The Comedy Emporium and Gfest present Ready to - Roll Up!

The Comedy Emporium and Gfest present

Ready to - Roll Up!

Tickets available from www.thecomedyemporium.com

The circus has moved on, but last week the Queens Park Gardens were taken over by the amazing Spiegeltent! The 109 year old Belgian mirror tent is up and ready to have our local comedians roll in and perform their best sets yet at The Comedy Emporium’s Big Top show on this Friday 10th October. Plus, in the lead up to the big show, the team in the purple shirts have been working hard to support GFest and the Sunshine Festival - with all of the MC work donated by The Comedy Emporium! They won “Best Recycled Float” in the Sunshine Festival parade, for their rolling piano, and came (un)lucky last in the Truck Pull competition - but hey! That’s not what they’re good at...

The most recent comedy workshops with The Comedy Emporium, were at full capacity with 14 local comedians getting ready for their next show. "These guys come up with some killer lines! Some, not so killer, but we make sure they only pick the best ones for the shows.." says The Comedy Emporium Coordinator Emma Howell. "Plus there are two fresh new faces for our October lineup inside the Big Top, what a place to lose your (comedic) virginity!" Proceeds from The Comedy Emporium’s shows make sure that the comedy workshops remain free of charge, so that the next generation of comedians can be developed here in Geraldton.

There's less than 100 tickets left for this Friday’s once in a lifetime show - there's no clowns, no trapeze artists and no fancy horses. “Standup comedy in the Spiegeltent...? I thought this was a circus act - What am I going to do with my elephant now!?” asks comedian Jody Quadrio. But there is an amazing lineup including live music by local legends Chris and Courtney from ‘The Company’ before and after of all your local favourites, as well as THREE headline acts and other visiting comedians - hope you're ready for it Geraldton! The Comedy Emporium has generated over $10,000 worth of paid performance work for Geraldton Musicians and Performers in the last year, so make sure to do your fair share of supporting these amazing locals by coming down to check out a show!

Doors open 6.30pm, live music from 7.15pm, comedy from 8pm.

For more information and tickets head to www.thecomedyemporium.com or QPT.

Tickets on sale now for $29 each presale $35 at the door. For enquiries please ring 0458 306 111. No BYO alcohol. Bar available.

JOHN ROBERTSON
John is a Renaissance man with a Black Plague wit. A comedian, playwright, YouTube visionary and clown, he's performed everywhere from rained- out bomb shelters in Hungary to legendary comedy clubs in London and packed theatres in Sydney. He's had fans dress as him, been concussed by well- meaning punters and generally made the world a louder, more frightening place.

"Brilliant - you could do worse than see John's show, but you'll rarely do better." - Chortle AU Trivia: John's sadistic YouTube game "The Dark Room" has been played over 4,000,000 times worldwide. He has stage- dived off the roof of a theatre with Brendon Burns and a purple puppet. He will either carefully construct material, or make shows up as he goes. He owns many swords. Likes Star Trek, frock coats and top hats. Also pro wrestling. Doesn't drink wine. Comedy through fear.

John is also the official MC of the Supanova Pop Culture Expo, Wai- Con Anime Convention and Madman National Cosplay Competition. Wherever he goes, he brings the nerd love, manic slapstick and smart cynicism.

JOEL BRYANT
“There’s something wonderful about watching an intelligent and articulate person, point out how bizarre the world is.”

“I couldn’t get offended... I was too busy laughing.”

“There’s a beautiful message in what you do.”

Joel thinks they are the loveliest things ever said about his show.

Joel has established a reputation as a quality act as well as having worked with acts of the calibre of Anthony Jeselnik, Ted Alexandro, Greg Fleet, Fiona O’Loughlin, Chris Wainhouse, Geraldine Hickey, Steddy Eddie and Austen Tayshus to name but a few.

With the rare ability to adapt his act and establish an instant rapport with all, Joel never fails to leave audiences filled with his infectious energy and passion.

Joel dreams of a world where we laugh because it’s funny... Not because we need to. He enjoys gardening, beer, a good hug and pondering why we treat each other like shit. When he grows up he plans to stamp his feet and yell “No!”

MATTHEW DYKTYNSKI
Matt Dyktynski is a comedian. Matt is an actor. Matt is also a Cancerian. Matt can cook reasonably well.

As an actor Matt Dyktynski has starred in films such as Love and other Catastrophes, Takeaway and the critically acclaimed, Japanese Story and in TV series like Shockjock and Raw FM.

As a Stand-Up Comic, Matt spent years based in London, becoming a regular on the highly demanding UK circuit. All over Britain and Ireland and with gigs as far flung as Poland and Croatia, Matt has weaved his warm style to drunks everywhere and now is home in OZ looking forward to making his own people laugh and hopefully getting out of the gig alive.

... has a show that other stand-up comics would kill for.” Malcolm Hay Time Out. London.

This is how you use a roundabout

Ever get a little confused when entering a roundabout? These tips and video below should help you out. 

These general rules are for all vehicles using a roundabout:

  • always keep left of the central island
  • always travel in a clockwise direction
  • give way to all vehicles who are already travelling within the roundabout
  • follow the direction of any painted lines on the road of the lane you are in

When turning left at a roundabout, follow these rules:

  • approach from the left lane
  • indicate that you are turning left before you reach the roundabout
  • stay in the left lane
  • exit in the left lane

When turning right or making a U-turn at a roundabout follow these rules:

  • approach from the right lane
  • indicate that you are turning right before you reach the roundabout
  • stay in the right lane
  • when you have past the last exit, before the one you want to get out at, indicate you are going to turn left

When driving straight through a roundabout, follow these rules: 

  • use the left or right lane and stay in that same lane, unless road markings or signs tell you otherwise
  • indicate left, if you can, after you have passed the last exit before the one you want to get out at
  • you do not need to indicate when you are coming up to the roundabout if you are going straight ahead

Check out this Street Smarts video or visit www.ors.wa.gov.au for more information on road rules. 

Mid West Cat Shelter Cat of the Week

The Mid West Cat Shelter Cat of the Week is available for $100 to the right home. Meet Sparkle!

Sparkle is just full of personality. She is cheeky, sweet and very playful. She gets along with other cats and dogs. Loves to sleep on the bed! Such a pretty kitty!

All of Mid West Cat Shelter's cats have received their first vaccination, are micro-chipped, health checked and sterilised before going to their new homes. Kittens under the age of 5 months are provided with a sterilisation voucher.

The adoption fee for all cats and kittens is $150 to allow Mid West Cat Shelter to continue working towards the welfare of cats in the community.

Please contact a coordinator on 0487 193 244 to organise meeting this gorgeous forever-friend!

Geraldton to only catch end of tonight's lunar eclipse

Geraldton Astronomy Group have clarified that Geraldton will only catch the end of tonight's lunar eclipse. 

In a Facebook post to Everything Geraldton the local group stated, "No we will not to be able to see the lunar eclipse in totality here in Geraldton on Wednesday. Totality will be happening during Moonrise so we will only to be able to see the end of the eclipse low on the horizon."

Tonight's lunar eclipse is the second and last one for 2014. It will be visible throughout most of Australia.

S-Bend to be realigned

Part 2 of the Brand Highway realignment will be the straightening of the Brand Highway S-Bend.

The design has already been completed and authorities are currently trying to acquire the land for the project.

Transport Minister Dean Nalder was in Geraldton last week to officially open the new Greenough River traffic bridge, which was stage one of the Brand Highway realignment project.

“The State Government has committed $18million to this whole project and there are 3 stages," Mr Nalder said.

"The first stage which was the Greenough River Bridge which was about $8.1 million so it leaves us roughly $10 million for the other two stages.

“The design for Stage 2, which will focus on the realignment of Brand Highway through the S-Bend curves to join up with the existing highway south of the S-Bend Caravan Park, is now finalised and land requirements are being finalised.”

Main Roads Regional Gascoyne Manager Bernie Miller, said they had started a notice of intention process which will conclude in February 2015.

The S-Bend section of the highway is used by approximately 2,800 vehicles daily and since 2007 there have 20 crashes resulting in 5 fatalities.

“We want to straighten the S-Bend to take out the risks of those curves,” Mr Nalder said.

Mr Nalder could not give an exact timeline as to when to project would get underway.

The final stage of the Brand Highway realignment will include realigning the road from the S-Bend Caravan Park to south of Bookara East Road. 

Basketball fees increase to include entry fee

The Geraldton Amateur Basketball Association season commenced on Monday with a significant change in fee structure.

Both juniors and seniors have incurred a price rise when signing up for the 14/15 season as the season's fees now incorporate stadium entry fees. 

Players and spectators no longer have to pay when they walk into the stadium, except during finals. 

Depending on the club, some junior fees have increased $80, and senior fees up to $90 from last season. 

With approximately 21 games in a season for a senior, and last season's door entry for seniors being $5 per game, it would have cost over $100 a year for door entry. So with an appoximate increase of $90 to fees and not paying every time you walk in, a player is actually saving money, should they attended all of their games.

Actual fee increases to individuals are set by the clubs and not GABA, and include other variables including how many players are on the team. 

GABA president Peter Brown said he hadn’t received complaints about the price changes and that many seemed happy with the change.

GABA numbers show that there are 10 more junior teams nominated this season year but 4-less senior teams.

Mr Brown also said that GABA had extended the time that fees had to be paid by clubs.


Here how the GABA's fees to clubs differ from last year:

2013/14 Season
Junior Team Nomination: $600 per team
Player Levy: $20

Senior team nomination Div 1: $1200 per team
Senior team nomination Div 2: $1100 per team
Senior team nomination other div: $1000 per team

Entry Fees:
Friday: $3 for players and spectators
Saturday/Sunday: $2 for players and spectators
Senior Players: $5
Senior Spectators: $3


2014/15 Season
Junior Team Nomination: $1,040 per team
Player Levy: $20

Senior team nomination Div 1: $2,090 per team
Senior team nomination Div 2: $1,970 per team
Senior team nomination other div: $1,850 per team

Entry Fees:  
FREE entry for spectators and players for the whole season, excluding finals, for Junior and Seniors.

All Finals for Juniors – Spectators and players: $3 each
All Finals for Seniors – Spectators and players: $5 each

 

Here's why you'll love this new bike shop in Geraldton

Geraldton Bikes and Boards owner Leighton Thomas has his eyes set on more than just bike sales and service. 

He wants Geraldton to become a cycling revolution.

“I want to promote Geraldton, cycling, fitness, health, commuting and the green side of riding,” Leighton said.

“I want to encourage more recreational cyclists and I will do whatever I can to get someone on a recreational bike and introduce them to cycling.”

Leighton has spent time working in Perth and Sydney and has now travelled the globe working with bikes.

But after a tour through Geraldton last year, he decided to move back to his home town.

Leighton grew up in Geraldton and said he couldn’t be prouder to be back working in Geraldton. 

“I've worked overseas and learnt some amazing things and to be back in Geraldton fixing bikes is something I’m proud of,” he said.

“Coming back here with this amazing blue sky and amazing view is just great.”

Leighton has a goal to give back to the community and has already donated bikes to several local events.

But it’s not all about bikes.

By Christmas, the store will also be hiring out bikes as well as stand up paddle boards.

Leighton said this will add an element to Geraldton’s tourism.

“I think Geraldton has an incredible draw card for tourism and I think it is completely untapped,” he said.

“The winter here is unbelievable and it’s a great alternative for people in the South West to travel up here in the winter months.

“What we have in Geraldton is a winter where you can walk around in shorts and swim in the ocean, and it’s important for Geraldton to capitalise on the beaches, the surrounds, the climate and capture that tourist dollar.

 “We are on the same latitude as Byron Bay and Byron Bay is out of control with tourists.”

Not only is Leighton hoping to ramp up the tourism side of things, but also the sporting aspect. 

“Geraldton needs to be a sports development regional capital in WA, especially for outdoor sports because you can train everyday here,” Leighton said. 

“And I think Geraldton is a great breeding ground for triathletes because of the climate.

“I’ve worn shorts all year round and I love it.”

If you think you might like to hop onto a bike and give it a whirl, head in and see Leighton at Geraldton Bikes and Boards on Chapman Road. 

 

Blayney gifts WW1 items to Geraldton RSL

Ian Blayney MLA for Geraldton and Barry Stinson from the Geraldton RSL with items Mr Blayney has gifted to the Birdwood Military Museum. 

Ian Blayney, MLA for Geraldton, presented a range of original and customised First World War cavalry equipment to the Geraldton RSL Museum Monday morning.

The equipment included a 10th Light Horse saddle, bridle, blanket, sword and rifle "bucket".

"Some of it is original, while other bits have been modified over the years," said Mr Blayney.

"I've had them in my shed (in a cabinet) for years but because I sold the shed they have to go somewhere and the museum is the best place."

The 10th Light Horse was the only (Australian Infantry Forces) AIF light horse regiment recruited in Western Australia during the First World War.

Mr Blayney said he purchased the equipment after listening to ABC local radio, and hearing someone discussing the WW1 items. He made contact and purchased the items. 

Barry Stinson from the Geraldton RSL said "We don't have a lot of items that are displayable for the 10th light horse and this to the collection is really fantastic; a significant addition to the collection."


Visit the Birdwood Military Museum

Monday 10am to 2pm
Thursday 10 to 2pm
Friday from 5pm
Sunday 11am to 2pm

Other times can be arranged by contacting the secretary

Ph 0427 612 479
email: day1937@iinet.net.au

 

Feeling Clucky? Sentinel chicken program

The City of Greater Geraldton is looking for a caring home for 12 chickens for 12 months as part of the Sentinel Chicken Testing Program.

If you live on the urban fringe near a river and can care for the chooks, you get to keep the eggs - and the chickens - after the 12 month testing program ceases; however staff from the City’s Health Department will need access to the flock to take blood samples every fortnight.

The program is used across Australia and internationally to monitor potentially serious mosquito-borne viruses which can be spread to humans.

Testing of chicken serum samples provides early warning of increased Murray Valley Encephalitis virus and Kunjin virus activity in the Geraldton area.

Chickens are used in this program as mosquitos are attracted to them however they do not get ill from the virus and cannot pass it on to humans or other chickens.

The Aborvirus Surveillance and Research Laboratory at the University of WA will provide the 6-9 week old chicks and they will be looking for their new home on October 9.

A fox proof fence with easy human access and separation from other chooks is all that is needed and if you think you could help, contact Viraj Ballanthuda Achchige at the City on 9956 6933.

Geraldton Dog Rescue Dog of the Week

Meed Geraldton Dog Rescue's Dog of the week, Jed. 

Jed is a very small male, 3 year old mixed breed. He is very good with other small dogs and loves playing with children. He is good on a lead and loves going for a walk. He has a great personality and is learning manners, he sits for his dinner and comes when called. He enjoys car rides and runs at the beach. He does not bark excessively but will let you know if anyone is at the door. Jed is a great little dog and will fit in well with any family.

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 0400 219 719. Geraldton Dog Rescue can also be contacted via their website www.geraldtondogrescue.com.au or you can find them on Facebook.

Offender threatens pair with kitchen knife

A male offender burst into a unit complex in Geraldton brandishing a large kitchen knife over his head yelling threats at two male occupants. 

Police allege at about 11am on Sunday October 5, the offender entered the residence via an unlocked front door and proceeded to threaten the two occupants who were known to him.

The male went onto chase the two occupants through the unit before one of the male occupants tackled the male offender, removing him from the unit. 

All parties are known to each other and are residents within the complex.

Police attended, arrested the offender and conveyed him to Geraldton Police Station where his bail was refused.

He will face Geraldton Magistrates Court this morning, October 6 2014, charged with aggravated burglary and armed with intent to cause fear. 

Two youths charged with burglary

A 16-year-old and a 17-year-old have been charged after they stole two dirt bikes from an address in Mount Tarcoola. 

Police allege that about 5:30am on Sunday October 5, the two offenders entered the rear yard of the address and stole two unregistered dirt bikes.

The occupants of the address were present at the time and were alerted to the theft by the noise. The occupants observed an offender riding down the street.

Police responded to the incident and both offenders were observed riding the bikes in the area shortly after.

On sight of police, one offender dropped the bike and fled the area on foot whilst the other offender fled the area on the stolen bike.

Police conducted an extensive search and with assistance from Police canine Bear, one of the offenders was located nearby and was arrested without incident. 

Further patrols were conducted of the area and surrounds for the second bike and it was located in bushland about 4 kilometres away. 

A 17-year-old male from Rangeway has been charged with: 

  • 1 x Aggravated Burglary
  • 1 x Steal Motor Vehicle

e will face Geraldton Children’s Court on 28 October 2014.

Further inquiries were conducted and on the evening of Sunday 5 October 2014, and the second offender was located and arrested without incident.

He was charged with:

  • 1 x Aggravated Burglary
  • 1 x Steal Motor Vehicle
  • 1 x No Motor Drivers Licence
  • 1 x Provide False Identifying Particulars
  • 1 x Breach of Bail Conditions

The 16-year-old male from Rangeway was kept in custody and will appear before Geraldton Children’s Court on October 6. 

20 Million Trees first grants round opens in Durack

The Australian Government is inviting communities in Durack to get involved in the 20 Million Trees Programme with the first competitive grants round open for applications.

“The 20 Million Trees Programme was a key election commitment and is a vital part of the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme,” Melissa Price, Federal Member for Durack said.

“The Australian Government is investing $50 million over the next four years to re-establish Australia’s green corridors and urban forests through the 20 Million Trees Programme.

“It’s an important part of the Government’s total investment in natural resource management which amounts to over $2 billion over the next four years.”

20 Million Trees projects can be carried out in either urban or regional Australia, on public and private land, where there will be a community and environmental benefit to Durack communities, which extend from the Kimberley and throughout the northern half of the Wheatbelt.

Ms Price is asking communities, groups and individuals in Durack to apply for grants between $20,000 and $100,000 to help set up their own 20 Million Trees project. Grants are also open to schools, local councils, conservation groups and landholders.

 “Funding can be used to re-establish native vegetation, and create greener spaces to improve the liveability of local communities while increasing and improving habitat to support our threatened species”, said Ms Price said.

Applications for projects are open and will close on 30 October 2014.

Project guidelines for the competitive grants round provide individuals and organisations with the information they need to apply for funding to start a tree planting project in their community.

More information about the 20 Million Trees Programme is available at www.nrm.gov.au/20-million-trees.

How to actually merge

It's amazing how many people don't actually know this. Check out this short video from the Office of Road Safety on merging if you have any doubts. 

Hot tip: Give way to the vehicle in front of you REGARDLESS if in left or right lane. 

Also worth noting, the penalty for failing to merge correctly has increased to 2 Demerit Points and a fine of $100. 

Watch the video for more info, and check out www.ors.wa.gov.au for more road safety info.

Shoutout to Khya for alerting us to this video. 


Stolen vehicle crashes into home

An almighty crash awoke residents of a Geraldton home this morning, when an allegedly stolen Subaru Forrester crashed into their loungeroom around 9:15am.

 

One of the residents, a young man, rushed out to see what the noise was, and saw the male driver climbing out of the vehicle while apologising. 

The driver then ran off before the police arrived. 

The young men who live in the home were left to clean up an awful mess, but were in good spirits. They had thought about sleeping in the lounge room last night, so were glad no-one had decided to do that and there was no injury to any of the occupants. 



No 138 bed emergency accommodation for Geraldton

Back in February of last year Nationals candidate Shane Van Styn was running in the state election vying to be member for Geraldton against Liberal incumbent Ian Blayney. 

He committed to throwing his weight behind a $10million facility that would have 138 beds available as emergency short term accommodation.

Click to view full article


The 138 bed facility would have been a great asset for the community, as quoted at the time:

Mr Van Styn said the hostel would provide a much needed accommodation base for Aboriginal and non Aboriginal people in the community requiring emergency short-term housing. 
“Many Aboriginal families in particular are required to travel long distances to access services in Geraldton, which can be a significant financial burden,” Mr Van Styn said.
“A hostel would mean there would be a reduced need for mums, dads and children to sleep rough when away from home, which in turn reduces social friction and improves health outcomes.”
Mr Van Styn said The Nationals recognised the difficulties faced by families when making the journey to Geraldton, as well as the dire need for emergency housing for the wider Geraldton community and the need to provide assistance to reduce the associated hardships.

Gian De Poloni from ABC Midwest reported on Friday that the commitment has been shelved.


But Van Styn is not taking any of the blame.


To be fair to Mr Van Styn, this is what he said back then:

If elected as the member for Geraldton in March (2013), I will make this project a local priority and work with the project proponents to ensure it gets up and running.
— Shane Van Styn

Many Geraldton voters probably thought they would get the benefits of the Nationals promises as a Liberal/National state government was elected, but here's a quote from Premier Colin Barnet after the election

(We will) deliver on the commitments made by the Liberal Party and the Leader of the National Party will bring his commitments to Cabinet.
— Colin Barnett, May 2013

Which basically says: we make no assurances to keep the National Party's commitments. 


How did the election actually turn out?

If you recall, Liberal won 31 seats, Labor 21, Nationals 7, giving Liberal an outright majority and removing their need to rely on the Nationals for the balance of power. 

In WA the Liberals and Nationals are not an actual coalition, but have a power sharing agreement of sorts, thus the Nationals rely on their balance of power to get things done. 

It's noteworthy that Labor would "hit out" at the Nationals, as Labor gave their preferences to Liberal in the seat of Geraldton over the Nationals. (link)

Luke was paralysed after this horrific accident, but his family haven't given up hope

Luke lived in Geraldton until he was 14, attending Strathalbyn Christian College. He was a fanatical kickboxer even going to Bali for kickboxing training, and used to train younger kids at their homes for free.

On July 18 2014 Luke was in a serious motor bike accident. 

He was hit by car which pulled out from a side street into his lane and he had no time to brake.

He was given a 50/50 chance of living.

Luke's twin sister, Ali, said:

He had head injuries, bleeding on the brain, ruptured spleen, ruptured aorta, bleeding on lungs, one kidney not functioning and the other damaged. Tears to many parts of internal organs, broken ribs, broken elbow and thumb, shattered vertebrae, severed spinal cord. Had 2 emergency ops to try to save his life. One was to remove the spleen as it was bleeding heavily and couldn't be repaired. The other was putting a metal stent into his aorta to repair the tear as it also was bleeding heavily. Was put in induced coma for 3 days

Luke was left paralysed. 

But Luke's family haven't given up.

They're working hard to raise money so Luke can go to a rehabilitation centre called 'walk on'.

If you would like to learn more or donate to "Walk On for Luke" click here or press the button below. 

Learn More or Donate

Can you help find a young boy who helped police today?

Earlier today police caught a male shoplifting in the CBD and recovered the above Hawks Premiership t-shirt, and it was all thanks to a young boy.

They young boy was in the store and saw the male offender shoplift before he exited the store and saw police outside on the footpath.  He approached the local police and gave them the information which resulted in an investigation/search and the recovery of the item.

Unfortunately by the time the officers dealt with the man, the boy had gone and they didn’t get his details.

Not only would the police like to thank this young man but the store also want to thank him for alerting the police and having the item recovered…

If you know who this young hero might be, please contact local police on 9923 4555.

Midwest Fishing Report by Tackleworld Geraldton

OFFSHORE

There are solid Dhu Fish and Groper around African Reef and off Greenough. Good Pelagic signs shown early in the season around the 30-40 metre mark south west of town.

Simon with a nice solid Dhuie.

The Islands have been for well with big Snapper and Dhu Fish. There has also been no shortage of Pelagic as well with Mackies and Tuna.

Tackleworld Pro Angler testing out the new Strada Tempest with a little school Mackerel and a nice Snapper on the Samaki Asalt jig.

Team Django with some solid Pelagics.

Closer to town you can find Snapper and Dhuies off Pensioners and the 5 mile buoy with the shipping moorings holding Coral Trout, Dhu Fish and the odd big Cod.

BEACHES

Reports of Dhu fish getting caught from Greenough second point.

HARBOURS AND MARINA

Geraldton Harbour is firing on all cylinders with seal rock holding nice Moses Perch, Pinkies to 40cm and Mulloway to 15kg, also landed was a nice 4kg Snapper. The new look out is also fishing well with Herring, Tailor and Snook getting caught. Snapper have been landed in the New Marina. Tailor and Mulloway at the disable platform. The Fisherman’s Wharf has nice size Bream, Cod and Pinkies. 

EEKEND FORECAST

THIS WEEK'S VIDEO

FISH REPORT WRITTEN BY

TACKLEWORLD GERALDTON

20 ANZAC TERRACE GERALDTON WA

08 99216822