Christmas Shoeboxes - Thank you Brett from Geraldton Freightlines

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Fiona sent this in to Everything Geraldton. 

Hi there. I'm Coordinator for Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes in the Midwest. Every year Brett from Geraldton Freightlines transports the boxes collected in the Midwest to Perth for FREE and I was wondering if you might give a thanks and shout out to him on Everything Geraldton.

It is soooo appreciated by me and such a blessing to Samaritans Purse who coordinate the shoeboxes.

If anyone is interested in doing shoeboxes next year - we do it in Term 3 through Lighthouse Church or they can send an email to occmidwest@gmail.com to have a reminder sent each year when it's happening. Fiona 😊

An interesting weapon to keep in your handbag

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Around 10:15am on Wednesday 29 Oct (yesterday), Police attended Rangeway Shopping Centre. 

They say they spoke with a woman and through the course of events ended up searching her bag. 

What they found was rather surprising. 

Police say they found a black stun gun device with an external 9 volt battery affixed to the device. 

They seized the device, and the 27 year old woman from Wandina will face Geraldton Magistrates Court in November charged with possess prohibited weapon.

 

7 DAY TRIAL PASS for ONLY $25.00 at Everybody Group Fitness

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Summer is just around the corner! Get fit and try out a 7 DAY TRIAL PASS for ONLY $25.00 at Everybody Group Fitness. 

Unlimited classes for one week, have a taste and you will be hooked on coming back for more. 

Everybody Group Fitness offers a diverse range of exercise activities, with something to suit everybody. With a wealth of choice ranging from mind and body, to strength and weights resistance, and also highly energy cardio and cycling classes, there really are no excuses!!!

*Available for local residents only (limit one per person.) Please contact Julie & Julie for further details at Everybody Group Fitness on 9965 5885.

To see the Timetable, Class Descriptors and further details, please follow this link to our website: 

http://www.everybodygroupfitness.com.au/

Find us on Facebook 

https://www.facebook.com/everybodygroupfitness

Bushfire season is here: do you have an independent water supply?

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Bushfire season is here: do you have an independent water supply?

  • Public water supplies cannot be guaranteed during a bushfire 
  • Residents who choose to stay and defend their homes need to have an independent water supply

Water Corporation customers living in or near bushland have been reminded not to assume they will have a water supply if they choose to stay and defend their homes during a bushfire. 

Bushfire season in the southwest corner of Western Australia starts in November and continues through to April, so now is the time to assess your water supply needs.

Water Corporation Mid West Regional Manager Steve Greeve said it was important to understand that water supplies could not be guaranteed during a bushfire.

“We will always do all that we can to maintain supply but fire damaged infrastructure or a cut to power can result in a total loss of water,” he said.

“If scheme water is available during a bushfire it is a bonus for property protection efforts, but it is not something that can be relied upon.” 

“If you choose to stay and actively defend your home you need to fully assess and plan your water supply needs, independent of public water supplies.”

The Water Corporation has made its own preparations for bushfire season by readying equipment and systems to cope with extreme conditions. Despite these efforts, it is likely that during a bushfire there will be a reduction in water pressure, and public water supply tanks may run empty.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) and local councils have information available to assist with bushfire preparations and residents are encouraged to contact them should they require assistance or advice.

Information is also available online on the DFES website www.dfes.wa.gov.au

Relocation of Pony Club→

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Ian Cutler from the Guardian has a good article regarding Council's decision last night on the future of the Spalding Pony Club:

https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/regional/gascoyne/a/25378428/pony-club-move-will-take-three-to-five-years-city/

Have a look at what Police seized yesterday

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Tuesday 28 October 2014 at around 7 in the morning, Geraldton police responded to a reported disturbance at a home on Mark Street.

They were informed that a women was in possession of a firearm.

Police say they negotiated the occupants out of the premises.

Police searched the home and say they found a sawn-off shotgun, a handgun , ammunition, an asp baton, a quantity of cannabis and methyl amphetamine, drug paraphernalia and cash.

Inquiries by police reveal that the shotgun was stolen as a result of a burglary on an address in Champion Lakes in September 2013.

A 24 year old female from Beresford was arrested and charged with the following offences;

1 x Possess Prohibited Drug
1 x Possess Drug Paraphernalia

A 30 year old male from Wandina was also arrested and charged with the following offences;

1 x Possess Prohibited Drugs
1 x Possess Prohibited Weapon
1 x Possess Unlicensed Ammunition
1 x Possess Unlicensed / Altered Firearm

Both persons charged will face Geraldton Magistrates Court in November. 

Tackleworld Country is having the "Fisherman's Wet Dream Sale"

/ 20 Anzac Terrace/

 

From today until the 8th of November, Tackleworld Country is having the "Fisherman's Wet Dream Sale".

We have rods, reels, combos at prices that will fulfil any dream. Look at these comments from a few that came in today!

 

Kelly M  "got my new rod half price , !!!!!!!!!!!"

Troy H "Already claimed mine and WHAT A BARGAIN!!!! Tackleworld Geraldton is awesome"

 

We have over 500 rods and 200 reels that are priced to walk out the door..and they are...many people leaving with 3 rods under their arms! Shimano, Daiwa, Flueger, Pelagic, Spotters and so much more.

Get in soon to Tackleworld Country 20 Anzac Tce - just up from Harvey Norman. We have an amazing selection as the only Shimano Shop and Authorised Daiwa Tournament Dealer in the Midwest.

follow Tackleworld Country on Facebook to see the latest specials & products

https://www.facebook.com/TackleworldGeraldtonWA

 

Shoppers are loving these

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Everything Geraldton has received multiple reports from very happy shoppers regarding the new trolleys at Woolies.

Apart from being shiny and lacking in the wonky wheels we all adore, there's more of the popular smaller trolleys.

And they even have a cup holder.

Thanks Jessica May and Damien Ethell for the pics. 

Please Please Please! Lock up your motor bikes

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Everything Geraldton has been receiving a massive amount of reports of stolen motor bikes, dirt bikes, quads and mopeds over the last few months.

We reached out to Police on the matter who say they have been pleading with the public for some time to secure their bikes securely.

They are soft targets, and theft of them seems to be an "opportunity" crime. 

Geraldton Police: "Typically we find a lot of theft reports come as a result of cars/homes not being locked and vehicles such as off-road motorbikes/mopeds not being secured."

While it may be a shame we live in a world where we have to secure our valuables, the reality is bikes are an easy target by criminals and need to be well secured.  

Burglaries decrease after drug busts

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Police say a joint operation targeting drug offenders last week resulted in "a significant reduction in reported burglary offences for the week."

Police from the Organised Crime Squad, Geraldton Detectives, Geraldton Volume Crime Team, Geraldton Burglary Suppression Team, Geraldton Police Station and Dongara Police Station executed 19 Misuse of Drugs Act search warrants resulting in 27 offenders being charged with 77 offences. 

Police say the link between mid level drug dealers and offenders committing burglary offences is well known. 

The charges were: 

  • Possess a Prohibited Drug with Intent to Sell or Supply

  • Attempt to Manufacture a Prohibited Drug (Methyl-amphetamine)

  • Aggravated Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm

  • Possess a Prohibited Drug

  • Possess Prohibited Weapons

  • Unlawful Possession (cash)

  • Unlawful Possession (stolen property)

  • Burglary

  • Fraud

  • No Authority to Drive

Police also say they seized a number of items:

  • 1 x Clandestine Drug Laboratory

  • 48.5 grams Methyl-amphetamine

  • 170 grams Cannabis

  • $4950 Cash

  • $10,000 Stolen property recovered

  •  5 Firearms (Hand guns, rifles and homemade pen gun)

  • 81 various rounds of ammunition

  • 4 Tasers

  • Crossbow

  • Offender’s vehicle were seized and impounded

WA Country Builders will build one of these four things

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WA Country Builders are going to build a monument in Geraldton for free.

The decision on what is to be built is to be made by Geraldton residents.


What do you want WA Country Builders to build in Geraldton?


Choose between

  • A welcome entry statement to Geraldton 
  • Upgrade to community garden nursery
  • Marina Beach Seating and Shelter
  • Toilet Blocks @ Back Beach and Glendinning Park
Click here to vote

Geraldton Dog Rescue Dog of the Week

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This week's Geraldton Dog Rescue Dog of the Week is Stella.

Stella is a female, 1 to 2 year old mixed breed who looks to have some kelpie in the mix. She is a fairly relaxed girl , not overly hyperactive, but enjoys playing with toys and other dogs. She would require a daily walk and is getting lead training while in foster care along with the basics like sit and drop etc.  She does not bark excessively. Stella would fit in to almost 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.

This Doctor should not have been allowed to practice in Geraldton

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Dr John Myers has been found guilty of professional misconduct by the State Administrative Tribunal, following his actions at Geraldton Regional Hospital in June 2012. 

Extracts from the SAT decision:

  • Dr Myers is guilty of professional misconduct between 14 and 19 June 2012
  • On an occasion when the patient was doing a crossword in her room, Dr Myers entered [the patient's] room and shut the door behind him, moved behind [the patient], while enquiring how she was, put his right arm over her shoulder and fondled one of [the patient's] breasts without her consent.
  • Subsequently went to leave the room, said words to [the patient] to the effect of 'he would have another hug' and then hugged [the patient] and fondled her breast again while doing so, without her consent.
  • The following morning, Dr Myers said to [the patient] words to the effect that 'he felt a lot of ladies needed a breast massage in the hospital but not to tell anyone because they'll all want it'.
  • One evening, Dr Myers visited [the patient] and kissed her on the cheek and said words to the effect of 'Goodnight sweetie, I'll see you tomorrow'.
  • On another occasion, Dr Myers attempted to hug [the patient] while she was standing and asked her to kiss him.
  • Dr Myers said to [the patient] on several occasions, words to the effect of 'he wanted her to suck his cock' and 'he wanted to put his cock between her breasts' and 'rub his cock all over her body'.
  • Dr Myers also told [the patient] how gorgeous she is and while standing next to her said words to the effect of 'feel it, see how stiff you're making me'.  On that occasion, [the patient] told Dr Myers to go away and behave himself.  
  • Dr Myers did so but returned an hour later saying words to the effect of 'he was going to be good but couldn't help himself'.
  • One day, [the patient] was about to get up to have lunch when Dr Myers came into her room, leaned over and patted her twice on the bottom.  When the patient looked up in response, Dr Myers said words to the effect of 'it's alright but I just wanted to smack your bottom'.
  • Dr Myers touched and rubbed [the patient's] knee and stroked her hand.
  • On various other occasions, Dr Myers said to [the patient] words to the effect that:,1.9.1 'if she had a computer, they could make passionate love over the computer', 'think of him when she makes passionate love to her husband', 'he would like to get inside her robe with her', and said to [the patient] words to the effect that: he had a double bed at his house and gave her directions to go there and stay with him one weekend and, she was sumptuous, beautiful and sexy.

During the submissions it was noted several times that Dr Myers was not responsible for the patient, referred to only as PJD, and Dr Myers struggled to give an answer as to why he attended her. 

Dr Myers maintains his innocence, and claimed that the patient was manipulative.

The SAT board disagreed with Dr Myers' stating that the "allegation that PJD was manipulative, without any basis for that allegation, strikes us as an attempt to attack PJD's integrity so as to detract from Dr Myers' conduct and statements."

The matter of what the penalty will be is still to be decided. 

The Medical Board is to file and serve submissions on penalty within 14 days of these orders.

Dr Myers is to file and serve submissions in response on the question of penalty within 42 days of the date of these orders.

The doctor in question, who was practicing in Geraldton but was from Victoria, also had past findings against him:

  • Indecent assault in 2000
  • Unprofessional treatment of an elderly couple in 2000/01 including creating a "destructive relationship between the couple and their children"
  • "Unprofessional conduct of a serious nature" in 06/07
  • Had his registration cancelled in 2013 following a relationship with an infatuated patient from 1999 to 2008.

Navy cadets join Albany celebrations

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Three navy cadets are busy packing their uniforms in preparation for the ANZAC centenary celebrations in Albany. Executive Officer of TS Morrow navy cadets, Sub Lieutenant Kevin Freeman said, ”These cadets really put a lot of effort into community events in Geraldton and also places like Three Springs and Mingenew. It’s great when the opportunity arises for them to be rewarded for their dedication. This celebration of the 100th anniversary of the departure of the first ANZAC convoy has attracted a lot of attention because it is such an important part of our history and the cadets will be right in the thick of it. “

Cadet Able Seaman Keelan Purcell said, “Cadets get amazing opportunities other people don’t and I’m really excited to be chosen to take part in this ANZAC celebration. I am especially looking forward to being in the centennial troop march, going on board the ships and seeing the re-enactment of the fleet departure.”

Albany was the final Australian departure point of the first convoy of troop ships from Australia and New Zealand heading for World War 1 nearly 100 years ago. After several months training in Egypt and the Middle East, these troops landed at dawn on the beaches of Gallipoli. As part of the centenary celebrations seven ships from Australia, New Zealand and Japan will do a re-enactment of the departure of that first convoy from King George Sound on 1 November 2015.

Sub Lieutenant Freeman said, “Being a cadet with the Australian Navy Cadets not only opens up opportunities other people don’t get but also allows you to make new friends and be part of a team that values you. We also aim to provide challenges that develop your potential as a leader. If you are 13 or older you can join navy cadets by visiting the unit on the Foreshore near the yellow submarine on a Wednesday night.

This drone could reach a drowning person four times quicker than a human lifeguard

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Every year, local volunteer life guards as well as search and rescue operators are put through their paces in the Mid West, but soon a new technology may be available to help keep our coastline safer. 

An Iranian company are planning a purpose built drone or UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) which drop life preservers to drowning people.

From Bloomberg Businessweek:

Amin Rigi says drones should be used to save lives, not spy or kill. The Iranian, who has a bachelor’s degree in robotics engineering, is launching RTS London to manufacture flying robots that drop life preservers to drowning people. His selling point is speed: A video shot on the Caspian Sea shows his prototype reaching a swimmer in 22 seconds, four times faster than a lifeguard.
Preorders have poured in from 25 countries since Rigi, 27, posted the one-minute demonstration video on YouTube. He aims to ship his drones, which could cost up to $10,000 each, by mid-2015. Rigi, who will soon relocate to London to take part in an accelerator program for tech startups, predicts his business, which is developing an array of rescue robots, “will lead a revolution,” unleashing the power of drones to do good.
Pars is an Aerial rescue robot which is designed and made for saving human lives. The first purpose of building the robot is the relief of people drowning near coastlines. By developing its applications, it can be used in ships and off shore reliefs.

Would you like to see Geraldton surf life savers equipped with technology like this?

Midwest Fishing report by Tackleworld Geraldton

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BEACHES
Mulloway have been on the hunt lately with good fish coming from south of Greenough, Southgate’s and Tarcoola Beach. Sunset beach is also worth a fish as well as Drummonds and Coronation holding good fish too.

CIRRAN WITH A 1M+ MULLOWAY CAUGHT ON A 10KG OUT FIT

Tailor have been running well with all locations around town producing fish. Greenough point, Southgate’s, 
Tarcoola and Pages all producing good fish. North of town fish can be found at Drummonds, Bulla River and Coronation.

MICHAEL AND BEN WITH SOLID TAILOR ON LIGHT GEAR

HARBORS AND MARINA

​The fisherman’s harbor is fishing well with plenty of pink Snapper, Mosses Perch and black Bream.

There is also plenty of chopper Tailor and big Snook, and if you’re in for a challenge there has been a few Mangrove Jacks holding on tight structure. 

The harbour has Tailor, Snook and Herring along most of the Grunge’s with the odd shark after dark; there has also been school.

Remember the demersal ban is on at the moment so check your fishing guide for all the rules and regulations.

RIVERS

THE THOMAS FAMILY SHOWING DAD HOW IT’S DONE

The Greenough and Chapman rivers are slowly warming up with bigger fish taken last week with fish ranging from 25cm-30cm.

WEEKEND FORECAST

THIS WEEKS VIDEO

Midwest Fishing Report by Tackleworld Geraldton 

20 ANZAC TERRACE GERALDTON WA

08 99216822

Year 12 student misses graduation after tragedy

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Yesterday on the 25th of October, 2014, a 17 year old classmate of mine Ben Phillips, known and loved by many within the Geraldton community, suffered a burst aneurysm on the left side of his brain whilst diving for crayfish. He has since been flown down to Perth for treatment in critical condition, and his family are awaiting results accessing the extent of the damage. His life is still hanging in the balance.

His classmates, including myself, have sought to raise money to assist the Phillips' family for medical/travel/hotel and all manners of other expenses. For more information on how to help, please visit http://www.gofundme.com/gb920o. If you wish to pay using another method, please contact me on lamakieran@gmail.com. I am in direct communication with his family at the moment and will make sure to find a way to get your money to them.

He missed his graduation due to this tragedy, and all we want is to be able to see him well again. Thanks for reading, please do check out the link, and have a good one. Keep fighting Ben, we love ya.

Kieran Lama

#ForBen