Blue Heelers gets splash of colour

Brand new artwork has been installed on the Blue Heelers building in Marine Terrace.

The old Blue Heelers Tavern has been given a fresh new outlook with the installation of brand new artwork on the exterior of the building.

A series of eight panels were installed on the building this week, which is part of a number of street artworks commissioned by the City of Greater Geraldton.

Local artist, Michelle Santarelli, designed and painted the eight panels and says her inspiration came from Western Australia.

“The artworks are inspired by WA’s people, richness and abundance,” she said.

“There are representations of different cultures, groups and different individuals as well as the colours of the soils, the colours of the fish and wildflowers, metals, rocks and crystals.”

Michelle collaborated with fellow artist Anthea da Silva, to create portraits for some of the panels which embody Greater Geraldton’s diversity. Local artist Karen Sanders was also involved and has painted the bottom half of the building with a series of butterflies and wings.

Several artists have been appointed to brighten our CBD as part of the City’s Vibrancy Strategy.

The City has worked with the Arts and Cultural Development Council (ACDC), local artists, entrepreneurs, not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) and city centre landowners with the aim to add some vibrancy to the city centre.

Deputy Mayor, Neil McIlwaine said the City is committed to improving the look of the City’s CBD.

“We’ve already seen some amazing artworks completed and it really has had a positive outcome for the community,” he said.

“It’s great to see buildings like Blue Heelers getting revamped.”

Artist Rose Holdaway is also working on an artwork on the Men’s Shed located in Marine Terrace.

The mural of silhouettes are portraits of local individuals.

“The inner paintings represent things that have come up in conversation regarding what the individuals like,” Rose said.

“Three of the figures painted are from the Men’s Shed and the others are people from around West End.”

Project pandora

Press release from Project Pandora, a Geraldton based initiative: 

Back in c1999 a CD was released in Geraldton featuring local talent called Pandora’s Box – 114 degrees 36 minutes.

It was released and engineered at the time through Beaver & Badger Underground Productions & Opus Music.

The original CD distribution did really well with Triple J’s Unearthed coming to Geraldton and broadcasting live some of the local bands.

With such a plethora of original music happening in the Midwest & the benefits of social media, we are getting fired up to do it all again!

With respect to the original concept, we are happy to open phase 1 of Project Pandora:

• An initiative to launch original music in the Midwest.
• Chance to record your song in a professional studio.
• Song will be part of a compilation album on iTunes.
• Youtube clips and marketing strategy.
• Workshops with Entertainment lawyer and industry professionals.
• And all free.
• Artists retain 100% copyright.

Once we have collected enough data we will launch the next phase of the project in 2015 by opening submissions.

Our main goal is to help talented artists and musicians to reach their potential and provide them with a gateway to the entertainment industry, with support networks, that would otherwise be unknown or unaffordable. You’ll also be in care of great in-house musicians and networking opportunities through the songwriting process and provide a non-competitive atmosphere. Music isn’t a competition!

For more info head to:
www.projectpandora.info (Survey can be found here)

Burglary arrest

On the 19th of November 2014 a burglary was committed at a property situated on African Reef Boulevard, Greenough. At that time a large quantity of property was stolen, inclusive of three (3) four (4) wheeled motorcycles.

Inquiry into this offence by the Geraldton Burglary Suppression Team officers led the identification and arrest of a 26 year old male offender person from Rangeway on 2nd December 2014, and the recovery of some of the stolen property.

As a result the male was charged with the below offences, and will appear in Geraldton Magistrates Court on 18 December 2014.

1. Burglary with intent to commit offence (Place),
2. Stealing,
3. Steal Motor Vehicle.

Pictures of tower crane being installed today

These are a couple of pictures of the tower crane being installed today.

The tower crane will grace the Geraldton skyline for 3 years.

Freyssinet Australia has just commenced the project which entails the refurbishment of the 14 steel silos. 

Paul Pomfret, the Senior Project Manager informs Everything Geraldton they have employed 12 local people for the job. 

Midwest Fishing report by Tackleworld Geraldton

XMAS IDEAS

RIVERS

TACKLE WORLD PRO ANGLER SHIDDIQ WITH A NICE BLACK BREAM CAGHT AT GREENOUGH RIVER ON SOFT PLASTICS

NEW MARINA

NICE LITTLE COD CAUGHT ON A ZMAN 2’ MOTOR OIL GRUB

NEW MARINA COD TAKEN ON A LUCKY CRAFT DD140

THIS DUSKY SAW GAVE ME A RUN FOR MY MONEY 0N 3LB LINE AND ZMAN 2’ MOTOR OIL GRUB

MARINA COD

BEACHES

PATRICK HOOKING UP TO A NICE TAILOR ON A HALCO GOLD CICAR AT POINT MORRE

LOOKS LIKE SHARK FISHING HAS BECAME A SPECTATORS SPORT NICE TIGER BEN

HUNGRY LITTLE FELLA SCOFFED DOWN THIS VIBELICIOUS

WEEKEND FORECAST

THIS WEEK'S VIDEO

Midwest Fishing Report by Tackleworld Geraldton 

20 ANZAC TERRACE GERALDTON WA

08 99216822

Christmas in the City

Marine Terrace will be buzzing tomorrow for Christmas on the Terrace.

The festive season is upon us and what better way to kick off celebrations by checking out the number of Christmas events hosted by the City of Greater Geraldton.

Festivities will kick off tomorrow, Thursday, December 4, with the ever-popular Christmas on the Terrace.

Marine Terrace will be a hive of activity tomorrow from 5:30pm with a host of fun activities for the whole family.

The main street will be a sea of colour and entertainment with unique market stalls, food and great Christmas bargains from our local retailers and artists.

Deputy Mayor, Neil McIlwaine, said the number of community events this holiday season was a great way to showcase our City.

“The festive season is such a great time to get out and about and see what our local community has to offer,” he said.

“It’s such a fun and social time of year and we encourage everyone to have a look at some of the activities on offer for the whole family.”

Other events this holiday season include the Mullewa Community Street Festival held on Friday, December 5.

The festival will be an evening of family entertainment for the whole community to enjoy with lots of stalls including art and craft and indigenous painting. There will be free entertainment including face painting and a jumping castle as well performances from Ricochet Circus and Edward De Bozo.

You’ll have every reason to laugh with The Comedy Emporium’s Christmas Comedy Feast on Saturday, December 13.

And Sunday, December 14 will see a Family Fun Day at the Aquarena from 12pm followed by Carols by Candlelight at Maitland Park from6pm.

For more information on these and other great events happening this holiday period, visit the City of Greater Geraldton website atwww.cgg.wa.gov.au

CGG CEO spends day in wheelchair for International Day of People with a Disability

As part of International Day of People with a Disability the City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ken Diehm is committing to getting around in a wheelchair. 

He says the time spent in it already has opened his eyes to what it is truely like for folks restricted to using them full time, with even things like camber on the footpath being an issue.  

He even remarked that it might be an idea for city designers and planners to spend a day in a wheel hair to get a true feel for what it's like for those who need to use one. 

Passers by who recognised him were very impressed with his effort and commitment, and saw it as a personal inspiration and encouragement to be more aware of the day to day issues people with a disability face. 

Great work Mr Diehm. Very inspiring. 

Free activities as part of International Day of People with Disability

TODAY!!! Wednesday 3 Dec

Free activities as part of International Day of People with Disability

Sport Activities at the Foreshore - 5pm - 7pm | FREE
Enjoy an evening of “SPIN OUT” wheelchair basketball, beach volleyball, bouncy castle and face painting!

Sausage Sizzle - 6pm - 7.30pm | FREE

Feature movie: The Ride - 7.30pm till late | FREE | M Rated - coarse language

Head to the Sun City Cinema with your rug and chair to watch a true story of four men ditch their wheelchairs for a quad bike adventure. Q&A with 

Craig Parsons who featured in the movie, popcorn provided. More info from Regional Home Care Services on 9920 7600.

Australians hungry for everything the internet has to offer

New Australian Communications and Media Authority research shows that while internet connections have stabilised, Australians’ appetite for data and content is ever-increasing. 

‘Consumers are doing more over the internet, using more devices and accessing more online services,’ said ACMA Chairman, Chris Chapman. ‘Growth in these areas is posing both opportunities and challenges for traditional industry revenue streams.’

Key insights into Australia’s rapidly changing communications and media market are contained in the ACMA Communications report 2013–14 tabled in federal parliament today.

Australians are using more devices to connect to the internet, with nearly seven in 10 of us (68 per cent) using three or more different devices. The most popular are mobile phones (76 per cent), laptop computers (74 per cent), desktop computers (67 per cent) and tablet computers (54 per cent).

Fixed-line data downloads leapt 53 per cent from the previous year, while mobile handset downloads skyrocketed by 97 per cent.

The number of fixed-line telephone connections continued to decline (by more than two per cent) to 9.19 million services, while more than half of 25-34 year-olds are now mobile only. This reflects a 33 per cent rise in the number of adult Australians who have ‘cut the cord’.

Mobile services (voice and data) are now at what is presumed to be saturation levels with services in operation decreasing slightly from 2013 levels to 31.01 million. Similarly, growth of internet connections stabilised with 81 per cent of Australians (14.7 million) having a home internet connection.

The telecommunications industry continues to deliver improved infrastructure to support this intensive engagement with the online world. Mobile network operators have made significant progress in providing 4G mobile networks across the country, while the NBN rollout is moving ahead.

The report shows a significant majority of Australians are generally satisfied with their communications services. 89 per cent of Australians are satisfied or very satisfied with their fixed-line telephone services; 86 per cent for mobile and 79 per cent with their internet service.

Communications report ‘Fast facts’ are available below. A summary video is available here.

---

ACMA Communications report 2013–14—Fast facts
The ACMA Communications report 2013–14 confirms that Australians are engaging more deeply online through using multiple devices, performing a greater number of activities and going online more often.

Daily life

• 14.72 million Australians had access to the internet in their home at June 2014.
• 68 per cent of internet users accessed the internet via three or more devices in the sixth months to May 2014, an increase of six percentage points from the previous year.
• 77 per cent of online Australians banked or paid a bill online and 69 per cent used social networking.
• 50 per cent of Australians undertook five or more types of online activities in the previous four weeks at June 2014 and the proportion of people performing no activities dropped by three percentage points to 20 per cent.

Going mobile

• At June 2014, there were 31.01 million mobile services in operation in Australia, down slightly by 0.3 per cent.
• At May 2014, 12.07 million people used a smartphone, up eight per cent from May 2013.
• 76 per cent of Australians accessed the internet via mobile phone at May 2014.
• The volume of data downloaded via mobile handset increased by 97 per cent from the quarter to June 2013 to the quarter to June 2014.

Over-the-top (OTT) communications services

• The number of VoIP users increased by six per cent to reach 4.87 million people
• Strong growth continuing in the use of mobile phone and tablet OTT services, increasing by 41 and 48 per cent respectively.

Downloading and streaming

• Australians downloaded 1,034,959 terabytes of data in the June quarter 2014—a 53 per cent increase on the June quarter 2013.
• 93 per cent of data downloaded occurred via fixed-line broadband.
• The average mobile phone internet user downloaded 1.9 GB of data in the quarter ending June 2014, compared to 155.0 GB for the average fixed-line broadband user.
• 44 per cent of Australians streamed video or audio content in the six months to June 2014, compared to 40 per cent at June 2013.
• 8.22 million Australians accessed professionally produced video content services in the six months to May 2014, an increase of 4.6 per cent compared to the six months to May 2013.

Communications service and infrastructure developments

• There were 1,384 carriage services providers (CSPs) at the end of June 2014, a net increase of 24 over the year, and 208 telecommunications carriers supplying network infrastructure.
• Australian households connected to the National Broadband Network (NBN). At June 2014, 604,460 premises were passed by the NBN (234,799 at June 2013) and 210,628 premises were activated.
• Mobile network operators have made significant progress in rolling out 4G mobile networks at June 2014:
• Telstra’s 4G network covered 87 per cent of the population, up from 66 per cent from the previous year
• Optus expanded its 4G metro population coverage to 78 per cent (on-street) and 58 per cent (in-building)
• VHA’s network (including 3G and 4G) reached 96 per cent of the Australian population adding, on average, more than 100 new 4G sites per month.

The economic value of internet-related transactions

• Revenue from the sale of goods or services online by businesses operating in Australia reached $246 billion during 2012–13, a $10 billion increase over 2011–12.
• Expenditure on online advertising grew by 19 per cent to total $3.99 billion over the 2013 calendar year. This represented a 30 per cent share of total media advertising expenditure, compared to 25 per cent in 2012 and 20 per cent during 2011.

Telecommunications consumer safeguards
All qualifying CSPs met the Customer Service Guarantee Benchmarks with regard to installing and repairing standard telephone services and meeting appointments for residential and small business customers.

• In 2013–14 the number of new complaints to the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman declined by 12 per cent to 138,946.
• The DNCR recorded a nine per cent increase in the number of participants, up to 9.6 million numbers listed.

National interest issues

• At June 2014 there was a four per cent decrease in number of calls to the emergency service numbers Triple Zero and 112.
• Telstra again performed above emergency call answering regulatory requirements, in terms of the time taken to answer each call.

Internet security

• There was an increase in the average number of computer infections reported under the Australian Internet Security Initiative, up from 16,034 per day in 2012–13 to 25,839 per day at May 2014.

Broadcasting industry regulatory performance

• All major metropolitan free-to-air commercial network licensees met the Australian content transmission quotas for overall content, drama and documentaries.
• All regional commercial radio and television broadcasting licensees broadcast the required amount of material of local significance.

ACMA Hotline for illegal and offensive online content

• There was an increase of nearly 550 per cent in the number of items of online child abuse and other illegal material referred to law enforcement agencies. The increase is a result of a rising number of complaints to the ACMA, coupled with greater efficiencies in the ACMA’s pursuit of the removal of such material.

The ACMA Communications report draws on a number of key data sources including:

• the ACMA’s annual data request to carriers and carriage service providers and other information gathered by the ACMA as part of its day-to-day responsibilities
• an ACMA-commissioned survey of communication consumers conducted in May 2014, covering both usage over the preceding six months and as a snapshot on the day of the survey in May 2014
• desk research undertaken by ACMA staff
• Roy Morgan Single Source
• data released by other agencies, such as the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Price urges Durack shires to act on GST – right now

Melissa Price, Federal Member for Durack is asking all 44 shire councils as well as the two cities of Karratha and Greater Geraldton that comprise the largest electorate in Australia, Durack, to act now to support Western Australia’s federal battle for a fair share of the GST.

Ms Price congratulated the Shire of Goomalling staff members, councilors, families and friends who last week signed up for the Fair Go for the West campaign, to get a bigger slice of the GST cake for WA.

Ms Price wants all 46 local government areas in Durack to follow suit.

“Durack communities from the Kimberley and throughout the Pilbara, Gascoyne, Mid-west and northern Wheatbelt can add some weight to this campaign to address the current inequalities in GST distribution,” Ms Price said.

“My support for WA to get a better share of the GST campaign remains steadfast.

“Whilst I am collaborating with my Western Australian colleagues, Federal MPs and Senators, in Canberra, I think a grass roots campaign across the Durack electorate will really add some momentum to our efforts in Canberra to secure financial prosperity for WA.”

Join the petition: http://bitly.com/fairgoforthewest

Call to action: send a note to the community to sign up and invite them to a photo shoot.

Send a photo: of a work group, community group or family and friends who have signed the petition and the name of your shire to Ms Price’s media advisor - kim.pervan@aph.gov.au

Cabaret performance set to shine

Geraldton PCYC Cabaret

PCYCis gearing up for a stellar performance with their 2014 Circus Christmas Cabaret.

In partnership with Tarts and Co Catering, PCYC invites groups to celebrate this year's festive season in absolute style.

The 18+ Adult Circus Cabaret has been directed by Perth based choreographer, Chris Meyhew, and stars local performers.

As well as live music entertainment throughout the evening, the ticket also includes a three-course buffet dinner.

You'll enjoy everything from acrobalance, adagio dance, double trapeze, lira ring duet and theatrical circus performance.

PCYC Geraldton Centre Manager, Jill Bourke, said tickets are selling fast and people should get in quick.

"The team have been in preparation for months so guests are in for a real treat," she said.

"Tickets are on sale for everyone but it's also a great idea for businesses to celebrate the festive season and end of year with something different."

The show premiers this Friday, December 5 at PCYC and there will be a second show on Saturday, December 13.

Tickets are $65 per head, there is a licensed bar and the show starts at 7pm.

For tickets or more information contact PCYC on (08)9921 1317 or geraldtonpcyc@wapcyc.com.au

National Broadband Network coming to Durack

Homes and businesses in Durack are a step closer to getting the National Broadband Network, with the build to commence on the network by June 2016.

The NBN Co today released its national rollout plan to June 2016, which includes parts of the following suburbs and communities across the very large electorate of Durack, where the fixed-line build will commence:

In addition, build will commence on the fixed-wireless network in parts of:

• Jurien               100, approx. premises in plan
• Merredin          600, approx. premises in plan
• Wongan Hills  800, approx. premises in plan

Melissa Price, Member for Durack said it was an important milestone for some communities in Durack, with greater certainty for homes and businesses as they prepare for superfast broadband services.

“Essentially superfast broadband is another step closer for Karratha, Geraldton, Cervantes, Dongara, Green Head, Leeman, Jurien Bay, Kalbarri and Northampton,” Ms Price said. 

Since the election, the NBN has more than doubled the reach of its network. Nationwide, 1.2 million homes and businesses can now connect to the NBN or have work underway in their area.

Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the release of new sites for build to commence was delivering on the Government’s promise to get the rollout back on track.

“When we came into Government, one of our chief priorities was to get this rollout completed sooner, cheaper for taxpayers and more affordably for consumers,” Mr Turnbull said.

NBN Co provides monthly updates on its website showing areas that have reached build preparation, build commencement and that are ready for service.

Residents can check their suburb at www.nbnco.com.au/rolloutplan

Only 30 sleeps to go-wireless mic users get ready!

As the festive season draws near, New Year’s (and the critical date of 1 January 2015) shortly follows. As a consequence, the Australian Communications and Media Authority is strongly urging all clubs, schools, businesses, places of worship and other community organisations, if they use wireless microphones, to check their devices to see if they can continue to use them after New Year.

Changes to regulations mean wireless mics that currently use radio waves in the 694-820 megahertz (MHz) range will no longer be able to be operated from 1 January 2015.

From 1 January the 694-820 MHz range will be used to deliver advanced 4G mobile broadband services and wireless mics users need to be ready. Wireless mics that currently use radio waves in the 694-820 MHz range must be retuned (if retuning is possible) or upgraded to allow operation in a different band (if the device cannot be returned). 

This infographic is a quick guide on whether you need to retune your gear or upgrade it. Popular television presenter, Shelley Craft, is also helping the ACMA get the message out in the community with this video.

‘Since 2012, the ACMA has been raising awareness of the change among a wide range of community and business groups, but as we count down through December time is running out to make the transition,’ said ACMA Chairman, Chris Chapman.

‘Our fact sheets and online resources, such as a frequency finder for your area, have been popular as they help groups understand how they can prepare for the change,’ he added.

The main ranges that can be used for wireless mics after 1 January 2015 are 520-694 MHz and 1790-1800 MHz. As 520-694 MHz is shared with television broadcasting, people purchasing wireless mics should either talk with their supplier or use the frequency finder to make sure they choose the most suitable frequency range for the area where they plan to operate.

The ACMA expects compliance will be largely self-managing as any remaining wireless microphones will stop working as the rollout of new 4G services increases. There might be delays in some areas or frequency bands before services begin, but wireless mic users should not assume that just because a wireless microphone system keeps working after 1 January it won’t need to be changed.

While in most cases wireless microphone are likely to stop working before causing interference, if interference is detected from a wireless microphone, the ACMA will take action in accordance with its graduated approach to compliance. This will usually mean an education awareness approach in the first instance, for example, advising the user they must not cause interference to radiocommunications services and must retune to another channel or cease using the device.

For all you need to know about wireless microphones, head to www.wirelessmicrophones.gov.au.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact: Emma Rossi, Media Manager, (02) 9334 7719 and 0434 652 063 or media@acma.gov.au.

Witnesses wanted after hammer thrown at car

Sent in to Everything Geraldton:

"Looking for witnesses to a incident this morning; hammer thrown at car at intersection of Eastward Rd and North West Coastal Hwy Lights at 6.50 this morning."

Please contact Geraldton Police if you saw or know anything.  

9923 4555

Should the one-way section of Foreshore Drive be changed to two-way traffic?

What do you think about changing the one-way section of Foreshore Drive to two-way traffic? That is the latest question being posed by Your City Your Say.

A new initiative from the City of Greater Geraldton, Your City Your Say is an innovative online forum that allows community members to participate in the decision-making process by sharing their opinions on issues being considered by Council.

City of Greater Geraldton Deputy Mayor, Neil McIlwaine said Your City Your Say allows everyone in the community to have a say on a variety of issues.

“By sharing your ideas, commenting on others and voting for what is important to you, you are able to provide contribute to the decision-making process on different topics that will impact your local community,” he explained.

Currently the City is investigating changing the section of Foreshore Drive between Cathedral Avenue and Durlacher Street from one-way traffic only to two-way traffic.

“This will allow better traffic movement within the CBD and reduce confusion for first time visitors to Geraldton,” Councillor McIlwaine said.

“This project is currently in the planning stage and no funding is allocated for construction. We have asked the question on the Your City Your Say forum to inform the community of this issue  and get their final thoughts on this proposal.”                                                               

Councillor McIlwaine is encouraging all Geraldton residents to log on and have their say.

“The Council is very interested in hearing what local residents think and it is very easy to get involved,” Councillor McIlwaine said.

“You just need go to the City’s webpage and on the homepage you will find links to Your City Your Say.  From there people simply need to sign up, and then they can air their thoughts, ideas and feedback on a variety of topics impacting the City of Greater Geraldton.”

Other topics currently being discussed on the Your City Your Say include the Mullewa Muster and the City’s second Reconciliation Plan.

For more information or the have your say simply visit the City of Greater Geraldton website at www.cgg.wa.gov.au and click on the Your City Your Say link.  Having trouble navigating the site?  Staff can help – please contact Janell on 9956 6600.

Keeping Durack kids safe in the water

Families living in Durack will benefit from a new initiative aimed at increasing water safety for young children.

The Member for Durack, Melissa Price, said the initiative was aimed at children under five and teaching them about water safety.

Ms Price said the new programme consists of songs, videos and books which communicate the water safety message in a fun and engaging format for youngsters.

“Child care centres, kindergartens, play groups and water safety groups in the Kimberly, Pilbara, Gascoyne, Mid-west and Wheatbelt are receiving the educational packs,” Ms Price said.

“More than 80,000 are being distributed nationally and they are available online at www.kidsalive.com.au.

“The programme has been developed by water safety campaigner and former Olympic swimming coach Laurie Lawrence and builds on his highly successful Living with Water DVD.

“It teaches our children how to be safe at the beach, around pools, rivers and dams which is crucial to keep our kids safe this summer,” Ms Price said.

“As families and communities we need to work together to reduce the tragedy of drowning. We need to make sure that we are water safe.

The 2014 National Drowning Report showed that 20 children aged under five had drowned between July 2013 and June 2014; the new programme is one component of the Australian Government’s comprehensive approach to water safety. The Government recently announced a $4 million investment to assist the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia’s work to prevent drowning in inland waterways. Other programmes are delivered by AUSTSWIM and Surf Life Saving under a $15 million commitment from the Government to reduce drownings nationwide. Australia Post is supporting the new children’s programme meaning more children and families will benefit from receiving the educational material.

St Lawrence’s Geraldton, Geraldton Grammar and Holy Rosary Derby secure Federal grants of $1.75 million

St Lawrence’s Geraldton, Geraldton Grammar and Holy Rosary Derby will soon have improved facilities after being named as recipients under the Australian Government Capital Grants Program.

The three grants will go towards construction and refurbishment of learning areas and other buildings furniture and equipment.  .

School: St Lawrence’s School, Bluff Point, Geraldton
Facilities: Construction of two learning areas, an undercover area and amenities; furniture and equipment.
Commonwealth grant: $300 000

School: Holy Rosary School, Derby
Facilities: Refurbishment of year 12 learning area and library; furniture and equipment.
Commonwealth grant: $655 532

School: Geraldton Grammar School, Geraldton
Facilities: Construction of four learning areas, two science laboratories, two staff areas, two offices, store room.
Commonwealth grant: $800 000

Melissa Price, Federal member for Durack congratulated the two Geraldton schools and Holy Rosary in Derby on receiving the grants.

“These funds will ensure students at in Geraldton, Derby and surrounds have the infrastructure necessary to help them get the most out of their time at school,” Ms Price said.

“While buildings alone do not make a school, the Geraldton and Derby students will benefit when these enhanced facilities are complete.”

“They are also a very important factor in attracting staff members – the quality teaching environment works for everyone.

Senator the Hon Scott Ryan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education, said the CGP provides funding for non-government schools to improve capital infrastructure where they otherwise may not have access to sufficient resources. 

“The Australian Government is committed to improving the quality of our school education and ensuring students are equipped with the skills they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive world,” Senator Ryan said.

“The Government believes in an education system that puts students first. A quality education gives young people the opportunity to achieve personal success and contribute to our nation.”

For further information on the CGP, visit: http://education.gov.au/capital-grants-programme-non-government-schools.

Commencement of the redistribution of federal electoral boundaries in Western Australia

The Acting Electoral Commissioner, Mr Tom Rogers, announced today the redistribution of federal electoral boundaries in Western Australia has commenced.

The redistribution was triggered following a determination on 13 November 2014  by Mr Rogers of the number of members of the House of Representatives to which each state and territory will be entitled at the next federal general election.

“Based on population changes, it was determined Western Australia would gain one seat, increasing its entitlement to 16 House of Representatives seats at the next federal election,” Mr Rogers said.

An independent Redistribution Committee will be appointed to undertake the redistribution in Western Australia and the Committee will be supported by a small secretariat of staff from the AEC.

The redistribution process provides opportunities for individuals and organisations to propose where the electoral division boundaries could be located, or the name of an electoral division.

Members of the public will be invited to submit their suggestions about the redistribution during March. Guidelines are available to assist people or organisations interested in submitting their suggestions.

An indicative timetable for the federal redistribution process in Western Australia is available at www.aec.gov.au/Electorates/Redistributions/2014/wa/index.htm.

Further information about redistributions can be found at www.aec.gov.au/redistribution.

Phone scammers pose as Federal Government employees

Consumer Protection’s general advice line and regional offices have been getting lots of reports from Western Australians who have received a phone call from scammers claiming to be from the Federal Government. The caller offers either a rebate or refund of overcharged fees.

The amount being offered seems to consistently be around $7,000 and the consumer is asked to pay hundreds of dollars in order to obtain the money owed to them. Wire transfer (Western Union or Moneygram) seems to be the preferred payment method, although they may ask for payment via an electronic voucher like Ukash, direct bank transfer or credit card.

It is understood that the scammers may be playing on a recent Federal Court ruling that ordered National Australia Bank (NAB) to pay back late payment fees. But consumers who wish to join that class action need to do so by contacting Financial Redress (www.financialredress.com.au) and will NOT receive an unexpected phone call inviting them to be part of it.

This latest phone scam is simply a new variation of previous phone scams offering to help consumers reclaim bank fees, obtain Australian Tax Office refunds or other Government rebates in return for up-front fees.

In addition to these there are the ongoing ‘tech support’ scams, where the caller pretends to be from Microsoft, Telstra, Big Pond etc. wanting access to your computer. 

WA ScamNet has further advice that can help you to identify these types of scams, as well as tips on scam prevention.

Remember, you can still receive scam calls even if you have a private number or have your number listed on the Do Not Call register. Scammers can obtain your number fraudulently from black-market sources.

You can read the full article at www.scamnet.wa.gov.au

Modern spin on an old classic

Geraldton’s original Railway Station has been restored and will open as the new Geraldton Visitor Centre next week.

One of Geraldton’s oldest icons has been given a new lease on life.

Geraldton’s original Railway Station has been beautifully restored and will open next week as the new Geraldton Visitor Centre.

The operational launch of the new facility will take place on Monday, December 8, with the building open to the public for the very first time since 1999.

The West End icon was originally built in 1878 and was the first railway station constructed on a Government line in Western Australia.

Now 136 years on, the building’s heritage has been preserved through careful restoration and many elements from the original building feature in the new Visitor Centre.

City of Greater Geraldton Deputy Mayor, Neil McIlwaine, said the new Visitor Centre would be a crowning jewel in the West End.

“Seeing this building restored to its former glory is fantastic and it is one of several elements of the West End revitalisation project,” he said.

“The building holds a rich history for Geraldton so we ensured the restorations did justice to the important piece of heritage.

“This project is something that the whole community can enjoy and we are so glad we could make the piece of history a usable feature in our City, just as it served our ancestors.”

The striking double-story building on Marine Terrace has not only served as a Railway Station but also as the public library and a museum.

Despite the age of the building, much of the building structure was in perfect condition.

Even the original wooden floorboards, windows, fire places, skirting boards, stone work and architraves will feature in the new building.

The cost of the restoration was around $2.13 million with the City providing $1.03 million, $1 million from the State Government as part of Royalties for Regions and an additional $100,000 coming from the Federal Government’s Regional Development Australia Fund as part of the overall allocation for the West End Revitalisation Project.

The restoration is phase two of the West End Revitalisation Project. The Esplanade was the first phase and the third phase will be the Youth Precinct which is set to be completed next year.

The new address of the Visitor Centre is 246 Marine Terrace, Geraldton and the phone number is (08) 9956 6670. There will be an official launch of the Visitor Centre in early 2015.