National honour for Geraldton RSL president

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Geraldton RSL Club president Ross Davies next to the city’s World War One Memorial

Geraldton Returned Services League (RSL) President Ross Davies will represent the State for the handover of the Gallipoli Flame in Canberra on Saturday.

The RSL Gallipoli Flame is part of the 100th anniversary of ANZAC, being conducted by Camp Gallipoli, a Not-For-Profit organisation which raises awareness of our ANZAC heritage and raises money for the RSL and Legacy.

Mr Davies, a Vietnam Veteran, will represent the WA President of the RSL Graham Edwards at the Australian War Memorial. Mr Davies will bring back two torches – one for Perth and one for Geraldton.

The torches, which were originally lit in Albany on 28 September 2014, are  specially-designed for air travel and similar to that used by the Olympic movement.

“This is certainly a great honour and privilege,” said Mr Davies. “It may be that Geraldton is the only regional centre in WA that receives the flame, as I’m not sure if any other RSL club presidents are travelling east.

The Perth torch will tour the State and return to Albany for the inaugural Camp Gallipoli, which will bring together West Australians for an authentic ANZAC experience, camping outdoors under the stars from 24-25 April.

Mr Davies said the Geraldton torch would appear at various locations in the leadup to Camp Gallipoli at Bundiyarra on 24 April and on Anzac Day (25 April).

The 25 camps around Australia are for people unable to go to Gallipoli for the 100-year anniversary and will take place simultaneously on April 24 and 25 in six capital cities around Australia and several regional sites next year.

What CrossFit Geraldton can do for you

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CrossFit Geraldton is a strength and conditioning program consisting of several dedicated trainers and coaches who are committed to helping people achieve their health/ fitness goals and improve their quality of life. We spoke with Dirranie Kirby who is the owner and head trainer of CrossFit since February 2012 who shared with us what CrossFit has to offer and the benefits of their sessions.

Dirranie explains that her sessions are constantly varied, where each day is different and there is no set program. “This is because everyday we use different parts of our bodies for different tasks and activities. So if we really want to get the most out of a workout, we need to use every part of our body”. 

What CrossFit has to offer: 

  • Each session targets functional movements which is achieved through performing various everyday activities that life may throw at you, such as jumping, skipping, pushing, pulling, running, lifting and much more. This also includes doing pushups, burpees, squats and handstands. 
  • CrossFit take into consideration that everybody is different and everybody has limitations. This is why many of their exercises can be scaled to suit your needs. This includes using lighter weights for lifting, or exercises that can be simplified to accommodate for individual limitations such as fitness injuries.  
  • Not only do CrossFit offer adult classes, but they also have children’s classes that go for half an hour and are only $5 per session. Ages range from sessions for 5-10 year olds and 10-14 year olds. So there really is something for everyone! 
  • Once a month, CrossFit run a Beginner Fundamentals Class where you will be taught a range of lifts and techniques that are a great way of preparing yourself for more intense workouts. 
  • Memberships are sold either per session, weekly or monthly and you can stop payment at anytime with no cancellation fees. This is your journey, so you can pay as you go.

 CrossFit Geraldton is open Monday – Friday during the following sessions: 6:00am, 9:00am, 12:30pm, 5:30pm and 6:30pm
Saturday: 8:30am
Sunday: Closed 

They’re located at 2/5 Crawford Street, Webberton

Phone 0417 933 121

 

Smoke Update - Geraldton clouded in smoke

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Smoke Update: We've just got off the phone to DFES and they said they are getting many calls about smoke around the state today. There's been fires in Clackline/Northam area, as well as the metro area. They also suggested fires in the Kalbarri area may be contributing to the smoke, although the wind seems to be coming from the south. They were unable to specify exactly which fire is causing the smoke in Geraldton.

Free mammograms for women in Geraldton

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Local women aged 40 or over can access the free screening mammography service in Geraldton from February 12 to March 1.

BreastScreen WA’s mobile service will be located at the Geraldton Regional Hospital carpark off Milford Street from next week.

According to research, having a screening mammogram (breast x-ray) every two years significantly increases the chance of a woman surviving breast cancer and reduces the amount of treatment required.

More than 75 per cent of breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50 and research shows that screening is most effective for this age group.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Ian Carpenter, urged women to take advantage of the free service.

“We are privileged to have this extremely important service visit Geraldton,” he said.

“Statistics show that screening mammograms may detect up to 90 per cent of breast cancers so we would encourage local woman to use the visiting service.”

Early detection is your best protection. Ring 13 20 50 to make an appointment.

For more information about the free screening visit www.breastscreen.health.wa.gov.au

Geraldton Visitor Centre Cafe

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Have you been to Carriage Cafe?

Geraldton's original railway station has recently been refurbished as you probably know, and is now the Visitor Centre. 

For those of you who haven’t been for a walk along the foreshore for a while probably don’t know that the Geraldton Visitor Centre has opened up Carriage Café, a café that serves a variety of food and cold and hot drinks.

The Carriage Café overlooks the Geraldton Foreshore with a gorgeous view of the Esplanade when sitting down. There's no better way to spend time with friends or to kick back and relax with a book than to experience it in the centre of Geraldton with the cool sea breeze through your hair and the sound of the waves tumbling towards the shore.

The menu includes six different types of cakes, three different types of muffins and biscuits, some of which are gluten free. There is a range of ice creams, icy poles, and  cold drinks including iced chocolates, iced coffees, soft drinks, milkshakes and ice tea. 

All savory foods are freshly made and ready to go...and they didn’t forget about the coffee lovers!

Carriage Café serve all their coffees and tea with decaf options along with lactose free, skim or full cream milk. 

So head on down to the Geraldton Visitor Centre and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Geraldton and try their delicious food!

Carriage Café is open Monday – Friday from 9:00am – 4:00pm and Saturday – Sunday from 9:00am – 12:00pm

Phone (08) 9956 6670

They’re located at 246 Marine Terrace (next to Sail Inn) 

 

Beautiful Video of Greenough River breaking

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This fantastic video from Chris Lewis of ABC Open shows the Greenough River breaking for the first time in 2015. It's set to some great music and really is well done. 

Filmed Feb 9, 2015. 

Definitely worth a watch. 

Burglary (Dwelling) Statistics for Geraldton Suburbs 2009-2014

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Beachlands

Beresford

Bluff Point

Cape Burney

Deepdale

Drummond Cove

Geraldton (Suburb)

Glenfield

Karloo

Mahomets Flats

Meru

Moresby

Mount Tarcoola

Narngulu

Rangeway

Rudds Gully

Spalding

Strathalbyn

Sunset Beach

Tarcoola Beach

Utakarra

Waggrakine

Wandina 

Webberton

West End (Point Moore)

Wonthella

Woorree

Geraldton suburbs no longer worst in state in terms of insurance claims for break-ins

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The RAC has released information on claim rates for break ins in Western Australia. 

Gian De Poloni writing for the ABC quoting RAC home claims manager Glen Walker:

Rangeway was number one the last time the RAC released its data in 2009.

"We've seen Rangeway being one of the top suburbs in our previous review, but Rangeway has now made in roads and it's certainly not the worst regional suburb anymore; it's moved to number 17," Mr Walker said.

It's unclear whether crime in Rangeway has dropped, or it's just gotten worse elsewhere, but either way it's great news for the suburb and Geraldton in general. The RAC data shows when choosing where to live in regional WA, you could do a lot worse than Geraldton. 

In fact, no suburb from Geraldton rated in the 10 worst regional locations. 

Last time RAC released the info in 2009, the following Geraldton suburbs all made the worst 10: Rangeway, Tarcoola Beach, Utakarra, Waggrakine, Spalding.

This time, predominantly suburbs from the Bunbury and Kalgoorlie areas all rated the worst.

Click here for full article

Police Statistics

Data published by the WA police does not show the break-ins by suburb.

For the Midwest - Gascoyne region there has been a significant increase in break-ins in the last 5 years.

In FY 08/09 there were 728 reported break-ins to dwellings with 27.1% of these incidents "sanctioned" or solved, in FY 13/14 there were 1,047 with only 19.4% solved.

Despite over 300 extra home break-ins occurring compared to five years ago, only 6 extra cases were solved, or "sanctioned". 

In December 2014 alone, 142 break ins to dwellings occurred in the Midwest Gascoyne region, which is the highest ever recorded for a December (since records available 99/00).

 

Prime Property Maintenance does more

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You've probably heard that Prime Property is Geraldton's only dedicated property management business (they don't sell houses), but did you know that they also provide PROPERTY MAINTENANCE SERVICES? 

Prime Property Maintenance provides a wide range of services including; 

*General Maintenance 

*Gardening

*Cleaning

*Painting

*Minor Renovations

*Paving

-And everything in between!

For any job - big or small - Contact Kirsty-Anne for a quote kirsty-anne@ppval.com.au , phone 9964 8611, or find them on Facebook.

An 84 year old fish – amazing!

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In the wake of researchers discovering WA’s most long-lived fish Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has urged local recreational fishers to take on their South Coast brethren and help Department of Fisheries researchers determine the age of fish species in the Indian Ocean’s West Coast.

The discovery by WA researchers of a Bight redfish that lived to 84 years of agehas set a new State record for long-lived fish.

Bight Redfish

The ‘elderly’ Bight Redfish was swimming in the ocean early last century and still alive and cruising WA’s South Coast late last year.

This redfish was born in 1929 when the Popeye comic was making its debut and the Academy Awards first started. It was swimming around when Philip Collier was WA’s Premier and James Scullin took over from Stanley Bruce as Australia’s Prime Minister, when WA celebrated its centenary and during the Great Depression.

The 60cm Bight redfish (Centroberyxgerrardi) was about average size when it was caught in November 2013.

Now you might wonder how do you tell the age of a fish?

Mr Blayney said “it’s not possible to tell the age of a fish from looking at it. So its age wasn’t discovered until its skeleton went under the microscope at the Department of Fisheries’ Hillarys research centre”.

Researchers from the Department of Fisheries, working in collaboration with Murdoch University’s Centre for Fish and Fisheries Research, assessed the age of this female fish from examining the growth rings of its ear bones (or otoliths), much like the way that tree ages can be identified from a cross-section of trunk.

The research was being supported by recreational fishers and commercial fish processors on the South Coast, who have been donating fish frames of the required species with skeleton and head left intact after filleting.

Otolith of 84yr-old Bight redfish

Bight redfish is one of the key species being checked. Geraldton and Mid West fishers to the 27-degree parallel just north of Kalbarri can contribute to the project which is also looking at pink snapper, blue morwong and donated frames of three near shore finfish species; Australian herring, King George whiting and tailor.

Recreational fishers can play a key part in the research by donating their fish skeletons to help long-term monitoring of fish stocks. 

Also known as 'frames', filleted skeletons, with the heads and guts intact, are essential to assess the status of fish resources. By analysing data from the frames reseachers can make science-based decisions to sustainably manage our fisheries. 

By donating frames before July 1, recreational fishers can win a number of prizes thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

Prizes for this year include:

  • A charter trip for two to the Montebello Islands with Monte Bello Island Safaris and return flights from Perth to Exmouth are provided by the WA Department of Fisheries.
  • State-of-the-art custom-made fishing rods andUgly Stik fishing rods.
  • A day's charter fishing trip for two from Hillarys.
  • Quarterly $50 vouchers and other assorted prizes..

Dhufish

To donate frames, label them with your name and address (so they can send you research feedback and enter you into our prize draw - see below), the date and location of your capture (shore catch: general location; boat catch: latitude/longitude or distance and bearing from port and the name of the port). Information you provide about the location of your catch is confidential and only used for research purposes, so you can continue to keep your favourite fishing spots secret.

Fishers can drop off their fish frames at our offices or participating stores listed below. The frames can be frozen, so you can collect a few before dropping them off.

Geraldton
Department of Fisheries 
69-75 Connell Road, Geraldton 6530
T: 9921 6800 or 0407 388 930

Geraldton Fish Market 
365 Marine Terrace, Geraldton 6530
Weekdays and up to 12 noon Saturday
T: 9921 3755

Geraldton Sports Centre
204-208 Marine Terrace, Geraldton 6530
T: 9921 3664 or 0407 388 930

Bridge improvements set for Brand Highway

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Transport Minister Dean Nalder today announced that WBHO Civil Pty Ltd had been awarded an $800,000 contract for bridge works on the Brand Highway, between Dongara and the intersection of Brand Highway and Midlands Road. 

The work will involve strengthening bridge 1026 over the railway with reinforced concrete overlay, construction of new road pavement and kerbing, and installation of new traffic barriers. 

“These works will improve the safety and serviceability of the road network and enable growing numbers of heavy vehicles to use this vital link in the Mid West Gascoyne region,” Mr Nalder said. 

The contract is scheduled to commence in March 2015 with work estimated to be completed by June 2015. 

The project will be managed by Main Roads Western Australia’s Mid West-Gascoyne Region.

5 things you need to know about looking after your car

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If you are like me and rely on your vehicle to take you from A-B, then this article is for you. We spoke with Trevor Evans at Auto Pit Stop Geraldton who has shared with us a bit about his business, services he provides, and handy tips for looking after your pride and joy. 

Auto Pit Stop has been in operation since March 2002 where Trevor was previously a Service Manager at Sun City Ford from 1987. With over 30 years of experience in the auto mechanic industry, Trevor can provide you with no nonsense advice about any issues your vehicle may have and repair it in a timely manner. 

Auto Pit Stop are proud to say they provide all services for all makes of cars and if it can’t be fixed, you will be referred to someone who can. If you require any parts or accessories that aren’t in stock, it will be ordered that day so you’re back on the road as soon as possible with the job done right.  

What tips and advice do you have for owners when looking after their cars?

  1. Fuel: Try to avoid your fuel reaching below a quarter of a tank. Trevor explains that your petrol inside your tank cools the electrical fuel pump. Therefore, if your fuel tank is close to empty, your fuel pump will overheat and may need replacing is damaged. 
  2. Brakes: If you start to hear a squeak or feel a vibration, it’s a warning sign that your brake pads need replacing, which is an immediate requirement as it is a safety hazard.
  3. Holiday Trips: Before a big trip, it’s a wise decision to book your car in for a pre-trip inspection to eliminate the possibility of faulty parts and accessories, which is the last thing you want if you’re on holiday!
  4. Servicing: Try to have your vehicle serviced regularly around every 6 months to ensure all vehicle parts are working as they should and to identify early detection of anything that could be classified as a safety hazard.
  5. Temperature: In summer, keep an eye on the temperature gage. If it increases or decreases suddenly, it is a sign of a problem with your cooling system and if this occurs, pull over and check immediately.

Auto Pit Stop is open Monday to Friday from 7:30am – 5:00pm and are closed on weekends. Phone (08) 9964 4842.  

They’re located at 97 Pass Street (near the PCYC)

 

Positive results for Corella Relocation Program

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City of Greater Geraldton Rangers Darren Cole and Neil Ferridge during the training for the Corella Relocation Program.

City of Greater Geraldton Rangers have seen positive results in the aftermath of the recent Corella Relocation Program.

Last week over 1,000 firecrackers were let off over three days as the City trialled a new type of deterrent in a bid to relocate the masses of corellas from Geraldton.

City Rangers have said the operation has shown positive results and they believe they have reduced the presence of the birds in the Geraldton CBD and surrounding areas by an incredible 60 per cent.

City CEO Ken Diehm said it was now a waiting game as to whether the birds would return.

“We have won the battle but we are yet to see if we have won the war,” he said.

“The trial has proven to be a learning exercise for our team and we’ve had an extremely positive response from the community.

“Right now we are waiting to observe what the birds’ next move will be and we are looking at other methods and new technology to add to our arsenal.”

The City was forced to take action after the plague of birds had caused tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage to local infrastructure.

Controlling the plague proportions is in fact a State Government responsibility however the City was forced to take action due to the enormous number of complaints from local residents and businesses.

Specially developed firecrackers were let off in several places around the Geraldton CBD as well as Pass Street, the Geraldton Hockey Association and the Geraldton Turf Club.

Rangers have observed flocks of up to 15,000 corellas and they have spent a lot of time observing the species’ behaviour.

Rangers monitored the flight path of the birds once they were moved on and it was noted that they tended to move in a certain pattern, with several birds staying behind to ‘guard the roost’. After a few times, the birds became familiar with the Rangers and even recognised their vehicle when they pulled up to conduct the exercise.

A cluster of the birds have made the Geraldton Turf Club their home and the City is currently in discussions with the Turf Club regarding the Corella population at the sporting ground.

The City will continue to monitor the behaviour of the Corellas whilst looking into other methods and technology to ensure the birds stay clear of places within the City. 

Rangers believe that the Corella Relocation Program has reduced the presence of Corellas in Geraldton by 60 per cent.

Burglary Charges

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At approximately 10.10 am on Tuesday 3 February 2015 it will be alleged, a male attended a premises on King Street, Wonthella and entered the house by smashing a window at the rear of the property.

Once inside the house, it will also be alleged the male stole a quantity of items, including jewellery and a Samsung Tablet.

The 14 year old male from Beresford was located in a vehicle by police that afternoon allegedly in possession of the stolen property. He was arrested and charged with burglary, stealing and breach of protective bail. He will appear before the Geraldton Children’s Court this morning. (4 February 2015).

Armed Robbery

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At about 9:00am on Monday 2 February 2015 a male entered the United Fuel Station on 50 Rifle Range Road, Rangeway.

It will be alleged, the male stole chocolates to the value of $16 and left the store. An employee approached the male, requesting the items be returned.

It will also be alleged, the male refused to return the items, challenging the employee and threw a large rock at the employee, striking him in the hand causing a laceration. The male fled the area.

On Tuesday 4 February 2015, a 15 year old male from Wonthella was arrested and charged with Aggravated Armed Robbery. He will appear before Geraldton Children’s Court this morning. (4 February 2015)

Expedition reveals new Batavia burial site

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Researchers carefully excavating new burial site at Beacon Island. Photo courtesy Dr Paul Bourke (iVEC@UWA)

Archaeologists from the Western Australian Museum and The University of Western Australia are back at Beacon Island examining archaeological sites related to one of WA’s most famous shipwrecks, the Batavia.

One burial site containing the remains of an adolescent person was carefully excavated by the team yesterday.  Further investigations of other sites are continuing. 

“This is the first human burial to be found undisturbed through archaeological investigations, and represents a unique opportunity to reconstruct events surrounding this individual’s death and internment,” said Dr Daniel Franklin from The UWA Centre for Forensic Science. 

WA Museum Head of Maritime Archaeology Jeremy Green said this information is important because it tell us about the life and times of the sailors on board Dutch East India Company ships. 

“It is as much about knowing where the people came from, what their diet was, as well as how they died,” Mr Green said. 

The Batavia wrecked on Morning Reef near Beacon Island in the Houtman Abrolhos in 1629. 

Of about 341 people on board, most made it to nearby islands; 196 people died, most during a mutiny among the survivors, including women and children. 

The wreck site was discovered in 1963 and since then, archaeological work on several of the islands has located historic material associated with the wreck, as well as human remains: a mass grave was found at Beacon Island in 1999, with excavation work taking place there in 2001. 

Mr Green said there were at least two known burial sites to be studied as part of this expedition. 

“Not only are those two sites of interest, but we suspect there are other graves yet to be investigated as well,” he said. 

“The team of researchers is studying these areas for two weeks as part of the Australian Research Council funded project called Shipwrecks of the Roaring Forties: a maritime archaeological reassessment of some of Australia's earliest shipwrecks.” 

The WA Museum has been studying grave sites on the island since 1994. 

“We are also doing further archival research to find out more about the history of the loss of the Batavia,” Mr Green said. 

The Shipwrecks of the Roaring Forties project is led by UWA archaeologist Professor Alistair Paterson, and involves state, national and international partners including the WA Museum, Prospero Productions, Curtin University and Department of Fisheries. 

“We are testing new methods to improve our knowledge of archaeological sites using the technical expertise of remote sensing scientists from UWA led by Professors David Lumley and Jeff Shragge,” Professor Paterson said. 

Part of the project includes the creation of a virtual reality website that will allow visitors to see Beacon Island as it has stood over time, including the years it was a base for local fishers who built shacks that were only recently demolished.  The website is expected to be online later this year. 

Mr Green and Professor Paterson will present a public lecture at the Western Australian Museum – Geraldton about Shipwrecks of the Roaring Forties from 7pm Monday 9 February 2015.  Bookings via 9921 5080 are essential as places are limited.

Growing stronger regions across Durack

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REGIONAL Development Australia (RDA) WA has made appointments to each of its committees.

The appointment of the Chair and the Deputy Chair of the Kimberley, Mid West Gascoyne, Pilbara and Wheatbelt RDAs have been announced by the Australian Government.

  • RDA Kimberley – Cr Graeme Campbell (Chair); Cr Elsia Archer (Deputy)
  • RDA Mid West Gascoyne – Mrs Vickie Hablitz (Chair); Mrs Leonie Noble
  • RDA Pilbara – Cr Fiona White-Hartig (Chair); Cr Lynette Craigie (Deputy)
  •  RDA Wheatbelt – Mr Graham Cooper (Chair); Mrs Heidi Cowcher (Deputy) 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the three-year appointments will provide leadership to RDAs to develop a model where all three tiers of government work together.

“The RDA committees can play a key role in growing stronger regions across the nation and ensure all three tiers of government work together,” Mr Truss said.

“The committees will advise on priority activities that will unlock regional economic development and improve the productivity of their region.

“RDA committees will provide advice to Government on critical issues affecting each region and are an important mechanism to increase access to Australian Government programmes in their communities.

“The committees will assist community stakeholders to develop proposals and direct them to appropriate public and/or private funding sources – including the $1 billion National Stronger Regions Fund.” 

Federal Member for Durack, Melissa Price said the four RDAs in Durack had undertaken valuable work over past years and that an important role over the coming term will be to work efficiently and productively across the tiers of government for the benefit of the community.

“This will require some readjustments and prioritising, if the real benefits of inter government collaboration are to be realised.”

Regional Development Australia consists of a national network of 55 committees designed to strongly focus on regional economic development and facilitate local projects that aim to make a difference in their local communities.

The Chair and Deputy Chair will now move promptly to appoint a team of active local community leaders to support them.

Mr Truss and Ms Price thanked retiring committee Chairs and members for their service and wished the new committees well as they work to deliver stronger local regions.

More information on the Australian Government’s National Stronger Regions Fund is available at: www.infrastructure.gov.au

For more information and the latest news from the national RDA network visit: www.rda.gov.au 

Unearthed grave sheds light on Batavia shipwreck mass murder - ABC→

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Sarah Taillier from the ABC has a great write up about a new grave that was discovered almost 400 years after the Batavia was wrecked on Morning Reef, within the Abrolhos Islands.

Click here to read