Bushfire ADVICE for the northern part of Eradu South in the City of Greater Geraldton

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ALERT LEVEL:
A bushfire ADVICE remains for people near Geraldton Mount Magnet Road in the northern part of Eradu South in the City of Geraldton.

  • There is no threat to lives or homes but there is a lot of smoke in the area.
  • Although there is no immediate danger you need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.
  • The fire is burning in bushland near Geraldton Mount Magnet Road, the closest intersection is Eradu Road South. 

BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:

  • The bushfire is contained but not yet controlled.
  • The bushfire is stationary.

WHAT TO DO:

  • Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.
  • Watch for signs of a bushfire, especially smoke and flames.
  • Close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners but keep water running through the system if possible.
  • Read through your bushfire survival plan.
  • If you do not have a plan decide what you will do if the situation gets worse.

IF DRIVING:

  • Be extremely careful when driving through the area.
  • Turn your headlights on and drive slowly.
  • Watch for emergency services personnel and follow their directions.
  • If you cannot see clearly, pull over, keep your headlights and hazard lights on, and wait until the smoke clears.
  • If you have a respiratory condition and you have been affected by smoke you should contact your local doctor or call Health Direct on 1800 022 222.

ROAD CLOSURES:

Avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site.

No roads are closed.

Road information may also be available from Main Roads WA by calling 138 138 or visiting www.mainroads.wa.gov.au.

WATER

The fire has caused a power outage to Water Corporation’s borefield, which supplies drinking water to Mullewa.

Power has now been restored but the tanks that supply drinking water to the town are now low.

Mullewa residents are encouraged to be careful of their non-essential water use over the next 48 hours.

Please avoid using water outside the home on gardens, and try to conserve water indoors if possible.

WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:

  • 12 firefighters are on the scene.
  • Firefighters are monitoring the area. 

EXTRA INFORMATION:

  • The incident was reported at 6.26pm 15 February 2016.
  • The fire has burnt approximately 800 hectares. 
  • The cause of the fire is unknown.
  • The City of Greater Geraldton is managing the fire.

KEEP UP TO DATE:

Visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa or listen to news bulletins.

Please keep an eye out for an injured gull like this one and contact Parks and Wildlife

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A Message from the Department of Parks and Wildlife:

"A Pacific gull like this one has fishing line and a hook stuck in its mouth - it's often found near the BBQ area at Foreshore Drive in Geraldton. Can anyone who spots the gull please contact the Parks and Wildlife office on 9964 0901, so we can go out and remove the hook. Thanks for your assistance!"

 

Regarding the proliferation of Go-Fund-Me listings

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(The purpose of the following article is to reduce the amount of questionable Go Fund Me listings that are sent around each day, so that the ones that are genuine are actually effective. Please don't think we want everyone to become hard hearted and stop giving. Geraldton is famous for its generosity, and it's something we can all be proud of.)

If you spend any time on social media, you've probably noticed the huge spike in Go Fund Me listings over the last few months. They've become a popular way for people to reach out to their fellow citizens and ask for money. Everything Geraldton gets sent about one Go Fund Me link each day.

Did you know Geraldton has a local charity that helps a lot of people?

Before I rant on about Go Fund Me listings, I want to share some info about a fantastic charity Geraldton has that I'm surprised so many people still haven't heard about. 

They're called "Midwest Charity Begins at Home".

The term "charity begins at home" is an old proverb, essentially meaning "help those close to you first."

Sometimes we get so overwhelmed with world events we forget to help those in very real need right on our own doorstep. 

Midwest Charity Begins at Home is run by a bunch of locals who see the needs in our community, and want to do something about it. 

I spoke with Chris Dobson about the work they do.

Who can Mid West Charity Begins at Home assist?

The person must be a Mid West resident, and in financial need due to serious illness. 

Do you give money or physical items?

We can only give cash. 

How does someone ask for help?

On our website we have an application form. We do need a doctor's certificate. We (the MWCBAH folk) meet up and discuss the application. We usually have funds within a few days. 

Wow that's fast!

Because we’re small and local, we can act on it pretty quick. 

Visit MWCBAH

Go-Fund-Me listings

Sometimes Go Fund Me really is the best way to organise community support around a particular issue. It certainly has its place and is very convenient. 

But many of the listings we are sent make us question several things. 

Here's a list of some of the problems we are seeing. 

(NOTE: We're not telling people to not share their Go Fund Me listings with us. If the need is verifiable and the listing ticks all the boxes, we'd love to help out by sharing it.)

1. There's so many of them now that people have become numb to them. People simply can't donate to every one they see, so they just keep scrolling. 

With each Go Fund Me listing people donate to, they are less likely to donate to the next one. Locals have expressed to EG that they feel like they're overwhelmed with people asking for money every day. 

2. Some of the listings are spreading confidential or personal information. 

A Geraldton resident named Jake Drage was in an Indonesian prison in 2014. 

A Go Fund Me listing was created by a well meaning friend of his raising money to bring him home. But this Go Fund Me listing was how the media learned of the situation and, according to people assisting Jake, hamstrung efforts to get Jake released from jail.

I often see Go Fund Me listings set up by acquaintances of who the money is ostensibly for, sharing information that I doubt the people involved would want published for the world to see. 

The media love the listings though, as they have become a great source of inside information on tragedies. 

Before you publish anything, ask yourself if you're ok for this info to go viral, and for every person in town to know it. 

3. There is no accountability as to where the money goes. 

We see many listings that claim to be raising the money for a third party. Donors have no way of verifying if the funds ever make it to the intended source, and in many cases even if a genuine need exists. Legitimate local charities like Midwest Disaster Relief or Midwest Charity Begins at Home do verify if actual need exists first before handing out money or goods, and they themselves must be accountable with funds that they receive. 

4. It's hard to tell who is ACTUALLY in need

I've seen Go Fund Me listings for people I know to be quite wealthy. They've been set up by friends of the families following an accident or other event. The people who the money is for owned their home, a successful business, multiple cars... they're basically wealthier than most of the people that are donating to their cause. 

The friends who set up the Go Fund Me listings probably don't know their net worth, they're doing it as a kind gesture, the first way they can think of to help out. 

EG was sent one the other day where the family in question didn't seem to be in dire straits financially at all, and specifically told me that they wanted to go on a holiday with the money raised. I kid you not. The Go Fund Me listing didn't mention that, of course. 

I've seen other people in desperate need who have a Go Fund Me listing, and they can barely raise enough money for a tank of fuel. 

When we see so many Go Fund Me listings each week, some with serious need, others with questionable need, we grow numb to all of them. So that means people who are in GENUINE need are getting less donations because of all the listings that get created and shared. 

5. There are formal ways of getting assistance that already exist. 

Yes, many people fall through the cracks and we all need to reach into our own pockets to help others out. No one is saying Australia's social welfare is perfect. 

But, many of the Go Fund Me listings are written as if Centrelink and Medicare didn't exist. Australia has, despite its shortcomings, one of the most generous health care and welfare systems in the world. 

Moreover, there are charities that exist specifically to help people in crisis, and not only are they accountable for the money they handle, but donations to those charities are tax deductible. 

Midwest Charity Begins at Home is one local charity that does a fantastic job of getting assistance to people in need in our community suffering financial difficulty due to illness. More about them above. 

Mid West Disaster Relief give out countless amounts of second hand furniture and other items to people needing assistance. They're a fantastic asset to our community. 

There are plenty of others too... The Salvos and Sun City Care spring to mind.

Now in saying all that, Everything Geraldton will not institute a policy of never sharing a Go Fund Me listing. We're simply asking that people creating these listings consider the points mentioned. 

1. Has the person who the money is for actually asked for a go fund me listing to be created?

2. Are you sharing sensitive information? Are you happy with whatever you publish to be known by every person in Geraldton?

3. Have you already exhausted all the official ways of getting financial assistance that exist?

4. Have you spoken with Midwest Charity Begins at Home, or other relevant charities?

Keep in mind that the more Go Fund Me listings we see each day, the less effective they are. 

So save them for genuine needs and use existing channels to raise money whenever possible. 

Brilliant idea to improve Buy and Sell safety

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It's hard to tell how much of our economy has moved to "Buy and Sell" sites now. They've become an extremely efficient way of getting rid of unwanted items, but plenty of people are running actual businesses in them too. 

There's always the concern of giving complete strangers your home address though, especially when they're coming over to inspect the flat screen TV you're trying to sell. Are they scoping your home? Will they be back later tonight to help themselves? We've all had those thoughts. 

One very forward thinking cop shop in the US is offering local residents a safe place to conduct their transactions. Farmville (I know, right) in North Carolina has a monitored parking lot at the local police station where people can exchange goods and money, with the assurance a camera is watching. 

Here's what they published on FB:

The Farmville Police Department now has an area in the Police Department parking lot where you can exchange items purchased over the internet. This area is located where the officers park their cars at night, right in front of the PD main lobby, and is under 24 hour surveillance. There are parking spaces designated as an Internet Exchange Location and Police Vehicles Only, these areas can be used to exchange items.
With the increase in people buying and selling items online and through social media we wanted to make a location people could feel safe making the exchange.
We understand people feel hesitant to give someone their home or work address or meet them in a random parking lot and wanted to provide a location that was public, monitored and accessible.
If a buyer or seller is unwilling to meet you at this location to exchange items, you probably don't want to be doing business with this person anyway.

Do you think this is something Geraldton needs?

Leave a response in the comments below. 

The Farmville Police Department now has an area in the Police Department parking lot where you can exchange items...

Posted by Farmville Police Department on Monday, February 15, 2016


Thanks Aleisel for the heads up. 

This is why we shop local: Letter of thanks from crash victim

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I would like to give a Very big thank you to Ray Hicks of Geraldton Toyota. 
After a car accident early in January it was found a mix up by a bank had put a lien on my work van ( I had paid cash for it) and my insurance company was unable to pay out the claim until it was removed.

At this stage I had no idea of what I could do against a large multinational bank, it's than that Ray from Geraldton Toyota came to my help.
Firstly dealing with the bank, sorting out copies of the PPRS forms to prove that no one had or should have any claim on my van. Once the bank lien had been lifted he also supplied copies to my insurance company so that my claim could proceed. 

So Again thank you Ray Hicks and Geraldton Toyota for helping me out in my time of need.

Polly Perham

Geraldton doctor murder trial: Chamari Liyanage says husband beat her, forced her into online sex acts→

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Bonnie Christian for the ABC:

Under cross-examination, defence lawyer George Guidice gave Liyanage a series of pornographic images, including of children, and asked whether she had seen them before.
She replied she had seen "thousands of images showing this kind of material".

Click here to read story. 

Discussions over future of family day care

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The decision for the City to discontinue its involvement in family day care was discussed at the Council Agenda meeting last night and will go to Council for the final decision next week. 

Negotiations are currently being undertaken between early parenting and early childhood specialists, Nglala, and the Geraldton Regional Community Education Centre (GRCEC) for the organisations to take over as the approved provider of the current City run Bright Stars Family Day Care Service. 

City of Greater Geraldton Acting CEO Ross McKim said Bright Stars Family Day Care would be in very capable hands if the decision were to go through council and the Ngala Board choose to progress with this direction. 

“This matter is something we haven’t taken lightly and Bright Stars have been a very integral part of our organisation,” he said. 

“If Bright Stars was to be operated by Ngala and GRCEC we know that it would be in extremely capable hands. This would be an excellent outcome for our community.” 

The City has been actively involved in the provision of family day care since 1978 and since then, the City’s Bright Stars Family Day Care Scheme has grown to service Geraldton and the Gascoyne and Pilbara regions.  

More recently, they were the winners of the WA Best Service Award for excellence in Family Day Care in 2014. 

“Our successes are largely due to our staff who prides themselves in providing service excellence,” Mr McKim said. 

GRCEC is community organisation which has been operating in the Mid West Gascoyne and Murchison regions of Western Australia, delivering a diverse range of programs since 1975. 

The organisation is committed to providing services to children, youth and families to build individual, family and community capacity.  

GRCEC’s Director Jenny Allen said Ngala and GRCEC are committed to further enhancing their partnership. 

“We have available the resources, experience and commitment to continue to deliver a high quality education and care service for families,” she said. 

Ngala is a provider of early parenting and early childhood services with a focus on supporting and guiding families and young children and CEO Ashley Reid said the organisation was very excited to be part of this initiative with GRCEC. 

“With a long history of child health and early childhood development services in WA, we look forward to working with all involved for the benefit of local families,” he said.

Mr McKim said if the decision goes through council the long-standing reputation of Bright Stars would continue on its positive path. 

“If Council and Ngala make the decision for Bright Stars to be run by Ngala and GRCEC I am confident that both these organisations will be able to continue the legacy that our Council has made over the last few decades,” he said. 

The Council meeting will be held at 5pm Tuesday 23 February 2016, in Council Chambers, 63 Cathedral Avenue, Geraldton. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

Problems with School Bus - Letter to the Editor

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"We seem to have a problem with our school bus service, one bus in particular, the 007 which goes from Strathalbyn to Geraldton Senior and return. This bus has not had any airconditioning both last year and this year and the bus driver has also commented to the kids that the engine cooling system is also defective and they have to stop regularly to cool it down, there are no windows for airflow, these ongoing problems result in the children being late for school. The driver has taken this issue up with his employers but nothing has been done about it. This issue is not adequate in this day and age and numerous times the children are having to get of the bus with heat exhaustion problems."

 

- Sean Williams, parent.

Fire Update: Water Shortage in Mullewa

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*Please note a WATER section has been added.

The following alert has been issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).

Time of issue: 5.00pm
Date of issue: 17 February 2016

Bushfire ADVICE for the northern part of Eradu South in the City of Greater Geraldton

ALERT LEVEL:
A bushfire ADVICE remains for people near Geraldton Mount Magnet Road in the northern part of Eradu South in the City of Geraldton.

  • There is no threat to lives or homes but there is a lot of smoke in the area.
  • Although there is no immediate danger you need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.
  • The fire is burning in bushland near Geraldton Mount Magnet Road, the closest intersection is Eradu Road South.
  • Smoke is impacting Geraldton Mount Magnet Road. 

BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:

  • The fire has broken containment lines on the western side of the fire. 
  • The fire is moving fast in a north easterly direction.
  • The bushfire is out of control and unpredictable. 

WHAT TO DO:

  • Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.
  • Watch for signs of a bushfire, especially smoke and flames.
  • Close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners but keep water running through the system if possible.
  • Read through your bushfire survival plan.
  • If you do not have a plan decide what you will do if the situation gets worse.

IF DRIVING:

  • Be extremely careful when driving through the area.
  • Turn your headlights on and drive slowly.
  • Watch for emergency services personnel and follow their directions.
  • If you cannot see clearly, pull over, keep your headlights and hazard lights on, and wait until the smoke clears.
  • If you have a respiratory condition and you have been affected by smoke you should contact your local doctor or call Health Direct on 1800 022 222.

ROAD CLOSURES:

Avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site.

The Geraldton Mount Magnet Road is closed between Moonyoonooka Yuna Road and Mingenew Mullewa Road.

Road information may also be available from Main Roads WA by calling 138 138 or visiting www.mainroads.wa.gov.au.

 

WATER

The fire has caused a power outage to Water Corporation’s borefield, which supplies drinking water to Mullewa.

Power has now been restored but the tanks that supply drinking water to the town are now low.

Mullewa residents are encouraged to be careful of their non-essential water use over the next 48 hours.

Please avoid using water outside the home on gardens, and try to conserve water indoors if possible.

WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:

  • 25 career and volunteer Fire and Rescue Service and Bush Fire Service firefighters are on the scene.
  • Firefighters are building and strengthening containment lines. 


EXTRA INFORMATION:

  • The incident was reported at 6.26pm 15 February 2016.
  • The fire has burnt approximately 800 hectares. 
  • The cause of the fire is unknown.
  • The City of Geraldton is managing the fire.

KEEP UP TO DATE:

Visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa or listen to news bulletins.

The next update will be provided by 11am tomorrow, unless the situation changes.

END

Media Contact: DFES Media and Corporate Communications on 9225 5955.

Nukara Music Festival 19th March 2016

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An exciting selection of contemporary and traditional roots music is set to entertain at next month’s Nukara Music Festival with international touring acts like Pierce Brothers, Bret Mosley, Hussy Hicks and Kallidad to well established and upcoming West Australian bands Katie J White, The Inks and Me & The Missus. 

This is the 11th Nukara Music Festival held on the outskirts of Geraldton in an oasis of ancient River Red Gums, spring fed creeks and the scenic hills of the Chapman Valley. 

Popular because of its uncrowded stage areas, camp over facilities, casual atmosphere, great food, BYO and the stellar musical line-up in this outdoor setting.

Most acts are relatively unknown to the Mid West but some are massively popular at other festivals in Australia and overseas. 

Tickets can still be purchased from Geraldton CD Centre and online at https://events.ticketbooth.com.au/event/nukara-music-festival-2016

For more information can be found at the Nukara Music Festival Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/nukaramusicfestival/?fref=ts

Western Australian mobile black spots schedule announced

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Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has welcomed today’s announcement by the The Commonwealth and Western Australian Governments that the first 10 from a total of 130 new or upgraded mobile base stations scheduled to be constructed in Western Australia under Round 1 of the $385 million Mobile Black Spot Programme.

“This is great news for the Midwest. I look forward to more telecommunication black spots being addressed as we go forward.

“Internet access and mobile phone coverage are essential for both business and daily activities. It is so important that people, business and industry have the ability to be connected at all times,” said Mr Blayney.

 New or upgraded base stations in East Yuna, Ferguson Valley, Grass Valley, Kununoppin, Minilya, Nabawa, Naraling, South Yuna and West River are scheduled to be constructed by the end of July 2016 in Western Australia, with one base station in Ajana already operational.

 Under Round 1 of the programme, the Coalition Government's $100 million investment leveraged an additional $32 million in co-contribution from the Western Australian Government as well as substantial co-contributions from mobile network operators, local governments and third parties. In total, 130 base stations will be built in WA over the next three years, with 363 of the 533 mobile black spots nominated in Western Australia to be addressed by handheld or external antenna coverage (or both).

 WA Minister for Commerce Michael Mischin said the programme was part of the WA Government's ongoing commitment to provide greater connectivity for regional communities and improve safety and emergency service capabilities.

 "Today's announcement builds on the 113 mobile towers established under the State Government's $44 million Regional Mobile Communications Project, which was completed in 2014, and 23 sites to be completed by the end of June 2016 under the 

State Government's $49.5 million Regional Telecommunications Project," Mr Mischin said.

Public nominations for black spots to be considered under Round 2 of the Programme closed last month, with an additional $60 million in funding announced for Round 2 in June 2015. The new locations to be funded under Round 2 are expected to be revealed by the end of 2016, with a competitive selection process for the funding to be announced in the coming weeks.

More information about the Programme and the rollout schedule is available at http://www.communications.gov.au/mobile_coverage

National Broadband Network rolling out in Northampton

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Member for Durack Melissa Price is pleased to announce around 800 premises in Northampton are a step closer to getting access to the National Broadband Network, with construction on the fixed line network now underway. 

Ms Price said it was an important milestone for the area, with greater certainty for homes as businesses as they prepare for superfast broadband. 

“This is great news for Northampton,” Ms Price said. 

“The message for Northampton residents is clear – superfast broadband is on its way. 

“Only the Turnbull Government will deliver fast, cheaper broadband to the Mid West.”  

Final network designs are now complete meaning that in coming weeks, NBN Co subcontractors will be seen in the streets, laying out fibre and building cabinets to house the electronics needed to supply superfast broadband. 

Today’s announcement is part of the Government’s ongoing reform of the NBN project, to ensure that superfast broadband can be rolled quickly, more cost effectively and with minimal inconvenience to households. 

Speeds on the new network will easily support high definition streaming on multiple devices at once. 

Ms Price said that the nbn project will provide much needed relief for the region, which in some areas has poor broadband infrastructure. 

“We have taken the steps to get this project on track after so many years of misinformation and frustration,” Ms Price said.  

“The nbn will truly revolutionise the way people connect in their homes and businesses.” 

Once construction is complete, connecting end-users is simple. Households just need a new modem gateway to plug in to the superfast speeds. 

Total connections to the NBN’s various networks, including the fixed line and wireless networks and the interim satellite service now stand at over 700,000. And earlier this year NBN Co released an updated national rollout plan indicating that by September 2018 three-quarters of all homes and businesses across Australia will be able to connect to the NBN or have construction underway in their neighbourhoods. 

Communications Minister Mitch Fifield said the release of the redesigned NBN construction plan was delivering on the Government’s promise to get the rollout back on track. 

The NBN will continue to update its online maps to inform residents when the network will be ready for service.  

Households and businesses can also register their details at nbnco.com.au to be provided with future updates.

Opportunity to see unique research and training in action

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BCMI lecturer Ben Byrne and student Joseph Kong with a fish bred at the research, development and training facility.

Ever wondered what goes on in that big building across the railway tracks on Willcock Drive at Separation Point in Geraldton?

It’s the Batavia Coast Maritime Institute (BCMI), a campus of Durack Institute of Technology; it’s a world-class facility that celebrates its 10th year of operation this year, and the public now has an opportunity to discover its many facets with regular 90-minute tours throughout February and March.

You can discover why students from across the world are so eager to enrol, and get an insight into the diversity of research and training that quietly goes on over the railway tracks, next to the ocean.

Durack Lecturer in Tourism and Guiding, Kevin McEwan, encourages the public, schools and special interest groups to enjoy an informative tour, guided by Durack’s Certificate III in Guiding and Certificate II in Tourism students.

He said visitors will learn about protecting flora and habitats at the amazing Abrolhos Islands;monitoring invasive fish and turtle species in Mid West rivers; about cutting-edge research into cracking the life cycle of difficult to breed marine ornamental fish for the aquarium market, including Nemo – or clownfish; and breeding and restocking marine finfish.

“Visitors will learn all this and more from BCMI staff that are very passionate about what they do and eager to share their knowledge,” he said.

Dr. Suresh Job, Training Director of Marine, Applied and Environmental Science at Durack added,

“People who participate in a tour will discover that BCMI is the largest marine ornamental fish breeder and supplier to the aquariumindustry all over Australia, and about conservation and land management, horticulture, laboratory science, aquaculture and maritime courses that can lead to someone graduating with nationally recognised qualifications.”

As with manyof the industry relevant courses at Durack, the tours serve a double purpose; the public gets to learn about the facility and the students get to learn how to conduct a tour.

Dr. Job continued, “The guiding and tourism students get hands-on experience in the field and guiding tours through BCMI gives them real industry experience; you can’t sell a tour if you haven’t walked it, and it’s a real confidence builder.”

Bill Swetman, Managing Director of Durack Institute of Technology, said that one of the key roles of the BCMI was to engage and educate the general public.

“People who have undertaken a tour of this facility gain an insight into the biodiversity, conservation research and projects that we undertake, and some come back to study with us, which is a great outcome.”

The tours began on Tuesday 9 February and will continue twice a day on the following dates:
Thursday, February 18; and Tuesday, February 23, from 10am-11.30am and 1pm to 2.30pm.
Tuesday, March 1; Tuesday, March 8; and Thursday, March 17, at the same times.

The tour cost is $5 per adult and a maximum group of 12 people will visit the aquaculture hatchery, marine ornamental fish production area, horticulture and conservation and land management greenhouses, aquaponics and hydroponics facilities.

Bookings can be made at the Geraldton Visitor Centre on Marine Terrace or by calling (08) 9956 6670 or call Kelly at BCMI on (08) 9956 6175. 

Geraldton Better Money Management workshop to help regional women achieve financial goals ahead of International Women’s Day

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A national money education program that offers regional women the opportunity to check and boost the health of their finances is coming to Geraldton this month. 

The ‘Better Money Management’ program was developed with expert advice from the ASX and other industry bodies andoffers regional women access to unbiased financial education, free of charge and without having to travel huge distances.

Run by not-for-profit financial well being social enterprise 10thousandgirl and supported nationally by Rabobank, the program is designed to strengthen the financial position and planning abilities of regional women.

The Geraldton workshop is being held at the Geraldton Universities Centre on Monday 29 February, a week ahead of International Women’s Day on 8 March, with its focus reinforcing this year’s ‘Pledge for Parity’ theme. See below for event and registration details.

A recent 10thousandgirl survey found that while Aussie women are becoming more strategic when managing their finances, many find they need more discipline, knowledge and skills to achieve their goals – key topics the workshop will address.

“It’s important that we have goals to strive towards, but it takes commitment, information and know-how to achieve them,” said Zoe Lamont, 10thousandgirl founder and CEO, who will run the Geraldton workshop. “For many women often it’s time; we get so caught up in doing things for others, managing work, homes and families, that we don’t always take the time to sit down and do a budget, review insurances or our superannuation.  Our workshops are designed to give women space and time and support to do just that. 

“10thousandgirl was established to educate women, no matter where they are, to learn the skills and build the confidence to better manage their money, so they have the financial acumen to achieve their dreams.”

The 10thousandgirl survey revealed that while 63% of those surveyed said they set financial goals, 60% admitted they don’t create a budget for achieving them, with almost two thirds saying they needed more discipline, 43% more knowledge and 42% more skills. Respondents listed top financial goals as ‘general savings’ (56%), debt management / reduction (50%), house/mortgage (37%) and overseas travel (30%).

A key feature of the workshop, will be a Q&A panel session with local financial experts presenting their insights into financial management fundamentals. Topics include investment principles, financial planning, tax tips, succession planning, solutions to barriers and support mechanisms. The panel will include:

  • Christina Ware, Solicitor, Pacer Legal
  • Lisa Farnell, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ®, Financial Solutions Geraldton
  • Ross Jones, Senior Rural Manager, Rabobank Geraldton
  • Robin Taylor, Accountant, Encompass Financial

The workshop will help participantsto document key life goals and priorities. They will be assisted in completing a personal financial review and investment plan, including a spending plan, balance sheet, debt review, insurance audit and superannuation audit.

The Better Money Management program is being funded by a Financial Literacy Australia grant and global agribusiness bank Rabobank. Industry super fund HESTA, the Australian Taxation Office, the Financial Planning Association and the Insurance Council of Australia are also supporting the program.

In anticipation of the workshop, Rabobank’s Geraldton Senior Rural Manager Ross Jones said: “Servicing the financial needs of around 9 million clients around the world, Rabobank has a very strong charter to help improve the financial literacy of not only its clients, but people in regional areas more broadly.

“We’re proud to be supporting 10thousandgirl in delivering this great initiative. Drawing on the expertise of local experts in finance, insurance and succession planning, the workshop will equip women with the tools to proactively manage their savings and investments.”

10thousandgirls’ top financial tips for achieving your money goals

Set clear goals
Write your goals down as though they have already been achieved, or if you’re a visual person create a vision board using inspiring imagery

Be specific
Choose short, medium and long-term goals – breaking them down helps to see how they can be achieved

Plan
Planning is key – conduct your own financial review to understand your current position and what you need to do to have the money to support your goals

Reflect
Learn from past experiences. A good way to start is to ask yourself what were the three best and worst things that happened over the past 12 months and reflect on how to make changes where necessary

Look ahead
The longer you plan in advance, the easier it will be to achieve your goals

Have an emergency buffer
Keep three to six months’ worth of living expenses for emergencies

To register for the ‘Better Money Management’ workshop in Geraldton, on Monday 29 February, from 9.30am – 3.30pm at Geraldton Universities Centre please visit http://10thousandgirl.com/, or call Tina McElligott, 10thousandgirl Partnership and Events Coordinator on 0401 740 440.

About 10thousandgirl

10thousandgirl is a not-for-profit financial wellbeing organisation striving to break down societal barriers for women, close the financial gender inequality gap and offer women easy access to expert financial information. Started by a group of women in a Sydney pub in 2009, who realised the importance of understanding finance basics and planning, so they could realise their dreams. Their vision gained momentum. In March 2011, a board of directors was established, and the initiative today provides financial education to thousands of women across Australia every year. 10thousandgirl has attracted national and global recognition in their bid to contribute to increasing women’s financial wellbeing and economic health. To learn more please visitthe 10thousandgirl website, and join the #10tg #BetterMoney social media conversation on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest. 

Roads closed due to bush fire: Geraldton Mt Magnet

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Due to a fire burning in Wicherina bushlands near Geraldton Mount Magnet Road at 1.38pm this afternoon the Geraldton- Mt Magnet Rd has been closed between Moonyoonooka Yuna Road turnoff and Mingenew to Mullewa Rd turn off.

The City of Greater Geraldton encourages residents in the Wicherina, Eradu & Northern Gully to stay alert, monitor your surroundings and to obey all warning signs from authorised personnel.

A total of 25 Career and volunteer Fire and Rescue Service and Bush Fire Service fire fighters are actively on the scene and building and strengthen containment lines.

For regular updates please visit the DFES website at www.dfes.wa.gov.au or by phoning 13 33 37 for emergency information, or to find out more on the roads visit the Main Roads WA website on www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/pages/alerts.