ITS MUSTANG MONTH AT MIDWEST FORD!

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After patiently waiting, the time has come. The all new Ford Mustang will be arriving into Geraldton on Thursday the 11th of February at Midwest Ford. To celebrate, we invite you all to come to our VIP launch and viewing night! Come and see the wild horse in the flesh!

RSVP now by clicking the below link!
https://www.facebook.com/events/545548455608105/

This is an event not be missed! For years the Ford Mustang has impressed owners, collectors and car enthusiasts alike! But now is the time to see and feel up close, the all-new 2016 Ford Mustang. It’s time to unleash your true self.

When: Thursday the 11th of February at 5pm!
Where: Midwest Ford- Midwest Auto Group- corner of Phelps & Urch Streets Geraldton

For more information and further details do not hesitate to contact the team on 9938 0500!

Don’t forget Midwest Auto Group are your one stop local shop for all things:

  • Nissan
  • Ford
  • Honda
  • Hyundai
  • Subaru
  • Suzuki
  • PMX Campers

Come in for a chat! The view is great and we are keen to meet you!

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook to keep up to date with all things motoring! 
https://www.facebook.com/MidWest-Auto-Group-1450677801852658

 

Locals gathering in a peaceful show of solidarity for children being sent back to Nauru

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A group of locals are gathering this evening in front of of the Geraldton Courthouse in response to news that a group of children are to be sent back to Nauru. 

This is the message they have sent in to EG:

We are arranging a peaceful gathering in solidarity with the children being sent back to Nauru. The gathering is synchronised with others around the nation. 
TONIGHT at 7:00pm
on the lawn in front of the Geraldton Courthouse
(corner of Marine Tce & Forrest St)
Please bring a candle or a small light, 
and a sign such as "Let Them Stay" if you're able. 

Click here for more info on the "Stand for Sanctuary" efforts happening around the country today.

Armed robbery ends in arrest

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Male Charged with Stealing with Violence

  • Incident occurred Saturday 06 February 2016 at about 1:50pm.
  • Suspect is a 31 year old male from Port Hedland.
  • He entered a commercial building in Geraldton and approached a staff member brandishing a knife demanding items from the counter.
  • After obtaining items, the male left walking from the scene and was apprehended minutes later by Geraldton Police.
  • Further inquiries revealed the male was wanted for questioning on a number of matters.
  • He was refused bail and will appear in Geraldton Magistrates Court.

He has been charged with:
1 x Stealing with violence (armed)
2 x Burglary and Commit
1 x Stealing, 1 x Stealing with Violence (linked to burglary offences) 1 x Breach of Bail
 

City cracks down on restricted breed dangerous dogs

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The City of Greater Geraldton is sending out a strong warning to dog owners in the Mid West after the Geraldton Magistrate’s Court reprimanded several people for incidents involving dangerous dogs that are of a restricted breed.

In a stark message for local dog owners, a single case went to court recently with up to 10 charges against the individual with fines of up to $5,000.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ken Diehm said the severity of declared dangerous dogs being involved in dog attacks is something that the City takes very seriously and it should serve as a reminder for all dog owners.

“The City takes dog attacks very seriously and if your dog attacks a person or animal, you will be held responsible even if you are not there during the time of the offence,” he said.

“If a dog that has been declared dangerous by the City is involved in an attack, the owner can face charges of up to $20,000.”

If a dog has been involved in an attack or has shown a tendency to attack, the City has the power under the Dog Act to declare the dog dangerous. Penalties for dog attacks double when the dog involved has been declared a dangerous dog.

“All dog owners have a responsibility to ensure their dogs are registered and are not left to wander and are in a secure area on their property in order to protect not only the safety of people, but dogs and other animals alike,” Mr Diehm said.

“This serves as a timely reminder to dog owners that they need to ensure that their dogs are properly secured within their own property and not left to roam the streets and neighbouring properties.”

If residents find a lost or stray pet they are encouraged to report it to City Rangers by calling 9956 6600. Rangers are available from 6.30am to 6.30pm on weekdays and 8am to 4.30pm on weekends. They should also check the collar for a name and contact details, phone veterinary clinics as well as share on social media.

Total Fire Ban for parts of the Midwest Gacoyne, South West and Perth, Perth Hills and surrounding areas including Mandurah for Monday

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A Total Fire Ban has been declared for Monday 8 February for parts of the Midwest Gacoyne, South West, Perth, Perth Hills and surrounding areas and Mandurah

This includes the local government districts of: 

Midwest Gascoyne  

  • City of Greater Geraldton 
  • Shire of Carnarvon 
  • Shire of Carnamah 
  • Shire of Coorow 
  • Shire of Chapman Valley 
  • Shire of Dandaragan 
  • Shire of Irwin 
  • Shire of Morawa 
  • Shire of Mingenew 
  • Shire of Northampton 
  • Shire of Shark Bay 

South West

  • City of Bunbury 
  • Shire of Capel 
  • Shire of Collie 
  • Shire of Dardanup 
  • Shire of Murray 
  • Shire of Waroona 
  • Shire of Harvey 

Perth Metropolitan area, Perth hills and neighbouring shires of: 

  • Chittering
  • Gingin
  • Kwinana
  • Mandurah
  • Mundaring
  • Rockingham
  • Serpentine-Jarrahdale

On Monday 8 February 2016 any activity that could start a fire is banned.  

This means: 

  • You must not light or use any fires in the open air 
  • All open fires for the purpose of cooking or camping are not allowed  
  • Hot work such as metal work, grinding, welding, soldering, gas cutting or similar is not allowed unless you have an exemption 
  • You must not undertake any other activities that may start a fire. 

If a Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban has not been implemented by your local government you are able to harvest or move vehicles across paddocks for agricultural purposes. 

You could be fined up to $25,000 or jailed for 12 months or both if you ignore the Total Fire Ban. 

For information on activities that can or cannot be carried out during a Total Fire Ban visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au/totalfirebans/Pages/TotalFireBanWhatCantIDo.aspx

If the information you want is not available from the website, telephone the Total Fire Ban Information Line 1800 709 355. 

This information is also available by visiting www.dfes.wa.gov.au

Letter from woman involved in recent NWCH crash

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Hi everyone, I'm Tina

Unfortunately I am the innocent person involved in the accident on Thursday afternoon. Don't ask me for details, that's up to Major Crash unit to sort out and release what information they deem the general public needs to know. Thankfully I am going to be ok, some healing to be done but I am alive and that's all that matters to me.

I would like to send huge thank yous to the public who came across the accident and helped and the ladies who stayed with me, rang my husband and my sons work. I can't thank you enough.

The lady from his work who stayed with him until I arrived at the hospital and my husband also arrived, thank you for your compassion xx. Sharkbay man - thanks for the pillow, made the roadside more comfy under my head xx. Please next time you are in Northampton let me buy you a beer.

The police, ambulance, off duty fireman, the doctors, nurses, orderlies, xray techs and anyboa\dy else who has assisted me since Thursday thank you from the bottom of my heart xx You all do an amazing job and your care could not have been better xx

To the people who see posts announcing accidents on sites like this please STOP asking for details of cars and names of people. There are protocols that have to be followed and if you need to be contacted by authorities you will be. Don't go saying 'oh but I have friends who travel that road'. Instead of sitting on social media actually ring your friends and family to ensure they are safe. If you don't get an answer try again or try another friend. My husband and our son were both at work and our daughter was overseas. They needed to be told of the incident before reading about it on social media.

To the people who hear gossip and continue it on, STOP. We have heard rumors about the accident that are just utter bullshit. Unless you are 150% sure it's correct when told to you don't repeat it. You're not helping anything or anyone.

To the people who immediately blame the road FFS STOP. There is nothing wrong with the road, it is the dickhead drivers who have no consideration for other road users. I do 2 return trips a day between Northampton and Geraldton daily, the road is fine. There are overtaking lanes and safe areas to overtake if you need to. But daily I see people using mobile phones, people overtaking on double white lines, on bends etc. The limit on the road is 110kph and yet I have been overtaken like I am standing still.

I love my family and enjoy going home to them each and every night, so please slow down, stop using phones and concentrate on your bloody driving. There is more than just you on those roads!

- Tina

Internationally acclaimed guitar duo to hit Geraldton - the Grigoryan Brothers

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Australia’s most respected guitar duo, the Grigoryan Brothers, will bring their astounding skills to Geraldton this month at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre on 17 February. 

‘This Time’ is the latest release by the duo and their sixth release. This highlights the brothers’ astounding skills which are at the core of the critical acclaim they have achieved in Australia and on the international stage.

Slava and Leonard have a deep appreciation and understanding of a broad spectrum of musical styles. This has resulted in many collaborations involving music, both written and improvised. Combine this with their classical training and the result is a unique sound incorporating all these influences. It is not classical, not jazz, not world....it is the Grigoryan Brothers.

Since their first Australian tour in 2002, the duo has astounded audiences worldwide with their guitar virtuosity. They have toured extensively throughout Australia and overseas including Europe, the United States, Britain, Asia, South Africa and the Middle East.

For this tour the Grigoryan Brothers will be performing works from ‘This Time’ as well as a selection of works from their previous releases.

The Grigoryan Brothers will be appearing at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre on 17 Wednesday February 2016, at 7pm. Tickets are now on sale at www.queensparktheatre.com.au or from the Civic Centre, Regional Library and the Geraldton Visitor Centre.

 

Sightings of a "bright green light"

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A reported 'Shooting Star' at approximately 8:30pm this evening, February 6th, has been sighted accross the West Australian coast. 

Resident of Port Hedland Chris Topher took this photo of the object landing "just behind the go-kart track".

The "bright green burst" was spotted in Geraldton, Paraburdoo, Telfer, Meekatharra, Hedland and Karratha among other places and has been described as "beautiful and amazing".

Report will be updated.

Tips to be more waterwise during this weekend's heatwave

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While the heatwave is temporary it’s a blunt reminder of the trend towards hotter and drier conditions in WA, and the need to continue to adapt our water use for the longer-term.

Some facts and handy tips: 

  • 40 per cent of our household drinking water is used outside the home.
  • A pool cover can save up to 55 litres of water a day in summer - cover your pool after every swim.
  • Keep a container of water in the fridge to avoid having to run the tap for a cool drink.
  • Repurpose water – this can be done in a variety of ways – pet drinking water and even cooled-down cooking water can be used to water grass and plants. 

Extend Point Moore Leases

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Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has written to Planning Minister John Day in relation to the Point Moore community. 

“I have always had a strong interest in the Point Moore residents and their situation. 

“I have advised the Minister that I will be happy to engage with the City of Greater Geraldton and the residents of Point Moore to determine how tidal surge risk mitigation may occur in concert with the continued tenancy of the residents. I would support any Council proposal to extend leases. 

“This would provide residents some level of security for their immediate future while enabling them to plan for the longer term outcomes. 

“I have also requested that the Minister visit Geraldton to meet the Point Moore residents and discuss their situation with them and the Council, before any final planning decisions are made. 

“Most residents accept that there is an increased risk of inundation due to the land’s proximity to sea level, but they also need to fully understand the City’s position due to its possible exposure to liability.  

“I think it’s likely that in future residents will face increased insurance disclaimers and premiums. It will be a feature of Point Moore living. 

“However, I don’t think there is an immediate threat to the homes of Point Moore and I hope that rational discussion and cool heads will allow sensible solutions to occur,” said Mr Blayney.

Letter to John Day re Point Moore tenancies

William Patrick Mitchell - Parole Review

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Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has written to the Attorney General requesting that any move to release Geraldton axe murderer William Patrick Mitchell on parole is rejected. 

“It has recently been brought to my attention that there will be a review by the Parole Board of William Patrick Mitchell’s sentence. 

“While I recognise that these reviews will be an ongoing process over the term of his prison life, it is deeply upsetting for the family and friends of his victims. As it forces them to relive the events and pain of the past. 

“I have requested that in the unlikely situation that the Parole Board makes a recommendation for his release on parole, the Attorney General rejects it. 

“I have also advised the Attorney General of my intention to circulate a petition, which I will present to the Legislative Assembly from people of Geraldton, requesting that William Patrick Mitchell is never released from jail. 

“I encourage everyone to sign this petition,” said Mr Blayney.

Removal and replacement of QPT asbestos roof

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that works will begin on the removal of the Queens Park Theatre asbestos roof from 8 - 21 February 2016 to make way for a new roof. The area is currently fully fenced off and appropriate signage will be in place.

An independent environmental consultant will be on site during the removal works to ensure the works are being undertaken according to Australian standards and to monitor air quality.

There are no planned additional footpath or road closures during this time. Please direct all further enquires to Project Manager Michael Librizzi at 9956 6600.

Wildflower lovers will enjoy this article from "Flowers Across Melbourne"

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Wildflower lovers will enjoy this article from "Flowers Across Melbourne"

Geraldton gets quite a few mentions as you can imagine.

Interesting note from the article: "Western Australia alone has more than 12,000 species of native wildflowers, more than 60% of which can only be found here and nowhere else on earth."

Click here to read.

Chinese Business Event; Workshop and Dinner: Expressions of Interest

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Chinese Business Event; Workshop and Dinner: Expressions of Interest

Meaning "hello" in Chinese, Ni hao WA is an annual event for the State's tourism industry. The event welcomes Chinese trade partners to WA and aims to strengthen business relationships with key buyers and media.

The workshop for Ni Hao WA 2016 is set on 14 March 2016 in Fremantle. As part of the program, there will be 40 agents and media from China and Hong Kong where they will be split into 3 groups doing famils in WA. One group from China with 20 key agents and media and one group from Hong Kong with 10 agents will stay in Geraldton for 2 nights on 10 and 11 March evenings as part of the itinerary.

The City is hosting a workshop and dinner on the Thursday 10 Mar 2016. The objectives of the event are to:

• provide an overview and outline of opportunities in the China and Hong Kong markets (workshop)

• raise the profile of Midwest Region as a tourism destination (Dinner)

• establish and increase business networks with key trade partners in the target markets (Dinner)

• further strengthen business relationships with Product and Marketing Managers in China (Dinner)

• generate media exposure for Midwest and key marketing initiatives in China (Dinner)

The workshop will be held from 3pm to 5:00pm on the 10 Mar at the Function Room of the Civic Centre, and the dinner (includes pre-dinner drinks) is scheduled for 6:30pm- 8:30pm of the same day at the Latitude 28. The cost of the workshop and dinner is $220. The City is targeting 15 - 20 local businesses to attend the event.

If you are interested in participating, please express your interest through email to Han Jie Davis hanj@cgg.wa.gov.au , by COB of 5pm 15th Feb 2016.

Price announces NBN kicking off in Dongara

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Member for Durack Melissa Price is pleased to announce about 2,400 premises will soon have faster internet with the construction of the NBN in Dongara 

Dongara residents will see nbn contractors laying cables and installing nodes over the coming weeks as the build out rolls out across the town. 

“This is great news for the people of Dongara,” Ms Price said. 

“Dongara is a valuable town in Durack, with hundreds of families from throughout the Mid West moving to the beachside town to retire. 

“These 2,400 premises will be receiving fibre to the node (FTTN) technology which is very fast broadband.” 

The start of the Dongara construction continues the NBN rollout in the Mid West with most of Geraldton already able to connect to the NBN, and with construction in Northampton and Kalbarri just months away. 

“nbn’s end-user trials have shown FTTN delivers great speeds to Australians, with most end-users on the trial getting wholesale speeds of 100 Mbps (download) and 40 Mbps (upload),” Ms Price said. 

“The rollout of the NBN in Dongara is an important step in reaching its goal of connecting eight million homes and businesses to the NBN by 2020.” 

For further information visit: nbnco.com.au/3yearplan

$3 million to revitalise regional pools thanks to Royalties for Regions

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Every public swimming pool and aquatic centre in regional Western Australia will be in top shape this summer, thanks to a funding boost made possible by Royalties for Regions and The Nationals WA.

Nationals WA Member of Parliament Paul Brown MP, welcomed this week’s announcement of almost $3 million in funding for the Community Pool Revitalisation Program – which will be put towards 94 aquatic centres, swimming pools and water playgrounds in regional communities.

“The program was a Nationals WA election commitment, and will help local governments with the funding necessary to maintain and upgrade their aquatic facilities, purchase new equipment, provide staff training, or to subsidise the cost of entry to the pool,” Mr Brown said.

“With the warm summer weather we’re currently experiencing, there’s no better time to get down to the pool and cool off. As well as being a recreational hub, local pools are often the first place many regional residents learn and develop a love for swimming.”

In the current round of the Community Pool Revitalisation Program $2,938,667 has been made available through Royalties for Regions. Annual funding of up to $32,000 per aquatic centre and $10,000 per water playground, when attached to a primary aquatic facility, is available.

Mr Brown said the City of Greater Geraldton will receive $32,000 each for the Geraldton Aquarena and the Mullewa Swimming Pool.

“Royalties for Regions is ensuring community swimming pools continue to be safe and vibrant places to enjoy physical activity and a healthy lifestyle,” Mr Brown said.

Minister for Sport and Recreation and acting Minister for Regional Development, Mia Davies MLA, announced the funding this week.

“Particularly in regional and remote communities, aquatic centres are important facilities because there’s evidence that when they are well patronised, they contribute to a reduction in chronic disease and improved educational and social outcomes,” Ms Davies said.

“We also know that active children learn better, aside from the mental and physical benefits, there are also great community and social outcomes for kids who are active.

For a full list of successful Community Pools Revitalisation Program recipients, visit www.dsr.wa.gov.au/cprp-successful.

Crash Update- Two seriously injured

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Yesterday afternoon around 3:50pm a crash occurred near White Peak Rd on the North West Coastal Highway. 

Police have issued the following information, and would like anyone who has information regarding the crash to come forward.  

  • No fatalities have been reported by Police. 
  • Two people were seriously injured.  
  • The crash was a head on collision involving two vehicles.  
  • A 42 year old woman from Northampton and a 29 year old man from Dianella were injured 
  • The vehicles involved were a Kia Sorento and a Hyundai Veloster
  • Call Police on 99234555 if you can provide Police with any information regarding the crash.  

Local venues to host Queens Park Theatre line-up

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Despite the temporary closure of the Queens Park Theatre, the City of Greater Geraldton is presenting an impressive line-up of world class shows at various venues.

Local venues including the Queen Elizabeth II Centre, Theatre 8 and Geraldton Grammar School will host six acts in the first half of 2016 while the Queens Park Theatre undergoes a refurbishment.

Among the upcoming acts are WA Opera in the Park, the Grigoryan Brothers and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the City was dedicated to ensuring Geraldton’s art and entertainment scene would not be hindered by the temporary closure of the QPT.

“We have always had a very impressive programme of events showcased at the QPT and although the theatre is closed, we will still continue to bring shows to the community and host them at other local venues,” he said.

“The theatre was well over-due for a refurbishment and new additions will ensure longevity for the Mid West’s most iconic theatre.”

The QPT closed its doors in December 2015 and will reopen in mid-2016 with a new asbestos free roof, new air conditioning system, carpet, bathrooms, technical equipment and the addition of new digital signage to the building.

WA Opera in the Park 'Gianni Schicchi' is the first show for 2016 and will be held at the QEII Centre next Saturday, 6 February at 8pm. Although tickets for the Opera in the Park simulcast are free, they will still need to be booked. Critically acclaimed Australian guitar duo The Grigoryan Brothers will hit Geraldton on 17 February, also at the QEII Centre.

To purchase tickets and for a full run down of upcoming events, visit the QPT website at www.queensparktheatre.com.au or phone the City on 9956 6600 for more information.

Tickets can also be purchased at the City of Greater Geraldton, the Geraldton Visitor Centre and the Geraldton Regional Library.