Open Letter to Ratepayers

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Open Letter to Ratepayers

Ratepayers  - you may not have noticed the small notice in the Guardian recently advising you of the Electors Meeting tomorrow Tuesday at the Council Offices at 5.30pm.

This meeting isa once a year opportunity for you asa ratepayer to have your say about the operations and decision making of Council – Don’t waste it.

Preferably you should put any questions you have in writing to Council beforehand so as to allow time for a researched answer. 

Ratepayers I urge you to spend an hour or so of your time to show the Council you care.  The opportunity is yours – come along and ask why the Council do what they do with your money.  Remember it’s your money the Council spend.

Regards

Max Correy

Hell Fire Pass ANZAC Day Tour for Students 2016

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The City of Geraldton RSL is promoting a community involved Tour of Thailand for Students in Geraldton to attend during the 2016 ANZAC day. We are looking for expressions of interest from those students wishing to participate in this wonderful opportunity.

The tour is for 12 days - 11 nights and the focus is in the story is of the Australian POWs, their camps and the Australian doctors, culminating in the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Hellfire Pass, and the Memorial Service in the Cemetery at Kanchanaburi. Sites of War camps, the Bridge on the River Kwai and other areas of interest.

The Quiet Lion Tours have always featured High School students from around Australia who are sponsored by various charitable and service organisations. The focus on students is to celebrate the work done by the Doctors on the railway and to perpetuate the message that “we may forgive but we will never forget” the horrific story of the Burma Thailand Railway.

The tour normally includes survivors of the railway construction, but this is subject to the health of the POW’s and is not guaranteed.For those interested please contact Christina Ross on 0437325279 for further details, on how to apply.

Northgate Shopping Centre broken into overnight

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An unknown number of people entered Northgate Shopping Centre between 10pm (last night) Sunday and 5am this morning, breaking windows and doors to gain access to the Shopping centre.  

The people made their way into Target and allegedly stole numerous mobile phones including Microsoft 640’s, Samsung Galaxy’s J1 Android, Samsung Galaxy’s S5 and A5.

Police are seeking assistance from the community with any information that may assist with the investigation. Please call Geraldton Police 99234555.

BBQs Galore have got your Christmas get togethers sorted

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Christmas is nearly upon us once again! But not to worry because Barbeques Galore Geraldton has got your Christmas get-together sorted…

Think prices are lower in Perth? Think again, there’s no need to travel all that way when we have the same prices in store right here in Geraldton!

Come in and see our huge range – 

  • BBQs / Ziggy’s
  • Weber Range BBQs
  • Chimineas 
  • Outdoor Settings
  • Egg Chairs
  • Umbrellas
  • BBQ Care products
  • Cooking Utensils
  • Meat Smokers & Pellets
  • Cooking & Food trays
  • Gas refills
  • Gift Vouchers

We’re at the Homemaker Centre – In case you didn’t know where we are! Come and say hello!

Have a question? Give us a call on (08) 9964 3314.

Find us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Barbeques-Galore-Geraldton-1504276433174572

 

Call for Green Army participants

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Member for Durack Melissa Price is encouraging young people to join the Green Army, joining what is fast becoming the largest-ever team of young Australians supporting environmental action across the country.

“Green Army projects are underway around the country and young people who want to gain valuable skills, training and experience in environmental and conservation fields are encouraged to register their interest,” Ms Price said.

“The Geraldton Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo Propagation/Revegetation Project – Stage 1 will be based at the City of Greater Geraldton Community Nursery, planting native seedlings that will provide habitat and foraging food for the endangered black cockatoo.

“The team will also educate the public that visit the nursery on the importance of planting native seedlings in their backyards and how it can contribute to increasing the Carnaby's populations.

“They will also help with planting activities around the City of Greater Geraldton to improve habitat values for the Carnaby's.

“Planting native flora for the black cockatoo during this project will provide much needed food sources and habitat for this endangered species.”

The Green Army provides young people across the country with a chance to take part in important environmental and conservation activities, while at the same time receiving training and qualifications.

Participation is open to a diverse range of young people, including Indigenous Australians, school leavers, gap year students, graduates and job seekers. Participants must be aged between 17 and 24 years and an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

The Green Army was a key Coalition election commitment, and with more than $700 million committed over four years, the Green Army is one of the Government's major environmental initiatives and encourages practical action to support local environment and heritage conservation projects across Australia, providing training to thousands of young Australians by 2018-2019.

Young Australians interested in joining the Green Army can apply through the appointed Service Providers for each state and territory. Contact details for Service Providers are available from environment.gov.au/green-army

Mark McGowan visits Geraldton to talk jobs

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WA Labor Leader Mark McGowan visited Geraldton last week to talk to the community about Labor’s vision to create jobs.

Mr McGowan said “We are here to put jobs on the agenda.

“We all know that the resources sector is changing, so it’s important to diversify the economy and create new job opportunities for West Australians.

“It should have happened a long time ago but unfortunately Colin Barnett failed to plan for life beyond the resources boom. This is why so many West Australians, including people in Geraldton, are now facing the prospect of unemployment and this is why we should be talking about ways to diversify the economy and create new jobs.

“We’ve already announced important plans to ensure that people and businesses in regional WA benefit from big State Government projects.

“A WA Labor Government will give people in Geraldton a fair go.”

Mr McGowan also said WA Labor’s Priority Start policy would create jobs in Geraldton, by ensuring all big State Government construction projects deliver apprenticeships and traineeships for locals.

 

Nominate your local hero for Australia Day!

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Do you know an outstanding member of the community that should be recognised? Nominations are about to close for the 2016 Premier’s Australia Day Active Citizenship Awards.

The City of Greater Geraldton invites both Geraldton and Mullewa residents to nominate a local community member or group who they think should be recognised for their important contribution to the community.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Shane Van Styn, said there have been many worthy recipients of the awards and people should think about acknowledging their fellow locals for the hard work that is put into making Greater Geraldton the fantastic community it is.

“The awards foster, recognise and celebrate significant contributions to community life and active citizenship in all local government areas of Western Australia,” he said.

“We have seen some amazing nominees in the past and I would urge locals to have a think about those who have and continue to make a positive difference.”

The four awards which will be presented at Australia Day celebrations on Tuesday, 26 January 2016 are:

·         Premier’s Australia Day Active Citizenship Award

·         Premier’s Australia Day Active Citizenship Award for a person under 26 years

·         Premier’s Australia Day Active Citizenship Award for a community group or event

·         City of Greater Geraldton Young Achiever of the Year for a person under 21 years

Two local citizens and one local community group from both Geraldton and Mullewa areas will be eligible for Premier’s Australia Day Active Citizenship Awards.

The recipients will be selected from people and groups who have made a noteworthy contribution during the current year, or given outstanding service over a number of years through active involvement to the local community.

 

Nominations close on Friday, 4 December 2015.

 

You can find out more information and fill out your nomination. Click Here to head to the City's website or by contacting Yvonne at the City on 9956 6939.

So, who is your local hero?

ATC Midwest awarded Gold Badge from Mental Health First Aid Australia

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Mental Health First Aid Australia recognises ATC Midwest with their Gold Badge under the MHFA Skilled Workplaces Initiative.

ATC Midwest has been awarded the Gold badge because they maintain a ratio of at least 20% of FTE staff with a current Mental Health First Aid Certificate.

“We invest heavily into the development of our team. Mental Health is an issue in Australian workplaces, especially amongst youth” said Dave Clare, General Manager of ATC Midwest. “Our Recruitment Officer and our Industry Consultants are mentors to all our apprentices and trainees. Having this specialised training is critical to us engaging, inspiring and developing tomorrows leading workforce today.”

The Government of WA Mental Health Commission states:Around 75 per cent of all severe mental illness starts before the age of 24. By age 21, just over half of young people will have experienced a diagnosable psychiatric disorder. Suicide accounts for 17.8 per cent of deaths in the 15-19 year age group and nearly a quarter of all deaths in the 20-24 year age group. Good mental health is fundamental to quality of life and physical health. It contributes to the ability to find satisfying social roles in life and allows people to form positive relationships with others. For young people who are still developing socially, emotionally and physically, the development of a mental health problem or disorder can disrupt and seriously impede their social development, education, family relationships and vocational path. Improving services and support for children and young people is a matter of priority for the Mental

http://www.mentalhealth.wa.gov.au/mental_illness_and_health/youth_mentalhealth.aspx 

“This is why it is critical for employers seeking to put on an apprentice or trainee consider using services like the ones provided by ATC Midwest. It’s not just about handling paperwork and payroll for small businesses. Our people are highly trained to handle these issues that youth are facing today and provide lifestyle support to them.” Mr Clare said.

Get your Christmas meats sorted at Mick Davey Butchers

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Mick Davey Butchers has been bringing the finest quality locally sourced meat to Geraldton for the last 20 years.

It’s time to get your Christmas feed sorted – and Mick Davey Butchers are taking Christmas orders now!

You can place your order over the phone on (08) 9921 2076, or why not come in and see our succulent range of ham, pork, beef, chicken & much more!

Make a purchase, and you’ll automatically go in the draw to win the Christmas Pack. The pack includes a 5kg ham, 3kg rolled pork, 2 whole chickens and a Lions Christmas cake.

Yes, we have Lions Christmas Cakes!

Come in and see us -

We are at 165 Marine Terrace, Geraldton 6530.

We look forward to seeing you!

 

If you're under 25 this Expo is for you

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The Sense of Direction Expo is for Geraldton youth, featuring exhibits and workshops in careers, education, health, finance, travel and more!

Check out the short video below of Tyson McEwan, a co-founder of the initiative.

Sense of Direction has secured a new co-host Aspire UWA to add value to the event. They will help to further support and create awareness of new pathways in achieving career and personal goals for youth in the Midwest. The Aspire program at the University of Western Australia (UWA) has been working with partner schools throughout the Midwest to promote the benefits of higher education; encouraging and inspiring young people to explore their dreams through a University pathway. 

Sense of Direction Expo

Meet Tyson McEwan, co-founder of Sense of Direction Expo

Posted by Sense of Direction Expo on Tuesday, 24 November 2015

 

 

Drug seizure in Wonthella

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Yesterday Geraldton Police siezed thousands of dollars worth of drugs from a home in Wonthella.

Multiple types of drugs were seized, methamphetamine (est. $30,000 worth), cannabis and cocaine including drug paraphernalia and around $2500 in cash.

A 32 year-old woman was arrested after allegedly being found in possession of the methamphetamine.

"The seizure of the drugs marks a significant crack down of the amount of drugs hitting Geraldton streets," Officer O'Keeffe said. 

Eighth Street power outages for floodlighting project

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise there will be power outages on Eighth Street to Towns Football Club, Geraldton Squash Club and Geraldton Hockey Club between the hours of 8.30am and 3pm on Monday 30 November.

The outage is necessary to finalise the installation of the new transformer for the Wonthella Oval Project.

The City and its contractors will endeavour to have the outage time kept to a minimum.

If you have any queries contact the City on 9956 6600.

Solar hybrid powering SKA stargazing

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Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has welcomed the announcement that State Government had approved regional energy provider Horizon Power to execute a power supply agreement with the CSIRO for the supply of electricity to the observatory.

Site works will soon start on the construction of a diesel-solar hybrid power station that will support the world-leading telescopes at the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory (MRO).

"This agreement helps deliver the Government's broader commitment for the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) and Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) radio telescopes, which are precursors to the international Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project," Premier Colin Barnett said.

"The eyes of the world are on Western Australia as the observatory is already producing outstanding scientific results in advance of the SKA."

Dr Nahan said Horizon Power would start site works in January on a two megawatt solar-diesel hybrid station at the observatory, about 315 kilometres north-east of Geraldton, which will provide power for the world-class scientific radioastronomy research facility.

"The project draws on Horizon Power's experience to deliver remote renewable hybrid power solutions and develops a capability that can be leveraged to other projects," he said.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the new power station was supported by a $10 million investment from Royalties for Regions and the partnership with the cutting-edge scientific project would boost the region's profile.

"Royalties for Regions is about strengthening and growing our regions and helping regional communities realise their economic potential through the delivery of projects such as this," Mr Redman said.

A further $5.5 million has been invested by the State Government from consolidated revenue.  

This mother affected by suicide is travelling around Australia raising awareness

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"Jaie's Journey" is searching for an location to hold their Geraldton event. If you can help please click here to contact Susan Gliddon McColl

Jaie Moran tragically took his own life on the 1st of April 2014.
Jaie's mother, Sandra Moran is visiting towns around Australia to help raise awareness of mental health issues and illnesses, provide some relevant information and to discuss the impact of mental illness and suicide on communities and survivors of suicide. 

Sandra is in the process of having Jaie's Journey registered as a 'Not for Profit' organisation so that not only will this ride bring validation and support to people who need it but, along with her family, will endeavour to continue helping people at risk including bereaved families in their times of need.  She knows it will not be an easy task and the challenges will be ongoing, but it is a ask that she will bear and with her, her many supporters.

With assistance from other coordinators they will do their best to keep everybody updated.  

More information, see Sandra's Blog HERE