Geraldton apprentice, John Pattrick takes Gold in World Skills Competition!

In the attached photo, John Pattrick (centre) was joined by Elite's Managing Director, Brad Luff (right) and Geraldton Operations Manager John French (left).

ATC Midwest 4th Year Apprentice John Pattrick, hosted by long-time Host Employer, Elite Electrical Contracting took out the gold medal for Electrical Instillation at the World Skills Competition in Perth on Tuesday Deccember 1st 2015.

“John has always been an outstanding apprentice and a regular finalist in our annual ATC Awards. His dedication to his trade and commitment to his own development is exceptional”, ATC Midwest General Manager Dave Clare said. “Brad & Tara Luff and the Elite Electrical Contracting team have been long-time supporters of ATC Midwest in engaging, inspiring and developing tomorrow’s leading workforce. This award is a reflection of Elite’s commitment as a quality host employer who are continually investing in apprentices to produce outstanding tradespeople for our community” Mr Clare added.

World Skills Australia operates in 31 regions across Australia. Mr Pattrick won the WA Regional World Skills Competition held in November this year.

By receiving the Gold Medal, Mr Pattrick has been chosen to represent Western Australia in the National World Skills Competition. This will take place in Melbourne in October 2016. If successful there and he could represent Australia in Abu Dhabi in 2017.

Elite Electrical Contracting specialise in Electrical, Refrigeration and Instrumentation works, design and construction work for mining installations, process plants, petro chemical, materials handling, heavy industrial and commercial Installations.

Geraldton Grammar donate hundreds of dollars worth of food

Geraldton Grammar School joined Foodbank in the fight against poverty five years ago. Each year teachers and students rally together and donate hundreds of dollars’ worth of food. This year is no different, with Grammar School’s year sevens’ coordinating and driving change.

Hunger and poverty is at large in Western Australia and this Christmas many will suffer in silence without food, love and laughter. While most spend Christmas rejoicing with family and friends, Foodbank WA are looking at one of their toughest years yet.

Year 7 coordinator Ms Sharon Cole highlighted the importance of helping those in need, especially at Christmas.

“Grammar School look forward to this time of year. Christmas is a time for giving. It’s a time for celebration and sharing. Each year people in our community go hungry and we need to help!

“The year sevens’ drive the Christmas Foodbank Appeal and get the whole school involved. Through this, they learn the importance of giving to those in need,” Ms Cole said.

A Foodbank representative received the donation on Wednesday and spoke of the difference it will make.

“In 2014 there was an eight per cent increase in those seeking food assistance. This year Foodbank has seen another increase due to the mining downturn and our role is to help.”

He explained: “Every little bit makes a difference and it’s fantastic to see all the students getting involved.”

Students buzzed with excitement as they helped load food into the Foodbank truck, which will be distributed to those in need.

To help make a difference this Christmas or for more information, visit the official Foodbank website at www.foodbankwa.org.au

Recall on Carlton Dry beer

Carlton and United Breweries has recalled Carlton Dry beer from Coles, Woolworths, liquor stores, Metcash/IGA (BWS, Dan Murphy’s, First Choice, Liquor Land etc.), other independents & on premise liquor outlets (bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants and hotels) nationally.

The recall is due to the possible presence of glass in product. Consumers should not consume this product as glass may cause injury.

Relevant date marks are 19JUL16 3A & 20JUL16 3B. The product can be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Public assistance sought after knife attack

Geraldton Local Policing Team officers are seeking the public’s assistance for information to assist with their investigation into an assault in Rangeway on Monday, 9 November 2015.

At about 8:50am, a 37 year old man and his female partner were walking along Cassia Street when a man and a woman chased them. The woman was armed with a knife.

The couple ran away in different directions and the offenders pursued the man to a service station on Rifle Range Road.

The woman accompanied by the man, stabbed the victim several times with the knife.

The 37 year old man received minor injuries and was taken to Geraldton Regional Hospital for medical treatment.

The woman is described as being in her 20s, about 165 to 175cms tall, with a slim build and dark coloured hair tied up in a bun. She was wearing a pink jumper with a white motif and blue denim jeans rolled up below her knees.

The man is described as being between 30 to 40 years of age, approximately 170 to 180cms tall with a slim build, dark short hair and a short goatee. He was wearing a black shirt with a motif on the front, black shorts and sunglasses.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au

This local supermarket just gave 1000 loaves of bread to feed the hungry

Queens Supa IGA store Manager Hayden Hebiton said we heard Foodbank was in need due to a supply shortage so we donated 1000 loaves of fresh bread. 

Pat Hodges from Foodbank said the donation is fantastic and will enable them to give fresh bread this Christmas.

"Queens have been a huge supporter for a number of years, this delivery will help greatly."

"We are still in need desperately of food and we won't be able to deliver on hampers at this point."

"The situation is improving slightly however we are still in crisis and it's the worst I have seen in 13 years," she said.

If you wish to donate Food you can deliver it directly to Foodbank or at one of the following locations: 

• Queens Supa IGA
• Melissa Price's Office
• CGG council offices
• Aquarena
• Geraldton Regional Library 
• Woolworths

Foodbank supplies emergency food relief to the needy in the Midwest Region. 

Everything Geraldton have started a donation portal for community members.

We will give the money to Foodbank. Click the button to donate ->

Donate to foodbank

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More amazing wildlife pictures from David Ford

More great wildlife pictures from David Ford. 

Amazing Christmas Lights going up already

The Christmas lights are beginning to go up!Why not take a drive down Maidstone St in Mount Tarcoola to view this master piece?

Posted by Geraldton Scene on Tuesday, 1 December 2015

Want to WIN $500 for the best Christmas Lights? Enter your house below. 

Apple Watch Review

REVIEW - Apple Watch

The Apple Watch is great piece of technology for those on the go or the tech savvy users.
It brings notifications, calls and emails directly to your wrist making sure you never miss that important communication.

I love this nimble device it's great but is a piece of jewellery that's essentially an expensive add-on to your already pricey iPhone.

I think the novelty of the device outweighs its flaws of daily charging and its inability to go underwater.

The many watch faces and personalisation of the device enables you to make it your own and gives you the power to add your own personal background watch face.  

With Facebook messenger, emails and fitness trackers including a variety of games the Apple Watch is a great device if you can afford to buy it.

Once the full version of Apple Pay comes to Australia (American Express Only) the watch will become a perfect all day use item giving the ability to wave your wrist near an EFTPOS machine, similar to PayWave on most credit cards.  

The entry level device starts with the Apple Watch Sport at $499.00, The Apple Watch starts at $799.00 and the high end Apple Watch Edition starts at $14,000 - yes I know that's expensive for a watch.  

If you want an Apple Watch you need an iPhone 5 or later model. 

The watch battery is great lasting a full day however you will need to charge it every night if you want it to last a full day.

Watch bands add another level personalisation enabling you to make the watch your own with a band that suits you or the occasion.  

I ordered an watch with the Apple Store app and it arrived within the week to Geraldton, I was very surprised at the efficiency of delivery. 

Will you be getting an Apple Watch? 

Banana ecstasy and $7000 cash seized

On Monday 30 November 2015, Geraldton Detectives arrested a 20 year old Drummond Cove man with attempting to possess 200 grams (7 ounces) of MDMA in the form of ‘banana’ ecstasy pills.

A subsequent search of the man's Drummond Cove house located approx. $7,000 cash believed to be from the sales of Prohibited Drugs.

The man was charged with:
1 x Attempt to Possess Prohibited Drug (MDMA) with intent to sell / supply and
1 x Possess Unlawfully Obtained Property (cash)

He will appear in Geraldton Magistrates Court later this month. 

Picture: Geraldton Police

Wonthella Supa IGA re-launches

Hundreds of people attended the re-launch of Rigters Wonthella Supa IGA in 5th street this morning.

The refurbished store features a new layout, more products and the same great service.  

Operations Manager Stuart Bain said he was pleased about the relaunch of the improved store. 

"The refurb is long overdue and it's great to give back to the loyal community," 

"We're really pleased with turn out this morning, we had a huge response to the competition." he said. 

John Rigter and Shane Van Styn.  

Customers had the chance to win a $1000 shopping voucher, but had to be in attendance to receive the prize. 

Local Jo Franklin was the winner.  

Mayor Shane Van Styn who was in attendance said "It's great to see the Rigters group continuing a 46 year tradition of developing Geraldton supermarkets," he said. 

Young boy Noah Najar who was in an accident outside the store a few weeks ago, was made an honorary staff member. He received a gift and staff shirt. 

From the management and staff at Wonthella Supa IGA I would like to say thankyou to all our loyal customers for their...

Posted by Wonthella Supa IGA on Tuesday, 1 December 2015

Independent report finds work for the dole effective

An independent evaluation of the Work for the Dole pilot which ran from 1 July 2014 has found the programme was effective in helping participants gain confidence and self-esteem and learn skills such as team work, communication and appropriate workplace behavior.

Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price said the Evaluation of Work for the Dole 2014-15 showed how the programme is helping more Australians get work-ready.

“This Government is determined to help every Australian who is able to find work,” Ms Price said.

“Work is the foundation of the economic security of individuals, of the nation and is the glue that makes our communities strong.

“That’s why we have invested in the Work for the Dole programme which places job seekers in activities where they can gain skills and experience in roles that also give back to the community.”

The independent evaluation by the Social Research Centre and the Australian National University found that of the participants surveyed: 

• 83 per cent agreed that Work for the Dole is an opportunity to give back to the community
• 79 per cent agreed that the routine was good for them
• 81 per cent said they were treated like a valuable member of staff
• 81 per cent said they were satisfied with the amount of responsibility they were given
• 76 per cent said they were satisfied with the amount of work
• 74 per cent said they were satisfied with the variety of tasks
• 68 per cent agreed that their placement was a valuable experience 

“It’s also pleasing to note that host organisations, many of them community groups and charities, saw Work for the Dole as an opportunity to undertake activities and complete tasks they would otherwise not have the resources to do,” Ms Price said.

The Work for the Dole pilot was conducted in 18 selected areas and was open to job seekers aged 18 to 29 years.  It ran for one year in preparation for the national rollout of Work for the Dole under jobactive on 1 July 2015. 

Work for the Dole activities can be hosted by not-for-profit and government organisations. The programme gives organisations an extra set of hands to help to undertake activities that would not normally be done.

“I encourage more community groups to consider hosting Work for the Dole participants,” Minister from Employment, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash said.

“It’s a win for those groups giving them extra people to continue their good work, and it’s a win for participants, learning new skills whilst supporting the community that is supporting them.”

Evaluation of Work for the Dole 2014-15 is based on a range of evidence including in-depth interviews with job seekers, host organisations, Work for the Dole coordinators, employment services providers and programme managers in the Department of Employment. In addition, a telephone survey of 700 eligible job seekers was undertaken.

To find out more about Work for the Dole visit: employment.gov.au/work-dole

To see the full Evaluation of Work for the Dole 2014-15 report visit employment.gov.au/evaluation-work-dole-2014-15

Midwest Fishing report by Tackleworld Geraldton

WHARF AND MARINA

Marina wharf activity has increased lately with good size mangrove Jack and big Cod around the Wharf rock wall taking deep diving lures with bream and pinkies to 40cm as well Tailor and Snook are busting up bait around the wharf lights at night. The New marina is also fishing well with Diamond Trevally getting caught on lures big cod are also very active With herring and Snook also around

JACK BUY NAME JACK FISH AWSOME CATCH BUD

ROSNE WITH A IMPRESSIVE DIAMOND TREVALLY TAKEN ON A DUO SPEARHEAD

NICE COD TAKEN ON A STRADA 70MM DREDGE DEEP DIVER

BIG COD TAKEN ON LIGHT GEAR WITH THE SAMAKI VIBELICIOUS

RIVERS

Chapman river is still firing with lure angler doing well with Bream to 40cm still getting Released.Giang herring are still providing anglers with some entertaiment

JORDAN WITH A NICE DOUBLE FOR THE DAY WITH HIS 39CM PB BREAM AND A 36ER

IN SHORE

Kayak and Dingy angler have done well with whithing and Bone fish to 40cm coming from Sepporation Point and Drommonds cove, eplosives is holding big Tailor from the white wash, Sambos and amber Jacks have been hanging around the fish farms.

DAVE HOWIE WITH ONE OF TWO BONE FISH CAUGHT ON THE SAMAKI VIBELICIOUS

VIBELICIOUS THUMPER TAIL BONE FISH

AZ WITH A 50CM+ FLATHEAD

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TACKLEWORLDS HELLO SUMMER SALE

STARTS 24TH OF NOVEMBER

PLUS WE HAVE HEAPS MORE SAVINGS ON YGK BRAID INSTINT LEADER AND RODS AND REELS

Seasport Charters Kalbarri
Specialising in Jigging, Soft Plastics, Live Baiting & Game Fishing
Quality Shimano Rods & Reels
Tackle & Bait Provided
Long Description
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FISH REPORT WRITTEN BY

CRAIG WISE

20 ANZAC TERRACE GERALDTON WA

08 99216822

Armed robbery at Bluff Point Liquor store

At about 9:00pm, Tuesday 1 December 2015, the manager of a liquor store on Chapman Road, Bluff Point exited the store and locked up for the evening.

At this time the manager was confronted by a male person who had his head and face covered with clothing, and was armed with a metal instrument.

The male person demanded that the manager unlock the door, before they both moved back inside the store.

The male then demanded money from the tills, threatening to stab the manager if she did not comply.

The male took a small bottle of spirits before departing.

The offender is described as being a tall male, skinny with dark skin, in his teens or early twenties.

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

Second division winner at Rigters Supa IGA

CONGRATULATIONS to our lucky customer who purchased a second division lotto ticket for Saturday night, picking up $7,732.45.

Posted by Rigters Supa IGA on Sunday, 29 November 2015

GDR movie night

Geraldton Dog Rescue are holding a fundraiser movie night this Thursday night.

In the Heart of the Sea from 6:00pm at Orana Cinemas. 

Tickets will be available to purchase at the Cinema (through Geraldton Dog Rescue only) for $30 each from 5:30pm to 6:00pm.

A representative from Geraldton Dog Rescue will be at the cinema from 5:30pm.

The tickets will be $30 each for cash door sales.

Otherwise, pay $27.50 online by Clicking here to book through Eventbrite.

City gets grants for Disability services

Regional Ambassador for of ‘Count Me In’ Chris Kerr looks forward to the new mobility beach access ramp being constructed at Town Beach.

The City of Greater Geraldton is pleased to announce it recently received grant funding from the Disability Services Commission of $50,000 to go towards the construction of a mobility beach access ramp and a further $100,000 for accessible amenities and adult change facilities at Town Beach.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Shane Van Styn, said the timing of the funding announcement coincides perfectly with the City’s celebrations for International Day of People with Disability.

“What a fantastic announcement to be able to make to our community who is celebrating International Day for People with Disability this week with the opening of the art exhibition ‘Creative Waves’ and the launch of a short film ‘Part of the Community’ at the Queens Park Theatre on Thursday, 3 December from 4.30 to 6.30pm,” he said.

The grant funding program, administered by the Western Australian Local Governments Association, will enable the City to undertake capital works related to access and inclusion which were identified as a top priority by the Community Panel in late 2013.

As a result, the City has decided to include access as a top priority for the Multi User Facility and Youth Precinct currently under construction on the Foreshore in the West End.

“The refurbishment of the toilet block behind the Visitor Centre will house a new beach wheel chair and the accessible change rooms will feature a hoist for transfers from one chair to another and an adjustable adult change table,” said Mayor Van Styn.

“The beach wheelchair ramp, which will be built on the western side of the Town Beach groyne across from the basketball half court, has been specifically designed and engineered to counteract erosion of the concrete path.  Adjoining the foreshore promenade, the path will feature stainless steel handrails for users down to the high water mark on the beach.

“The City continually consults with community representatives to improve access in the CBD which also includes strategically located ACROD (Australian Council for Rehabilitation of Disabled) parking in the West End as part of the Multi User Facility project.”

The Francis Street jetty is also being replaced so that people with mobility impairments can fully utilise it.

A beach wheelchair is currently stored at the Two Foreshore Café and is available for hire by contacting the City.

For more information about the beach wheelchair ramp or other City projects visit www.cgg.wa.gov.au or phone the City Council on (08) 9956 6600.

Look at this bird catching a fish

David Ford took these amazing wildlife pictures and shared them with Everything Geraldton.

Other bird photography taken by David Ford.

Main street to light up for Christmas!

Christmas on the Terrace is back for another year with our main street hosting the family fun event. Picture: Richard Rossiter 

Marine Terrace will once again light up with a sea of colour, Christmas lights, retailers, stall holders, activities and festive cheer as Christmas on the Terrace hits our main street for another year.

On Thursday, 10 December from 5-8.30pm, head down to Marine Terrace to enjoy an event that the whole family will love.

You can expect unique markets and stalls, an array of fabulous food, local artworks, aero bungy, bouncy castles, cool inflatables, a variety of musicians including The Comedy Emporium’s piano bike, Perth based funk band Junkadelic, as well as other local singers.

Kids will also be able to write their very own letter to Santa!

The City has been working closely with local retailers to continue to provide an annual family friendly event full of fun and entertainment.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Shane Van Styn, said Christmas on the Terrace had been a popular event in the past and he encouraged the community to come along and support local retailers.

“This is such a great event for the whole community and local retailers put a lot of effort into making Marine Terrace come alive for the festive season,” he said.

“There is so much on offer and there will be something there for everyone so you’ll be able to do all of your Christmas shopping in one night.”

The winner of the City’s #whyilovegero photo competition will also be announced and photos entered into the competition will be projected onto a building on Marine Terrace across the road from the Men’s Shed.

For more information you can visit the City’s online events calendar http://ow.ly/V5TpI and you can also find updates on the City’s Facebook page.

What internet service providers are the best in Geraldton?

Laser pointing Juvenile charged with drug possession

On Saturday, Geraldton Police charged a 16 year old male in Sunset Beach.

Police allege the male was pointing a laser pointer at traffic whilst being pillion on a motorcycle.

Police had cause to search the male where a black laser pointer that emits green light was located and a clip seal bag containing a tablet believed to be MDMA.

He was charged with: 1 x Possess Prohibited Drug and 1 x Carries or Possesses a Controlled Weapon.

The male will appear in Geraldton Childrens Court.