Super Smash Bros. Tournament Happening 19 February

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Fans of the game Super Smash Bros. on Wii U will have a chance to show off their skills and compete for a share in $300 worth of prizes when Natural 20 Games and Hobbies host their first tournament for the year on Friday, 19 February.

 

Natural 20 will be decking out their front room with Wii U consoles and TVs for the 16 player tournament. The action is set to kick off from 6pm onwards on Friday, 19 February, and spectators are more than welcome to come down and check it out.

To be eligible to compete in the event, tournament hopefuls are required to pay a $30 entry free in-store and must also be over the age of 16. Players may bring their own controllers on the night if they wish, and Wii U remotes will be supplied.

 

This event is the first of its kind for Natural 20, and event organiser, Anthony Howe, is hopeful that this is the beginning of a great thing for the local gaming community.

"We are hoping to build a community so we can hold at this stage one tournament a month."

So far the event has attracted plenty of interest from players, and at the time of writing this, there were just four spots left.

For more information visit the Super Smash Bros Tournament page, or call into Natural 20 Games and Hobbies at Shop 8, 23 Durlacher St, Geraldton.

Awesome photo of Chapman Valley at sunrise

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Kerrin Rowe sent in this brilliant shot he took this morning, and we had to share it. 

Hey guys, took this shot in Chapman Valley this morning at sunrise, thought everyone might enjoy it. Was some great low lying cloud around, made for some dramatic lighting.

Click to enlarge

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Corellas to be culled after residents complain that birds were simply relocated to other parts of Geraldton

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Deepdale residents are hopeful that they'll be able to deal with the large number of corellas in their area, after obtaining permits from Dept of Parks and Wildlife to conduct a small cull of the birds. 

In January, 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. He hailed a relocation program conducted by the city as a success. The Relocation Program uses a gas gun, firecrackers and a handheld device that fires percussion cartridges into the sky close to where the birds roost. 

But some residents of Geraldton disputed the success of the program, claiming the birds had simply moved to other Geraldton suburbs, outside of the CBD. 

We spoke with one local affected by the birds who said a few residents got together to discuss what they could do about the bird problem and investigate the matter. They applied to the Department of Parks and Wildlife for a permit to carry out a small cull on the birds. The Department confirmed that permits had been issued in the Deepdale area. 

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ken Diehm said regarding the culling of the birds,

“The control and management of native wildlife is a State Government responsibility dealt with under the umbrella of the Department of Parks and Wildlife. As per the Department of Parks and Wildlife website it is clear that each property owner is responsible for their own land. It is the decision of the individual land owner to obtain a permit to undertake culling of wildlife on their property. This is not a Local Government decision. In 2015 it was predicted that populations of Corellas were sitting at over 15,000 and this year and after the City’s recent relocation program the numbers have halved.”

Image: David Ford

Can't Win

Opinion

In the past, the CGG has conducted its own culls on the corella population. But following complaints from some members of the public, they investigated an alternative way of moving the birds on. 

While the city said the program was a success, in that it has stopped the tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage to public infrastructure and valuable trees, some residents feel like the city should have just bit the bullet and used ... a bullet. 

But even the more pleasant method of scaring the birds attracted complaints. EG received multiple complaints from irate members of the public who believed that even scaring the birds was a terrible idea. 

What seems lost on most people complaining though is the amount of damage the birds do, and the fact that they're an introduced pest. 

Nobody bats an eye at the hundreds of foxes, rabbits, cats, pigs and dogs the Shire of Chapman Valley talk about, very publicly, shooting each year. They even have competitions to see who can get the most kills, with prizes and cooked breakfasts.

Unless you're a vegan and have an underlying philosophy of never harming a living creature, I can't understand the complaints.

It seems quite odd for people to eat Chicken Treat for dinner, and then complain that a bird has been shot. 

It doesn't seem to matter what the team at the City of Greater Geraldton does on this matter, one group or another are going to be up in arms. (No pun intended.)

It's nice to see a group of proactive residents take up the task of dealing with the birds, rather than just waiting for a government body to do it for them.

The birds in question are an introduced species, and are not native to this region, according to information from NACC. (See below.)

Comments posted on EG's facebook page following news of the CGG Relocation Program's success. (Link)

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

"Keep a eye out around the airport you might be lucky enough to see a wedge tail eagle having a cockatoo dinner like I did yesterday."- Lawrence Hillary

Posted by Everything Geraldton on Saturday, January 23, 2016

 

A great home security tip

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Thanks to EG reader Jess for sharing this tip with us. It comes from "The Unintentional Urban Farmer". It's a way to make life a little harder for would be intruders. 

A good home security tip that you may have never thought about.... We just moved into a new home and one of the first...

Posted by The Unintentional Urban Farmer on Sunday, January 24, 2016

Thinking about getting air conditioning installed? Worried about the cost of electricity rising?

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Thinking about getting air conditioning installed?
Why not get S&K Electrical Contracting to give you a quote.

Worried about the cost of electricity rising?
A solar power system is the way to go.

S&K Electrical Contracting Pty Ltd are a locally owned electrical contracting company committed to supporting local business and sponsoring a variety of local sporting clubs.

With dedicated teams of electricians, air conditioning & refrigeration mechanics and solar system installers S&K can assist you with all of your requirements.

Call S&K on 9964 6880 or come down to our Geraldton head office at 43 Bradford St, Geraldton to meet the team.

For a full list of our residential, commercial and industrial capabilities please visit www.skec.com.au

Like our Facebook page to keep up with our latest project in the Midwest region and for your chance to enter our great competitions.

 

Reminder to slow down in school zones

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Multiple Geraldton residents have reached out to EG asking for the public to slow down in school zones. 

We thought we'd just post this short reminder to be extra careful of your speed between 7:30 and 9:00am each morning, and 2:30 and 4pm each afternoon. 

Several spots in Geraldton get extremely congested during these times, and patience is needed. 

Also a reminder not to overtake on unbroken white lines. We've had reports of impatient drivers putting others at risk by overtaking in school zones when unsafe to do so. 

 

"Thank you to the staff at the Regional Hospital"

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"A huge thank you to the staff at the Regional Hospital. You work tirelessly around the clock to look after those in need. My daughter was recently hospitalised and the ladies in the children's ward were all highly efficient, extremely kind and caring. Everybody we encountered was friendly and attempted to lift the spirits of my girl. Thank you for your tireless dedication to all the nurses in the children's ward, the emergency room staff, the Dr's (even on crutches himself yet so pleasant and kind), the kind orderlies for endless cups of tea, and the wonderful pediatrician. It was evident to us that your work and dedication is not fully appreciated by some yet you are the backbone of a successful society. Thank you."

- Philippa

From the interwebs: Watch this mum try and dress triplets and a toddler. Hilarious

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Mom vs Triplets + Toddler!A must watch! 󾆜🏼󾆩🏻󾆩🏻󾆩🏻 .. Give super mom a share! Being Mommy Dan Gibson Ellen MommyPage Parenthood Being Daddy Parenting.com Twin Magazine Parent Life Network ellentube

Posted by The Baby Gang on Thursday, February 4, 2016

Obviously a humourous dramatisation, but hilarious none-the-less. 

Click here to view video if you can't view it above. 

 

This business owner was already struggling. Now this!

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Martine Spowart was already doing it tough, running a small business to help make ends meet. Then this morning some vandals decided to make life that much harder. 

Batter Up Fish and Chips was broken into between 6 and 7 am this morning (Thurs 11 Feb 2016). The owner told us that Police were unable to obtain any finger prints.

The till had been smashed on the floor, but there was no money in it or anything else of value in the store. So the would be thieves left empty handed.

Martine isn't sure if the cost of the damage will be covered by insurance, the outcome of which will affect whether she is able to stay in business. 

She was still positive though, saying that it could have been worse. It was also a nice surprise that the "Make-A-Wish" fundraising tin hadn't been taken. 

"By the looks of it yes I will be [open tonight]. So many people have posted offering their help and support. I am blown away by the generosity of our Geraldton community."

Miles Glass & flyscreens are fixing the damage today. 

If you want to help out over the coming days and order some fish and chips, give Batter Up a call on 9923 2044. They're located in Bluff Point at Shop 2, 436 Chapman Road.

Click here for more info on Batter Up. 

If you did spot anything suspicious this morning in the area, or you can assist Police in any way, please call them on 9923 4555. 

Geraldton local Declan Knowles is the new Australian 250cc Speedway Champion

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Knowles wins Australian Championship

15 year old Geraldton resident Declan Knowles took out the 250cc Speedway Championship last month with what was described as a "dominating display."

He now has his sights set on the world championships in Europe later this year. 

According to Gillman Media, "Knowles had to come through the hard way after a big crash in his fourth ride."

Following the crash he had to repair his bike with gaffer tape, which held together long enough to make it over the finish line. 

Declan also had a stroke of luck when the race favourite, Matt Gilmore, fell early in the race. 

Declan Knowles is the first W.A rider to ever win this event.

The Race

In speedway solo racing motorcycles use only one gear and have no brakes. Racing takes place on a flat oval dirt track. Competitors use this surface to slide their machines sideways, powersliding into the corners. On larger tracks the bikes can reach up to 110km/h.  4-6 riders compete in each heat over 4 laps in an anticlockwise direction.  

Here's a short video of Declan's winning final.

"A" Final AusieTites 250cc 2016

Main Final Aussie Titles 2016 250cc- Thanks Mick

Posted by Declan Knowles Racing on Monday, February 1, 2016

Background and the future

Declan Knowles is a talented 15 year old Solo rider from Geraldton W.A who is in his 5th season of racing this year. He is the current 250cc Australian Champion and the only Western Australian to ever hold the title. He has his sights set high on this year's World Title.

Declan began his riding career on a 125cc junior bike and rode competitively at Pinjar Park on the 125cc in Perth for 3 seasons. During this time he had great success including runner up W.A State title, club championships and the Chum Taylor Foundation Cup.

From there Declan stepped up a level to the 250cc class. In his first year in this division he once again excelled, winning the W.A State Title, Fairest and Best and Club Championships. He competed in his first Australian Title on the 250cc in 2014 coming in 7th. At the 2015 Australian Title he improved on that coming in 5th which earnt him a place in the 2015 FIM World Youth Cup in France. Unfortunately he was not able to attend that event due to financial hardship. 

It was then decided that Declan should begin competing at a higher level again to improve his skill and gain more experience on other tracks, competing against other top level riders around the country. His parents put a massive amount of effort into sending Declan to various tracks and events in the eastern states which was difficult financially for the family, but a necessary step towards his goal and dream of riding overseas for Australia. It was an effort that has paid off greatly with Declan having various successful rides in State titles and events across the country and then winning the Australian 250cc Title. This win has earnt him a place to compete at he 2016 FIM World title in Germany in July this year where he has a chance at becoming World Champion 250cc.

Click here to help Declan get to Germany.

Please have a read of my fundraiser and donate to help me get to the World Cup in July. It would also be great if you...

Posted by Declan Knowles Racing on Monday, February 8, 2016

Gwn news story tonight.

Posted by Declan Knowles Racing on Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Or you might like to help out by buying this bike...

Valentine’s Day Dinner @ The Emerald Room Restaurant

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With Valentine’s Day this weekend, now is the time to make a reservation for you and your special someone.

The Emerald Room @ the Best Western Hospitality Inn is putting on a gloriously indulgent seafood & carvery buffet for Valentine's Day!

Book your table by calling 9921 1422 (BYO hot date!)

 

An open letter from Geraldton Doctors to the Prime Minister, regarding children in detention

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The Hon Malcolm Turnbull, Prime Minister of Australia

The Hon Peter Dutton MP, Minister for Immigration and Border Protection

Ms Melissa Price MP, Member for Durack

We, doctors of the Geraldton community, have a moral and legal obligation to report abuse of children living under Australian jurisdiction. It is unacceptable in our professional opinion that the Australian government knowingly places the health of vulnerable children at risk through its policy of mandatory immigration detention. The appalling secrecy provisions of the Australian Border Force Act, which actively restrict doctors from fulfilling their duty to advocate for the best interests of their patients, further compromise the health and safety of children in detention. 

We stand with our colleagues around the country in condemning the detention of children. We advocate that they must be release into the Australian community immediately where they can resume their childhoods and begin to recover from the harms inflicted by immigration detention. 

Earlier this month the Senate passed a motion to remove all children from offshore detention. We the undersigned call on you to ensure passage of this bill through Parliament and that you amend the appalling secrecy provisions of the preventing health professionals and others from reporting abuse and other human rights violations in offshore detention facilities. 

Your sincerely,

 

 

 

Temporary closure of cardboard baling facility

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Temporary closure of cardboard baling facility

The City of Greater Geraldton would like to advise due to unforeseen circumstances the roller shutter doors at the Meru Tip Shop have been damaged and require maintenance. To ensure community safety the cardboard baling area will be temporarily closed to the public from today 10 February 2016

During this time all cardboard will be diverted to landfill. Members of the public will be able to dispose of their cardboard free of charge.

 

Locals gather as part of "Let Them Stay" effort across the country

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A group of locals joined in with a nationwide effort last night to call for children who are being sent back to Nauru to be allowed to remain in Australia.

As the protests around the country unfolded, WA has added itself to the list of states offering to give a home to asylum seekers.

Even Premier Colin Barnett last night said he had a strong personal objection to children being detained.