High speed chase with 4x4 results in arrest with locals' help

​A 27 year old man from Spalding has been arrested following a pursuit by Police on Tuesday. 

Police say on Tuesday morning around 10:50am (7/4/15) a Mitsubishi Pajero was heading south along Chapman Rd in Sunset Beach. 

Police tried to get the driver to stop the vehicle. The driver instead accelerated away from Police heading through Spalding and Strathalbyn. During the pursuit he took out a fence and went through bushland. 

Police say they abandoned the pursuit, but a short time later located the vehicle abandoned on Mahogany Cove and Candlebark Drive in Strathalbyn. Police then searched for the driver on foot. 

With the assistance of local residents police say they found the driver trying to hide in the rear yard of a home. 

The 27 year old male from Spalding was arrested and he will appear at the Geraldton Magistrate Court on 23 April 2015 on the following charges;

1 x Reckless Driving

1 x Fail to Stop to Evade Police

1 x No Authority to Drive 

Where vehicle was located.  

One year on and still no action on crime

At the last state election the Liberal party promised they would get tough on crime, in particular with home invasions. (link)

Citizens were promised legislation that would reflect the community's actual expectations regarding consequences for those who commit burglaries. 

In March of last year Police Minister Liza Harvey issued a press release that celebrated the supposed success of the Liberal party and its new legislation. The headline was "State Govt delivers toughest home invasion laws". (Link)

But one year later the legislation is still in parliament. It's still not delivered in the sense of it being law. 

One of the changes promised was that the three strikes counting rule would be changed, so that multiple burglaries committed over one period were not counted as one strike. (Never mind that most people still think it's absurd that someone can break into two family's homes, traumatise them, and have have no jail term.) The media statement from the minister pointed out that only 49% of aggravated burglaries and home burglaries in 2012 resulted in a jail term. ONL 49%!

But at least the promise went some way toward making sure there was a consequence for some of the repeat burglars. 

In the 12 months since, burglaries have continued to skyrocket in Geraldton. Click here for data.  Nearly every Geraldton suburb has seen a significant rise in burglaries during 2014.

Each one of these burglaries is not just a number. Each one is a family that no longer feels safe in their own home, or a child that struggles to sleep alone, or a valuable asset to our city with one less reason to believe it's a great place to live. 

Whatever other tactics the courts or authorities have been trying have evidentially not been working.  

We rang Minister Harvey's office last week to try and understand why the legislation still has not been passed. They got back to us today and promised that the even though it's taken a long time and the legislation is currently in the upper house, it WOULD eventually pass. 

Geraldton residents regularly contact us asking why there aren't extra Police in town or tougher laws to deter all the burglaries. 

Instead we get tax payer funded full page newspaper adverts telling us we need to take more care, and CCTV in the middle of town, nowhere near our homes. 

That's not to say people aren't grateful for those things. They're very grateful.  

But if the magistrates won't reflect the will of the community in their sentencing, it's encumbered upon the democratically chosen public servants (politicians) to pass laws that don't give the magistrates a choice; as the people were promised. And each day this legislation waits in parliament is another day the community's will is not being done. 

#yfest2015 kicks off TOMORROW

Geraldton's first mini youth festival will be going ahead rail, hail or shine! Featuring local house DJ's Carfax and Phunky Phresh, MC 'The Apprentice' and hosted by local comedian, Rosie Sitorus.

Limited tickets available - get yours online here or come into the QPT box office between 1pm & 5pm to purchase. Tickets are only $10!

Y Fest is this Friday 10th of April from 7.00pm until 10.30pm down Post Office Lane in the graffiti carpark (behind Corner Surf) or Queens Park Theatre Foyer in the case of poor weather conditions! Stay tuned via Facebook or phone (08) 9956 6662 for more details.

This is a drug and alcohol free event.

High speed chase ends

Everything Geraldton just received this from a community member: 

 "We just had a high speed chase through Rangeway ... ending with this car being pulled over outside my house. There were 2 males in the car..."

Update: Vehicle is reportedly a white Hilux ute. 

What solar energy can do for you and the environment

As many of you know, solar power energy has proven to be very cost effective for households and businesses and can reduce your electricity bills by a substantial amount; but did you know by how much? Not only does solar energy keep you and your wallet happy, but it also reduces your carbon footprint by reducing greenhouse gases.

There are two forms of solar power energy: one being Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) and the other being Solar Photovoltaic (PV). The one we’re going to focus on is Solar Photovoltaic, which captures the sun’s energy through fitted solar panels to generate electricity cleanly and quietly. You’ve probably seen these solar panels on the roofs of quite a few buildings and homes across town.

Scott Phillips from Sun City Solar has been installing and maintaining solar panels for Geraldton homes and businesses since 2006 and delivers a cleaner alternative to generating electricity through his quality products. Being in the business for over 9 years, Scott has seen the benefits first hand and encourages all households to consider switching to solar power. Once you read some of their many benefits, you’ll wish you had switched sooner.

Reduces your electricity bills:

Solar panels convert light energy directly from the sun into electrical energy (this does not include hot water systems). Getting your electricity free from the sun through solar panels can reduce your electricity bills by up to 60%, which works out to be around $1,200 per year for the average household. The suns natural resources are free to use, so why haven’t you switched yet?

Environmentally friendly:

Everybody knows that switching to solar energy is better for the environment because electricity is converted from a natural energy source. But did you know by how much?  Scott explains that solar energy helps reduce one’s carbon footprint by up to 1.1 tonnes of carbon dioxide per kW for each solar panel installed. Can you think of the difference this will make if we all switched?

It’s easier to get than you think:

Having a solar energy system installed for your home or building is easier than you once thought and the process doesn’t drag on for months, like some people think. Sun City Solar state that there’s only a 6-8 week approval process, which involves an assessment of your home, measuring the size of your roof and determining what area and angle is most efficient for maximum exposure to sunlight. Once approval has been processed, Sun City Solar can fit your solar panels in just one day and you can enjoy energy directly from the sun that day, too!

Minimal maintenance:

Once your solar panels have been fitted, you’re set for years to come and don’t have to worry about additional repair costs. Just sit back and enjoy energy free from the sun and save along the way. All panels fitted by Sun City Solar come with a 20-year warranty that covers all repairs and maintenance costs. So if you’re experiencing some system faults with your solar panels for whatever reason, they will be repaired for free, providing they’re still under their 20-year warranty.

So if you’re tossing up the idea of switching to solar, speak to Scott and the team at Sun City Solar who will go over everything that’s involved and will look after you for years to come. The average cost for a solar energy system is $5,000 including installation.

•  Sun City Solar are open Monday – Friday from 8:00am – 5:00pm and closed weekends.
• They’re located at 140 Flores Road, Geraldton.
• Phone (08) 9965 4089.

$85,000 given to local businesses through Royalties for Regions

Small to medium-sized businesses in Geraldton are the beneficiary of Royalties for Regions funding to increase competitiveness, productivity and engagement in major projects.

Funding disbursed under round 2 of the regional Industry Facilitation and Support Program (IFSP) will go to 36 businesses, totalling more than $680,000.

Member for the Agricultural Region Hon Paul Brown MLC said dollar-for-dollar IFSP grants up to $25,000 were provided to heighten business performance and competitiveness in local, national and global marketplaces.

“The expansion of this program to include regional businesses is a great way to help stimulate local economies and provide a platform for business operators to reach new growth objectives,” he said.

“Royalties for Regions is allowing these businesses and companies to engage in larger, more major markets, in some cases catalysing a push toward broader involvement in national and international supply chains.”

Businesses in Geraldton to successfully apply for round 2 IFSP grants include:

• GHS Solutions, Wonthella: $20,000
• Shine Aviation Services, Geraldton: $20,000
• JR & DL Peck, Geraldton: $25,000
• Geraldton Building Services & Cabinets, Webberton: $20,000

TOTAL: $85,000

In 2014 a total of 31 regional companies received $400,000 in IFSP funding, which helped create more than 20 new jobs, six apprenticeship positions and generated almost 20 contracts worth $208 million.

Eligibility for the latest round was expanded to include agribusiness and tourism sector businesses, as well as those who have previously received IFSP funding.

Mr Brown said the regional component of IFSP was funded by the Royalties for Regions Regional Buy Local Initiative.

“In the five years to 2016-17 the Regional Buy Local Initiative will have invested almost $10 million into facilitating regional business opportunities,” he said.

“Given the current downturn in some WA sectors this is an opportune time to ensure small businesses in regional WA continue to develop and Buy Local provisions are met state-
wide.”

More information on IFSP funding can be found at www.commerce.wa.gov.au.

Beautiful lightning video - ABC Open

This beautiful video of the recent Lightning ​Show in Geraldton was made by Chris Lewis for ABC Open Mid West. 

Utakarra resident considers legal action over stench→

Bonnie Christian reporting for the ABC:

"A resident in the Geraldton suburb of Utakarra considers legal action after an upgrade to a leaking sewer main near his home fails to stop a foul stench from blowing through the neighbourhood."

Click here to read more.  

Funding extension for alcohol and drug treatment in Wiluna

The Ngangganawili Aboriginal Corporation drug and alcohol treatment service in Wiluna has been given Federal Government funding for a further year for their Substance Misuse program.

Member for Durack, Melissa Price said Ngangganawili Aboriginal Corporation could continue to offer programmes to help individuals and families affected by substance abuse.

“The Government has allocated $87 million in 2015-16 for alcohol and drug treatment activities provided by non-government organisations,” Ms Price said.

“This means that Ngangganawili Aboriginal Corporation can employ an Alcohol and Other Drugs Counsellor to improve access to drug and alcohol treatment and rehabilitation services to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Wiluna and surrounding areas.”

Services will address education, intervention and residential rehabilitation. The Substance Misuse program will also establish and maintain networks with relevant government and non-government services and establish referral pathways based strictly on client need.

Ms Price said a review of the drug and alcohol treatment services sector, commissioned by the Department of Health, was under consideration by the Commonwealth, state and territory.

“The review was initiated in 2013 to examine the duplication and overlap between services and propose a better way forward,” Ms Price said.

“Extending funding for 12 months will provide clarity for Ngangganawili Aboriginal Corporation and others in the alcohol and other drug sector while these longer term plans are developed.”

Ms Price said the review’s findings required analysis and consultation between the Commonwealth, states and territories, all of which provided funding for alcohol and other drug treatment.

Commonwealth funding provides treatment and support to individuals including mothers, teenagers and older Australians, as well as families and communities affected by substance misuse.

Plugging the supply leaks: What's stopping businesses from buying local

Vickie Hablitz, Chair of RDA Midwest Gascoyne with  Alan Bradley, Executive Officer -  ‘Checking for Leaks in Geraldton’

Late last year Regional Development Australia Midwest and Gascoyne, Executive Officer Mr Alan Bradley and Board Members, commissioned the services of PRACSYS consultants to develop a Local Supplier Survey: Plugging the Leaks, to determine where supply ‘leaks’ occur in the region.

The report summarises the results of the survey and how some of these ‘leaks’ could be ‘plugged’ locally to keep Geraldton’s economy vibrant.

A number of Geraldton companies were asked a series of supplier related questions with many interviewed face-to-face by RDAMWG Regional Coordinator, Barbara Thompson. Some of the one-on-one interviews drew some quite candid responses.

The mission of this survey is to help connect local businesses, so they can all work together to see where they can help ‘plug the supply leaks’ from Geraldton, identify opportunities to supply each other to retain more wealth and social capital in the local economy, and become more resilient in a changing environment.

Ms Thompson said many local operators are so busy working in their business that they don’t have time to work ‘on’ their business.

“This was quite apparent,” she said.

“A lot of operators were unaware there is often a local alternative to their supply need but they are too time poor to explore that avenue.

“This report also offers some practical tips on how businesses could network better between each other and help keep local money in the community,” said Mr Bradley.

Regional Development Australia Midwest Gascoyne Chair, Ms Vickie Hablitz, said “Working together and using each other’s services is one of the most important things we can do in the community.”

A copy of the report can be downloaded from the RDAMWG website at www.rdamwg.com.au

ANZAC Day for the Troops

On 25 April Australians will commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Gallipoli landings during the First World War and honour the sacrifices of those service personnel who helped forge our national identity.  This Anzac Day Australians are also asked think of current serving personnel and recently returned veterans from operational service overseas.

Melissa Price, Member for Durack, said it is equally significant to commemorate the acts and deeds of those present at the Gallipoli landings as it is the ongoing work of the men and women who continue to serve and represent our nation abroad today.

“It is important to honour and support the current generation of Australian Defence Force members and veterans who serve on our behalf in what are often complex, challenging and extremely dangerous environments," Ms Price said.

“In gratitude for the service of our current personnel I encourage residents throughout Durack to donate to ex-service organisations such as the RSL, Legacy and Soldier On. These organisations provide phenomenal support to our ADF personnel and their families.”

Donations can be made to Legacy (www.legacy.com.au) or Soldier On (www.soldieron.org.au) in support of those personnel who have been wounded and those family members who are suffering financially and socially from the death of a loved one.

Messages of support can be emailed to serving personnel at supportthetroops@defence.gov.au.

Or send a care package, via Australia Post 13 April to: An Australian Defence Member, AFPO 60, Australian Defence Force NSW 2890

Further details can be found at melissapricemp.com.au/Newsroom/Policies

Geraldton Boat, Caravan & Camping Show

The most anticipated outdoor leisure event in the mid-west region will be held again on the 2nd and 3rd of May, 2015. Except this year, the Geraldton Boat, Caravan and Camping Show are celebrating its 10 year anniversary and will be the biggest event of it’s kind in the region. This year’s show will be bigger than ever and will be held in a new venue!

New Venue:

• GBSC Sports Park on corner of Green Street and North West Coastal Highway.

This year’s show will be huge, with new attractions for the whole family! Activities and events include:

• Motorbike Stunts
• 4WD Extreme Show
• Cooking Demos
• Fishing Demos
• Kid’s Casting Competition
• Quad Bike Rides
• Kid’s Rides

There will also be camping gear and outdoor equipment for sale along with a wide range of boats and vehicles to view. Don’t miss out on this exciting event and be a part of the action this year. After all, it’s our biggest show ever! 

Time:

• Saturday 2nd May from 9:00am - 5:00pm
• Sunday 3rd May from 9:00am – 4:00pm

Ticket prices: 

• Adult: $12
• Child (5-15 years): $7
• Family (2 adults & 4 children): $30
• Student/pensioner: $10

To find out more, visit our website or phone the coordinator, Jane Clarke, on 0403 226 303 or email sunsetpromotions@bigpond.com

Widening works on North West Coastal Highway

The State Government will spend $1.75 million to upgrade the North West Coastal Highway between Northampton and Binnu in the Mid West-Gascoyne Region, as part of its commitment to improve safety on the State’s road network.

Transport Minister Dean Nalder said the highway was an important coastal route, providing an intra-State link between Perth, the Mid-West, Gascoyne and Pilbara regions.

“About 30 per cent of the vehicles using this part of the road are heavy vehicles, including road trains, some with oversize or overmass loads,” Mr Nalder said.

The work involves culvert extensions, shoulder reconstruction and the widening of seal for 8.5 kilometres of road, as well as installation of audible tactile edgelines, and minor upgrades to the Binnu East Road intersection.

“These measures will dramatically improve the safety and reliability of this section of road,” the Minister said.

In 2013-14, Main Roads delivered the first phase of the project by widening the seal on the section 17.3km immediately south of proposed works.

The work is funded by speeding fines and red light infringements paid into the Road Trauma Trust Account.

Contractors DownerMouchel will deliver the works, which are due for completion by June 2015.

Happy Birthday to us!

The Comedy Emporium and the Queens Park Theatre present

Happy Birthday to us!

Tickets available from www. thecomedyemporium.com

It’s here already - The Comedy Emporium are turning 2! On Friday 1 May, Geraldton’s local comedy crew will light up the Queens Park Theatre with their Birthday Gala show - a show like no other.

“We are so excited for this birthday party! Last year we made party hats with our guests, this year we’re going to make mad party hatters out of our guests.” says The Comedy Emporium Ringleader Julian Canny. “Look not all the jokes can be gold, ok”

The Birthday Gala show will be something The Comedy Emporium audience’s have never seen before - like every show - but with added extra. The team’s new Comedy Improv Troupe will feature, as well as a bit of musical comedy to make sure there is a lively party atmosphere! Not to forget the great acts that will be announced soon from the international touring scene.

And they really do have reason to celebrate. In just two years since their inception, The Comedy Emporium has given life to 27 regional WA comedians who didn’t know their talent existed before they were touched by purple and orange. They have created opportunities for these new comics to enter the Perth comedy industry, and actually have over 50% of WA’s female comedians within their teams!

“Working with these amazing locals, we’ve been able to generate over $34,000 worth of paid performance opportunities for the regional WA entertainers. As well as many other opportunities for free development. This includes things like selling 3000 tickets, running over 125 free workshops around regional WA and activating unused spaces.” says The Comedy Emporium Regional Producer Emma Howell. “If you come to one of our shows, you’re guaranteed to laugh at least 4.2 times per minute - we’ve tracked it.”

“Our youngest performer is 14, and you may have heard that he’s representing WA in the National Class Clowns competition (that’s for funny teenagers) at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.”

Doors open 6.30pm, live music from 7.15pm, comedy from 8pm.

For more information and tickets head to www.thecomedyemporium.com or QPT.

Tickets on sale now for $25 early bird until 1 April. Then $29 each presale $35 at the door. For enquiries please ring 0458 306 111. No BYO alcohol. Bar available.

Durack consumers closer to lower checkout prices

Consumers in Durack are a step closer to lower prices; local businesses are closer to growing their business, following the release of the Competition Review final report.

The Australian Government commissioned the independent report as part of the first comprehensive assessment of Australia’s competition policies, laws and institutions in more than 20 years.  The report includes 59 recommendations for improvement of Australia’s competition policy.

Member for Durack, Melissa Price said the review is aimed at reducing the cost of living for families and giving small and medium businesses the tools to succeed.

“Healthy competition can lead to lower prices at the check-out for families and local businesses becoming more competitive by reducing blocks and barriers,” Ms Price said.

“It is a sure way to raise productivity and grow our economy, ultimately leading to higher living standards, better paying jobs and improvements to our quality of life.

“The release of this independent final report is a significant step towards the Government’s election commitment of an effective competition framework to benefit consumers and businesses.”

Some of the recommendations include further freeing up retail trading hours, re-evaluating restrictive planning and zoning policies, relaxing parallel import restrictions, potentially making cars more affordable, and altering road pricing and taxes in order to fund road infrastructure.

The report by Professor Ian Harper and his panel is out for eight weeks public consultation, and citizens in Durack are encouraged to submit their views.

“It is important we get this framework right to maximise the benefits to households and minimise unnecessary restrictions on businesses innovating and adapting to new technologies and global competitive pressures,” Ms Price said.

The Minister for Small Business Bruce Billson said he will take on board the views expressed in submissions and will work with the Prime Minister, and state and territory colleagues.

“All of the reforms proposed warrant careful consideration before making any change.

“I look forward to the views of citizens on which recommendations they think would most benefit them.  Each state and territory has unique circumstances, so we will need to respond to the recommendations relevant to each jurisdiction.” A full Government response will be developed by the end of this year.

The full report, together with details of the consultation process, can be found on the Treasury website: www.competitionpolicyreview.gov.au 

Fire in Narngulu

Submitted.  

At about 6:15am on Saturday 4 April 2015, a property on Kemp Street, Narngulu was effected by fire.

Police and Department of Fire and Emergency Services attended the property where it appeared that four unlicensed vehicles had been set on fire. The structure, which housed the vehicles, sustained only smoke damage. The damage was estimated to have been $20,000.

Inquiries are continuing by officers attached to the Geraldton Detectives office. 

Kids wielding baseball bat, rocks, knife assault father

A father was assaulted and his daughter spat at, at the Geraldton foreshore last Thursday according to Police. 

Around 5pm on Thursday 2/4/15, a man and a woman were at the children's park with their young kids at Geraldton's foreshore. A group of youths were there as well. 

The man approached the group about their abusive language and behaviour. The youths then allegedly became abusive, spitting at the man and his daughter. 

Police say one of the youths struck the man with a baseball bat to his ribs, while other youths threw rocks at home, one of which struck his left eye. 

It's also alleged that another youth threatened the man with a kitchen knife that he had concealed within his pocket.

The man required medical assistance where he received stitches to his left eye. 

Geraldton police attended the area where a 14 year old juvenile from Rangeway was arrested. He will face Geraldton Children’s Court later this month charged with the following offences;

1 x Carried and Article with Intent to Cause Fear

1 x Common Assault

1 x Criminal Damage or Destruction of Property

1 x Assault Occasioning Bodily Harm

Inquiries are continuing by Geraldton Police. 

Fire at Alexander Parklands

Everything Geraldton has just been informed of a fire at Alexander Parklands.

An Everything Geraldton reader sent this image in and said:

"Fire at Alexander parklands park. Fire fighters have been notified and are at the scene."

Woman dies after car catches fire near Geraldton→

ABC: ​

A woman has died after her car caught fire in Western Australia's Mid West region.

Click here to read more.  

Update: 

Geraldton Police have issued the following information: 

On Saturday 4 April 2015 a vehicle was travelling on the Geraldton – Mt Magnet Road, Northern Gully.

It is believed that the vehicle veered to the side of the road at low speed before coming into contact with the gravel shoulder. It will be alleged that the vehicle travelled approximately 45 metres on the gravel verge before coming to a rest in the bush area. It is believed that the bush surrounding the vehicle has caught fire, resulting in the vehicle being incinerated.

Police, St John Ambulance and Department of Fire and Emergency Services attended the scene where the vehicle was destroyed by fire. The 42 year old female driver of the vehicle died as a result of the incident.

Inquiries are ongoing by officers attached to the Mid West-Gascoyne Traffic office. 

Stolen vehicle

Sent in to Everything Geraldton today:

Hey guys my house was broken into last night, my car was stolen, 1AJY734 Toyota vienta grande 1999, also 2 other sets of car keys for my dads car and his girlfriends car, also her hand bag with an iPhone in it. 

(Image for illustration purposes.)