Mumbida gives tourists a wind energy close up

With a quiet, sweeping whoosh, a new tourist attraction with some considerable drawing power has been added to Geraldton’s already diverse choice of things to see. Thanks to the generosity of Mumbida Wind Farm, visitors can now get up close and personal to a massive wind turbine blade, complete with interpretive signage and information for the statistics buffs, at the City of Greater Geraldton’s Renewable Energy Hub located on the crest of the escarpment on the Walkaway-Nangetty Road.

Mumbida Wind Farm representatives officially handed over their contributions to the visitor hub to the City of Greater Geraldton yesterday (Tuesday July 8).

Hugh Webster, General Manager of Mumbida Wind Farm, said he was pleased to be able to donate the blade and interpretive signage for visitors to enjoy.

City Mayor, Ian Carpenter, thanked Mumbida for their generosity in donating theblade and signage.

“Wind farms generally attract a lot of interest and it is wonderful to have this hub for visitors to get this close to a blade and realise their true size and discover more about how wind farms operate,” he said.

Mumbida Wind Farm is a 55 MW renewable energy project developed by joint venture partners Synergy and Infrastructure Capital Group. The wind farm, located 40km south east of Geraldton, consists of 22 turbines which stand 85 metres tall, dotted across the undulating landscape. The Water Corporation purchases 100 per cent of the renewable energy generated by Mumbida Wind Farm to offset the energy requirements of the Southern Seawater Desalination Plant.

Mumbida Wind Farm was officially opened on September 27, 2013 with a total project cost of $200 million. The blades are made of composite fibreglass, weigh 9.5 tonnes and are 48.7 metres in length.

All smiles for an upgraded tourist attraction with the handover of the City’s Renewable Energy Hub at Walkaway: Phil Melling, Director Sustainable Communities; Brian Robartson, Manager Economic, Tourism, Property Development; Ken Diehm, City CEO; Rebecca Tuesley, Coordinator Tourism and Geraldton Visitor Centre; Ian Carpenter, City Mayor; Mark Bennett, Natural Wind Service Manager, GE; Hugh Webster, General Manager, Mumbida Wind Farm; and Heidi Janetta, Project Administrator, Mumbida Wind Farm check out the new hub.

Pic Mumbida Wind Farm hub handover CC

Learn to speak some Wajarri Wangga with 6 weeks of classes catering to all levels of learners

Wajarri Wangga

6-week language course for all levels

Learn to speak some Wajarri wangga with 6 weeks of classes catering to all levels of learners.

When: Saturday mornings 10:00-11:00 July 26 August 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30

Where: Bundiyarra Aboriginal Corp. Cnr Blencowe & Eastward Rds

Cost: Class $10; or Course $50 standard Course $35 concession Registration/

www.bundiyarra.org.au

Information: 9920 7900

Everyone welcome.

Yanayi gula wangga Wajarri irra!

Film - 'I am a girl'

 

Location: Bluff Point Anglican Church (239 Chapman Rd) Details: Women's Health Resource Centre and Chrysalis Support Service in conjunction with the Midwest Anti-trafficking group would like to present the showing of the film 'I am a girl'

Tickets are $10 and all proceeds go to supporting organisations, a light supper will be provided and a door prize up for grabs! Don't miss out on this poetic and observational feature length documentary where you will see remarkable, heart warming stories of resilience, bravery and humour.

Who to contact for enquiries: Chrysalis - 9938 0750 & Marie - 0438 986 194

Start Date and Time: 29 Jul 2014 05:15 PM

Duration: 2 hours

Opinion: Vehicle Rego Costs Increase

From an Everything Geraldton reader:

Just got my vehicle rego and it has gone up by almost one hundred dollars when the business rego has gone up a mere 15 dollars. Come on Mr Barnett fair go especially for the pensioner. R Pache

60 year old fisherman missing off Carnarvon

The AAP are reporting a search is underway for a 60 year old man who went missing on his way to a fishing trip at Islands off the coast of Carnarvon. A rescue plane and boats have been deployed to search for the man.

According to the reports, Police said it was believed the man left about midday on Monday to meet a friend off the Bernier and Dorre Islands, about 50km off the coast, but the man didn't arrive.

Geraldton Dog Rescue Dog of the Week

This week our dog of the week is Claude. Claude is a small male terrier mix, approximately 1 year old. He has a medium length coat that would require some grooming. He is a sweet natured little dog who seems to get along well with other dogs. He is quite an active boy and is in need of some training however he knows the basics and walks nicely on a lead. He would be best suited in a home where he has some supervision initially or can have some inside time as well as outside. He would benefit from a good daily walk or a play in the park chasing a ball etc. to use up some of the energy he has.  He is a wonderful little dog with loads of personality and would make a great family pet.

Geraldton Dog Rescue is a not for profit organization run solely by volunteers. All GDR dogs cost $350 and have been bathed and flea treated, vet checked, vaccinated, wormed, micro-chipped and de-sexed. If you would like to view a dog or become a volunteer please call 0400219719. Geraldton Dog Rescue can also be contacted via our website www.geraldtondogrescue.com.au or you can find us on facebook.

New online tool for aged care cost estimates

New website useful for working out aged care costs

And it renders great on a mobile too

Press release follows

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People looking for aged care services in Durack now have access to a new online tool that will help them estimate their aged care costs.

The Fee Estimator, available online or via phone, allows people to enter their income and assets, and receive an estimate of the fees they may be asked to pay when entering residential care or accessing home care,” Melissa Price Federal Member for Durack said.

“Navigating the aged care system can be complex, but the Fee Estimator will help people access personalised information to help them prepare for aged care.”

Ms Price said the fee estimator is part of the aged care changes, effective 1 July and that will sit alongside pricing and accommodation information online.

“People can call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to talk to a real person who will help them work through the fee estimator, or you can go online and use the estimator yourself,” Ms Price said.

“Residential aged care providers must publish the maximum prices they will charge, as well as payment options and a description of features of each type of accommodation room on offer.

“The Fee Estimator and the publication of information on facilities will empower consumers and their families in Durack to make decisions about the care that will best suit their needs.”

Ms Price said people often don’t start thinking about aged care services until something happens – such as a fall or poor health.

“But it’s important to start an early conversation about the options because this will help ensure people get the support and care they need to keep them safe and living independently, or to find the residential aged care setting that’s right for them,” Ms Price said.

“The most important thing older people and their families can do is learn about the choices available, so they can plan and make the right decision.

“I encourage residents of Durack, from the Kimberley to the wheatbelt, to find out more about aged care choices by visiting www.myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422.”

Female Arrested for Drugs

At 2.45pm on Sunday 13 July 2014, police were called to an address on Queen Street, Geraldton in relation to a report of a male and female behaving suspiciously. Police attended the address and located a male and female at the premises.

A search of the female resulted in a small clip seal bag containing less than 1 gram of methamphetamine being located on her person.

The 34 year old female from Bluff Point was advised she would be summonsed for possessing a prohibited drug.

She will appear at Geraldton Magistrates Court at a date yet to be determined.

P- Plater over 0.08

At around 6:20 am Sunday morning police stopped a Holden Commodore on Place Rd in Webberton. The driver was a 21 year old man, who police say held a provisional drivers licence, and had consumed alcohol.

At 6:20 am on Sunday 13 July 2014 a male drover a Holden Commodore on Place Road, Webberton.

The vehicle was stopped and police will allege the driver held a provisional licence and further, he had consumed alcohol.

In WA, P-plate holders must not exceed a blood alcohol level of 0.0%. Regular licence holders must stay under 0.05%.

Police say the man was conveyed to Geraldton Police station where he underwent a breath analysis test, which gave a final reading of 0.102 grams of alcohol per 100ml of blood at the time of the occurrence.

The Strathalbyn man was charged with excess 0.08 and will appear at Geraldton Magistrates Court on 31 July 2014.

Click here for more info on blood alcohol information from the WA Police.

Man charged with drug possession and giving false name

On Friday evening, July 11, Police were alerted to a suspicious person on Quarry St. The police arrived and found a man limping up and down the street. His jeans were ripped, and, according to police, he had a laceration to his buttocks.

The 32 year old man from Mt Tarcoola was taken to the hospital.

Police say the man was in possession of prohibited drugs, and drug paraphernalia. It will also be alleged he provided the Police with false personal details.

Amphetamine in boxer shorts

Police say they found 2.5 grams of amphetamine in a man's boxer shorts, after a vehicle stop in Utakarra on Friday night. At 10.08pm on Friday 11 July 2014, police stopped a Black Holden Commodore ute on Abraham Street, Utakarra.

Inquiries were conducted and police say that during a search of the man, 2.5grams of amphetamine was located concealed in his boxer shorts.

Police say that after further investigations, they believe the man intended to sell or supply drugs, and will be charged accordingly.

The 33 year old man from Mt Tarcoola will face Geraldton Magistrates Court at a date yet to be determined.

The Australian Ballet presents The Dancers Company

 

The Australian Ballet presents The Dancers Company

Experience world-class ballet live on stage with The Dancers Company, The Australian Ballet’s regional touring program.

In 2014 The Australian Ballet brings to Albany, three stunning classical performances for one show only!

Saturday 9 August, 7.30PM

Queens Park Theatre

Cathedral Avenue, Geraldton

Tickets from $25.00-

Book now at www.queensparktheatre.com.au or 08 9956 6662

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Hidden speed cameras

Have your say.

Should speed cameras be hidden to catch more people?

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From the WA Police Website:

Myth: "Speed cameras are in sneaky positions."

Fact: The Western Australia Police is happy for drivers to be aware of speed camera locations to encourage them to slow down and save themselves from being in a serious or fatal collision. Camera locations can be found on the 'Camera locations' link. Mobile speed camera sites are assessed and approved by specialist traffic police and these sites must conform to the criteria - fatal or serious crash locations; school zones; areas of reported speed related hoon complaints; or areas where 15% or more of vehicles are exceeding the speed limit.

Sites can also be chosen by police if they believe there is a specific risk at that location.

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From an Everything Geraldton reader:

[Is this] "in the spirit of not being revenue raising and not being 'sneaky' ".

Footage of the shark that swam up to the shore at Coronation Beach

Apparently he had a sea lion caught in his throat.

Suicide and PTSD - Harley's story

HARLEY recently shared his story with ABC Open, and told of his struggles after the suicide of his father.

Read the full story here.

Mini tornado

Mini tornado went through Wonthella this morning causing damage to property, fences etc... SES have just finished working on a house in Third Street.Thanks Sally for the pics.

Cat of the week

Our Cat of the Week each week will be offered for $100 to the right home. Cat of the Week this week is Lyra.

Lyra is a lovely female tortoiseshell who loves everyone. She is mostly quiet but runs around with the two kittens and thinks she is just a kitten herself. Lyra has been micro chipped, sterilized, immunized, flea treated and wormed and is ready for her new home.

If you would like to adopt Lyra, Holly, Muffin, Tabitha, Amy, or any other cats or kittens, visit our website www.midwestcatshelter.com or Facebook page www.facebook.com/midwestcatshelter or phone 0487 193 244 to speak to a coordinator.

Midwest fishing report by Tackleworld Country

Windy, big swells & cold across the board!! Some weeks the fish report is difficult….and this is one of them. With a weeks worth of large swells and strong winds there has not been a lot of fishing stories. Apparently 6 metre swells tend to put people off! Our fishing guru, Craig Wise, did the smart thing. He has headed to Exmouth for some better fishing. This is what our fisherman takes with him! Craig came to Tackleworld through his love (and lets say obsessive nature) about fishing. His dream was to join the team and talk fishing all day, his sunny disposition made him a natural addition to our team. He really is a lot of fun to work with!!

Craig was out hunting mulloway last weekend down off the jetty and even he found it difficult. He took these photos of his catch even with 30knot winds and just 7 degrees. He was working with some watermelon 6’ gulp and caught this nice little soapie.

AFTA – Australian Fishing Tackle Association conference at Gold Coast 2014

John recently travelled to the Gold Coast for the annual trade association conference. It is every fishermans wet dream to be in a centre full of the latest fishing gear available this year. John has come back full of enthusiasm about the products on offer from Daiwa, Shimano, Halco, Rapala and many more. Look in store for new stocks coming in over the following month

Checkout the latest team photo from Tackleworld Country

FISH REPORT WRITTEN BY WENDY

TACKLEWORLD COUNTRY  GERALDTON

20 ANZAC TERRACE GERALDTON WA

08 99216822

Epilepsy Action Australia is coming to Geraldton from 30th July until 3rd August 2014!

Epilepsy Action Australia is coming to Geraldton from 30th July until 3rd August 2014! Our visit will include:

•Information Session for people with epilepsy and their families, Thursday 31st July

•Epilepsy Workshop for those who work with people with epilepsy, Friday 1st August

•Action Adventure Family Fun Day on Saturday 2nd August

•A community event to raise epilepsy awareness on Sunday 3rd August

NB: Individual appointments with Epilepsy Nurse Educators available throughout the visit

Epilepsy is the most common serious brain disorder in Australia, affecting up to an estimated 800,000 Australians during their lifetime. Currently at least 20,000 children and adults in Western Australia are living with epilepsy. This unpredictable and often debilitating condition can severely disable people in terms of their capacity to live meaningful, independent lives. These events will aim to improve understanding & awareness, increase knowledge and skills of people supporting those with epilepsy and enhance people’s capacity to self manage their epilepsy.

Please find attached the flyers in relation to the events that will be held in Albany. More information about the program can also be found at

http://www.epilepsy.org.au/wacommunityoutreach.

We hope to see you all there!

Sex Tape - Trailer

Trailer for "Sex Tape" [tentblogger-youtube eJTct8eHKYE]