February 16, 2015

Applications for Community Grants Program Round 16 now open

February 16, 2015/ Press Release

City Mayor Ian Carpenter presents the cheque for previous Round 15

Banners for the Greenough Museum, NAIDOC week celebrations at Geraldton Universities Centre, Little Athletics painting their club house, a photography project in Mullewa, new seating at the Mullewa Sports Club and Heartmoves for Seniors are just some of the projects that got funded in the City of Greater Geraldton’s last round of Community Grants, which saw hundreds of thousands of dollars go towards community projects.

The City has announced that the next round, Round 16, of the Community Grants Program is now open for applications.

The aim of the City’s Grants Program is to provide assistance to local community groups and organisations that make positive contributions to the quality of life within the Greater Geraldton region.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said in the previous round funding of $175,000 was provided to 20 organisations for projects valued at $550,332.

“It is always a pleasure to award Community Grants to local organisations who provide services which have significant impacts on the lives of the Greater Geraldton community. Whether it’s a local sports club, a community group, an arts project, a major event like the Mullewa Muster or assisting with shade sails for a bowling club, it all makes a huge difference.”

“Not many people would be aware that the City contributes hundreds and thousands of dollars directly to the community through this grants process, and it’s probably one of the most generous in the state, but the value it brings to the community is not to be underestimated,” he said.

Applicants can apply for one of five categories in the Community Grants program, which includes:

Cultural Grant – Opportunities for Creativity
Economy Grant – Opportunities for Prosperity
Environmental Grant – Opportunities for Sustainability
Governance Grant – Leading the Opportunities
Social Grant – Opportunities for Lifestyle

To apply for Round 16, go to the City’s website www.cgg.wa.gov.au/residents/grants and download the Community Grants Application kit.

Each application will be assessed against the selection criteria outlined in the application kit. The Council endeavours to ensure access and equity in its grants program and an even distribution throughout the municipality.

Submissions close at 5pm on Friday 27th February 2015.

February 16, 2015

4 Ways Fresh plants the seed for a new horticultural precinct and More jobs in the Mid West WA

February 16, 2015/ Press Release

Around 50 full time equivalent and 75 casual positions will be created within the next five years in the Mid West as South Australian company 4 Ways Fresh expands its marketing and joint venture production arrangements with local horticulture producers in the Mid West.

4 Ways Fresh will spend around $2.82million over the next four years to set up its operations on 135 acres of land at Bootenal,14kms south-east of Geraldton. The company envisages around $7.50million in wages and other expenses will also be spent in the Geraldton area during this time.

The Bootenal site will ultimately house 300 growing tunnels; a series of dams to conserve the natural rainfall run-off and a packing shed and cool rooms.

Planting will commence in April with the company’s first crop of Lebanese and Continental cucumbers to be harvested towards the end of the year. Produce grown on the property will be destined for Western Australian and overseas export markets with some over-run being sent to the Eastern seaboard.

It is envisaged that after 3 years of production hydroponics will be introduced further enhancing the production level of the property. Summer cropping to include capsicum, zucchini and egg plant is also being considered for future production, opening up the variety of produce grown in the region.

The company’s longer term vision is for further expansion of the site to enable outside growers to lease plots within the property for easier access to the packaging plant, in essence creating a new horticultural precinct.

4 Ways Fresh is a privately family-owned company with 25 years’ experience in fresh produce production is one of the largest suppliers of fresh produce to major supermarket chains in most Australian states including Coles; Woolworths; IGA and Costco Wholesale.

4 Ways Fresh chief executive officer Duy Ly believes the move to set up operations in Geraldton has been a long time coming.

“4 Ways Fresh has had an association with Geraldton and local growers for the past 13 years purchasing local produce and we recognise the potential of this region to grow high quality produce.

“Our aim is to enhance the production of existing local growers by introducing new lines resulting in better crop rotation and better diversification to improve soil management.

“We will provide local growers with access to our packing plant that will reduce their costs and provide better market opportunities,” Mr Ly said.

Presentations made by 4 Ways Fresh to the Mid West Development Commission (MWDC) and Department of Agriculture and Food Geraldton were well received.

MWDC Chair Murray Criddle reinforced that the development of the Agriculture and food industry was a key area of focus for the future development of the Mid West as outlined in the Mid West Regional Blueprint.

“Agriculture and food is a key industry for the Mid West and there has been strong interest expressed for a dedicated horticultural precinct in this region,” Mr. Criddle said.

“A horticultural precinct would offer environmental, logistical and efficiency advantages by having growers located close to each other and we are looking at ways in which the Commission may be able to assist local businesses equitably to achieve this,” Mr. Criddle said.

Department of Agriculture and Food central region director Pam I’Anson said the department supported development of new agricultural businesses in the region.

“While this area is traditionally known as a broad acre farming area based on cropping and livestock, it features a growing horticultural component which provides fresh produce to consumers in WA and nationally,” she said.

February 16, 2015

Visitor Centre call for new Tourism Guides

February 16, 2015/ Press Release

If you have a sense of humour and are comfortable talking in front of people, you might be the perfect candidate to become a Step On Guide for visiting cruise ships.

The Geraldton Visitor Centre is on the lookout for new guides to showcase Geraldton sights to tourists from 17 cruise ships which will visit in 2015.

Some knowledge of the Geraldton region is desirable but necessary training will be given to all new Guides.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Ian Carpenter is encouraging Geraldton’s younger population to seize the opportunity to get involved and utilise the free training.

“We would love to have some young faces step up into our Step On Guide team,” he said.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for people in the community to learn more about our great region and pass that knowledge onto visitors.”

Training for budding new Step On Guides will be provided by renowned Tour Guide and President of Tour Guides WA Cherie Toovey.

Cherie has over seventeen years’ experience in the inbound tourism industry as a Tour Guide and has been recognised for her extensive industry knowledge and skills, including winning the FACET Golden Guide Award in 2006.

Training will take place on Wednesday, February 18 and Cherie will Guides tips and knowledge on how to turn a question into a positive experience for passengers.

Step On Guides will be paid for the tours which can take anywhere from 3-5 hours.

The Geraldton Visitor Centre recommends anyone involved in the welcoming of cruise passengers, and any new interested Step On Guides to attend the workshop.

Bookings for the workshop are essential. For more information contact Joanne Brown at the Geraldton Visitor Centre on 9956 6670 or e-mail joanneb@cgg.wa.gov.au

February 13, 2015

Midwest Fishing report by Tackleworld Geraldton

February 13, 2015/ Tackleworld

OFF SHORE
There has been plenty of action off shore with good catches of Coral Trout and Dhu fish around mid-reef with big Snapper in 38m marks NW of town and plenty of Red Throat Snapper. A few good fish have been caught at pensioner’s with Dhu fish and Coral Trout being landed with schools of Tuna and Bonito around as well, the 5mile buoy has fished well with Spangled Emperor and Baldies

THIS WEEKS LOCAL HERO IS DANIEL RETON FOR THIS GREAT PHOTO
Send your photo in for a chance to be our local hero and win a free strada lure

If you’re chasing Mackerelnorth of town is holding some good fish with the leads producing the occasional fish as well

JOE AND DANIEL WITH TEAM EFFORT ON THIS BLUE MARLIN

THE IMFORMUS AZMAN WITH A GREAT PINKY TAKEN ON THE GOOD OLD SQUIDGY WRIGGLER

BEACHES
There has been plenty of action on the beaches with Tailor herring and Dart getting caught at most beaches from west bank right through to Coronations with Southgate’s and Tarcoola still fishing the best.

Shark have also been prolific with lots of reef sharks and big whalers.

Separation point has had big schools of tailor early mornings as well as big herring.

North of town has fished well with tailor and school mulloway with the odd 15kg getting around.

BRENDON WITH A REAR LEPORD SHARK GREAT CATCH MATE

ROSNE WITH A GIANT HERRING CAUGHT FROM TARCOOLA BEACH

HARBOR & WHARF

SAM WITH A BEAUTIFUL CATCH AND RELEASE HARBOR JACK

The fisherman’swharf has fishing well with big cod and Mangrove Jacks entertaining anglers with Bream mossies perch and tailor and big snook

DREW WITH A COUPLE OF SOLID BREAM TAKEN ON THE DEADLY ECOODA LIVE SHRIMP

WEEKEND FORECAST

THIS WEEKS VIDEO

Midwest Fishing Report by Tackleworld Geraldton

20 ANZAC TERRACE GERALDTON WA

08 99216822

February 13, 2015

How to get the best lawn in the neighbourhood?

February 13, 2015/ Kara Hay

Lets face it, not all of us can be Jason Hodges when it comes to caring for our garden, yet we still want to have the best garden and lawn in the neighbourhood. Well, if you’re like me and don’t know the different between fertiliser and roundup, there IS light at the end of the tunnel, because Doug Brown from Geraldton Turf Farm is here to turn your dream garden into a reality.

Landscape Design: If you’ve just bought a block and are starting to plan out what parts of your future garden go where, you need to ask yourself a couple of things. Will my plants get enough sunlight if I build a tall fence close by? Will my plants be protected from those harsh summer winds? Will I be digging close to, or underneath any big water pipes? These are things that you may not have thought of, which may very well have an impact on your garden and your property in the near future.

These are questions that Doug always takes into consideration when designing a garden bed, lawn or even a patio. If you really want to achieve the best results possible, let the Doug take care of everything and deliver to you a sustainable long lasting garden that you can enjoy for years to come.

Finest Quality Turf: At Geraldton Turf Farm, they grow the finest quality turf because it is grown locally here in Geraldton. This means that their turf has already pre-adapted to the harsh Geraldton climate making them tougher and stronger which ultimately benefits you. So give your lawn the best chance at life by using the finest quality and locally grown turf that Doug can supply and install at your earliest convenience.

Reticulation: Geraldton Turf Farm use water-wise automatic reticulation systems that are efficient, cost effective and most of all, keep your lawn green all year round. From sports ovals to commercial landscapes to small backyards, Doug has it all and “if it’s thirsty, we’ll find a way to give it a drink”. Their reticulation services include lawn mainlines, underground pop up systems, mp rotator sprinkler, green house reticulation, large span reticulation and much more.

Geraldton Turf Farm are open Monday – Friday from 8:00am – 4:00pm.

They’re located at Lot 12 Glengarry Road, Moonyoonooka
Phone 0427 233 787

February 13, 2015

City hosts Waitangi Day at Geraldton Foreshore

February 13, 2015/ Press Release

Members of the Geraldton Maori Community all set for Waitangi Day celebrations at the Foreshore

A day of fun-filled entertainment can be enjoyed by the Geraldton community down at the Foreshore by the Yellow Submarine on Saturday 21st February, as the City celebrates Waitangi Day.

Event organiser Bronwyn Barnett and committee member of the Geraldton Maori Community said: “Waitangi Day at the Foreshore is all about being proud of and acknowledging New Zealand’s culture and traditions and commemorating the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, considered to be New Zealand’s founding document.”

“Over the years Waitangi Day has succeeded in becoming a recognised cultural celebration enjoyed by the whole Geraldton community and it is fantastic that again we have the opportunity to share this special event,” Bronwyn added.

There will be lots of family entertainment including pony rides, stalls, music, cultural performances by Hula Magic and Te Papakanui A Maui and a community lunch available from 12.00-1.00pm. A traditional welcome will open the festival at 10.00am, with the day’s activities concluding at 4.00pm.

For those who want to kick on afterwards, an evening event is also being hosted at the Wintersun Hotel with free entry from 7.00pm, where you can dance the night away to the sounds of Perth-based Kiwi band Box Party & The Brofessionals.

The Waitangi Day Committee was recently awarded a Community Grant by the City of Greater Geraldton in Round 15 of submissions, to assist with funding this year’s event.

City Mayor Ian Carpenter said: “Waitangi Day celebrations at the Foreshore is one of many community events and services which the City has helped fund this year, aiming to showcase the cultural diversity and enrich the lives of residents in the Greater Geraldton Community.”

For more information please contact Bronwyn Barnett 0400 420 453 or Cleo Kereone 0438 351 463 from the Geraldton Maori Community.

February 13, 2015

Senate Inquiry to put regional capitals under microscope

February 13, 2015/ Press Release

As one of Australia’s regional capitals, the City of Greater Geraldton will be put under the microscope after the Senate yesterday announced an Inquiry into the growth and economic potential of regional capitals.

Regional Capitals Australia (RCA), an alliance of 26 regional cities across Australia, welcomed the Inquiry, which will be conducted by the Senate’s Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor and RCA Board member, Ian Carpenter, said the Inquiry would make sure the value and contribution of cities like Geraldton is fully understood by politicians and policy makers alike.

“Our regional capitals are growing and growing fast, population growth in our capitals is outpacing the national average, and in just 10 years there will be an additional one million people living in regional capitals across the nation,” said Cr Carpenter.

“This Inquiry marks an unprecedented level of endorsement in our capitals by the Federal Government, and is a promising milestone to building regional capitals that are a key part of the next generation of wealth and opportunity in Australia.

“This investigation aims to further uncover the need for the Federal Government to recognise the potential – as well as current barriers to productivity – of regional capitals.”

Today regional capitals cover 50 Local Government Areas and are home to almost four million people.

The growth is also impacting regional economies, with regional capitals jointly generating $210 billion a year or more than 15 per cent of Australia’s economic activity every year.

With a labour force of approximately two million people, this number is set to grow by almost 500,000 in the next 15 years.

RCA defines a regional capital as a regional city located outside a state metropolitan urban growth boundary, which provides a ‘capital city’ function for its local residents, surrounding towns and rural areas.

Despite their contribution to Australia, regional capitals are affected by various social and economic disadvantages, such as lower income, employment and education levels.

The Senate Inquiry will look at the future role and contribution of regional capitals, including demographic trends, benefits of additional funding to regional capitals, and investment challenges and opportunities to maintain or grow regional capitals in relation to infrastructure, community and human services, communications and natural resources.

“RCA believes that with a fairer share of the nation’s resources and a more ambitious commitment to regional growth at all levels of Government, regional capitals can contribute to a more productive Australia,” said Cr Carpenter.

February 13, 2015

Tenancy tip – avoid rental scams

February 13, 2015/ Press Release

When looking for a rental property there are often time pressures that mean you need to find a new home quickly. It can be quite competitive if it’s a really nice option for the price, which adds to the sense of urgency.

Scammers are all too aware of these factors at play and target tenants through online classified advertisements featuring properties that don’t exist or are owned by someone else.

Consumer Protection has heard from real estate agents who have had prospective tenants turn up to home open viewings because of scammers stealing the photos and advertising the property as a rental, when in reality it is for sale.

In 2014, around 30 accommodation scam victims contacted WA ScamNet and between them the total monetary loss was almost $43,000 – an average loss per victim of nearly $1,500.

For more information about rental property scams, including what to watch out for and how to report a rental scam, visit our Tenancy Tips page on WA ScamNet.

You can read more about renting a property on the Department of Commerce tenancy information pages.

If you have lost money in a rental scam, call 1300 30 40 54 and ask for WA ScamNet to discuss your case.

February 13, 2015

Brown welcomes tougher rules on foreign investment in agricultural land

February 13, 2015/ Press Release

Nationals WA Member for the Agricultural Region, Paul Brown MLC, has welcomed the Federal Government announcement it will reduce screening thresholds on foreign investment in agricultural land.

The announcement made by the Prime Minister promises better scrutiny and reporting of foreign investment purchases of agricultural land and will include the following:

The Government will reduce the screening threshold from $252 million to $15 million from 1 March 2015.
The new $15 million screening threshold will apply to the cumulative value of agricultural land owned by the foreign investor, including the purposed purchase.
The Government will also establish a foreign ownership register of agricultural land to strengthen reporting requirements and provide a clear picture of foreign investment in Australia‟s agricultural sector.
From July 1, 2015 the Australian Tax Office (ATO) will start collecting information on all new foreign investment in agricultural land regardless of value.

“Australian agriculture has been built on foreign investment and it will continue to be a necessary and welcome part of ensuring a viable agricultural sector in Australia,” Mr Brown said.

“It‟s finding the right balance that‟s important. As a state we need to be encouraging investment partnerships between foreign investors and Australian landowners, so that our agricultural sector will be able to value add to their own land investments without necessarily having to sell off the family farm.”

The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates that at June 30, 2013 a total of 49.6 million hectares of Australian agricultural land was owned by businesses with a level of foreign ownership.

At the same time in WA, 90-95 per cent of agricultural land was still owned by wholly Australian-owned businesses.

Mr Brown said The Nationals WA had continued to encourage foreign investment partnerships as part of its $300 million Seizing the Opportunity, Vision for Agriculture policy.

“As part of that policy we have funded $20 million for the implementation of the WA Open for Business Initiative to help attract foreign investment into WA,” He said.

“Along with that we have also funded $7 million to develop „Brand WA‟ to sell WA agriculture to the world.”

February 13, 2015

What are you getting your loved one for Valentines Day?

February 13, 2015/ Jason Smith

Valentines Day, the 14th of February, is the day we celebrate our feelings of affection towards our loved ones through romantic gestures and gifts. Whether it’s your husband, wife, girlfriend, boyfriend or even your best friend, At The Flower Pot and Flash Flowers have something for you.

No matter what budget you’re on, or if you're stuck on ideas, At The Flower Pot and Flash Flowers have gifts from hampers, chocolates, and roses all the way up to candles, balloons and teddy bears.

We spoke with Jenny from At The Flower Pot who has a variety of different coloured roses to choose from, including red, pink, purple, yellow, orange and even rainbow roses, all of which can be purchased individually, in dozens, half dozens or even in bunches of 300-500! If you’re on a budget, Jenny has a wide range of mixed bunches of flowers including orchards, tulips, daisies and much more which are then delicately wrapped into a bunch, decorated and are ready to go.

If your special someone has a sweet tooth, Kathy from Flash Flowers stocks a wide range of gourmet Fremantle Chocolates in a variety of flavours. Flash Flowers also customise orders and do hampers that include roses, a bottle of champaign, a teddy bear, chocolates and a card; the perfect way to show someone how much you appreciate them.

If you’re after something long lasting, then pop into either florist and view their wide range of plush teddy bears ranging from small sizes all the way up to life-size teddy bears. Both florists do deliveries.

At The Flower Pot is open Monday – Friday from 8:00am – 5:00pm and open Saturdays from 8:00am – 3:00pm

Kiosk 4 – Centro Stirlings Centre

Phone (08) 9964 2211

Flash Flowers is open Monday – Friday from 8:30am – 5:30pm and open Saturdays from 8:30am – 1:00pm

85 Marine Terrace

Phone (08) 9964 5556

February 13, 2015

Call for Community Summit participants

February 13, 2015/ Promoted Content

In a bid to engage the community in the discussion regarding the City of Greater Geraldton’s range of services, local residents are invited to participate in the upcoming Community Summit.

The two-part Community Summit will engage locals in considering the City’s range of services with the aim of developing a prioritised list within the constraints of the City’s current financial situation.

The City’s financial status has been impacted by several factors and CEO Ken Diehm says it is critical to have the community’s input into the tough decisions facing the City.

“The purpose of the Summit will be to prioritise the non-mandatory services the City delivers within the context of budget constraints,” he said.

“This prioritised list will be a critical piece of information to assist Council in their ultimate decision making about the services that will continue to be delivered and those that won’t.”

The Community Summit comes not long after community consultations that took place in 2014.

“Last year we held community panels which helped us to prioritise capital works and review the City’s range and level of services,” Mr Diehm explained.

“This feedback has been invaluable in the City’s decision making processes.

“Consultation and feedback is an on-going process, a two way conversation, and because there have been some significant changes in the last 12 months we need to reopen that conversation.”

Mr Diehm said the City needed to make some difficult decisions about what services it can continue to offer whilst still being able to maintain assets and pay bills when they fall due.

“The City’s financial situation has been impacted by a huge reduction in State and Federal Government funding, escalating utility costs and a growing backlog of infrastructure renewals,” he said.

“These factors and the need to keep rate increases low, means Council may cut services.”

The Summit will include approximately 40 randomly selected community members, around 20 people who participated in the previous community panel, around 40 self-selected participants and 20 invited stakeholders and partners of the City.

The two-part Summit is scheduled to take place at the QEII Centre on Wednesday March 4 from 5.15pm to 8.30pm and Saturday March 14 from 9.15am to 4pm.

Anyone interested in and available to attend both parts of the Community Summit can contact the City of Greater Geraldton’s Coordinator of Community Engagement, Janell Kopplhuber at janellk@cgg.wa.gov.au or phone 9965 6779.

February 13, 2015

Large Cannabis Seizure in Glenfield

February 13, 2015/ Jason Smith

Police have charged a 62 year old man after discovering a number of hydroponically grown cannabis plants at an address in Glenfield.

Geraldton Detectives say the carried out a search warrant on Thursday, Feb 12 2015 at the Glenfield premises where they found seven mature hydroponically grown cannabis plants.

They also discovered a substantial amount of dried cannabis and a variety of ammunition.

A Sunset Beach resident was charged with the following offences:

Cultivate a prohibited plant with intent to sell / supply Possess a prohibited drug with intent to sell / supply; Possess a prohibited drug

The man was released to summons and will appear in the Geraldton Magistrates Court at a future date.

February 12, 2015

Huge asset for the region; Geraldton Universities Centre now over 200 students

February 12, 2015/ Jason Smith

One of the most disappointing things we witness each year in Geraldton is the talent drain that occurs as many of our best and brightest make their way to the big smoke to attend university. Some return, some don't.

As an employer, it can be challenging at times to find staff who love living in the region and posses the necessary qualifications to carry out the job at hand.

And as parents we want our children to have as many opportunities as possible, as well as the fantastic family friendly lifestyle living in Geraldton affords us. Often in the past we have had to pick one at the expense of the other.

But that is starting to change, thanks in no small part to the growth the Geraldton Universities Centre (GUC) has experienced since its launch in 2002.

Back then a humble 20 places were available, but this year GUC will crack the 200 student mark for the first time.

Natalie Nelmes, who is the director at GUC, tells us that the number this year is around 214, up from approx 180 in 2014.

We asked Natalie about the make-up of the students, whether they're people who would have left for Perth, or people would have stayed in Geraldton anyway but just had less options at their disposal.

We were told that it's a strong mix of both.

She said a large portion are school leavers; around a quarter. In the past these students would have had to relocate to Perth, or study externally.

About 20% are students who went to Perth for uni, not liked it, and returned to Geraldton. Without GUC operating, their uni life would have been over, and they would have had to choose other options.

Some have come through TAFE pathways (Durack), and there's also a number of mature age folks, who are quite committed to region. They now have more options when it comes to learning and training.

There are eight courses on offer at GUC at this point in time, and the offerings have been steadily growing. As the courses roll out over the coming years to include second, third and fourth year students in new courses, numbers are expected to continue to grow. New courses get added as industry and student demand becomes apparent. GUC is also looking at the possibility of post graduate courses in the future.

Most Significant about the growth - The Campus Experience

While the growth at GUC is impressive in itself, Natalie Nelmes says the most significant thing about having this many students is that an entire campus experience is starting to blossom, which is very important for students.

Ms Nelmes says: "The students are part of something bigger, part of a real university experience. We now have a student association."

The "social life" aspect of attending university is a big part of the appeal. The University of NSW says that students that have a good social life and a solid on-campus network often find academic work easier to accomplish.

Courses on offer include the Steps Bridging program (alternative Uni entrance course), Education (Early Childhood and Primary Teaching), Nursing, Accounting, Business, Communications, Phycological Science, Social work (first time this year), Engineering (2 year associates degree).

For more info click here.

February 11, 2015

Video: Vehicle's windows smashed at Wintersun Hotel

February 11, 2015/ Jason Smith

We have been informed of multiple cars being broken into today at the carpark of the Wintersun Hotel.

The incidents apparently occurred between 10am and 2pm today (Wednesday 11 Feb, 2015).

One of the victims had only just bought her vehicle.

The public is being asked if they know who may have been involved or can identify the person in the video to please contact Geraldton Police on 9923 4555.

February 11, 2015

Midwest Hyundai 3 and a half day sale

February 11, 2015/ Promoted Content

Open Tonight till 9pm

February 11, 2015

Can you help? Police want to speak to this person

February 11, 2015/ Jason Smith

Geraldton Police would like to speak with this person.

They are asking the public if they know the identity of this female, and are hoping she can help with a stealing complaint on Jan 28 2015 in the Geraldton CBD.

February 11, 2015

Gearing Butchers robbed

February 11, 2015/ Jason Smith

Everything Geraldton has been informed that Gearing Butchers were broken into last night.

The owners of the store inform us that a large quantity of meat was taken during the robbery.

They are asking the community that if anyone knows anything about the incident, or knows of anybody selling cheap meat, please contact Geraldton Police on 9923 4555.

February 11, 2015

Here's Melissa Price's statement on why she walked out of parliament during Bill Shorten's Close the Gap speech

February 11, 2015/ Jason Smith

The Twitterverse was up in arms today after a group of coalition MP's including Durack MP Melissa Price walked out of the chamber during Mr Shorten's "Closing the Gap" statement.

Everything Geraldton contacted Melissa Price's office regarding her reasoning for walking out.

“Mr Shorten should not have politicised this issue. I thought it was disrespectful to Indigenous people and represented cheap point scoring. We all know that many previous governments have failed to improve the lives of Indigenous people. We need to work together to close the gap.” - Melissa Price.

Labor leader Bill Shorten had called on the government to reverse $500 million in budget cuts.

Click here to read the Sydney Morning Herald's account of today's events.

February 10, 2015

Call for Community Summit participants

February 10, 2015/ Press Release

The City of Greater Geraldton will present a Community Summit in a bid to engage the community in the discussion regarding the City’s range of services.