Guns and Drugs seized in raid

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Firearms and drugs were seized at a Mahomets Flats residence yesterday (Sunday 31 January), say Police, following the execution of a Misuse of Drugs Act search warrant.

Police say they located and seized 20.48 grams of Methylamphetamine, four Ecstasy tablets, LSD and two firearms.

Police allege a 46 year old male from Geraldton was in possession of the items.

He has been charged with:

  • 1 x Possess Prohibited Drug (Methylamphetamine) with intent to sell or supply
  • 2 x Possess Prohibited Drug
  • 2 x Possess Unlicencsed Firemarm
  • 1 x Possess Drug Paraphernalia

The male was refused bail and will attend Geraldton Magistrates Court. 

Approximately 20.48 grams Methylamphetamine 

31 LSD and Ecstasy tablets 

New edition of popular Inland to Ocean resource launched

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We often hear about the need for our children to connect with nature, and to gain an understanding and appreciation of their natural world – far away from their smartphones, computer screens and video games.

Fortunately, there are solutions, guides, resources and packages that can help with these goals – including … drum roll… NACC’s very own contribution – Inland to Ocean.

Primary schools across the Northern Agricultural Region have recently been provided with a new, free, and revamped version of the environmental education resource for their use.

Inland to Ocean is a workbook resource developed for primary schools in the Northern Agricultural Region, with a particular focus on educating Year 4-6 students about the environment.

The workbook approaches local environmental topics and engages young people to look after our natural assets from an early age, through fun, hands-on activities.

Ultimately, Inland to Ocean aims to promote environmental stewardship and the sustainable use of our natural resources.

“Inland to Ocean has been updated over the past year by Ingrid Jansen from the WordFarm and myself, to improve the content and quality of this workbook,” said NACC’s Social Science Research Officer Rolan Deutekom.

“Resources and activities have been simplified and local examples highlighted for students and teachers, and best of all, it fits with the Australian Education Curriculum.

“The package is straight-forward and teachers can easily identify a suitable activity that fits with curriculum requirements.”

The 2016 workbook edition is being released this week to coincide with the commencement of the 2016 school year, and already has many schools excited to use it.

Inland to Ocean is already being used as a helpful environmental resource in the region, and will be distributed electronically to a number of teachers this week.

For more information about the resource, or to get a hard copy, contact NACC on 9938 0100, or visit the Inland to Ocean website directly for your free download of the Inland to Ocean 2016 edition: http://inlandtoocean.com.au/ .

Agriculture and adaptation the hot topic for farming future Forum

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Undertaking agriculture in a warmer and drier landscape will be the subject of most interest to the participants at the inaugural Productive Farming Future Forum – being held in Coorow on 10 February 2016.

The forum program will feature a cross-section of leading scientists and innovative farmers discussing how a changing climate will impact agriculture in the Northern Agricultural Region.

The event, hosted by the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council (NACC), will also feature, as the forum’s keynote speaker, Major General The Honourable Michael Jeffery, who will present on the importance of maintaining soil health in the face of a changing climate.

Other speakers who are sure to attract considerable interest include Bureau of Meteorology’s Glen Cook, discussing changing weather patterns; University of Western Australia’s Theo Evans on how termites and ants can improve soil productivity, and a number of innovative farmers sharing their personal experiences of adapting to our changing conditions.

One of the landholder case studies, Stuart McAlpine, will discuss changes with his on-farm practices related to land use and productivity in changing conditions in the Northern Agricultural Region.

Event spokesperson and NACC Regional Landcare Facilitator Stanley Yokwe said: “We are privileged to bring some of our country’s outstanding speakers – including the keynote speaker and soil health advocate Major General The Honourable Michael Jeffery – to the region to participate in this forum.”

“It is important to share with members of our farming community practical and innovative experiences being developed and implemented by local farmers seeking productive and sustainable farming options for adapting to a changing climate in the region.

“Anecdotal evidence and research reports have confirmed that our region has become significantly drier and warmer over the past 40 years. The reports have clearly shown that our region is suffering from declining winter rainfall, heat stress and frost risk.

“These changes are creating great challenges for our farming community and indeed the entire agriculture sector, so it is important to have events like this forum to provide our landholders and industry people with more evidence-based information on the best available options to cope with the vagaries of climate change.”

From climate modelling to discussions about innovative ways to use non-productive land, the forum aims to provide farmers with positive options and solutions for climate adaptation.

The Productive Farming Future Forum will be held on Wednesday, 10 February 2016, at the Coorow District Hall, from 9.45am to 3.30pm.

The event is free, however registrations are essential for catering purposes.

To register, visit the Eventbrite link, or for more information about the event, please contact NACC’s Regional Landcare Facilitator at Stanley.Yokwe@nacc.com.au or call 9938 0105.

This forum is funded by the Australian Government’s NRM Planning for Climate Change Fund, the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme, and the Western Australian Royalties for Regions. It is supported by the Mid West Science Engagement Group and Inspiring Australia.

Maintenance boost for Geraldton Schools

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Schools across Geraldton will be improved, with a major maintenance program announced today by the State Government.

Paul Brown MP said local schools would have ceilings inspected and upgraded if needed.

“Professional assessment of ceilings will be done at 11 Geraldton public schools, with repairs or replacement to follow if needed,” Mr Brown said.

“We are bringing in experts to carry out the assessments proactively to avoid problems in the future.”

The schools in Geraldton are:

Allendale Primary School
Beachlands Primary School
Bluff Point Primary School
Geraldton Camp School
Geraldton Primary School
Geraldton Senior College

John Willcock College
Mount Tarcoola Primary School
Rangeway Primary School
Waggrakine Primary School
Walkaway Primary School

 

The program is worth $15.66 million across the state, and includes:

  • assessment and remediation/replacement of classroom ceilings ($11.40 million);
  • repairs to paving and re-sealing of bitumen play areas ($3 million); and
  • replacement of cable pits and millboard containing asbestos ($1.26 million).

It is anticipated the works will be completed by mid this year.

For more information about school facilities see www.education.wa.edu.au.

Video: Intruders caught on camera kicking door in

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Josie sent this video to Everything Geraldton with the following caption:

"Anyone know these fellas? They left their wallet, I would like to return it to them."

If you can identify the people in the footage please call Geraldton Police on 9923 4555. 

At around 2:50 in the video you can witness them kicking the door in. 

 

Geraldton Police asking for public assistance to track down this person: Georgina Lee Walley

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Geraldton Police are actively seeking the current whereabouts of Georgina Lee Walley (pictured).

They believe that she will be able to assist in ongoing police inquiries.

If you can assist please contact Geraldton Police on 99234555 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.

Reminder: Removal of dead trees this weekend for safety reasons

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Reminder: Removal of dead trees this weekend for safety reasons

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.

Woman accused of murdering her baby makes plea offer

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Tamara Louise Thompson, who is charged with murdering her five-month old baby, has made a plea offer to the prosecution.

Jessica Milward from the Geraldton Guardian has the story: http://www.geraldtonguardian.com.au/?30679983

84 year old woman's home robbed while volunteering at Nazareth house

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Family of a woman who was robbed today have contacted Everything Geraldton to ask for the public's assistance in tracking down her valuables. 

The 84 year old Drummond Cove resident was robbed while out of the home for only a couple of hours. She was volunteering at Nazareth House. 

"Feeling gutted. Some low life has broken into my Mum's house in Drummond Cove this morning in broad daylight while she was out volunteering at Nazareth house. Mum is 84 years old. They have raided her house and stolen her EEPC laptop, jewellery with sentimental value, cash and a collection of old round 50c pieces. Jewellery includes an eternity ring and 2 pearl necklaces. Please share."

"Mum has been an active volunteer in Geraldton ever since moving here in 1968. As a matter of fact, today is the anniversary of our arrival in Australia."

Images of some of the jewellery that was stolen is posted above. 

If you can assist at all please call Geraldton police on 9923 4555. 

 

 

Wanting to build, but need a helping hand with your rent or mortgage payments?

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Well there’s good news! Owning your own home just became more affordable, thanks to Plunkett Homes and Domain by Plunkett.

Build with us and we’ll help cover the cost of your rent or current mortgage for up to 32 weeks*.

Choose from our huge range of designs starting from $183,000 or we’ll custom build a home to suit your particular needs.

Call us now on 9921 8835 or visit the Geraldton Office at 12 Bayly St, Geraldton.

www.plunketthomes.com.au
www.domainbyplunkett.com.au

*Up to a maximum of $400 a week for 32 weeks, capped at $13,000. Applies only to single storey, double brick and residential construction within 25km of Geraldton, Dongara or Jurien CBD.

MBA Best Customer Service Award Winner Geraldton/Midwest for three years running – 2013, 2014, 2015.

 

A thank you to the Geraldton Police

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I just wanted to say thanks to all the police officers that worked Australia Day to make sure it was enjoyable for the rest of us! There was a high presence and all incidents were dealt with very quickly :)

- Cassie

I just wanted to say thanks to all the police officers that worked Australia Day to make sure it was enjoyable for the rest of us! There was a high presence and all incidents were dealt with very quickly :)

Posted by Cassie Millington on Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Australia Day in Geraldton Information

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Once again, Australia Day celebrations are going to be in full swing in Geraldton. Here's everything you need to know in one location. Save this link to refer back to later. 

Will there be fireworks?

Yes. Fireworks will be kicking off at 8pm. They're being launched from the Esplanade, so that will be closed to the public. Grab a spot along the foreshore and enjoy the show. 

What's that new thing on the foreshore near the visitor centre with all the youth equipment that's been built?

That is the YOUTH PRECINCT, and it opens Australia Day. 

Geraldton’s long awaited Youth Precinct will be open to the public for the first time which features a rope skywalk, Neos system, nest swing, wheelchair carousel, rage cage and heaps more.

Watch the following video to learn more:

Where is everything happening?

Basically the foreshore is the place to be. Here's a map of activities

Where do we park the car?

There's plenty of parking. Most of the usual car parking areas are open, including G11 and G12 on the map below. A few areas are closed or reserved, so have a look at the map below and follow signage and traffic management staff on the day. 

DO NOT TRY AND PARK near the visitor centre. The parking lot adjacent to the Geraldton Visitor Centre will be closed to allow for the running of the Australia Day events.

So what are all the activities?

Here's a list of the activities that's happening:

Welcome to Country
Main Stage at 3pm
By valuing and acknowledging all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their culture, the Australia Day celebrations will commence with a traditional Welcome to Country presented by Amangu Elder, Donna Ronan. The Amangu People would like to welcome all new Australians to Yamaji Country. A Didgeridoo performance by Leroy Shiosaki will follow.

Citizenship Ceremony
Main Stage at 3.10pm
The City will welcome new Australians at a citizenship ceremony with applicants from all over the world, join our newest citizens on this special day and celebrate our Nation’s birthday.

Australia Day Awards in Geraldton and Mullewa
Geraldton Main Stage at 4pm & Mullewa at 10am
The “Premier’s Australia Day Active Citizenship Awards 2016” will be awarded to Local Community members in both Geraldton and Mullewa.

Champion Bay Surf Life Saving Club
Champion Beach from 7am – 1pm
SLSWA Ocean Swim Series has various categories from Junior, Team or Individual. Registrations can be done on the day between 7am and 8am on the day or email your interest to: champions@westnet.com.au

Kids Beach Party
Champion Beach Life Saving Hut from 10am – 1pm
Let the kids run wild with fun bouncy castles, water slides activity castles and grab a slice of the tasty Australia Day Cake, baked by the GG Prison Chefs. Cray – Z will be visiting between 9.30am and 12.30pm.
Cost: FREE

Jet Packs
Town Beach from 10am – 4pm
Try out the most exciting and newest experience in Australia and feel like you're flying with the adrenaline pumping adventure of Jet Packs. Lessons available on the day.
Cost: $75 per person.

Rotary Club of Geraldton Seniors’ Afternoon Tea & Concert
The QEII Centre from 2pm – 4pm
Seniors of the Midwest are welcomed to join the Rotary Club of Geraldton to enjoy a free afternoon tea and to enjoy live performances by the Geraldton City Band and other local entertainers.
Cost: FREE

Ocean / Beach Activities
Front Beach:
Kite West Yoga & SUP (free lessons on day) 10am – 2pm GYC Annual Sail Regatta 10am – 12noon
Batavia Long Boat 12noon – 4pm

Community Groups
Twin River Guards 10am – 2pm
Geraldton Beach Volley Ball 10am – 2pm
Batavia Coast Veteran & Classic Cars 10am – 2pm
711 City of Greater Geraldton Air Force Squadron 10am – 2pm 11th Battalion Re-enactment 10am – 2pm
APEX Thong Throwing Competition (Ongoing) at various locations
Lewis the Roving Piano Player at various locations

Under the Sea with the WA Museum – Geraldton
Grassed Area 10 @ 10am – 1pm
Colour and cut your own sea monster mask or mermaid puppet and explore all things under the sea with the salty crew from the WA Museum – Geraldton. Fun activities suitable for the whole family. 
Cost: FREE

Summoning Stone
By the Geraldton Visitors Centre from 2pm – 6pm
Summoning Stone is a Facebook group made up of local video game enthusiasts who are fans of titles made by Blizzard Entertainment. Games include Hearthstone, Heroes of the Storm, World of Warcraft, StarCraft II, Diablo III and more. Come say hi to find out more! Cost: FREE

Men’s Shed
10am – 2pm
See demonstrations of wood turning, creating bush instruments and project display. Products will be for sale and members on hand to provide information about what the Men’s Shed does. Located at 13 Foreshore Drive www.wamsa.org.au
Cost: FREE

Stall Holders
Surrounding main stage, ALL DAY
Support your local stall holders with a large range of foods to try, arts and crafts, precious stones and many more surrounding.

Kite Kinetics
10am – 1pm
Get creative with kite making workshops and use the Aussie Day theme as an inspiration to paint your kite. Come along and have an attempt at flying the largest kite in Geraldton!
Cost: $6 per kite

Have a Go at Sand Sculpting
10am – 2pm
Keen to learn the tricks of how to sculpt? Local Artists, Roxanne Grant and Marina Baker will be here to show you how to sculpt and create amazing works of art with sand.
Cost: FREE

Sand Art by the Ilgarijiri Eggs
10am – 2pm
Watch local artist, Marrika Laudehr, create a sand mural story around the Ilgarijiri Eggs.

Midwest Surf School
10am – 2pm
Come create your own little surfer at the Midwest Surf School Mini Surfer Models Workshops. Test them in the water and watch them ride the waves.
Cost: FREE 

 

Is there something special for the seniors?

Yes indeed. Like past years, seniors of the Mid West are welcomed to join the Rotary Club of Geraldton to enjoy a free afternoon tea and to enjoy live performances by the Geraldton City Band and other local entertainers.

It's at the QEII Centre from 2pm to 4pm.

Who are PROOF?

Proof are the headline act this year at the main stage. They bill themselves as a 6 piece party band from Perth. This video will give you a taste of what to expect. 

Where are Mullewa activities happening?

Mullewa will be celebrating at their local swimming pool with free entry, a barbeque breakfast and heaps of fun entertainment throughout the day including giant yard games, slip ‘n’ slide, pool inflatables and there will be lots of prizes to be won.

Come along and celebrate Australia Day at the Mullewa Swimming Pool! Free entry for all, including a delicious bbq breakfast from 8am and loads of entertainment for everyone to enjoy!

The Premier’s Australia Day Active Citizenship Awards Ceremony will then follow from the big breakfast at 10am.

During the morning there will be plenty of activities to get involved in, including the Giant Yard Games, slip ‘n’ slide, pool inflatables and quizzes for the adults with prizes to be won. 

Make sure to dress up! There will be prizes for the best dressed Aussie for both adults and children.

Who is this year's Australia Day Ambassador?

Our Australia Day Ambassador for 2016 is Dr Robert Isaacs OAM JP PhD (Hon). 

He is an Aboriginal Elder from the Whadjuk, Bibbilmum-Wardandi Noongar language group of the South West region of Western Australia. Dr Isaacs is also the Executive Manager of Social Lending Keystart Shared Equity home loan schemes for the Department of Housing.

In recognition of his service to community he has received many honours including the Order of Australia, Centenary Medal of Honour and honorary doctorate for his contribution to Aboriginal Affairs. Dr Isaacs was the first aboriginal Chairman of any Australia Day Council throughout Australia. 

On WA Day 2015 Dr Isaacs was awarded as Western Australian of the Year and he has recently received the honour of Freeman of the City of Gosnells.

Interested in reading more on Dr Isaacs? Visit http://ow.ly/VftV7

Can I enter the swimming races?

Sure thing. Here's the info. If you get there at 7:00am on the day you can register, or email earlier to request a form admin@champions.org.au

You can access this information from the Everything Geraldton app on your smartphone too. 

MMG Golden Grove Scholarship Program

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Information for Applicants

MMG is pleased to continue with its Geraldton Mining scholarship, created to recognise the contribution of the Geraldton community in support of over 20 years of operation at Golden Grove. 

The scholarships are intended to encourage and support local Geraldton students to complete a university degree in a mining and resources related field.

MMG Golden Grove is an underground precious metals mine located approximately 450kms north-east of Perth and 280kms east of Geraldton in Western Australia.

Golden Grove has been in continuous operation since 1990 and transports and ships it’s product through the Geraldton Port.

Overview

MMG will award two scholarships to encourage and assist two students from a Geraldton secondary school to complete a university degree in: Engineering (mining, geotechnical, chemical, electrical or mechanical), Metallurgy, Geology, Surveying or a discipline area related to Human Resources, Finance, ,Safety, Health, Environment or Community Relations, on outstanding results in the completion of Year 12.

The scholarship will provide the recipient with an annual financial contribution to assist the recipient to further their tertiary studies in a mining related discipline.

It will also provide the recipient with the opportunity to gain practical experience in their selected field, through paid vacation placements with MMG during the course of their studies.

Purpose

The purpose of the scholarship is to assist and encourage students who have an interest in the mining and/or resources sector and have demonstrated a high level of academic achievement, to undertake university studies in one of the following disciplines:

(a) Engineering (see above areas)
(b) Metallurgy
(c) Geology
(d) Surveying
(e) Safety
(f) Health
(g)Environment
(h) Community Relations
(i) Human Resources

Closing Dates for Applications - Friday 12 February 2016

To apply or obtain further information, send an email to - GGCommunity@mmg.com.