Geraldton Biodiversity survey to provide incentive for native bushland recovery

City of Greater Geraldton staff engaged in Chapman River revegetation on CGG corporate tree planting day.

THE City of Greater Geraldton is currently running the Biodiversity Conservation Incentives Strategy survey to get feedback from landholders on what they would like in the form of incentives to assist them with managing native vegetation on their land.

Geraldton is right in the middle of an internationally recognised biodiversity hotspot (of which there are only 34 worldwide) and is under threat from invasive weeds, feral animals, off-road vehicles and development.

With only 18% of its original vegetation left it is in a critical state when what is really needed for biodiversity conservation is for this to be 30%, for vegetation communities to be viable.

Last year the council for the City of Greater Geraldton endorsed a biodiversity strategy.

The strategy outlines the value of biodiversity and using detailed spatial and policy analysis and suggested a prioritised list of natural areas for conservation action and a comprehensive set of recommendations for mechanisms to achieve the vision for local natural areas.

Robyn Nicholas, Senior Environmental and Sustainability Officer at City Of Greater Geraldton says, “Once we’ve got feedback from the landholders a consultant will then write up a strategy incorporating those incentives”.

“The incentives could be anything from getting advice from native vegetation specialists, or it may be fencing or weed removal, it’s really up to the landholders to come up with what would be best”.

“This is all subject to funding but if we can get hold of some funds we want to know what landholders would most want to do”.

The survey was put out last week on CGG’s new online platform ‘Your City Your Say’ and they are advertising this with a display at the library and by trying to develop media interest.

“We are not wanting to tell people how to manage their bush, we’re just trying to support them and we know there are lots of people out there doing great stuff but there may be other things that could be done to enhance bushland areas”, says Ms Nicholas.

The city is seeking submissions from residents with properties on land between Coronation Beach and Greenough and east towards Mullewa.

 “We are hoping to wrap up the survey in another couple of weeks and then we’ll get a consultant to write up the results”.

This is a real opportunity for private landholders in Geraldton to give feedback with regards to how they’d like support in managing their native bush.

http://www.yourcityyoursay.cgg.wa.gov.au/survey-biodiversity-conservation-incentives-strategy-for-private-landholders

http://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/services/environmental-sustainability/biodiversity-conservation

Experience an Eco Abrolhos Harbour Cruise this Sunday

*Experience an Eco Abrolhos Harbour Cruise this Sunday* 

Come, relax and enjoy the sounds of James McDonald on the top deck of the Eco Abrolhos on a Harbour Cruise this Sunday. 
Delicious food, fully licensed bar, spectacular view of Geraldton on the water & a stunning sunset. 
Ring Sonia on 0418 386 307 to secure your tickets $25pp. 
Boarding from 4:30pm depart @ 5:00pm and returning at 8:00pm @ 182 Connell Road, Fisherman's Wharf. We hope to see you all there!

2014 Volunteer of the Year Award Nominations Open

 2014 Volunteer of the Year Award Nominations Open

Geraldton, here is your opportunity to formally RECOGNISE and THANK the outstanding contribution volunteers make to our community. 

Volunteers work in; *Sporting Clubs *Social Services *Community Groups *Emergency Services *And many more not-for-profit organisations 

These people can also be a; *Youth Volunteer *Sporting Volunteer *Valued Community Volunteer *Lifetime Sporting Volunteer *Lifetime Valued Community Volunteer *Community Excellence For Not-for-Profit Group 

Chances are that you even know a volunteer worth of recognition! 

Volunteers all have one thing in common, they care. 

Please take a few minutes to fill in our nomination form. Every nominee is recognised at our Thank A Volunteer Day Sundowner on 5th of December at QPT Amphitheatre from 5:30pm onwards. You can nominate online at: http://centacaregeraldton.org.au/2014-volunteer-year-award-nominations-now-open/ Nominations close Friday 14th November

Finity Concept presents FASHION WEEK 2014

FASHION WEEK 2014
Five fabulous days of fashion, food and French wines.

In-store Styling Evening
Learn how to make the new season looks work for you.
Tuesday 14th & Wednesday 15th October
Starts 6:30pm sharp
RSVP essential. Numbers strictly limited.

Personal Styling With Darren
By appointment
Please call store on 9965 3311 to secure a time
Thursday 16th October

Chic Frocks & French Drops
An intimate evening showcasing our new season collections
Wine by Justin Lazenby. Food by Culinary HQ
Friday 17th October
From 6:30pm

Summer Parade
The catwalk is up. The frocks are on. The hair is high.
Saturday 18th October
7:30pm

RSVP essential for all events. Call 9965 3311 or visit
Finity Concept 163 Marine Terrace, Geraldton

Can you help identify any of these people?

View fullsize

Can you help identify any of these people?

Barry Stinson, President of the Birdwood Military Museum Society asks:

The only person’s name of am aware of is the Gentleman seated 4th from the left  He is John Thomas Clarke. Ex Geraldton Councillor,  and 31 years as leading hand & stationary engine driver at the Western Australian Government Railways condenser, RSL Member who was involved in the Building of Birdwood House the home of the Geraldton City RSL.( Birdwood House opened in 1935)
 
I would very much like to know if anyone out there can identify any of the other individuals or knows anything about the Honour roll (unveiled September 1916) or photographs behind the group.

Barry can be contacted via: 

Ph: 08 9964 1520

Mobile: 0408 222 653

Police need assistance in finding these males

Geraldton police are asking the public if they can identify either of the people pictured below. Police say they may be able to help with enquiries into a  burglary in Spalding on the 12th October. Call Police 99234555 

Select option 4

Geraldton Dog Rescue Dog of the Week

This week's Geraldton Dog Rescue Dog of the week is Justice.

Justice is a 1 to 2 year old male mixed breed who looks to have some Doberman and kelpie in the mix. He is a lively boy who gets along well with other dogs. He loves a cuddle and would suit a family with older children. Justice has had his leg broken in the past and due to it not healing correctly he is in constant pain. On vets advice, he will have the leg amputated. Justice will behave like any able, 4 legged dog. He will need a home that can limit his activity and give him the support he will require. If you would like to discuss Justice’s needs, which are in fact few, please give us a call.

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.

Your vote needed for local charity

Watch the MWCBAH video

Your help is needed!
Midwest Charity Begins at Home is a finalist in the statewide Orange Seed Project. A project that could see them win a prize to include:

* $50,000 marketing service package from Jack in the Box
* $50,000 advertising sponsorship package from The West Australia, plus a $5,000 cash donation
* $10,000 community service announcement package from Channel 7

VOTING CLOSES Sunday October 19. 

How can you help?
- Please follow the link below and VOTE for the Midwest Charity Begins at Homes video. 

Opus bringing joy through music

Quinten (front) with Opus Manager Colin and worker Casey. 

“Last week I was beatboxing and rapping with a young guy who has Down Syndrome and I gotta tell ya, we were pretty damn good!”

— Ash, Opus owner

The energy and passion of Opus Music owner Ash shines through when he talks about what he loves.

Ash and the team at Opus teach music to many locals living with a disability.

"We have heaps of crew that come in here and love hanging out with us," Ash said.

"We have kids from Holland Street School, and people with all different disabilities come in here and learn music."

One of their regulars is 31-year-old Quinten. 

Quinten has been going to Opus for over 2 years and the smile on his face when he is there says it all.

Quinten's Support Worker Dave says the hardest thing about going to Opus is leaving.

"Quinten loves music, his favourite instruments are the guitar and the drums," Dave said.

"He had instruments at home and has always loved music but he loves going into Opus every week."

Ash says he loves to be able to bring joy to those working with people living with a disability through music.

He has plans in the future to spread the joy to sick children in local hospitals.

Two women flown to Perth following crash

A ute and a four wheel drive crash last week near Badgingarra resulted in two injured women being flown to Perth. 

The driver of the ute reportedly received minor injuries. 

Job opportunities for Aboriginal youth

SMYL Trainees Zemma Connell, Talecah Clayton, Tiffany Collard, Zamaria Councillor (Western Australian Country Health Services Midwest) and Maitland Spratt with SMYL Aboriginal Group Training Manager, Ashley Garlett. 

The City of Greater Geraldton has partnered with SMYL Community Services (South Metropolitan Youth Link) by providing young Aboriginal school students the opportunity to work in local government through a school based traineeship.

SMYL is a charitable organisation that offers Aboriginal students the chance to engage themselves in education, training and employment in the program throughout Western Australia.

City of Greater Geraldton Aboriginal Community Development Officer, Nola Gregory, said the City has taken on four trainees for the duration of the program.

“The traineeships allow Aboriginal students to have an insight of working in local government and the different career opportunities that are available,” she said.

“By working at the City, trainees are able to find what type of work best suits them and what they’re most comfortable in.”

The City has the following Geraldton Senior College students:

• Maitland Spratt – Automotive Traineeship with Fleet and Support
• Talecah Clayton – Business Traineeship with Community Law and Safety
• Tiffani Collard – Business Traineeship with the Aquarena
• Zemma Connell – Business Traineeship with Arts, Culture and Events.

Western Australian Country Health Services Midwest, Geraldton Sporting Aboriginal Corporation and the Commonwealth Bank have also joined the initiative by taking on an Aboriginal School Based Trainee.

Throughout their traineeship students are mentored by SMYL Manager, Ashley Garlett, who regularly visits Geraldton.

Without the traineeship some students would be at risk of dropping out of school and find the transition from school to work hard.

Aboriginal students can apply by speaking to their VET Coordinators. 

For more information about SMYL Community Services and what programs they offer, visit the website on www.smyl.com.au or contact (08) 9430 4921.

The 2014 Ladies Indulgence Evening

The 2014 Ladies Indulgence Evening

Ladies come dressed in your favourite cocktail dress for a night of glamour and indulgence!

A Profit For Purpose Event Raising money to go towards the upcoming It's All Sorted Community Events – ultimately benefiting 5+ local charities/community groups! e.g. Midwest Pet Fair for Geraldton Dog Rescue, Christmas Bonanza for Variety WA Midwest Geraldton.

Spoil Yourself

Handsome waiters; gourmet cocktail nibbles; free champagne on arrival; mini manicures; photo booth; foot detox spa; make-up touch-ups demonstrations and personal consultations; thank you gifts; cocktails; live music and entertainment; professional MCs; door prizes; competitions and more.

Exclusive Product Displays Décor, home wares, kitchen and linen; clothing, lingerie, jewellery and accessories; cosmetics and skincare; bedroom and relationships. Solo (with Napoleon Perdis cosmetics), Hazard, Ivy Vibe, Seacret, Pure Romance, Scentsy, Tupperware, Lorraine Lea Linen, Intimo, Park Lane Jewellery.

Friday 24th October | 6:30pm | Towns Football Club | Cocktail Attire | 18+ | $60/ticket

Get tickets at Solo or online at www.itsallsorted.com.au

Sunset Beach man charged with assault

A 28-year-old male from Sunset Beach has been charged with trespassing, criminal damage and common assault and will appear in Geraldton Magistrates Court on October 30.

At 9:49am on Saturday September 2, a male offender was present at an address on Abraham Street Karloo, which belonged to another male known to him.

Police allege the offender approached the male occupant of the address and after a verbal altercation, punched him to the face and body, then struck him to the head with a small wooden baton causing bruising. 

Five days later on Tuesday October 7, the offender went back to the address on Abraham Street.

Police further allege that the offender jumped the fence entering the property and kicked the front window, causing no damage.

Police also say the offender exited the property by jumping back over the fence and approached a waiting vehicle, before returning back to the fence and kicking a panel, causing minor damage then fleeing the scene.

DFES Midwest position made redundant

The Government has come under fire after confirmation that a position within the Department of Fire and Safety (DFES) Geraldton has been made redundant.

Labor Party's Darren West MLC questioned the redundancy of the position in Parliament on September 25th.

Mr West asked, “Can the minister confirm this position has been made redundant? If yes to, what is the rationale for making the job redundant?”

Minister for commerce, Michael Mischin replied, “Yes, the temporary contract position will cease as of 30 November 2014.

“The community emergency services manager position was fully funded by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services in 2009 as a two-year contract position through to 2011 to provide assistance and support to local governments and pastoralists in the Murchison Gascoyne region,” he said.

“This was with the intent that, during this period, the five local Governments serviced by the CESM position would consider co-funding it as a permanent local government authority–DFES position, as is the case with the other 24 CESM positions throughout Western Australia.

“Unfortunately, the five local governments have advised that they are not able to financially contribute to this proposal. DFES has in good faith continued to fund the position and extend the contract on an annual basis since 2011.”

Mr West expressed his concern as to who would now provide land management advice in the Midwest.

Mr Mischin assured Mr West that there would still be other permanent staff members based in the Midwest.

“The DFES Midwest Gascoyne region has six other permanent LGA–DFES co-funded CESMs and nine DFES operational employees who are based within the Midwest Gascoyne region and will continue to assist DFES with the regional preparedness, prevention, response and recovery support to all local governments and pastoralists in the region,” Mr Mischin said.

Mr Mischin also said that the full-time equivalent position had not been transferred to a metropolitan area.

City Burgermeester hosts the Luks for afternoon tea

You may remember John Luk, a local resident who has been voluntarily picking up litter in the city for over 20 years, 3 hours a day. He recently celebrated his 60th wedding anniversary, and Mayor, Ian Carpenter, and CEO, Ken Diehm, hosted John and his wife Anne for afternoon tea. 

Press release from the city below. 

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Post by Everything Geraldton.

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Many people have marvelled at local resident John Luk’s long time commitment to keeping the Beresford Foreshore clear of litter. 

Mr Luk has for many years voluntarily collected rubbish along the beachfront on Chapman Road and you can often see his orange litter bags stacked, groaning under the weight of their bounty at the roadside. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, and CEO, Ken Diehm, hosted afternoon tea with John and his wife Anne last week to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary and to acknowledge Mr Luk’s unpaid work in collecting litter. 

“I’d like to thank John for his selfless volunteering work in picking up litter on Beresford Beach,” Mr Carpenter said, “well done John and Anne, our community is all the better with people like you in it.” 

The Mayor and CEO presented the Luks with a small gift and flowers. 

“However the highlight for John seemed to be our promise to get him a personalised high vis vest,” said Mr Diehm. 

Mr Luk was delighted and likened it to being recognised by the ‘burgermeester’ (mayor) in his native country of Holland. 

“I will show off the pictures to my family in the Netherlands,” he said proudly.

Anne and John Luk enjoy afternoon tea with Mayor Ian Carpenter and City CEO Ken Diehm

Rotary and Bunnings give local family a backyard

4-year-old Micah enjoying his new backyard. 

A local family is over the moon with a brand new backyard thanks to Rotary and Bunnings.

Parents of two, Rachel and Emiel Bressington, said they couldn't thank the Rotary Club of Geraldton and Bunnings enough for a new backyard for their young children.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the Rotary Club of Geraldton and Bunnings who have blessed our family with a fantastic back yard which is now safe for my son who has Fragile X and young daughter,” Rachel said.

“Without both Rotary and Bunnings our yard would be still unsafe. Thank you from a very grateful family.”

Rachel’s backyard had sump holes and no grass, just sand, making it too unsafe for her 4-year-old son Micah to play outside.

Micah, who will turn 5 next month, was born with Fragile X, an intellectual disability. 

With funding from Better Start, the Bressington family purchased play equipment and Rotary and Bunnings supplied turf and now the backyard is fully enclosed with fencing.

“Micah is absolutely loving it now that it is safe enough to play outside,” Rachel said.

Around 20 Rotarians and workers from Bunnings pitched in to make the backyard a reality. 

Free mental health training

Free mental health training is available to community members in October thanks to sponsorship from Local Drug Action Group (LDAG) Inc, the Mental Health Commission and the WA One Life Suicide Prevention Strategy.

Geraldton LDAG convenor Kate McConkey said the training is an opportunity for people to learn more about mental illness and suicide.

“This training will help people understand the risks, signs and impacts of mental illness and suicide, and learn how to respond in a crisis situation”

“There is a huge stigma around mental illness and people don’t really like to talk about. The provision of training is an important step in generating discussion and raising awareness about how we can all play a role in preventing suicide”.

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training is in Geraldton on 20th & 21st October and 23rd & 24th October, and Youth Mental Health First Aid Training is in Mullewa on the 23rd and 24th October or 27th and 28th October.

People interested in attending the training must attend both days and register with Kate McConkey on 0429 104 920 by Friday 17th October.

If you or someone you know would like help or support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

E plater blows 0.191

A 50 year old man from Rangeway will appear in court after being pulled over for a random breath test and blowing 0.191, according to Police. 

Just after 11pm on Wednesday 1 Oct 2014, the man who was driving a Mitsubishi Magna station wagon was pulled over on Pass St near Eastern Rd in Wonthella for a random breath test. 

Police say it was ascertained that he had consumed alcohol, and the man was then transported to the Geraldton Police Station where he gave a underwent a breath analysis test which gave a final reading of 0.191 grams of alcohol per 100ml of blood.

Police say that not only was the man driving with under the influence of alcohol, but was in breach of conditions of the extraordinary motor driver's licence which had been previously issued by the court.

The man will appear in Geraldton Magistrates Court on 6 November charged with driving under the influence and driving contrary to conditions of extraordinary licence.

Youth Mental Health "headspace centre" to open here in Geraldton

Good news for Geraldton. Headspace have announced they will be opening a centre here in Geraldton.

It's expected to be open toward the end of 2015 or early 2016. 

Full media release below. 

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Thousands more young Australians will get the help they need for problems affecting their wellbeing, after the Minister for Health, Peter Dutton, announced the next 15 headspace centre locations.

In welcoming the announcement, headspace CEO Chris Tanti said the new centres will extend the important early intervention work of the national youth mental health organisation into areas of significant need.

"Through our existing headspace centres we've helped thousands of young people with issues ranging from depression, anxiety, relationship break downs, bullying, exam stress and problems with alcohol and drugs," Mr Tanti said.

"These additional locations will bring us to a national network of 100 headspace centres. Together with our online service, support to schools and expansion to help young people experiencing early psychosis, we can help thousands more young people and their families no matter what issue they're facing."

"Many of these communities announced today have advocated strongly for headspace centres to be established in their areas, so we know these centres will be highly valued. We also know there are many more communities across the country in need of support for their young people," Mr Tanti said.

The 15 locations announced by the Federal Government today are:

New South Wales: Griffith - Murrumbidgee (Griffith), Orange, Sydney - Castle Hill, Broken Hill - Far West (Broken Hill), Goulburn.

Queensland: Moreton Bay - north (Caboolture), Gladstone, Brisbane east (Capalaba), Bundaberg

Victoria: Swan Hill, Melbourne - Greensborough, Gippsland (Bairnsdale), Grampians (Horsham)

Western Australia: Geraldton

South Australia: Limestone Coast (Mount Gambier)

Mr Tanti said determining the locations of the new headspace centres is based on a range of factors to ensure headspace services are delivered in the areas of greatest need.

"We take into account distance from existing headspace centres, the current and future population size, social and economic factors, accessibility of the location and the readiness to set up a headspace centre," Mr Tanti said.

The process to determine locations for centres is done in consultation with the Department of Health, headspace and the State and Territory Governments. The final decision is made by the Commonwealth Government.

The additional centres are part of the 2014-15 Federal Budget commitment of an additional $14.9 million to support expansion of the headspace network by 10 centres, bringing the total to 100 across Australia.

Young people who do not have convenient access to a headspace centre or would prefer to get help online, can access eheadspace.org.au - a free, confidential and anonymous telephone and web-based mental health support service.

About headspace

The primary focus of headspace is the mental health and wellbeing of young Australians. headspace helps 12 - 25 year olds going through a tough time through a national network of 70 headspace centres (soon to be 100) and online and telephone counselling service eheadspace.

headspace can help young people with general health, mental health, education and employment and alcohol and other drug services.

headspace was established and funded by the Commonwealth Government of Australia in 2006.

G-Force shows appreciation of City employment

City CEO Ken Diehm is presented with a certificate of appreciation from G-Force Executive Officer, Tony Cooper, along with (from left) City staff - Manager, Corporate Services, Jeff Graham, Acting Sanitation Supervisor, Dave Meneguzzo, Acting Parks Manager, Graham Smith; and Director Community Infrastructure, Neil Arbuthnot.

The City of Greater Geraldton was recently presented with a framed certificate of appreciation from service contractor, G-Force, in recognition of the City’s continued support in employing G-Force workers with a disability. 

Presenting City CEO Ken Diehm with the certificate, G-Force Executive Officer, Tony Cooper, said it was organisations like the City that has allowed the not-for-profit company to be successful. 

“Without the likes of the CGG assisting us with this, we would not be where we are today,” he said. 

“For a number of years now, the City has used G-Force to provide staff to assist with the street sweeping of Marine Terrace and Foreshore Drive under the guidance of Parks Manager Kim Trotter and Sanitation Supervisor, Stuart Gilchrist.” 

G-Force recently won the Goodness Festival 2014 Best Social Enterprise in Geraldton Award. 

“This was a great outcome as we continue to strive with our mission of employing people with disabilities within the community, on full rates of pay,” Mr Cooper said. 

“G-Force does not receive any form of government funding and we have to source our own contracts. 

“We are able to offer services in all aspects of garden care and clean up, commercial cleaning, window cleaning and document and paper shredding.” 

Mr Diehm said he is pleased the City is able to support G-Force.

“The City recognises the value of this work and the social investment in getting people back into the workforce,” he said. 

G-Force can be contacted on 9964 3525 or www.gforcecontracting.com