Firework thrown into front yard starts small fire - "Scary event" says resident

A Wonthella resident has described it as a "scary event" when a small fire was started in her front heard early this morning by what she says appears to be a firework. 

She wanted to share what happened early this morning at her home in Phelps Street in Wonthella with the Geraldton community.  

"This early morning around 3:15 there was something like a fire work thrown into my front yard and made a fire around 1m2." 

She says the fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. The resident said whatever was thrown made exploding noises like a firework.  

She says Police had not yet attended the scene.  

Car Fire - Help wanted

Car Fire - Mt. Tarcoola

Police are seeking the public’s assistance with information to assist with their investigation into the circumstances surrounding a car fire which left a man with serious burns to his body.

At about 8:20 pm on Saturday 25 April 2015, police were advised of a car fire on the Brand Highway near Lockyer Road, Tarcoola Beach.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services officers extinguished the fire.

A 48 year old Cape Burney man received burns to about 30% of his body and was conveyed to Geraldton Regional Hospital. He will be transferred by Royal Flying Doctor Service to Royal Perth Hospital for further treatment.

It is not known if the man was the driver or a passenger in the silver Holden Commodore vehicle.

Police would like to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity at the time of the incident who may have seen the car fire or the Commodore prior to the fire.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 33 000.

Video: Car on fire on Brand Hwy

Vehicle accident reported approx 8:30pm on Brand Hwy near Lockyer Rd in Geraldton.  

This is why you don't let your fishing line go (or any other litter)

Darren Darch of Fauna for the Future posted:

PINK & GREY Dangling with fishing line !

This poor female Pink & Grey Galah has been caught up with some discarded fishing line and then become connected to a tree @ Northgate outside Hungry Jacks: Geraldton. A big thank you to Sonja for calling me and Geraldton Fire Brigade for attending to help get her down. She then went to Caitlin Hunt and Ryan Smith 's home to get urgent care to remove line and stop bleeding. Then we went to Sanford Veterinary Clinic where expert care was given to stabilize the foot and give her antibiotics. Some time in care will see her right and then she can be released. Thank you to all concerned — feeling thankful.

ANZAC long weekend rubbish collection and open hours

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise residents of the below rubbish collection and opening hours during the ANZAC long weekend.

Rubbish collection for Monday 27 April
Collection will proceed as normal

Civic Centre – Administration Offices

• Saturday 25 April – closed
• Sunday 26 April – closed
• Monday 27 April – closed

Aquarena

• Saturday 25 April – open 11am to 4pm
• Sunday 26 April – open 9am to 4pm
• Monday 27 April – open 11am to 4pm

Visitor Centre

• Saturday 25 April – open 9am to 1pm
• Sunday 26 April – open 9am to 2.30pm (staying open a little longer for the cruise ship)
• Monday 27 April – open 9am to 1pm

Library

• Saturday 25 April – closed
• Sunday 26 April – open 1.30pm to 4.30pm
• Monday 27 April – closed

Retail trading hours
According to the Retail Trading Hours Act 1987, retail shops are categorised as General Retail Shops, Small Retail Shops, Special Retail Shops, Filling Stations. Each category has different trading hours, some shops (such as small retail and special retail shops certified by the DOC) are allowed to open every day of the year. Please refer to Western Australia’s current Acts for details.

Regarding the wages and penalties payments during the public holidays, the DOC is the only authorised organization to explain/answer questions. Neither the City, nor the Chamber is authorised to answer these questions.

There is a hotline number provided by the DOC head office in Perth, which is 62511406.

All shops (except General Retail Shops) needs to check with the above hotline to see if they can open on 25 Apr or/and 27 Apr, and if the employers should pay penalty wages.

For further information contact the City of Greater Geraldton on (08) 9956 6600 or via council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Midwest Fishing report by Tackleworld Geraldton

OFFSHORE

There has been no shortage of snapper of later with reports of good schools around the 15mile marks NW of town in 40m of water, Mid reef is also been fishing well with Good Trout 70cm and Dhuie’s to 14kg

12 mile SW is also holding good numbers of snapper on the 40m line.

Mackie’s are still running along the 20m marks from African right through to Kalbarri

Hanis and Azmin with a nice double hook up

Azmin with his first Greo Sambo

Tackle world Pro Angler with a nice Trout on the Samaki Pacemaker

Solid Yellow fin caught on the Strada 140 Tracker

BIG SEXY with a lovely Yellow Fin on the trusty Halco

ROCK WALLS

Mulloway are still on the bite along the rock wall with fish from 10-15kg getting hooked up the back of the live cray factory being the best of the location. Tailor to 35cm are also hanging around the walls along with herring and Snook

Korie with his Second Mulloway at 15kgs that 2 from 2

Chris with a nice Mulloway from the lives

Patrick with a 10kg + Mulloway

RIVERS

Greenough river is still fishing well with a few  bream to 30cm at the mouth but you have to get through the smaller ones, there has been a couple of soapies and heaps of small choppers in the river as well, Devlins pool is holding good size bream to 35cm along the rock bars with the odd jack aswell

Craig wise a solid Bream caught on the Samaki Vibelicious Thumper tail

Ecoodawasp doing the damage on the bream

Cirran with a surprise Soapie on a soft plastic 

Mat with a solid night bream

Tackleworld Geraldton will be at the show this year as it moves to Eadon Clark Oval next to Red Rooster. We will have two sites - One doing sausage making demonstrations at 11am, 12 noon, 1pm & 2pm each day as well as our Fishing tent. See you there! May 2 & 3Tackleworld Geraldton will be at the show this year as it moves to Eadon Clark Oval next to Red Rooster. We will have two sites - One doing sausage making demonstrations at 11am, 12 noon, 1pm & 2pm each day as well as our Fishing tent. See you there! May 2 & 3

WEEKEND FORECAST

FISH REPORT WRITTEN BY CRAIG

20 ANZAC TERRACE GERALDTON WA

08 99216822

Double Demerits start Midnight Tonight (Thurs night)

Thank you to staff at car wash

This was posted to the Everything Geraldton Facebook page earlier: 

I would like to thank the Car Wash people next to Panaceum today for walking me to my car after being disgustingly abused verbally and with overt sexual threats by three men living in the house next door. I was parked on Lester avenue and heading to the doctor already fragile when one male started making lewd simulating gestures to a bottle of alcohol he was drinking. When I ignored him he became agitated and shouted disgustings acts he would do to me...insert racist comments here, fat, white...quite ironic considering he was of fair skin. I was very fearful and shaken and lovely lady in surgery called the car wash and had someone walk me to car. Police were notified and this house is known to local business as an ongoing concern. The ladies in red cross shop have visits regularly and often after " a hit" as one was told. When I left the surgery an elderly lady had just been subject to same.I'm not passing judgement on this page but I appreciated the kindness of the staff at the car wash.

- Stephanie  

Study shows road trauma victims often have a history of bad driving

Lucy Martin reporting for the ABC: 

Dr Sudhakar Rao, head of Royal Perth Hospital's trauma unit: "Patients that end up in the ICU, which suggests they have very serious injuries, were the ones that you could actually trace back their history and find they had behaviour on the road which was high risk, such as alcohol consumption, no seatbelts or using electronic hand devices when driving," he said.

Click here to read article.  

Live Stream of ANZAC services

TIME: Dawn Service 6am and Main Service 11am VENUE: RSL Birdwood House, Chapman Road

Geraldton’s ANZAC Day Service will take place at the RSL Birdwood House, Geraldton on Saturday 25 April and for the first time it will be live streamed on to the internet for both the 6 am service and the 11am service. 

If you know someone who would like to be at the Geraldton ANZAC Service, but they are not able to be there, well now they can watch it online.

To be part of the crowd, for 100 years of ANZAC, tune in from your computer, smart phone or tablet.

Just hit play on the video above. 

If you're overseas and wanting to watch the video Geraldton's timezone is GMT+8

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The City of Greater Geraldton, in conjunction with Geraldton City RSL Sub-branch, will conduct its annual ANZAC Day commemorative service at Birdwood House, Forrest Street on Saturday April 25, 2015.

Dawn Service will commence at 6am and the Main Service at 11am.

Local ex service personnel, politicians, young people and community members are invited to join the City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Ian Carpenter, in the laying of wreaths

To ensure a quiet and reflective ANZAC Day Ceremony, the City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the following roads will be closed:

•  Closure for Dawn service: 5.30am – 7am, Chapman Road between McDonald’s restaurant and  Birdwood house. March attendees to fall in & congregate at McDonalds.
• Closure for Main service: 10.30am – 1pm, Maitland Street to Cathedral Avenue, right onto Chapman Road, concludes at Birdwood House. March Attendees to fall in and congregate at QEII Centre.

Please direct all enquiries relating to this road closure and the laying of wreaths to Sierah Lemmon on 0410 993 969 or email SierahL@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Please direct all ANZAC Memorial enquires to the Geraldton City RSL Sub-branch on 9964 1520.

New signage celebrates City’s heritage

Mid West Ports Authority CEO, Peter Klein, and City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, with the new signage at the Esplanade.

Did you know the Wajarri word for water is baba? Or that fossils reveal dinosaurs walked among the Moresby Ranges? Did you know the Esplanade gets its name from Geraldton’s first jetty which was built in 1857? Or that silos were first constructed at the Port in 1960?

As Heritage Week comes to an end, nine new signs, containing historical and contemporary information about Geraldton, the Port and surrounds have been installed along the Esplanade. 

Dating back to the 1840s, the area surrounding the Esplanade has a significant and long-spanning history. The interpretative and interactive signage includes knowledge and facts dating back to the 1840s through to today.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said visitors to the Esplanade would now be able to learn as they take in a spectacular 360 degree scenic view of the City.

“The series of signs are the perfect addition to the Esplanade,” he said.

“They will be enjoyed by everyone from locals, tourists, adults and kids.

“The signage enhances the area as well as providing both visitors and the community with historical and contemporary information about the surroundings.”

The City worked closely with the former Geraldton Port Authority, now Mid West Ports Authority, during the process and the signs provide a comprehensive coverage of the development of the Port.

An audio unit which will allow onlookers to hear the interaction between Captains and Harbour Masters as ships arrive and depart from the port will be installed in the near future. The installation of two telescopes will enable visitors to have a closer look at Port activities and shipping movements. 

If you aren’t watching the ships coming in, you can observe the birds and sea lions on Seal Rock. Signs contain information about these creatures as well as a number of other topics.

Themes displayed on the signage include:

• The Esplanade
• A timeline from beach landing to Port City
• The Port at work
• Geraldton’s connection to the world
• Our sleepy sea lions
• From land to sea
• Homeland of the Yamatji
• Scenes from a changing foreshore

Local researcher Dr Howard Gray, winner of a 2015 State Heritage Award announced this week, penned all the information for the new signs which have been beautifully designed and created by Creative Spaces, a company which specialises in interpretive signage and who were also recognised at the 2015 State Heritage Awards.

Funding for the entire Esplanade project was contributed from the City of Greater Geraldton, the Department of Regional Development through Royalties for Regions, Mid West Ports Authority, and the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development (Regional Development Australia Fund).

Jobs Growth Shocks the Nation But Can We Sustain It?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) March labour force figures have shocked Australia with better than expected results. The unemployment rate declined to 6.1 per cent, with 37,700 new jobs created, over double the expected amount, of which 31,000 were full time jobs. Over the last six months, we have seen average jobs growth of over 25,000. This will need to continue, as well as see improvements in the economy, if we are to see the unemployment rate continue to fall.

The good news this month is the unemployment rate declined even though the participation rate increased to 64.8 per cent. The retail, housing and civil construction sectors are playing a key role in providing jobs in Australia, as new projects move into the development phase and consumer spending increases.

“Job creation will continue to be a focal points for national and state governments, especially those transitioning from their traditional reliance on the resources sector. It is expected the unemployment rate will remain in the low 6 per cent figures for the next few months but many expect it to rise again towards the latter end of the year. To prevent it from reaching the expected high 6’s, it will be imperative that governments plan for sustainable jobs growth and look to find ways to attract new industries into the region, rather than relying on infrastructure projects for jobs growth.” 

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) March labour force figures for Western Australia have shown the state is making a positive transition from its reliance on the mining boom to encouraging jobs growth in other sectors. The unemployment rate declined to 5.5 per cent but pressure will still be on the government over the coming months as commodity prices continue to fall.

“It will be interesting to see how Western Australia intends to cope with the diminishing strength of its resources sector and, if successful, will be a great example for other resource sector states to follow.”

PRICE at the pub with TURNBULL

POLITICS IN THE PUB is on offer in Durack with Melissa Price MP bringing the Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP, Minister for Communications, to the Freemasons Hotel in Geraldton for a beer and a chat with all and sundry.

Ms Price said it was a coup bringing Minister Turnbull to Durack.

“My goal has been to make Durack more relevant in Canberra so that they sit up and take more notice of us, and one way to do that is to get key Ministers and influencers to come to our part of the world,” Ms Price said.

“Earlier this week I had the Hon Bronwyn Bishop in the Kimberley, next Wednesday 22 April I am brining Minister for Employment, Senator the Hon Eric Abetz to Geraldton and of course we had the Prime Minister in February.

“My next guests, I hope, shall be the Hon Sussan Ley, Minister for Health and the Hon Michael Keenan, the Federal Justice Minister, both of whom I have invited.”

Politics in the Pub is your chance to meet informally with Minister Turnbull and to talk about the Government’s plans, performance and leadership, and to gather some rare insights into this seemingly controversial politician.

There is no agenda so bring your questions and comments to the Freemasons on Wednesday 29 April at 630pm – 730pm for this free event.

It would help if you could RSVP at 9964 2195 or mpricedurack@gmail.com.

Carus Thompson and The Inks Performing at Bootenal Family Tavern

CARUS THOMPSON

BOOTENAL FAMILY TAVERN
SATURDAY 9th MAY 8.30pm 

Supported by THE INKS

Originally coming to prominence as part of the explosion of the roots scene with his band Carus & The True Believers, Carus Thompson is a gifted songwriter and storyteller. 

His energetic, passionate and genuine pub-rock approach to performance sets him apart from the majority of singer-songwriters. He's no show gazer. He gives every gig his all, and he has built a legion of fans through Europe and Australia because of it.

One of the few truly independent Australian troubadours to have a carved a full time living from his craft, years of touring have assured Thompson the enviable ability to draw hundreds of people anywhere he goes. 

He’s has the rare skill of being able to engage an audience emotionally as well as entertain; always ensuring the crowd get out of their seats.

Carus is proud to continue the Aussie tradition of pub-rock energy, even if he is using an acoustic guitar to do it.

 See him live and you will understand why he is one of this country's favourite live performers. 

Presale Tickets $15 ea ($20 on Door) available now from the Bootenal Family Tavern Ph 99233707 Or book online http://tickets.oztix.com.au/?Event=50852

Knitting for ANZAC

Members of the QEII Senior Centre’s Knitters and Crotchet group, Perdita Kellett, Diana Keighram, Pat Parker, Audrey Varley and Jan Macey.

It was a sea of red poppies at the QEII Senior Centre’s Knitters and Crotchet group.

Over 200 poppies have been knitted to be sold at ANZAC Day activities with all proceeds going to RSL and Legacy.

Local knitter Diana Keighran knitted a total of 105 poppies.

“It takes me around 20 to 25 minutes to knit one poppy but it’s easy,” she said.

“It gives me a chance to do something different.”

With close to 40 hours of knitting time from Mrs Keighran, her friends in the knitting and crocheting group all pitched in a large amount of time and effort as well as donating all the wool to the project.

The local group knit items which are distributed all over the Mid West and throughout the state for those in need.

The group’s items, such as rugs, baby clothes, beanies and trauma teddies, go to local nursing home Nazareth House and local hospitals as well as King Edward Hospital in Perth.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, praised the work of this local group.

“This group is continually giving back to the community both locally and state-wide,” he said.

“The whole community is getting behind the ANZAC Day from school groups, to ex-servicemen and many community groups.”

The QEII Senior Centre’s Knitters and Crotchet group meet every Friday from 9am to 12. Everyone is welcome.

You can purchase your own knitted or crocheted poppy for a gold coin donation at the ANZAC Day services on Saturday at Birdwood House or at Camp Gallipoli on Friday which will be held at Bundiyarra.

You can find out more information on ANZAC Day activities by visiting the City website www.cgg.wa.gov.au

BMX action coming to Geraldton

BMX fans are in for a treat when BMX Sports Western Australia brings its State Super Series to Geraldton.

The City of Greater Geraldton, BMX Sports Western Australia and the Woorree Park BMX Club are joining forces to present round 5 of the Super Series. 

This fun and exciting event will take place on Sunday 31 May at the Woorree Park BMX Club.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Ian Carpenter said he was pleased to see major events such as the State Super Series coming to Geraldton.

“These events can attract over 400 riders competing in a one day event and along with them come their families and supporters,” Mayor Carpenter said.

“This is great news for local accommodation providers and other local businesses, as all these people need somewhere to stay and places to eat.”

The event involves riders aged from two years up to 52 years who race around the track to gain valuable points in the State Series.

Spectators are welcome and entry is free. Racing starts at 11.00am.

Mayor Carpenter said the Super Series will be a great day out for the whole family.

For accommodation needs go to www.visitgeraldton.com.au, where you will also find a full list of entertainment, for when you are not at the track, and a guide to local dining experiences.

Local attractions and fishing spots are also listed on the Geraldton Visitor Centre website.

Upcoming ANZAC Day Event 25/4/2015

This year we have chosen ANZAC day to run the event as Christian Surfers Geraldton want to honour our fallen heroes as part of the 100 year commemorations.  We are choosing to focus on the themes of mateship, courage and sacrifice as encapsulated by the Bible verse 1John 3:16 "We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters." 

The event will begin at Geraldton Back Beach at 7am on Saturday 25/4/2015 with an open invite to participate in a traditional surfer memorial with an Australian Flag raising ceremony. 

This will be followed by an All Ages Novelty Tandem Surfing Division.

There is still a  junior focus with a modified surf competition format (parents can assist kids in the water unto 12 years old) including:

• MicroGroms 5-8 year olds  
• SuperGroms 9-12 year olds 
• CadetGroms Boys 13-18 year olds  
• CadetGroms Girls 13-18 year olds 

Additionally this year there will be a video presentation by Christian Surfers “Beyond Sight,” at the presentation evening.  We are also hoping to show video footage of the commemoration service and surfing action from the day.

Last year we had 65 competitors and about 200 spectators all up.  We are hoping we have the same number of enrolments this year.

Participants and volunteers for the day can sign up at www.surf2skool.com .  

The cost is $10 per division entered.  

Geraldton Christian Surfers would also like to thank our other sponsors Midwest Surf School, BLS Construction, Strathalbyn Christian College, Sticky Feet Wax, Geraldton Surf and Sail, Willocks Surf and the efforts of many volunteers

National ICE Taskforce

MELISSA PRICE, Federal Member for Durack said tackling the ice scourge that is harming so many communities is a top priority for the Australian Government. Ms Price said Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s announcement this week that the Commonwealth would form a National Ice Taskforce, headed by former Victorian Chief Commissioner of Police Ken Lay, was a vital step in ensuring that the campaign against Ice is being fought in an effective way.

“Ice use is a growing problem across the country. It is ruining individuals, destroying families, and harming communities,” Ms Price said.

“I eagerly welcome this initiative by the Prime Minster because my constituents are telling me that ice is a rapidly growing problem in a number of centres across Durack.

“It is tragic to speak with my constituents who are sadly affected through a family member who has become addicted to ice – for many there is no turning back, and only misery lies ahead so it has to be addressed at the source and through the intermediate dealers - and quickly.

“I have invited Minister for Justice Michael Keenan to the electorate to meet with authorities, and the community about the ice scourge, and I know that the local police are serious about this issue.”

The overall purpose of the Taskforce will be to examine efforts to address ice and identify ways to take a systematic, comprehensive and coordinated approach to education, health and law.  As the ice scourge affects the whole community, the Taskforce will consult widely to ensure that all aspects of this menace are being addressed.

The Australian Crime Commission considers ice poses the highest risk of all illicit drugs to our nation. Following advice from the Taskforce the Commonwealth Government will be working with States and Territories to develop a National Ice Action Strategy to tackle the growing scourge of ice.

The Taskforce will provide an interim report to the Prime Minister by the middle of this year. The Prime Minister will take the report to the first subsequent meeting of the Council of Australian Governments to ensure that the campaign against Ice is fought in a coordinated and targeted way.

Those interested in submitting to the Taskforce should register with the  Office of Melissa Price 08 08 9964 2195, melissa.price.mp@aph.gov.au

ANZAC Weekend Trading Hours

You'll love what this business is doing to help out Northampton

As you probably heard, there was a pretty devastating fire at one of the most well known businesses in Northampton recently. 

Pic: Kate Box

MOA Off-road Park who run "MudNutz" have come up with a creative way of helping the town out. 

They added the following text:

Hey Mud Nutz here is your chance to WIN a fantastic set of Earthtract Lights, Please help support our town of Northampton, purchase any product from any Northampton business on your way to Mud Nutz keep the receipt write your name on the back and drop it into the competition entry box when you pick up your tickets, its that easy. Winner will be drawn at presentations on Monday( must be present to win). So grab a coffee, top up your fuel, hardware items, food and drink at IGA, grab a carton at the drive thru, all important Lotto tickets at the newsagent, any item from any business in Northampton, sorry speeding tickets are not eligible.

Click here for more info on Mud Nutz