Video: Whales at Geraldton Port
/Whales at Geraldton port
Geraldton Port had a couple of majestic visitors this morning.
Thanks Darren for sending this video in.
Geraldton News. Everything to do with Geraldton in one location. For the latest news and events happening in Geraldton, Western Australia, be sure to follow Everything Geraldton.
Geraldton Port had a couple of majestic visitors this morning.
Thanks Darren for sending this video in.
Tour de France Sale Now on at Revolutions Geraldton.
To celebrate the Tour de France, Revolutions Geraldton is having a massive road bike sale.
Get 30% off all road bikes in stock until the end of the month!
Come in and see us at 2c Jensen Street (off the NWCH, by AllDecor)
Get your discount voucher here, or mention Everything Geraldton in store to claim your 30% discount.
Like and share Revolutions Geraldton for your chance to win 1 of 5 $50 vouchers.
Click here to visit Facebook page.
Hi, I am trying to raise money for the Cancer Council WA to help my friend Peter Lalor is fighting Non-Hodgekin lymphoma for a second time. Peter and his family have been a part of this community for over 35years and he has worked hard up to the day he first got diagnosed, early last year. Peter and his wife, Ann, have had to live in Crawford Lodge for the last 6months as Peter retrieved his treatments and it's facilities like this that rely on the funding provided by the Cancer Council. This facility is important to many country people and Peter, himself told me that it is in need of refurbishment. So I am running the City to Surf series, which involves 12km runs in Karratha, Geraldton, Albany and Busselton and then a half marathon in Perth. My link for donations is https://chevroncitytosurf2015.everydayhero.com/au/jessica
Jessica Levett
jesslevett@hotmail.com
Consumers in Durack and across Australia will soon benefit from clearer, simpler information about where food products come from.
Member for Durack Melissa Price has worked on improving food labelling on the Agriculture Standing Committee’s food labelling inquiry, conducted last year.
Ms Price said new country of origin food labels will begin to appear on supermarket shelves later this year.
“I’m proud that work we’ve done has led to an improved food labelling system in Australia,” Ms Price said.
“It is important to ensure consumers have the information they need to make informed choices about the products they buy.”
In February, the Government established a review of Australia’s Country of Origin Labelling laws.
The Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Minister for Industry and Science Ian Macfarlane and Minister for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce unveiled the changes on Tuesday.
Minister for Industry and Science Ian Macfarlane said the new food labelling system will show consumers where products are made, grown or packaged.
“Foods processed locally will have a new label which includes the familiar green and gold kangaroo and triangle icon, with a bar chart showing what proportion of the ingredients are from Australia,” Mr Macfarlane said.
“This will include, for example, ‘Made in Australia from 100% Australian ingredients’, ‘Packed in Australia, Made in Canada’ and ‘Made in Australia from Australian carrots and French peas’”.
Minister for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce said companies will be encouraged to provide additional information on their labels such as naming the origin of a number of key ingredients.
“The green and gold triangle design was the overwhelming preference of more than 17,800 respondents to the Government’s food labelling community survey,” Mr Joyce said.
“The new labels will be easy for shoppers to identify. Consumers will no longer have to search for the country of origin information hidden in small print.”
Consumers in Durack and across Australia will be able to make a quick comparison of products on the shelves. Digital options are also being developed so consumers who want more detailed information can get it.
These reforms will also clarify the definition of ‘made in’ Australia. Importing ingredients and simply slicing them will no longer qualify for a ‘made in’ claim.
Under the new scheme, if product is imported into Australia and then re-packed, the label will identify where the item came from.
The Commonwealth Government will continue to work with the States and Territories, whose agreement is required to roll out the new labels.
Ms Price said an initial voluntary take-up of the country of origin food labels will mean shoppers across Australia including in Durack should see changes on the shelves later this year.
“The mandatory rollout will commence in 2016, providing manufacturers with time to implement the new scheme,” Durack said.
“I encourage all those interested in further information on country of origin labelling to visit industry.gov.au/cool.”
Travelling conmen warning after reports in Geraldton
Consumer Protection is once again warning consumers not to deal with ‘bitumen bandits’ who offer to lay driveways on-the-spot with material supposedly leftover from another job and then leave town before you can challenge them about their shoddy work and materials.
Reports received by Consumer Protection’s Mid-West office suggest that two men in high-visibility work clothes, driving a white ute with a New South Wales plate, are approaching home and business owners in Geraldton with the offer of drive-way laying services.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection Anne Driscoll says carrying out work there and then is a sign of a travelling conman.
“Any tradesperson that approaches a consumer uninvited and carries out the job immediately is breaking the Australian Consumer Law by failing to allow a 10-day cooling off period for the customer to think over the unsolicited offer,” she said.
“Experience tells us that travelling conmen can be convincing salespeople and mislead consumers about the value of the work being carried out and quality or source of the materials being used. They have been known to pressure the vulnerable or elderly and have even driven some customers to the bank and used stand-over tactics to get them to withdraw cash.”
The Commissioner says because ‘bitumen bandits’ usually avoid staying in one place for too long that the warning is relevant to all Western Australians.
“Once local authorities such as police and consumer protection officers are aware that these operators are targeting the area, alerts are issued, which can prevent the travelling conmen from convincing further consumers to part with money.
“For that reason all home and business owners in WA, not just those in Geraldton, should shop around for quotes and use local reputable tradespeople when having work carried out.
“Ordinarily if you have a problem with a service, such as a bitumen driveway laid too thinly or of inferior quality, you can seek a repair, replacement or refund under the Australian Consumer Law. However, when travelling conmencome to you unannounced and with limited identification your opportunity to find them and exercise your rights is extremely limited.”
Report travelling conmen by calling Consumer Protection: 1300 30 40 54 with descriptions of the offenders, personal or business names used and vehicle registration numbers if possible.
Chapman river busting open - Sent in by Jono Brewsky
The State Government has appointed Bill Swetman as the new managing director of the Durack Institute of Technology.
Training and Workforce Development Minister Liza Harvey said Mr Swetman had a distinguished career in the training sector and would bring a wealth of knowledge and ability to the position.
"Mr Swetman has a strong track record in training and I look forward to seeing the impact he has on the Durack Institute of Technology in his new role," Mrs Harvey said.
The Minister said Bill Swetman had been working in the training sector for decades starting out his career as the lecturer in charge at the institute formally known as West Pilbara College of TAFE.
Mrs Harvey said Mr Swetman would be leading a very good organisation.
"The Durack Institute of Technology is an award-winning training provider, equipping thousands of West Australians with the best skills to get a job in the industries driving our economy," she said.
Durack Institute of Technology is the major provider of vocational education and training in the Mid-West, Murchison and Gascoyne regions of Western Australia.
The Durack Institute of Technology provides training across an area of more than 640,000 square kilometres from the coast to the desert.
The institute has five campuses located at Geraldton, Carnarvon, Exmouth, Wiluna and the Batavia Coast Maritime Institute (a specialist campus located in Geraldton).
Nationals MP Hon Paul Brown MLC Member for the Agricultural Region has welcomed today’s official announcement from the Housing Minister, Colin Holt that he has approved a $500,000 grant for an eight-bedroom crisis accommodation project in the Geraldton locality of Karloo.
The Department of Housing will fund community housing provider Sun City Christian Centre Inc (SCCC) to build the short-stay facility under its Crisis Accommodation Program.
Mr Brown said the project would help address an urgent need for more short-stay crisis accommodation in the Geraldton region.
“This type of service is clearly needed in the area, with reports of over 85 people a night on average turned away from existing crisis accommodation,” Mr Brown said.
“This facility could be the difference between spending a night on the street and having a safe and warm place to sleep for vulnerable people.”
Access to emergency temporary accommodation was a key part of the Crisis Accommodation Program’s mission.
“This program provides capital funding to local government authorities, not-for-profit, nongovernment and community housing organisations to build or buy crisis housing such as women’s refuges, night shelters and emergency youth accommodation,” Mr Brown said.
“I have had regular meetings with representatives of SCCC in Geraldton and I am continually impressed with their dedication to improving the lives of those in need in the local Geraldton community.”
SCCC has previously received $800,000 from Royalties for Regions towards construction of their new headquarters in Karloo, which will provide a range of services to families and individuals in need, including emergency food relief, budget cooking classes and second hand clothing.
“These temporary crisis accommodation services are a starting point for connecting people with the necessary resources and support to help break the homelessness cycle and access more permanent housing,” Mr Brown said.
The Geraldton Magistrates Court recently awarded the City of Greater Geraldton more than $8,000 to cover court costs and fines related to a dog attack that occurred in May 2014 in Mullewa.
The Magistrate ruled against the dog owner, and awarded the City a total of $8,466.30 for the dog attack sending a strong message to the community.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said dog owners need to be in control of their animals in public at all times or they will be held accountable if they are not.
“Dog owners have a legal responsibility to keep their pets under control, either within a fenced area on your own property and most certainly on a leash when in public,” he said.
“The fine for not having your dog on a lead in a public place is $200 and not having your dog under control can attract fines up to $5,000.
“A dog attack is a very serious matter and if your dog attacks a person or another animal you will be held responsible.
“This Court ruling which includes the accused having to pay the court costs sends a clear message to dog owners that if they do not take their responsibility seriously they will be penalised,” Mayor Carpenter added.
Penalties for dog attacks range from $3,000 to $20,000 with the potential for imprisonment.
The Federal Government Mobile Service Centre is visiting the Mid West, including towns from Leeman to Mingenew, to offer locals in Durack access to government payments and services.
The Mobile Service Centre will visit the following towns:
Leeman – Monday July 27, from 9 am to 4 pm, located next to the Community Resource Centre, Spencer Street
Dongara – Tuesday July 28, from 9 am to 4 pm, located near the Cricket Pavilion, Corner Waldeck & Walton Streets
Morawa – Wednesday July 29, from 10:30 am to 4 pm, located at the Railway & Bus Station Terminal Car Park, off Winfield Street
Mingenew – Thursday July 30, from 9 am to 2:30 pm, located opposite the Bakery, Midlands Road
The Mobile Service Centre offers a wide range of services to meet the changing needs of rural and regional communities.
The centre is staffed by experienced specialist officers who provide friendly face-to-face service, information and support tailored to each community.
Member for Durack Melissa Price said this is a great opportunity for people to get in contact with someone regarding a number of issues such as new claims for a wide range of Centrelink payments and updating customer information.
“Staff will be able to assist with things such as provide information on how financial matters may impact on Centrelink payments, outline rural payment entitlements for eligible farmers and information on Child Support payment and service options,” Ms Price.
“A social worker will be in attendance and a staff member from the Australian Taxation Office will also be available to assist individual and small business taxpayers with advice and information about tax and superannuation.”
For further information visit humanservices.gov.au/mobileoffice.
I KNOW LEOPARD
Supported by The Inks & Carfax
I Know Leopard is heading to Geraldton and we are calling on all young designers to have a shot at creating the gig poster.
Some basics – you must be anon-professional designer, under the age of 25, from the City of Greater Geraldton to enter this competition.
Deadline is 5.00pm on Monday 24th August 2015.
THE BRIEF
THINGS YOU NEED TO INCLUDE
THINGS YOU SHOULD AVOID
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
PRIZES
SOME INSPIRATION TO GET YOUR CREATIVITY FLOWING…
THE RULES
Sorry guys, rules are everywhere …and here are a few more!
Geraldton residents have awoken to shocking news.
Read MoreAt about 6.30pm on Saturday 18 July 2015, police conducted a vehicle stop on a green Holden Commodore on Central Road, Wonthella.
It will be alleged a search of the vehicle resulted in 6 x clip seal bags containing Methylamphetamine, a quantity of cash, electronic scales, and a glass crack pipe were located. A further search of the person also revealed 3 x clip seal bags of Methylamphetamine and 3 x ecstasy tablets. The total weight of methylamphetamine weighed 2.98 grams.
Police executed a search on the drivers residence on Fourth Street, Wonthella and it will be alleged, further items were seized including smoking implements and 22. Calibre bullet.
A 33 year old female was charged with possess drugs with intent to sell or supply, 2 x possess drug paraphernalia, possess a prohibited drug (cannabis), unlicensed person possess ammunition and possessing unlawfully obtained property. She will face Geraldton Magistrates Court on 6 August 2015.
At about 8pm on Saturday 18 July 2015, police responded to an incident on Digby Street, Rangeway.
On arrival, it will be alleged, police were confronted by a male standing in the middle of Utakarra Road yelling threats, abuse and obscenities at police. The male challenged police to fight several times by taking up a boxer's stance whilst standing in the middle of the road.
The 48 year old male from Rangeway was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct. He will face Geraldton Magistrates Court on 6 August 2015.
On Sunday afternoon 10 May 2015 it will be alleged a female entered a tavern in on Fitzgerald Street East, Northam and stole a 700mL bottle of Jim Beam Bourbon to the value of $40.
At about 10.55am on Thursday 16 July 2015 it will be alleged the same female entered a retail store on Marine Terrace, Geraldton and stole a generic branded pair of women's style black sunglasses to the value of $5.95.
On Friday 17 July 2015 the 30 year old female from Waggrakine was arrested and charged with breach of bail and 2 x stealing.
She appeared before the Geraldton Magistrates Court on Saturday 18 July 2015.
In a continuous effort to lower its overall operating costs the City of Greater Geraldton will be reducing the opening hours of the Geraldton Regional Library.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said the decision to reduce the opening hours was based on feedback from the community during the Community Panel.
“The Community Panel reviewed the library’s range and level of services and recommended reducing overall costs by decreasing the number of hours the library is open a week by closing on Sundays,” he said.
“However, the panel was split equally between finding savings but not wanting to see a cease in Sunday operating.
“The City has responded by reducing the number of library opening hours during the week but has decided to leave the weekend hours of operation unchanged as Saturday and Sunday are two of the busiest days of the week with approximately 50 people visiting the library every hour,” Mayor Carpenter added.
Popular activities at the library such as Rhyme Time, Storytime and Oral History Mornings will still be offered; as will free access to computer and Wifi.
The library also has a number of electronic resources the community is encouraged to utilise.
“Customers can access the library online from the comfort of their lounge room and take advantage of e-Books, e-audio Books as well as e-Magazines and a host of other e-Resources,” Mayor Carpenter said.
“Although the opening hours may have been reduced, staff will continue to provide friendly and efficient services to the community.”
The new opening hours will come into effect on Monday 3 August:
Monday 1.00pm - 5.30pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9.00am - 5.30pm
Thursday 9.00am - 7.30pm
Saturday 9.30am - 1.00pm
Sunday 1.30pm - 4.30pm
Gemma Baker and Larry Williamson show Mayor Ian Carpenter a wildflower inspired piece of jewellery.
The City of Greater Geraldton is calling on local businesses to get behind Wildflower Week 2015. Running from August 17 to 27 – it is hoped that Wildflower Week will encourage tourists to begin their wildflower adventure in Geraldton and travel to Mullewa to see the annual Wildflower Show.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Ian Carpenter said the City was currently running a promotional campaign in the Perth market to attract people who have never experienced wildflower country to the Midwest region.
“We know that each year over 400 000 people come to WA to see the wildflowers,” he explained.
“Our aim is to bring visitors here and keep them here longer and if our City demonstrates that it fully gets behind wildflower season we might be able to achieve that.”
The City is urging local businesses to embrace the wildflower theme in the lead up to Wildflower Week.
“We are hoping local businesses will be inspired by the wildflower theme, whether it is with a beautiful window display, wildflower products, competitions or perhaps a new wildflower dish on the menu,” Mayor Carpenter said.
“The City has been running an extensive wildflower campaign that has so far included a five week television and Internet promotion, with 30 second adverts played on the seven network and popup adverts displayed on prominent websites such as thewest.com.au, the creation of a wildflower video and extensive coverage on the City of Greater Geraldton and Visit Geraldton webpages, as well as on social media.
“Wildflower Week will be the pinnacle of the campaign, which will culminate with the annual Mullewa Wildflower Show.”
The City will promote and support businesses that pick up on the wildflower theme through the Visit Geraldton website, in print advertising and through other various wildflower promotions.
One local business, Baker Williamson Studio, is already embracing wildflower season with an exhibition, showcasing artwork from various local artists and jewellery with a wildflower theme.
“I have been an admirer and lover of our native flora all my life, I grew up within the jewellery industry and am a Jeweller and Jewellery Designer, so my two passions I have brought together developing my popular Everlasting Wildflower Jewellery Collection. To support the jewellery we have inspired Artists Australia wide to produce their artistic representation of the Everlasting in the form of paintings, drawings, gift cards, prints, basketry and polymer clay products ,” Gemma Baker explained.
“In addition to the on-going exhibition, we initiated the ‘Baker Williamson Art Prize’ for the first time this year, we put up $1000 prize money to the best art work that best depicted: ‘The transformation of our baron landscapes into picturesque carpets and fields of flowers’ This event inspired many wonderful works of art that will be available for viewing until the end of July, this year’s winner was Aboriginal Artist Margaret Danischewski.”
Another local business supporting the wildflower campaign is jeweller Chimere Pearls who have launched a design competition for a signature pendant with a Geraldton, and in particular wildflower flavour.
With designs coming in from across Australia, entries will be displayed in the Chimere Pearls gallery before a panel of judges selects a winner.
Businesses wanting to take part in the wildflower promotion are asked to register their interest with the Geraldton Visitor Centre.
Police have alerted the media and public to the progress of the case involving a young man named Jordan, who was attacked when confronting thieves at Breakers.
At about 8:20pm on Monday 29 June 2015 two males attended a bottle shop on Chapman Road, Geraldton and it will be alleged, stole five bottles of spirits.
It will further be alleged the victim (an employee of the store) approached the males requesting payment, at which point one male ran toward the victim and struck him to the side of the face with the bottle, causing it to smash. The victim sustained cuts to the side of his face, which required sutures.
The victim has also had to undergo a CT scan.
Police say the two men have now been identified and arrested.
A 25 year old male from Waggrakine was charged with Aggravated Robbery and Unlawful Wounding. His bail was refused and he appeared before Geraldton Magistrates Court on Saturday morning. He was remanded in custody to reappear on Monday 20 July 2015.
A 25 year old male from Karloo was charged with Stealing and will appear before Geraldton Magistrates Court at a later date.
Let's hope Jordan's luck gets better. Last year his home suffered extensive damage when a stolen vehicle was driven through his lounge-room window. (Click here)
This interesting tactic employed by scammers will get some people...
Read MoreOpera Australia gives Mozart’s The Magic Flute a makeover, and embarks on a two-year tour, which will head to Geraldton this August.
The Magic Flute is getting a makeover by Opera Australia, and will become an Indiana Jones-inspired tale of adventure in its two-year tour of regional Australia, which will appear in Geraldton on Saturday 22nd August 2015.
The much-loved opera will retain the music and storyline of Mozart’s original, but director/designer team Michael Gow and Robert Kemp have transformed the setting of The Magic Flute to make it fresh and fun. The Opera Australia regional tour production (formerly known as Oz Opera) is designed to entertain people of all ages, during its tour across 30 regional centres in Victoria, NSW, ACT, and Tasmania in 2014.
Not only will each town have the opportunity to enjoy the performances of this new Magic Flute, but their younger residents will also have the chance to perform in the show! New to Opera Australia’s regional tour program is the Regional Children’s Chorus. The Geraldton leg of the tour will see St Lawrence’s Primary learn to sing songs, taught by local music teacher Julie Hart, from The Magic Flute ahead of the opera arriving in Geraldton. They’ll then rehearse with the professional cast, and join them on stage as part of the performance. The Children’s Choruses will be coordinated by professional conductor Alex Pringle, and he will visit each town in advance of the cast arrivals, to rehearse with the local kids.
Talented secondary school singers will also have an opportunity to audition with Alex Pringle, for the chance to win one of four new Student Scholarships. Winners will spend a week with Opera Australia in January 2015, participating in vocal workshops and opera coaching’s, watching professional rehearsals and then performing for OA’s Artistic Director. These new and unique opportunities promise to inspire a new generation of opera goers and even future performers.
The cast of The Magic Flute includes twelve Principal Artists from Opera Australia, plus a live touring orchestra of nine under the baton of conductors Simon Kenway and Paul Fitzsimon. Director Michael Gow and designer Robert Kemp describe The Magic Flute as a timeless story of a hero in search of adventure. “It’s a sort of classic quest, really,” says Gow. “We have a young man who wants to find enlightenment and true love. But he’s got it all the wrong way around, and has to deal with his own ego. So much of this opera is about letting go of what you want, and finding a way to meet people halfway.” Unlike traditional productions, however, theirs is full of references to movies like The Mummy and Indiana Jones!
Lyndon Terracini, Opera Australia’s Artistic Director is on a mission to make people fall in love with opera, and he believes it’s vital to reinvent productions regularly to make them contemporary and engaging for different kinds of settings. “Australians love a good show” he says, “and we have to make opera just as entertaining for them as going to the football or watching movies. I think audiences are going to really enjoy this new touring production of The Magic Flute. It’s funny, it’s original and it’s unexpected! The cast is terrific too, starring some of our best singers. If you’ve never hear The Queen of the Night’s aria sung live by a really good singer, that’s worth buying a ticket for in itself! But the entire show will be really good fun. Michael Gow and Robert Kemp are masters of storytelling, and they are creating a version of The Magic Flute that will be unforgettable.”
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