Weed Management Commenced to Protect Dune Systems in Jurien Bay

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Pink dye marks where Pyp Grass has been sprayed with herbicide.

Over the coming weeks some vegetation areas around the town of Jurien Bay will be dyed pink. The pink dye indicates where spraying of Pyp Grass (Ehrharta villosa) has commenced to eradicate this invasive weed from the Jurien Bay township.

Pyp Grass is an aggressive invasive weed that is known to smother and replace important native vegetation species that naturally occur within dune systems.

Dr Mic Payne, NACC’s Coastal and Marine Program Coordinator explained that dunes infested with Pyp Grass are more susceptible to erosion caused by wind, waves and unmanaged visitor access.

“Jurien Bay’s beaches, coastal infrastructure and tourism all rely on healthy dunes protected by native vegetation,” said Dr Payne.

Contractors spraying Pyp Grass at the infestation site at Shingle Avenue.

The current Pyp Grass eradication work is part of the Jurien Bay Pyp Grass Management Plan, development of which involved members of the local Jurien Bay Herbarium Group. Group members assisted in surveying vegetation present in Pyp Grass infested areas and monitoring the success of treatment for future management actions.

NACC encourages the community to assist in managing Pyp Grass by keeping an eye out for further infestations.

To get a copy of the Jurien Bay Pyp Grass Management Plan or to get involved in the project please contact Dr Mic Payne on 9938 0123 or Michael.Payne@nacc.com.au

This project is supported by NACC, through funding from the Australian Government.

Watch this 4x4 nearly lose it

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This dash cam footage was sent in to us:

"This was captured today on the corner of NWC HWY and Phelps.
I honestly thought he was going to flip and i think the thing that annoyed me the most was the look on his face as he drove past...he seemed to be proud of what he had just done."

(Around the 11 sec mark on right hand side of screen.)

Regarding motor vehicle accidents in Geraldton and the safety of our roads

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As I was driving home today (Tuesday Nov 4 2014) south along the NWCH past Shell, I saw a green ute go to pull out of the service station's driveway. The driver was turning right, and there was a large semi trailer parked at the driveway, completely blocking the view of the ute. 

Despite the obvious inability to see any cars that would drive up past the truck, the driver decided to pull out and try his luck. 

As I watched this happen I saw a car approaching that would not have been able to see the green ute. I quickly put my brakes on and pulled to the left, bracing for impact. 

Fortunately the oncoming car swerved far enough and dodged the green ute, and I breathed a sigh of relief. 

Why on earth would that ute driver have thought it was ok to pull out when he couldn't see what was there?

About two weeks ago, I was heading North toward Bunnings along the same lovely highway, in the right hand lane. 

A four wheel drive on a side street on the left was turning left onto the highway. 

No big deal, she has plenty of room, I thought. 

But she decided to go into the right hand lane. My lane. 

I swerved right a little, but there was nowhere to go without having a head on collision with oncoming traffic. I hit the horn to wake the woman up and get her out of my lane. 

She swerved back right and I lived to die another day. 

She pulled in to Bunnings and I followed her and approached her vehicle. I'm not sure what I was hoping to achieve, perhaps point out that she might have killed myself and my four year old child. She was apologetic and said she see me. I drove off, grateful to not be in an ambulance or a hearse. 

Every week, Everything Geraldton gets multiple reports of vehicle accidents, and it's always gut wrenching when a major injury or fatality happens. Trust me, it's no pleasure to report the news when there's a tragedy. Everything Geraldton does not have a "page view" revenue model like other websites, so we don't make extra money when there's a flood of web traffic following a crisis. And I'm grateful for that. 

But I have been scratching my head as to why certain locations seem to continually have vehicle incidents. 

Chapman Rd in front of Northgate (west side) seems to always attract accidents, despite a recent speed reduction. 

The NWC highway from Shell to Bunnings is horrible... I've witnessed so many accidents along there it's ridiculous. 

The 'S' bend on the Brand Hwy is expected to be realigned in the future because of vehicle accidents on a reasonably regular basis. 

The telephone pole near the Art Gallery gets a lot of flack for being so close to the road, especially after a van collided into it in November. 

I drive all of these roads very often, and it appears there's nothing tricky about them. Having lived in Perth and handled much worse traffic than any of these locations could ever offer, plus driving regularly through the ridiculous streets of Brisbane and Sydney, one would think our local streets could be handled with ease. 

- The NWC Hwy stretch:

It's a straight road. If there's a car coming, don't pull out. If you can't see if there's a car coming, don't pull out. If a car stops in front of you, make sure you're far enough back so you can stop too. Not hard. 

- Chapman Rd:

If you're pulling out of Northgate's car park, and you can't see properly, don't pull out. Or turn left if you're not comfortable crossing four lanes of traffic. Don't take a chance. It's not hard. 

- S Bend:

There's nothing tricky about this road. It's a bend. Then it's straight. Then it's a bend. It used to be 110kmh with an "advisory" to slow down to 90. Now I believe it is speed limited at 90kmh. If you obey the sign, the road feels rather slow, and not very dangerous at all. 

- The phone pole near the Art Gallery:

What the reporting on the incident last November failed to mention, was the driver who collided with the pole (collided at speed, not clipped with the mirror) had actually just pulled out of Maccas and was eating an ice-cream cone. Maybe the pole is a bit close to the road, but maybe it stopped a pedestrian from being cleaned up by a distracted driver. 

https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/regional/gascoyne/a/19927202/western-powers-broken-promise/

Ranting to our friends on Facebook about how people just need to "pay attention" or something to that effect does nothing. 

We ALL know we need to pay attention. And if we're all honest with ourselves, we've all done dumb things on the road when we've lost focus for a split second. 

We've all been lost in thought for a few moments and pulled out on someone. Or maybe gone through a red light when only the turning traffic had a green. Or maybe you've had a car or motorbike in the blind spot created by your A-Pillar and narrowly missed a tragedy. 

Or maybe you're a perfect driver and can sit on high and judge everyone else without hypocrisy. 

But for the rest of us, the following might be of interest.

There's really not much traffic here, and the roads are all pretty good compared to any other city. 

There's more days of sunshine in Geraldton than the Gold Coast or the Sunshine Coast, so we don't have to worry about bad weather driving much at all. Many of us have never SEEN snow let alone driven in it. 

We know the roads we're going to drive on like the back of our hands. If something is more than 8 minutes away we seriously debate whether it's worth going. And because we know the roads so well, we're in auto pilot most of the time. 

And despite the wonderful feeling criticising the state and local governments gives us, a lot of public campaigning has lead to continued action to improve the quality and safety of our roads over the last two decades. The roads are, generally speaking, safer than they used to be. Remember when 60km/h in residential zones was the limit? Now if someone does 65 past my house I think life imprisonment is a reasonable option for them. 

When you add all these factors together, what you get is a feeling of comfort and ease when you're driving on Geraldton roads, 99% of the time. 

An interesting study published in 2010 showed most Americans mistakenly believed winter was a more dangerous time to be driving. Seems logical, given the inclement weather makes visibility and stopping harder. But it turns out the opposite is the case. Summer is more dangerous because people have let their guard down then. During winter they were extra careful. 

"Lighter traffic and pleasant scenery on rural roads can lull drivers into a false sense of security. This can lead to motorists driving at unsafe speeds, as well as being distracted, fatigued, unbelted or impaired while driving, all of which increase the likelihood of a crash."

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100628124701.htm

Perhaps because 99% of the time driving on our roads isn't stressful relative to more congested places, we're not on our guard as we should be.

Driverless cars are on their way, and the roads will be a much safer place when they arrive. But until that day, we all need to redouble our efforts to pay attention on the roads. 

Midwest Fishing report by Tackleworld Geraldton

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FISHERMANS WET DREAM SALE

Soooooo what's happening in store??....A Fisherman's Wet Dream! We have over 500 rods and 200 reels plus combos plus lures plus clothes ALL ON MASSIVE CLEARANCE. It goes public tomorrow but you are getting the heads up. Shimano, Daiwa, Fin nor, Pflueger, Pelagic, Jarvis Walker and so much more!!! First in will get the best picks.

Tackleworld Geraldton Yep all the total bargains are conveniently located at the front of the store. All clearly marked with the massive savings you will get. Lures & Soft baits have now been added

BEACHES
Tailor have come back on the bite with good fish caught at 9mile, with a Dhu fish caught and released from the beach, South Gate point is fishing well with  tailor and mulloway on the chew.

AZMAN WITH A SOLID 15KG MULLAWAY

Tailor are back on the bite with good fish from 50cm getting caught from South Gates, Tarcoola and Point More reefs. Tailor are also getting caught around Drummond’s and Coronations but the weed has been a bit of anuisance.

PATRICK AND DREW WITH SOME NICE TAILOR TAKEN 0N THE HALCO CIGAR

Amateur fisherman have been doing well with most catches from Pensioners and Point More. 

CRAIG OZ WITH HIS BAG OF CRAYS

RIVERS
he rivers are slowly on the improve with good size bream from 35cm coming from Chapman River and Greenough. Just remember that it is breeding time for bream and the fish over 35cm are our stock for the future!

STEVE WAS STOKED TO GET HIS FIRST GREENOUGH RIVER BREAM-

TACKLEWORLD PRO ANGLERS CRAIG WISE AND SHIDDIQ ABDUL WITH SOME SOLID MIDWEST BREAM RELEASED TO FIGHT ANOTHER DAY!

WEEKEND FORECAST

THIS WEEKS VIDEO

Midwest Fishing Report by Tackleworld Geraldton 

20 ANZAC TERRACE GERALDTON WA

08 99216822

Seniors Week to commence with stage production at Queens Park Theatre

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Seniors Week 2014 will kick off next Sunday November 9 with the live stage production of Cis and Barbiche at the Queens Park Theatre.

Commencing at 2pm with an afternoon tea, and then followed by the live stage production, Cis and Barbiche is a lively, romantic story of two lovers in wartime Europe recounted by their letters and diaries from over 70 years ago.

‘Cis’, as he was affectionately known by his family and friends, was a gunner on Halifax Bombers and part of a squadron allied to RAF in WWII, whilst ‘Barbiche’ remained in Liverpool awaiting the return of her young airman lover.

Following their exciting and passionate journey through a dialogue created from the actual letters preserved from the war.

The production is proudly being toured by Agelink Theatre Incorporated and is currently celebrating 21 years of producing professional theatre based on history, including touring ‘Cis & Barbiche’ to the prestigious York Theatre Royal UK for the Grand Depart of the Tour de France in York earlier this year in July.

Tickets for Cis & Barbiche are only $12 for Seniors which includes afternoon tea at the show, available at www.queensparktheatre.com.au or directly through the box office on (08) 9956 6665 between 1pm and 5pm weekdays.

Development Industry to be hit by a new Tax

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The State Government Cabinet is holding a meeting this week to consider a new tax on developers and Councils that donate or contribute electricity infrastructure to Western Power.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO, Ken Diehm, said only just learning about this plan was disappointing as it has been done without seeking additional public comment.

“It was originally proposed in April this year but a decision was deferred due to the public outcry,” said Mr Diehm.

“It was my understanding the State would seek public comment before considering this matter, clearly this is not going to happen now and it has been quietly snuck back into the Cabinet door”.

Under the plan, a tax of 13.9 per cent will apply to any work completed by a third party and then gifted to Western Power, or for any modifications to the existing network and network connections, including subdivisions, street lighting, pole to pillar, built strata, network extensions, substations and transmission lines.

Mr Diehm said the tax will hit the development Industry and Councils across WA and is likely to reap the State around $24M annually.

Mr. Diehm said that the new tax will:

  • Push Local government’s rates up as Councils will need to recover the tax from the community through their rates and charges. 
  • Increase the cost of development, which will result in some developments being shelved or deferred.
  • Push land prices up because of higher development costs.

“This is a really disappointing outcome and a body blow to the development industry during a time when everyone is doing it tough,” said Mr Diehm.

“I would urge the government to reconsider this matter.”

3 firearms stolen - 2 recovered so far

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Fruitful investigations by Geraldton Police has resulted in five people being charged with numerous offences following a robbery where three firearms were stolen.

Police say that over the weekend the 3 firearms were stolen from a home on Hale Street in Rangeway. 

It's alleged that the offenders forced entry into the premises around 2:30am on Saturday morning (1 Nov 2014). 

It appears the offenders returned to the same premises and stole a metal detector. Police say this occurred between 1:00pm on Saturday and 1:10pm on Sunday. 

On Monday afternoon around 1:10pm, officers from the burglary suppression team executed a search warrant at an address in Keating St in Rangeway where they found and seized cannabis, methyl amphetamine and drug paraphernalia. 

Police also located a rifle scope and a quantity of metal firearm pellets.

At 5.10pm police executed another search warrant at an address on Weeks Court, Utakarra.

According to Police, the search yielded a quantity of Methyl-amphetamine and more drug paraphernalia.

As a result of the search, police attended a location in Moonyoonooka and recovered 2 of the 3 missing firearms.

Inquiries are continuing regarding the third outstanding firearm.

The details of the charges are below:

A 37 year old male from Rangeway has been charged with Possess Cannabis with Intent to Sell/Supply. He will appear before Geraldton Magistrates Court on 27 November 2014.

A 23 year old female from Rangeway has been charged with possess methylamphetamine. She will face Geraldton Magistrates Court in November 2014.

A 36 year old male from Utakarra has been charged with receiving, unlicensed person possess firearm, possess methylamphetamine & possess drug paraphernalia. He will appear before Geraldton Magistrates Court on 27 November 2014.

A 25 year old female from Utakarra has been charged with possess methylamphetamine. She will face Geraldton Magistrates Court in November 2014.

A 20 year old male with no fixed place of abode has been charged with 2 x Aggravated Burglary, 2 x stealing, possess Methyl-amphetamine, possess drug paraphernalia. He faced Geraldton Magistrates Court yesterday morning, 4 November 2014.

 

St Francis 3 Year Old Enrolments Now Open

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St Francis 3 Year Old Enrolments Now Open

Children born between July 1st 2011 and June 30th 2012 are invited to apply for our 3 Year Old Program commencing Term 1, 2015.

The program is offered by an experienced Early Childhood teacher to children who have turned 3 and is held on Mondays and Fridays of the school term.

The program is grounded in Early Childhood Education beliefs and practices immersed in a Catholic environment. There are no Catholic/non Catholic parameters.

Applicants must be fully supportive of the objectives and ethos of Catholic education.

For a flyer on the day to day program, see http://web.sfxpsgeraldton.wa.edu.au/3yearoldinfo.pdf

More information is available on our website http://web.sfxpsgeraldton.wa.edu.au/enrolment.html or by phoning 9921 1711 or email admin@sfxpsgeraldton.wa.edu.au

Radiance of the Seas has arrived

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Pic: Anthony Desmond

Radiance of the Seas is currently on a 16-day cruise from Sydney to Fremantle, carrying around 2000 guests and 480 crew members.

Geraldton’s Meet and Greet Volunteers will welcome the passengers ashore and local stallholders will be in attendance.   

Local musician, Ash Friesen, will be performing while passengers wait to go back on-board in the afternoon. 

The ship is due to depart at approximately 6pm.

For more information about the cruise ship visit, or to become a Meet and Greet Volunteer for future visits, contact City of Greater Geraldton Cruise Ship and Visitor Information Officer, Joanne Brown via email joanneb@cgg.wa.gov.au or call the Geraldton Visitor Centre on (08) 9921 3999.

Burglar gets tackled by victim

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In the early hours of Saturday, 1 Nov an 18 year old male from Spalding entered a camper trailer at Sunset Beach Holiday Park. 

According to Police, the man took a pair of sunglasses and alcohol before being disturbed by the occupant of the camper trailer. 

The intruder ran toward the beach and was chased by the victim who managed to catch the intruder and tackle him to the ground.

The alcohol smashed on the ground and the intruder escaped. 

Police arrived shortly afterwards and managed to locate the suspect, who was arrested and taken to Geraldton Police Station. 

He was charged with aggravated burglary and stealing. 

 

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards

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Calling young leaders 18 – 25 in the Midwest community

The Rotary Club of Geraldton is calling for young people aged between 18 – 25 to apply for the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards.

The program will run from Saturday 31st January – Friday 6th February 2015 and is an intensive training program aimed at potential young leaders in our community.  Applicants attend a 7 day camp just out of Perth and the rewards are ongoing.  A number of Midwest leaders have attended this program over the years and have reaped the rewards. 

Objectives are to; 

  • Develop their personal  effectiveness and self confidence
  • Develop leadership skills as well as the capacity to contribute effectively as team members
  • Gain a wider understanding of the challenges that present themselves in a changing society.

A variety of fun and interactive developmental activities are provided during the 7 day camp including goal setting, teamwork exercises, hike and bush camp, leadership skills, abseiling, high ropes, conflict resolution, public speaking, magazine/CD preparation, time management, problem solving, overcoming obstacles, bush navigation, effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Employers interested in sending their staff members are encouraged to apply.

For more information please contact :
Rotary Club of Geraldton Rotarian– Dianne Gilleland M: 0419 854 413
RYLA  contact:  Barry Ryall – M: 0418 177 191

Wheelie Really Clean Bins

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Is your Wheelie Bin "Wheelie Really" Dirty?
Then let us make it "Wheelie Really" Clean!

With excellence in expertise and cleaning equipment, we sure can help you save the hassle of cleaning that smelly and dirty bin! Take the stress out of your day and leave it to the professional and friendly team at Wheelie Really Clean Bins. We will leave your bin smelling fresh and refreshingly clean!
Wheelie Bin Cleaning service now available in following areas in Geraldton:

- Mount Tarcoola South
- Souvereign Waters 
- Seacrest
- Batavia Coast Marina 
- Mt Tarcoola North 
- Tarcoola Beach
- Ocean Ridge (Wandina)
- Mahomets Flats
 

Just a phone call away! For more info on rates and service provided give Peter Manners a call today on 0447 082 267!

 

For more information then please feel free to check out our website:

www.binclean.com.au 

 

Follow us on Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/wheeliereallycleanbins/timeline

Sand Bypassing works in northern beaches

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As part of the Northern Beaches Stabilisation Programme the Mid West Ports Authority today started undertaking sand bypassing which will continue through to Friday November 7.
 
Approximately 6,250m3 of sand will be transported from Pages Beach to placement sites along the Beresford Foreshore during this time.
 
The purpose of sand bypassing is to feed sediment into the longshore current operating in a northerly direction along the Geraldton coastline.
 
Through a coastal process known as littoral transport, the sand by-passing provides sediment to Geraldton’s northern beaches through the action of the breaking waves and the longshore current.
 
This approach provides a cost-effective way of providing sediment to Geraldton’s northern beaches.
 
Traffic management will be in place to minimise the disruption to traffic in the area. Where appropriate a water cart will be used to suppress dust and sand movement off the placement sites.
 
To protect the shared pathway from damage by the sand bypassing transport trucks the Port Authority will place sand over the pathway for the duration of the works.
 
The sand will be removed on completion of the works. Working hours will be between the hours of 7.00am to 5.00pm for duration of the works.
 
For further information on these works and the Northern Beaches Stabilisation Programme, contact Project Coordinator, Michael Dufour, on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

 

Great Rewards When Choosing Platinum Electricians Midwest

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Great Rewards When Choosing Platinum Electricians Midwest 

Platinum Electricians Midwest are having an exciting November promotion, as we really appreciate your business and want to reward you for choosing us by giving you a gift.

To redeem your gift is easy, accept any quote by signing the quotation agreement and use the promo code 'QUOTEREWARDS' then select which gift you would like to received based on the categories and it's yours! No competitions or draws, approve a quote and pick your reward!

Hurry this offer won't last!"

Police calling for witnesses following fatal incident on NWCH

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At about 3.50pm on Sunday 2 November 2014, a male pedestrian was struck by a truck on North West Coastal Highway, approximately 500 metres north of the Chapman Valley Road roundabout. The pedestrian later died in hospital.

Police are calling for witnesses to this incident.

Please contact S/C Dawson or S/C Pears from Mid-West Gascoyne Traffic on 9923 4555. 

Emergency beacon activation results in safe rescue

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At about 8:45pm on Wednesday 29 October 2014 police responded to an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) activation.

The owner of the EPIRB, a 48 year old man from Geraldton, had gone fishing with a friend and had failed to return to his home address.

Police say that the man had set off his EPIRB after experiencing difficulties due to an engine malfunction.

With the assistance of Water Police, a GPS location was provided where the Geraldton Volunteer Marine Sea Rescue group and Port Authority vessels were deployed, subsequently locating the stranded vessel approximately two kilometres offshore.

The vessel, with two persons on board, was towed back to the Geraldton marina safely without further incident.

Police urge all boat owners to ensure that their EPIRB’s are correctly registered with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). They can be registered at www.beacons.amsa.gov.au 

Update on Jake Drage in Indonesia

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Tiena Drage, mother of Jake has held a media conference outside the Pelabuhanratu, West Java, courthouse this morning.

Tiena says “I have come from the courthouse to check that the paperwork for the decision of the court of 16/10 has been processed. It's disappointing that it has not been. This is the fifth time I have attempted to pay the fine and check if anything has been lodged by the prosecutors, having done so on 21, 22, 23, 27 and 30 October”

Tiena goes on to say “Jake has not appealed the decision and contrary to media reports, I am informed by the Court that there has been no appeal lodged by the prosecutor’s office during the appeal period”. 

And “This is despite an attempt by officers to get Jake to sign a document, yesterday, Wednesday the 29th October. I was present with Jake when 3 men came asking Jake ‘for a memory’. They handed over paperwork which was not in English. It was dated the 25th of October and had Jakes name and was signed by the prosecutor, Rio. There was no translator and because it was back dated we refused to sign”. “I’m not sure which division of the justice system these men were a part of” she added. 

“The family of Kokom, Jake, I and everyone who cares, wants this to come to a conclusion. At all times we have respected the Indonesian Justice system, it's time that this is similarly respected and this comment is directed at anyone who questions whether they have not acted in the best interests of the Indonesian Justice system. All Jake and I want to do is pay the fine set by the judge on the 16th of October, 2014 and see the end of this nightmare. We have found the whole process very frustrating. It must come to an end”

Harbour cruise this weekend

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Yes, it's on again this Saturday; Eco Abrolhos are having a relaxing Sunset Harbour Cruise with perfect weather and exquisite views! 

*There will be live entertainment where Stephanie Sim will be performing on the top deck. 

*Delicious meals available to purchase.

*Fully licensed bar (No BYO). 

*Boarding at 5:30pm, departing at 6:00pm and returning at 9:00pm. 

*Departs 182 Connell Road (At The Wharf). 

So bring your friends and family on board the Eco Abrolhos this Saturday for a relaxing night out with great food, music and breathtaking views! Tickets are only $25pp, ring Sonia on 0418 386 307 to secure your tickets. 

Like us on Facebook to keep up to date with our exciting schedules! https://www.facebook.com/eco.abrolhos