Win for local business with changes to Buy Local - Regional Preference Policy

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Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney is pleased that Finance Minister Bill Marmion has seen fit to recent changes to the Buy Local Policy. 

“A business recently brought to my attention that Perth based companies were managing to bypass the Buy Local Policy through loopholes in the policy. 

“If an interstate business submitted a compliant tender bid, it compromised the local preference policy. This enabled Perth based companies’ bids to also be considered. 

“I wrote to Minister Marmion to request this loophole was closed and have recently received confirmation that this has occurred. 

“Minister Marmion has advised me that an addendum to the Buy Local Policy has been released making it clear that where only Western Australian bidders are shortlisted for a tender process with a regional delivery point, then the Regional Price Preferences included in the Buy Local Policy will apply. 

“This is a big win for our local businesses and industries,” said Mr Blayney 

HOWZAT! MILO T20 Blast a Hit with Kids

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Young cricket fans were treated to an afternoon of fast paced, social and energetic games last Friday when the first MILO T20 Blast session for 2016 got under way.

Over 95 children aged between 7-12 headed down to GBSC Sports Park for the first of eight sessions designed to help strengthen basic skills in preparation for Junior Club Cricket.

Now in its third season here in the Mid West, MILO T20 Blast is a modified version of the Twenty20 format that became popular when the Big Bash League burst onto our televisions in 2011. 

Each session runs for 90 minutes, is delivered by accredited coaches and uses modified equipment such as rubber balls during each game. This means that parents can relax knowing that their kids are being introduced to real games of cricket in a safe way.

Every child--no matter their gender, skill level or age--gets a chance to bat, ball and field. This helps kids develop their proficiency in bowling, catching and throwing, running between wickets and hitting a ball, while also introducing them to teamwork, communication and good sportsmanship.

Even though this round has already commenced, boys and girls between 7-12 years of age are still able to join in, with registration remaining open until 21 February 2016.

The cost is $99 and includes a Big Bash League themed pack that includes a hat, shirt, carry bag and more.

To register follow the steps below:

  1. Visit www.playcricket.com.au
  2. Type in postcode 6530
  3. Click ‘Geraldton Junior Cricket Association’
  4. Click ‘T20 Blast’
  5. Click ‘Register’

Milo T20 Blast happens every Friday evening between 5 – 6.15pm from now until 1 April down at GBSC Sports Park – Green St, Geraldton.

79 year old man on gopher robbed

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Geraldton Police are seeking any witnesses to a stealing offence which occurred on Saturday 30th January 2016 at about 10.30am near the silo’s on Marine Terrace, Geraldton.

The 79 year old male victim who travels on a gopher was approached by an unknown male who grabbed the victim’s wallet from his breast pocket and ran off.

Police particularly wish to speak to a passer-by who stopped to assist or anyone that has any information. Please call Geraldton Police on 99234555.

Greenough residents wanting to keep their "G" number plates

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Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has written to Transport Minister Hon Dean Nalder regarding the issue of localised car number plates.

“I’ve been approached by a number of constituents who have concerns about their ability to access local plates for their cars in future.

“The issues are to do with number plates issued by the Shire of Greenough since its amalgamation with the City of Greater Geraldton.

“I’ve asked the Minister to advise whether a person with an existing G plate can obtain new ones?

“Also, whether it’s possible to buy a set of G plates from someone who already has a set and wishes to sell them?

“Another issue raised with me is – if a plate has been handed back and is no longer used, is it possible to gain a list of those plates and get them reissued?

“And lastly, like all Shires in the region, Greenough issued a series of special plates in reverse order. Is it still possible to obtain these plates?

“While the Shire no longer exists and the new local authority no longer carries the name Greenough, locals have a strong attachment to their area and genuinely would like to keep, or obtain their number plates,” said Mr Blayney.

Have you got your Childcare sorted for 2016?

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Are you going back to work, or do you need an out of school care for your kids?

Enrol your children into Ready Set Grow Child Bluff Point Care Centre and Out of School Care.

Ready Set Grow’s team of educators are long term, hardworking and dedicated to their role of helping your child learn and grow while providing a safe and nurturing environment

Their child care service care for children ages 6 weeks to 2 years, 2 – 3 years and 3 – 5 years keeping your child within their developmental age group.

The Food Coordinator provides a nutritionally balanced morning tea, cooked lunch and afternoon tea and they can cater to your child’s specific dietary needs. 

Before/Afterschool and Vacation Care is an option for those parents with primary school aged children K – Yr6 that operates from Bluff Point Primary School across the street. The programs are fun, stimulating and based on the children’s interests. There is a free pick up and drop off services are available for before and after school care, from a number of schools.

Services are childcare rebate and benefit approved which significantly reduces the cost of care.

The childcare center can be found on 441 Chapman Road or contacted on 9923 2977 and rsg_bp@westnet.com.au

The out of school care service can be found at Bluff Point Primary School – 18 Mitchell Street or contacted on 0478 398 533 and bluffpoint-oshc@readysetgrow.net.au

 

Incredible recovery for this neglected animal thanks to Geraldton Dog Rescue

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"Geraldton Dog Rescue would sincerely like to thank everyone involved in the care of Demi over the last 4 month. The Geraldton Ranger services, Chapman Animal Hospital, Sanford Vet Clinic, Midwest Vet clinic, Jo from Dirty Dog Busters, GDR foster carers Jenny and Melody and most of all, the Geraldton Community for your well wishes, donations and support xxx
Demi was finalised today and became Miss Demi Schofield. 
Melody, Donnie, Coco (BF) and Dusty (Blue Heeler) are over the moon xxxx"

Comedy Emporium Finds New Home In Geraldton's West End

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191 Marine Tce

Seriously: comics are leading revitalisation in the heart of our city

Geraldton’s local comedians and performers are moving into a new home in the West End of Geraldton’s Marine Tce today. The Comedy Emporium have taken up a 4 year lease in  Pollinators’ new CreativeHub, converting part of the derelict space into a home for performing arts. The rear of the old ‘Salvos’ building at 189 Marine Terrace, (currently decorated with local artist Jordan Andreotta’s octopus painting) will be The Comedy Emporium’s Headquarters for its state-wide operations and new performance venue, plus provide a unique new space for gigs, launches, workshops and artists to use.

“We now have a home! There is nothing in that home... However we have 30 of the most energetic and positive team members who want to see it become a amazing place to be.” said Julian Canny, The Comedy Emporium Ringleader.

“Patrons might even have to BYO chairs to our first few shows - But the fact that we have now a space to be able to share with other artist means we can really get to work making Geraldton the capital of regional performing arts” says Julian Canny, The Comedy Emporium’s Ringleader.

The Comedy Emporium has only been able to secure space at CreativeHub thanks to Pollinators Inc hard work and the support of Geraldton Investments.

Pollinators Space Lead, Angie West, explained “The creative vision emerged from conversations with our members, and in 2013 the negotiations got started. Securing the four massive spaces that make up CreativeHub has taken a lot of investment, and its partnerships with Williams and Hughes, Panaceum, and Headspace Geraldton that have got it across the line. Now the hard work is done, and the fun of revitalisation can begin and Comedy Emporium’s space is the first of the space to open to the public.”

“Now that we’re in, there is no containing our excitement” said Canny “There is a HUGE cleanup to be done, as no one has been in here for over a decade, and the team is ready to go!”

Everyone is invited to take a stickybeak at the venue at the very first array of live performances  that will take in the space as part of Funtavia on February 12th and 13th. For more information go to www.funtavia.com.au

For more information about Comedy Emporium visit www.thecomedyemporium.com For enquiries please ring Julian on 0458 306 111.

For more information about Pollinators’ and CreativeHub visit www.pollinators.org.au/creativity For enquiries please ring Angie on 9965 5371

Paul Dyer (Chair of Pollinators Inc) With Julian Canny (Ringleader of The Comedy Emporium)

Pages Beach given all clear

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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.

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

​

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...