Airport staff commended for caring attitude

I would like to give a massive thanks to the security ladies and gentlemen at the Geraldton airport. 
Fly out day is always a hard day for our 4 year old daughter but without a doubt every 3 weeks and the lovely staff help make the trip so very pleasant with hugs, high fives and letting her know they are looking forward to seeing her again.
I can't express how thankful I am to see their happy friendly faces every trip. 
A massive thanks from a very very grateful mother and happy little girl.
- Daneale

Wheelchair carousel to be placed on the foreshore

The Foreshore will once again feature a ‘merry go round by the sea’ thanks to an Everlasting Partnership between the City of Greater Geraldton and Variety WA Mid West for the installation of a wheelchair carousel in the Youth Precinct.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Shane Van Styn, said the new carousel will provide people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to play on our Foreshore.
“The City has been actively designing, building and refurbishing Foreshore spaces and amenities to be accessible and inclusive,” he said.
“The addition of universally accessible play equipment in the Youth Precinct which includes a wheelchair carousel and nest swing means more members of our community will be able to enjoy the Foreshore than ever before.”

Variety WA Mid West Regional Coordinator, Jan Ajduk, says their organisation was pleased to be a partner in the City’s new Everlasting Sponsorship program and to also be part of the final stage of the Foreshore development.

“The installation of the universally accessible and inclusive play equipment in the Youth Precinct will enable children to come together, interact and engage with each other side by side regardless of age or ability,” she said.
“The City is very pleased to partner with Variety WA Mid West in our new sponsorship program that enables organisations to sponsor or partner with the City to deliver projects and programs the community highly values,” said Mayor Van Styn.

Looking for somewhere to have your Christmas Function?

Looking for somewhere to have your Christmas Lunch or get together before Christmas craziness?

Why not come into Toppos on the Terrace?

We are located is in the heart of the CBD and are open 7 days a week, for breakfast, lunch, dinner or just a casual coffee and cake. We offer a great menu and are fully licensed. 

We would love to see you during this festive season for a bite to eat or just drop in for a drink. We are now taking group or single bookings for the Christmas period, so book now to avoid disappointment on missing out on one of our delicious meals.

Also come down at any lunch or dinner times and you can get a Movie Meal Deal which includes garlic bread, a glass of wine or soft drink, a choice of 9 different main meals and a movie ticket – all for $39 – you can’t beat that deal.

If you need to wind down on a Friday night after a hard week at work we have our Cocktail Night every Friday night – we hope to see you there soon.

To make a booking call us on 9964 5866 or come in and see us at 158 Marine Tce

For any more information visit our Facebook page or website - www.toppos.com.au

Find Us on Facebook
 

Mayor urges community to dig deep this Christmas

This Christmas there will be thousands of families in the Mid West who will go without food.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Shane Van Styn, is urging the community to get behind Foodbank’s Christmas Appeal and make a donation. He has kicked off the campaign by pledging $2,000.
Food donations can be made at local supermarkets as well as the Civic Centre, Aquarena and the Geraldton Regional Library. You can contact Foodbank to make a monetary donation.

Dig deep this Christmas.

Marine Terrace Library entrance closed for repairs

The Marine Terrace entrance to the City of Greater Geraldton Regional Library will be closed for building repairs all day on Monday 7 December 2015.  Scaffolding will be erected at the Marine Terrace entrance prohibiting entry or exit. Visitors can access the Library through the Chapman Road entrance.

The City apologises to library patrons and other members of the public visiting this end of town for any inconvenience.

$1000 Rebate to any Host Employer who takes on a School-based Trainee or Apprentice in 2016

There are only two ways to continue to grow as a community, either we attract more people to work, live and play here and/or we retain our population that we have.

ATC Midwest recognise that we need to engage, inspire and develop tomorrows leading workforce today. As the leading workforce solutions provider in the Midwest they are investing in strategies to retain our population by showing our youth that there are career opportunities for them locally.

“It’s definitely uncertain for many employers as to whether they will have enough work to carry a full-time apprentice or trainee over the next couple of years”, ATC Midwest General Manager Dave Clare said. “However, we need to show our children, our future workforce, that there are still opportunities here in the Midwest. One of the most economical ways to do that for employers is to put them on a School-based Traineeship or Apprenticeship (SBT/SBA). The employer then gets to develop a relationship with a student who can become a full-time apprentice or trainee on successful completion in 2 years’ time when the economy improves.” Mr Clare added.

SBT/SBA allow senior secondary students to start an apprenticeship/traineeship while also completing the Western Australian Certificate of Education. Under these arrangements the student is both a full-time student and a part-time employee, with the same employment and training responsibilities as other apprentices/trainees. Each student will be with the host employer one day per week over an average of 78 weeks through the school years 11 and 12.

“We are in this together. ATC are willing to give a $1000 rebate to every employer who hosts a SBT/SBA with ATC Midwest upon successful completion of their qualification.” said Mr Clare. “We have a great relationship with all the schools in the Midwest and Gascoyne and the local brokers. We have amazing pre-qualified youth ready to learn and earn, what we need is the continued support of our local business community to show these students that there is opportunity here in the Midwest so that’s why we are showing the business community that we are financially willing to help them get involved”.

If you or your business would like to learn more about hosting a SBT/SBA, contact ATC Midwest today.

DWT Jewellers – 20% Off Handmade Stock!

Get that special someone the perfect gift this Christmas at DWT Jewellers. 

DWT Jewellers Design & Manufacture High Quality Hand Made Jewellery.18ct & 9ct Yellow/White Gold, Silver, Platinum, Diamonds, Pearls & Gemstones.  

  • Rings.
  • Pendants.
  • Necklaces.
  • Earrings.
  • Bracelets / Bangles.
  • Argyle Diamonds (pink, yellow, champagne).

With over 45 years experience, father – son team Derek & Tyrone produce some of the finest jewellery in the Midwest.  Their services include:

  • Design.
  • Repairs (same day where possible).
  • Polishing.
  • Valuations.
  • Remodelling.
  • Re-stringing pearls.

Get 20% off our handmade jewellery & stock! Offer valid through December.

“We will work around you”

Speak to us today:

  • Derek: 0418 271 717
  • Tyrone: 0459 277 027
  • Fiddy55@hotmail.com

Opening Hours:
8.30 – 5 (Mon – Fri)
8.30 – 1 (Sat)
Closed Sundays & Public Holidays

We are a local home based business in Geraldton.

Find us on Facebook – DWT Jewellers

Give someone a Christmas they'll never forget

Get cycling this Christmas with Revolutions!

Being active is being healthy! So get out and about this Christmas…

GOPP member? Get 10% off with us.

Give them a gift that they will truly never forget!

Bec loves the XDS Retro Ladies Bike

Rhys has gone on his Giant Alight – Commuting Bike

Surly Pugsley Fat Bike (Model on bike not available)

Come and see us at 2c Jensen Street, off the NWCH.
Got a question? Give us a call on (08) 9964 1399

 

Parcels stolen from doorstep

Local Trevor Dunen claims he had two parcels stolen off his front door step in Strathalbyn after they had been delivered by Australia post, one containing 2 Albums, by Pink Floyd- "The Wall" and "Dark Side of the Moon" in Quadraphonic.

The other Parcel contained Led Zeppelin IV with an orange label and a rare misprint on the label.

"All three albums have rare matrix/serial numbers and are valued at around $1000 plus all up.

The albums were allegedly stolen by an aboriginal male, he was seen by the next door neighbors leaving my home with my property.

Half an hour before the records were stolen this aboriginal person was caught behind a bush near my front door and asked to leave, any person knowing any information please pm me or the Geraldton Police.

If you have my rare albums and return them, nothing more will be said."

Mr Dunen said "a $100 reward would be offered for their return."

Geraldton Police currently have no lines of inquiry relating to this incident and are appealing to the public for information. 

Anyone with any information is asked to call Geraldton Police station on 9923 4555  or make a report online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au

Students suspended following incident

Social media was a buzz with talk of John Willcock College going into lockdown yesterday.

Below details what actually happened.  

John Willcock College Principal Julie Campbell said in a letter sent to parents today, I can confirm that an incident occurred on Wednesday, 2 December that required us to keep students in classrooms for a brief period to ensure their safety.
Eight students behaved in a very intimidating manner, looking to fight particular individuals and banging on windows to try to get into classrooms. Police were called and those students were suspended.
Contrary to some entirely false rumours circulating online, there was no physical assault on any person, no student was at risk of harm, nor were any weapons involved.
However, the behaviour was a disgrace and I will not stand for it at this school. In addition to suspension, further work is being done with the students and their families to prevent a repeat of such behaviour.
It is sad that from time to time we have students whose behaviour undermines all the good and positive work we do at John Willcock College. Most of our students are very well-behaved and a credit to themselves and the school.
However, our procedures for ensuring student safety worked very well and are consistent with the processes used by all schools in such situations. As we do after any incident, we are reviewing what happened so we can further strengthen our response for the future.
Police spokeswoman from Geraldton Police said Officers attended the school but were not required to intervene.

 

 

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.

 

See Food standards alert

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

 

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. 

Put your lights on the map

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?