More homes reportedly targeted in Tarcoola Beach last night

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We have received reports of more attempted break ins in Tarcoola Beach last night. 

Goldie Walster‎ posted "We had someone try to break into the neighbours house last night in tarcoola beach! Luckily he was seen and jumped off the balcony and did a runner! Keep your windows and doors locked in the area!"

This occurred in Nigel Crescent.

Post by Goldie Walster.

Karlee posted in the Geraldton Neighbourhood Watch group: Last night the neighbours house across the street got broken into, in Tarcoola Beach. There were about 4 of them, all adults. We have Cameras up and managed to see them, but not clear enough to see faces or anything, snooping in their cars trying to find something. They didn't manage to steal anything as they got caught snooping around and bolted down the road. But it's still scary. Why is it getting so out of control, I'm now finding it hard to feel safe anywhere..

Click here to view video. 

This follows reports of two more stolen vehicles from Mt Tarcoola on Monday night, where one of the vehicles was rolled and the other torched. 

One Strathalbyn resident, Collette Jacobs has expressed her frustration with what she believes is the failure of the courts to dish out punishments that would deter bad behaviour, calling for her area to become gated.

"As a resident of Strathalbyn, I am angry and saddened by the recent information regarding the reality of all the Burglaries in Strath and Gero in general. The Police have the 'Burg Squad' up from Perth, with full-on NCIS-like capabilities, dogs etc and yet our own Shire of "Greater" Geraldton are refusing to aid them! When handed a person with proven, hard evidence of several (30-40) Burgs the Magistrate hands down the only sentence they can- 10 hours of community service. COMMUNITY F*&#ING SERVICE !?! So unless we get a Politician with half a brain (good luck with that one....) we are screwed and for those who think moving will help- don't waste your time, as it is everywhere! Everywhere, that is where the parents ignore, pander to bad behaviour and in some cases encourage their kids to steal! I am serious folks, lets get "GATED"!"

Post by Collette Jacobs.

If you see anything you'd like to share with the Geraldton community, you can post it straight into the Everything Geraldton smartphone app. Over 11,000 people have downloaded the app, and it's used by thousands of locals every day, It's a great way to stay in touch with what's happening near you.

It’s available on iPhone and Android. 

iPhone: http://evth.in/GeraldtoniPhoneApp

Android: http://evth.in/GeraldtonAndroidApp 

Healthy and Wealthy invite anyone is is interested in weight loss, increased energy, detoxing and cleanse.

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Healthy and Wealthy invite anyone is is interested in weight loss, increased energy, detoxing and cleanse. 

Come and learn all about ISAGENIX. Nibbles provided on the night. (No obligation to buy, just spreading the word about this amazing product) 

When: Saturday, November 29at 6:00pm - 7:15pm Where: 264 Foreshore Drive, GERALDTON Western Australia, across the road from the Geraldton Museum. 

RSVP as seats are limited. Please contact via: email to healthyaddwealthy@gmail.com or phone Allan on 0409 081 989

Graves trashed

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A concerned community member sent these images in to Everything Geraldton. 

They said:

"My brother discovered these smashed grave while he walked through the cemetery, amongst them were our father's grave, aunty's and our grandmother who is buried with our other aunty... not only our family's graves were smashed also a whole lot more... it is a shame that any person can be so heartless to destroy the only sentimental place we come to gather to mourn our losses... there were beautiful tombstones smashed ... "

Another resident also contacted us recently:

"Sitting here dismayed about my day! My mum went out to the cemetery today to visit my deceased brother and to her horror found his resting place and another's trashed! Lights were destroyed, bottles smashed, a small cross on his cross broken! What kind of a person is so heartless to trash a resting place?! My family is hurt and so angry at this act! This is the 3rd time this has happened since we layed him to rest nearly 2 years ago!
"We are struggling to pay for his head stone and with this happening were wondering if spending money on a toom stone just to be vandalised is actually worth it! I want the person who did this (if they're reading this now) to know that their actions have devastated my family! And that it's disgusting to see a great man -my brother's RESTING place in such condition!
"So to the person who did this to my brothers gave, I say: "how black is your heart?! How would you like this done to someone you love? You put your loved one to rest and you expect them to get that respect and dignity that they deserve! I'm angry that you've done this and I'm hurt that it means nothing to you to trash the cemetery! Shame on you!"

Bushfire warning for Eneabba, Brand Closed

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Brand Highway closed between Eneabba and north to the Indian Ocean Drive turn off. 

The following alert has been issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).

Time of issue: 12.20pm

Date of issue: 26 November 2014 

Bushfire ADVICE for Eneabba, and the 30 kilometres north of the town, in the Shires of Carnamah and Irwin

ALERT LEVEL:

A bushfire ADVICE has been issued for people in Eneabba, and the 30 kilometres north of the town, in the Shires of Carnamah and Irwin.

The alert level for this fire has been downgraded.

There is no threat to lives or homes but there is a lot of smoke in the area.

A wind shift is pushing the fire away from the town.

Although there is no immediate danger you need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.

There is fire burning on both sides of Brand Highway, near Eneabba and for the 30 kilometres north of the town. 

BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:

The bushfire is moving in a south westerly direction.

It is out of control and unpredictable.

WHAT TO DO:

Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.

Watch for signs of a bushfire, especially smoke and flames.

Close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners but keep water running through the system if possible.

Read through your bushfire survival plan.

If you do not have a plan decide what you will do if the situation gets worse.

WHAT TO DO:

Be extremely careful when driving through the area.

Turn your headlights on and drive slowly.

Watch for emergency services personnel and follow their directions.

If you cannot see clearly, pull over, keep your headlights and hazard lights on, and wait until the smoke clears.

If you have a respiratory condition and you have been affected by smoke you should contact your local doctor or call Health Direct on 1800 022 222. 

ROAD CLOSURES:

Avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site.

A number of roads have been closed including:

Brand Highway, between Eneabba and the Indian Ocean Drive turn off.  

WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:

Firefighters are on the scene working to build containment lines. 

Aerial support has been sent to assist ground crews.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

The incident was reported this morning. 

The cause of the fire is lightning .

The Shire of Irwin is managing the fire.

KEEP UP TO DATE:

Visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa or listen to news bulletins.

The next update will be provided by 4pm today unless the situation changes.

Kids Retreat are now taking enrolments for the School Readiness Program

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Kids Retreat are now taking enrolments for the School Readiness Program

Second semester enrolments now open! 

Is your child 3, 4 or 5 years old?

We offer an exceptional program for children to assist them in gaining the social, 

emotional and intellectual skills they need to commence formal education.

Our passionate Early Childhood Educators follow the Early Years Learning Framework curriculum. This blends with the educational requirements and also the Reggio Emilia philosophy to ensure children’s learning is supported in a nurturing environment.

Vacancies are limited

*Operates one to five days a week designed to meet you and your child’s needs.

*Open Monday to Friday from 7.00am to 5.30pm for the entire year (except public holidays).

*Contact the centre for an information pack or a tour on (08) 9965 2177 or email kidz.retreat@bigpond.com

Bushfire WATCH AND ACT for parts of Shire of Irwin

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Bushfire WATCH AND ACT for south of Mt Horner Road, north of Bonnie Fields Road and west of Water Supply Road in Bonnie Fields in the Shire of Irwin

ALERT LEVEL:   

A bushfire WATCH AND ACT has been issued for people in Bonnie Fields, south of Mt Horner Road, north of Bonnie Fields Road and west of Water Supply Road in the Shire of Irwin. 

The alert level for this fire has been upgraded.

There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching the area and conditions are changing.

You need to leave or get ready to actively 

The fire is burning in scrub near seven mile road. 

BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:

The bushfire is out of control and unpredictable.

Burning embers are likely to be blown around your home. 

WHAT TO DO:

If you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear.

There is ember attack ahead of the fire, so close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.

If you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make final preparations now.

Do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. If you have access to a water tank and plan to defend your home, start patrolling with your hose and put out spot fires. 

If you are not at home, do not try to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.

ROAD CLOSURES:

Seven mile road is closed. 

Avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site

WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:

Firefighters are on the scene.  

EXTRA INFORMATION:

The cause of the fire is lightning.

The Shire of Irwin is managing the fire.

KEEP UP TO DATE:

Visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa or listen to news bulletins.

Updates will be provided every two hours unless the situation changes.

Support grants launched for Geraldton and surrounding regional businesses

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Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney said this afternoon that State Government grants of up to $25,000 are now available to help regional businesses in Geraldton and the Mid West improve their competitiveness and engage with major projects in Western Australia.

Commerce Minister Michael Mischin said the second regional round of the Industry Facilitation and Support Program (IFSP) would enable eligible small to medium-sized businesses to apply for up to $25,000 in matched funding through the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program.

Mr Blayney said he welcomed IFS program and said the grants had been put to good use in the first round purchasing new equipment, upgrading facilities, engaging expert consultants and providing staff with specialised training.

“There are many opportunities for regional businesses and economies to benefit from major projects happening across Western Australia,” Mr Mischin said.

“Engaging local businesses and supporting them in entering new markets and supply chains strengthens local economies bringing enormous flow-on benefits to communities.

“A total of $400,000 was awarded to 31 companies in the first round, resulting in the creation of more than 20 new jobs, six apprenticeship positions and generating almost 70 contracts worth more than $21 million.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the second round of the program had been broadened, with the amount available increasing from $20,000 to $25,000 and the turnover threshold cap boosted.

Mr Redman said eligible sectors had expanded to include agribusiness and tourism and previous IFSP recipients would also be eligible to apply.

“I am pleased to see Royalties for Regions funding supporting regional businesses and economies to engage in major markets and also look beyond our borders to national and international supply chains,” he said.

“The IFSP assists businesses to increase their competitiveness and help them succeed as suppliers to major market including the resources, utilities, food, tourism and government sectors.”

 
Visit http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/industry-and-innovation/industry-facilitation-and-support-program-ifsp-regional-round-2 for more information.


 Contact:    Ian Blayney:- (office) 08 99641640 or (mob) 0428 244 020

Bushfire still out of control - Brand Highway near Seven Mile Road

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Bushfire ADVICE for Brand Highway near Seven Mile Road, 10 kilometres north of Dongara in the Shire of Irwin
 
ALERT LEVEL:

A bushfire ADVICE has been issued for people travelling near Seven Mile Road, 10 kilometres north of Dongara in the Shire of Irwin.

  • You need to be aware and keep up to date.
  • There is no threat to lives or homes but there is a lot of smoke in the area.
  • Although there is no immediate danger you need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.
  • The fire is burning in thick scrub north of Seven Mile Road.
  • It is burning slowly in a southerly direction.
  • It is out of control and unpredictable.

WHAT TO DO:

  • Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.
  • Watch for signs of a bushfire, especially smoke and flames.
  • Close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners but keep water running through the system if possible.
  • Read through your bushfire survival plan.
  • If you do not have a plan decide what you will do if the situation gets worse.

 

ROAD CLOSURES:

Seven Mile Road is closed.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area, reduce speed and drive carefully due to smoke. 
 
WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:

  • Firefighters are monitoring the fire.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

  • The cause of the fire is lightning.
  • The Shire of Irwin is managing the fire.

    KEEP UP TO DATE:
    Visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa or listen to news bulletins.
     
    Further information will be released as it becomes available.

Bushfire ADVICE for Brand Highway in the Shire of Irwin

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*There is no change to previous alert.

The following alert has been issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).

Time of issue: 3.50pm

Date of issue: 25 November 2014 

ALERT LEVEL:
A bushfire ADVICE remains for people travelling on the Brand Highway, between Midlands Road and Kailis Road, in the Shire of Irwin.

  • There is no threat to lives or homes but there is a lot of smoke in the area.
  • Although there is no immediate danger you need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.
  • The fire is burning near the Brand Highway between Midlands Road and Kailis Road. 


BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:

  • It is contained but not under control.


WHAT TO DO:

  • Be extremely careful when driving through the area.
  • Turn your headlights on and drive slowly.
  • Watch for emergency services personnel and follow their directions.
  • If you cannot see clearly, pull over, keep your headlights and hazard lights on, and wait until the smoke clears. 
  • If you have a respiratory condition and you have been affected by smoke you should contact your local doctor or call Health Direct on 1800 022 222. 


ROAD CLOSURES:
No roads are closed.

Avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site.


WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:

  • Dongara Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service and Irwin Bush Fire Service firefighters are on the scene.
  • Firefighters are consolidating containment lines. 


EXTRA INFORMATION:

  • The incident was reported at 11.03am on Sunday 23 November.
  • Approximately 400 hectares have been burnt.
  • The cause of the fire is accidental.
  • The Shire of Irwin is managing the fire.


KEEP UP TO DATE:

Visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa or listen to news bulletins.

The next update will be provided by 11am tomorrow, Wednesday 26 November, unless the situation changes.

Full transcript and video of Melissa Price's parliament address on Psychoactive Substances

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Memo for Ms Price

This proof report is issued by direction of the Speaker.

Ms PRICE (Durack) (13:25): I am pleased to rise to speak on this bill, the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Psychoactive Substances and Other Measures) Bill 2014, and about an issue which is, sadly, very important within my large electorate of Durack and in all communities throughout Australia. This bill amends a series of acts including the Criminal Code Act 1995, the Customs Act 1901 and the Surveillance Devices Act 2004. The bill contains a range of measures to improve Commonwealth criminal justice arrangements, including the following three: banning the importation of substances that have a psychoactive effect but are not otherwise regulated or banned; ensuring that Australian Customs and Border Protection Service officers have appropriate powers to stop these substances at the borders; and validating access by the Australian Federal Police to certain investigative powers in designated state airports.

While the bill comprises six schedules, I want to focus today on schedule 1, which will amend the Criminal Code Act and the Customs Act to strengthen the Commonwealth's ability to respond to new and emerging illicit drugs, known as new psychoactive substances. These so-called synthetic drugs are designed to mimic the effect of illicit drugs, but their chemical compositions are not captured by existing controls on these drugs. Effectively, what we are talking about is the new ice. There is evidence that manufacturers design the chemical structures of new psychoactive substances to avoid current controls and prohibitions. The amendments in schedule 1 will fill the regulatory gap. They will ensure that new psychoactive substances cannot be imported while the government assesses their harm and considers the appropriate controls to place on them. The measure takes a precautionary approach to dealing with psychoactive substances. It is intended not to replace but to work in parallel with the existing arrangements which regulate the importation of both illicit drugs and substances with a legitimate use into Australia.

The largest urban centre in my electorate is Geraldton, with a population edging on 40,000 people. Too many of its residents suffer from alcohol misuse or from the harm arising from illicit drug use and its associated impacts, including harm to mental health and crime. I am advised by some working in the drug and alcohol services industry that the culture around alcohol in Geraldton is ridiculous. They cited an anecdote about a bouncer, recently seen sprawled on his back across the bar and being fed alcohol through a hose. There are pockets of amphetamine use—drugs such as speed or ice—together with a proportion of new psychoactive substances. These are causing serious issues because they simply cannot be tested at present.

Let us talk about the notions of responsibility and acceptance. Personal harm associated with the use of drugs is considered to be high. In comparison, related crimes such as road accidents and domestic violence are more strongly linked to alcohol abuse. In general, there is an acceptance by those who are extreme drinkers or amphetamine users of substance use and abuse and its impacts—and the acceptance of this use and abuse and its impacts plays an essential role in these people's ongoing substance abuse. But there is an expectation that the police, drug and alcohol agencies will somehow fix the problem, rather than users taking personal responsibility for their own actions and behaviours.

We know that one woman each week in Australia dies from domestic violence. This is clearly not acceptable. I would like to pause for a moment to recognise White Ribbon Day, which is tomorrow 25 November. White Ribbon Day is the international day for the elimination of violence against women and a day when we must stand against domestic violence. This is a community-wide issue in my electorate of Durack. Violence against women and children and much of this harm is fuelled by drug and alcohol abuse.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! In accordance with standing order 43, the time for members’ statements has concluded. The debate may be resumed at a later hour and the member will have leave to continue her remarks when the debate is resumed.

Ms PRICE (Durack) (15:48): I applaud the Australian and New Zealand police commissioners who this morning came together here at Parliament House to stand against violence towards women and children. I was particularly pleased to see my Western Australian commissioner, Karl O'Callaghan, who joined with this group. This is a very powerful union which sends a strong message that our police leaders take claims of domestic violence seriously and puts perpetrators of domestic violence on notice that Australia does not tolerate domestic violence towards women and children, that perpetrators will be 'punished with the full severity of the law'—to quote the Prime Minister from this morning's event—and that domestic violence victims will be protected.

In Geraldton, amphetamines and other synthetic drugs are prevalent amongst the general population as well as the Aboriginal population. We all see this in our towns, cities, rural communities and remote communities and also within our workplaces, families, friendship groups and neighbourhoods. I recently hosted a community crime forum in Geraldton where my co-host for the day, the Minister for Justice, the Hon. Michael Keenan, was urgently called back to Canberra as soon as he disembarked his flight in Geraldton. The forum, held on 18 September, went some way towards further fleshing out the drug related crime incidence and the causes and strategies in place to counter these in Geraldton. During the forum, we sought the community's views on what practical and tangible actions might be taken to help address the crime and antisocial behaviour which frequently stems from drug and/or alcohol abuse. I acknowledge the City of Greater Geraldton, the Geraldton police and regional Western Australia commander Murray Smallpage for their support of and participation in the forum and the excellent work they are doing in Geraldton and its surrounds to help combat the supply of drugs into the region and to help combat antisocial behaviour, crime, violence and personal harm arising from drug and alcohol abuse.

It is worth recording some key sentiments that emerged from the crime forum discussions amongst the 50-odd participants. One was that illicit drug use feeds crime, including burglary, house break-ins and muggings, and that the regrettable loss of funding for programs such as the youth bus and Midnight Basketball will have adverse impacts. People are terribly concerned about this because they fear an increase in drug taking, antisocial behavior and crime.

Another observation was that leadership within the Geraldton community, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, is strong and that joint endeavours to address drugs, crime and associated impacts of harm and violence are characterised by collaboration and planning amongst stakeholders, both government and not-for-profit groups. There is a strong sense that there is capacity in Geraldton to address the problem; however, a long-term view, with bipartisan support and ongoing funding for programs, is an essential element.

Food, clothing, shelter, education and personal safety were considered causal factors for alcohol and drug abuse and resultant antisocial behaviour, harm and violence. Another observation was that drug and alcohol misuse and abuse are symptoms of greater problems and not the cause of people's problems. There was discussion of parental responsibility. Somehow, we must get parents to exercise responsibility. Money for programs can only achieve so much and is not the complete answer. It is about changing children's lives with their parents; it is not just about taking kids of the streets—although that is a jolly good start.

The discussion at the Geraldton community crime forum inevitably led to discussions that alcohol and illicit drugs are root causes of crime and antisocial behaviour, including domestic violence, underpinned by a range of social issues with which we here are all too familiar.

A number of my constituents in Geraldton are passionate crusaders for drug reform. In particular, they campaign for a reduction in drug usage rather than for a reduction in harm caused by illicit drugs, which, they allege, simply fuels the gateway of the ongoing criminality of illicit drug dealing, manufacture and usage. The Crimes Legislation Amendment (Psychoactive Substances and Other Measures) Bill 2014 will ensure that new psychoactive substances cannot be imported while the government assesses the harm they cause and considers the appropriate controls to place on them—thereby limiting supply and usage.

I am using the opportunity today to commend the work and the initiative being undertaken by the Midwest Gascoyne Human Services Regional Managers Group. This group comprises around 20 members, those members being the heads of government agencies—that is regional managers and CEOs—across the Mid West and Gascoyne regions of Western Australia, and is currently chaired by District Superintendent Andy Greatwood of the WA Police. This group has been in operation since 2006, which is more than eight years. They strive to coordinate resolutions and prioritise locational needs; act as a conduit between community and government departments, systems and processes; and facilitate and clarify funding possibilities to address local issues. The group recently developed a new strategic plan which aims to align the group with the cabinet standing committee on Aboriginal affairs and various state subcommittees. They meet regularly in Geraldton and Carnarvon and have a system of community based subcommittees which collaborate on program delivery, with a good deal of their time dedicated to dealing with the harms of alcohol and drug misuse.

Synthetic psychoactive substances pose a serious risk to the community, just as traditional illicit drugs do. Associated harm and tragic deaths arising from the use of these substances have been well reported. The legislation will ban all psychoactive substances unless they have a legitimate use and will close the loophole that allows people to avoid prosecution by ever so slightly changing the chemical structure of a drug. I commend this bill which amends a series of acts and contains a range of measures to improve Commonwealth criminal justice arrangements, to ban the importation of substances that have a psychoactive effect and that are not otherwise regulated, and to ensure that Australian Customs and Border Protection officers have appropriate powers to stop these substances at the border. I commend this bill to the House.

One step closer to shutting down the synthetic drug trade

Last night the House of Representatives passed the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Psychoactive Substances and Other Measures) Bill 2014.

This legislation will allow law enforcement agencies to charge people who import synthetic drugs whose chemical structures have been deliberately changed so they can be legally imported into our country.

Synthetic drugs are often marketed as legal alternatives to illicit drugs, implying they are somehow safe and credible.

Yet, tragically, we have learned too many times through death or injury to people, especially our young people that this is not the case. These drugs are extremely dangerous.

Existing criminal laws ban illicit drugs based on their chemical structure. However, the rate at which new versions of synthetic drugs appear makes it difficult for our laws to keep up.

These legislative changes put us ahead of the criminals.  Rather than law enforcement agencies having to prove that the particular structure of a psychoactive substance is illegal, all psychoactive substances will be prohibited from importation unless the importer can prove they have a legitimate use.

The new ban will help stop synthetic drugs from being presented as ‘legal’.  Governments and law enforcement agencies will no longer be trying to play catch up every time a ‘new’ synthetic drug is produced.

The ban will add to existing illicit drug offences, which will continue to be the primary way we deal with illicit drugs and the people who try to import them.

The Bill is now subject to debate in the Senate.

Cat of the week

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Our Cat of the Week is available this week for $100 to the right home. Meet Keira.

Keira is very affectionate, loves company and loves a good scratch behind the ears. She’s a very gentle girl who is good with young children, other cats and not too intimated by dogs. She would make a great family cat. Her passions in life are to catch the red laser dot and to sleep on the edge of your bed keeping your feet warm!

All of our cats have received their first vaccination, are micro-chipped, health checked and sterilised before going to their new homes.

If you would like to adopt Keira, Sparkle, Bailey, Lewie, Gingy or any of the other cats or kittens, phone 0487 193 244 to speak to a coordinator.

Small earthquake South of Geraldton

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There was a very small earthquake yesterday South of Geraldton. 

It was only a magnitude 2.5, full details at this link: http://www.ga.gov.au/earthquakes/getQuakeDetails.do?quakeId=3604901&orid=1086343&sta=N/A

S of Geraldton, WA. 
Magnitude: 2.5 (ML) 
Depth: 10 km 
Tsunamigenic: Not available

Date and Time 
UTC: 24 November 2014 @ 01:22:44 
Sydney Time: 24 November 2014 @ 12:22:44 (AEDT) 

Location 
Coordinates: -29.056, 114.577 

Total Fire Ban for Geraldton and parts of the Midwest Gascoyne today

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Total Fire Ban for parts of the Midwest Gascoyne today

Tuesday 25 November 2014 - 12:00 AM

Total Fire Ban has been declared for parts of the Midwest Gascoyne today. 

This includes: 
• Greater Geraldton
• Chapman Valley
• Mingenew
• Morawa
• Northampton

Today, Tuesday 25 November 2014 any activity that could start a fire is banned. 

This means: 
• You must not light or use any fires in the open air 
• All open fires for the purpose of cooking or camping are not allowed 
• Hot work such as metal work, grinding, welding, soldering, gas cutting or similar is not allowed unless you have an exemption 
• You must not undertake any other activities that may start a fire. 

If a Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban has not been implemented by your local government you are able to harvest or move vehicles across paddocks for agricultural purposes. 

You could be fined up to $25,000 or jailed for 12 months or both if you ignore the Total Fire Ban. 

For information on activities that can or cannot be carried out during a Total Fire Ban visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au/totalfirebans/Pages/TotalFireBanWhatCantIDo.aspx

If the information you want is not available from the website, telephone the Total Fire Ban Information Line 1800 709 355. 

This information is also available by visiting www.dfes.wa.gov.au

Stolen Camper Trailer

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Sent in to Everything Geraldton:

"Can you help us? I work for Midwest Men's Health. We have had our display Camper Trailer stolen from our office on Sunday morning at 4:00am. We are a not-for-profit Organisation. Thanks."

Police have been informed. Please contact them if you have any information.  

Local photographer/film maker wins award for best regional photograph

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Post by Everything Geraldton.

Congratulations to Chris Lewis from ABC Open Midwest for winning the Rural Media Award for best photograph for this pic of a pastoralist injecting meat with poison to make wild dog baits.

Thief robs till, returns some, leaves

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A Mt Magnet woman will appear in Geraldton Magistrates court after allegedly stealing money from a till at Pure & Divine.  

The incident happened on Friday 14 November. The female entered a small reception area at the rear of the business and walked behind the counter where she opened the cash draw and took $200, according to Police. 

The shop owner saw what had occurred and confronted the offender, who returned $70 and left the shop. 

The 28 year old female will appear before Geraldton Magistrates Court on 4 December 2014.