Footpath renewal works on Lester Avenue

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that footpath renewal works will be carried out on a section of Lester Avenue footpath between Fitzgerald and Gregory Streets, Geraldton with works programmed to commence during the week of 25 January 2016 for a period of approximately 10 days. 

The works include removing the 1.2m wide slab path and replacing it with a user friendly concrete path. The works will require some sections of the foot path and some driveways to be partially or fully closed at times to pedestrian and vehicle traffic.

These works are part of $1,175,739 allocated in the 2015/16 Budget for the renewal of footpaths which will see approximately 3kms of the footpath network replaced. 

The anticipated hours of work will be between from 6am to 6pm.

The City requests motorists and pedestrians to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and direction from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City regrets any inconvenience and will endeavour to keep disruptions to a minimum.

Please direct all enquiries to Pino Faraone, Concrete Works Supervisor on (08) 9965 6714 or 0409 378 242.

Introducing the Geraldton Youth Precinct - Video

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Introducing the new City of Greater Geraldton "Youth Precinct". 
It opens this Australia Day.

We headed down there this afternoon to have a look and speak with a few folk from CGG about the new foreshore addition. 
It looks like a lot of fun for all age groups. There's a rage cage, some very fun looking electronic games, foosball tables, table tennis, and more.

It will be open each day from 6:30am until 10:30pm. Sports equipment is available from the Visitor Centre with a $5 deposit.

There is a new "Changing Places" toilet facility, that provides unprecedented facilities for restricted mobility members of our community, a first for WA. A beach access ramp for wheelchairs is also on its way.

Stay tuned later in the year when the rest of the multi user facility is finished. CGG have called the multi user facility and Youth Precinct the "jewell in the crown" for our foreshore. It certainly is a welcome addition to our city.

Melissa Price wants a simpler system for penalty rates for employees

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Durack MP Melissa Price is arguing for a simplified system of payment for employees, arguing that a simpler system would encourage more businesses to open more hours, thus creating more jobs. 

Daniel Hurst writing for The Guardian (the international publication, not the local paper):

Melissa Price, who represents the Western Australian seat of Durack, criticised the “complex” existing rules in a submission to the Fair Work Commission (FWC), which is reviewing penalty rates in hospitality and retail awards.

Click here to read the full article. 

Largest Cray Boat in WA ready to go - Video

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It’s believed to be the largest cray boat in WA, and it’s nearly ready to go. Sea trials have been completed, and the Day Dawn is expected to be in the water fishing next week. 
Thanks Hayden for these pic and vids. 
The boat apparently has three tv’s and queensized beds. Thumbs up to all involved, including Xtreme Marine, Dongara Marine and Geraldton Marine Electronics. 

Removal of dead trees for safety reasons

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Parts of Fitzgerald Street in Beachlands will be closed on 30 and 31 January due to the removal of two large dead trees in the area.

One of the trees to be removed is located between Augustus and Stanley Streets and the other is located just south of Alice Street.

The City is always reluctant to remove trees as they add to the liveability of the City. However in this case, the trees are dead and pose a serious risk to pedestrians, motorists and homes.

Because of the height of the trees, specialist equipment will be brought up from Perth. The trunks will be cut into transportable lengths and stored at the depot for future use.

Traffic management will be in place from 7.30am - 3.30pm on Saturday 30 January and 9.00am-5.30pm on Sunday 31 January.

Family member of Greenough Murder victims speaks out→

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This insightful interview with a family member of the victims of the Greenough Murders is worth your time. 

Click here to read article in full.

If you'd like to sign a petition to keep the murderer in prison, click here.

Corella relocation program halves bird numbers

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Pic: Trees that have been stripped of their leaves in the CBD

The City of Greater Geraldton has put out a media release following a reduction in corella numbers throughout Geraldton. 

Everything Geraldton has received a wide variety of comments on the program, from thanks that something has been done, to complaints over the cannons used to scare the birds. This is despite the fact that previous councils simply shot the birds.  

It's worth keeping in mind that the species of corella that are being relocated are not actually native to this region, they are an introduced species. 

The City of Greater Geraldton will introduce a new method to relocate corellas from its CBD. The corellas that the...

Posted by Northern Agricultural Catchments Council (NACC) on Thursday, December 10, 2015

Full press release follows

The Corella Relocation Program implemented over the past two years has been deemed a success with substantially fewer birds having returned to the City this summer.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ken Diehm said the amount of corellas in the City is estimated at 7500, half of last year’s population.

“Before we began the Corella Relocation Program last year approximately 15,000 birds, which had reached plague proportions, were causing tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to public infrastructure, community assets and privately owned buildings and facilities,” he said.

“They also caused considerable damage to grassed surfaces at sporting clubs and stripped bare a number of trees in the CBD resulting in the trees dying and rate payers having to pay for their costly removal.”

To date, the Corella Relocation Program has used a gas gun, firecrackers and this year trialled a specialised handheld device that has fired more than 1900 percussion cartridges into the sky close to where the birds roost.

“All these methods have worked well to move on the Corellas without causing them harm which was important to the City and the community,” said Mr Diehm.

Geraldton Turf Club Manager David Wrensted said the program has been highly successful in deterring the birds from roosting at the racetrack.

“Before the City implemented the relocation program thousands of Corellas would roost overnight at the racetrack and nearby Geraldton Golf Club, moving them on has meant they have not moved into the CBD and surrounds the next day,” he said. 

“This year the bird numbers have been dramatically reduced with only a few birds returning.

“In our opinion the program has been highly successful and we hope the City continues to implement it.”

The Corella Relocation Program has also proven to be a cost effective way of reducing Corella numbers, saving the community more than $100,000 in repairs to public infrastructure.

“Rangers already on patrol are carrying out the Program and considering the cost of the hand held device and percussion cartridges is only $5000, this program is highly cost effective and is here to stay,” Mr Diehm said.

Warning of increase in wildlife feeding on roads

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise of an increase of wildlife on the Geraldton Mount Magnet Road (Southern Transport Corridor).

Wildlife are feeding on grain dropped during transport which can result in animals being injured or killed.

Motorists are encouraged to exercise caution while driving on roads and should they encounter an injured animal to contact a local veterinarian.

Funtavia Mania Hits Geraldton

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Funtavia mania has hit Geraldton.

With the Opening night nearly sold out, tickets are racing out the door as locals lap up the chance to access world-class never-seen-before-in-Geraldton dazzling performances in their home town on February 12 and 13.

The regional Fringe World ‘hub’ event brings international, national and local performers to Geraldton in a brilliant line-up of side splitting performances.

Funtavia organisers Event Nation and Geraldton Comedy Emporium are urging interested people to book fast to ensure their spot.

“We’re so excited about bringing an event of this calibre to the Geraldton event calendar and don’t won’t people to miss out,” Event Nation managing director Jodi Reilly said.

“And we’ve organised it so that seating is not set – you simply select your seat at the show, so you don’t need to wait for your mates to book their tickets in a group. Everyone just jumps online and gets their tickets individually and meets up in the Baba Marda Pop-up-bar and food arena.”

Ms Reilly said three shows would run concurrently on the Saturday night so Funtavia-goers would need to choose the shows they’d most like to see and book accordingly.

But she said two Funtavia highlights – ‘What the Funtavia?’ and the ‘RED FM Late Night Lock In’ offered such stand-out hilarity that they would be presented as stand-alone events (and not at the same time as other shows).

“We’ve got an awesome mix of local, national and international talent so be sure to jump online and book the shows you’d most like to see,” Ms Reilly said.

‘What the Funtavia?’ offers a tasting plate of the best international, national and local performers as the world's biggest acts come crashing into Geraldton, while the ‘RED FM Late Night Lock In’ is a half show, half closing party featuring all the best acts from Funtavia in one room.

Other shows include a cabaret-comedy performance by Die RotenPunkte from Berlin, a stand-up comedy performance by acclaimed entertainer Umit Bali and stand-up comedy by award-winning WA comedians Brodi Snook, Cameron McLarenand Matt Storer.

There’s also a Regional WA Comedy Showcase, a side-splitting theatrical production Fat Girls in Bike Shorts and outrageous musical theatre with original songs by Keira Daley (LadyNerd), Mark Simpson (Hairspray), and musical director Steven Kreamer (The Drowsy Chaperone).

Funtavia patrons and others can also attend the Baba Mardapop up Bar and Food arena, to wet their whistles, top up their tummiesand chill out and enjoy live music, entertainment and a game of Pong!

The baba Marda pop-up bar and food arena will be open from Friday February 12 from 5.30pm (come down for dinner and some awesome tunes) and Saturday from 4.30pm with Local lady Beck Tuesley releasing her debut CD.

For more information and to book tickets visit www.funtavia.com

10 things anyone who's lived in Geraldton knows

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This year marks the tenth year I have lived in Geraldton.  I guess that officially makes me a local now, right? 

I absolutely love this city.  I loved it ten years ago, and I still do.  I moved from Perth in 2006 to be with my (now) husband with no plans, knowing nobody and nothing about Geraldton at all.  It’s definitely changed a lot since I’ve been here, but the best things about Geraldton have stayed the same, really.  The beaches, the people, the relaxed atmosphere.  Now that I am, hopefully, officially a Geraldton local, here are some things that people of Geraldton know for sure about our fair city.

 

1. You haven’t experienced wind until you’ve had to pick your clothes up from around the backyard. 

Sometimes, when you hang the washing out, you have to chase the hills hoist around in circles.  You come back outside in ten minutes and it’s dry.  Possibly all over the ground, or over the back fence, but it’s dry.  You can’t wear your hair down for an outside wedding.   People everywhere else call it severe winds.  To us, it’s a sea breeze.

2. We have the best customer service.

When I moved to Geraldton I was delighted to discover how friendly people in customer service are.  They are always helpful and always smiling.  Sure, I imagine we all have bad experiences once in a while, but it happens nowhere near as much as it did when I lived in Perth.

3. 'Six Degrees of Geraldton' is a thing. 

You go places and you know everyone.  People you know talk to you about other people they know, who you kind of know, because they are your mum’s best friend’s daughter’s Year One teacher.

4. Everyone is this town bands together during times of personal crisis. 

Thanks to ‘Six Degrees of Geraldton,’ when someone is going through something, we are all going through it.  People are so quick to raise money and help out a family or a person in a tough time.  We are a generous city, and we look after each other.

5. It’s a great place to raise children. 

This one is new to me.  My twins are 19 months old and there is nowhere my husband and I would rather raise them than in Geraldton.  There are parks, great beaches and playgroups.  Our beautiful foreshore makes for a great family Sunday day out.  

6. We all remember what we were doing the day the cinema got EFTPOS.

It was a joyous occasion for all.

#Drummonds from the air Shared by @jthomas84_

A photo posted by Everything Geraldton (@everythinggeraldton) on

7. Geraldton has the best beaches in Western Australia. 

It’s our state’s best kept secret.  Watch out for the sharks though.

The jewel of #geraldton #crayfish #rocklobster #seafood about to be #pickled #omnomnom #tasty #monster

A photo posted by Caity Teneille (@caityteneille) on

8. Our Christmas lunches usually involve crayfish. 

Thanks once again to ‘Six Degrees of Geraldton,’ we all know someone who knows someone who has a few spare crays they can throw our way.

9. Winter in Geraldton is practically Summer everywhere else. 

Some of the best weather I’ve experienced has been smack bang in the middle of July.  I’m talking 29 degree days, with no wind.  Beautiful.

10. We love our city. 

Don’t say anything bad about it either, we live here because we love it.  I’m so proud to call this place my home and excited that my sons will grow up here.  Thank you, Geraldton for the memories over the last ten years, the friendly faces, and the wind, for being the reason why I never had to buy a clothes dryer.  

 

Here’s to the next ten years in this beautiful place.    

10 Pointers for Anyone Moving to Geraldton

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Pic: Travis Petford

So, you’re making the move to the seaside city of Geraldton, right?  

Firstly, a very big welcome.  Geraldton is a Port city with a population of almost 40,000 people, 4.5 hours North of Perth.  We have agriculture.  We have fishing.  We have water sports.  We have wind.  Lots and lots of wind.  

If you’re new to town, here are ten must-read pointers on our fair city that will help you navigate and work out where things are and what  

1. The Geraldton Visitor Centre is located at 246 Marine TCE and is a MUST for people who are new or visiting our city.  They have a wealth of information, and friendly staff who are always quick to lend a helping hand.  You can ask them anything and they will do their best to accommodate. 

2. Geraldton has two hospitals, the Geraldton Regional Hospital which is located on Shenton St, and St John of God Healthcare, which can be found on Hermitage St.  Panaceum Group has after hours consults available (call 99208111 to book), otherwise you can report to the Emergency Department at the Regional hospital. 

3. If you need to buy a loaf of bread when you get here, there are many excellent supermarkets to choose from: 

  • Queens Supa IGA- 79 Durlacher St
  • Rigter’s Supa IGA- 179 Durlacher St (Open 7 Days) 
  • Wonthella Supa IGA- Fifth St, Wonthella (Open 7 Days) 
  • Glenfield IGA- Chapman Valley Rd, Glenfield (Open 7 Days) 
  • Mt Tarcoola IGA- Paringa St, Mt Tarcoola (Open 7 Days) 
  • Woolworths- Centro Stirlings, Chapman Rd 
  • Coles- Centro Northgate, Chapman Rd 

4. The Geraldton Foreshore is a must see.  There are cafes, a beautiful path to walk or bike ride, various sculptures, an enclosed playground, great beaches, a monitored Surf Lifesaving tower and plenty of space for picnics and barbecues.  Please note, dogs are not allowed on the Geraldton Foreshore. 

5. If you are keen on an insight into Geraldton history, including shipwrecks such as the Batavia and the Zeewijk, the culture of the Yamaji people, the local flora and fauna and marine life and the discovery of the HMAS Sydney, the Geraldton Museum is absolutely fantastic and worth a look.  They are open 7 days a week from 9:30-4pm and run school holiday programs for the kids as well.  

6. The local police- the Geraldton Police Station can be directly contacted on 99234555. 

7. Our city has a variety of different markets which range in fresh produce and local arts and crafts. 

  • The Farmer’s Markets are held every Saturday morning in Maitland Park from 8am-12pm.   
  • The Platform Markets are held at the old railway station, Chapman Rd, Sunday mornings from 8am-12pm.  A great place to stock up on wonderful cheeses, hobby crafts and fresh local food, fruit and veg. 
  • The Craft Markets run on Marine TCE on the first and the fourth Sunday of each month from 8am-12pm. 
  • Geraldton Lion’s Community Markets are held at the Bill Sewell Complex on the second Sunday of each month from 8am-12pm.  Stall fees contribute to renovating the Settlement buildings. 

8. Geraldton has an exclusive type of sea hare known as Aplysia Gigantean which wash up on the beaches regularly during the Summer months and can be dangerous if your family dog goes near them.  If you suspect your pet has had contact with one of these, please get in touch with a local vet right away. 

9. There are some wonderful things to do in Geraldton.  These include the Greenough Wilflife Park, Lavender Valley Farm, Oakabella Homestead, The HMAS Sydney Memorial, the Greenough Hamlet, Orana Cinemas and some amazing beaches catering to your needs.  A list of the best beaches in Geraldton can be found here http://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/play/sports-recreation/beaches.aspx. 

10. Geraldton is the fourth windiest city in the world.  Great for kitesurfing, not so fantastic for your washing though.    

So, once again, on behalf of the city of Geraldton we welcome you.  I have fallen in love with this place over the past ten years and I hope you get as much out of it as I have.   

Another ATC Midwest Apprentice Wins National Award for 2015

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Deland Lovrenovich (left) was joined by CJD Equipment Midwest General Manager, Bruce Walton (right).

ATC Midwest 1st Year Apprentice Deland Lovrenovich, hosted by CJD Equipment took out the CJD Equipment national award for first year apprentices across Australia for 2015. Del was up against 16 other apprentices in his category. 

“We at CJD Geraldton are pleased to announce apprentice Deland Lovrenovich was recently awarded CJD Equipment’s 1st Year Apprentice of the Year. Deland is an extremely hard worker in both the workshop and the class room and we are very proud of his accomplishment” said CJD Equipment Geraldton General Manager Bruce Walton. “Deland is just one example of the quality apprentices and trainees we see come through ATC Midwest. The support they provide to both the apprentices and the employer goes a long way to ensure the success of these young people.” Mr. Walton added. 

“Del is an exceptional young man who has worked hard to achieve this great national honour within CJD Equipment” ATC Midwest General Manager Dave Clare said. “Thanks to the leadership of Bruce Walton, CJD here in the Midwest have gone against the grain and partnered with us as a local Not for Profit.  This award is a reflection of our Quality Outcome Model© in action. With a quality host employer, a quality candidate and quality training, ATC Midwest can proudly assist CJD with engaging, inspiring and developing tomorrow’s leading workforce in the Midwest” Mr Clare added. 

CJD Equipment Pty Ltd partners with world leading manufacturers to offer a diverse range of quality trucks and construction equipment including earthmoving machinery supporting a variety of industries.

QEII catering for people from all walks of life

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Mayor Shane Van Styn with members of the QEII Art Class.

The Queen Elizabeth II Seniors and Community Centre is breaking the mold with their popular inter-generational art class, catering for people from all walks of life.

Every week, beautiful masterpieces are created from people of all ages and from a wide range of backgrounds.

Local artist Jim Evans runs the class and is inspired by the diversity of his class members.

“The youngest person I’ve had in the class was seven years old and the oldest was 104,” he said.

“I have people come in here from all facets of life including seniors, high school students and people with disabilities.

“I have beginners in here and people that have always wanted to learn to paint through to advanced artists so it’s wonderful to see such a wide range skill set in the class and we see some amazing work produced.”

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the aim of the QEII Centre was to promote inclusivity and that’s exactly what the art class encourages.

“It’s great to see such a diverse range of people attending the art class and all of the other programs that the centre holds,” he said.

“There is a stereotype around a lot of the classes that they are only open to seniors but this isn’t the case. We encourage people of all ages to see how they can benefit from the QEII Centre.”

Owned and operated by the City, the QEII Centre offers over 30 programs with everything from indoor bowls, computer lessons, ukulele classes and dance lessons.

For a full run down on all the events visit the City website or call the QEII Centre on 9956 6636.

Geraldton Mount Magnet Road Closure

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The City advises the Geraldton Mount Magnet Road (Southern Transport Corridor) will be temporarily closed between the North West Coastal Highway and Goulds Road on 27 and 28 January 2016 to enable the safe lifting of the Abraham Street bridge segments over the road.

The road will be fully closed to all vehicular traffic from both directions on Wednesday 27 January from 0.00hrs till 23.59hrs on Thursday 28 January.

A detour will be in place at Utakarra Road to ensure motorists have continued access to the Meru Waste Disposal Facility and the Southern Transport Corridor east of Edward Road.

Traffic management will be in place during the hours of the road closure. Motorists and pedestrians are advised to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and direction from authorised City personnel and contractors.

For more information on the road closure or detour please contact the City’s Project Manager, Moneer Fates, at 9956 6600.

The City regrets any inconvenience and will endeavour to keep disruptions to a minimum.

Go Back to School with Total Uniforms

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Hey Mums! Oh and Dads! Looking for an easy way to get your kids back to school? Total Uniforms has got your kids covered – uniforms, bags and backpacks, school and sports shoes, and even socks and hair ties, yep just about everything you need. So make it easy and head into Total Uniforms.

Finished school? No problem Total Uniforms have a massive range of work wear and they always have great deals on work boots. So there is something for everyone.

Total Uniforms, on the Highway, they make it so easy

Head in or call 9965 3101 to take advantage of their awesome range

 

10% off at Glamorous Nails

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Ladies, do you need some me time? Want to get pampered? And save money?

Well come in to Glamorous Nails between 21st – 25th January and get 10% OFF any of their acrylic, gel and shellac nail sets, manicure, pedicures, waxing or tinting treatments.

Glamourous Nails is a newly opened Nail Salon at the Northgate Shopping Centre, offering a great service with experienced nail technicians and beauticians. 

You can book your appointment today by calling 9921 1908 or drop in and see them at Shop 25 Northgate Shopping Centre, outside on the south entrance where Medicare used to be. 

We are open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 8am to 6pm,Thursday 8am to 9pm and Saturday 8am to 5pm. Closed Public Holidays

*Closed Australia Day Tuesday 26th January

 

Films on the Foreshore

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Films on the Foreshore is back for another week! As part of the City’s School Holiday Program, Fantastic Mr Fox will be playing this week at7:30pm.

There will be entertainment for the kids from 6:30pm. Due to weather conditions last week, the film 17 Again will be re-scheduled for a later date.

Please be advised that event will only go ahead if weather permits and any changes will be posted on the CGG Facebook page.

Amazing tale of customers helping find stolen boat

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On Thursday evening a 4.5 metre boat and trailer worth $32,500 was stolen from Midwest Marine. The offenders had cut the fence to gain access to the boat yard. 

The following day a customer of Midwest Marine came in to pay his bill, and learned of the stolen boat. 

Later, that same man was sharing the story of the stolen boat with his brother, a keen fisherman.  

The boat was quite unique, and stood out to the brother of the customer. It sounded a lot like a boat he had seen on the side of the road earlier in the day.

Being a keen fisherman he stopped to check out an interesting looking boat on the side of the road, only to learn that the people towing the boat had broken down. Being the kind Mid West local he was, he assisted them in towing the boat to their residence in Northampton.  

It was only when he was talking with his brother later that afternoon that he realised he had in fact assisted the thieves. 

They got in touch with Midwest Marine, who jumped on Google Earth and located the house, then sent the cops around.

The boat was recovered, though it had been stripped already. 

Kit, from Midwest Marine, told us that the boat was definitely targeted, as it was quite unique.  

 

 

 

New Year – New You with Skin – A Universal Approach

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NEW YEAR - NEW YOU...

Isn't it time you started looking after the beautiful WOMAN that you are???

At Skin – A Universal Approach, we offer SOOO many specialized treatments - 

From Vanquishing the few extra centimetres that appeared on your tummy from Christmas, to

  • IPL rejuvenation
  • Permanent hair reduction
  • Lunch time face lifts
  • Injectables
  • Peels
  • Masks
  • Eyebrow styling
  • Tinting
  • And so much MORE!!!

For all your skin concerns – medical and cosmetic - give the team at Skin – A Universal Approach a call today and see what SPECIAL DEALS we have to offer you!!! 

Call 99654737 TODAY and get excited for a new you this new year.