Point Moore Inundation Study

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Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has submitted his contribution to the City of Greater Geraldton’s Point Moore Inundation Study.

“I have submitted that I would be supportive of a Council decision to extend current leases.

“While I recognise that there is a risk of inundation at some time, I believe the risks can be well managed.

“Should Point Moore face the risk of serious flooding - due to a high tide and a cyclone coinciding – it is likely that there will be time available to evacuate residents, until the event has passed.

“Resident of Point Moore will need to consider carefully the risk to their home and property from inundation, and make calculated decisions. They will need to accept that insurance premiums are likely to me more costly and include disclaimers as to the level of cover.

“I am confident that providing there are open and honest discussions between the City and the Point Moore residents, any matters of contention can be resolved,” said Mr Blayney.

Grandparents Support Payment

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Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney said today that he supports the important role the Government plays in providing much needed support for Grandparents who care for their Grandchildren on a fulltime basis.

“The Barnett Government has implemented a range of strategies to support Grand-carers, including the Grand-carers Support Scheme delivered in partnership with Wanslea Family Services.

“This Scheme was launched in November 2013, and is currently paying 1347 individual grandcarers with $1,196,800 in payments for 2481 grandchildren.

“Eligible Grand-carers are able to receive an annual payment of $400 for the first grandchild and $250 for each additional grandchild in their care.

“The Department of Local Government and Communities provides over $256,000 in recurrent funding for the Grandcare Service to provide a telephone information line offering one to one support as well as group activities for Grandcarers.

“In addition to the direct support payments to the Grandcarer, and the telephone line, additional service such as respite activities, counselling services, training workshops, home help and school tutoring, are offered.

“Grandcarers make a valuable contribution to the community and the Barnett Government continues to recognise the sacrifices and the great work these Grandparents make in order to provide a safe and stable home environment for their Grandchiildren.

“I am very pleased we are able to provide them with continued support, “ said Mr Blayney.

Wonthella Supa IGA have some SUPER news!

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Wonthella Supa IGA is very proud to announce they have been nominated for a MASSIVE 9 Awards for the State IGA Retailer of the Year. With the announcement of the State winners on 9th of April in Perth they are very excited to see how they go against the guys in Perth.

Wonthella Supa IGA are very honoured to get these nominations and would like to thank their staff for all their work to get them here and to their fantastic customers for their support through our transformation. We could not have done this without you.

Here's what they are up for- 

  • Store Transformation Award
  • Fresh Produce Award
  • Community Award
  • Service Award
  • Grocery and General Merchandise Award
  • Meat Department Award
  • Dairy Freezer Award
  • Team Member and Rising Star Award (our awesome Manager, Leanne)
  • Store of the Year Award
 

Annual General Meeting Year Ending 2015

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Geraldton Regional Community Education Centre invites you to an Annual General Meeting Year Ending 2015 on Tuesday 22nd March 2016, 6.30pm in the Function Room of Geraldton Regional Community Education Centre

Refreshments will be served after the meeting

RSVP to Grady Smith by Monday 14th March via grady@edcentre.wa.edu.au or (08) 9921 4477

Works begin on Geraldton’s newest development

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The initial stages of Geraldton’s newest and exciting development have begun with site works commencing on the Batavia Coast Marina stage two Station Square. 

Stage two of the Batavia Coast Marina development will see the addition of Station Square which will be situated on the stretch of land behind the old Railway Station, between Chapman Road and Foreshore Drive, and Forrest and Bayly Street. 

Station Square will feature a vibrant mixed-use plaza which will offer a new meeting destination and a range of activities including shops, eateries, public space, play and entertainment areas. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the new development not only opens up very exciting investment opportunities but is introducing another great open space for the Geraldton community. 

“This is a huge development and having another shared open space will be a great addition to our City,” he said. 

“Remediation works have begun on the site this week and we have seen artist’s impressions of what the new space is set to look like and it has definitely got the community buzzing. 

“We know how much potential this land has and our community is about to see the start of a very exciting venture.” 

Phase one of Station Square is expected to see 19 lots developed which includes a range of mixed use lots, residential apartments and single residential lots. An extension of Museum Place will also be constructed which will include a colonnade styled walkway and public car park. 

The project is part of the Batavia Coast Marina development, which is being progressed in partnership between the City, LandCorp and the Mid West Development Commission, with a funding contribution from Royalties for Regions. 

Batavia Coast Marina Stage 1 was completed in 2000 and saw the completion of waterfront promenades and boardwalks, linking the waterfront to the heart of the city. It also included 10 mixed residential and commercial lots, The Western Australian Museum Mid West Gallery and a hotel site. 

“The Batavia Coast Marina development is part of the City’s Foreshore Redevelopment project,” Mayor Van Styn said. 

“We all know how much our beautiful Foreshore it utilised and most recently we’ve seen the addition of the Esplanade, the Youth Precinct and the Multi User Facility which will be opened in the near future. 

“We have such an amazing coastline and we want to showcase it the best we possibly can, not just for tourism but for our community to enjoy.” 

LandCorp chief executive officer Frank Marra said the Station Square redevelopment would transform the disused six hectare site into a prime destination for residents and visitors to meet and socialise, supported by accommodation and a range of commercial opportunities such as shops and eateries. 

“In our experience, the best outcomes for a city and its residents are achieved when Government and local authorities work together to deliver the right balance of economic, social and environmental benefits,” Mr Marra said. 

“The Batavia Coast Marina redevelopment, together with its new Station Square, aims to offer the Mid West region an iconic destination that will meet the needs of the community for generations to come.” 

In preparation for civil works and construction of Batavia Coast Marina stage two, contractors have been on site from Monday 22 February to complete additional remediation works. 

Activity will be restricted to between 7am to 5pm, Monday to Friday and temporary fencing will be installed around the works area. 

The works are scheduled to take approximately eight weeks to complete and will prepare the Station Square at Batavia Coast Marina site for the phase one subdivision and roads/drainage construction in mid 2016. 

For more information you can visit http://www.landcorp.com.au/Industrial-and-Commercial/Batavia-Coast-Marina/

Emergency vehicle stolen from Geraldton Surf Life Saving Club

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The Geraldton Surf Life Saving Club has reached out to Everything Geraldton to ask for the public's assistance following a robbery overnight. The vehicle stolen is similar to the one pictured. 

STOLEN: "The Geraldton Surf Life Saving Club has had their Red Emergency Vehicle stolen (Polaris) some time during the night with first aid equipment attached to it, please keep a look out for it down the beach in the area or it may have been loaded onto a trailer and taken inland, if sighted please contact Lisa on 0417298296, Thank you"

Do you know what this worm-like creature is? - Video

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Sent in to EG:

"I would like to ask the public if anyone knows what the worm lookalike thing is as our son was was playing in the sand at camp over the weekend (just North of Buller River) and it gave him a bite - like a mozzie bite, small red lump about 3-4mm diameter but with a puncture wound on the middle like a small hole, he screamed and instant tears. I put ice and an antiseptic cream on it and it came good within a hour.
BUT, when I put this in a container, and put a stick near it, it would stand up like a snake would do defending itself, Hubby and I were like "why is it doing that" was weird. We thought worm too straight away, but we were curious to why it would defend itself like it did, and the pain and wound our Son got from it?"

- Alanna

Geraldton Dr sentenced to 4 years for manslaughter- eligible for parole in June

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Dr Chamari Liyanage was today sentenced to 4 years in prison over the killing of her husband Dr Dinendra Athukolara in 2014. 

Earlier today she was found not guilty on the charge of murder, but found guilty on the lesser charge of manslaughter. 

She will be eligible for parole in June of this year, having already served 18 months in prison. 

$1 Rug Sale @All Decor

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For a limited time @All Decor you can
buy a rug for just $1.00, 
when you purchase any other rug in store
(The $1.00 rug needs to be selected from $1.00 section in All Decor)

All Decor has a great range of rugs available, 
in a huge range of colours and styles
– you are sure to find something to suit your style!

And many of the rugs available are on sale as well
– up to 50% off

Come into All Decor today, to take advantage of this great opportunity before they run out

Conditions Apply – See in store for details.

 

Alert - Fire Indian Ocean Dr

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This is on Indian Ocean Drive. They're turning traffic around, so take Brand if you're heading to or from Perth. 4:23pm

Thanks Taryn for the heads up.

 

 - Update

Indian Ocean Dr both directions from Lancelin Rd to Meadows Rd - CLOSED - bushfire.

- Main Roads

Recent First World War discoveries at the WA Museum – Geraldton

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Corporal James Davie Renner, 4th Divisional Signals Company, of Fremantle, Western Australia

Visitors to the Western Australian Museum – Geraldton will have the opportunity to view the Australian War Memorial’s extraordinary travelling exhibition Remember me: the lost diggers of Vignacourt from 27 February 2016. 

WA Museum CEO Alec Coles said it was a privilege to display the unique First World War exhibition, an exquisite collection of black and white images printed from the original glass-plate negatives, as part of the Museum’s Centenary of Service commemorative calendar. 

“The photographs being exhibited represent one of the most important and recent discoveries of material from the First World War,” Mr Coles said. 

“This is such a significant exhibition we are especially pleased that not only was itdisplayed at our Perth site, it is also traveling to our regions to ensure the widest possible audience can experience it.” 

During the First World War, a total of 32,231 Western Australians enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force and saw active service at Gallipoli, the Western Front and Sinai-Palestine – some 6,800 never came home. The State raised 28th and 44th Battalions and the 10th Light Horse Regiment and, along with South Australia and Tasmania, contributed troops to five other units. 

The 80 photographs featured in the exhibition are part of The Louis and Antoinette Thuillier Collection, re-discovered in 2011 after sitting undisturbed for nearly a century in the attic of a farmhouse in the French village of Vignacourt. The soldiers in them were photographed by an enterprising husband-and-wife team, Louis and Antoinette Thuillier, who had set up a makeshift studio in their stable yard, just off the main street of Vignacourt. 

WA Museum – Geraldton Regional Manager Catherine Belcher said the images were printed onto postcards the soldiers sent to loved ones back home.

“The postcards were a treasured link to family amidst the horrors of war, and the Australian War Memorial has added several photographs of Western Australian soldiers to the tour not previously displayed in any other exhibition outside of WA,” Ms Belcher said. 

“Since the exhibition’s tour in WA commenced, eight more confirmed identifications of Western Australian soldiers have occurred. We encourage the public to help identify these unknown soldiers who had their photographs taken to send home to their families as postcards, but did not have their names recorded against the original glass plates. We would be thrilled to make another discovery in Geraldton”. 

The exhibition photographs were hand printed in the Australian War Memorial’s darkrooms from the original glass-plate negatives. Objects from the battlefields revealing what the Australians experienced and endured are also on display, while the original postcards included in the exhibition allow these soldiers to speak to us in their own words. 

The exhibition features prints of 80 of the more than 800 glass-plate negatives which were generously donated to the War Memorial by Mr Kerry Stokes AC in 2012. 

Director of the Australian War Memorial, Dr Brendan Nelson, said the enduring appeal of the photographic portraits is that they enable us to imagine the personalities and life stories. 

“The exhibition gives a vivid and insightful account of life behind the front lines in the village of Vignacourt, but it also speaks universally about the wartime experience of soldiers. The exhibition will provide Australians with the opportunity to connect with these remarkable photographs and the personal stories of camaraderie, loss and courage, behind many of the faces,” Dr Nelson said.

Remember me: the lost diggers of Vignacourt has been developed with the generous support of Mr Kerry Stokes AC, the Seven Network, Seven Group Holdings, and Wesfarmers. 

The exhibition is on display at the WA Museum – Geraldton from 27 February – 1 May 2016.

Price welcomes Dob in a Dealer launch – Australia’s fight against ice

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Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price has today welcomed the launch of a new million dollar partnership between the Turnbull Government and Crime Stoppers Australia to establish a national Dob in a Dealer campaign.

The Turnbull Government is providing $1 million to fund the national Dob in a Dealer campaign to raise awareness of methamphetamine, or ice, and encourage local communities to contact Crime Stoppers to help tackle the issue of manufacturing and distribution in their local area.

Ms Price said crimes relating to ice continue to be a concern for local police in Durack, with strong links between those who commit drug offences and those committing other violent crimes.

“Drugs such as ice can have devastating consequences for entire communities, and putting a stop to it will require a whole of community response. Police can’t do it alone,” Ms Price said.

“This is a vital campaign in Australia’s fight against ice, but its level of success will be reliant on the local intelligence Crime Stoppers receives.

“I urge all Durack residents to say enough is enough and to rid our streets, parks and neighbourhoods of criminals profiteering from the misery of ice, by undermining any criminal business models operating in our local area.”

Minister Keenan said the National Ice Taskforce Final Report, delivered in December, identified that the most important strategies to protect Australia from this devastating drug – and the violence it causes – is to disrupt supply and reduce demand.

“We’ve made significant investment in policing our borders and our streets and committed an additional $300 million over four years to improve treatment, after care, education, prevention, support and community engagement,” Mr Keenan said.

“While it is critical that these efforts continue, targeted Dob in a Dealer campaigns will help ensure our communities are no longer the end-game for international drug kingpins.

“Crime Stoppers provides residents with a safe, secure and anonymous avenue to report those suspected of being involved in the manufacture or supply of ice and other illicit drugs.

“It is up to all of us to work together to do all we can to protect our communities from the devastation of illegal drugs.”

If you have information about someone who is manufacturing or dealing in ice call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online:crimestoppers.com.au.

Great service at Ultratune- Letter to Editor

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 "Hi, is it possible to post the following on your page/website please? TIA ..... Huge praise to Ultra Tune Geraldton for their professional excellence. They are very gracious and understanding of circumstances and overall provide an amazing, fantastic efficient service above and beyond the expected. Ian and the whole Ultra Tune team receives highest recommendation I can possibly give to anyone needing mechanical services, as they are definitely the best I have ever dealt with in over 30 years in Geraldton. To describe Ultra Tune Geraldton team in one word it would be AWESOME. Thank you once again."

- Ric

No Fish Traps for the Gascoyne - February 24th Deadline for comment

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Vince Catania MLA, member for North West Central has reacted angrily to proposals for fish traps to be trialled by commercial fisheries in the Gascoyne.

The Department of Fisheries has called for community comment for the fish trap proposal and has given the public only two weeks to make submissions.

“The proposal to use fish traps in the Gascoyne is highly contentious. We have only been provided two weeks to comment on this proposal which is ludicrous” said Vince. “People in the Gascoyne have long memories and many recount the reason these traps were withdrawn originally in the 80’s.” he added “Fish traps are an idea that belong in the last century, we now fish for the future.”

Vince has listed many environmental concerns including the depletion of entire stocks of fish in an area when fish traps are used as commercial fishers attempt to fill their quotas around recreational fishing areas, the unacceptable risk of traps being lost and fishing “forever”, the impact on recreational fishing areas and damage to juvenile fish as the traps are raised and as juveniles are released at the surface.

“Recreational Fishing is an important pastime in the Gascoyne both for visitors and locals. This proposal has the potential to decimate recreational fishing, resulting in significant economic losses in the recreational fishing and tourism sector.” Said Vince.

“I am also extremely concerned that the proposal would allow Trap fishing from Shark Bay to Coral Bay one of the most pristine areas of the Australian coast. The damage fishtraps would cause on sensitive coral areas would be irreparable.”

Vince is preparing a petition which will be circulated to stop the fish trapping proposal. “There needs to be an inquiry into how this proposal has been put forward with minimal time for public comment. There is definitely something fishy going on here.” Said Vince “The proposal is not on the Department of fisheries website. Why the rush for something that could be so devastating?”

Bumper stickers are also being printed. “I fish, I vote, no fish traps in the Gascoyne” stickers will be available in the next few days from Vince’s Carnarvon office.

“I urge everyone to sign the petition, call the office for a sticker and write to Recfish and Minister for Fisheries to express their concerns about this proposal. The deadline for comment is 24th of February so please act now. If we don’t make our voices heard this trial will go ahead and it will be too late for our fish and our fishing future.”

Fish trap trial in the Gascoyne Demersal Scalefish Managed Fishery

Form for Petition in Relation to Fish Traps in The Gascoyne

Give Geraldton Youth a Go

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Master Builders is asking the Geraldton Community to support its youth during the economic downturn in the building industry and the economy generally.

Master Builders Director Michael McLean said that in a time of economic uncertainty, where there are fewer jobs available for trades people, it’s important we support the development of our younger generation.

“We’re calling on local businesses and employers to assist the school leavers, apprentices and young tradies who are coming up through the ranks to provide them with some work experience or job opportunities,” Mr. McLean said.

“WA has just come off an extraordinary period of high construction activity thanks to the mining sector. However, with many of these projects now coming to an end, new jobs are in short supply.” 

Master Builders Regional Manager Di Gilleland is concerned that unless young people are provided with educational, training or work opportunities they are likely to leave the mid-west region.

“The housing industry is forecast to experience a 26% downturn in the number of dwelling starts, from over 31,000 in 2014-15 to about 23,000 in 2015-16,” Mrs Gilleland said.

“Unfortunately we haven’t seen the worst yet. Housing starts are said to drop even further over the next two years which means we need to plan ahead now to help our younger generation”.

“Master Builders is aiming to engage the regional business community in Geraldton to assist in this local initiative to give young people a go. Giving them the opportunity to work at the local supermarket or fast food outlet, assist in their training and development, or taking them on as work experience students or apprentices will all help with their self-esteem and encourage them to stay in the region”, Mrs Gilleland said.

“Although the displacement of labour can occur during a downturn, we want to instill confidence in our youth. Even if their initial work experience might not be their first choice of career path, developing skills in communication, problem solving or customer service will assist them in being better trained and job ready in the long term.”

“Although there may be harder times ahead in WA, there are many exciting opportunities available for our youth; it’s just about how much they’re willing to go looking for them,” Mrs. Gilleland said.

“We would like the Geraldton media outlets to get behind this initiative to publicize those employers who are prepared to give Geraldton youth a go”.

“If this campaign is successful and embraced by the business community there is no reason why it couldn’t be extended to other regions which will be exposed to the same challenges,” Mrs. Gilleland concluded.

$10 Lunch Boxes at Barbeque 4 U

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Looking for something different for lunch? Why not come in and try the new Barbeque 4 U, at the Bluff Point Shopping Centre.

Barbeque 4 U are offering $10 lunch boxes between 11am and 3pm, and if you order 5 or more lunch boxes you get FREE delivery – so you get great food, at a great price and you don’t even have to leave the office!

Barbeque 4 U are open Tuesday to Friday 11am to 3pm, and 5pm to 9pm; and Saturday – Sunday 4pm to 9pm. They are closed Mondays.

Call them on 9923 1716 or come in and see them to experience some Authentic Pakistani cooking!

 

Mullewa tip undergoes transformation

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The Mullewa landfill will soon become a fully operable transfer station.

The Mullewa landfill is undergoing a transformation over the coming months that will see it moving away from a general disposal site to a fully operable transfer station.  

The transformation of the site is required to improve environmental outcomes and better meet the needs of the local community. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the construction of the Waste Transfer Station will provide residents with an improved waste management system.   

“The construction of the Waste Transfer Station will provide residents the opportunity to separate their refuse into various streams such as green waste, construction and demolition waste and car bodies,” he said. 

“The waste transfer station will also help educate the local community about the importance of environmentally-conscious waste management practices.” 

When completed, the transfer station will feature a 2m high, 15 m long retaining wall where members of the public will be able to dispose of their waste into the appropriate skip bins. 

In the interim, customers at the site are asked to follow the various signs directing them to the appropriate disposal area based on the type of waste being disposed. 

Members of the public that need to dispose of asbestos must contact the City first and organise an appointment to do so. This will ensure that human and environmental health standards are maintained.  Any asbestos containing material needs to be double wrapped in thick plastic to ensure that the dangerous fibres do not get airborne.  

The asbestos containing material will then be buried as soon as possible to prevent the release of asbestos fibres into the atmosphere. 

Liquid waste is no longer being accepted for disposal in Mullewa.  Members of the public wishing to dispose of liquid waste must take their liquids to the Meru Waste Facility in Geraldton.

Turn It Up Dancewear – GRAND OPENING 20/2

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Turn It Up Dancewear is a locally owned and passionately operated business that is just about to open its doors in Geraldton – come join them for their Grand Opening this Saturday 20th February from 9am – 18 Anzac Tce.

Come in to see their great range of top quality brands and products for dancewear, gym wear and fitness wear, and take advantage of their fantastic opening specials and go in the draw to win some amazing giveaways.

Sign up to Turn It Up’s Loyalty Program and as a member you can earn reward points that can be used on your future purchases in Turn It Up. It will be also keep you up to date on the new release products, specials and any VIP invitations that come up.