Royal commission finds Christian Brothers knew about abuse and did nothing

Courtney Bembridge for the ABC

"An inquiry into child sexual abuse at four Christian Brothers institutions in Western Australia has found that the organisation was aware of abuse allegations for decades - and the damage it could cause - but did not stop it."

Tardun was one of the locations where the abuse took place.  

Perhaps most shockingly:

"Sixteen brothers were named as perpetrators of sexual abuse, but only four were ever charged and of those, only one was jailed."

Click here to read full article.  

Click here for Royal Commission report

Hit and run victim "begged for help" - Witnesses wanted

A young man was riding his moped Christmas Day in the evening in Geraldton when he was hit by a vehicle. 

The 18 year old, Bradley Wood, suffered a broken leg and was flow to Perth via the RFDS. 

Bradley's mother, Ms Tania Barras, was reaching out to the community via Facebook to ask the public for anyone who may have witnessed the incident or knows anything to contact Police as soon as possible. 

Police have apparently spoken to a man about the incident, but haven't laid charges yet. 

The Grandmother of the victim posted this message on Facebook to the person who hit her Grandson:

"To the low life who hit my grandson on his moped last night you should be disgusted with yourself. He begged and begged you to help him but no you got in your car and drove away he even tried to give you his phone so you could call his mum but no you didn't even have the decency to do that, he lay scared on the middle of the road until ambos arrived. I sure hope you never need help or any of your kids. You will be charged over this if its the last thing I ever do.  

"To the two men who stayed with my grandson and the nurse who lived across the road I cannot thank you enough for your kindness in making sure he was not alone until his mum and I got there, you are angels , and to all the medics and ambos and police a very big thankyou from my heart you do a wonderful job.

"To my grandson Brad stay strong mate we all love you, it may be a long road to recovery but we will be right along side you you are an awesome young man and you will see this waste of space brought to justice. I love you with all my heart Brad xxx"

Driver who flipped car Christmas Day has this message for other drivers

"Just a reminder to everyone to please drive safely this Christmas. Just yesterday on the way to a family lunch for Christmas I fell asleep at the wheel, hit the curb and flipped my car multiple times before resting against a power pole. 

"I'm told I was extremely lucky to be alive seeing as the roof caved in and I was pinned between the seat and the roof. Although my car is now totaled, I'm just so very thankful that I survived this ordeal and very thankful for all the people that stopped their Christmas celebrations to come and help me. 

"Thank you to all the police, and ambulance officers that were very quick thinking and to the staff at the Regional Hospital Geraldton ED for putting up with me, being so caring and getting things done quickly. 

"So my message to everyone driving this Christmas, please don't work too hard and if you start to feel sleepy, please...PULL OVER no matter how much of a hurry you may be in. I was lucky to escape with my life, next time someone might not be as lucky."

- Michelle

Pic: Bec Botica

Pic: Supplied

Vicious dog attack leads to City Animal Control Team asking for help

Vicious dog attack leads to City Animal Control Team asking for help

City of Greater Geraldton Rangers have been investigating a dog attack where a much loved family dog was attacked on its owner’s porch. 

Two dogs came onto a property on Kenny Cresent, Rangeway at approximately 4.20am on November 28, where they attacked the dog causing multiple injuries resulting in urgent veterinary treatment. 

Rangers believe the larger white dog is a Bull Arab and the smaller brindle dog with white legs is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Staffy). 

The City is reminding dog owners they have the responsibility to ensure the safety of not only their own dog, but other dogs and people too.

Dog attacks are a serious matter and owners are held responsible for the actions of their pet. A dog attack includes a dog aggressively rushing or attempting to attack a person or animal, as well as tearing clothing, biting or causing physical injury.

In some cases the court may order the dog to be destroyed.

Responsible ownership includes:

•  Ensuring the animal is wearing a collar displaying owners name, address and Council registration tag attached when in public places
• Pet must be confined to the premises where it lives at all times
• Is held by a competent person capable of controlling a dog when in public
• In designated areas, dogs may be exercised off leash, however the person in control of the dog must carry a leash and restrain the dog when required
• Dog must be registered and micro-chipped in a person’s name over the age of 18 years
• Dangerous dogs must be declared. 

Penalties for dog attacks can vary from $200 to $20,000 or potential imprisonment depending on the severity of the case. 

If anyone can identify the two dogs or their owners, the City is urging them to please notify the Council as soon as possible on (08) 9956 6600.

Mr Capurso's side of the story: Regarding the story of a 74 year old man charged with interfering with lobster pots

Everything Geraldton published a media release from the Department of Fisheries earlier in the week. It stated that Mr Capurso was charged with taking crays from other people's pots. His lawyer contacted us and said that Mr Capurso did not take any crays from anyone else's pots. He technically "interfered" with other pots, but this was only to check to see if they were his, and he had some go missing earlier. 

According to Mr Capurso's lawyer, it's true he had an extra two crays, he checked his wife's pots while she was not on board, and he technically pulled up some other pots, which according to Mr Capurso was only to see if they were his. 

Everything Geraldton incorrectly published the assertion that Mr Capurso had "raided" other people's pots. This was not stated in the press release from Dept of Fisheries, only that the pots had been interfered with.

Below is a release from Mr Capurso's lawyer published in full.

---

Mr Robert Bogumil and the fisheries Department have severely exaggerated the conduct of Mr Frank Capurso in their media release. They are guilty of highly unfair conduct towards him in order to facilitate the release of their propaganda warnings to the community.

Mr Capurso WAS NOT charged with “raiding other people’s Cray pots” as reported in “Everything Geraldton” on 21 December 2014.

 He was charged with INTERFERING with pots. What does not appear in the media release from fisheries and Mr Bogumil was that 2 of the pots belonged to Mr Capurso’s wife and the fact that she was not on board at the time that he pulled those pots resulted in “technical”  breach of the regulations. What was also not reported was that Mr Capurso only pulled another 4 pots by pulling two of them half way up and then letting them go and pulling two on board and then throwing them back. He did so to check if they were pots he had lost about 4 weeks before. He reasonably believed that they might be the pots which were missing because the ropes were covered in algae and slime. But by pulling them to check he was technically guilty of interfering with them.

The magistrate accepted that Mr Capurso’s conduct was at the very bottom of the scale for this type of thing and only fined him $500. The maximum he could have fined him for the charge alleged on 25 February 2014 was $25,000. This shows that the court did not treat the charges as being serious. His Honour said that it appeared that Mr Capurso’s “curiosity killed the cat”.

Fisheries and Mr Bogumil also did not say in their “press release” that they asked the magistrate to order forfeiture to the state of Mr Capurso’s boat, outboard motor, trailer and other gear and the magistrate refused to do so in the circumstances of this case and ordered that the equipment be returned to him including a shirt which was on board. The magistrate told the fisheries in court he was “not going to take the shirt off his back either”.

They did not say also that it took from 25 February 2014 to 27 October 2014 to charge him and only because his lawyer wrote to them about the boat and trailer and gear they confiscated at the time.

While everyone agrees that people should respect each other on the water in recreational fishing, this case of Mr Capurso, in the way it was reported, was entirely unsuitable to be used as a vehicle by the fisheries to warn the public about serious offending and complying with the regulations.

The authors of the release showed reckless disregard for and were prepared to sacrifice (for their own ends) the reputation of a 74 year old hard working member of the community and a highly respected family man (at Christmas time) who only retired from bricklaying when he reached 73 years old.

Mr Capurso has the upmost respect for the law and the community and his fellow recreational fishers said his lawyer Mr George Giudice. Mr Giudice said that the false reporting has caused his client and his client’s family much hurt and trouble at Christmas. People deserve to know the truth of the matter and Mr Giudice is hopeful that the publication of the accurate story will put the record straight and stop the abusive phone calls to his client’s home which have resulted from the unfair and deplorable publicity arising from the media releases not only to this forum but to Geraldton ABC radio which kindly published a retraction.

Do you know what this is? Found at the bottom of the ocean

Sent in to Everything Geraldton: My friend found this in the bottom of the ocean, it's very old, very heavy (cast?) and has been under water for a long time - just wondering if anyone out there could help us identify it? - Sarah

Inaugural Cape Burney Santa Run spreads Christmas cheer

Members of the Cape Burney Bush Fire Brigade with Father Christmas at the Santa Run.

Members of the Cape Burney Bush Fire Brigade put on a show for local residents with their first ever Santa Run over the weekend.

The brigade packed into their truck and made their way through the streets of Cape Burney across to Rudds Gully Road to spread Christmas cheer this festive season.

Over 230 bags of lollies were donated from local, Veronica Woods, and handed out to local families and there was an appearance from the man of the moment, Father Christmas.

Cape Burney Bush Fire Brigade Captain, Rob Roffey, said the exercise was all about spreading good cheer.

“The response from the community was overwhelming and it was such an amazing feeling to see families out on the street cheering us on,” he said.

“Our goal for this exercise was purely just to spread Christmas cheer over this festive season.”

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said this sort of community exercise was a great testament to the people who perform a very important job in our community.

“It’s great to see our volunteers out and about spreading festive cheer, it’s what this season is all about,” he said.

“It’s also a great time to remind people to be bushfire safe this summer.”

The Cape Burney Bush Fire Brigade say they hope to make this an annual event.

Geraldton not even mentioned in an Australian Regional Cities report

The tiny southwest towns of Harvey and Capel were acknowledged in a recent paper published by the Regional Australia Institute, but Geraldton Albany, Broome, Kalgoorlie and Karratha were not. 

According to an article from the ABC, the WA Regional Capital Alliance took issue with the report calling it "lacking" and "insulting" 

"It just seems like they haven't actually been to Western Australia, you know, they're that far off the mark it's laughable quite honestly" - WA alliance president Ron Yuryevich.

The Regional Australia Institute felt a response to the comments was not necessary. 

Click here to read the full article.

Ian Blayney calls on Minister for Commerce to investigate high fuel prices in Geraldton

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has written to the Minister for Commerce, Hon Michael Mischin MLC, asking him to investigate the high cost of fuel in Geraldton.

“This is not the first time I have written to ask why fuel is so expensive in Geraldton, but I hope this time there will be a full investigation into the matter,” said Ian Blayney.

“The difference between the average prices of fuel in Perth to Geraldton at the moment is 24.4 cents per litre.

“This seems to be inordinately high and I’m hoping the Department of Commerce will thoroughly investigate this matter to determine why it is so.

“While I accept that there may be extra costs associated with the freight of fuel to Geraldton, this appears to be excessive.

“ I am also concerned that the margin between the wholesale cost of fuel and the retail cost appears to be greater than it has been previously, and I would like some answers to these not unreasonable questions’” said Ian Blayney.

“The people of Geraldton and the Midwest are required by the geography of their location to drive long distances; they should not be paying more for fuel than is required.”

The Comedy Emporium 2015 Summer Nights Season Launched with Beach Party Show

SUMMER nights are about to get a whole lot more enjoyable as Geraldton's longest running and only local stand­up comedy club The Comedy Emporium unveils its Beach Party Show as the first of its 2015 Summer Nights Season!

The team have been continuously busy, but there really is no rest for the wicked! January 9th will see James Masters from Melbourne MC a hilarious lineup, with acts soon to be announced.

“There’s nothing else to do in January.. except hang out with your family ­ and you’ll be sick of them by January!” said Comedy Emporium Director Julian Canny.

Audience members are actively encouraged to wear beach attire as the night will feature heaps of crazy beach themed antics. There will be more competitions, like the infamous “worst hawaiian shirt” and “thong throwing” competition which had the crowd in an uproar in 2014.

The show will be held in The Comedy Emporium’s favourite venue ­ under the stars in the Queens Park Theatre Amphitheatre. Audience members are encouraged to bring a picnic and spread out on the grass.

“Realistically, this is probably the only show you can wear your pluggas to and get away with it” hints The Comedy Emporium Coordinator Emma Howell.

Tickets are available at $10 off until Christmas.

“Look, you can even bring your partner along and have some quality time, with the added bonus that you don’t have to talk to them, just sit back and laugh!” adds Julian.

Presale tickets are available from the Queens Park Theatre at $29, Christmas presale promo tickets $25 or available on the door for $35.

Doors open 6:30pm, live music from 7:00pm and Comedy at 8pm.

Tickets on sale now $29 each. Tickets at the door for $35 (if sales permit) – so make sure you pre book through the Queens Park Theatre. Group discounts apply and for enquiries please ring 0458 306 111. No BYO alcohol. BYO food encouraged. BYO terrible hawaiian shirt. Bar available.

Price delivers funding for Durack trees projects (Wheatbelt and mid-west)

FEDERAL Member for Durack, Melissa Price has announced $140 000 in funding by the Australian Government for two projects in Durack under the 20 Million Trees Programme.

Ms Price said the 20 Million Trees Programme is a key election commitment, providing $50 million over four years to deliver tree planting projects across the country.

“This funding is going to where the action is—to Landcare, community groups and organisations to enable them to plant native trees and shrubs in their local communities,” Ms Price said.

Both projects that have been successful in the first round for the 20 Million Trees Programme are in the southern part of Durack.

“The Yanget Station project, on ground between Geraldton and Mullewa, will see the planting of almost 17 000 trees to improve connectivity for three threatened flora species including the Endangered Grevillea bracteosa.

“The River Connection project in the northern Wheatbelt includes the planting of more than 32 000 trees on the Cunjardine River, a key tributary of the Mortlock River and Avon-Swan River system. This project will provide habitat and food sources for the endangered Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo.

“I congratulate the Department of Parks and Wildlife and Greening Australia. These projects will provide valuable benefits to the environment and for our local community” Ms Price said.

Environment Minister Greg Hunt said nationwide, funding of $4.5 million has been approved for 57 projects.

“The projects funded by the Australian Government through this first grant funding round will deliver up to 1.6 million native trees towards the 20 million trees target.

“These trees and other plants will contribute to re-establishing native vegetation, providing habitat to support threatened plants and animals, and creating greener spaces to improve the liveability of our cities and towns,” Minister Hunt said.

As well as the grants, the Australian Government will be running a tender process for service providers to undertake large-scale tree plantings. Details are available at www.nrm.gov.au/20-million-trees

The 20 Million Trees initiative is an important part of the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme.

Geraldton harvest lower than expected

Rachael Andrews writing for Farm Weekly:

"Geraldton zone manager Duncan Gray said the area took only 1.9mt, which is about 300,000 tonnes less than expected for the region."

Click here to read the full article. 

Update on Stabbing at Johnston St Geraldton

Geraldton Police say a man received multiple stab wounds in Geraldton. 

According to Police an incident occurred some time between 3pm and 6pm on Monday 22 Dec 2014 at 28 Johnston Street. 

The victim is a 32 year old man. He has been transported to Perth for further medical treatment.

Local residents were shocked to learn of the stabbing. One local said:

"The bloke dropped out the front of my sisters place with a huge stab wound. He was on a bike across the road and then fell, and then he managed to walk across the road and collapsed out the front, there was blood all over his bike."

Another local resident was unable to enter her home late last night, as Detectives were still carrying out their investigations. 

Geraldton Detectives are requesting anyone with any information regarding the incident to please contact crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police are also advising motorists that Johnston Street remains closed this morning to traffic between Eastern Rd and James St. 

Johnston St remains closed following serious incident

Police have confirmed that a male person is in hospital with serious injuries, and said investigations into the incident by Geraldton detectives is ongoing with further information to be released shortly. 

Police are also advising motorists that Johnston Street remains closed this morning to traffic between Eastern Rd and James St. 

View fullsize

Johnston St has been closed since before 8pm last night (23 Dec 2014) while Police conducted investigations. 

Post by Everything Geraldton.

Land care comes with Price in Durack communities

Durack, Australia’s largest Federal electorate, will share in $5 million of Federal funding under the 25th Anniversary Landcare Grants.

Melissa Price, Member for Durack said the funding would help communities, catchments and groups in Durack to conserve, engage, protect and trial, all with the aim of developing sustainable agricultural practices or ensuring the health of our environment for generations to come.

“I am pleased to announce that thirteen project in Durack have been successful in attracting funding from the 25th Anniversary Landcare Grants round, in places like the Pilbara, Moore, Mingenew, Yalgoo and the Ord,” Ms Price said.

“We all have a part to play in caring for the land. These projects are a very practical hands-on way of involving a large cross-section of society in doing just that – caring for the land we all love.

“It’s great to see many Durack community-based groups getting involved in the local environment.”

Anne Wilkins, Executive Officer of the West Midlands Group said they were delighted to learn of the Federal funding announcement.

“The grant means a great deal to West Midlands Group and will enable us to undertake a new technology case study and attract speakers on new innovative technology to the the West Midlands Group field day. We have more than 100 members and I expect they will all benefit from this $16 000 grant,” Ms Wilkins said.

The Australian Government is investing over $2 billion in managing Australia’s natural resources over four years.

“We are putting Landcare back at the centre of natural resource management. These grants should have lasting benefits for the environment and productive agricultural landscapes,” Ms Price said.

Funding under this component of the National Landcare Programme will support farmers, Indigenous and community groups, to enhance the environment and improve management of our natural resource base. Australia wide, there are 291 projects that will receive funding of between $5000 and $20 000. Of these, 148 projects will have a strong agricultural focus and 143 will focus on delivering positive environmental outcomes.

Further information about the National Landcare Programme can be found online at www.nrm.gov.au.

Total Fire Ban & Severe fire danger advice for coastal parts of the Central West on Tuesday

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

Time of issue: 4.30pm 
Date of issue: 22 December 2014 

Severe fire danger advice for coastal parts of the Central West on Tuesday

A Severe Fire Danger Rating has been forecast for Tuesday 23 December for coastal parts of the Central West.

This includes:

• City of Greater Geraldton – coastal part
• Shire of Chapman Valley – coastal part
• Shire of Northampton  – coastal part 

Bushfires can threaten suddenly and without warning. Stay alert and watch for signs of fire, especially smoke and flames. Have your bushfire survival plan and kit ready.

Keep up to date with bushfire information through local radio, websites and TV. Do not wait for a warning before you act. If you see flames call triple zero.

These are very hot, dry and windy conditions for a bush or grass fire.

If a fire starts and takes hold:

• It will be unpredictable, move very fast and difficult for firefighters to bring under control.
• Spot fires will start and move quickly. Embers may come from many directions.

If you live in or near bush with high fuel loads then you are at risk and need to act:

• Read through your bushfire survival plan. If you do not have one decide what you will do if a fire starts.
• If you are not prepared to the highest level, leaving bushfire risk areas early in the day is your safest option.
• Homes that are prepared to the highest level, have been constructed to bushfire protection levels and are actively defended may provide safety.

You must be physically and mentally prepared to defend in these conditions. 

To find out what the Fire Danger Rating means to you visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au or call 9395 9300 during normal office hours.

Check the Fire Danger Rating for your area by visiting www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 213 (call charges apply).

---

Total Fire Ban

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

Time of issue: 5.30pm   

Date of issue: 22 December 2014   

Total Fire Ban for parts of the Midwest Gascoyne for Tuesday

A Total Fire Ban has been declared for Tuesday 23 December for parts of the Midwest Gascoyne.  

This includes: 

• City of Greater Geraldton 

• Shire of Chapman Valley 

• Shire of Northampton 

• Shire of Carnarvon 

• Shire of Shark Bay  

On Tuesday 23 December 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

Mullewa Muster and Rodeo Committee take out top prize

The Mullewa Muster & Rodeo Committee, Back Row: Phill Rumble (Vice President), Pip Rumble, Jane Parker (Secretary/Treasurer) and Darrin Fulker. Front Row: Teresa Curtis and Carol Young (President).

It takes a dedicated committee to pull off an amazing event and the 2014 Mullewa Muster and Rodeo team have been recognised for their hard work after being named the Australian Bushmen's Campdraft and Rodeo Association WA Committee of the Year.

Four committee members attended the Australian Bushmen's Campdraft and Rodeo Association (ABCRA) WA Zone Awards and Dinner on Saturday night in the Swan Valley where they were presented the inaugural award.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, praised the committee on the hard-earned award.

“The Mullewa Muster and Rodeo has come a long way in three years and this progression and outcome of the amazing event is led by the very dedicated committee,” he said.

“The event has attracted people from all over the state and the success of the event is showing no signs of slowing down.

“The City would like to congratulate the 2014 Mullewa Muster and Rodeo committee on their efforts and this well-deserved award.”

The annual Mullewa Muster and Rodeo has attracted thousands of people since its inception in 2012.

Next year’s event will be held on Saturday, May 30 and the Committee says it is set to be bigger and better.

Next year’s Country Music Concert will feature Adam Harvey, The Sunny Cowgirls and Chelsea Basham. Visitors will also enjoy the excitement of a full-point rodeo and a Beaut Ute competition, along with lots of stalls and fun activities for the whole family.

The event is a big drawcard for contestants as it is WA’s highest paying prize money rodeo.

For more information on next year’s event, visit www.mullewamuster.com

Christmas / New Years Rubbish pickup schedule - Geraldton, Mullewa, Northampton, Irwin

Tackleworld Country Christmas ideas and opening hours

Tackleworld Country is known for its fishing & hunting but it also has the biggest range in the Midwest of Archery & Home Butchering Supplies. We have great Archery starter kits that make great Christmas gifts & the home butcher always loves a knife! If you haven't been in recently then check out our new look and our best team ever. 

Our opening hours for this weekend are: 

Saturday: 8:30am - 2:00pm 

Sunday: 10:00am - 2:00pm 

20 Anzac Terrace, Geraldton

HALF YEARLY CLEARANCE on now at The Athlete's Foot Geraldton!

HALF YEARLY CLEARANCE on now at The Athlete's Foot Geraldton!

Up to 60% off Shoes!

We only do a crazy sale twice a year but when we do we have amazing bargains! 

Great specials on Runners, Sandals, Work Shoes, Thongs and Kids shoes. Enjoy the Athlete's Foot Experience and grab a bargain at the same time. 

Crazy discounts on Asics, New Balance, Skechers, Nike, Mizuno, Brooks, Adidas, Merrell and Orthaheel. 

Great opportunity to pick up a pair of shoes as a Christmas gift or beat the Back to School rush and grab a pair of Runners for your child at an awesome price! 

Lots of sizes from Ladies Size 5 to Men's Size 16!! 

We have been open 12 months now and are looking to clear out some serious STOCK to make way for all our new arrival! 

So get in quick because these amazing specials will run out the door!!

20th December to 5th January