Warning of high bacteria levels at Pages Beach

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The City of Greater Geraldton is urging residents to exercise caution when engaging water activities at Pages Beach North after high levels of the Enterococci bacteria were detected after routine sampling.

Swimming and other water-based activities like fishing and boating can lead to infections such as gastroenteritis. The risk is higher if water is accidentally ingested.

Enterococci are commonly found in the stomach of warm blooded animals and humans. High levels of these bacteria can help indicate a decrease in water quality. Although Enterococci are not harmful themselves, they can indicate the possible presence of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa.

Signs and symptoms of gastroenteritis include nausea and/or vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain/cramps, fever, tiredness, body aches and generally feeling unwell.

If you fall ill after visiting Pages Beach North seek medical advice from your doctor.

Another announcement will be released once further tests have taken place in the coming days to indicate whether bacteria levels have reduced.

Update 12/2/15

Pages Beach North back in action

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the community that further samples have been taken at Pages Beach North to assess the water quality.

Results have now been received and show there is no current health hazard present and the health warning has now been lifted.

For further information please phone 9956 6600.

Bolts-R-Us have moved!

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Bolts R Us have re-located to a BIGGER and brighter location with even more stock and the same great & trusted brands!

We are still delivering the same great prices and providing the same brilliant service on which we have prided ourselves upon since the shop opened way back in 1975!

The new Bolts R Us store is literally a stone’s throw away from our old location, directly opposite in fact at 278 Place Road. 

On top of the Bolts, we also provide;

  • Key Cutting
  • Power & Hand tools and equipment 
  • Fixings & Fasteners of all shapes and sizes

If you come and have a snoop around, you will also find, industrial fans, shop presses, trolley jacks and even welders! 

On top of ALL of this, we are the ONLY store in Geraldton to host all these fantastic brands under the same roof! 

Milwaukee, Metabo, Bordo, Imex, Fein and Bahco!

You can now find us on Facebook & Google. Click here to head to our page. 

 

Reminder not to leave items near donation bins

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A community member was upset by the mess she found on Monday when visiting the Good Sammy bins. 

Keep in mind that a volunteer will probably have to clean this up.

Please put all donation items in the bins provided, or drop them off during business hours. Leaving them near the bins often results in people rifling through the items resulting in a huge mess for someone to clean.

"Went to drop stuff off at Good Sammy's this morning. Absolutely disgusting, how hard is it to put it in the bins provided?"

- Skye

 

"I would like to thank her from the bottom of my heart for her honesty."

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I went into Woolies Centro and brought some lotto and scratches for my husband's birthday. After buying them I went to Woolies and Bakers Delight. Walking out of the center I realised I didn't have my lotto gift envelope. After checking I back tracked to where I had been but no luck. So I re purchased, feeling sick that I had thrown money away. This afternoon at work one of the school Mums came over to me with the envelope I had dropped. It had slipped under the counter a bit but a lady saw it and handed it to them. I would like to thank her from the bottom of my heart for her honesty.

- Vick

Kind gesture - "It's great to see people still willing to do this."

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I was in Rigters IGA this morning when I saw a simple but generous gesture that isn't often seen anymore. I was at the express checkouts and the lady at the checkout next to me had obviously had very recent shoulder surgery, she was 45 cents short on her small bit of shopping and asked if she could bring it in later, I was digging in my purse for it when a man behind her stepped forward and said I've got it and paid it for her. To the man that did this, I thank you also, you made the woman's day and put a big smile on my face. It's great to see people still willing to do this.
- Mary

A memorial gift for Greenough murder victims' family

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A community member has decided to put together the following project for the family of the Greenough murder victims. 

"Another anniversary of the Greenough Murders draws closer. As a community we have all spent a long time angry, hurt and confused by this senseless act of violence. We each lost a friend, a member of our community - and with it, a part of our own innocence was lost. These feelings have never left the family of Karen, Daniel, Katrina and Amara. For them it is something they remember every day. For some years now I have been in contact with Karen's sister Evelyn. We've shared memories and frustrations, with many of the good memories and knowing her family are not forgotten, helping her everyday to keep fighting. This year, I'd like to put together some positive support from within our community, a small gift Evelyn and her family. I'd like to create a digital wall of memories. Of OUR memories of our time with the family and invite you all to play a part. If you'd like to be involved, it is very simple .... and it doesn't matter how small a memory it may be. Perhaps something adorable one of the girls did... or a fun moment shared with Karen or Daniel. A hug that made you feel like you'd found your best friend - right there. Simply email your memories to ourcommunitywall@gmail.com and they will be added to a new blog being established, to go live on the eve of February 21st. There will be no limit on the word count and you may choose whether your memories are published with or without your name. Please aim to have your memories sent through by February 18th to be included in the launch."
- Melanie Comito

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.