Two men charged over large drug bust in Waggrakine

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Australian Customs and Border Protection along with Geraldton Detectives executed a search warrant at a home in Star Street, Waggrakine last Wednesday (13/5/15) uncovering a large amount of drugs and other paraphernalia. 

Police say they located: 

  • approximately 56 grams of crystal meth
  • 72 grams of cannabis
  • two hydroponic cannabis plants
  • large amount of smoking implements
  • an amount of Australian currency
  • other drug paraphernalia

A 39 year old male from Strathalbyn was charged with "possess prohibited drug" and will appear at the Geraldton Magistrates Court at a later date.

A 41 year old male from Waggrakine was arrested and conveyed to the Geraldton Police Station where he was later charged with the following offences;

1 x Carry or Possess Prohibited Weapon
1 x Possess / Cultivate Prohibited Plant
2 x Possess with Intent to Sell/Supply
1 x Possessed any Drug Paraphernalia
1 x Possessing Stolen Property

He will appear at the Geraldton Magistrates Court on 28 May 2015. 

Beautiful time lapse of a ship docking in Geraldton Port.

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"A time-lapse of a ship docking filmed around 6 years ago in the Geraldton Port. Produced by Chris Lewis Music by Dan Skinner / Adam Skinner - Distant Memories"

Produced by Chris Lewis for ABC Open. Click here to check out more from ABC Open Mid West WA. 

Join in Friday’s $100k Golf Day Shootout

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WA’s largest regional charity golf day with $100,000 in prizes, including three hole-in-one cars, will tee off from Spalding Golf Club at noon on Friday. There is still a chance to register teams for the event which last year raised more than $20,000 for the Geraldton Regional Hospital Cancer Ward. Event organiser Geraldton Freemasons Lodges encourage both men and women to enter a team of four and help raise money for this worthy cause.

Tickets are $100 per golfer, which includes lunch but there are limited places remaining. 

Naming sponsors, Beresford Electrical Services donated the winning prize of four $500 Mitchell and Brown vouchers and Nicholas Geronimos' Auto Elite sponsored the hole-in-one car competition with three Kia Optimas worth over $90,000.

Pick up an entry form from Spalding Golf Club pro Byron Clarkson on 9923 2700 or Bill Dyson and on 9938 1038.

 

Skydiver collides into parked vehicles

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Stock image: latch.r

A male skydiver was taken to Geraldton Regional Hospital after veering off course in a skydiving incident yesterday afternoon (18/5/15).

Geraldton Police say that a Geraldton resident reported damage to his vehicle as a result of contact by a wayward skydiver yesterday afternoon. 

Inquiries revealed that a male skydiver had veered off course during a planned jump in the Point Moore area, and collided with two nearby parked vehicles. 

He sustained non-life threatening injuries and was taken to Geraldton Regional Hospital where he received treatment. 

Want to be on the Geraldton episode of WA Weekender?

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WA Weekender to film in Geraldton

The City of Greater Geraldton has put a call out for all wannabe film stars, as Channel 7’s WA Weekender programme is coming to Geraldton.

WA Weekender is a lifestyle program that showcases the best of WA. The show will apparently air during prime time to an audience of around 72,000 people. 

Local businesses were given the opportunity to pay to be featured in the show.

Two segments will be filmed for the series. The first is "A City on the Beach" focusing on Geraldton's beachfront lifestyle. Segment two is "Amazing Tours" showcasing the various attractions and tours available in town. 

WA Weekender will be filming in various locations throughout the CBD and on the Foreshore on Wednesday May 20.

Mayor Ian Carpenter is encouraging people to take part in the action.

“We are asking people to come to town on May 20, visit your favourite café, take your kids to the foreshore and you may have the opportunity to feature in the program,” he said.

The segments will go to air on 13 June and 19 June at 5.30pm on Channel 7 and GWN 7.

Contact the Geraldton Visitors Centre on 9956 6670 for specific filming locations.

Racism and The Boy who Cried Wolf

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I trust you're familiar with the tale of "The Boy Who Cried Wolf".

Boy looks after sheep. Gets bored. Yells "Wolf!". Townsfolk come. No wolf. Boy repeats. Townsfolk annoyed. Actual wolf comes. Nobody listens. Sheep and boy eaten by wolf.

It amazes me how self destructive those on the progressive side of social issues can be.

They attack people who are on the same side as themselves, but who vary slightly in their opinion on how to improve the world. 

I have read several things in recent months that implied racism or racial discrimination in Geraldton where there honestly was none, and I wondered about the dangers of diluting the issue of racism and alienating the very people who are trying to fight against it.

I don't want to go in to the specifics as I know the authors of the remarks are wonderful proponents for equality in our region, and should be encouraged. 

But it's worth considering the implications of pulling the "racist" card inappropriately and the harm it can do to the very cause you're trying to progress. 

Recently the debate regarding the closure of Aboriginal communities has lead to some ridiculous name calling and accusations of racism, where clearly some folk are simply wanting the welfare of children to be considered. 

On Everything Geraldton's Facebook page I saw both Aboriginal and white folk say they believed many of the remote communities are unsafe for young people, or shouldn't be publicly funded, only to be met with cries of "racist". And the people hurling those accusations of racism weren't interested in discussing child abuse data, the number of children with sexually transmitted infections, or the ineffectiveness in the communities at "closing the gap". Instead, anyone with an opinion on how to help Aboriginal people that differed to their own was met with cries of "racist". 

To be very clear, I'm not personally advocating closing remote communities. I have spent a small amount of time on a remote community in the Kimberly and the sense of reverence I felt towards the elders and occupants of the land was overwhelming. I personally want nothing more than the preservation of this priceless cultural heritage we have in the form of our First Australians and their connection to the land. 

However, how on earth can any productive discourse occur when anyone who has an opinion that differs to the person with the loudest voice is labelled racist?

It's hurting the cause.

You might think you're helping your team by screaming "racist" at anyone who disagrees with you. But you're doing more harm than good. 

There are thousands of people in Geraldton who want nothing more than the future of minority groups in Australia to be prosperous.

But if the people who hold slightly different views to yourself, or don't dot the i's and cross the t's to your satisfaction, are publicly branded a "racist", they won't be on your team for very long. 

They will stay silent. They will do nothing. They won't get involved and they won't listen when help is asked for. 

I experience it first hand. 

My staff work hard to ban anyone from our different platforms who is actually racist. We have had to ban dozens of idiots over the years, sad to say. We've improved our comment detection practices, and many key words that are used in racist comments are now automatically flagged and hidden. 

On our app and website, users have the ability to report anything inappropriate, and Facebook also offers good moderation tools. 

But none of the tools at our disposal are perfect, and sometimes an inappropriate comment doesn't get removed immediately. God help us when that happens. I get informed I'm clearly racist for allowing that comment to have existed. 

Honestly, it hurts a LOT when people say that. It is quite painful when the very people you agree with so much turn on you and call you all the things you've been fighting to stop.

There IS actual racism out there, and we need to keep fighting it.

In 2007 when I rented out a home I owned through a local real estate agent, I was asked if I was willing to rent to Aboriginals.

I was dumbstruck.

I said "Isn't that illegal to even ask?", to which I was told "lots of people won't do it so we just ask up front."

Racism and racial discrimination are things we need to keep fighting. 

But we're not going to be effective if we keep turning on each other simply because we disagree on how to tackle race related issues, or if we turn completely unrelated matters into accusations of racism.

If there's a wolf, cry wolf, and do it loudly. If there's no wolf, hold your tongue. 

Geraldton fuel prices similar to Perth

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During the recent December/January holiday period, Geraldton residents were outraged over the large, inexplicable difference in fuel prices between Geraldton and Perth. 

Apologists for the fuel retailers in town justified the 20 - 30 cent difference by saying it costs more to get fuel to the Mid West, retailers needed to charge the extra just to survive, and if you don't like it, leave. 

MLA Ian Blayney responded to the public outrage over what felt like extortion by calling on the Minister for Commerce to investigate the situation (link).

Since Blayney's call for an investigation, and the public and media outcry, prices have mysteriously come much closer to Perth prices. 

The Perth Metro average today was 137 cents for regular unleaded. 

Prices in Geraldton today ranged from 131.5 cents to 147.9, for regular unleaded. At least 6 fuel stations were less than the Perth Metro average. 

In December, the difference between the Mid West and Perth Metro for the average price of ULP was 25.2 cents. In May so far, the difference has been 6.9 cents. 

Other than the threat of investigation, it's unclear why fuel is all of a sudden able to be sold at prices similar to Perth. 

Average ULP Price Difference between Mid West and Perth Metro

Prices via FuelWatch

8 ways to save money on your next flight

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It’s always tricky when booking a flight because you don’t know whether the price will stay the same or go up or down by this time next week. It also takes time to save up for your dream holiday and once you’ve added up the cost of accommodation, eating out, long term parking and plane tickets, you’re not left with much to spend on yourself. Kaylie, who is the manager at Flight Centre Geraldton, shows us how easy it is to save money on airfares with these handy tips. 

1.  Avoid last minute tickets

It’s a myth that flights are cheaper when booked at the last minute. In fact, the closer you book to the date of departure, the more expensive the ticket will be. Seats are priced based on availability and prices are allocated after a set amount of seats have been booked. For example, an early bird sale for the first 100 seats on a flight may cost $150 for a ticket, but once those 100 seats are sold, a new price is allocated for the next 100 seats, which may be priced at $200, and so on. Booking your tickets as early as possible is what will save you money, so try not to book them at the last minute if possible. Booking a few weeks in advance for a domestic flight is recommended.

2. Book with a representative

Instead of booking your flight online and running the risk of making a costly mistake, talk to a representative either face-to-face or over the phone and get them to book it for you. This is definitely a wise choice because you’re in the safe hands of a professional who knows what they’re doing and you will be given the best price guaranteed, along with 24/7 support when you need it. When it comes to travel, it’s best to leave it to the professionals who will find a deal that best suits you and your budget.

3. Be flexible with your dates

The most expensive time to fly in Australia is generally around the holidays, such as Easter, Christmas and school breaks. So if you’re keen to book your flights around the holidays, be open to flexibility. Booking even just a week before or after the holiday period will make a huge difference in price.

4. Book a Holiday Package

Although this isn’t classified as just an airfare, Kaylie emphasises that booking a Holiday Package instead of booking everything separately will save you hundreds of dollars. Booking a Holiday Package includes everything from return airfares, accommodation, number of nights booked, transport to and from the airport and even continental breakfasts, depending on what package you purchase. Booking a Holiday Package will also give you access to wholesale prices for accommodation, whereas if you book accommodation separately, you will be expected to pay the regular price. Depending on the time of year, you can also receive bonus night/s accommodation for free.

5. Plan ahead

If you’re looking at going overseas in several months, start planning dates and get in early. International flights are a lot different to domestic flights, so don't book just a few weeks in advance. Kaylie recommends booking international trips around 10-11 months in advance (if possible) during the international early bird period when tickets are priced at their lowest.  Note: It is not possible to book flights more than 11 months in advance.

6. Book an Airfare Package

Fight Centre has recently introduced a new promotion called the International Airfare Package, which takes some of the hassle out of organising travel and you have access to great deals and discounts. Kaylie recommends the Captain’s Premium Package, priced at only $99 and guarantees you protection from a price drop in airfares once booked (you will be paid out the difference in the form of a flight centre gift card within 30 days of purchase), $150 discount on accommodation, 24/7 customer care, transferable deposits, visa and passport checks, and zero dollar cancellation fees if you decide to cancel your booking. You will also receive a refund in one business day if you cancel.

7. Book during a travel expo period 

Flight Centre hold travel expos three times a year and they’re a great opportunity to grab a bargain when booking airfares, cruises, accommodation and even travel insurance. Their expos generally take place in February, August and November; all of which offer great deals when travelling to certain destinations at particular times in the year. A few expos include, Around The World, Discover Europe, Cruise Expo and Discover America. So if you’re looking at travelling overseas, visit their website and see what each expo has to offer.

8. Attend a film night

Flight Centre Geraldton hold film nights every three months and major wholesalers, such as Virgin Airlines, come to Geraldton and offer unbeatable bargains that are not available online. Their next film night takes place on June 17th so come along, enjoy some champagne, grab yourself a bargain and save anywhere from $300 to $700. It doesn't get much better than that.

 

Any of these handy tips has the potential to save you hundreds of dollars on your next holiday and the team at Flight Centre Geraldton are here to help you every step of the way.  Phone them on 1300 511 869 to book your next holiday.

  • They’re located at Shop 14A Stirlings Central, 54 Sanford Street Geraldton (next to Sanity)
  • Trading hours: Monday – Friday from 9:00am – 5:30pm, Saturday from 9:00am - 5:00pm and close at 9:00pm on Thursday nights.

Road closures at Greys Beach

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Proposed road closures during works at Greys Beach in Point Moore.

The City of Greater Geraldton will be undertaking works at Greys Beach, Point Moore from Monday 18 May for up to four weeks.  

From Wednesday 20 May, until the works are complete, it will be necessary to close Marine Terrace between Monsoon Lane and the Lighthouse carpark to traffic.

The road closure will be in place Monday to Friday between the hours of 7.30am - 5pm for the duration of the works. 

Traffic management will be in place during the hours of closure.

For more information on the road closure or the works being undertaken please contact the City’s Project Manager, Mike Dufour, on 9956 6600 or via council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Midwest Fishing report by Tackleworld Geraldton

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OFFSHORE

There has been a lot of Dhu fish activity around SW bank with fish to 10kg big Snapper from 7-9kg amongst them

Andthere are no shortage of big Red Throat as well.

Big Bald Chin Groper have been reported south of African reef while little African is producing plenty of Dhuies around the 6kg mark.

Closer to town along pensioners has had catches of Black Snapper,Dhuies and Pinkies on first light and around dusk

If your after Coral Trout, try north of Drummond 20m line you could also pick up some Mulloway around the 20kg 

CRAIG WITH A SOLID EARLY MORING SNAPPER TAKEN ON A ZMAN 7” NUCULAR CHICKEN JERK SHAD

SIMON WITH A SOLID 10KG DHU FISH TAKEN ON THE 180GM ASURA GLOW K5 SWEETENED WIRH OCCY 

SIMON HAVING A CRAKER OF A NIGHT

CHECK THIS DOULBE FORM THE ABROLHOS KING HIM SELF DOUBLE DOSI

CRAIG WITH A NIGHT TIME PUP

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY LADIES NICE FISH

ROCK WALLS

The rock walls around town are fishing well at the moment with Big Cod to 5kg and Pinkies to 50cm on dark, berley is essential to keep these schooling fish around your boat, squid are starting to move around the walls and weed beds, Mulloway are still cruising the walls feeding on squid and crabs, this week end should be a cracker of a weekend for Mulloway and Snapper with the solunar and fishing at around 80%.

There also has been good numbers of Herring holding tight to the rock walls and Mossies Perch and Dark Tail Snapper amongst the rocks.

KORIE WITH A SOLID MOSSIE PERCH CAUGHT ON THE SAMAKI VIBELICOUS THUMPER TAIL

TACKLEWORLD JUNOR PRO ANGLER GOT THIS IMPRESSIVE DARK TAIL SNAPPER ON THE CALTIVA 4.5GM MICRO

CRAIG WISE A SOLID COD

RIVERS

Greenough and Chapman Rivers are fishing well at the moment with fish to 30cm getting caught around the rock bars and the flats at Greenough Mouth, there are also Whiting and Tailor 

ROSNE SMASHING THE BREAM ON THE ZMAN GRUBS

BEACHES

Mullowayare still along the coast from west bank right through to Buller River with South Gates claiming the best of fish from my knowledge with a double over 1m in one night. There are plenty of whiting around with fish in most locations with point more and separation’s being popular spots, there are also good size Skippy getting around the reef breaks 

THE AZMAN DOING THE DAMAGE ON THE MULLOWAY THERES NO STOPPING THIS MAN

WEEKEND WEATHER

Fish Report Written By Craig

20 ANZAC TERRACE GERALDTON WA

08 99216822

Money lost after false threat of power disconnection

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Money lost after false threat of power disconnection 

A Northbridge business has lost $6,000 after getting calls from a scammer claiming to be from Synergy, WA’s largest energy retailer, and threatening to disconnect their power. 

Consumer Protection and Synergy have launched an investigation after the business paid $3,000 each into two bank accounts in Victoria. 

The male claiming to be from Synergy rang the proprietor of the business three times regarding an alleged overdue account and threatened to disconnect their power unless the payments were made immediately. 

Synergy confirms that they did not contact the customer requesting the overdue amount be paid immediately. Synergy asks customers to remain diligent and to contact Synergy directly to verify any request if they are concerned. 

Acting Commissioner for Consumer Protection David Hillyard said it is common for scammers to cold call consumers pretending to represent government departments and businesses like Synergy. 

“These calls often come with threats and create a sense of urgency so the recipient of the call doesn’t have the time to check the authenticity of the demand,” Mr Hillyard said. 

“Consumers and businesses should think carefully when they get a demand for payment out of the blue like this, and independently contact the organisation to verify if the demand is genuine. 

“Also consider whether that organisation would act in this way for an overdue account and why you haven’t received a written letter of demand. Resist the temptation to act in haste as it will be almost impossible to recover the money once it is sent. 

“Other scam calls have involved people pretending to be from the tax office or police, threatening arrest if a fake fine or tax bill is not paid immediately. They rely on people reacting out of fear without questioning the demand, so stop and think and take time to confirm it directly with the organisation claiming to be represented.” 

More information on scams is available at www.scamnet.wa.gov.au or enquiries can be made by contacting WA ScamNet by email wascamnet@commerce.wa.gov.au or by calling 1300 30 40 54. 

S&K Electrical Contracting now do solar power systems

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Since 2003, S&K Electrical Contracting have been providing Geraldton residents and businesses top quality electrical work, including communications, lighting, refrigeration, security systems and even air conditioning installation and maintenance. But did you know that they now install solar systems?

That’s right, S&K Electrical Contracting supply and install solar power systems of all sizes for both residential and commercial buildings. You can also purchase a quality solar power system with their convenient No Interest Ever payment plan that could cost you as little as $5.37 each day. Indulge in all the electricity you want with solar power and start saving in the long run.

Phone their friendly team today on (08) 9964 6880 to find out more.

Gindalbie wants to put a Nuclear Waste dump in Shire of Yalgoo→

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Emily Piesse and Rebecca Curtin for the ABC:

Iron ore miner Gindalbie Metals and a Goldfields councillor have made applications to host a low-level radioactive waste dump in separate regions of Western Australia.

Click to read full article.  

Flirt clothing one day closing down sale

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FLIRT CLOTHING IS CLOSING DOWN, AND ALL STOCK IS REDUCED FOR A ONE DAY SALE - THIS SATURDAY FROM 9AM. EVERY ITEM $25. THAT'S RIGHT, EVERY ITEM $25, OR BUY 5 FOR $100 BUCKS. EVERY ITEM MUST BE CLEARED THIS SATURDAY, DOORS OPEN 9AM. TELL YOUR FRIENDS, TELL EVERYONE. FLIRT CLOTHING IS CLOSING DOWN. SHOP 2, TERRACE ARCADE IN MARINE TERRACE . DOORS OPEN 9AM. EVERYTHING MUST GO SATURDAY. FLIRT CLOTHING IS CLOSING DOWN, ONE DAY SALE THIS SATURDAY. EVERY ITEM $25 BUCKS. NO LAY-BYS, NO RETURNS, AND CASH ONLY. THIS SATURDAY, 9AM - SHOP 2 TERRACE ARCADE

Art Gallery ablution block closed for refurbishment

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that the Art Gallery ablution block located behind the Gallery will be closed from Monday 18 May 2015 for approximately seven days. 

This is so that the building maintenance team can undertake extensive maintenance including new architraves, repairing and painting doors and replacing locks. 

There will be signs and bunting up to alert the public about the works. 

The closest alternative ablution blocks are the Rubik’s Cube on the north side of the foreshore or next to the playground on the foreshore.