Video - Time lapse of tower crane being installed
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Timelapse of the Reds Global tower crane being installed at the CBH silos.
Enrolment quota determined for the redistribution of federal electoral boundaries in Western Australia
/Acting Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers today announced the enrolment quota for the redistribution of federal electoral boundaries in Western Australia is 94 026.
“The enrolment quota is the first step in the redistribution process and is important as it sets numerical parameters that redrawn boundaries have to meet,” Mr Rogers said.
“When the boundaries are redrawn during the redistribution process, each electoral division must have between 84 623 and 103 428 electors – that is, a margin of up to 10 per cent variation from the quota.”
The enrolment quota was determined by dividing the number of electors enrolled in Western Australia as at 1 December 2014, the date the redistribution formally commenced, by the number of House of Representatives seats to which the state is entitled at the next federal election (16).
Members of the public will be invited to submit their suggestions about the redistribution in March 2015 with guidelines available to assist interested people or organisations.
Proposed boundaries will be released later in 2015 with the final determination expected to be made on 19 January 2016.
An indicative timetable for the federal redistribution process in Western Australia is available at www.aec.gov.au/WA-timetable.
Alert- Accident Flores and Place Rd
/There's been a moped/car accident on Place and Flores Rd. Please avoid area if possible.
- Update, Police advise that Place Rd east bound is closed. Take alternate route
Annual Family Fun Day returns
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Cray Z will be making an appearance at Sunday’s 98.1 Spirit Family Fun Day.
Get ready for another day of fun and entertainment with the annual 98.1 Spirit Family Fun Day.
Renowned for being a hit with the kids, the event will be held on Sunday, December 14, from 12pm to 4pm at the Aquarena.
The pool inflatables including the BIFF, Crocodile BIFF and SMIFF will be open as well as the brand new outside run, slip and slide castle.
Other activities also include the Tarzan rope, Old McDonald’s Farm, plus everyone’s favourite pool friend Cray Z will be there with lots of giveaways and prizes.
Entry is $2. For more information contact the Aquarena on 9921 8844.
Jingle all the way with Carols by Candlelight
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Everyone’s favourite Christmas event, Carols by Candlelight, will take place on Sunday at Maitland Park.
Get your singing voices ready because this year’s Carols by Candlelight is set to be bigger and better than ever.
Held in Maitland Park on Sunday, December 14, the park will be bustling with activities for the whole family from 6pm, with the carols getting underway from 7pm.
Presented by Christian Churches of Geraldton with major sponsors City of Greater Geraldton, Rigter’s IGA and Iluka Resources, there will be a host of fun activities including craft, a bouncy castle and yummy food stalls.
City Deputy Mayor, Neil McIlwaine, said the Christmas Carol tradition was one that everyone should get involved in.
There will be something for the whole family at this year’s Carols by Candlelight.
“The City is proud to be part of such a great community event and it’s something that everyone can come and enjoy,” he said.
“We encourage the community to come and have a look at the activities on offer and join in the fun.”
Carols committee Convenor, Sue Mischke, said the event brought the community together to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus.
“We come from different backgrounds but have a common goal in wanting to provide an event where the Geraldton community can share the Christmas season together.”
The Geraldton City Band will be playing up a storm alongside guest singers and local acts.
The Carols Committee said this year’s carols is set to be even more family friendly after taking on board community feedback from last year’s event.
The night will kick off with special kids segment with the much requested Christmas favourite Jingle Bells and a new pre-carols activity. The ‘Join the Nativity’ photo booth is set to be a hit with children joining in the action by dressing up as Joseph, Mary, a shepherd, a king or an angel. Costumes will be provided and families are encouraged to bring along a camera to capture the moment.
Battery operated candles and carol programs will be available on the night. This year Everything Geraldton will be providing lyrics online for those who want to sing carols by the light of their smart phone or tablet. Head to www.everythinggeraldton.com.au and select "Carol Lyrics" from the menu.
For those unable to attend, the event will be broadcast live by Radio Mama.
The Geraldton City Band will be playing alongside local acts and guest singers.
Doors open for new Visitor Centre
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Geraldton Visitor Centre’s Glenda Blyth, Rebecca Tuesley, Jenny Bunter and Myriam Glorieux.
The brand new Geraldton Visitor Centre has opened its doors for the first time today, located at 246 Marine Terrace in the Original Railway Building.
Beautifully and carefully restored by the City of Greater Geraldton, the rich history of the building is entwined in the new modern facility which is now open to the public.
In the coming weeks the historical display and interpretation information will be installed upstairs as well as a kiosk outside, and we can expect the restored Merry Go Round By The Sea to be fitted on the brand new decking next to the iconic Morton Bay Fig tree in the coming months.
Parking is available behind the Sail Inn and there are more parking bays closer to the Mid West Ports Authority. An official launch of the Visitor Centre will take place in January 2015.
The cost of the Visitor Centre 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.
You can contact the Visitor Centre on (08)9956 6670 or via email info@visitgeraldton.com.au
Rogue Pony is a retailer Geraldton can be proud of - Here's some gift ideas for horse lovers this Christmas
/Everything Geraldton had a chat with Lauren, one of the owners of Rogue Pony about the store, its Christmas offerings and what the future holds for the popular retailer.
So what have you got that's popular as gifts for kids?
The Schleich figurines. Kids are mad for them.
We also have plenty of kid's clothing, boots, and toys we get in especially for Christmas.
Check out the video below of the flashing boots :)
What about gifts for ladies?
We've got HEAPS of clothing. Brands like RMW, Wrangler, Thomas Cook and others.
What's popular for men?
The belts fly off the shelf at Christmas. The Drizabones are popular, and we sell oodles of Akubras. Oodles.
If you aren't completely sure what to get someone, Lauren says gift vouchers are useful.
And most of Rogue Pony's clients are in their database. So if you ask the helpful staff they should be able to point you in the right direction if to get your giftee something appropriate.
Rogue Pony are a little unusual in this day and age too. Lauren tells us they're often ringing customers reminding them they have gift vouchers about to expire (a service which customers love unsurprisingly.)
Online shopping on its way
With the rising popularity of online shopping Rogue Pony are in the process of building an online store, giving Midwest (and Australia wide for that matter) residents the convenience of online shopping along with the reassurance of a trusted store with a bricks and mortar premises.
Expect the new online store to be ready around Feb 2015.
If you want to check out Rogue Pony head to Shop 1, 176 North West Coastal Highway (next to Video Ezy.)
Community Nursery gets a facelift
/The City of Greater Geraldton’s Community Nursery has been in operation for many years but has welcomed a new relocation to Adelaide Street, Waggrakine, along with some much needed upgrades.
With the goal of the Nursery to grow local provenance native plants for revegetation of our natural bushland environment, over the last three months the nursery has received a considerable facelift thanks to the Section 95 prisoner team from the Greenough Regional Prison.
Boasting a wide variety of skills and enthusiasm to match, the prisoners have completed a number of projects over the last few months at the nursery, including paving, building a privacy screen and benches, painting, installing a sump, building shade houses and wicking beds, and also building and installing windows and drying racks.
City of Greater Geraldton Deputy Mayor, Neil McIlwaine, praised the prisoners for their hard work on the nursery upgrade.
“It was great to see the prisoners putting their skills to such good use and watch the Community Nursery grow and change over the last few months,” he said.
“It’s been a real team effort and we’re very proud of all of the hard work that everyone has put into upgrading the Community Nursery.”
To assist the prisoners to gain extra skills, some of the work has been carried out in conjunction with training that the prisoners received through Durack Institute of Technology’s eleven week industrial skills program.
Coordinated by the City’s Natural Areas Officer, all of the planting is carried out by a team of energetic local community volunteers who meet on a weekly basis.
In January the nursery will swing into action to begin propagation of this year’s native plants and the nursery provides a warm welcome to new community volunteers who would like to be involved.
For more information about how you can become a volunteer with the Community Nursery, visit the City website at www.cgg.wa.gov.au
I found these 10 gold ear-rings on the street officer
/At about 9:30pm last night (Sunday 7 December 2014), Police officers attached to the Geraldton Burglary Suppression Team were conducting patrols of Mount Tarcoola.
Police say they received a report of a burglary in Mt Tarcoola, and they then found a 34 year old man on Shepheard Close.
It will be alleged that the male person had in his possession
beanie
gloves
screw driver
metal jemmy bar
similar house breaking implements
The man was also in possession of ten gold earrings that he stated he had found whilst walking the street.
The man, who is from Moora, has been charged with "Carry or Possess Weapon (other than Controlled or Prohibited) with Intent to Injure or Disable" and "Stealing".
Mid West Cat Shelter Mending Hearts
/CORAL's STORY - "I lost my babies"
When MWCS rescued Coral she was riddled with worms and so skinny you could see every bone on her tiny body. Before MWCS met Coral she was heavily pregnant. Unfortunately she was so malnourished that she soon miscarried the litter of kittens she was carrying.
Coral's first few weeks in foster care were very quiet and sad. She would only leave her bed to snuggle on her foster carer's lap, gripping tightly to her foster carer's arms. Coral never wanted to roam the house and was not interested in playing. Her foster carers were worried and tried introducing her to other cats unsuccessfully.
Things only improved slightly for Coral, and she was soon grumpy with the other adult cats.
However a new addition to the foster family changed everything! ....
ANA's STORY - "I've never known my mum"
Ana and her litter mates were found alone and hungry, only one week old! They were so tiny they could easily fit in the palm of your hand. The kittens were monitored closely to see if mum would return, but she never did.
Rangers were worried for the kittens' welfare and called MWCS in to help.
A dedicated foster carer spent many hours hand-raising the kittens, tending to their every need just like their mum would have done.
Ana's litter mates grew into confident, independent kittens. However Ana always stayed close to her foster carer, seeking attention.
At 8 weeks old the kittens were socialized with a new foster carer. It was here that her carer's realized Ana was showing signs of the behavioural problem 'pica'. Pica is a potentially dangerous condition that causes the kitten to chew and eat foreign objects like wool. It is most common in hand raised kittens, and can be reduced by socializing with adult cats.
Ana still had the company of her sister and one adult cat, but Ana's condition didn't seem to be improving. Her foster carer was worried.
But then Coral joined the foster family...
CORAL ADORES ANA!!! - "A new relationship mends two broken hearts"
Coral and Ana are never far from each other. Ana seeks out Coral whenever she can, spending more time with Coral than her own sister!
Coral and Ana are often found snuggled together, or grooming each other. Ana’s pica problem has now resolved and Corals lonely days are a thing of the past!!
These two have developed a strong bond in foster care and MWCS would love to see them find a forever home together.
Two broken hearts mended by each other, patiently waiting for their forever home. If you are interested in adopting Coral and Ana, they will be available for a bonded-pair discounted price of $250. Please call 0487 193 244 to speak with our coordinator about adopting these two wonderful girls today!
Calling all Geraldton kids to join the school holiday fun at Bunnings Warehouse Geraldton
/WHAT: Summer holidays are here and to make the most of the long break, team members from Bunnings Warehouse Geraldton will be on hand to entertain kids with free School Holiday D.I.Y. Workshops in January.
The School Holiday D.I.Y. Workshops, running every Tuesday and Thursday* throughout the summer break, will provide a range of fun, hands on and engaging activities for local kids starting in January.
Bunnings Warehouse Geraldton Complex Manager, Natalie Kennedy, said kids are encouraged to join the D.I.Y. Workshops as they provide an opportunity to get creative and make new friends.
“Local kids are all welcome to join in the D.I.Y experience, learn crafty tips and meet new people these school holidays,” Natalie said.
“The workshops are an exciting opportunity for kids to create the perfect show and tell item of what they have learnt over summer,” Natalie said.
The Kids School Holiday D.I.Y. Workshops are suitable for children of all ages.
Bookings are recommended; please contact Bunnings Warehouse Geraldton for further details.
WHEN: Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the school holiday period starting in January.
WHERE: Bunnings Warehouse Geraldton, 181 North West Coastal Highway, Tel: (08) 9965 9600
$2.7m continues local alcohol and drug service
/Member for Geraldton Ian Blayney MLA has today announced that WACHS Mental Health has been awarded more than $2 million over the next five years to continue operating the Midwest Community Alcohol and Drug Service, with offices in Geraldton and Carnarvon, and outreach to many other communities.
WACHS Mental Health has offered alcohol and drug services in the local community for 15 years.
Mr Blayney said the funding that ensures treatment and support for people battling alcohol and other drug problems will continue locally until 2020.
This funding has been announced alongside a further seven five-year contracts for Community Alcohol and Drug Services (CADS) which have been awarded to service providers across WA.
As a funding package the eight new contracts comprise $60 million over the next five years.
“We know people are battling problems with alcohol and other drugs throughout the State, and people can now continue to get help close to where they live, which can be a vital point of difference between someone seeking help or not,” Mr Blayney said.
With the contract in place, the Midwest service – along with others throughout WA - will be known as Community Alcohol and Drug Services (CADS).
“Most people come to our treatment services for problems with alcohol, so the new name makes it clear that these services are here to help people with alcohol as well as illicit drug problems,” Mr Blayney said.
CADS services operate in four metropolitan Perth corridors, in addition to seven services in the Midwest,Wheatbelt, South West, Great Southern, Kimberley, Pilbara and Goldfields.
The 11 CADS services combine to provide alcohol and drug services across 27 offices in different communities.
The services provide free out-patient treatment, referrals, counselling, education and support to adults, young people and families.
The Metropolitan-based services operate as integrated services and are delivered through an innovative partnership between the State Government’s Next Step service and specific non-government service provider partners. The integrated services provide medical, counselling and support services from a single site.
Bodyboarding Legend to visit Geraldton
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Hardy celebrates winning The Pipeline Pro 2009: Alex Ormerod
Bodyboarding legend Ryan Hardy will be visiting Geraldton on the 27th of December 2014 to host a coaching clinic in his quest to promote bodyboarding across regional WA.
Hardy from Margaret River is one of the most famous bodyboarders in the world having won World Tour events in Hawaii, Tahiti, Chile and Australia leading him to finish 2nd in the world in 2006 and 2011. Hardy is also attributed with re-defining the modern style of bodyboarding and riding some of the most dangerous waves on the planet without a jetski assist!
Now heavily involved in bodyboard coaching and development through his bodyboarding school (ryanhardybodyboardingschool.com.au) Hardy has decided to share his expertise with the bodyboarders across the state.TheGeraldton event will also be run in conjunction with Midwest Surf School and Bali Bodyboarding.
Hardy shares his knowledge: Cian Salmon/ Bali Bodyboarding
Hardy commented from the Canary Islands where he is on tour for his sponsor Funkshen Bodyboards:
‘Geraldton had a reputation for breeding Australian champions and World Tour competitors in the early 2000s (Sean Virtue, Ben Sukiennik and Kris Nelson) so I am really excited to come up to Geraldton, meet the bodyboarders and do some coaching in Geraldton.’
This event is open to all ages and abilities. Interested participants can register on line at ryanhardybodyboardingschool.com.au to partake in the 2 hour coaching session on the 27th of December 2014.
Hardy carves in Bali: Cian Salmon/ Bali Bodyboarding
Serious Vehicle Crash Update
/Geraldton Police have issued an update following a serious vehicle crash on Thursday December 4 2014.
Police say:
- A 34 year old Wandina man has been arrested.
- It is alleged the man was travelling south along NWCH.
- The driver lost control of the vehicle and it collided with a tree.
- Four boys aged 4, 6, 7, 8 were passengers and were injured.
- The 7 year old received serious injuries.
- All of the children were taken to Princess Margaret Hospital by the Royal Flying Doctors.
The man has been charged with the following:
- Driving Under the Influence,
- Three counts of Dangerous Driving Causing Grievous Bodily Harm
- One count of Dangerous Driving Causing Bodily Harm
3 awesome gift ideas for the bookworm in your life
/I love to see people doing things that they're passionate about. And Marianne Bell from The Book Tree LOVES reading books.
Tomorrow marks the 12th year The Book Tree has been in Marianne's care, and she's developed quite a tight community of book lovers who buy and trade in their reading material.
Everything Geraldton popped in to find some gift ideas for the bookworm in your life and here's three of Marianne's suggestions.
1. Sci-Fi and Fantasy
The Book Tree has a massive Sci-Fi / Fantasy collection which has been steadily built up over the years. Readers of this genre are spoilt for choice.
2. War books
Marianne tells us that the military section is very popular. "Guys LOVE war books, gentlemen adore military," we're told. For the war history buffs in your life there's a great selection to choose from.
3. Marianne's favourite: The Thriller Corner
Watching Marianne drape her hands over the books in the Thriller corner while she named her beloved authors was akin to watching my 7 year old browse through Minecraft videos on Youtube. "I could LIVE in this corner," says Marianne. There's a heap of Thrillers from well known authors, and if you need some advice picking a title, Marianne will steer you in the right direction.
A lot of the books are in great condition, you can hardly tell they've been read. And some haven't been read at all.
The Book Tree is located at 170 Marine Terrace opposite The Provincial.
Get in touch through Facebook
Marianne doesn't have the phone on or EFTPOS, this keeps prices down (so bring cash). But you can ask questions about book titles etc through The Book Tree's Facebook page. Send a message with a title you're looking for or general question and Marianne will be able to help you out. Click here to visit the Facebook page.
Win an Art Piece
/To celebrate the new artwork up the west end of geraldton, take a photo of the work. Post it on Instagram then follow and tag @llemihce in the photo where the windows are. Whoever takes the best photo of the windows will win an art piece made by the artist, Michelle Santarelli. The art piece is an intricate acrylic painting 52 x 77cm with a copper leafing wooden frame. The competition closes 5/1/15
City rally for equal GST cut
/The City of Greater Geraldton has shown their support for equal GST distribution by backing the Fair Go for the West Campaign.
The campaign is rallying for Western Australia to receive a fair share of the GST. More than 9,000 people have joined the petition.
WA will get just 37 cents back from every dollar of GST raised this year, with other states including South Australia and Tasmania receiving more than they generate.
City Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said City Councillors had no hesitation getting behind the campaign.
“This campaign highlights the significant imbalance in the current GST distribution,” he said.
“It’s time we made a stand and worked towards rectifying the situation.
“Having our fair share of the GST will not only benefit the Mid West region, but also the whole of WA.”
Federal Member for Durack, Melissa Price, has vocalised her support by urging all 46 local government areas in Durack to support the movement.
To show your support, you can join the petition by visiting this link http://bitly.com/fairgoforthewest
4 free seminars that will teach you about your Apple device
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Mitchell and Brown are holding some timely seminars that will show you how to get the most out of your iPhone, iPad or Mac.
It's great timing for those thinking of purchasing one of these as a gift for someone this Christmas.
Head along to one or all of the presentations this Saturday at Mitchell and Brown.
More than 30 new aged care places in Durack
/More than 30 new aged care places will be delivered in the electorate of Durack, worth an estimated $800 000, following the conclusion of the 2014 Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR).
Melissa Price, Federal Member for Durack, said the additional places will go some way to helping meet demand for quality aged care services in our community.
“I am personally very pleased with this outcome,” Ms Price said.
“I have been conducting aged care round-tables in Durack in places like Geraldton, Carnarvon and in the northern Wheatbelt and have been pushing hard in Canberra for an increase in aged care places in the electorate.
“Older Australians in Durack will benefit from 29 new home care places that will help them stay at home longer.
“There will also be three new residential aged care places in Roebourne in the Pilbara.
“This is a good start with more homecare places for Geraldton and Broome and surrounds, and more residential places in Roebourne.
“However we have to keep up the work and ensure the needs of older Australians right across Durack, from the Kimberley to the northern Wheatbelt, are being met.
“The Government believes older Australians want and deserve to have the support and care they need to live active and healthy lives, and to continue to choose the aged care services they need.
“I am pleased that new aged care places will help meet the growing needs of older Australians in Durack.”
The ACAR is the process that allocates funding for new Government residential aged care and home care places and for capital grants each year.
More information on the 2014 ACAR is available at: www.dss.gov.au/2014ACAR
Video - Blues for the Bush 2014
/Blues for the Bush was held at Charles Darwin Reserve in Perenjori in October. This wonderful video prepared by Cineport gives you a great feel for what it was like.
www.bluesforthebush.org.au
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