Artworks transform our City

A culmination of numerous artworks in the City’s CBD have added colour, vibrancy and something different to our City centre.

The City of Greater Geraldton’s Vibrancy Strategy commissioned local artists to complete the various artworks with final designs approved by a panel from the City.

As part of strategy, the City asked for expressions of interest from artists, entrepreneurs, not-for-profit organisations and city centre landowners to come together in a bid to add vibrancy to the CBD.

With support from the Arts and Cultural Development Council (ACDC), the City has welcomed the new art installations from murals, to street furniture and light installations. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said vibrancy throughout the City was very important and the commissioned artworks had received rave reviews. 

“We had some specific outcomes through the Vibrancy Strategy which included encouraging new initiatives and opportunities for public art, inspiring expression to the ideas of individuals and groups which reflect on life in Greater Geraldton and encourage partnerships and community engagement in the development of public art projects,” he said.

“These outcomes have been achieved through a stunning series of artworks which are all very different, yet depict different elements of our great region.

“It has added something a bit different to our CBD which has most certainly added more character to our City.”

The talented local artists who completed the work include Shahran Jackey, Michelle Santarelli, Jessica Bibby, Karen Sanders, Craig Maynard, Hellen Ansell and Peta Riley from Mulla Mulla Designs, Anthea da Silva, Gemma Allen, Jordan Andreotta and Rose Holdaway with the help of local organisations Mara Art Aboriginal Corporation and Bundiyarra Aboriginal Community Aboriginal Corporation.

The artworks were part of the 2014/15 budget with the final piece of artwork, being a series of light boxes and planter boxes on the Blue Heelers building.

The newest instalment was a combined effort from a number of local artists including Anthea da Silva, Gemma Allen, Jordan Andreotta, Rose Holdaway and Shah Jackey.

With fully solar powered LED lighting, below the funky lightboxes are a series of 24 planter boxes featuring native species.

Zest Fest Success

Hundreds of people packed the Kalbarri foreshore on the weekend to experience the mysticism, intrigue and allure of the Orient for the fourth Kalbarri Zest Festival.

In the town’s biggest celebration of community, culture and history yet, festival goers turned out inmasses to experience Japanese and Chinese food, performances, art and other cultural offerings.

Zest Festival director Rebecca Millar said she had been overwhelmed by positive feedback about the event.

“The whole weekend was just amazing,” Ms Millar said.

“We had hundreds of people turn out to embark on a sensory journey to the east – whether they were learning the physical and heart-racing art of Japanese drumming, dining on gourmet fare in the food tent, listening to the haunting melody of a gourd flute or experiencing the ancient ritual of tea ceremonies.”

Ms Millar said the free Saturday evening Chamber of Rhetoric performance at Chinamen’s Beach was once again a festival highlight.

She said she was particularly proud of the way Kalbarri youthhad worked alongside high-calibre artists to produce a captivating display of a Shogun’s court for the performance.

“The kids were incredible. They were so professional, so hardworking, and so enthusiastic and ­- together with visiting artists Karen Hethey and Theaker von Ziarno- they pulled off the most mesmerising performance,” she said.

“I think one of the Zest Fest’s greatest strengths is the way it exposes Kalbarri kids to this calibre of art, and provides them with the opportunity to learn from artists of an international standing.

“The quality of performances, the costumes, the lighting, the music, the dance – it was breathtaking.”

Ms Millar said the Trade Winds Tasting Tent had again proven a highlight with sold-out lunches provided by leading south-west winery Voyager Estate.

She also marked the tea ceremonies as an event highlight. The ceremonies were conducted in a tea house builtby the Kalbarri Men’s Shed on Chinaman’s Beach and designed by architectural student Jared Malton, who grew up in Kalbarri.

“They conduct these ceremonies with such precision and grace, in a way that encourages you to slow down, to be mindful, and to appreciate what you are doing,” Ms Millar said.

“To do this on the beach in Kalbarri with the waves crashing behind you and the breeze wafting through was a very special experience.”

Festival goers were also treated the sight of a giant Buddha sand sculpture, as well as a whirlwind of performances and demonstrations from the Confucius Institute from the University of Western Australia who conducted kung-fu on the foreshore, calligraphy, Chinese dumpling cooking and more.

Festivities continued at Kalbarri District High School, which transformed its library into a virtual Aladdin’s Cave of Zest Fest-related works created by Kalbarri students.

The school also hosted the Taste and Desire: Power of the Beautiful exhibition in which people submitted objects of beauty for professional curation by regional artists Marina Baker and Marianne Penberthy alongside beautifully crafted interpretive panels.

The Kalbarri Zest Festival is a five-year celebration commemorating the 300th anniversary of the sinking of the Dutch East India merchant ship the Zuytdorp on the cliffs north of Kalbarri.

It is produced in partnership with the ARC Centre of Excellence for the History of Emotions at UWA, which brings research history alive by delving into emotional heritage.

Ms Millar paid tribute to the Centre for its support for the event, as well as the volunteer committee who worked for months in the lead up to the festival.

She also thanked other major funding partners, including the Community Arts Network WA, Catalyst Community Arts Fund and the State Government through Tourism WA’s Regional Events Scheme, which is jointly funded by Royalties for Regions.

The Zest Festival is assisted by the Australian Government through the Ministry for the Arts’ Festivals Australia program.

The community youth Taiko drumming was a smoke, alcohol and drug free event proudly sponsored by Country Arts WA and by Healthway to promote the Drug Aware message.

For more information on the festival visit the website www.zestfestival.com.au.

Geraldton joins dementia friendly communities

Alzheimer’s Australia WA has made a big commitment to progressing the WA Dementia-Friendly Communities project by partnering with the WA Museum – Geraldton, the Regional Art Gallery and the City of Greater Geraldton to become dementia friendly pilot sites.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, says this project is an Australian first and provides the opportunity to increase awareness, advocacy and understanding.

“A dementia-friendly community is a place where people living with dementia are supported to live a high quality of life with meaning, purpose and value.

“The City’s QEII Seniors and Community Centre will look to at changessuch as the types of language that we use, talking to staff about dementia, or keeping spaces clean and clear of clutter,” Mayor Carpenter said.

WA Museum – Geraldton Regional Manager Catherine Belcher said the Museum is making changes to become more supportive of people living with dementia.

“The Museum has completed a dementia-friendly audit tool to begin the project, and this week staff are undertaking living with dementia awareness training,” Ms Belcher said.

“The WA Museum – Geraldton aims to not only help people living with the condition, but also their carers, and to support people to stay socially connected.”

Director of the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery, James Davies, said he was very pleased that the Gallery’s recent $1.5M refurbishment of the gallery building and its layout aligns with the guidelines set out by Alzheimer’s Australia.               

“The Arts can and should play a pivotal role in increasing public awareness and understanding of the special needs of those afflicted by dementia as well as the critical role of carers in our community” said Mr Davies.

“One of the major things that we need to remember is that 70 per cent of people with dementia live at home in the community and 30 per cent of those live alone. Becoming dementia-friendly is a community challenge more than it is a residential aged care challenge,” said Mayor Carpenter.

The City of Greater Geraldton and Alzheimer’s Australia WA will work together to make positive changes for consumers living with dementia. The key areas people living with dementia have asked us to target are:

1. Reducing stigma through improved awareness of dementia in the general community.
2. Developing of dementia enabling physical access
3. Increasing awareness of customers’ needs with dementia in businesses and services.
4. Increasing support and information for families and carers.
5. Improving access to social clubs and activities for people living with dementia.
6. Providing accessible person-centred dementia care and support services.
7. Improving transport services.
8. Increasing knowledge of dementia in medical professionals.

Alzheimer’s Australia WA CEO Rhonda Parker said the report provided the most first step in the journey to making a dementia friendly nation. The research was innovative in its state wide approach to consultation because it brought people living with dementia, carers and dementia professionals together in workshops.

“With 32,000 people living with dementia in Western Australia, and that projection set to grow over the next few decades as the population ages, WA needs to consider what strategies should be in place in the future and where our energies need to be focussed,” Ms Parker said.

“It is the first time anywhere in Australia that people with dementia were sought in communities across the state to shape the future.”

“Local government has shown great leadership and enthusiasm for this project,” Ms Parker said

“The City of Greater Geraldton, WA Museum – Geraldton and Geraldton Regional Art Gallery are leading the way in developing dementia-friendly communities,” Ms Parker said.

This project is an Australian first on how to create dementia-friendly communities and provide the opportunity to increase awareness, advocacy and understanding.

Repair and Replacement Plan for Geraldton playground equipment approved

The repair or replacement of more than half the non-compliant playground equipment as part of the 2015/16 budget has been endorsed by Council.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said the City’s Public Open Space Strategy was utilised to identify high priority parks that should have their play equipment replaced or repaired first with the available funding.

“The Strategy is based upon a hierarchy of parks, therefore parks that are of the highest priority to the community were allocated funding for the repair or replacement of play equipment first,” he said.

“Funds will be expended in accordance with the plan until the $349,000 in this year’s budget for the renewal of playground equipment is exhausted.”

Although the play equipment in 80 percent of the City’s parks meet compliance standards, adjustments to maintenance programs to monitor condition and maintain the equipment need to be made.

“By far, the majority of play equipment in 80 percent of City parks is in good condition and meets current standards however, the audit has shown that some parks haven’t been monitored as often as they should have been,” said Mayor Carpenter.

“To ensure this is a thing of the past, this Council has now taken steps to make improvements.”

Dates for when play equipment will be replaced or reopened to the public will heavily depend on delivery times of suppliers.

“Play equipment that is of a high standard and is durable enough to withstand our harsh environment can’t be bought at Bunnings or locally manufactured.  This is a specialist industry and it could take up to three months for equipment to be sourced,” said Mayor Carpenter.

“In the meantime, fenced off equipment that is being replaced will be removed from the parks and the fences taken down. 

“The City will endeavour to repair the play equipment as quickly as possible but until this work is done the fences will remain in place to ensure community safety.”

Play equipment will be replaced and soft fall either rehabilitated or replaced in the following parks:

-          Pages Beach
-          Rundle Park
-          Mahomets Beach
-          Geraldton Foreshore
-          Glendenning Park
-          Maitland Park
-          Muir Park
-          Spalding Park

The play equipment in Forrester Park, GRAMS Reserve and Webber Park will be repaired.

The replacement of the following non-conforming play equipment in lower priority parks will be considered in the 2015/16 mid-year budget review.

-          Clematis Park
-          Iduna Park
-          Jenner Park
-          Levy Street Park
-          Vincent Street park
-          Alexander Park
-          Lester Square Park
-          Bugara Park
-          Norm BrandPark

Student research project

We are a group of students from the University of Western Australia conducting research on the effect of heat on community wellbeing in Geraldton. Our aim is to identify ways to increase livability by improving the urban climate.

We have set up a 5 minute survey to get an idea of the community's perception of urban heat as well as the methods to reduce it.

If you are a resident of Geraldton it would be greatly appreciated if you could complete the following survey: https://app.lamapoll.de/urban_heat-edited/

Kind regards,
Asja

Pull Your Socks Up and Lend a Helping Hand to Seriously Ill Children on McHappy Day

McHappy Day will this year be celebrated on Saturday 17th October and Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is encouraging Geraldton residents to help to raise a record breaking $3.4 million by purchasing a $1 Helping Hand or a pair of Ronald Socks for $3 from their local McDonald’s restaurant. 

The Helping Hand is a key fundraising item for McHappy Day, with an impressive 805,000 Helping Hands sold across Australia for McHappy Day in 2014. This year for the first time Ronald Socks have also been added to the mix and are a fun way for Geraldton residents to show their support for RMHC. 

“McHappy Day is the biggest fundraising event for RMHC and Helping Hands are a symbol of how RMHC programs are able to continue to provide much needed services and programs for families with children going through a serious illness. It really is through the help of individuals who extend their hand, either through donations or volunteer work, that has made RMHC what is it today,” said Mike Hanlon, licensee McDonald’s Geraldton and McDonald's Geraldton Homemaker Centre. 

“For those people really looking to show off their support our Ronald Socks are the perfect addition to your McHappy Day outfit! My Crew and I will be sporting some socks and we encourage the community to join us for the day,” added Mike. 

Corporate Helping Hands will also be available for businesses to purchase in $10 and $50 increments. Geraldton businesses will be able to post a Helping Hand in their local restaurant and will also receive another to display in their office. 

“A $10 donation means that the Ronald McDonald Learning Program can purchase books and reading apps to engage with and help students catch up on missed school work while they were sick. $50 can provide a set of bedding for overnight rooms in the Ronald McDonald Family Rooms or a welcome pack for families arriving at a Ronald McDonald House for the first time; often with none of the essentials like toiletries,” added Mike. 

The power of family closeness is a driving factor in the work of RMHC and this year’s fundraising goal equates to providing around 27,000 nights for Australian families at one of the 16 Ronald McDonald Houses across Australia. 

Geraldton residents will be able to show their support for RMHC by buying, signing and displaying a Helping Hand at their local restaurant for just $1 or picking up a pair of Ronald Socks for $3 from Thursday 1st October, up until McHappy Day on Saturday 17th October. 

In addition to Helping Hands, people can get behind McHappy Day by simply dropping in to one of over 980 McDonald’s restaurants across Australia on Saturday 17th October to make a donation to RMHC or by buying a Big Mac ($2 from every Big Mac will go to RMHC). 

Donations can also be made via www.rmhc.org.au/mchappyday

Brickstory Project launches City’s Everlasting Program

WA Country Builders and the City of Greater Geraldton have entered into the first ‘Everlasting Partnership’ with the construction of the Brickstory project, which will replace the toilet blocks at Back Beach and Glendinning Park, scheduled to begin in October.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, congratulated WA Country Builders being the first local business to come on board as a Diamond Everlasting Sponsor for City projects under the Everlasting Partnership Program

“The City is very pleased to partner with WA Country Builders, a local business through and through, in our new sponsorship program that enables business and industry to sponsor or partner with the City to deliver projects and programs the community highly values,” said Mayor Carpenter.

WA Country Builders Mid West General Manager, Phil Raven, said the Brickstory Project was about giving back to the community by providing them with the facilities they want most. The newly designed facilities will meet current Australian Standards and will be universally accessible.

“WA Country Builders have been in Geraldton for 21 years and we wanted to give something back to the community.  When the opportunity arose to partner with the City to deliver projects on their capital works priority list we knew it was an opportunity we didn’t want to miss,” said Mr Raven.

“The construction of the two toilet blocks was the most voted for project by locals during the Brickstory promotion late last year.  They are now being constructed and will be completed and ready for use just in time for summer,” he added.

Demolition of the existing toilet blocks will begin in early October with a 10 week period programmed for both demolition and construction, alternative toilet facilities will be provided during the project. 

The City has a range of initiatives available for partnership ranging from Bronze level sponsorship starting at $1000 up to Diamond level for $60,000 or more.  For more information on the Everlasting Program contact the City on 9956 6600.

22 Year Old Male Charged with Robbery

On Wednesday 24 September 2015 at approximately 9.00am, Geraldton Detectives and officers from Geraldton Police Station apprehended a 22 year old Rangeway male. The male is alleged to have been an outstanding person of interest for a number of offences in and around Geraldton area including a Robbery which occurred in August 2015.

The 22 year old was arrested and conveyed to Geraldton Police Station where he was interviewed over a number of incidents. As a result he was charged with the following offences; 1 x Burglary and Commit Offence in Dwelling

1 x Stealing
1 x Steal Motor Vehicle
1 x Robbery
1 x Attempted Burglary with Intent in Dwelling

It is alleged that the offences occurred within Geraldton area between 15 July 2015 and 14 September 2015. He will appear at the Geraldton Magistrates Court. 

Remaining Two Escapees Back in Custody

On Wednesday 24 September 2015 at approximately 9.30am, Geraldton Detectives and officers from Geraldton Police Station located the two remaining males who escaped from Geraldton Regional Prison on 21 September 2015.

The escapees were found in a residential address in Rangeway and are both now in custody.

This means all three escapees have been apprehended.

They were charged with Escaping From Lawful Custody

International student is BCMI ‘rising star’

Richard takes advantage of the hands on training approach at the BCMI campus whilst being guided by industry experienced lecturers.

Oh, Vienna. The cultural capital of the world, renowned for its architecture and music, liberal thinking and more than 150,000 student places in private and public universities.

So why would any student want to leave to study half the world away in Geraldton, WA?

“To study in a best practice aquaculture facility,” said former Viennese university student Richard Kreuzweger, who did his homework on the place before making the quantum leap.

This international student swapped life and education in the Austrian capital to enrol in aquaculture at Batavia Coast Maritime Institute (BCMI) in Geraldton and earned himself an Outstanding Achievement Award to boot.

BCMI is a campus of Durack Institute of Technology in Geraldton and is a best practice aquaculture, marine research and training facility, and that’s what attracted Richard.

He switched from biology to aquaculture because it could provide him with more practical skills, and his decision is really paying off.

BCMI Lecturer, Aquaculture and Maritime, Ben Byrne, said Richard is a rising star.

“Richard is a popular and highly motivated student,” he said.

“He is adaptable and hardworking and has already received an Outstanding Achievement Award in Cert II and III in Marine Sciences, has completed Certificate II in Aquaculture, and is now studying his Diploma in Aquaculture.”

Richard is already getting hands‐on work in the industry as a casual hatchery assistant in the ornamental fish section at BCMI (Australia’s biggest breeder of Clown Fish – the much‐loved Nemo), and volunteers with our industry partner, Chapman Valley Fish Farm, where he harvests and moves fish. He is also working on a federally funded tilapia and riverine pest control program with Dr Colin Johnson in the mid‐west.

When he has gained his diploma, Richard plans to pursue employment working with salmon in Europe’s Aquaculture industry, or return to his homeland and start his own business in farming and breeding fish. Richard is not the only International student choosing to study at BCMI’s world class facility. Students from Singapore and the Philippines have previously enrolled to take advantage of the Marine Science and Fisheries Courses that offer a pathway to employment or further study in marine sciences in the university sector.

BCMI is not only becoming an important research Institution in marine ornamentals aquaculture in Australia, but also provides great opportunities for training in Marine Science.  

For more information on these courses, contact BCMI (08) 9956 6175 or email bcmi@durack.edu.au. Alternatively, visit the Durack Institute of Technology website, www.durack.edu.au and click on Batavia Coast Maritime Institute to discover the range of nationally recognised qualifications from Certificate I to Diploma level.

Young Sean gets his sea legs early

Young Sean Parks, ‘Squid’ to his mates, has a bright future in the maritime industry.

The 16‐year‐old former high school student from Jurien Bay on WA’s west coast displays a great aptitude for the industry and is proof choosing your career path early can pay off.

He is studying a Certificate II in Fishing Operations at the Batavia Coast Maritime Institute (BCMI), in Geraldton, in the Marine and Environmental Science portfolio.

BCMI is a Durack Institute of Technology campus which offers electives in Years 10 and 11 in high schools and that’s where Sean got his start.

BCMI Lecturer, Aquaculture and Maritime, Ben Byrne, said Sean began as a student through the Jurien Bay District High School (DHS) Marine Tourism Program.

He said Sean had developed into a mature, highly skilled member of the BCMI Fishing Operations Team.

“He’s regularly chosen to work as a volunteer deckhand on BCMI’s research and education vessel, Masterclass and is an excellent watch person and boat operator,” said Ben.

“He is only a few weeks away from achieving his Grade I Coxswains ticket, and it’s fantastic to see such a young lad so committed and dedicated to setting himself up for his future.

“Sean is very motivated and keen to be involved and is a strong candidate to gain employment in the fishing or tourism industry,” Ben said.

Clearly the entrepreneurial type, while he was studying the Marine Tourism Program at high school, Sean was involved in making dive bags that were sold through a local tackle shop.

Ben said studying through the high school program opens pathways and gives students more opportunities to learn.

“Studying at BCMI under the Marine and Environmental Science portfolio can lead to employment in many areas. For Sean, it can result in work in the seafood industry, marine tourism or charter boats or the fisheries industry,” said Ben.

“The world is his oyster, so to speak!”

For more information on these courses, contact BCMI (08) 9956 6175 or email bcmi@durack.edu.au. Alternatively, visit the Durack Institute of Technology website, www.durack.edu.au and click on Batavia Coast Maritime Institute to discover the range of nationally recognised qualifications from Certificate I to Diploma level.

Sean Parks works alongside fellow students during the Marine Tourism Program at high school to create new dive bags.

Sean Parks at the helm of Durack’s training vessel named the Masterclass as he undertakes his Grade I Coxswains ticket training.

Geraldton council election

I would like to extend my best wishes to Ron Ashplant in the coming council election. Ron was instrumental in bringing to light the wretched plight myself and other residents of Utakarra were subjected to , that being the faulty sewage system and pumping station in Clematis Crescent. Ron not only was the first person to investigate this issue , but over the next 2 years continued to keep in touch and give valuable advice on which avenues to follow next. During this time we were visited by numerous politicians and water corporation management, Including Darren West, Dave Kelly , Mia Davies, and even, MarkMcGowan leader of the ALP , but sadly not once did I have any contact with our councillors from the ward of willcock, even though one lives in the immediate area . SoRon thank you for your efforts and I hope you are successful in the coming election , for the sake of your ward. Hopefully we can find a candidate half as good to represent the people of willcock

Paul Mcconnon

Local contractor awarded QPT air conditioning tender

The tender to replace the 33 year old air conditioning system in the Queens Park Theatre was awarded to local business Cramer and Neill at this week’s Council meeting.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said the $2.5 million tender provided good value for money and awarding it locally aligns with the City’s commitment to stimulate the local economy.

“The City will be spending a record $68.5 million on various capital works this financial year which includes replacing the air conditioning system at the QPT,” he said.

“The aging asbestos roof also needs to be replaced and the tender for these works is currently being finalised. 

“Although the City has separated these two contracts for tendering purposes the replacement of the roof and air conditioning system will be done concurrently.”

The QPT will be closed for the refurbishment from 1 January till approximately 30 June 2016. During this time, the City will still be offering a reduced theatre program at alternative locations such as the QEII Seniors and Community Centre.

“To ensure our community can still enjoy QPT shows the City will be delivering a skeleton program at alternative locations which will be highlighted on the QPT website,” Mayor Carpenter said.

“Once the refurbishment is complete the City will once again be able to provide a contemporary conference venue and theatre amenities to the community without patrons and visitors having to feel the heat of our Geraldton climate.”

Promotion: Van Styn: Playground Works Underway Shortly

During our Tuesday meeting I had the pleasure of moving a motion to get works on the playgrounds around Geraldton expedited.

With summer holidays fast approaching it is important that we get the playgrounds open as soon as possible.

The list of parks and their course of action for this financial year are as follows:

Repair play equipment and remove fencing at:

i.              Forrester Park
ii.             GRAMS Reserve
ii.            Webber Park (Waggrakine Hall)

Renew play equipment (including soft fall) and remove fencing at:

i.              Pages Beach
ii.             Rundle Park
iii.            Mahomets Beach
iv.           Geraldton Foreshore
v.            Glendinning Park
vi.           Maitland Park
vii.          Muir Park
viii.         Spalding Park 

Remove play equipment and fencing (not including edging and/or soft fall) at:

i.              Clematis Crescent Park
ii.             Iduna Park
iii.            Jenner Court Park
iv.           Levy Street Park
v.            Vincent Street
vi.           34 Alexander Street

Repair works will commence in the coming weeks and renewals will be completed prior to Christmas holidays, subject to supplier availability.

It is noted that some parks are having the equipment removed and not replaced this year. If you have any concerns or wish to discuss a park important to you, please feel free to contact me via email on cr.vanstyn@cgg.wa.gov.au or call me on 0417 910 005.

Together we can change how Council functions and get back to the basics like, playgrounds and parks. It is time for change.

Shane Van Styn: Candidate for Mayor

Written and Authorised by Shane Van Styn, 51 Gregory Street Geraldton WA 6530

Midwest Fishing report by Tackleworld Geraldton

ROCK WALLS

The rock walls around town have been fishing well of late with plenty of bread and butter fish like Herring,Yellow tail and Tailor on the bite and lurking in the shadows are big Mulloway from 10- 15kg. The best spots have been the Disable Platform and the Marina rock wall with the new Geraldton Look Out worth a try as well.

Behind the live Cray Factory you can get Chopper Tailor, Skippy, Herring and Whiting 

HANIS WITH A SOLID 12KG MULLOWAY TAKEN ON 10LB LINE

RIVERS

Chapman River is still producing good size bream with early morning and late afternoon the best times. There has also been a few Giant Herring getting around as well

TACKLEWORLD PRO STAFFER CRAIG WITH A 35CM BREAM TAKEN ON THE ZMAN SLIM SWIMZ

JAZALI WITH A NICE 33CM BREAM ALSO ON A ZMAN SLIM SWIMZ

AZMAN WITH AN IMPRESSIVE GIANT HERRING TAKEN ON A STRADA PICILO

STRADA PICILO DOES IT AGAIN WITH A NICE 35CM BREAM

BEACHES

Tailor catches have been mixed with fish around the 50cm mark coming from south of Greenough River while bigger fish are still coming from South Gates and Separation point, north of town there has been reports of tailor to 55 cm.

Big Whiting have been coming from south of Greenough River and South Gates and there have been a few small ones around town. Herring and Snook can be found all around town with Town Beach and Point Moore being the most productive.

OFFSHORE

African Reef has been the most consistent spot of late with, good numbers of Dhufish, Snapper and Baldies. Closer to town Coral Trout can be found around Pensioner’s Bank and Pink Snapper have been schooling up around the Channel markers. If you’re after a bit of arm stretching then the Shipping anchorage is the go with good Sambo schooling up big bait balls of mulies.

JAZALI SHOWING WHY HES A PRO ANGLER

Seasport Charters Kalbarri
Specialising in Jigging, Soft Plastics, Live Baiting & Game Fishing
Quality Shimano Rods & Reels
Tackle & Bait Provided
Long Description
0477901445
Email
seasportcharters@bigpond.com

FISH REPORT WRITTEN BY

CRAIG WISE

20 ANZAC TERRACE GERALDTON WA

08 99216822

Local Government Elections - Geraldton

I am really excited to see the strong field of candidates running for both Mayor and Councillor positions on our local Council in the October election. This is a very positive sign that there are people who are interested in our community, and prepared to step up and represent our ratepayers and residents.

However, as good as it is to have a competitive field that provides choice, what's just as important is for everyone in our community to step up and vote! 

At the last election, we saw voters rally and make a clean sweep of Council positions by installing a stable of new people to represent them. Since then we've seen two annual rate increases fall below what had previously been predicted. The City CEO and staff have responded well to this new direction of the Council with a good start to the process of reigning in costs. This is a process that needs to continue, and in my opinion, it may take up to another two years to get us to a position where we can say we have successfully streamlined City operations and we're running at peak performance for minimum cost to the community.

However, the community has a role to play in this by using its voting power to ensure the best possible candidates are elected to Council in October. We need to remember that decisions at Council are made by majority vote. So if the majority of councillors don't share the community's vision, the community loses out.

This October you will once again have the opportunity to influence the future direction of our City and District. So please take that opportunity, make your vote, and make it count.

I urge you study the candidates, consider what they have to offer and if they're contesting their own seat, think about what they've delivered in the past. Discuss your thoughts with others if it will help, and make informed choices that will give even more momentum to those councillors who've worked to constrain costs over the past coupe of years.

I wish all candidates good luck in the upcoming election, and I hope to see more councillors come on board to continue the work of bringing costs down while maintaining the range and quality of the essential services the community needs.

Thank you, and I look forward to seeing your votes roll in. I have great faith in the community's judgement.

David Caudwell (JP)
Councillor
City of Greater Geraldton
Chapman Ward
0459 216 000

Batavia Marina toilet block closed for renovations

The Batavia Marina toilet block will be closed for renovations from 29 September to 4 November 2015.  During this time there will be no other public toilets available for use in the Marina.

The nearest public toilets available for use are located in Apex Park, located on the corner of Chapman Road and Phelps Street, and the Rubik’s Cube toilets located on the Foreshore.

The City apologises for any inconvenience the closure will cause.

Promotion: Old V New Leadership: A Clear Choice

Does Geraldton want new leadership and direction or does it wish to remain with the same set of leaders we have had for more than a decade? Postal vote kits will be in your letter boxes this week so you can read the Mayoral candidate profiles for yourself and decide.

Voter turnout in Geraldton typically runs around 30% of eligible voters. Over the last 2 years I have seen electors throw out half a Council and yet still feel as though their message is not getting through. The answer: Increase voter turnout for a stronger message and change the leadership.

There is a great field of candidates in the Councillor elections with a mix of new and existing candidates.  Voters really do have a chance this year to set a new direction should they turn out. It certainly won’t take long to read the profiles of the candidates and send back your vote.

If you don’t like what is happening to playgrounds or crumbling infrastructure vote for change. If you don’t like crazy rate rises, again vote for change. Do you want your free tipping back, perhaps kerbside recycling?

If you think Council should stop wasting money on administration and airy fairy talkfests and get back to providing the basics of roads, recreation, reserves and rubbish then vote for me, Shane Van Styn. If you want to show your support for lower rates I ask you to once again support me and my fight against the crazy rate rises.

C’mon Geraldton, let’s turn out to vote and send a clear message we want our City back listening to and serving the people.

Written and Authorised by Shane Van Styn, 51 Gregory Street Geraldton WA 6530