Amazing feedback from children's event in Spalding Park run by Lions Club

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What a beautiful day for our Children's Party today, had so many thank us for putting this on again. To make so many parents, grandparents and children this happy just absolutely makes my heart sing..... We had about 300 under 12's attend, and the weather really turned it on... The trains ran non stop (all 4 of them) and the kiddies just loved them.

Debie (the fairy) was painting non stop for the entire time she was there, and she did some wonderful painting and thanks to all the little people for patiently waiting in line and Mums and Dads too.

Hop on a Pony had 2 adorable ponies working their gorgeous hearts out, they love their work ( Jai told me one is 20 years old and the other is 15) I was so so tempted to pat one, but given my past experience with allergies to horses I thought better of it... Our trusty Lions had noses to the grindstone, and our vollies did a fabulous job to lend a hand, so thank you to you all for a job well done.

Sharon the fabulous icecream lady was almost melting at the end of the day, thank you once again Sharon. you did great.

Gloria Stanley-Smith (Facebook)

Looking forward to next month at Spalding Park as the playground equipment is said to be installed in a week or so....some happy kiddies and parents then
We will be doing this again, on the first Sunday of December, so put it in your diaries... Cheers to you all

Gloria.

Kwinana Police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating missing 49 year old Deborah Kay Bell

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Kwinana Police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating missing 49 year old Deborah Kay BELL.

It is believed that Ms BELL is travelling in a silver Hyundai Tuscon registration 1EHF563 towing a 1991 Coromal caravan registration 8RS396 with her white and tan dog.

It is unknown when Ms BELL departed her home in Wellard or what direction she is travelling. She was last seen by a family member 19 March 2016.

She is described as being fair skinned, approximately 156cms tall with a solid build, brown/grey hair and green eyes.

Police have concerns for her welfare and ask that anyone who sees Ms BELL, or knows of her whereabouts is asked to call police immediately on 131 444.

Sam has been reunited with his mother

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We've just received word that the 1 month old foal that was stolen recently has been reunited with his mother.  

The owners held grave concerns for the welfare of both the mother and Sam, the foal, who needed to be fed by his mother still. 

Sam was reportedly dehydrated, but mother was very happy to have him drink again from her.

Click here to read original story.  

 

This nearly ended very badly

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As if we all needed more reminders to pay attention on the roads... 

Phil Condor shared this dash cam video to YouTube recently. In it you see the vehicle, driven by Aidin Vinci, turn from the highway down Webberton Road, and a 4x4 pulls out right in front of the truck. 

Fortunately this time it didn't end in disaster, but it's worth sharing as a reminder that we all need to be vigilant and pay attention on our roads. 

Blayney asks new Planning Minister to visit Southgate Dunes

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Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has invited new Planning Minister Hon Donna Faragher to Geraldton so that she can better evaluate the implications of any changes to the local planning scheme. 

“I would certainly welcome the opportunity to show Minister Faragher the dunes and meet with agencies to discuss the potential for degradation and erosion that may arise from any proposed development. 

“Community sentiment has changed since the City’s proposal to change the local planning scheme to allow development was put forward. 

“There is no appetite in Geraldton for either change to the scheme or development of the dunes. 

“This is an important issue for Geraldton and I look forward to hearing that Minister Faragher has accepted my invitation

This gorgeous 1 month old pony was stolen last night

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Elise reached out to Everything Geraldton after her elderly neighbour had this one month old pony stolen last night. 

The pony's name is Sam.

Sam was taken from Webber Rd in Moresby. 

If you know anything please call the owner on 0427 383 443. 

Sam's mother is currently very distressed, "calling out to the baby" according to Elise. 

Shelley Fellows posted in EG Open Discussion that the foal will die if it is not reunited with its mother. 

Update: 4:00pm Saturday 2/4/16

We've just received word that the 1 month old foal that was stolen recently has been reunited with his mother.  

The owners held grave concerns for the welfare of both the mother and Sam, the foal, who needed to be fed by his mother still. 

Sam was reportedly dehydrated, but mother was very happy to have him drink again from her.  

14 seriously good value properties in Geraldton at the moment

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If you want to get into the property market either as a home owner or an investor, there are some screaming bargains to be had in Geraldton at the moment. You can find "handy man dreams" for around $100,000 and there's plenty of family sized homes to browse. 

Here's a few we found that seem worth investigating. 

Click on any of the photos for more info. 

Might be worth calling a mortgage broker to see what you can borrow. You can reach The Mortgage Gallery on 9964 4770 or click here.

1. Affordable in Cape Burney

$280,000-$310,000

20 Mersey Drive, Cape Burney

3 bedrooms 1 bathroom
Tenanted at $320 per week. 

Click here for more info.

2. 4 beds under 400 in Wandina

$375,000

5 Intombi Rise, Wandina

4 bedrooms 2 bathrooms
"The seller is motivated to sell at the asking price and will consider offers."

Click here for more info.

3. Cheap in Beachlands

$189,000

14 Whitfield Street, Beachlands

3 bedrooms 1 bathroom
Current rental return $250 per week.

Click here for more info.

4. Just out of town bargain

$199,000

7 Tuart Avenue, Nabawa

3 bedrooms 1 bathroom
42km's out of town. Extra quiet. 

Click here for more info. 

5. 4 bedrooms central under 400

$379,000

35 Ainsworth St, Geraldton

4 bedrooms 2 bathrooms
"The perfect outdoor entertaining deck"

Click here for more info.

6. Under 300 in Wandina

$299,000

2A Conch Rise, Wandina

3 bedrooms 1 bathroom
Air conditioning

Click here for more info.

7. Good price for Beresford

$339,000

43 Mark Street Beresford

3 bedrooms 1 bathroom
Short walk to the beach

Click here for more info.

8. Super close to the beach

$360,000

12A/323-325 Willcock Drive, Tarcoola Beach

3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms
Really nice home really close to the water

Click here for more info.

9. As cheap as they come

$99,000

8 Felicia Street, Rangeway

3 bedrooms 1 bathroom

Click here for more info.

10. 25 acres in Greenough

$479,000

34379 Brand Highway Greenough

3 bedroom 1 bathroom
Trees, shed, space to move

Click here for more info.

11. Deepdale for mid 400's

$430,000 - $460,000

9 Roding Court, Deepdale

4 bedrooms 3 bathrooms
2.47 acres

Click here for more info.

12. Large block in Strathalbyn

$439,500

5 Begonia Court, Strathalbyn

4 bedrooms 1 bathroom
6 x 6 shed

Click here for more info.

13. Tarcoola Beach bargain

$285,000

22 Seacrest Street, Tarcoola Beach

3 bedrooms 1 bathroom
Great suburb

Click here for more info. 

14. Near new 5 x 2

$490,000

19 Glenview Street, Mount Tarcoola

5 bedrooms 2 bathrooms
Air con, solar, security

Click here for more info.

Local band Alex the Kid have won Triple J's Unearthed

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Triple J have just announced Alex The Kid as their Geraldton One Night Stand Unearthed winners.

This means their music will be played on triple j and triple j Unearthed. Plus they get to play at the concert, alongside Boy & Bear, Alison Wonderland and Urthboy!

Hailing from coastal WA town 'Geraldton', Alex the Kid now span throughout the midwest playing shows regularly between regional WA and Perth city. Since their inception the band has been non-stop writing, recording and partying. With two EPs, a split with Brisbane's 'Columbus' and many regional tours and a national tour under their belt, the Geraldtonians are looking to drop big new music in 2016 with their debut album currently being mixed and mastered by Dan Florez in Massachusetts for a winter release.

Public Transport for One Night Stand

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The City of Greater Geraldton has confirmed that Buswest will be extending public transport for triple j’s One Night Stand event. There will be three different routes as seen in the map below. Buses will be in place 10 minutes prior to departure. The last service running to the event will leave at 6:30pm and return busses will commence from Wonthella Oval at 8pm.

Please be advised the fare is $2.

click here to download map

Study on potential effects of coastal erosion completed

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The City has recently received the Town Beach to Drummond Cove Inundation and Coastal Processes Study and will be releasing it to the community on Tuesday 5 April 2016.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ken Diehm said Council had resolved to undertake the study to get a better understanding of how sea level rise, coastal erosion and inundation may impact the Geraldton community.

“Last year the City commissioned MP Rogers, a highly qualified and experienced coastal consultancy, to undertake two coastal processes studies, one for Point Moore and the other for the area from Town Beach to Drummond Cove,” he said.

“Both reports utilised historical data, water level records, studies on coastal processes, cyclone storm surge modelling and current rates of erosion to make predictions about what may happen to our coastline.

“Maps in the reports show the extent of possible coastal erosion over four different time periods and the areas that could be inundated by different intensities of storm events over these timeframes.”

As the Town Beach to Drummond Cove Inundation Study is highly technical the City will be holding two Community Information Sessions on 6 April to present the report findings in laymen terms and dispel rumours.

“Given the technical nature of the Study the City has decided to hold two community information sessions as soon as the report is made public to provide clarity around the findings and prevent misinformation being spread in the community,” said Mr Diehm.

“Consultants MP Rogers will make presentations at both meetings and be able to answer questions related to the study.

“The Information Sessions are open to anyone interested in our coastline and I encourage members of our community to come along.”

Two Community Information Sessions will be held on Wednesday 6 April at 2pm and 5.30pm at the QEII Upper Hall.

The Inundation Study will be available on the City’s website on Tuesday 5 April 2016 after 5.00pm.

Huge Savings at Harvey Norman Furniture

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Grab yourself a bargain with these heavily discounted, one off floor stock, queen bedroom suites.

The Coolum is a beautiful, Australian made Marri 4 piece Queen suite consisting of a Queen size bed, 2 x bedside cabinets and a 6 draw dresser and mirror, priced at only $3839.00 that's a huge 40% saving.

The Lauravale is a beautiful Australian made white 4 piece bedroom suite consisting of a queen size bed, 2 x bedside cabinets and a 6 draw dresser and mirror priced at only $2449.00, that's an awesome 50% saving.

The Cohen is an American Oak 5 piece suite, which includes a queen bed, 2 x bedside cabinets, a 6 draw dresser and mirror, also with this suite you get a 5 draw tall boy, priced at $2119.00, that's a 60% saving. 

These 3 suites are floor stock only, so pop in and see the team at Harvey Norman Geraldton, Chapman Road and grab yourself an amazing deal. They also have a Manager's Special of up to 70% off discontinued and overstocked Manchester. You will also find some great bargains on their outdoor range too. While they trade under the Harvey Norman Banner to be able to give you a great price, Harvey Norman Furniture is independently franchised and is locally owned and operated.

Harvey Norman Furniture
38 Chapman Road, Geraldton
PH (08) 9964 0111
www.harveynorman.com.au

 

 

Shop online with Queens Supa IGA

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Do you love shopping at your local Queens Supa IGA but don’t always have the time to spend walking around the supermarket to do your grocery shopping?

Well Queens Supa IGA now offers a Click and Collect shopping option.

You can shop online, at any time that is convenient to you, and then select a pick up time that suits you to collect your shopping. 

So what kind of groceries can you buy on the new Queens Supa IGA Click and Collect? 

They offer the freshest and most popular products and brands that you would find in any of the major supermarket stores, including fresh meat, produce, bakery and delicatessen lines. 

But who will be selecting my groceries I have ordered and how do I know they are fresh?

A dedicated Personal Picker handpicks your order. Personal Pickers are staff that have been trained to select products as if they were shopping for themselves or their own families. The fresh foods we supply you are selected directly off the shelves in our supermarket. Your Personal Picker will select only the highest quality fresh foods available. We are so confident in the freshness of your online shop; we will refund any items you are not totally satisfied with.

To start shopping online today and take advantage of our super quick “Click and Collect” service, or if you would like any other information simply go to www.rsgwa.com.au.

 

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?