Drummond Cove male charged with driving offences following pursuit.

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Between Friday the 26th of February and Saturday the 27th of February 2016 an 18 year old male from Drummond Cove driving a Holden Commodore motor vehicle failed to stop for Police on 3 separate occasions throughout several suburbs in the Geraldton district.

Police engaged in pursuits on the 3 occasions, however due to the driver’s reckless driving manner and danger to the public Police aborted the pursuits.

Police received information from the public which led them to an address in Drummond Cove where the 18 year old P Plate driver was arrested.

He was charged with:

  • 3 x Reckless driving
  • 3 x Driver of a vehicle failed to comply with a direction to stop (circumstance of aggravation) and
  • 3 x No authority to drive (fines suspended).

The 18 year old appeared before a Magistrate on Sunday the 28th of February and was remanded in custody to reappear in Court on the 4th of March 2016. 

Geraldton Croquet Club Summer Pennants Competition Result

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Geraldton Croquet Club completed the summer pennants competition on the evening of 25th February. Round 6,  the final round was held on a warm night with strong gusty winds. The result was as follows:

The winning team, Red Devils won the competition and will be awarded the pennant on presentation Day, 17th December 2016.

Red Devils, l-r (Captain) Wendy McDonald, Robyn McDonald, Rhonda Reynolds and Pamela Kerr

Coastal management funding now available

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Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has welcomed the Barnett Government’s announcement that the Page Content management of one of Western Australia's most valuable assets has received another boost with $1 million in State Government funding available in the next financial year to help local coastal managers to sustainably manage their stretch of coastline.

“Minister Nalder is calling for submissionsfor funding in the latest round of the Coastal Adaptation and Protection (CAP) Grants.

“He is looking for projects that embrace the sustainable management of the coastline, which will be highly regarded.

“The Government wants to support local coastal managers as they seek to better understand the Western Australian coastline they are responsible for and work to adapt to the challenges presented.

"With a better understanding of the risks posed by coastal hazards, local managers can make informed decisions leading to more sustainable coastal management," said Mr Blayney.

Administered by the Department of Transport, the grants program was introduced in 2009 to refocus coastal management efforts by local coastal managers and provide financial help for thorough investigation of local coastal hazards including erosion, accretion and inundation.

As part of the program, the department also provides technical advice and other resources, including coastal data to help managers deal with coastal change.

Last year, 11 local authorities shared $1.057 million in grant funding to deliver projects benefiting local communities.

These included $44,000 for the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River to investigate erosion of the coast from Prevelly to Gnarabup and more than $54,000 in funding for the City of Albany to develop an adaptation and protection strategy for the southern coastline from Emu Point to Middleton Beach.

Coastal managers are invited to apply for grants up to 50 per cent of the total cost of a coastal adaptation project.  Activities include monitoring, adaptation planning, asset management, adaptation and maintenance.

"The program builds partnerships with local managers that will preserve and enhance coastal values and assets into the future for the benefit of the wider community," the Minister said.

Australian science on show at Pollinators in Science Week

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Member for Durack Melissa Price has congratulated Pollinators for its efforts to inspire people to experience a taste of Australia’s great scientific expertise through The Goodness Festival. 

“I’m thrilled that Durack will participate in National Science Week this August, with Pollinators selected to receive $15,000 from the Turnbull Government to ignite local science engagement,” Ms Price said. 

The Goodness Festival is among 41 projects chosen nationally to receive funding in a $500,000 grant round announced this week by Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Christopher Pyne. 

These initiatives will give Australians from all walks of life the opportunity to meet scientists, explore many different aspects of science, discuss the hot topics and celebrate the contribution of Australian science to our society, culture and economy. 

“This grant will help showcase and celebrate innovation and achievement towards sustainability in the Mid West, and raise awareness of just how important a role science plays in everyday life,” Ms Price said 

“Science is critical to our wellbeing, prosperity and international competitiveness, so engaging the community and equipping young people with future-focused knowledge and skills is vital. 

“That’s why the Turnbull Government has committed $1.1 billion through the National Innovation and Science Agenda to incentivise innovation and entrepreneurship, and promote science, maths and computing in schools.” 

The successful grant recipients were announced by Minister Pyne at Adelaide’s Magill Primary School. Mr Pyne was joined by Professor Flint, the singing palaeontologist whose science-themed musical A Brief History of Life, the Universe and Everything will tour South Australia during National Science Week. 

From examining the pests in Perth’s pantries; to a mobile HealthLAB touring the Territory; from citizens scientists saving Nemo; to celebrating Indigenous science and scientists at Redfern; Science Week festivities take place around the country. 

National Science Week has become one of Australia’s largest festivals since it was first held in 1997. Last year 1.3 million people participated in over 1700 events and activities nationally, including local science festivals, music and comedy shows, expert panel discussions, interactive hands-on displays, open days and online activities. 

National Science Week is supported by the Australian Government, with partners CSIRO, the Australian Science Teachers Association and the ABC. Sponsors include NewScientist, Cosmos, Popular Science and PrimaryConnections. 

National Science Week will run from August 13 to 21 with more details available at scienceweek.net.au.

Medicinal cannabis legislation passes Parliament

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Member for Durack Melissa Price is pleased to announce Federal Parliament passed historic legislation which delivers the missing piece to legally-grown medicinal cannabis treatment in Australia this week.

Welcoming the historic moment Ms Price, who spoke on the Bill, paid tribute to the many patient advocates in Durack who played a key role in bringing this important issue to the attention of the nation.

“For too long family and friends have advocated to legalise medicinal marijuana for those who need it most – I am very happy for them,” Ms Price said.

“This legislation clears the way for Australia’s State and Territory governments and companies to apply for a license to locally cultivate or manufacture medicinal cannabis products.

“It was always vital we had a clear national licensing system to ensure the integrity of crops for medicinal or scientific purposes, with the new laws enabling the Commonwealth to track the development of medicinal cannabis products from the farm to the pharmacy.”

An independent Advisory Committee will now be established to oversee the next stage of the rollout of a national regulator now legislation has passed.

The legislation does not relate to the decriminalisation of cannabis for general cultivation or recreational use, which remains a law enforcement issue for individual states and territories.

TAFE Reform leads to uncertain future for Durack staff

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Nationals WA Member of Parliament Paul Brown MP is concerned the announcement of major reform in the TAFE sector will result in job losses at the Geraldton based Durack Institute of Technology.

Recently announced by the Minister for Training and Development, TAFE reform will see the amalgamation of the eleven TAFE colleges and their 70 campuses, many located throughout regional WA, to a network of five TAFE colleges. These five TAFE colleges will see two TAFE colleges located in the Perth metropolitan area, and three TAFE colleges in regional WA. Regional TAFE colleges will be amalgamated under Northern Regional TAFE, Central Regional TAFE and South Regional TAFE.

For Geraldton, this means that TAFE campuses located in Exmouth, Carnarvon, Wiluna, Kalgoorlie, Merredin, Northam, Moora and Geraldton will come under the management of Central Regional TAFE.

“It is unclear, whether Durack Institute of Technology or the Goldfields Institute of Technology will become the managing TAFE College for the Central Regional area,” Mr Brown said.

“This creates a great deal of uncertainty for Durack Institute of Technology staff during a time when Geraldton is experiencing an economic downturn due to the slowdown of the mining construction boom and low commodity prices, particularly the iron-ore price, causing major insecurity throughout the Mid West mining sector.”

“The loss of public sector jobs really hurts a regional community such as Geraldton,” Mr Brown said.

Mr Brown is also concerned that the reform will see the weakening of strategic educational objectives as outlined in the Mid West Economic Blueprint.

“The Mid West Economic Blueprint clearly outlines the need for education and training in the Mid West to have strategic collaboration and integration of school, VET and university pathways to deliver more effective and seamless transition into higher education opportunities. This is based on local education and training needs, and I fear that the focus on what is needed locally will be lost under this amalgamation model,” Mr Brown said.

Speak to your children about what to do if they find a syringe

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We've had a couple of reports of needles being found in front yards this week, so thought it time to remind everyone to speak with your children about what to do if they see one. 

This one was found just this evening opposite a local primary school. Thanks Alyssa for the heads up. 

Petition Boards locations, to keep Greenough killer locked up

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Shared by Ian Blayney:

"Petition Boards for William Patrick Mitchell will be available at these locations, below, for the next 2 weeks before they will be collected and presented to Parliament by Ian Blayney.  Please don't hesitate to contact this office if you have any queries:"

 

Ian Blayney's office - 2/5 Chapman Rd

Katie's Geraldton – 118 Marine Tce

Go Health – 122 Marine Tce

Rocks Newsagency – Marine Tce

Freemason’s Hotel – Marine Tce

Geraldton Health Food  – 8/9 Chapman Rd

Wintersun Hotel – 441 Chapman Rd

Bluff Point Newsagency – 429 Chapman Rd

Bluff Point Deli – 437 Chapman Rd

Sunset Supa IGA

Wonthella Supa IGA

Durlacher Street Supa IGA

More info click here. 

Abraham Street Bridge closes the gap

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The last bridge planks have been lifted into place for the Abraham Street Bridge.

The gap between Verita Road and Abraham Street has been filled with the last bridge planks lifted into place over the rail line last week. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the placement of precast concrete planks marked a milestone in Stage 2 of the Karloo Wandina Project. 

“Last week 20, 14.4m long precast concrete planks weighing 13 tonnes each, were lifted into place over the railway line completing an important phase in the construction of the 68m long and 14.2m wide Abraham Street Bridge,” he said. 

“This means the Karloo Wandina Project has reached an important milestone and is now one step closer to being completed.” 

In the coming weeks a concrete deck covering the bridge span beams will be poured and road safety barriers including anti-vandalism screens will be installed before the final layer of asphalt is laid connecting Abraham Street and Ackland Road. 

“At the moment Verita Road is averaging 1600 traffic moments per day and the Abraham Street Bridge will certainly provide a much needed link between the southern and northern suburbs,” said Mayor Van Styn. 

“The final stage in the Karloo Wandina project will be the construction of a roundabout at the Abraham Street / Utakarra Road intersection to accommodate traffic once the Abraham Street Bridge opens.” 

Construction of the Abraham Street Bridge is the City’s largest Capital Works Project in the 2015/16 financial year. The $9 million project, which is part of the $38.2 million Karloo Wandina Project, is funded by the State Government’s Royalties for Regions via the Mid West Investment Plan, the Australian Government’s Building Better Regional Cities program, Asia Iron and the City.

Comedian Xavier Toby puts a spin on FIFO life

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With a background that includes engineering, journalism, creative writing and comedy, Xavier Toby is bringing his stand-up show ‘Mining My Own Business’ to Geraldton. 

It’s a land where everything is either highly expensive, huge machinery, or hi vis: right down to the socks, jocks and skid marks; where expletives are punctuation, a $50 note is loose change, and the safety regulations are tighter than NASA, but there are still plenty of people who break the rules.

Over the last decade Xavier's been performing on the comedy circuit and at festivals throughout Australia and around the world, at the same time as frequently contributing to several highly regarded newspapers, magazines and websites.

During 2014 Xavier has continued to perform at comedy clubs and festivals, as well as staging his regularly sold-out comedy and history walking tour. His touring in 2014 & 2015 has taken him around the world, including a run of sold out shows in New York City, where he currently resides when not in Australia.

Xavier Toby will perform at the QEII Centre on Saturday, 5 March at 7:30pm. You can find more information and buy tickets on the Queens Park Theatre website by heading to http://ow.ly/YJbYo or you can purchase tickets from the Civic Centre, Geraldton Regional Library and Geraldton Visitor Centre.

 

Alert: Power pole damaged in Rundle Park at St Georges Beach

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise of a damaged power pole in Rundle Park located at St Georges Beach, Bluff Point. 

Western Power has attended the site. The electricity has been turned off to the park and reinstatement works have commenced. Works are expected to be completed by Tuesday 1 March 2016.

During this outage, the park toilets, BBQs and lighting will not be functioning.  Park users are advised to take caution after dark. 

The City apologises for the inconvenience caused.  The City would like to thank Western Power for their prompt action to make the area safe.

 

Good work Geraldton - Bushfire fundraising a success

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Thanks Lloyd for sending in the following:

South West WA Bush Fire Emergency Fundraiser

"Great effort Geraldton! As most of you are aware during the month of January, Officers from Geraldton Volunteer Fire & Rescue distributed donation tins throughout the Geraldton Region, raising funds for those affected by the Bush Fire Emergency in the South West Region of WA. We can now confirm a total of $2,701.95 was raised. On behalf of Geraldton Volunteer Fire & Rescue we'd like to sincerely thank our community for your efforts and generosity towards our South West WA Fundraiser."

Lieutenant Ben Collins & Apparatus Officer Tayla Renwick - Geraldton VFRS.

Update on stolen emergency vehicle from Life Saving Club

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Update on stolen Geraldton Surf Life Saving Club vehicle:

"Stolen Polaris was found this morning burnt out near the cemetery, not a good result for the Geraldton Surf Life Saving Club as unsure if insurance will cover it and we don't have the funds to replace it. Thank you to all that shared, the police for their tireless hours looking for it and the public member who found our life saving equipment that was dumped near Meru tip and called it in, we really do appreciate the support of the community as we support you."

- Lisa.

Mullewa essential services open during planned power outage

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Regular power outages in Mullewa and surrounding localities resulting from power pole and powerline replacement scheduled to begin on Thursday 25 February won’t affect essential services delivery in Mullewa.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said successful lobbying by City Councillors and staff has resulted in Western Power providing power generation equipment to the community which will ensure Mullewa service providers and businesses can remain open during the scheduled Thursday power outages over the next 13 weeks.

“With full day power outages scheduled during the hottest time of the year the safety and wellbeing of the Mullewacommunity became a real concern of ours,” he said. 

“I’m pleased to announce that thanks to the lobbying of Western Power by Councillors and City staff they have agreed to supply power generators during this time. 

“As a result, the chemist, Family Day Care, both schools and Thurkle’s Post Office and Supermarket will be open for business tomorrow and every Thursday till 18 May using generators provided by Western Power. 

“The only essential service not open tomorrow is the Doctor’s Surgery as it was already scheduled to be closed, however from next week it too will be open on Thursday’s during the power outages. 

“The Mullewa pool will also be open for business as usual and residents in need of heat relief are encouraged to visit the library in the air conditioned Council office as it too will be open,” said Mayor Van Styn. 

A total of 266 power poles and 36.5km of overhead powerlines are being replaced in Deepdale, Woorree, Moonyoonooka, Kojarena, Mullewa, Pindar and Nunierra.  As this section of powerline is the sole provider of electricity to parts ofMullewa and surrounding localities residents in these areas will have power outages from 8am to 5pm on 13 consecutive Thursdays till 18 May 2016.

For more information you can contact Western Power on 13 10 87 or visit their website www.westernpower.com.au

Sex offender charged with abduction and rape of 13 year old from 20 years ago

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Bonnie Christian for the ABC:

Serial sex offender Patrick Alfred Merritt has been charged with the abduction and repeated rape of a 13-year-old girl in Geraldton more than 20 years ago.

Click here to read full article.



Attention Facebook users: 'Like' is no longer your only option

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Sometimes you see a news article in your Facebook news feed, and you want to express empathy. The story might be about a tragedy or crime. 

You don't quite feel like you have anything to add in the form of a comment, yet the traditional "Like" button just doesn't feel right. 

Facebook have been working on some options other than the "Like" button for some time, and they're finally rolling it out. 

You can now choose between 6 emotions to 'react' to a post; Like, Love, Haha, Wow, Sad and Angry. 

Notably absent is the much requested 'dislike' button. The reason behind this is that Facebook don't really want to give you a button to attack the poster, just different ways of empathising with the content posted. 

Here's an example. 

We posted a shared a story on a robbery that occurred recently in Geraldton. You may have seen the story, and wanted to express to Facebook that "I am glad this story is published and it's content makes me angry."

You could press "like" so Facebook knows to show this post to more people, and that you want to see more posts like this. Some of us do that already, and 63 people hit the 'Like' button on this one. But judging from the comments and the even larger number of 'shares' this post invoked an emotion a lot closer to 'anger' in most readers.

To choose a different 'reaction' just hover your mouse over the 'Like' button for a second, and the other choices will appear. On a touch screen device, hold down the like button and the other reactions will appear. The video below shows how it works. 

Facebook have said that as of now, everyone in the world will be able to access the 6 reactions. 

If it's not working for you yet, you may need to turn your phone off and back on. 

Someone at Seven has a sense of humour: Chicken truck rollover video

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A truck carrying chickens has had an accident on Lord Street Ellenbrook. Several chickens have died and many are across the road.STORY: http://yhoo.it/1UlUMeQ#7news

Posted by 7 News Perth on Tuesday, February 23, 2016

And this wins best comment