Mid West Cat Shelter Cat of the Week

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

A very affectionate female, very friendly, gets along with other cats, not fazed by outside dogs.

The adoption fee for our cats is $150 and kittens is $200, (with the exception of Cat of the Week) which includes microchip, sterilization, immunization, vet check, worm and flea treated. That is a huge saving on the vet work alone!

Mid West Cat Shelter Inc is a registered charity whose main objective is to rescue and rehome, lost abandoned and homeless cats and rehome them to responsible pet owners.

We promote sterilization and containment, for the wellbeing of your cat, your neighborhood and the environment. As part of the implementation of the new Cat Act, MWCS has recently received grant funding from the State Government, to provide a sterilization subsidy to low income earners in the City of Greater Geraldton. So if you have an adult cat that is not yet sterilized you can find the Application forms at your local vet.

If you would like to adopt any of our other cats or kittens, visit our website www.midwestcatshelter.com our Facebook page www.facebook.com/midwestcatshelter or phone 0487 193 244 to speak to a coordinator

New Report Highlights Carbon Farming Role In Ameliorating Salinity

Carbon farming may have a role in ameliorating salinity in the Western Australia Wheatbelt according to a study recently undertaken by the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council (NACC) and the Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA).

“A key finding from the study shows there are potential financial gains to be made by landholders from carbon credits on degraded land with little to no commercial productivity,” said NACC Carbon Farming Coordinator, Sarah Jeffery.

Results of the study were released in a report – Testing carbon farming opportunities for salinity management – which was undertaken to investigate possibilities of revegetating saline land through the sale of carbon credits.

The report highlighted the ability of different plant species to sequester carbon, with two species showing substantially better carbon sequestration abilities: Eucalyptus sargentii and Eucalyptus spathulata.

“These species had at least double the amount of carbon than other species, and were easily the best performing mallee and shrub species across different levels of salinity,” said Ms Jeffery.

Although these two species had better carbon sequestration capabilities, some of the species with lower measurements showed additional benefits, including oil production; fodder value; and increased biodiversity value.

The study showed that even the strong performing species had their limits as salinity levels increased.

“Once the severity of salinity in the soil exceeded 200ms/m, the amount of carbon sequestered by trees and shrubs decreased,” said Ms Jeffery.

Ms Jeffery said that uncertainty over the price of carbon is currently a restricting factor as to whether farmers could profit or cost-recover from rehabilitating saline land through carbon credits. The severity of the salinity on the targeted land was also identified as a key determining factor. Both would require further investigation and case-bycase analysis.

There will be bigger opportunities in the years ahead as the global market picks up

It was also identified in the study that computer modelling for carbon usually gave higher carbon levels than the actual carbon sequestered by the trees. This suggests that potentially through modelling rather than actual figures that carbon credits are a viable option in saline areas.

“I don’t believe carbon credits is the whole answer, but it certainly is a key possibility with potentially bigger opportunities in the years ahead as the global carbon market picks up ” said Ms Jeffery, who thanked the farmers and staff involved in the project. “It really was a great collaborative effort,” she said.

The full report can be found at http://nacc.com.au/carbon-solutions-salinity

Disability grants support access and inclusion

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has welcomed the State Government’s commitment of $1.5 million to fund projects that support people with disability to participate more fully in community life.

Applications for grants of up to $50,000 are now open for the Community Inclusion Grant and the Community Infrastructure Grant, through the Disability Services Commission.

“Beach wheelchairs, automatic doors at community facilities, sport programs and pool hoists at swimming pools had been funded previously through the grants,” Mr Blayney said.

The Community Inclusion Grants, run in partnership with VisAbility, support initiatives to improve community programs and services.

Community Infrastructure Grants, managed in partnership with the Western Australian Local Government Association, will be offered to improve community access, equipment, facilities and spaces for people with disability. 

“The grants programs continue the State Government’s work under the Count Me In strategy, to make communities more welcoming for people with disability, their families and carers and to increase opportunities for community participation,” Mr Blayney said.

“There are many communities across the State that want to include people with disability but need funds to make necessary improvements.

“These grants will help those communities provide more services and facilities so that people with disability can participate in more of the activities their friends and neighbours enjoy.”

Applications for the grants open today and close on July 10, 2015.  An information session will be held at the commission’s office in West Perth, 1-2pm on May 26

Christian Surfers Competition - ANZAC DAY COMPETITION

Eighty spectators and competitors descended upon Back Beach on ANZAC  morning for the 5th Annual Geraldton Christian Surfers Competition and Novelty Beach Games Day. 

The morning began with a tribute to our ANZAC’s with a briefing, last post, flag raising and competitors entering the water to Advance Australia Fair to honour our heroes through a traditional surfer memorial service.   

The surfing competition began with three divisions then followed: 5-8 year old Micro Groms; 9-12 year old Super Groms and 13-18 year old Cadet Groms. 

The surfers cruised up and down the epic offshore waves throwing in impressive turns wherever possible with a  few barrels and an aerial maneuver displayed.    

MicroGroms Champion: Ned Osborn
MicroGroms Runner Up:  Leon Plummer
MicroGroms 3rd:  Gus Osborn
MicroGroms 4th: Liam Liebenberg 

SuperGroms Champion:  Jake Hagen
SuperGroms Runner Up:  Jed Hagen
SuperGroms 3rd: Mylee Grant
SuperGroms 4th: Payton Ovenden 

CadetGroms Champion:  Mac Carter
CadetGroms Runner Up:  Jed Taylor
CadetGroms 3rd: Josh Stanton
CadetGroms 4th:Jak Farrell 

Finally the competition ended with a Tandem Ride Expression Session included: 

Best Wave:  Went to Kim Overden with his son Paydon who achieved a tandem shoulder lift
Most Committed: was achieved by  Mac Carter and Jed Taylor
Inguintity Prize: Louise Turner and her rashie covered dog, Goofy
Longest Ride: Jesse Carter and Josh Stanton
Aussie Mateship Award: Max Hirschhausan, Seth Boothman, Isaac Harrington and Ben Harrington all rode a wave on the same board. 

Presentations of prizes were given at Geraldton Foreshore that evening followed by a viewing of the surf documentary, “Beyond Sight”. 

Christian Surfers Geraldton president Nathan Boothman again was impressed with the community spirit around this event.  "I want to thank God for the amazing day and the huge effort from all our volunteers."  

As event organisers, Christian Surfers Geraldton also want to thank sponsors including Midwest Surf School, BLS Construction, Strathalbyn Christian College, Geraldton Surf Life Saving Club, Sticky Feet Wax, Willocks Surf, Geraldton Surf and Sail, Lighthouse and Baptist Church Youth Groups. 

People looking to learn to surf can call Midwest Surf School on 0419 988 756 or for fortnightly surf adventures can call Nathan from Christian Surfers Geraldton on 0422 428 972.

New Work for the Dole program starts today

The start of the new Work for the Dole Coordinators around Australia has been welcomed by the Minister for Employment Eric Abetz and the Assistant Minister for Employment Luke Hartsuyker.

From today, Work for the Dole Coordinators will start working with local community groups and jobactive employment services to identify potential Work for the Dole activities and projects for job seekers in the 51 employment regions around Australia.

“Work for the Dole is a key component in the Government’s new $5 billion jobactive employment service that starts on 1 July 2015,” Senator Abetz said.

“Work for the Dole helps job seekers, especially young job seekers, to learn new skills and remain active and engaged in their local communities while they look for work.

“Job seekers are reporting that it improves their ability to work as part of a team, communicate with others and boosts their self-confidence.

“Work for the Dole allows job seekers to demonstrate to employers that they have the right skills and the right attitude and are keen and willing to work,” Senator Abetz said.

Senator Abetz said while there is an emphasis on job readiness there is also a substantial social and personal dividend for participants by keeping them actively and gainfully engaged within their community.

Work for the Dole is delivering tangible benefits to local communities.

“Over the past ten months there have been some terrific activities and projects conducted as part of the Work for the Dole pilot,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

“The Government is delighted with the interest from the community sector in offering work experience opportunities to job seekers.

“Some of the activities that have been undertaken include food distribution for families in need, the refurbishment of historic buildings, the development of community market gardens, wildlife rescue and care, and archiving and library services.

“These sorts of activities are giving job seekers skills ranging from office administration and customer service through to warehousing, carpentry and painting.

“Importantly, it is helping to open doors for job seekers and help people move from welfare to work.

“The new Work for the Dole Coordinators will be instrumental in creating further work experience opportunities for job seekers from 1 July 2015.

“I encourage any not-for-profit organisation, local council or state government agency that may be interested in helping local job seekers to contact their Work for the Dole Coordinator,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

In Geraldton Skill Hire WA are the nominated agency.

Jurien Bay celebrates new visitor and civic centre

The new Jurien Bay visitor information and civic centre was officially opened today by Regional Development Minister Terry Redman. 

The $8.628 million project, made possible by the State Government’s Royalties for Regions SuperTowns program, includes a new information technology communications centre, community resource centre, office space, arts and culture studio and exhibition space, and parks and gardens. 

Mr Redman said Jurien Bay was one of Western Australia’s nine SuperTowns selected for its potential to attract population growth and economic investment. 

Royalties for Regions invested $8.443 million into the project, with further contributions coming from the Shire of Dandaragan and Lotterywest. 

“The town centre is the hub for local and regional civic, commercial and community activity and these new services are critical to the growth of Jurien Bay and surrounding towns,” the Minister said. 

“The community spaces in the centre provide appealing places to engage in educational, business and recreational activities. 

“Royalties for Regions is about strengthening and supporting our regional communities to expand their economic and social development and this project is a perfect example of how the community and local government and State governments can work together to achieve this.” 

Mr Redman thanked his Parliamentary Secretary and Moore MLA Shane Love for his advocacy and efforts to help bring this project to fruition. 

In July 2011, Royalties for Regions invested $85.5 million to establish the SuperTown program to assist nine Western Australian towns to plan and prepare for a projected doubling of the State's population by 2056.

3 pistols 5 rifles stolen in robbery

The following was sent to Everything Geraldton this afternoon: 

 "My house was robbed last night near Binnu around 10pm

3 pistols and 5 rifles were stolen

a reward is offered for solid information 
Browning buck mark 22
357 smith and Wesson 8 shot in stainless
Unique single shot 7mm
Two 30.30 lever action rifles marlin in stainless and old Winchester 
Sako 22 250
Tika 223
Norica air rifle

Believe it was one person in a sedan 

Any help would be greatly appreciated to catch these lowlife scums"

 

This bar appears to have been used to open safe.  

Head on crash kills 26 year old→

ABC:  

 The man was a passenger in a van that collided with another on the Brand Highway at Arrowsmith, 45 kilometres south of Dongara, at 3:45pm on Saturday.

Click here to read full article.  

Honouring WA's fallen firefighters

Press release from DFES

Western Australia's emergency services community will pay tribute to firefighters killed in the line of duty with an International Firefighters' Day Memorial Service at Kings Park today.

Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Wayne Gregson said Western Australia's fallen firefighters had made the ultimate sacrifice in serving and protecting the community.

"The service is a chance to reflect on their selfless acts of valour, and share the deep sorrow of losing a fellow comrade,” Commissioner Gregson said.

"It is also an opportunity to recognise the work of today's dedicated career and volunteer firefighters who make such a valuable contribution year round. 

"We are very fortunate to have such highly skilled and capable fire services upon which the community can rely.

"The Department of Fire and Emergency Services is committed to ensuring the safety of our firefighters, and we will continue to do all we can to improve and protect their welfare.”

Commissioner Gregson said the day was also a chance to acknowledge those who supported firefighters in what was a physically and mentally demanding profession.

"The commitment of our firefighters would not be possible without the support of their families,” he said.

The memorial service is being held at the Firefighters' Memorial Grove, a place for family and friends to remember their loved ones and for the community to pay their respects.

"The memorial represents the deep respect held for firefighters in the Western Australian community, and is a solemn tribute to those who have lost their lives whilst serving,” Commissioner Gregson said.

International Firefighters' Day is celebrated on 4 May.

For more information visit http://www.firefightersday.org/

Video: Undersea footage of the HMAS Sydney (II) and the German raider HSK Kormoran

An expedition to survey the historic World War II shipwrecks of HMAS Sydney (II) and the German raider HSK Kormoran has produced new photographic evidence which appears to confirm why Sydney was so quickly disabled, leading to catastrophic damage and the devastating loss of everyone on board. 

New high resolution images taken two days ago by Curtin University on board DOF Subsea's vessel Skandi Protector clearly shows, for the first time, a 15cm shell hole through the bridge at the compass platform. 

Western Australian Museum CEO Alec Coles said it was a remarkable early discovery for the expedition, and provided support for the theory that within the first 30 seconds of the battle Sydney's bridge was destroyed, her command structure lost, and her ability to effectively fight back severely disabled. 

"This also supports the German captain Theodor Detmers' account of the battle which states the first salvo to hit Sydney was a direct hit to the bridge," Mr Coles said. 

"It would appear we now have photographic evidence to support that, thanks to Curtin University's technology."

When the wrecks were found in 2008 the shell hole was not obvious, presenting as a shadow in the photographs taken at the time. The new imaging technology developed by Curtin University is throwing new light on the historic site. 

"Curtin University is collaborating with the WA Museum to provide the technology needed to properly capture the unique heritage value of these ships so they can be investigated, managed and interpreted for future generations," Curtin's Director of Strategic Projects, Paul Nicholls, said. 

"We are extremely pleased with these early results and look forward to more new and significant information coming to light over the next few days."  

The wrecks lie in 2,500 metres of water, 20km apart, about 200km west of Steep Point (Shark Bay). The $2.4 million survey expedition is supported by the Australian Government, Curtin University, DOF Subsea, the WA Museum Foundation, GMA Garnet Group and the Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany in WA Torsten Ketelsen, and Prospero Productions. 

The project has the support of the Royal Australian Navy and the Naval Association of Australia, representing veterans' interests.

View fullsize

View fullsize

Close-up of previously unseen 15cm shell hole through bridge.

Failed mining companies struggling to sell off equipment→

From MyResources: 

 The mining downturn has driven down equipment values by up to 30 per cent in the past year, according to a new entrant in the distressed sales business.

Tiger Asset Group Director of restructuring and finance Ben Gibson said after holding up reasonably well, the glut of idle equipment had taken its toll.

Click here for full article  

This is how "finders keepers" will get you in hot water

Pic via Mid West Police Facebook  

A 38 year old woman is being charged with unlawful possession after trying to exchange some foreign currency at the Commonwealth Bank. 

Bank staff obviously thought something was suspicios so they contacted Police while the woman was trying to carry out her transaction. 

Police found the woman had several hundred US dollars in her possession, but she claimed she found the money.  

However, possession of stolen property is against the law regardless of whether you "found it" or not. 

The woman was arrested and taken to Geraldton Police station.  

The woman told police she found the money in a nearby bush area, and Police went there and found more money and phone cards.  

The currency and phone cards were returned to the rightful owner. 

The 38 year old female from Geraldton will appear at the Geraldton Magistrates Court on 14 May 2015 charged with unlawful possession. 

Stolen war medals recovered

Great news following the theft of someone's medals on ANZAC day.

The Geraldton Police have reported that they recovered the medals and the owner has been notified. 

They were originally taken from a Landcruiser which was parked at the Caravan Park in Greenough. 

Police say they located them at a Spalding home following assistance from the public. They haven't charged anyone yet over the theft. 

Assistance sought regarding indecent assault

Geraldton Detectives are seeking the public’s assistance with information regarding an indecent assault that occurred on Friday, 17 April 2015 in Bluff Point. 

Police say that at about 9:30pm, a 32 year old woman was walking along Railway Street before crossing to North West Coastal Highway through bush land when a man approached her from behind. The man pushed her to the ground and indecently assaulted her.

The woman managed to run away from the man.

The man is described as being 45 to 50 years of age, fair skinned, approximately 165cms tall, with a medium build, thick dark brown hair tied in a ponytail and facial stubble. The man had a tattoo on one arm that appeared to be of Celtic design.

He was wearing black shorts, a black short sleeved shirt and work boots. It is believed the man fled in a grey dual cab utility with a silver bull bar.

Police would like to speak with anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident who may have seen the incident, the vehicle or anyone acting suspiciously.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Geraldton Detectives on 9923 4555.

An interesting perspective on bypass roads

Your thoughts? We hadn't heard this perspective before...

"An open letter, beginning, to all shire councils, town councils, Chambers of commerce, everywhere in Rural Australia. I drive all over Australia, I'm not a truckie, I have a map and I am colouring in each road as pass over it. I see a trend in small rural towns Certain towns are dying, ceasing to exist Those towns with no stores, restaurants, hotels, motels remaining on the streets have something in common They have all built bypass ring roads, to divert heavy vehicles out of town I work at a roadhouse, I know truckies, Truck drivers aren't stupid, If you tell em you don't want them in your town, they won't go But the 100 trucks each day in each direction that no longer pass through, no longer buy 1000 litres of fuel in your roadhouse, no longer buy meals in your restaurants, no longer stop to just get human conversation in your pubs, no longer spend a night in your hotels or motels to get out of the cab occasionally, no longer shop in your supermarkets to restock the cab fridge. Winton in Queensland HAD a vibrant main street 2 years ago, now only the BP roadhouse, at the corner where trucks are diverted around town is alive, the town is closed down at 5pm, half the stores on the main street are empty the trucks turned away are a much bigger resource than the few caravans pandered to, who roll up once. Trucking is everyday, both ways Small town, or roadhouse with a ghost town attached, the choice is yours. 

Rob Dockrey"

Power pole snapped in half by this driver

A Geraldton resident has shared images of an incident in Tamblyn Street last night. According to witnesses, the driver "did a runner" after snapping the pole in half.  

Another resident said that the vehicle was stolen from a single mother who is now car-less.  

Video of the Pacific Jewell Cruise liner up close

Tom Lord shared this video to YouTube recently. It shoes the Pacific Jewell cruise liner up close and is quite interesting.  

We're over it

I hung my head as I read earlier in the week of a few youths who participated in a crime spree being given the heavy sentence of nothing, but strongly advised they should apologise to their victims. 

What's it going to take for the magistrates to realise what these kids are lacking is discipline? By being so soft on them you're withholding exactly what they're crying out for in their lives; someone who loves them enough to discipline them. 

Instead, day after day, we have to read about, hear, or experience for ourselves the nonsense these young out of control criminals are doing in our community. 

Just tonight a young man was chased by a gang of thirteen youths and only narrowly avoided getting bashed. 

The Police have launched a Facebook page, and have a division called the Local Policing Team or LPT. And I'm glad they send out emails. And I'm glad they make tracking the massive spike in burglaries easy to measure with online tools. And I'm glad we have more CCTV. 

But it all feels like shuffling the deck chairs on the Titanic. As long as magistrate Donna Webb and team think committing six aggravated burglary offences doesn't warrant any punishment, almost everything the Police do is a complete waste of time. If I was the copper who spent time, energy, paperwork, received abuse, all while I could have been making more money elsewhere, only to see the courts let the crims back onto the street with nothing more than a stern talking to, I would wonder why I bothered!

And the young person that had a massive criminal record already? He must have gone to jail, surely? Did he get a year at least? No. He got an "intensive youth supervision order", which is involves having to participate in a program, and between 10 and 100 hours of community service. 

Look, no-one delights in seeing people go to jail. But if a decent consequence occurred earlier on in life, perhaps some of these kids would stop sooner. We don't want to remove the rehabilitation programs, but it doesn't take a genius to realise that what we've been trying for the last 30 years has failed miserably. 

This video below of street fighting in Bogle Way in Spalding appeared on the internet this evening with the caption of "The results of drinking all night in Geraldton." I would add: "And the knowledge that there are no consequences for your actions." 
I'm pretty sure the Geraldton magistrates don't live in Bogle Way.

We're over it

We're over itI hung my head as I read earlier in the week of a few youths who participated in a crime spree being given the heavy sentence of nothing, but strongly advised they should apologise to their victims. What's it going to take for the magistrates to realise what these kids are lacking is discipline? By being so soft on them you're withholding exactly what they're crying out for in their lives; someone who loves them enough to discipline them. Instead, day after day, we have to read about, hear, or experience for ourselves the nonsense these young out of control criminals are doing in our community. Just tonight a young man was chased by a gang of thirteen youths and only narrowly avoided getting bashed. The Police have launched a Facebook page, and have a division called the Local Policing Team or LPT. And I'm glad they send out emails. And I'm glad they make tracking the massive spike in burglaries easy to measure with online tools. And I'm glad we have more CCTV. But it all feels like shuffling the deck chairs on the Titanic. As long as magistrate Donna Webb and team think committing six aggravated burglary offences doesn't warrant any punishment, almost everything the Police do is a complete waste of time. If I was the copper who spent time, energy, paperwork, received abuse, all while I could have been making more money elsewhere, only to see the courts let the crims back onto the street with nothing more than a stern talking to, I would wonder why I bothered!And the young person that had a massive criminal record already? He must have gone to jail, surely? Did he get a year at least? No. He got an "intensive youth supervision order", which is involves having to participate in a program, and between 10 and 100 hours of community service. Look, no-one delights in seeing people go to jail. But if a decent consequence occurred earlier on in life, perhaps some of these kids would stop sooner. We don't want to remove the rehabilitation programs, but it doesn't take a genius to realise that what we've been trying for the last 30 years has failed miserably. This video below of street fighting in Bogle Way in Spalding appeared on the internet this evening with the caption of "The results of drinking all night in Geraldton." I would add: "And the knowledge that there are no consequences for your actions." I'm pretty sure the Geraldton magistrates don't live in Bogle Way.

Posted by Everything Geraldton on Thursday, April 30, 2015

Win a CCTV package valued at $2,500

Incite Security are offering one lucky Geraldton resident a chance to win a complete I-View CCTV Security System, which includes installation to your home or business premises to the value of $2,500!

How to enter:

• LIKE Incite Security's Facebook page
• LIKE and SHARE Incite Security's Facebook POST to your timeline
• Tag a friend

Competition closes 15th of May at 12:00pm and those who enter must be over 18 years of age.

For full terms and conditions, visit their Facebook page.

Boat, Caravan and Camping Show bigger and better

Couple viewing a slide on ute camper at the 2014 Boat, Caravan and Camping Show.

Enjoy fishing or travelling the ragged expanses of Australia’s outback? Head on down to the Club Marine Boat, Caravan and Camping Show and help celebrate their 10 year anniversary this weekend on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 of May.

There are many exciting activities and entertainment to look out for on the two day show including camping gear exhibitors, fishing demos, new boats on the market, kids casting competition and cooking demonstrations.

To add on to the celebrations, the show has relocated to a bigger venue at the GBSC Sports Park on the corner of Green Street and North West Coastal Highway, allowing new entertainment like the 4x4 Extreme Show and Motorcycle Stunts possible.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said the Club Marine Boat, Caravan and Camping Show always attracts great crowds.

“The expo has grown significantly in the past 10 years and is a great way to increase tourism in Geraldton,” he said.

“We have many great attractions for visitors to discover and what better way is there to showcase them all than the Boat, Caravan and Camping Show?”

“At the show you’ll be able to discuss different ways to travel and places to go with the exhibitors,” said Mayor Carpenter.

“Geraldton should be one of the first places when coming to the Mid West and Coral Coast.”

For more information visit www.geraldtonboatshow.com.au or phone Jane Clarke at Sunset Promotions on 0403 226 303.