place

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise there is a total fire ban in place for the Midwest Gascoyne region today, Tuesday 7 January 2020. 

For information on activities that can or cannot be carried out during a total fire ban visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au/totalfirebans

 All total fire ban areas can be viewed at: www.emergency.wa.gov.au

Festive Season Opening Hours

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the following operating hours will be in place during Christmas and New Year break:

CIVIC CENTRE – CATHEDRAL AVENUE, MULLEWA DISTRICT OFFICE, DEPOT
CLOSED from Wednesday 25 December 2019
Normal operating hours resume Thursday 2 January 2020

GERALDTON REGIONAL LIBRARY
Open Monday 23 December 2019 – 1:00pm to 5:30pm
Open Tuesday 24 December 2019 – 9:00am to 5:30pm
CLOSED Wednesday 25 December 2019 (Christmas Day)
CLOSED Thursday 26 December 2019 (Boxing Day)
Open Friday 27 December 2019 - 9:00am to 5:30pm
Open Saturday 28 December 2019 - 9:30am to 1:00pm
Open Sunday 29 December 2019 – 1:30pm to 4:30pm
Open Monday 30 December 2019 – 1:00pm to 5:30pm
Open Tuesday 31 December 2019 – 9:00am to 5:30pm
CLOSED Wednesday 1 January 2020 (New Year’s Day)
Normal operating hours resume Thursday 2 January 2020

GERALDTON VISITOR CENTRE
Open Monday 23 December 2019 – 9:00am to 5:00pm
Open Tuesday 24 December 2019 – 9:00am to 5:00pm
CLOSED Wednesday 25 December 2019 (Christmas Day)
Open Thursday 26 December 2019 – 9:00am to 1:00pm
Open Friday 27 December 2019 – 9:00am to 5:00pm
Open Saturday 28 December 2019 – 9:00am to 1:00pm
Open Sunday 29 December 2019 – 9:00am to 1:00pm
Open Monday 30 December 2019 – 9:00am to 5:00pm
Open Tuesday 31 December 2019 – 9:00am to 5:00pm
Open Wednesday 1 January 2020 – 9:00am to 1:00pm
Normal operating hours resume Thursday 2 January 2020

GERALDTON REGIONAL ART GALLERY

Open Monday 23 December 2019 – 10:00am to 4:00pm
Open Tuesday 24 December 2019 – 10:00am to 4:00pm
CLOSED Wednesday 25 December 2019 (Christmas Day) 
CLOSED Thursday 26 December 2019 (Boxing Day)
Open Friday 27 December 2019 - 10:00am to 4:00pm
Open Saturday 28 December 2019 - 10:00am to 4:00pm
CLOSED Sunday 29 December 2019
Open Monday 30 December 2019 – 10:00am to 4:00pm
Open Tuesday 31 December 2019 – 10:00am to 4:00pm
CLOSED Wednesday 1 January 2020 (New Year’s Day)
Normal operating hours resume Thursday 2 January 2020

AQUARENA
Open Monday 23 December 2019 – 5:30am to 8:00pm
Open Tuesday 24 December 2019 – 5:30am to 6:00pm
CLOSED Wednesday 25 December 2019 (Christmas Day)
Open Thursday 26 December 2019 – 11:00am to 4:00pm
Open Friday 27 December 2019 - 5:30am to 8:00pm
Open Saturday 28 December 2019 - 8:00am to 6:00pm
Open Sunday 29 December 2019 - 9:00am to 6:00pm 
Open Monday 30 December 2019 – 5:30am to 8:00pm
Open Tuesday 31 December 2019 – 5:30am to 6:00pm
CLOSED Wednesday 1 January 2020 (New Year’s Day)
Normal operating hours resume Thursday 2 January 2020

MULLEWA SWIMMING POOL

Open Monday 23 December 2019 – 11:00am to 6:00pm
Open Tuesday 24 December 2019 – 11:00am to 6:00pm
CLOSED Wednesday 25 December 2019 (Christmas Day)
CLOSED Thursday 26 December 2019 (Boxing Day)
Open Friday 27 December 2019 – 11:00am to 6:00pm 
Open Saturday 28 December 2019 – 11:00am to 6:00pm 
Open Sunday 29 December 2019 – 11:00am to 6:00pm
Open Monday 30 December 2019 – 11:00am to 6:00pm
Open Tuesday 31 December 2019 – 11:00am to 6:00pm
CLOSED Wednesday 1 January 2020 (New Year’s Day)
Normal operating hours resume Thursday 2 January 2020

QUEENS PARK THEATRE

GERALDTON MULTIPURPOSE CENTRE

Open Monday 23 December 2019 – 8:30am to 5:00pm
Open Tuesday 24 December 2019 – 8:30am to 5:00pm
CLOSED from Wednesday 25 December 2019
Normal operating hours resume Thursday 2 January 2020

QEII SENIORS & COMMUNITY CENTRE

CLOSED from Saturday 21 December 2019                       
Normal operating hours resume Monday 6 January 2020

MERU LANDFILL

CLOSED Wednesday 25 December 2019 (Christmas Day)
CLOSED Wednesday 1 January 2020 (New Year’s Day)
Normal operating hours are 7:30am to 4:30pm

After hours and emergency calls will be monitored through our call centre – please contact (08) 9956 6600.

Changes to rubbish collection services over Christmas & New Year

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the public of the below changes to the rubbish collection schedule during the Christmas and New Year break:

Normal collections recommence on Monday 6 January 2020. Please ensure that all bins are out by 6am on your collection day. 

Please be advised that Meru Landfill will be closed on Christmas Day, 25 December 2019 and New Year’s Day 1 January 2020. Normal business hours are from 7.30am to 4.30pm and will resume on Boxing Day, 26 December 2019 and 2 January 2020.

Hilltop Hoods, Middle Kids, Montaigne and Adrian Eagle to perform at WoW Fest 2020

Hilltop Hoods will headline the WoW Fest Concert in 2020.

They’re multiple ARIA award winners, they have half a billion global streams, they’ve racked up multiplatinum sales… and they’re coming to Geraldton.

In a huge announcement, Hilltop Hoods will make their way to Geraldton next year to headline the Wind on Water Festival (WoW Fest) Concert on Saturday 11 April 2020.

This announcement comes as the band are touring internationally as part of “The Great Expanse World Tour”, a tour that made history in this country by being the largest hip-hop tour ever from an Australian artist with more than 80,000 fans attending.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the announcement was nothing short of “epic”!

“This is absolutely huge and the biggest WoW Fest headliner we’ve ever had, you really won’t want to miss this,” he said.

Joining Hilltop Hoods will be Middle Kids, Montaigne and Adrian Eagle.

With over 41 million streams, Sydney band Middle Kids has spent a large part of their time as a band touring internationally with great success.

Singer-songwriter Montaigne has also hit the scene with multiple ARIA nominations and the release of her second album Complex earlier this year.

Adrian Eagle has garnered widespread acclaim for his breakout singles 17 Again and AOK, and has revelled in a massive national and international touring schedule.

Tickets are on sale today, Friday 22 November from 7am.

The two-day event featuring the Saturday music festival will take place on the Easter long weekend on 11 and 12 April 2020.

For more information about the Festival and to purchase tickets head to www.wowfest.com.au 

AViiDA to Headline for Carols by Candlelight

Christmas celebrations begin for many families with the annual Carols By Candlelight in Maitland Park. Each year over 3000 people bring their picnic baskets to enjoy the music and to celebrate the start of the holiday season.

For the Carols by Candlelight Committee, preparations for 2019 began at the beginning of the year and now we can announce some of our plans for this year’s event.

We have some amazing local and Perth based talent lined up for the stage in the park.

Our headline acts this year is AViiDA.

Paula Parore and Clay Darius formed AViiDA in 2014 and since then haven’t looked back. Both accomplished soul, R&B and blues singers in their own right, coming together as both a musical and life partnership has taken them on a journey that has given their individual and collective vocal styles a new energy. 

A powerhouse duo, the pair have a varied list of local, national and International performing credits to their name, both on the theatrical and musical stage. Most recently they have starred in 2 seasons of We Will Rock You, and are currently appearing in the WA Season of CATS The Musical. 

They both regularly perform in some of the best venues around Perth, and are in high demand for Corporate Events and Festivals across Australia and New Zealand 

The main music will be provided by very own Geraldton City Band who will play all the classic Christmas tunes you all know and love.

This year the Carols By Candlelight theme is Unwrapping Hope. Christmas can be a tough time for people in our community however we want people to feel the joy that music can bring.

Come along and support the Carols By Candlelight on Sunday 15 December in Maitland Park.

Mid West Community urged to have their say on recreational safety vessel review

The State Government’s recently released Recreational Vessel Safety Equipment Review Position Paper is now available for community comment and local skippers are urged to have their say.

Local Agricultural Region MLCs Darren West and Laurie Graham welcomed the paper which includes 12 proposals designed to simplify laws, making it easier for skippers to comply and save lives on the water.

Mr West said the paper, based on the first phase of consultation, has been formed with feedback from 1,239 responses to an initial online survey and with input from an external reference group representing industry and boating organisations.

It also addresses repeated recommendations from a series of coronial inquiries.

“This is a great opportunity for the local boating community to have input into the requirements governing recreational vessel safety equipment.

“We have a number of recreational boaters here in the Mid West and I encourage them to get involved in this consultation, share their experiences and have their say on the recommendations.”

Mr Graham said that recommended proposals include the compulsory wearing of lifejackets for children and by anyone on a vessel less than 4.8 metres in length, bringing WA into line with other States.

“The proposed changes also require a GPS enabled distress beacon, plus either flares or an electronic night signalling device. A marine radio will only be required when operating more than four nautical miles from shore.”

“Boating is part of community life here in Geraldton and the broader region and I know there will be members of our community who are keen to participate in this consultation.

“I strongly urge them to get involved.”

A public consultation session will be held in Geraldton on Wednesday 6 November from 5.30pm to 7pm at the Geraldton Yacht Club in Marine Terrace.

Interested community members are encouraged to attend but can also have their say online at www.transport.wa.gov.au/safetyequipmentreview before Friday 22nd November.

Footpath construction at Abraham Street

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be constructing a new footpath in Karloo at the western side of Abraham Street between Aitken Place and Assen Street with works scheduled to commence on Thursday 3 October 2019 for a period of approximately three weeks.

The anticipated hours of work will be from 7 am to 6 pm and traffic management will be 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

New accommodation option offered by Activ Geraldton

People living with disability in Geraldton now have more options with the opening of Activ’s first new accommodation home in 30 years. 

The opening of the new house will provide two Activ customers with the opportunity to move out of home and live independently. 

Activ CEO Danielle Newport said the support of Activ, combined with National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding, meant customers could aspire to greater independence through increased participation in their community, employment opportunities and independent living. 

“We’re excited to extend our service offerings in Geraldton and offer more living options for locals who live with disability,” said Ms Newport. 

“With a focus on independence, we are also running an information session called ‘Achieving Independence’ in Geraldton on Monday 23 September,” she said. 

Topics covered at the information session will include NDIS and funding, accommodation options, independence and how Activ can help. 

Register for the information session at https://achievingindependence.eventbrite.com.au 

As part of its commitment to delivering services in regional Western Australia, Activ will also hold its board meeting in Geraldton on the same day. 

Fact file 

• Activ currently supports more than 70 individuals living with disability in Geraldton. 

• Among a range of other services Activ is perhaps best known for manufacturing and supplying craypots to Geraldton and the surrounding communities since the late 1980s.