Telstra’s new breed of speed stretches across Geraldton

Mobile coverage across Geraldton and nearby areas has just got a whole lot faster with Telstra launching 4GX services in more than a dozen new locations to provide local residents with access to one of the world’s fastest mobile networks. 

The introduction of 4GX services will deliver increased capacity for the local mobile network and will provide people with improved and more consistent data speeds. This means more social media and video can be accessed in more places with less delay and less buffering.  

Telstra Area General Manager Alan Shepherdson said the introduction of 4GX was now available in the following areas: Beachlands, Beresford, Bluff Point, Geraldton CBD, Mahomet’s Flats, Mount Tarcoola, Spalding, Sunset Beach, Webberton, West End, Wonthella, Dongara, Port Denison and Springfield, Drummond Cove and Strathalbyn. 

Mr Sheperdson said the launch of 4GX was designed to ensure local residents continue to enjoy the best coverage, network reliability and consistently fast speeds as more activity, more people and more devices come onto Telstra’s network. 

“These Geraldton communities are now relying on mobile connectivity more than ever. The explosion in applications, shift towards mobile video consumption and use of mobile in commerce means demand for connectivity continues to grow strongly,” he said. 

“We’re staying ahead of this demand by introducing 4GX to increase network capacity. This will allow us to continue to offer people the fastest and most reliable mobile service. 

“As the first carrier to bring 4G mobile services to regional Western Australia we know how important high-speed mobile can be to supporting local businesses, tourism and making regional centres great places to live.” 

4GX sets a new benchmark in mobile internet speeds in Australia allowing people to download, share, stream and connect faster than ever. 4GX is based on Telstra’s new 700MHz spectrum and delivers higher typical mobile speeds on compatible devices, allowing more Western Australians to experience ultra-fast mobile internet. It also uses sophisticated LTE Advanced technology to bring together Telstra’s 1800MHz and 700MHz 4G spectrum bands to supercharge mobile web speeds even further on compatible devices. 

People using devices such as the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and Telstra Wi-Fi 4G Advanced II in 4GX areas are set to enjoy typical download speeds of 2 to 100Mbps – which means top speeds twice as fast as those typically available on Telstra’s existing 4G service. 

The mark of high performance and reliable coverage
In 4GX areas, people with compatible devices can look forward to:

• The fastest 4G speeds in Australia – People with 4GX category 6 devices can enjoy download speeds of between 2Mbps and 100Mbps. Customers with 4GX category 4 devices can enjoy typical download speeds of between 2Mbps to 75Mbps.
• Extra 4G coverage – 4GX will boost in-building coverage for 4G services bringing speedy mobile web access to more offices, bedrooms and lifts. And in regional areas, 4GX can go further than Telstra’s existing 4G frequencies creating better 4G coverage.
• More 4G to share – 4GX will double Telstra’s 4G bandwidth allowing people to enjoy their favourite content with fewer slowdowns even in peak hour or in crowded places like shops or on the bus.

People can ensure they are equipped with a 4GX device by looking for the 4GX tag online and in store. 

Information sought regarding contamination at Eastbourne Reserve Sunset Beach

Published on behalf of Sunset Beach Community Group Inc. (SBCG).  

Can you help?

The City of Greater Geraldton (CGG) has kindly allowed members of the Sunset Beach Community Group (SBCG) to develop the Eastbourne Reserve as a community friendly Public Open Space. We have a Landscape Architect who has drawn up several concept plans for consideration by the broader Sunset Beach community.

However, there is anecdotal evidence that there may be contamination on part of the site where drums of oil and DDT were apparently stored. At the moment the group is trying to find information to that effect before any further works can be considered. There seems to be no documented records of contamination as far as we know. If anyone can help with information or photos, the SBCG can be contacted by email at admin@sbcg.org.au or PO Box 3496, BLUFF POINT 6530

Thank you.

Videos: Mountain Bridge and Milo Crossing following heavy rains

In case you missed it, here's some footage sent in last week by a community member. Shona shared footage of Mountain Bridge and Milo Crossing, east of Dongara, following heavy rains. 

She said "must have come through with some force as it uprooted an entire tree, roots and all."

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Mountain Bridge

Milo Crossing

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Some photos also shared. 

How do Geraldton's and Chapman Valley's rates compare

Once a narrative or story takes hold in a community, it's hard for facts to make much of a difference in people's minds. People don't really read charts, scientific studies, or do their own research when forming opinions. They read memes on Facebook, news articles that summarise things often in an over simplistic manner, and maybe discuss it with their friends at the pub/scrapbooking/footy training. 

For example, for several years people believed mobile phone towers caused cancer. Despite data showing it not to be the case, successful community campaigns were held that resulted in towers being removed from locations near schools and child care centres. 

So a question we wanted to find out the answer to was how high are Geraldton's rates compared to nearby locations? More specifically, since the very large 27% rate increase that occurred several years ago, have the rather modest increases since then done much to bring us back to par with our neighbours. 

We decided to compare the rate increases over the last four years in Geraldton with neighbouring Chapman Valley. At one point in time CV was to merge with Geraldton. That never happened. Since then, rates have increased in both locations with many Geraldton residents under the impression Geraldton's rates have skyrocketed while Chapman Valley's rates barely budged.

It's not a fair comparison to simply place two rates notices side by side and compare them. That would be an apples to oranges approach.  

So to keep things fair (and simple), we gave both Councils a starting number of 100 for 2011/12, then added to that the % increase each year. 

Here's how they compared:

Chapman Valley

Starting: 100
2012/13 - 7% increase: 107
2013/14 - 7% increase: 114.49
2014/15 - 6% increase: 121.36
2015/16 - 5.5% increase: 128.03

Greater Geraldton

Starting: 100
2012/13 - 27% increase: 127
2013/14 - 2.25% increase: 129.86
2014/15 - 4.7% increase: 135.96
2015/16 - 3.9% increase: 141.26

Using this index Greater Geraldton is higher by 13.23;

Which is 10.33% higher than Chapman Valley. 

So the question:

Over the past four years have Greater Geraldton rates increased by more than Chapman Valley? Yes they have. 

Is it a drastic difference? Debatable. Using this index Geraldton's rates have increased 10.33% more in four years than Chapman Valley's. 

That's not to say that's good news, or bad news. It's just nice to know what the facts are. With the lower increases over the past 3 years, it's not 20% higher, 

If CGG future rate increases are able to be kept below the 4% mark then it's possible Geraldton could come close to CV in the not-too-distant future, unless CV are also able to tighten their belts. 

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Resident finds syringe in mailbox

An Everything Geraldton reader shared this warning with us today. A good reminder never to shove your hands somewhere you can't see. 

"Hi, I was put in a very scarey situation today and Just wanted to share for people to keep an eye out when checking their mailboxes... My parents live in the centre of town and when I went to clear out their mailbox today a dirty, used needle fell out amongst the mail and onto my hand. I know there is a drug problem but seriously in a house mailbox! The only thing was that I am very lucky the user had enough decency to put the lid on the needle. If they hadn't of things would have been much worse as that's the end that fell on my hand. Just wanted to give the heads up as this is very upsetting, this was in our home mailbox. And even that's not safe enough, imagine if a child had of collected the mail and it's even scarier to think someone is close enough to be shooting up just outside on our property."

All Décor Comes to Dongara

For the next 4 weeks All Decor will have a temporary retail shop in Dongara. 

Save money on travel this month!

We dofree measurement and quotes, and have carpet, vinyl and blinds samples on site.

We also have a wide range of rugs in stock.

Come down and have a look, you will find us in the big yellow building at 32 Moreton Terrace, Dongara. 

Our trading hours are Monday to Friday 9am-4pm and Saturday 9am-1pm

David is our salesperson in Dongara and can be reached on 0438 381 832 or call All Décor on (08) 9964 4233.

Free Webinar for those running for Council

Are you interested in running for Council but have questions about Local Government, becoming an elected member, Councillor roles and responsibilities, Council meetings, personal responsibilities or the impacts it may have on your home life then you won’t want to miss the Free Webinar on becoming an elected member tomorrow (Wednesday 12 August) at5.30pm.

The 45 minute long webinar provides opportunity to listen to and ask questions of Local Government experts who will give clear guidance on what Elected Members can and cannot do

For more information on the Webinar contact James McGovern at WALGA on 9213 2093 or to register go to https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6537187432416282114

International Cruise ship delegation visits Geraldton

Cruise ship executives get up close and personal with Rock Lobsters at the Fisherman’s Co-op Crayfish Factory.

Fourteen executives from cruise lines and their ground handlers visited Geraldton last recently as part of the WA Cruise Exchange, which was sponsored by Tourism WA.

The Cruise ship delegates were in Geraldton on a familiarisation tour to see for themselves what the City region has to offer its passengers.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter said the Cruise ship delegates had a busy day taking in all the sights, sounds and tastes of the area as many of them had never been to Geraldton before.

“The delegates had an action packed day with tours of the Greenough settlement, the Fisherman’s Co-op Crayfish (Lobster) Factory, Batavia Coast Maritime Institute, the HMAS Sydney II Memorial and the Mid West Port Authority.”

The delegates ended their day with a Sundowner at the Geraldton Visitor Centre where they had a chance to meet and mingle with key cruise ship suppliers and tour providers. They later finished their visit to Geraldton with a wonderful lobster dinner at one of Geraldton’s great restaurants.

“The delegates were greatly impressed by the City and the variety of facilities and tours their passengers could take,” said Mayor Carpenter.

“There are currently 18 cruise ships booked to visit Geraldton in 2015/16 carrying almost 30,000 passengers.  We hope that the hard work put into making their day in Geraldton as memorable as possible will result in an increase in cruise ship stopovers next year.”

Tourism WA’s Executive Director Infrastructure and Investment Derryn Belford said Geraldton had set the benchmark in welcoming cruise ship passengers thanks to its fantastic ‘Meet and Greet’ volunteers.

“Geraldton is highly regarded as a port destination and I would like to acknowledge the wonderful work of the City of Greater Geraldton, the Geraldton Port Authority, the community and volunteers to ensure cruise passengers have a very memorable visit to Geraldton,” Ms Belford said.

“Tourism WA together with the WA Cruise Committee and industry is committed to growing cruise shipping in the State and Geraldton has an important role in helping us achieve this.”

The next cruise ship to Visit Geraldton will be the Dawn Princess scheduled to arrive on Friday 21 August 2015 on its way from Fremantle to Lombok stopping at Broome, the Kimberly Coast, Darwin, Port Douglas, Brisbane, ending its journey in Sydney.

Skilling Morawa Students for Success

Students in Morawa will have the opportunity to learn useful vocational skills in the newly opened Morawa Regional Trade Training Centre.

The Morawa Regional Trade Training Centre, located at the Western Australian College of Agriculture in Morawa, will allow secondary school students to earn qualifications in agriculture, automotive studies and engineering.

The centre, which was built with a $3,249,304 contribution from the Australian Government, was officially opened today by Ms Melissa Price MP, Member for Durack, on behalf of Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education and Training, Senator the Hon Scott Ryan.

The centre incorporates a metal fabrication workshop, an automotive and agriculture workshop and a mobile training unit.

“The Australian Government is committed to ensuring vocational training meets the needs of industry and employers and to providing students with training in areas where there are skills shortages,” Senator Ryan said.

Ms Price welcomed the Australian Government’s commitment to training young people in Morawa.

“The new facilities at the Morawa Regional Trade Training Centre will give students the best chance to learn workplace skills,” Ms Price said.

“Skills training at secondary school provides a basis for students to pursue further training after school or to enter the workplace.”

“For many students, learning a trade will be the key to a job in a wide range of industries, from tourism to construction.”

“I congratulate the entire school community for its foresight and cooperation to get this centre up and running,” Ms Price said.

Councillor Bob Hall recognised for his long and loyal service to the community

Councillor Bob Hall receives his Long and Loyal Service Award from WALGA President Lynne Craigie.

Councillor Bob Hall has given 14 years of service to the greater Geraldton Community as a councillor has been recognised with the Western Australia Local Government Association (WALGA) Long and Loyal Service Award during Local Government Week activities in Perth this week.

Cr Hall has been a Councillor in the Geraldton region since 2001, serving on the City of Geraldton Council, the City of Geraldton-Greenough Council and more recently the City of Greater Geraldton Council.

During this time Cr hall has been on array of Committees, most notably the Roadwise Committee where as a police officer in the local community has was able to provide the committee with a different perspective due to his experience and local knowledge.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said although Cr Hall is now retired his continued work has led to the success of the Roadwise Committee.

“Although Bob retired from the police force in 2014 he has remained on the Roadwise Committee with many of his peers attributing the success of the Committee to Bob’s hard work and ability to provide his valuable opinion based on his years of experience when needed.

Cr Hall has also served on the QEII Senior Centre Advisory Committee and the Australia Day Committee which has seen this event grow in size to a point where it now attracts thousands of people to the foreshore.

“Bob has always been a strong advocate for our community and as Chair of the Australia Day Committee his dedication has seen this event has develop into a massive celebration on our Foreshore that was attended by more than 11,000 people last year,” said Mayor Carpenter.

“Even though Bob is very busy he always finds time to volunteer within the community either as an MC for various events throughout the year, drawing prizes or just helping out where it’s needed.

“I’d like to congratulate Bob for being an exceptional role model for our community, especially the Committees on which he works,” he added.

“His extensive knowledge, moral and ethical way of making decisions has made him a highly respected member of Council and a deserving recipient of the Long and Loyal Service Award.

School crossing guards required

Mid-West Gascoyne Traffic Office are seeking expressions of interest for volunteer school crossing guards.

Successful applicants must have a working with children certificate and be available between 7.45am and 9.00am in the mornings and 2.45pm and 3.45pm in the afternoons on school days.

Interested parties can contact Mid-West Gascoyne Traffic Office on 9923 4555 for further information. 

Robbery arrest

At about 1.10pm on Monday the 10th of August 2015 a 33 year old male from Spalding was walking along Durlacher Street in Geraldton talking on his mobile phone.

It will be alleged a 37 year old male from Utakarra approached the 33 year old and accused him of stealing his mobile phone.

The 33 year old informed the Utakarra male that he did not take his phone, however without warning the 37 year old punched the victim to the face with a closed fist cutting his lip and causing him to drop his mobile phone.

Police will further allege the 37 year old picked up the victim’s phone and left the scene.

Officers from Mid-West Gascoyne Traffic Office were patrolling the area when a member of the public who witnessed the incident pointed out the alleged offender to the officers who apprehended the male after a short foot chase.

It will be further alleged the victim’s mobile phone was recovered from the apprehended male’s pocket.

He was arrested and will appear in the Geraldton Magistrates Court on the 11th of August 2015. 

Local woman has a go at becoming a councillor

Renee Ellis has decided to nominate to be elected as a local Councillor for the City of Greater Geraldton in the upcoming elections in October.

Renee is an experienced lawyer with several years of social justice advocacy in regional and remote Australia, including various management and leadership roles.

In February 2015 Renee was appointed as a member of the Rural Regional and Remote Women’s Reference Group which provides counsel to the Department of Regional Development and the Minister on matters relating to women's interests, regional sustainability and community cohesion.

Renee also is a board member for the Geraldton Resource Centre, and runs her own Legal Business

However, one of Renee’s great passions is encouraging other women to take leadership roles and find their voice.

‘I think it’svital that women are able to represent their own needs and have their voices heard in every aspect of community, social, business and family life’

Since moving from South Australia Renee has noticed a stark difference between the support and encouragement to take up leadership roles women received in South Australia to that ofWestern Australia.

One thing that does stand out to Renee is the gender imbalance in the City of Greater Geraldton Council.

‘Currently there are two female Councillors amongst twelve Councillors, and one Mayor. That is not even 20%, when women in Geraldton make up over half of the population. It makes me really sad to think that women aren’t seeing leadership roles, like becoming a local Councillor within their reach’.

Having previous experience as a Councillor in Port Augusta, South Australia Renee understands that being a Councillor can be a greatly rewarding and empowering experience.

‘I honestly would love to see more women running for roles in the Council at these upcoming local Government elections and I would encourage any woman who is considering running, or is curious to hear more to contact me, I would be more than happy to help and support other women on their leadership journey’.

Renee can be contacted at reneeellis@live.com.au or https://www.facebook.com/ReneeEllis2015

Anyone who would like to nominate for Council can also contact the Electoral Commission or find information on the Department of Local Communities Website at http://dlg.wa.gov.au/. 

Local artist receives Coalition Government Regional Artist Development Fellowship

Member for Durack Melissa Price today announced that an artist in Durack has been awarded a Regional Artist Development Fellowship. 

“This Coalition Government funding will support Julian Canny to expand his comedy business throughout the Mid West,” Ms Price said.

“I congratulate Mr Canny on this achievement and wish him all the best for this valuable development opportunity”.   

Minister for the Arts, Senator the Hon George Brandis QC has announced the recipients of five Regional Artist Development Fellowships which will support artists and arts workers in rural and regional areas across Australia to undertake professional and creative development.

Total funding of $125,000 will be shared between the five artists to pursue valuable experiences outside their communities in other regions, metropolitan areas and internationally.

Senator Brandis reinforced the Australian Government’s commitment to supporting the professional development of regional artists and promoting a vibrant and resilient arts sector.

“These fellowships are helping regional artists to overcome some of the additional barriers in accessing opportunities in their professional arts practice and will inspire new creative directions in their chosen art form,” Senator Brandis said.

“The recipients will use the fellowships to partner with and learn from established artists and cultural institutions in Australia and or overseas.”

Two fellowships focus on increasing collaboration between arts institutions and raising the profile of regional arts practice through a placement in a state or national institution.

Three fellowships will promote artistic creative development by supporting artists from rural and regional Australia to participate in further study, training or mentorships programs.

“The fellowships will build recognition of the work of these regional artists nationally and internationally and deliver long-term benefits to the cultural life of their communities.”

The Regional Artist Development Fellowships are administered by Regional Arts Australia and further information is available on their website.

Mullewa Events Heat up the Winter

As the cool winter weather continues Mullewa will heat up the region with two of the region’s largest events this month - the Polocrosse Carnival and Agricultural Show.

The fun begins with the 20th Annual Mullewa Polocrosse Carnival 22-23 August at the Mullewa Polocrosse grounds where spectators are welcome to attend free of charge.

The tournament which is held every year in August features competitors from other Mid West zone clubs battling it out for top honours. Saturday night entertainment provided by Micky Mullet and the Moresby Rangers.

The Mullewa Agricultural Show on 29-30 August, which isn’t just about agriculture, features new events and activities for the whole family this year including a monster truck demo, side show alley rides, camel rides and the 10th Lighthorse Display in recognition of 100 Years of ANZAC.

With $5000 up in prizes for The Mullewa Gift – the richest footrace in regional WA and another $5000 the Mullewa Quick Shear competition is sure to be tense.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said more than 1600 people attended last year’s Ag Show and took in some of the more traditional sights and activities.

“Last year visitors enjoyed the various pavilion competitions, machinery displays – both old and new – shopped at stalls in the market place and finished off the day watching a fireworks display after the sun went down.”

The Mullewa Wildflower show also falls on the same weekend and the whole town will be alive with tours of historical buildings, the wildflower walk and drive trails and the Women’s Art Centre will also be open showcasing a wide range of Aboriginal Art.

“Mullewa is rolling out the welcome mat in the coming weeks and I encourage people to visit the town and enjoy the fabulous events and activities that aren’t available in the City.  I look forward to seeing you there,” said Mayor Carpenter.

Local Apprentice Receives a Dulux Accredited Award

Geraldton resident, Joshua Conti from Hopkinson Painting, has been named as a 2015 Dulux Accredited Apprentice of the Year Runner Up, recognising his high commitment to quality workmanship and a professional approach to customer service.

A panel of judges comprising senior managers from the Dulux paints business awarded Joshua a runner up award, acknowledging the high standard of his entry.

Joshua, in the third year of his apprenticeship, is proud to be recognised for his hard work in the industry.

“Receiving this runner up award has encouraged me to stay focused and continue my hard work.  My goal is to keep using the knowledge I learn on the job and through my studies to assist the business,” Joshua said.

Dulux Accredited Program Manager, Colleen Jeffery-Court, said his entry showcased the high standards, professionalism and dedication of young painters across the country.

“The judging panel was extremely impressed with the quality of Joshua’s entry. Apprentices like Joshua continue to showcase the Dulux Accredited brand by setting industry benchmarks,” Colleen said. 

The Dulux Accredited Awards has categories for small, medium and large painting businesses in the Dulux Accredited Painter of the Year Awards, with the additional categories of Dulux Accredited Business Professional of the Year, Awards for Excellence and Dulux Accredited Apprentice of the Year.

Below is a list of winners and commendations received in the 2015 Dulux Accredited Awards:

To find out more about the Dulux Accredited Painters program, visit www.duluxaccredited.com.au

Weapon Charge

At about 11:30am on Tuesday 4 August 2015 a male person was riding his bicycle on the corner of Utakarra Road and Rifle Range Road, Rangeway. Police stopped the male person after it appeared that the he was attempting to conceal himself behind a tree. It will be alleged that following a search of his person, a throwing knife in a black sheath was located in the front of his tracksuit pants. The knife was subsequently seized. The 36 year old male from Rangeway will appear at the Geraldton Magistrates Court at a later date charged with carry or possess a controlled weapon. 

Calling for local people and local projects for the Green Army in Durack

Member for Durack Melissa Price is calling for more local people to join the Green Army to work on local projects that will make a real difference to our environment in Durack. 

Applications for projects under Round 4 of the Green Army programme are now open for projects in Durack 

“We want local people to join the Green Army to work on local projects in our community, and we want local groups to come forward with ideas for projects,” Ms Price said. 

“Community organisations, Landcare groups, natural resource management organisations, environment groups, Indigenous organisations, local councils and others can now nominate for a new Green Army project that has a clear focus on conservation of the environment or National or World Heritage places.” 

“For young Australians aged between 17 and 24, joining the Green Army means you’ll receive valuable practical experience and training while undertaking work that will improve the environment in our local community. 

Round Four of the Green Army will consist of two streams. Stream 1 will focus on heritage projects that promote, protect and conserve Australia’s National and World Heritage which are listed for their natural, historic or Indigenous values. 

Stream 2 will focus on projects that directly support the protection and recovery of threatened species, particularly actions for improving habitat. 

Minister for the Environment, Greg Hunt, said the Green Army encourages practical action to support local environment and conservation projects across Australia and will provide training to thousands of young Australians by 2018. 

“Right across Australia, the Green Army is making a real difference to the environment and local communities through projects such as restoring and protecting habitat, weeding, planting, cleaning up creeks and rivers and restoring cultural heritage places,” Minister Hunt said. 

“The Green Army will become Australia's largest-ever team supporting environmental action across the country, building to 15,000 young Australians by 2018.” 

The Green Army is a major Government commitment with more than $700 million budgeted over four years. 

This investment in the Green Army brings the Government's total investment in natural resource management to more than $2 billion over four years. 

Applications for projects under Round Four of the programme are now open and will close at 2pm AEST(Canberra time) on Wednesday, 16 September 2015. 

Information sessions about how to get involved in the Green Army are running throughout August across Australia. They are an opportunity to find out about how to apply for a project under Round Four.  

For more information about Round 4 including eligibility, project guidelines and application form and the full schedule of community information sessions go to australia.gov.au/greenarmy.