Total Fireban for Wednesday 4 Feb

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 Total Fire Ban for central and southern parts of Western Australia for Wednesday 


A Total Fire Ban has been declared for Wednesday 4 February 2015 for all local governments in the Perth Metropolitan, Midwest-Gascoyne, Goldfields-Midlands, South West, Lower South West and Great Southern Regions.
 
This includes all of Western Australia, except for the Pilbara and Kimberley. The ban has been declared due to current thunderstorm activity, resourcing requirements and the two large fires in the State's South West. 
 
On Wednesday 3 February 2015  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

Two incidents where women thieves are trapped while robbing people in Geraldton

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Geraldton Police have released information about two incidents both involving two female burglars and the owners of the homes trapping the thieves.

The incidents occurred within a day of each other, but Police have confirmed that while oddly similar, are both completely unrelated and are a coincidence.

The first incident occurred on Friday 30 Jan 2015.

Police say that some time between 5:30 and 5:50 pm two females went to a home on Woodman St in Utakarra where they parked in the carport. 

Police allege both females entered the house by forcing open the garage door. They then removed items from the house including an LCD 3D Toshiba television, a Sony handycam video camera, a television antenna and numerous Xbox games to the value of approximately $3000 and placed them into their vehicle.

The home owner returned home, and decided to block the vehicle the women were driving by parking behind them. 

When the women left the house one of them used a baseball bat to smash the windscreen of the victim’s vehicle in frustration at not being able to leave.

Police attended the scene and located the offenders in possession of the bat and a jewellery item belonging to the victim.

The females were subsequently arrested and conveyed to Geraldton Police Station where a search of one of the females located a small clip seal bag containing a small quantity of amphetamine.

The females were charged with the following;

A 40 year old female from Karloo was charged with aggravated burglary, stealing, criminal damage and possess a prohibited drug. She appeared before Geraldton Magistrates Court on Saturday 31 January 2015 and was bailed to re-appear on 5 February 2015.

A 31 year old female from Utakarra was charged with aggravated burglary and stealing. She will face Geraldton Magistrates Court on 12 February 2015. 

The second incident occurred on Saturday Jan 31, 2015. 

Two females attended a house on Brede Street in Geraldton and entered the home through a door at the rear of the premises. 

The victim returned home and upon hearing someone in the laundry, locked the door and called police.

Police arrived at the home and found the two offenders inside. One of the female offenders who was searched by police had a small quantity of cannabis and a smoking implement on her.

They were both arrested and conveyed to Geraldton Police Station where the following charges were preferred;

A 25 year old female from Woorree was charged with 2 x aggravated burglary, possess a prohibited drug, and possess drug paraphernalia.

She appeared before Geraldton Magistrates Court on 2 Feb 2015 and was remanded in custody to reappear on 9 February 2015.

A 35 year old female from Bluff Point was charged with 1 x aggravated burglary. She appeared before Geraldton Magistrates Court on 2 Feb 2105 and was remanded in custody to reappear on 13 February 2015.

Inquiries are continuing in relation to a burglary from the 15 January 2015 which occurred in Charles St, Bluff Point that Police say also involved one of the females. Her and her companions at the time fled the scene after being disturbed by the victim. 

My son was on the play equipment that was hit by a car

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I know parents who have lost children in tragic circumstances. The grief I saw them go through was so hard to relate to all I could do was offer words of condolence that held perhaps just a glimmer of understanding. 

It wasn't until my wife and I experienced two miscarriages last year that I knew what it felt like to some extent.

I was at home with my four year old son last week when I learned of the incident at the foreshore. My youngest child had fallen asleep and not joined his brother, mother and friends for a trip to the playground. 

My wife rang. She was crying, and trying not to lose it. 

"A car has crashed into the playground at the foreshore."

Immediately all the possible worse case scenarios ran through my mind. I don't need to tell you what they were. 

She managed to get out that our son was ok, that no one was hurt... miraculously. 

A little girl celebrating her first birthday had been playing right where the car had hit just moments earlier. 

My sons usually play under the equipment right where the car hit. 

My seven year old was on top of the playground equipment with a friend of his when the incident happened. He was shaken up. Literally and emotionally.

His other friend was between the road and the play equipment moments before the car had hit, but had just run around the other side. 

They came home. I picked up my son. He needed a hug from Dad. 

He buried his head in my chest and cried ever so gently. I held him tighter than usual. 

Once you become a parent there's very little in the world you hold dear. Having nice clothes or a new car or big TV are great, but you realise how worthless these things are compared to the precious gift that is a child. 

My wife was a little fragile and so was I truth be told. She struggled to sleep that night, and the next, and the next. 

Looking at the bent equipment I saw how close my child had come to tragedy.

I did not gain a new appreciation of how precious his life was. I've always loved him with all my heart and always will. 

What I did gain is a greater understanding of how fragile all of our lives are.

Perhaps bollards may prevent this particular incident from happening again. But what if the next time it happens near the water park? Or on our front lawn?

There's no way to keep your child or loved one 100% safe 100% of the time. Accidents happen. They always have, they always will. That's not to say we shouldn't take reasonable precautions to prevent things. Learning from past accidents have made the roads safer than ever, and I don't want to live in a world where people live by the YOLO mantra all day long. 

I can't stop things like this from happening. What I can do is ensure I make the most of every day I have with my loved ones, and carry no regrets when the day comes that we do part company. 

I thank God everyone was safe that day. 

Roll over Brand Hwy

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Leeman Police are attending a vehicle roll over on the Brand Hwy this morning.  

They are asking the public to slow down and follow their directions. 

It appears a vehicle towing a caravan has rolled. The incident occurred near the intersection of Coorow Greenhead Road.  

One lane is open to traffic.  

Brooke, a passerby who assisted at the scene and sent in the above image said the people involved were fine, "just vehicle damage."

Military Museum Searches for “missing” Diggers

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Birdwood Military Museum curator Barry Stinson with the RSL Club's Roll of Honour.

Geraldton’s Birdwood Military Museum finds itself in the middle of a proverbial haystack, looking for 149 “needles”.

The museum, located at the Returned Services Club in Chapman Road, is trying to track down information on 149 Geraldton soldiers who died on duty during The Great War of 1914-19.

The Diggers are listed on the club’s Honour Roll but there is little information about their service, or a face to the names.

“All we know is their names,” says Museum curator Barry Stinson. “When we cross-checked, in some cases there is different spelling, so we can't be 100 per cent sure.

“We’re planning a myriad of activities in the lead up to this year’s 100th commemoration of the Gallipoli Landing (ANZAC Day, 25 April) and we’d like to know more about the city’s soldiers who served in The First World War.”

“We are currently researching Service and War Graves records in relation to the

Individuals to add to our database and are desperately seeking photographs of the Diggers in uniform.”

The museum wants people to scan the list to see if there’s a relative they know of, in the hope they will have more information. Some of the soldiers may not be from Geraldton but all enlisted there.

“We’d like to know things like their family background, what area they lived in, what they did for a job, who they served with and where,” said Mr Stinson.

“Of course, we’d also like any pictures, documents or memorabilia. We don't necessarily want to keep the material but we’d like to digitise it, with a view to perhaps using it in future displays or commemorations.”

Anyone who believes they have a relative in this list can contact Barry Stinson on 0408 222 653.

Release prepared by Greg Smith. Ph 0405 313 000

New Local Planning Strategy and Scheme open for public comment

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The City of Greater Geraldton has announced the release of the new Local Planning Strategy and Scheme.

City CEO Ken Diehm said the new Scheme and Strategy is one of the most significant planning exercises undertaken since the formation of the City of Greater Geraldton.

“One of the main functions of Town Planning is to ensure that development and land use proposals are appropriate for the area and maintain and improve our quality of life,” Mr Diehm explained.

“Currently the City operates under four local planning schemes, the town planning schemes of Geraldton, Greenough, Mullewa and part of Cape Burney.

“This process has seen these existing schemes comprehensively reviewed, updated and consolidated into a single new Scheme.”

The Local Planning Strategy guides long-term land use planning and provides the rationale for land use and development control.  It has directly responded to the outcomes of the 2029 and Beyond Designing our City Forum that was held in 2011.

Mr Diehm said the Local Planning Scheme adopted a planning approach in line with the City’s vision of a creative city region with the capacity to sustain a prosperous, diverse and sustainable community population of 80,000-100,000.

The draft Strategy and Scheme is now available for public comment and the documents can be downloaded from the City’s website.  Hard copies of documents are available for public inspection at the: 

  • City’s Administration Centre, 63 Cathedral Avenue, Geraldton
  • Geraldton Regional Library, 37 Marine Terrace, Geraldton
  • City’s Mullewa Office, cnr Thomas and Padbury Streets, Mullewa

The City’s town planning officers are able to provide general information and advice however, anyone wanting to discuss a particular property or matter can contact the City on (08) 9956 6900 or alternatively email council@cgg.wa.gov.au to arrange an appointment.

Submissions should be made in writing and lodged with the City on or before May 4 2015.

Weather Alert and SES contact information

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The community is advised that the SES is able to assist with damage to property, flooding or other incidents related to the storm. 

Geraldton SES have responded to a number of calls for assistance this weekend. 

IMPORTANT NUMBERS:
• If your home has been badly damaged by a storm call the SES on 132 500 
• In a life threatening situation call 000 
• For the latest weather information visit http://www.bom.gov.au/  or call 1300 659 213 

After a storm State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers make temporary repairs to homes that have been badly damaged, such as roofs that have been ripped off or large fallen trees on homes and cars. Please contact your insurance company to organise permanent repairs. 

 

Severe Thunderstorm Warning
for damaging winds, large hail and heavy rainfall
for the Gascoyne, Central West, Lower West and Central Wheat Belt forecast districts

Issued at 12:06 pm WST on Monday 2 February 2015.

For people in parts of WA west of a line from Carnarvon to Gascoyne Junction to Mount Magnet to York to Mandurah. This includes people in, near or between the following towns: Kalbarri, Northampton, Geraldton, Jurien Bay, Dalwallinu and the Perth Metropolitan area. This does not include Denham and Mandurah.

People are advised that there is a risk of SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS until later this evening. The risk for the Perth Metropolitan area will be from thunderstorms developing to the north and moving southwards from early afternoon.

At 12:00pm radar imagery showed a line of SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS extending from Badgingarra to southeast of Lancelin and moving slowly southwards.

Storms may be accompanied by

- DAMAGING WINDS

- LARGE HAIL

- HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING.

Storms could cause DAMAGE TO HOMES AND PROPERTY.

If storms develop they are likely to be more intense than usual and dangerous conditions may occur in some parts of the warning area.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:

  • If outside find safe shelter away from trees, power lines, storm water drains and streams.
  • Close your curtains and blinds, and stay inside away from windows.
  • Unplug electrical appliances and do not use land line telephones if there is lightning.
  • If there is flooding, create your own sandbags by using pillow cases filled with sand and place them around doorways to protect your home.
  • If boating, swimming or surfing leave the water.
  • Do not drive into water of unknown depth and current.
  • Slow down and turn your headlights on.
  • Be alert and watch for hazards on the road such as fallen power lines and loose debris.
  • If it is raining heavily and you can not see, pull over and park with your hazard lights on until the rain clears.

The next warning will be issued by 1:15 pm WST Monday.

This warning is also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's web site at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 213.

Boat appears to be struck by lightning

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We have received an unconfirmed report of a boat being hit by lightning off the Geraldton coast. 

This picture was sent in by an Everything Geraldton reader, who says she took just now down near Dome. 

"If you zoom in it looks like it hit a boat." 

"A few boats started speeding out there, there was a flame."

Another reader also posted this:
"Sitting at Skeetas about to take photos. Heard the thunder, scared me so much and clicked the camera button accidentally. Was watching 3 boats race in before the storm and thought one had been hit. They were all in that spot. The Farr Side was one boat. The other EP844 and the third a yacht with blokes in red shirts. Couldnt see any names on the boats. Lucky buggers i reckon!!" - Kate

Just posted by Paul Lalor: Boat not hit, but really close. Photo taken from Teakle and lalor's office next to skeetas.

Here's an update from some comments on Facebook on what transpired...

Tens of thousands of damage done by fire in crime spree overnight

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Posted by WA POLICE:

Can You Help? - Geraldton police are seeking the public’s assistance with their investigation into several incidents within the Wonthella Sporting Complex on Eight Street in Wonthella last night.

Sometime between 10:30pm Saturday 31 January 2015 and 7am Sunday 1 February 2015, unknown offenders have damaged and stolen property from the Geraldton Little Athletics Club, La Fiamma Soccer Club and Aquarena.

The offenders also attended the Geraldton Hockey Association where they set fire to a sea container used for storage. New uniforms valued at $20,000 and hockey sticks valued at $4000 were destroyed in the fire.

Inquiries are continuing and police are asking anyone with any information regarding the above incidents to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

"Nibbled by a small shark"

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This was just sent in to Everything Geraldton: 

"My daughter was swimming today about half way between marina beach and Mitchell & Brown with me and a couple more of my kids. I think she was nibbled by a small shark on her right big toe. She was floating on a boogie board about 10m off shore. There is definite rows of teeth marks and because she kicked wildly to get it off the teeth cut her fairly deeply."

"She is ok, a bit shaken, but willing to get back into the water when it's all healed."

Offroad sedan car racing!!!

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Hey guys,
Rd 1, 28-29th March is going to come around quickly so don't leave your entry's till the last minute.

Track build has started, it has plenty of jumps, slide corners, dips etc.

For further info or race/vehicle regs phone 99331050 or email to info@murchisonoffroadadventures.com.au so don't wait ring now and get entered

Mud Nut and Fourby's - 3 days of good old fashioned Aussie fun

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Hey Mud Nutz, have you booked in for 3 days of good old fashioned aussie fun, hows this for events, 4wd tug of war, glory hole, mud runs, max horsepower, extreme mud runs, mud burnouts, king of the castle, double dare mud course, show n shine. Jetboat demos and rides, see some of the states quickest jetboats roar around the Thunder Bay track.

Full points ABCRA Rodeo, come and see the cowboys and girls tame the wild beasts. Miss Mud Nutz comp, Mud wrestling, sumo suits, arm wrestling, beer belly comp,Mud Obstacle running course, great LIVE music from gero,s own "Lost for Words". if thats not enough the whole long weekend kicks of with an amazing Anzac Dawn service overlooking the Murchison River.

The Dirt Dust n Diesels bar n grill will be open all long weekend for breakfast, lunch, dinner and an ice cold beer. So what are you waiting for, grab your tickets and get your vehicle entered into the 4wd comps. 

Tickets for all 3 days fun incl camping....

Adults $99
Children 13-17 $55
Children 12 and under FREE
Family pass 2adults 2 kids $220
Tickets can be purchased on 99331050 or http://www.murchisonoffroadadventures.com.au/drtCont.php?cPath=52 
Where MOA 4wd Park
When Anzac Long Weekend 25th-27th April 2015

Farewell Iris and Bill Newbold

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The Batavia Coast Maritime Heritage Association wishes to publicly acknowledge the contribution to our Association and to the Geraldton community of two of our stalwarts, Iris and Bill Newbold, who are leaving to live in Perth.

“Squander not the precious seconds” reads the inscription on one of Bill’s sundials, a motto he certainly seems to have lived by!

Bill arrived in Geraldton in 1948 where the Basile family took him under their wing and introduced him to the infant post-war crayfishing industry. Bill seized the opportunity and with a tiny scooter boat fished local and Abrolhos waters, in those days a very tough and physically demanding occupation. The Abrolhos became a place Bill continues to love, one of his discoveries there being the remains of the Zeewijk wreck on Half Moon Reef which led to the Navy recovering cannon and, with Bill’s directions, later investigations by Max Cramer, Tom Brady, Hugh Edwards and others.

In 1950 when Geraldton fishermen realized they were being dealt with unfairly by the existing buyers, Bill suggested they start a cooperative, and became the first Chairman of the Geraldton Fishermen’s Cooperative. Shares 1-10 were bought by Bill, and by the start of the 1951 Abrolhos season the fishermen had built their own processing factory. The Coop continues to this day, handles about 2/3 of WA’s rock lobster catch and is recognised as a world leader.

The tiny vessel that Bill fished from, the OO, was rolled by a breaker south of Point Moore and he was lucky to survive a 6 hour swim to shore. Bill later built a 65-foot timber vessel, the Irus, in a Wonthella backyard, using it as a fishing and processing vessel and as a carrier boat. The Irus is still afloat as a pleasure vessel in Fremantle.

When iron exports from Australia resumed in 1966 from Geraldton, Bill gained the contract for the tug operations, and continued in that business until his sons took over in the 1970’s. Propellers from their tugs were donated to the HMAS SYDNEY II memorial on Mount Scott.

Premier Charles Court sought Bill out to Chair the forerunner to our present MidWest Development Commission in the 1960’s. In 1977 he instigated a consortium that got the first commercial television station up and running in Geraldton, GTW11.

Bill has left other lasting legacies in Geraldton with his ingenious sundials at the Batavia Coast Marina, Queen’s Park Theatre forecourt, and at Geraldton Airport Greenough Terminal, the first two principally funded by Bill himself. His mind still tackles their complexities and he has other plans ready to go, should the opportunity arise.

“Behind every successful man is a strong, wise and hardworking woman” is an old saying, and nothing could be truer of Bill’s Iris, who recalls an admonition she received when announcing she was to marry Bill in 1952: “Marry a fisherman? Is that the best you can do”? Together they have lived a long and eventful life together, and we wish them well for the future, closer to their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in Perth.

Thank you Bill and Iris!

Howard Gray
Chairman, Batavia Coast Maritime Heritage Association

"The Vanquish Fat Removal Machine is now in Geraldton"

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Have you tried countless diets, exercise routines, gym memberships but just can't get rid of the last 5 kilos? You're not alone. Many people are just born like this and no matter what they do, their body's don't allow them to lose weight because of their genes and the way their body is made. This therefore makes losing weight almost impossible, but not anymore. 

Body - A Universal Approach are one of the three proud owners in Western Australia who own the Vanquish Machine; a non-invasive fat reduction treatment that burns unwanted fat and is 100% safe and pain free. No longer will you have to travel long distances and wait months to receive treatment that is now available locally in Geraldton. 

We're also proud to introduce Geraldton's first locally based injectable nurse providing wrinkle relaxers and fillers with Aimee Hagan who is our RN. Phone (08) 9965 4737 to secure an appointment, as they're filling up fast!"

Regarding the Corella saga (Warning: images may offend some readers)

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It must be tough for the city staff to know what to do with those destructive Corellas. It's actually not even their job they say. The city staff have said that this is a State Government responsibility, but the State Government is unwilling to deal with it. 

But I suppose no-one knows that phone number for Ian Blayney is 9964 1640 and his email is ian.blayney@mp.wa.gov.au , so it's probably easier just to complain to the CGG. 

As I sit here eating my chicken treat and pondering how horrible it is to kill birds, I can't help but get a sense that the staff at the city are caught between a rock and a hard place. 

As the city started its trial of using firecrackers to relocate the birds off (click here to read more), Everything Geraldton started receiving complaints from residents. But the complaints were all quite varied. 

I scratched my head as I read angry emails about how the CGG needed to simply "relocate" the birds to bird heaven, and other equally angry emails about how those poor Corellas shouldn't be scared and relocated because they're not criminals and haven't done anything wrong. 

It dawned on me that on this particular issue it doesn't matter what the city does. It will be the wrong decision. And the people who don't get their way will be the most vocal, giving the impression that the community wants the opposite of whatever was done.

I hope the relocation efforts achieve the outcome the city wants, but if they don't there will be a lot of residents who will want a cull done as in years past.  

The image below was sent in by a concerned resident who believes this bird was shot by a fellow citizen. 

One of the trees stripped by the birds. 

Police officer ends up with broken ankle after violent struggle

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Around 1:00am this morning (30/1/15) Police say they were pursuing a driver of a Holden Commodore in Urch St, Beresford but the driver attempted to evade them. Moments later they discovered the car parked in a driveway. 

They breath tested the man, who tested positive, and attempted to take him in to custody. 

However the man did not go peacefully, according to reports from Police. He struggled violently and a 36 year old Police officer ended up with a broken ankle. 

The man was eventually taken to the Police Station where he was charged with Failing to Accompany Police, Obstructing Police and Excess .05. 

The 20 year old man from Bootenal was released on bail and is to appear before the Geraldton Magistrate’s Court on 12 February 2015.

Children steal $10,000 - Get caught after going on shopping spree

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On Wednesday (28/1/15) a woman had her home broken in to in Karloo. According to relatives the home was trashed. 

Relatives of the woman said she had $10,000 in cash taken which included her daughter's school fees and her savings. They told us they know it's not wise to keep that much cash around, but she was old fashioned. We are also told that jewellery was also taken.

Police conducted enquiries and obtained descriptions of the suspects, which they passed on to security staff at the local shopping centres, in the expectation that the thieves would want to celebrate their new found found wealth with a shopping spree. 

Police say security staff at Stirlings Central (formerly Centro) alerted the police to a group of young females who were spending large sums of money.

After leaving the shopping centre via taxi they were dropped back to Karloo, where police were waiting for them. They were apprehended and found in possession of some of the stolen items. 

Here's the charges that have been made:

A 12 year-old Utakarra girl with 2 counts of committing Aggravated Burglary and Stealing. She was refused bail and will front the Geraldton Children’s Court this morning.

An 11 year-old Utakarra girl has been charged with 2 counts of committing Aggravated Burglary and Stealing and will appear before the Geraldton Children’s Court next month.

A further 12 year-old Utakarra girl was charged with committing Aggravated Burglary and Stealing and will appear before the Geraldton Children’s Court next month.

Finally a 15 year-old Karloo girl was arrested on warrants and was charged with Breach of Bail. She was refused bail and will front the Geraldton Children’s Court this morning.