Mullewa Youth Centre welcomes former AFL player

Josh Simpson has come a long way from playing football barefoot in the park.

Having represented the Fremantle Dockers on the big stage, the 21-year-old has made his way to Mullewa and is motivating children at the Mullewa Youth Centre.

“My goal here in Mullewa is to inspire the kids and give them a sense of direction,” Josh said.

“Most of all I want to give them hope.”

The Mullewa Youth Centre, which is owned and managed by the City of Greater Geraldton with funding support from the Department of Child Protection, is visited by up to 50 local children a week from the ages of eight to 18.

The Centre hosts a number of youth engagement activities and is open to Mullewa Youth throughout the week as a safe place to enjoy technology, games and different sports.

Jesse Steele was appointed as Co-ordinator on the Youth Centre in late 2014 and has been implementing some positive changes to the Centre and is hoping for some more big additions in the near future.

“I really want to put some energy into the Centre and we’ve started with some renovations to the building,” he said.

“Ultimately we are here to try and provide the kids with some structure and mentoring.

“Sport is such a big focus here in Mullewa so Josh is a great role model for the kids here at the Centre.”

Josh grew up in Yalgoo and didn’t play his first real game of Australian Rules football until he was 13. He went on to represent Western Australia and South Australia before being drafted to the Dockers and played two games with the side last season.

He has now moved to Mullewa with his wife and two children, and is the head coach of the Mullewa League side in the Great Northern Football League.

Josh will spend the next year in Mullewa and hopes to get picked up by another AFL Club in the future.

This video explains why we have such amazing biodiversity in our region

It's a widely repeated fact that the flora (and fauna) biodiversity in the Mid West region of WA is among the greatest in the world. 

But anyone who has moved here from a more lush part of the world and tried to grow some veges in their back yard might be scratching their heads at such claims; It's quite clear the soils here aren't usually fit for the task. 

So how does one reconcile these seemingly contradicting assertions? ... our poor soil quality and our rich biodiversity. 

This video produced by MinuteEarth with support from UWA shows why this is the case. It's the very FACT that our soils are poor that has allowed such biodiversity to occur. 

Mid West Cat Shelter Cat of the Week

Our Cat of the Week is available for $100 to the right home. Meet Sweetie!

Sweetie really is a sweetie! She’s very shy but once she learns she can trust you, she’s a very sweet girl.

All of our cats have received their first vaccination, are micro-chipped, health checked and sterilised before going to their new homes. Kittens under the age of 5 months are provided with a sterilisation voucher. The adoption fee for all our adult cats is $150 and for all kittens $200 to help towards these costs and to allows us to continue our work towards the welfare of cats in our community.

Some of the other available cats are Cherri, Sooty, Edwina, Ivory & Lyra.

Please contact our coordinator on 0487 193 244 to organise meeting this gorgeous forever-friend today!

Caution urged over sea container investment schemes

Investing in a sea container may not be a water-tight investment with claims of scammers offering these lease arrangements.

WA ScamNet has never received any reports of monetary loss to sea container investment schemes but blog threads suggest there are people who have lost money and what has been a genuine line of business now appears to be a target for scammers.

A number of overseas-based ‘buy a shipment container’ websites are named online as ‘Ponzi schemes’ – a form of fraud involving a non-existent business or company that continues because initial investors are given dividends using the start-up money paid by those who join the bogus scheme later on.

One example of an alleged sea container leasing ‘Ponzi scheme’ is Pacific Tycoon, which was the subject of an investor warning by financial market regulators in Canada. Pacific Tycoon is missing from the list of members of the United States’ Institute of International Container Lessors.

Be aware that if an investment scheme turns out to be a web-based fraud by overseas criminals, authorities in Australia may not have the resources or appropriate international powers and law enforcement connections to find those responsible or trace your money.  Why not explore opportunities with Australian based companies?

Let’s say there really is a sea container. There would be no guarantee it will be rented out or that you will ever get money back from the company that you leased it from and if it is all based off shore your chances of enforcing your rights are diminished.

WA ScamNet at Consumer Protection is examining the shipping container investment opportunities currently available in the marketplace and liaising with ASIC and the ACCC. 

Visit WA ScamNet for more information about this alert, as well as how the scheme works and what to be aware of.

Potential investors are advised to exercise caution while investigations are ongoing.

Class room trashed; Bluff Point Primary broken into over weekend

Bluff Point Primary School was broken into twice over the weekend, between 9-9.30pm on both Friday & Saturday nights.

On Friday offenders have gained entry to the pre-primary/year one classroom, causing damage to the room & contents, as well as destroying students artwork once inside. Nothing has been reported stolen.

On Saturday night offenders gained entry to admin by kicking a window in. Nothing has been reported stolen.

If anyone has information in relation to these incidents, please contact Crimestoppers 1800 333 000 or Geraldton Police Station 9923 4555.

The school made a post on their Facebook page with images from the incidents saying the young students would be distraught, and apologising to parents for the disruption. 

Arrest made following Gearing Butcher burlgary

On Feb 11 2015 we reported that Gearing Butchers was robbed. (Link)

The owners had stated a large amount of meat had been taken. 

Police had been conducting inquiries into the matter, and on Friday (20/2/15) officers from the local policing team (LPT) attended a home in Sullivan Court, Spalding where they executed a search warrant.

Police say that during the search they recovered a large amount of of the stolen meat from the freezer. 

The 40 year old male from Spalding was arrested and charged with burglary and stealing. He will face Geraldton Magistrates Court on 26 March 2015.

Further inquiries are ongoing by Police. 

$1000 reward offered for return of stolen medals

Frank Miragliotta is pleading with whoever knows about some stolen medals and a pocket watch to help him get them back. 

He posted on Everything Geraldton: "...please return my Grandfather's service medals and pocket watch! You cannot sell them as his name is written all over them. They have no value to you but mean the world to us."

He also posted "$1000 Cash no questions asked for the return or information on the whereaboutsor who has possession of my Grandfather's service medals."

We haven't got a phone number yet for Frank, but you can reach his Facebook profile by clicking here. 

Man on the run after bus rollover on Brand Hwy according to witnesses

We have just received reports from a person travelling on the Brand Hwy who says they have come across a bus that has rolled, 190km south of Geraldton.

The man, named Shaun, spoke with us about what he saw. 

He says he was informed by authorities at the scene that bus had been stolen by a prison escapee. There was no-one else in the bus apparently when it rolled. (Update- Police have stated the man left a rehab centre in Northam)

The person who was driving the bus seems to have fled on foot. 

"It's the scariest thing I've ever come across on this road," Shaun tells us. He says based on the state of the bus he expected there to be multiple fatalities. 

Ambulance and fire services were at the scene. 

Witnesses described the person who fled as a caucasian male, but we are waiting Police confirmation of the suspect. 

If you come across a hitchhiker in the area please contact Police. 

Shaun tells us he came across the bus around 8:15pm this evening. 

We will update this story as more information becomes available. 

- Update 9:26pm; We've spoken with Police several times and they have been unable to confirm or deny any particulars of what witnesses have told Everything Geraldton, other than to say a crash has occurred. 

- Update 7:53 am - Police say the man is from a rehab centre in Northam. He stole the bus before crashing it and fleeing the scene. 

Police asking for help regarding sexual assault in Jurien

Geraldton Detectives are seeking the public’s assistance with information to assist with their investigation into an incident in Jurien Bay on Saturday, 13 December 2014.

A 36 year old woman was with friends at a hotel located on White Street in Jurien Bay. During the evening the woman spoke to a group of three men at the bar.

At one point during the evening the woman went to the bar to order a drink and one of the group of men made suggestive comments to her. The woman rejected his advances and went back to her friends.

A short time later, the woman was in the female toilets when the same man entered the toilets, locking the door before sexually assaulting her.

The offender is described as being 28 to 29 years of age, with an olive complexion, approximately 178cms tall, with a slim build.

He was wearing a white t-shirt with a picture on the front and dark coloured pants. He spoke with an Australian accent.

Police would like to speak with anyone who was in the hotel on the evening who may have seen the man or can assist in identifying him.

Anyone with any information regarding this incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

10th Nukara Music Festival is coming up very quickly on Saturday 21st March

Time sure does fly with nine amazing Nukara Music Festivals enjoyed at the beautiful Nukara Farm with memorable experiences of fun, laughter and great Roots music from here and overseas. The celebratory 10th Nukara Music Festival is coming up very quickly on Saturday 21st March!

A selection of some of the many previous acts that have come from far and wide are returning to play this milestone event, which started on a farm trailer by the creek on Nukara Farm with a couple of hundred, and now a two stage venue amongst the ancient River Red Gums in the Chapman Valley. Attendee numbers are kept to a limited amount to keep the easy going boutique style of the Nukara Music Festival, which is why tickets sell out usually!

This year’s acts include from Houston Texas Eugene ‘Hideaway’ Bridges, Blue Shaddy, The Go Set (Vic), Morgan Bain & The Swoop, Gina Williams & Guy Ghouse, Boom! Bap! Pow! Dave Mann Collective, Beck Tuesley, The Inks and more tbc.

Tickets are selling like Hotcakes for this milestone event, so get yours now to avoid disappoint (and hearing how good it was from your friends)!

Ticketing details (16 yrs old plus event)
Early Bird: $100 only until Sat 21st Feb! 
Full price: $125 after 21st Feb
Available from: Geraldton CD Centre 88 Marine Tce Ph: (08) 99214821 (Credit Card purchases over the phone, Tix can be picked up in store or at Gate on day)
Online: http://events.ticketbooth.com.au/event/3899239

 More information at https://www.facebook.com/events/724961954205024/ or www.nukarafarm.com.au 

Morgan Bain

Contamination at Ellendale Pool and Greenough River Mouth

The City of Greater Geraldton has issued a warning for residents to stay out of the river water at Ellendale Pool and the mouth of Greenough River, due to the possible contamination of the water from recent rains.

Water samples have been taken from Ellendale Pool and the Greenough River Mouth which has indicated potential large amounts of faecal contamination, including Enterococci and Amoeba.

After heavy rainfall (>10mm) rain collects pollutants from our streets, gardens and farms which flushes into our ocean and rivers via the storm water systems. This can increase bacterial levels in the water and make the water unsafe for swimming, especially if you put your head under or swallow the water.

Other health risks of swimming in these natural waters can include infection by protozoa such as amoeba. This type of infection can lead to illnesses such as amoebic meningitis, a life-threatening disease.

These organisms generally occur in warm water, permanent health warning signs exist at sites along the Chapman and Greenough River’s warning of this risk.

X Factor auditions on their way to Geraldton

Do you have what it takes to be Australia’s next music sensation? Well this might be your chance.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, is encouraging all locals who think they might have what it takes to be Australia’s next X Factor, to audition next week.

For the first time ever, the hit TV show will host auditions in Geraldton.

Mayor Carpenter is urging locals to perfect their dance moves, dust off their instruments and fine tune their vocals.

“This is such a fantastic opportunity for the Mid West region and anyone with a musical flair should audition,” he said.

“Geraldton is full of local talent and we see this talent at many events around our City.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity so I would encourage people to not hold back and give it their all.”

Geraldton’s pool of talent is regularly seen on Marine Terrace at the City’s local Street Stage program. All emerging performers who have been part of this successful program are encouraged to audition.

Those auditioning will perform in front of The X Factor Producers and the selected best will be chosen to sing in front of celebrity judges at a later date.

Auditions will be held on Tuesday, February 24 at the Ocean Centre Hotel on the corner of Cathedral Avenue and Foreshore Drive, and registrations are from 1pm to 5pm.

You can also download an application form by heading to this link https://fmashows.com/the-x-factor/2015?p=attendinfo&

Cross Fit Geraldton Open Day

This is probably the best thing you'll listen to all day

This is probably the best thing you'll listen to all day.
triple j features Geraldton in a rap that we think you'll enjoy.

Tough home invasion and burglary laws a top priority for first up debate

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney said today the Liberal National Government has re-affirmed its commitment to law and order by listing its tough home invasion and burglary laws as the first item for debate this Parliamentary year.  

In delivering this election commitment, the toughest penalties in Australia would be imposed for serious home invasion offenders.  Mandatory sentencing laws for serial home burglars would also be tightened. 

Mr Blayney said the laws will protect the victims - the people who have had their homes broken into and been terrorised and attacked during a home invasion.  

The legislation mandated minimum jail terms of 75 per cent of the maximum sentence for an adult offender who committed serious physical or sexual assault during a home burglary. This means:  

• an offender who breaks into a house and rapes someone will face a minimum of 15 years jail;
• an offender who breaks into a house and seriously physically assaults someone will face a minimum of seven years, six months jail;
• an offender who breaks into a house and indecently assaults someone in aggravated circumstances will face a minimum of five years, three months jail. 

The three strike rules would also be tightened to stop offenders being able to have all their offences bundled together as one strike.  

Mr Blayney said under the new laws, if an offender has committed three burglaries, on three days that is three strikes and they will go to jail.

Mr Blayney said the Liberal National Government was dedicated to making communities safer through tough laws and by providing police with the resources they needed to combat crime and anti-social behaviour.

Cycle instead this Geraldton Bikeweek

Young Bikeweek participants enjoying an event at last year’s celebrations

Residents of Geraldton and Mullewa are invited to don their helmets, grease those chains and get pedalling as the City hosts a number of events for Bikeweek 2015, from Saturday March 14 to Sunday March 22.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Ian Carpenter said: “Bikeweek in Geraldton and Mullewa has always been popular as there are activities for all age groups and levels of experience. I encourage everybody to get involved, families, seniors, community groups and of course, seasoned cyclists.” 

“Celebrating Bikeweek is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to promoting a healthy and active lifestyle and also highlights Geraldton’s network of cycling paths which provide people with a safe and convenient way to ride to work, to school or just to socialise,” he added. 

Kicking off the week of events starting on March 18 is a free Why not Wednesday Commuter Breakfast, encouraging Geraldton residents to walk, ride their bike, scoot, skate, carpool or catch the bus to work or school. Held at the City of Greater Geraldton’s Function Room, participants are required to arrive on their bikes between 6.30am and 9am to be eligible. There will be prizes for the youngest rider, most kilometres and best helmet.

Gero Cycle Chic participants can dress up their bikes with lights for a fun night ride along the Geraldton Foreshore on Thursday March 19before heading back to Pollinators on Marine Terrace for a Sundowner and giveaways. Meet at Pollinators at 6.45pm for a 7pm start.

There will be a Bike Swap Meet on Saturday March 21 from 10am-1pm held at Parking Station No.2, Chapman Road for those on the hunt for parts for their bike and a perfect opportunity for sellers to find a new home for bike parts stashed in the shed they no longer need. There is plenty of room for stalls, so to book a spot visit the City’s website.

The Mullewa community can also enjoy two days of events in the great outdoors starting on Friday March 20 with an Outdoor Movie Night at the Mullewa Youth Centre from 6.30pm.

Bike Workshop and Time Trials will be held at Stock Street (east of the Pool, north of the Basketball Court) where there will be mechanic workshops and engraving, along with a BMX track and time trials. Activity books and Road Safety information will be available, along with a demonstration from the Fire Brigade and much more. This event will run from 10am-1pm concluding with a free BBQ lunch at the pool.

Registration for Bikeweek events is essential, links can be found on each event listing on the City’s website.

For more information contact the City of Greater Geraldton Active Travel Officer on 9956 6600 or email activetravel@cgg.wa.gov.au

Nature lovers invited to take part in coastal biodiversity project

Community members are invited to document the plants and animals of the beach and dunes by drawing, photographing just making note of what they see.

Local artist Angela Rossen invites nature lovers to join in a coastal biodiversity survey which will generate research and help to create a stunning art exhibition.

The City of Greater Geraldton in conjunction with the Northern Agricultural Catchment Council (NACC), are hosting the coastal biodiversity event on Sunday, March 15 from 9am at Separation Point.

Community members are invited to take part in documenting the plants and animals of the beach and dunes by drawing, photographing or just making a note of what they see.

The Geraldton Regional Herbarium Group, The Friends of Bluff Point and Midwest Birdlife Geraldton will be on hand to assist with identifications along with Environmental Officers from NACC, the City and Department of Parks and Wildlife.

Funded by a Community Arts Network grant from the Department of Culture and the Arts, the event will culminate with a naturalist exhibition showcasing drawings, paintings and photographs by those who took part.

The WA Museum Geraldton will host the Geraldton Community Coastal Biodiversity Exhibition in May.

Participants are invited to submit drawings and photographs of coastal flora and fauna for inclusion in the exhibition. Registration and entry forms will be available at the Separation Point event.

Local artist Angela Rossen.

As part of the event, adult painting workshops will take place in the evening the following week at The WA Museum Geraldton.

Places are limited so come early on March 15 to register your interest. Angela will demonstrate painting the plants of the coast and the animals of the beach and no experience is necessary.

This project is delivered by Angela Rossen in partnership with NACC, City of Greater Geraldton and The WA Museum Geraldton.

The community beach event will take place on March 15 from 9am to 12pm at Separation Point, followed by a delicious lunch on the beach.

RSVP to Felicity Beswick on 99380108 or email Felicity.Beswick@nacc.com.au

SHOW OUTGROWS CURRENT SITE - NOW TO BE HELD AT EXCITING NEW VENUE!

The Club Marine Geraldton Boat, Caravan and Camping Show is shaping up to be so successful in 2015 that already it’s outgrown the new location, meaning a change of venue is being announced!

Show organiser Jane Clarke said the Show was to be held at the Geraldton Camp School; however four months out from the Show she needed to re-think and find a bigger venue.

“It’s a good problem to have – needing more space for the Show!” Jane said.

“We have looked at different venues in Geraldton and have decided on one that is in an ideal location, and offers plenty of room for growth in coming years.”

“I am pleased to announce that the 2015 Show will be held at GBSC Sports Park on corner of Green Street and North West Coastal Highway,” Jane said.

This new venue offers much more space for exhibitors and, more importantly, means there can be extended areas for entertainment such as the popular 4x4 stunt track and motorcycle stunt area.

Jane said she knows this new venue will prove successful, and she is pleased to have the full support of the GBSC Sports Park.

The Club Marine Geraldton Boat, Caravan and Camping Show is the biggest event of its kind in the region. It brings together displays of new products and services in boating, fishing, 4wds, camping, accessories, electronics and lifestyle products with a huge line-up of entertainment and attractions for the whole family.

The Club Marine Geraldton Boat, Caravan and Camping Show attracts more than 5,000 people each year; and has loyal exhibitors from the local area as well as from Perth and the south-west.

The 2015 Show not only celebrates a move to a new venue, but is also recognises the Show’s 10th year!

With motorbike and 4WD stunts, cooking demonstrations, the Engel Aquatank fishing show, Yamaha Kid’s Casting Competition, quad bike rides and prizes to be won, it’s an event for the whole family!

The prospectus is available now for exhibitors. For more information, contact Jane Clarke, Sunset Promotions on 0403 226 303 or sunsetpromotions@bigpond.com.

More Show information is available at www.geraldtonboatshow.com.au.

A way forward for Gascoyne and the Mid-West

Regional issues and opportunities for the Gascoyne and Mid-West regions have been examined in two reports released today. 

Planning Minister John Day said the Regional Planning and Infrastructure Frameworks for the Gascoyne and the Mid-West aimed to bring a co-ordinated, whole-of-government approach to planning decisions in the regions for the first time. 

The frameworks are the latest in a series designed to guide future development in regional Western Australia, building on each region’s particular characteristics and opportunities. Each framework examines issues including the economy, employment, transport and infrastructure, natural resources and cultural heritage. 

Mr Day said informed planning decisions would contribute to sustained regional development and growth in both regions. 

“The Mid-West comprises 17 local governments and the subregions of the Batavia Coast, the North Midlands and Murchison regions,” he said. 

“For this region to capitalise on its natural resources and build on its diverse economy, regional planning decisions need to be co-ordinated.” 

The Gascoyne is one of the State’s most diverse and spectacular regions, and included two world heritage places, Shark Bay and Ningaloo. 

“This area is an important food production source through its thriving horticultural industry, its significant fishing and pastoral industries and has substantial potential for additional tourism,” the Minister said.           

“Positioned between the thriving North-West and the Perth metropolitan area, the Gascoyne has a comparative advantage in developing its economic potential.”

Male Damages Police Vehicle

At 8:00pm on Tuesday 17 February 2015 police were called to an address on Chapman Valley Road, Waggrakine.

Police attended the address and had cause to arrest a male. The male was escorted by police to the secure police vehicle at which point it will be alleged, he became violent and resistant.

It will be alleged, the male began yelling and punching his head as well as the side of the police vehicle. The male refused to stop his behaviour and escalated becoming increasingly violent, obstructing police in the course of their duty.

The male was eventually secured in the pod, where it will also be alleged, he continued his violent and aggressive behaviour, kicking against the pod door. He pulled on the perspex lining of the inner side right door until he managed to rip it in half, causing permanent damage and rendering the police vehicle unserviceable.

The 27 year old male from Waggrakine was conveyed to Geraldton Police Station and charged with obstruct public officer, criminal damage, 2 x breach of bail and 2 x breach violence restraining order. He will face Geraldton Magistrates Court this morning, 18 February 2015.