Plenty to do this school holidays

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The kids won’t have a chance to get bored during the school holidays as the City of Greater Geraldton kick starts its seven week long School Holiday program on Sunday 13 December.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Shane Van Styn, said this is the third school holiday program the City has pulled together and it offers a huge range of activities for kids to do.
“The program is absolutely jam packed with activities such as cartooning and hip hop dance workshops, skateboarding and basketball clinics, Kung-Fu cupcake, a disco day, sea monster mask making, dodgeball and this time around the kids can even try out stand up paddleboarding,” he said.

The City has worked closely with several local organisations to develop an exciting calendar of events and activities both here in Geraldton and also in Mullewa.

“There is a real variety of activities to choose from and most of them are free of charge however, for some of the activities spaces are limited so you will want to register early to ensure you can take part.”

For a full run down of all the events and activities and to register to attend those activities with limited spaces, visit www.cgg.wa.gov.au

There's a another council election happening to fill Van Styn's seat

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Six candidates have stepped forward to fill the only remaining seat on Council. 

The Tarcoola Ward seat remains empty following the election of Councillor Shane Van Styn to Mayor in October. 

An extraordinary election will be held on January 15, 2016. It will be a postal vote election. 

The term expiry for the elected person is 21 October 2017.

Here is a breakdown of Candidates and why they want your vote.

(Candidates have been placed in the following order as they appear on the AEC website) 

BLOCK, Fred

In 1997, when I told people in Perth I was moving to Geraldton, they said, 'Geraldton? What do you want to move to Geraldton for, it's the rear end of the world?' I didn't think it then and I definitely do not think it now. Although I was not born here, I am a proud Geraldtonian. Geraldton has become a vibrant city. A city that has made all those knockers eat their words. Everywhere I travel I tell whoever will listen about this great city in which I live. When I last ran for Council in early 2000, a number of people labeled me a tree hugger because I had the occasional beer with a few Greens voters. I said then and I'll say it now. If elected, proposals that benefit the majority of the community will get my vote. Those that don't won't. 

Email: Block1@westnet.com.au

ASHPLANT, Ron

I am seeking your support to be your council representative for the Tarcoola Ward. I work at both the Ibis Styles and The Tarcoola Tavern. I make my decisions based on common sense and speak my mind honestly and without fear. I will listen to any idea, big or small, that when worked through together, can make the communities within Tarcoola a better place to live and prosper. I have the leadership skills that are required to create the atmosphere to develop the opportunities for new industries as well adding to the mix of industries that our city as a regional centre provides. The Tarcoola Ward represents all generations and it is my role to: - Provide Leadership. - Provide support and guidance. - Provide the opportunities that will enhance the well being and development of our community. Thank you. Ron Ashplant

Mobile: 0400 215 031
Email: ron.ashplant@westnet.com.au

ELS, Nicholas

I and my family have been 'Geraldtonians' for eight years, and our children attend a local school. As a family, we are active in the sporting community and focused on youth development and creating opportunities. I manage a small management consulting business, and my wife is a teacher at a local school. As a former employee of local council's, I have extensive management and executive experience in local government in the areas of governance and risk, major projects and acting Chief Executive Officer roles in the Midwest Region. I hold a Bachelor of Law Degree and Graduate Company Directors Diploma. If successful; I bring my previous local government experience, a deep passion for youth sporting development, encouraging small business opportunities, and to keep rate increases to a minimum. I will undertake to consult and bring the voice of the Tarcoola Ward residents to the council table.

Mobile: 0424 601 801
Postal Address: 14 Mildwaters Place, Mount Tarcoola Geraldton 6530
Email: nicholas.els@hotmail.com

WARD, Jon

I have lived in Geraldton for 35 years, and have forged a long career in the employment and training sector. As the father of two adult children, an active community member, and Life Member of the Geraldton Apex Club, the prosperity of our community is of the utmost importance to me. The massive rates increase inflicted upon ratepayers in 2012/13 saw a backlash on Council the likes that has never been seen before, resulting in most of the then sitting Councilors being tipped out at subsequent elections. I was one of the instigators of "The Ratepayers Demand Change" group that led to legal action being brought against the council over this massive rate hike. This action resulted in much greater transparency in Council operations, and much more open communications. But the job is still only half done and my pledge to ratepayers is to be your strong voice on Council.

Home: 9921 4838
Mobile: 0478 643 027
Email: wardies@westnet.com.au

FIORENZA, Peter

I have lived and worked in Geraldton all of my life. I have worked in local education in the area for close to 20 years, and been part of a great number of organisations that contibute to the beat of our city. I care about Geraldton and the community. In recent times, Geraldton has grown substantially, but has been able to hold onto, and protect its unique appeal -the very reason people choose to call it home. At the moment, we are facing a number of challenges that threaten the balance of a growing city, and keeping its unique qualities. I want to ensure that these challenges are met. I have no agendas, but a vested interest in our future. I will listen to, and speak on behalf of residents in my decision making- decisions that are of benefit to the greater Geraldton community as a whole.

Mobile: 0427 320 342
Postal Address: 131 Glenfield Beach Drive Drummond Cove 6532

COLLIVER, Natasha

I will represent the grassroots needs of the Tarcoola Ward, by supporting the ongoing expansion of the Wandina Primary School and the development of shopping facilities in Wandina. I will make sure that our parks and recreation facilities meet our community's expectations and are well maintained. Being a working mum, I know how important it is to balance the family budget and get value for money. Your rates are no different. Keeping a lid on rate rises is a priority for me. I am a committee member of a number of local community and sporting organisations. Through my work with these groups and in my professional working life, I have worked hard to ensure quality outcomes that meet the needs of our community. Geraldton is a great place to live, and I enjoy playing an active role in my local community. This is why I am running for Council.

Mobile: 0428 218 049
Email: natasha.colliver@icloud.com

Specs 2-4-1 will help you get a clearer perspective this Christmas

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Located on Marine Terrace and proudly locally owned and operated, servicing you and your community.

We offer a huge selection of popular brands from Maui Jim, Oroton, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Celine, Oakley and Fendi – offering non-prescription and polarized options. 

We do all repairs, eye examinations and ocular health checks. Including providing a frame consultant to find you the right frame for your face.

We stock the largest range of fashion frames in Geraldton and fully covered bulk billing including all participating health funds.

We have 9 stores Statewide – drop in to see us today and get a clearer perspective. 

 

Visitor Centre can now save lives!

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City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Shane Van Styn, and Geraldton Pensioner Social Club President, Annie Smith-Townsend, receiving the Automated External Defibrillator from St John Ambulance Regional Manager Mid West, Lynne Hunt.

St John Ambulance Western Australia recently handed over an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Shane Van Styn, which will be housed at the Geraldton Visitor Centre.

The defibrillator was kindly donated to the Visitor Centre by the Geraldton Pensioners Social Club as a need to have more of the machines located in Geraldton was identified.

It will also be listed on the St John Ambulance Community First Responder System (CFRS), which creates a direct link between St John, the triple zero (000) call centre, local communities and organisations.

This direct link enables individuals to provide immediate assistance to cardiac arrest victims in that time critical period before an ambulance arrives – when it matters most. 

St John Ambulance Regional Manager Mid West, Lynne Hunt, said the news of having another defibrillator in Geraldton was wonderful.

“For every minute that a victim is not defibrillated, their chance of survival decreases by 10 per cent,” Ms Hunt said.

”By adding this machine to the St John Ambulance Community First Responder System in Geraldton we are significantly increasing the chance of survival and recovery for people who may enter sudden cardiac arrest.

“In 2014 the Community First Responder System had 871 locations operating across Western Australia and today we have more than 1065 locations, including 615 devices in regional WA.

“Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death across Australia. More people die from cardiac arrest annually than from road accidents and it can happen to anyone, of any age, at any time.

“These amazing machines can be used by anyone, regardless of previous training, because they are equipped with simple, easy-to-follow instructions.” 

The Community First Responder program enables bystanders to help save lives when someone suddenly suffers cardiac arrest.

When a person unexpectedly collapses, bystanders can phone 000 and request an ambulance.  The St John Ambulance State Operations Centre checks to see if the location is registered on the Community First Responder System.  The location is then called, the defibrillator retrieved and applied to the patient.

New technology and maintenance announced for schools in Geraldton

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Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney said today that students in public schools across Geraldton are set to benefit from extra funding in school maintenance, and upgrades to computing technology.

The announcement today is on top of existing spending, and means in WA, over $170 million will be spent on maintenance alone in 2015-16.

Mr Blayney said the upgrades would ensure students and staff have the highest possible quality facilities for teaching and learning.

“Our public schools are world class, and these upgrades will make them even better,” said Mr Blayney.

The investment in technology will optimise bandwidth in all schools for teaching, learning and student research.

The award-winning Standard Operating Environment (SOE) will also be extended to a remaining 218 schools across the state.

“The SOE provides a framework for schools so student access to the internet is as safe and secure as possible using the latest in scanning and filtering techniques,” Mr Blayney said.

The state government will also match dollar-for-dollar the investment in ICT devices by primary schools up to a combined total of $20 million.

“I am incredibly pleased schools in Geraldton will be even better with this new investment,” Mr Blayney said.

All works will be completed by mid-2016. 

Cats of the Festive Season – Bubbles & Cherri

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Our Cats of the Month are available for $50 each to the right home. Meet Bubbles & Cherri

These two girls have been long timers with the Shelter, they are all beautiful and deserve their forever home! If you have a lot of room in your heart and home, then please contact us today to find out about these sweet girls.

They are both only $50 until the end of December 2015.
You can find more info about these ladies at the links below.

The adoption fee for our cats is $150 and kittens is $200, (with the exception of Cat of the Week) which includes microchip, sterilization, immunization, vet check, worm and flea treated. That is a huge saving on the vet work alone!

Mid West Cat Shelter Inc is a registered charity whose main objective is to rescue and re-home, lost abandoned and homeless cats and re-home them to responsible pet owners.

We promote sterilization and containment, for the wellbeing of your cat, your neighborhood and the environment.

If you would like to adopt any of our other cats or kittens, visit our website www.midwestcatshelter.com our Facebook page www.facebook.com/midwestcatshelter or phone 0487 193 244 to speak to a coordinator.

CGG first council to implement relocation of Corellas

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The City of Greater Geraldton is the first Council in WA to implement a new wildlife control method in a bid to protect public infrastructure and community assets.

This week, the City will introduce a new method to relocate corellas from our CBD and other hotspots where the birds are causing significant damage to buildings, sporting grounds, businesses and other community assets.

The City has acquired a specialised device which was made in New Zealand and is specifically designed for controlling wildlife in an extremely safe and effective way.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ken Diehm, said after much research, the City had found a new and safe way to relocate corellas.
“This issue has been a high priority for us and we have been looking into effective ways we can control the plague proportions and this method is safe and poses no threat to wildlife,” he said.
“The bottom line is that this exercise will not harm the birds but encourage them to relocate so they don’t continue to harm our local infrastructure.
“Previous methods used included a gas gun and firecrackers which have been effective but we are hoping this new method will build on the success of previous years,” he said.

The new handheld deterrent fires a percussion cartridge approximately 20 metres into the sky close and activates where the corellas are roosting. There are three different cartridges which omit different volumes and frequency of sounds in order to move the birds.

Every year corellas cause thousands of dollars worth of damage to our City with local sporting clubs and businesses often bearing the brunt of the costs, with wiring, seals, trees, sporting turfs and insulation being harmed.

“Controlling the numbers of corella proportions is actually a State Government responsibility, but the City has been forced to take action due to the enormous number of complaints from residents and businesses,” Mr Diehm said.

The strategic operation has been mapped out to pinpoint problem areas and City Rangers have been undertaking training to use the new device.

As part of the operation, Rangers will be stationed at different areas in the community with the intention to move them on each time they land.

The exercise will begin this week and is expected to take up to a month. Residents are advised not to be alarmed if they hear loud noises in their area.

 

No respect for those with a Disability

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Claire Sleeman says she is not pleased with members of the public not respecting those with disability:  

It has come to my disgraced attention that a lot of people have no respect for people with disabilities in this town anymore. I am fed up with having to put up with mothers at the aquarena using these changerooms with their toddlers and people using disabled parking bays.
I hope all the people I have upset have gone home and thought about their laziness but come on you people, one day you will need it too. 

Tides Restaurant to close at the end of 2015

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After nearly 10 years in operation Tides of Geraldton are closing their doors at the end of 2015.

The owners posted the news online last night, thanking customers for their support over the past decade. 

"In this time we have done countless Weddings, Function, cooked for 2 Prime Ministers, State Premiers, Heads of International Delegations and so many more. We have won awards for service and accolades in food, been written in books with Anya’s famous Lamington Ice Cream.
"We have donated countless thousands to charities and we have loved every minute of it. So it is with a heavy heart we will have to close the doors at the end of the year.
"We want to thank our staff - and we have had the most amazing wonderful precious staff anyone could ever have. We love you guys so much.
"Thank you again from Tides of Geraldton."

Tides kindly request if you have vouchers please book and use before them asap.

Australian Chamber Orchestra to come to Geraldton

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Member for Durack Melissa Price welcomed the Australian Government’s support for bringing arts and cultural experiences to audiences in regional Australia.

“I am pleased to announce that locally, the over $121,900 awarded to the Australian Chamber Orchestra Pty Ltd through the Playing Australia will include a tour of their Four Seasons program led by Artistic Director Pekka Kuusisto to Geraldton,” Ms Price said.
“Additionally, the over $495,000 awarded to arTour also includes a performance of Bram Stoker’s Gothic horror story Dracula in 2017.
“These outstanding arts events will visit Geraldton, giving local audiences the opportunity to experience performances of outstanding quality in an arts venue in their own community.”

Minister for the Arts, Senator the Hon Mitch Fifield today announced funding of more than $1.3 million to support six performing arts projects and 12 contemporary music acts to tour their latest work to regional and remote Australia in 2016.

Tours have been supported through the Playing Australia and Contemporary Music Touring programs administered through the Australia Council.

“Australia is home to some of the most talented performing artists and contemporary musicians in the world and the Australian Government is committed to ensuring these experiences are made available to audiences in regional and remote locations,” Minister Fifield said.

“This latest round of funding will support 257 arts performances in 108 destinations across Australia in all states and territories, including classical music, ballet and theatre.
“It will also support 12 contemporary music tours to 157 destinations across all states and territories, including jazz, country, soul, indie and contemporary art music.”

Geraldton Cancer Centre to be built in 2016

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  • A Federal Government Health and Hospital Fund project
  • State Government awards $5.3 million contract to local Geraldton builder
  • Project set for completion late 2016

The Midwest Cancer Centre is one step closer with the preferred contractor for the project, Geraldton Building Services and Cabinets Pty Ltd, clearing the site ready for construction.

Member for Durack Melissa Price said the $4.1 million centre would allow cancer patients from Geraldton and around the Midwest to be treated closer to home and in contemporary, state-of-the-art facilities.

“The Cancer Centre will provide additional treatment facilities, including a six-chair and one-bed chemotherapy unit for Midwest residents diagnosed with cancer,” said Ms Price.
“The new centre will mean that more cancer patients from the region will be able to be treated nearer to family and social networks, depending on clinical advice.”

Ms Price said the prevalence of cancer continued to rise, with more than 208,500 people now on the Western Australian Cancer Registry.

“More than 11,700 West Australians were diagnosed with cancer in 2013 and that number looks to increase to more than 14,000 by 2017,” she said.
“Sadly, cancer is a condition which touches almost every Australian family at some point, so there is a clear need to establish services in regional areas that can cope with local needs.
“Understanding the increasing demand for cancer services is crucial to future planning.
“Investing in appropriate health clinic infrastructure and services in remote locations is important to the ongoing viability of regional Western Australia.”

Ms Price said the project was fully funded under the Federal Government’s Health and Hospital program and this component of the build, at $1.2 million, brings the total project cost to $5.3 million.

To maximise efficiencies within project management and to reduce preliminary costs, the $4.1 million cancer centre will be built at the same time as the $1.2 million consulting room accommodation and office for the renal unit.

The successful tenderer, Geraldton Building Services and Cabinets Pty Ltd, was one of six companies to tender for the project. Site works have commenced and the project is expected to be completed in late 2016.

Regional Fringe World Festival Hub to be shipped to Geraldton

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Event Nation and The Comedy Emporium are shaking up Geraldton’s arts and culture scene by partnering with the internationally acclaimed performing arts festival, Fringe World to bring Geraldton the first ever regional Fringe World hub – Funtavia!

Fringe World Perth is the third largest Fringe Festival in the world – and yes a slice of it will be here in Geraldton in 2016!

This pilot event on February 12 and February 13 will bring a medley of international, national and local acts to the stage to deliver never seen before performances in Geraldton. Open each afternoon from 5.30pm will also be a pop-up bar, food stalls and entertainment in the Funtavia Laneway – this area will be free for all to mosey on in and enjoy.

Event Nation director Jodi Reilly and The Comedy Emporium Ring Leader Julian Canny believe Funtavia will boost Geraldton’s reputation as a colourful, lively and enviable place to live.

“We are extremely excited to bring an international event and world class performers to the local stage,” Ms Reilly said.
“We believe so strongly in the power of events to not only entertain but also to bring people together as a community, to boost social pride and to attract visitors to see what we love about our fabulous city.
“So we’re super excited to add Funtavia to the annual Geraldton social calendar, I felt there was a real lack of nautical themed art festivals here.”

Mr Canny said Funtavia would also bring unprecedented opportunities for local performers.

“A team of artists from the Comedy Emporium will perform alongside international acts at Funtavia, and then go on to perform in Perth and Mandurah as part of Fringe World,” Mr Canny said.
“One performance, ‘Fat Girls in Bike Shorts’, that is sure to sell out early, will also feature in the Adelaide Fringe Program 2016.
“These are incredible opportunities for our local artists and producers to become involved with the international arts sector and make connections with people across the industry.”

Ms Reilly and Mr Canny are keen to ensure the event is accessible to as many people as possible so have insisted on keeping ticket prices to a low $15, apart from the ‘you-don’t-want-to-miss-this’ headline act Otto & Astrid – Kunst Rock ( Art Rock), tickets to this show are still a low $20.

“We believe so strongly in this event that we’re funding it out of our own pockets, Ms Reilly said.
“We are welcoming businesses to take advantage of Fringe World’s great reputation and love of supporting local by coming on board as a corporate sponsor or event sponsor, because every dollar will help us to make sure this pilot event returns next year bigger and better.”
“It will be a really great chance to support this lively injection into the Geraldton social calendar and align your business with a brand of international renown in our own backyard.”

Head over to the website www.funtavia.com to keep up to date with information, purchase tickets and to download the full event program.

Tickets sales open December 10 and be available until sold out (so get it early). Tickets can be purchased either online through our website, at our CGG West End Markets Dec 10 ‘Pop- Up Bar’, or at the MWCCI Twilight Markets Dec 11.

Sponsorship prospectuses are available from the Funtavia Crew at Event Nation – 08 9964 6088, funtavia@eventnation.com.au or our event website www.funtavia.com

 

Elves descend on Marine Terrace last night to make it a festive Wonderland

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Last night a Christmas blizzard hit Marine Terrace. 

Barbara Thompson said the magic of this Christmas blitz was obvious from the Courthouse right through to the roundabout at Orana Cinemas.

Some tinkling bells were heard late last night and reports of some happy Elves, and Santa helpers in resplendent red suits and white beards were weaving their Christmas cheer up and down the Terrace.
With it being so close to celebrating Christmas the helpers thought Geraldton needed some help to put a heart back into the City centre, lift traders’ spirits and encourage people back into the centre of town to view their handiwork.
The bollards and some Norfolk trees have received some special Christmas attention and indeed the City centre looks very Christmassy indeed.
The Festive helpers were very impressed with the extra effort the businesses are making in decorating their windows for the Geraldton Best Decorated Christmas Window Competition. The results of this will be announced and applauded on the 21st Dec, just four sleeps before Christmas.

Peals of laughter and clapping of congratulations were heard from the 50 plus helpers when they stood in awe of the special effort made by the Ray White and Rotary Clubs ‘A little Ray of Giving’ collaboration which will open up the doors of this display this Thursday 10th December when the Christmas on the Terrace evening celebrations are in full swing.

All gifts will be kindly accepted and gifted to children so they too may celebrate a happy Christmas.

A faint message was spotted on a window and on closer inspection this morning it was thought to have said “Joy, Peace and Goodwill to All” and “to all a goodnight” 

Consumer scam warning - WA ScamNet

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Consumers looking for loans online are again being stung by paying fees or charges upfront to scammers who have stolen the identity of legitimate credit providers.

In the latest case reported to Consumer Protection, a small Sydney based operator, Finance Money Australia Pty Ltd, had their identity stolen.

A WA consumer has lost $4,000 by paying upfront taxes and insurance fees for an unsecured loan. Consumers throughout Australia are feared to have lost up to $20,000 after falling victim to the fake website. This website has now been closed down. 

This type of scam targets consumers who may have had difficulties getting loans from traditional sources. 

Consumers are warned to:

  • not reply to what may be a scam email
  • not click on links in these emails and 
  • be wary of online ads.

You can report scams to WA ScamNet via email or by calling 1300 30 40 54.

Locals to sail yacht from Geraldton to Rockingham in preparation from Cockburn Sound Regatta

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On Friday 18th December, a crew of approximately 8 Geraldton crew and Skipper, will depart our pristine waters, setting sail for Rockingham, 230 Nautical Miles South, in preparation for the Cockburn Sound Regatta. 

Not only is the sail south an adventure of some significance, which may take up to 40 hours, but it is the first Geraldton yacht to nominate in a Perth regatta for some time. 

The West Coast of Australia is some of the roughest coast in the world, and is home to some of Australia’s worst maritime disasters, The Batavia and HMAS Sydney II. The coast can be strewn with boat-strangling cray pots and infested with sharks, but the crew is keen to embrace the adventure.

The Cockburn Sound Regatta, 27th-30th December, will feature 100’s of boats in various classes, and being in the festive season, will gain exposure to many tourists and Perth locals. 

The Shady Doctor, previously known as The Fremantle Doctor, is renown on the West Coast as a competitive race boat, and will gain significant interest. 

The Crew and Skipper of The Shady Doctor are keen to promote our Geraldton lifestyle to the population south of Perth, and in doing so, seek sponsorship for costs associated with the journey south, crew logistics, boat maintenance, and regatta race fees. 

In exchange for sponsorship, we can offer promotion of businesses in the form of flags featuring the business logo, Stickers on the hull, logo/sign writing on crew apparel and local promotion. Or, come aboard for some team building, and experience the thrill and exhilaration of being part of a racing crew.

 

Get all your Christmas Decorations at Let’s Party!

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Are you tired of your old Christmas decorations that you have had for years? Want something new that will wow your friends and family on Christmas Day?

Well look no further than Let’s Party who have all your Christmas decorations in one place. They have all kinds of decorations including table wear, Tom Smith crackers and stocking fillers.

With their large range, there’s something for everyone this Christmas.

Come in to Let’s Party today and have a look at their range! Cathy and crew will help make this Christmas a special one for you and your family.

Let’s Party is also a sponsor of the Everything Geraldton Christmas Lights competition and everyone who submits an address with Christmas lights to add to the map will go in the draw to win a $250 voucher from Lets Party.

Give us a call 9965 4744.

 

Christmas Trading Hours

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Minister for Commerce, Hon Michael Mischin MLC, has approved the City of Greater Geraldton’s application for temporarily extended retail trading hours over the 2015 Christmas period.

Trading hours will be extended on the following days:

  • Sunday 13 December - 10am to 4pm

  • Sunday 20 December - 10am to 4pm

  • Monday 21 December - 6pm to 9pm

  • Tuesday 22 December - 6pm to 9pm

  • Wednesday 23 December - 6pm to 9pm

It is up to the discretion of the individual trader whether or not they choose to open their doors for these additional hours.

For more information contact the City Council on (08) 9956 6600.

Bundiyarra-Irra Wangga Language Centre marks 10 years

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Christmas won’t be the only celebration on at the Bundiyarra-Irra Wangga Language Centre next week.

This year marks 10 successful years for the Language Centre and to celebrate the milestone, a Lunch for Language will be held at Bundiyarra on Wednesday 16 December.

A healthy spread of tucker including damper, stews, barbecued sh and salads will be provided.

Guests will be entertained with tradi onal dancing, music and entertainment. It’s the perfect opportunity for a catch up yarn with friends, an opportunity to make new ones and share some pre-Christmas cheer.

The Irra-Wangga Language Centre moved to Bundiyarra in 2005 building on the extensive work already done by the Yamaji Language Centre with languages in the Mid West, Gascoyne and Murchison regions.

Since that me, Irra-Wangga has gone from strength to strength producing more than 20 publica ons including the popular Wajarri Dic onary that was 25 years in the making – and which will go into a second print run next year thanks to the generous support of Sinosteel Midwest Corpora on.

Other publica ons include the Badimaya Dic onary, various language alphabet posters and myriad language recordings and oral histories.

Language Centre Coordinator, Jennifer Kniveton-Gregory, said the Language Centre has worked hard to capture the full picture of language, not just the words on the page, or in the air, but complete with the full cultural context.
“The role of the Language Centre is to help capture that essence. Language has a real connec on to country and all languages in the region face the possibility of being lost in one genera on,” she said.
“Community is invited to Bundiyarra on Eastward Road, Geraldton from noon on 16 December to help celebrate the wonderful past decade of language work and inspire the next 10 years.”

Please RSVP to Bundiyarra on 9920 7900 for catering purposes. 

Thursday Night in Lights

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Looking for something to entertain the kids this Thursday night, 10th December? 

Why not come downtown to our static display for Little Ray of Giving. Kids can enter the colouring completion while they are there, write a letter to Santa and have a photo with Santa. Kids and parents will each get a present to take home. 

Entry requires a present (under $10) or a donation in which we will buy presents with for the Little Ray of Giving. 

There will be colouring stations, letter writing desks and a gift wrapping section!

We will be there from 5.30-8pm, Thursday 10th December, on the corner of Durlacher St and Chapman Rd.

 

Mobile black spots on the agenda

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Member for Durack Melissa Price has again asked for nominations of mobile black spot locations in the electorate of Durack to be submitted by December 21st for consideration under Round 2 of the Mobile Black Spot Programme.

“The Commonwealth Government has committed $60 million which will help provide new or upgraded mobile coverage in Durack under Round 2 of the Mobile Black Spot Programme,” Ms Price said.
“I strongly encourage residents of Durack to nominate mobile black spots in the local area before the deadline of December 21.”
Black spot nominations for Round 2 of the Programme can be made online at communications.gov.au/blackspots or emailed to Ms Price at Melissa.Price.MP@aph.gov.au.
“The Turnbull Government understands the importance of mobile coverage in regional and remote areas of Australia. The Coalition invested $100 million under Round 1 of the programme which will see almost 500 new mobile base stations built nationally. This is the biggest one-time increase in mobile coverage from a single funding programme in the history of mobile telecommunications in Australia,” Ms Price said.

Locations nominated as mobile black spots by people living in Durack will be added to a national database.

The database will be provided to mobile operators as part of a competitive selection process, where operators will be required to nominate sites where they would build new or upgraded base stations to serve the black spot locations nominated by the public.

The Government will then select successful locations in accordance with the ranking process set out in the Mobile Black Spot Programme Round 2 guidelines, which will be issued publicly prior to the commencement of the competitive selection process.

The competitive selection process is scheduled to begin in early 2016, and the Government expects to be in a position to announce the successful locations under Round 2 by the end of 2016.

Over 6,000 locations were nominated under Round 1 of the programme, with Round 1 set to provide new or upgraded coverage to around 3,000 of the nominated black spots.

Black spots which are not set to receive new or upgraded coverage under Round 1 of the programme will remain in the database as eligible locations for Round 2.