How moving to Geraldton made me stop driving like an idiot

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I remember the first SS V8 Ute I brought home. Selling cars in Perth had very few perks, but thrashing new cars was one benefit. 

I was in my early 20's, and my esteem among my peers always went up a notch when I had a new vehicle to show off. 

I recall clearly blowing up an engine in a turbo charged Lancer on the Kwinana Fwy, teaching (showing off to) my friends how to do a proper hand brake turn, and destroying tyres on cheap trade ins. 

Many of my friends also had high powered cars, and we egged each other on. 

I lost my licence for a few months at one point due to an accumulation of demerit points. I deserved it. 

But I would still speed when I could get away with it. 

Losing those friends

In 2006 I moved to Geraldton. I got married. I stopped seeing my Perth friends. 

One day I realised I wasn't speeding any more. I couldn't remember the last time I had done a handbrake turn or a burn out. 

I wondered what had changed. I wondered who that idiot was who used to show off behind the wheel. He felt like a stranger.

But nothing sudden had changed, I just was no longer around people who thought hooning was cool, and I had grown to realise how dumb it truly was. 

 

Is peer pressure really that powerful?

The need to belong, be approved of, and get attention, are real human needs. Many people will do whatever it takes to get those needs met.

If the only people willing to offer young men acceptance are other young men with undeveloped prefrontal cortexes who lack sound reasoning skills, it's easy to see how the "hoon" culture perpetuates.

As I grow older I realise how important who I surround myself with is. It's not a "holier than thou" thing. It's just a recognition of my own frailty and need for positive influences in my life. 

If I could do it over, I'm sad to say that one change I would make would be to hang around with a different set of friends.

If you're a young person reading this, I'd advise that you choose your friends carefully. 

Power will be off at Stirlings Central this afternoon after a truck hit a power pole

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EG has been informed that Western Power are shutting down power to Stirlings Central in a few minutes and it will be off for the afternoon.

Staff at Stirlings Central said that a truck has hit a power pole, and emergency repairs are needed to be carried out. 

The Centre is not closing it's doors, though some retailers may not be able to operate without electricity. 

It's not clear what time at this stage power will be restored. 

Update 3pm: "Woollies sending customers out of the store because the back up power is not working."

How the City of Greater Geraldton ranks in comparison to councils from around WA

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'Business News' recently put out their 2016 Book of Lists. If you can get your hands on a copy it's a fascinating read. They also have the latest data online for subscribers. One of the areas they cover is local governments. 

We were curious to see how the City of Greater Geraldton compared to other councils around WA in different categories. 

Here's how Greater Geraldton ranks in several categories, as at the end of the last financial year:

By Total Revenue

16th with $76,090,000. That's more than Fremantle.

The highest was City of Stirling with $207,440,000

By Area

32nd with 9,889 km2.

The largest local government area is Shire of East Pilbara with 371,696km2.

By Population

15th, with 41,087.

The largest is the City of Stirling with 227,367 followed by City of Wanneroo with 188,000.

By Total Rates Levied

15th, with $39,460,000. That's slightly less that Karratha, and a tad more than Fremantle. 

The highest was City of Stirling with $122,282,000.

By Profit and Loss

According to figures published by Business News, City of Greater Geraldton ran a profit of $4,350,000 last fiscal year, the 30th highest in the state. The City of Karratha was highest with $108,670,000.

By Total Assets

Geraldton was 11th with $888,280,000. 

By Total Liabilities

5th highest in the state, with $54.32m

This is up from $37.6m the previous year. 

By Total Staff

20th, with 334.

By Number of Dwellings

19th, with 15,659

By Number of Electors

17th, with 23,696 people. 

Interesting notes:

The City of Perth only has 10,385 electors, with a population of 21,860. 

The Shire of Chapman Valley has 774 electors and a population of 1,174.

The City of Stirling is by far the most populous local government area in WA at 227,367 and has over 92,000 dwellings. 

What Southgate Dunes mean to me

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Southgates was the go to place on a Sunday afternoon.

Grandad would see how many families and friends he could round up and we would all troop down to the dunes in a convoy. Although, sometimes it would be just me and him.

Each year that I grew older I would slowly learn the changing map of those dunes a little better.

For example, dog bush. The bush that stood alone in the middle of the sand, which must have had an unwritten rule that obligated all dogs to stop and pee on, it seemed.

I was taught the ritual of letting air out of the tyres, and then how to pump them back up at the fuel station. 

How to change gears.

I was shown how to change a tyre. 

To avoid driving on seaweed. 

Always stick to the left.

To always stop before continuing to ensure the other side was okay to go down, because once you start you have to commit.

I have numerous stories, unique and common. 

One time we were in a convoy and the biggest four wheel drive got stuck. Several others tried to pull them out and all got bogged as well. It was a mess. We had several cars stuck, and only Grandad’s little old Suzuki left. It started to rain. The tide was rising. People were panicking.

But not Grandad. One at a time he got the snap strap and pulled each of the four wheel drives out.

Lets just say, his little Suzie didn't get the brunt of a joke again.

Slowly as I grew up we went out to Southgates less and less. 

Until I had my own licence, my own little (but newer) suzie. 

I took friends out there, and then friends began to get their own four wheel drives and take us there. 

We taught each other the fundamentals of four wheel driving that we had learnt from family, debated the best tracks and all in all learnt how to have a good time. It was a haven from school, people and work. 

There was always bulldozers out there. They had threatened development for years. It became a conspiracy. I mean, none of us believed anyone that had been out there could actually destroy it. 

Now I hear it is a possibility. A plan. 

And all I can think is my Grandad’s rule:
Always check the other side, before going down. Once you start you have to finish the descent. 

What I want to see on the other side of this is Southgates as a place to take my own children and grandchildren one day. A place to teach them how to drive, and how to enjoy life.  A place to create memories and explore. 

But what I am seeing is something completely different.

So before we start to go down this road, can I just ask;

Is it something you can commit to, because once the wheels start rolling, where do we stop?

Midwest Aero Medical welcomes Dr Frauke Alexander

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Dr Stu Adamson, Dr Ray Borcherds and team would like to welcome Dr Frauke Alexander to the Midwest Aero Medical team and would like to inform her patients that they are now taking appointments for her.

Dr Frauke Alexander will be starting at Midwest Aero Medical on April 1st.

Midwest Aero Medical
Unit 3/12 Urch St, Geraldton
PH: 99568999
FAX: 99568998

 

How Stripping Down To Your Underwear Could Save Your Life

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If you’re anything like me, the thought of stripping down to your underwear in front of complete strangers is utterly terrifying. However, the thought of going under the knife to have a skin cancer removed proved to be scarier still, so I put on my big girl pants and booked myself in to Skin – A Universal Approach for my first ever Skin Cancer check.

Going into the clinic, I had no idea of what to expect. How long does a skin cancer check take? What exactly would they be looking for? Will I need to have suspicious spots chopped out of me right then and there?

Thankfully, the experienced staff were more than happy to answer any of my questions and they very quickly put my mind at ease (The process takes about 30 minutes, they were looking for any unusual spots, and no, I most likely would not need to have anything chopped out of me right then and there).

The appointment starts with a thorough check of your hair and face. Even with my incredibly long, unruly hair, the team took no chances and went through it to be sure there were no hidden lesions on my scalp.

Once that’s done, it’s time to disrobe for the most awkward (and possibly most useful) part of the experience: total body mapping. This is where you strip down to your undies and the nurse takes around ten images of various parts of your body with a machine known as the MoleMax.

The importance of these particular photos really shines when you have your next check-up, as they allow for quick identification of any changes or additions to your skin that you may miss.

After the photography is complete, the team moves on to the in-depth all-over skin check. Using a hand held device called a dermatoscope, the team look over every part of your body and investigate any moles they see. If there are any moles that look suspicious, they will take a photograph for closer inspection.

While this is happening, you’ll be asked a few questions about skin cancer risk factors and relevant medical history. It was during this time that I learned I have a higher chance of developing a melanoma in my lifetime, as there is a history of skin cancer in my family.

Statistically speaking, melanoma is the fourth most diagnosed cancer in Australia. The five-year survival rate for people diagnosed with a melanoma is 99%, but only if the cancer is detected early. If left unchecked, the five-year survival rate drops dramatically to only 15% (source).

It is recommended that you have a skin cancer screening once per year, or more frequently if you are at high risk.

Thankfully, my story has a happy ending and I have the all-clear for the moment. A few minutes of awkwardness in my undergarments is most definitely worth the peace of mind knowing that I am skin cancer free.

To book a Skin Cancer check appointment of your own, give Skin – A Universal Approach a call on (08) 9965 4737

20 photos that will remind you why you love Geraldton so much

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Use #everythinggeraldton on Instagram for us to share your photographs.

Brendon Plug

"Little Bluebird" by Gemma Allen. Pic: Colour Decor

Common Greenshank. Bill Belson‎

Bianca Jane

Triple J just announced that "One Night Stand" will be in Geraldton this year!

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In a huge announcement from triple j, Geraldton will host some of Australia’s biggest music acts as part of triple j’s music festival ‘One Night Stand’.

In an announcement today, the radio station confirmed that Geraldton was the chosen location for the event on 9 April which will include artists Boy & Bear, Alison Wonderland and Urthboy along with special guests.

Every year triple j chooses one place in Australia to host One Night Stand and Mayor Shane Van Styn said this was a huge opportunity for Geraldton and the region. 

“It’s absolutely amazing to have the calibre of artists come to the Mid West and play in Geraldton,” he said. 

“The event will bring people from all across the state so it’s a great win for our local economy and community.” 

The all ages, drug and alcohol free event has proved extremely popular in the past visiting places including Dubbo, Mildura, Collie and Alice Springs. 

Psyched to be heading to WA, triple j Content Director Ollie Wards said everyone at triple j is really excited to be road tripping to Geraldton with some awesome musical mates.

“We’re lucky to cover so much of this massive country and visiting cool regional towns like Geraldton is one of the best things we get to do,” he said.

“We can’t wait to throw the biggest free concert the town has ever seen and maybe try the famous lobster while we’re there!”

Mayor Van Styn said the City is continuing to put an emphasis on bringing top-class entertainment to Geraldton.

“We have seen the success of big events such as Cold Chisel last year and we want to continue to bring big names here,” he said. 

“Often regional places are left off the map when it comes to big acts but we want to change that.

“It is with the support of the community that we are able to bring such amazing events here and we hope the community will support this one with gusto.

“A big shout out also goes to local resident Brad Gundlach for nominating Geraldton to be in the running to host this event. 

Entry for the event will be a gold coin donation with money going towards a local youth charity which will be announced at a later date.

One Night Stand in Geraldton will be held at the WA Country Builders Stadium (Wonthella Oval) on Saturday 9 April with gates opening from 3pm. 

There will be regular updates and more information on the City’s website and Facebook page.

Who’s up for a One Night Stand in… GERALDTON, WESTERN AUSTRALIA!!!???

Posted by triple j on Wednesday, March 9, 2016

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Government Increases Pensioner Rate Concession Cap

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Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has welcomed the State Government’s announcement that it has now made a final determination and approved the capped limits for eligible pensioners in respect of local government rates and water rates concessions, to apply for the 2016-17 rating year. 

“I’m very pleased the Government has listened to the concerns of Western Australia’s seniors and raised the local government rates cap to $750, an increase on the previously announced amount of $550, effective 1 July 2016,” said Mr Blayney. 

“The State Government offers a generous range of additional concessions and rebates, including the seniors Cost of Living Rebate, the Energy Assistance payment and importantly the Aged Pension Fuel Card. 

“Western Australia has the most generous rates concessions in the nation.  In 2015-16 across Australia the average value of Local Government Rates concessions for seniors and pensioners is $230.  The average value of Water Service concessions across the States, with the exception of New South Wales, is around $250,” Mr Blayney said. 

The State Government will provide an estimated $2.6 billion in social concessions in 2015-16 in the form of rebates, discounts, subsidies and direct payments to improve the affordability of services and help reduce the cost of living for individuals and families.  

In the 2015-16 Budget the Government announced its intentions to introduce a number of reforms to social concessions to better target assistance to those most in need.  The introduction of a dollar cap to the rebates was one of the reforms.  

The State Government is now working to increase the range of Seniors Card rewards, this March releasing an Expression of Interest call for the private sector to put forward an innovative model to broaden Seniors Card benefits.

2016 Improv Comedy Sports Program

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2016 is about to become the year of spontaneous hilarity. The Comedy Emporium has just
launched it’s 2016 Improv Comedy Sports Program and they need players! On the 10th of Feb a
Youth and Adults troupe will be starting its training program running alongside the school terms.

Registrations are open now till the start of the season on the 10th of Feb.

Youth Improv Comedy Sports is an after school program designed to keep the kids out of your
house and out of your hair. Comedy Emporium Improv Coach Jody Quadrio will be taking
players through activities and training which builds skills in creativity, teamwork, humor and
performance.

“If you're an adult or student and you want to be more confident and act like a idiot to make
others laugh.. Then you really need to come down ” says The Comedy Emporium’s Ringleader
Julian Canny.

The program aims to develop local talent and entertainment, while building self esteem,
confidence, and problem solving abilities. Youth Improv workshops are open to everyone aged
between 13 and 18, they operate weekly on a Wednesday afternoon from 3:30 to 5:00pm. The
adults troupe practice once a fortnight 7:30pm 9pm beginning on the 10th of February.

“With three performance showdowns per six month season and roughly 10 adult and 19 youth
workshops per term, students have plenty of opportunity to showcase their talents to an
audience and build friendships within the troupe.” says Ringmistress Jody Quadrio who leads
The Comedy Emporium’s Improv Troupes.

Sessions begin with icebreakers and team building activities to get participants comfortable, and are followed by physical and vocal warm ups. Attendees are taught performance basics like voice projection and stage presence, and the basics of improvquick thinking, the art of
punchlines, and working with other players, through different improv games.

If the idea of getting involved with Improv Comedy appeals to you get in touch with the team.

For more information visit www.thecomedyemporium.com or contact Jody on 0498 230 487
or jody@thecomedyemporium.com

New shared pathway provides important north-south link

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Users of the existing walk trail between the Chapman River footbridge and the Chapman Valley Road roundabout will soon be able to enjoy walking, cycling or skating on a paved pathway designed for all users. 

Starting next week, the City will be formalising the existing footpath that begins at the entrance to Spalding Park and leads to the footbridge on the south side of the river at the North West Coastal Highway with works to begin on Tuesday 29 March.  The shared pathway will continue on the north side of the bridge ending at the Chapman Valley Road Roundabout. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the 850m long and 2.5m wide asphalt pathway will improve community safety, promote healthier lifestyles and provide a much needed connection to the existing path network. 

“A large number of school students use the footbridge over the Chapman River to get and from school every day and at the moment there is no formal pathway on either side of the footbridge for students to safely cycle, walk or ride scooters to school,” he said. 

“The shared footpath will complete an important link between Geraldton's suburbs on both sides of the Chapman River integrating the existing coastal and river path networks with the CBD and coastal paths to the southern suburbs. 

“Residents living in the areas of Waggrakine, Glenfield, Sunset Beach, Spalding Park and Bluff Point will be able to enjoy the health benefits a fully accessible pathway provides for cyclists, pedestrians, prams, walkers and wheelchairs alike.” 

During the construction period the footbridge over the Chapman River will be open, however, pedestrians are advised to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and direction from City personnel and contractors. The City strongly encourages the community to use the Chapman Road Bridge as an alternative river crossing. 

The $180,000 project, which was identified by the community during the Sunset Beach Precinct Planning workshops, is 50 percent funded by a Regional Bicycle Network grant from the Department of Transport with the City contributing the other half. 

Picture Caption: the Chapman River footbridge and the Chapman Valley Road roundabout will soon be able to enjoy walking, cycling or skating on a paved pathway designed for all users.

Calling all youth organisations!

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It’s Geraldton’s biggest event and one local youth organisation has the opportunity to reap the benefits from triple j’s One Night Stand held in Geraldton on 9 April. 

The City of Greater Geraldton is currently calling for expressions of interest from local youth organisations to gain the funds from the gold coin donation entry for the event. 

Mayor Shane Van Styn said that this event could attract in excess of 10,000 people which would be a huge injection of money into the chosen local organisation. 

“This is a huge opportunity for a local youth organisation to raise some serious funds,” he said. 

“We are encouraging all local youth organisations to fill out the EOI and be in the running. 

“This amount of money could do wonders for a not for profit organisation.” 

One Night Stand is an all ages, drug and alcohol free music festival which will be held at WA Country Builders Stadium (Wonthella Oval) on Saturday 9 April. 

Attracting concert goers from all over the state, acts include Boy & Bear, Alison Wonderland and Urthboy. 

There is a criteria which the organisation must meet to be in the running to receive the funds. 

This criteria and the EOI form can be found on the City’s website at http://ow.ly/ZAJ7p

Southgate Sand Dunes

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Nationals WA Member of Parliament Paul Brown MP, has added his voice to that of representatives of the City of Greater Geraldton (CGG) and residents alarmed by the potential development of a housing estate at the iconic Southgate sand dunes.

The planned housing estate has recently been given conditional approval by the Ministers for Planning and Environment which has led to a large #SaveSouthgates social media campaign opposing the development. The dire financial implications of the development are also a concern for the ratepayers of the CGG.

Mr Brown said “I share the concerns that the community have about the potential destruction of the iconic Southgate sand dunes area. The dunes are the first landmark that greet people to Geraldton travelling north and have long been considered a part of the fabric of environmental wonders that make Geraldton the fantastic place it is today.”

“The environmental impact of removal of this sand dune system is not fully understood, with a number of environmental reports over the last decade highlighting the important role that the sand dunes play in replenishing the beaches to the north.”

The expansion and deepening of the Geraldton Port in 2004 has led to considerable erosion problems along the Beresford Foreshore area and cause large amounts of sand to be accumulated behind the Geraldton Port at Pages Beach. Approx. 11,000 metric tonnes of beach sand is physically removed and bypassed from Pages Beach to the Beresford Foreshore annually.

Mr Brown said “Geraldton is already suffering from the impacts of a number of poorly understood environmental outcomes from coastal development that has seen serious erosion along our City’s coastline.”

“Why would anyone think that it is appropriate for a housing development to go ahead on that section of our coast when everyone from the Environmental Protection Agency to coastal planning academics have warned of the potential environmental catastrophe if the Southgate sand dunes are partially or completely flattened?”

Mr Brown confirmed that he will take a community petition to Parliament so that the Environment and Public Affairs Committee in the Legislative Council can consider an enquiry into the implications of the development.

City named a finalist in state awards for Esplanade signage

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The City of Greater Geraldton is proud to be named as one of the finalists in the 2016 Western Australian Heritage Awards. Minister for Environment and Heritage Hon Albert Jacob MLA announced the City’s Esplanade interpretive signage project as a finalist in the contribution by a public or private organisation category in the prestigious state awards.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said it was a significant achievement and great promotion of Geraldton’s rich heritage.

“We are delighted to be listed as finalists as it recognises the dedication and hard work of staff on this project,” he said.

“The signage has proved to be the perfect addition to the Esplanade, it enhances the area and provides visitors and residents with historical and contemporary information about the surroundings.”

The development of the Eastern Breakwater, which formed part of the West End Revitalisation Project, is a contemporary interpretation of the original Esplanade Jetty which was constructed in 1857 and demolished in 1944.  Renamed The Esplanade in December 2013 and officially opened by the Premier of WA in April 2014, the structure boasts a viewing tower, barbecue facilities, shaded areaand landscaping – returning to Geraldton a much loved community facility which had been lost for 70 years.

In partnership with Mid West Ports Authority, the City of Greater Geraldton embarked on the final stage of the Esplanade project - the installation of interpretive signage, telescopes and a sound unit which provides quality information about the area to the public. It also emphasises the significance of the Geraldton Port to the growing town and wider district and region since the 1850s.

Themes displayed on the signage include the Esplanade, a timeline from beach landing to Port City, the Port at work, Geraldton’s connection to the world, our sleepy sea lions, homeland of the Yamaji and scenes from a changing foreshore.

Award winners will be announced on Thursday 31 March 2016, at the former Hale House that is now the Office of the Premier and Cabinet Room.

‘Tent Cities’ for One Night Stand

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TRIPLE J One Night Stand Announcement!

There will be ‘Tent Cities’ in Geraldton to accommodate for One Night Stand concert goers.

So far Little Athletics and Spalding Rugby Field will offer places for people to pitch a tent, park their camper vans or lay their swags from Friday April 8 through to Sunday April 10. More tent cities will be announced before the event.

Click HERE for prices, terms and conditions and full details.

Please share with your friends from out of town who may need accommodation!

So where exactly ARE you allowed to take your dog in Geraldton?

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Everything Geraldton often gets asked where exactly dogs are allowed. There's a bit of confusion over what the story is with dogs at the foreshore too. 

Dogs are allowed on the Foreshore grassed area but only if they are on a leash. There are signs down there that also stipulate that.

However – dogs are not allowed on the Foreshore beach. Just the grassed area. 

There are lots of other beaches in town where dogs are allowed, many off the leash too. And there are also several parks where dogs are allowed off the leash. 

Here's a map produced by the City of Greater Geraldton that shows exactly where you can and can't take your canine companion. 

Click here to download a PDF version.