Supporting NAIDOC Week in Durack

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The Turnbull Government will celebrate the history, culture and achievements of First Australians by supporting events to be held as part of National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week celebrations in July.

Member for Durack Melissa Price said the 2016 NAIDOC grant funding round was part of a more than $2 million commitment from the Australian Government to support NAIDOC celebrations this year.

Ms Price encouraged local organisations to consider applying for funding to help cover the costs of staging events during NAIDOC Week.

“Events can include anything from a community morning tea or barbecue to a flag-raising ceremony or art workshop,” Ms Price said.

“The Turnbull Government is supporting such activities through funding to come out of the Indigenous Advancement Strategy.”

“NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to get together and celebrate the unique place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia, and the national theme this year is Songlines - The living narrative of our nation,” Minister Nigel Scullion said.

“The theme highlights the importance of Dreamtime to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It commemorates the tracks they leave on the land as a record of ancestral spirits who ‘sung’ the land into life.”

Details in relation to the 2016 NAIDOC grant funding are available on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website.

Applications close 4pm AEST on Friday 29 April 2016.

Tariff cuts create more export opportunities for Durack

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The opportunities for Durack businesses to export are continuing to grow, with a third round of tariff cuts under the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement (JAEPA).

Member for Durack Melissa Price said tariffs on a further 1200 products have fallen, providing a competitive boost for Australian exporters.

“92 per cent of Australian products are now entering Japan duty-free.  This will increase each year until 2034, when 98 per cent of our goods will enter duty free or receive Australia-only preferential access,” Ms Price said.

Ms Price said the three landmark free trade agreements the Coalition concluded with the major economies of North Asia are creating opportunities for Durack businesses to grow and expand.

“The agreements with Korea, Japan and China form a powerful trifecta, which are opening doors to millions more customers for Durack businesses,” Ms Price said. 

“These agreements are not just for big business and companies that are already active in international markets. They are for small and medium businesses to take advantage of.” 

Ms Price said the Coalition Government had launched a new FTA Portal to help small and medium businesses take advantage of the free trade agreements. 

“Many businesses are looking to export but are uncertain about how to go about it and whether they are price competitive,” Ms Price said. 

“The new FTA Portal seeks to answer those questions. It provides free and accurate information on tariffs under the FTAs so small and medium businesses can easily work out how price competitive they will be. 

“I want to see local businesses taking advantage of the free trade agreements to boost jobs and growth in the Durack economy.”

Road Maintenance works in Waggrakine

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that it will be undertaking road maintenance works in the locality of Waggrakine fromWednesday 6 April to Friday 15 April 2016. 

Shoulder maintenance to repair the edges of the road and reduce deterioration of the road seal will take place on the Chapman Valley Road between Sutcliffe Road and Hackett Drive. 

Traffic management will be in place during this time. Motorists and pedestrians are advised to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and direction from authorised City personnel and contractors. 

For more information on the road maintenance please contact the City’s Coordinator Roads, Peter Traylen, at 9956 6600. 

The City regrets any inconvenience and will endeavour to keep disruptions to a minimum.

The Geraldton Boat, Caravan and Camping Show is on this month

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The Club Marine Geraldton Boat, Caravan and Camping Show is the biggest of its kind in the region. Attracting 6,000 people each year and loyal exhibitors from the local area, as well as from Perth and the South-West. It brings together displays of the new products and services in boating, fishing, 4WD, camping, accessories, electronics and lifestyle products, with a huge line-up of entertainment and attractions for the whole family.

For enquiries contact Jane Clarke on 0403 226 303 or sunsetpromotions@bigpond.com

 

What makes a Mid West Bride?

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A Mid West bride is easygoing but she knows what she wants. She loves where she lives and wants to use the stunning surroundings for her big day. She wants to have a good time with her family and friends. She is creative and innovative. Mid West brides are pretty amazing.

If your big day is coming up soon and you’re stuck for ideas of locations and scenery around Geraldton and the Mid West for photos, these beautiful local brides are here to help.  

Their beautiful farm in Minnenooka proved to be the perfect location for Kat’s Winter wedding last year. Even though it rained, they had a fantastic day surrounded by friends and family, with their reception held at the Geraldton Surf Club. Wedding photos were taken around the farm, with the overcast weather providing a perfect backdrop for their stunning memories.

‘The local scenery made our day magical- the memories and photos will last forever.’

Photo Credit: Karl Monaghan Photography

Elly married Chris in the serenity of the Queens Park Theatre gardens, with a reception that followed at Posh. They had photos taken on the Geraldton Foreshore at night time, at the Bluff Point church arches and on the Old Moonyoonooka Bridge.

‘The best thing about being a Mid West bride is the diversity in backdrops for your photos. Do your research to find the ideal location and do it your way, not how you think people would want it done, it’s your day.’

Photo Credit:  Shaun Rose Photography

Kara got married in Dongara, with her ceremony on the Dongara Foreshore and her reception at the Fisherman’s Hall, with the beautiful sunset in the background. She chose the famous Moreton Bay Fig Trees as a location for her photos. 

‘Choose a spot that means everything to you and where you know you will have many more memories in the future.’

Photo Credit: LMR Photography

Skye and her husband are coming up to their first wedding anniversary. They had their ceremony and reception at Nukara, with stunning photos to cherish all taken at the farm and the old Chapman Valley Winery, which is now Burnt Barrel.  

‘Over the years we have watched Donna and Phil turn Nukara into what it is today, this amazing place filled with love, laughter and soulfulness.’

Photo Credit: Luxe + Fox

Jess and Kelvin were married earlier this year. They were both new to Geraldton and decided to elope to the spectacular Abrolhos Islands with their three children there to watch their special day. They surprised family and friends in the afternoon with the exciting news. Jess found Geraldton Air Charters faultless in helping them out with their nuptials, even decorating the shelter with flowers from their own garden!

‘The best thing about being a Mid West bride is the wonderful, friendly people you meet. The beautiful region we live in sure makes it hard to choose a specific location to get married!’

Photo Credit:  Emma Hutton (Birth, Bumps and Babes)

The weather did nothing to dampen Megan and Nathan’s spirits when they said their ‘I do’s’ at Daisy Downs, in Greenough, with their reception of 125 people held at POSH. They chose the beautiful gardens of their ceremony for photos, with others shot at Devlin Pool and various paddocks outside of town.  

‘Don’t sweat the small stuff, in the end it’s a minor detail. If at the end of it you’re married, then that’s the main thing. Enjoy the day, because it goes seriously quick!’

Photo Credit: Miranda Gregory

For Kimberley and her husband, a small intimate ceremony in Seminyak, Bali was exactly what they were after. She planned her entire wedding over there by email and was pleasantly surprised when everything ran smoothly on the day. Back in Geraldton, they held a reception at Salt Dish, with 70 of their closest family and friends. Their photos were taken on the Marina at night time, at the Mantra Hotel and at the restaurant.

‘We have amazing, unique local businesses and venues that can help put together the perfect day. Salt Dish was perfect, we loved the intimate, relaxed setting with rustic décor that matched our style and a beautiful garden where guests could be entertained by ‘Me and the Missus,’ as well as amazing food and service.’

Photo Credit: Paul Essenson Photography

Lavender Valley Farm was the perfect setting for Melissa and her husband to tie the knot. They had an intimate ceremony with 17 of their family and best friends, followed by an afternoon tea. The purple lavenders provided a breathtaking backdrop for their photos.

‘Trust in your suppliers. Everyone I’ve dealt with or seen the work of has so much experience and vision and can find a way to help with practically any request!’

Photo Credit: Luxe + Fox

After twelve years together and two children later, Valentine’s Day, 2015 was the day Rochelle and her husband recited their vows to each other on the Esplanade Boardwalk at the Geraldton foreshore. Their two young ones even led the way down the aisle in a motorised mini car, which she said was definitely a highlight of her big day. They chose to have their location photos on the boardwalk, at the Old Library and in the park across the road from KFC.

‘Smile, hold your head high, go with the flow and use lots of hairspray!’

Photo Credit: Jewell Photography

Row was married at a place very special to her family, the veranda of their homestead built in 1927 on the farm that has been in the Rob family since 1901. They had photos around the property and a reception of 114 guests at the Kalbarri Golf Club. The chose Kalbarri so friends and family could enjoy a mini vacation with swimming, barbecues and beautiful beaches.

‘Be humble and remember what’s really important to you.’

Photo Credit: Ashton Wright, Lace Weddings

That good time country feel was the theme for Samantha and Glen’s wedding in Yetna, Chapman Valley. 80 of their closest family and friends celebrated afterwards at the Golden Pond Retreat, in Moonyoonooka. They incorporated the stunning backdrop of the ranges in their location photos which were shot across the road from Mills Lookout and along the Chapman River.

‘We chose Golden Pond Retreat because it had the country feel that we were going for. It was very much Glen and I.’

Photo Credit: Shaun Rose Photography

Chelsea and Mark had their ceremony at St Peter’s Church at Greenough Hamlet, followed by a reception with family and friends at the Wintersun Hotel. Mark spent 8 years doing up an LH Torana, which was licensed 4 weeks before the wedding, making it a very special wedding car.  They had their location photos at the Church, the Greenough Hamlet and on the Marina.

‘The best part was seeing my husband wipe a tear away as I walked down the aisle.’

Photo Credit: Martika Morcom

 

Getting married in the Mid West doesn’t mean there are minimal choices when it comes to your wedding day. There are many fantastic local vendors, plus a great range of choices for ceremony and reception locations. Where else can you get photos done overlooking beautiful ranges, or in the rustic bushland, right next to the beach? Mid West brides can have it all, they just need to know where to look.

Top Para Triathlete Signed up for Geraldton Sporting competition

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Western Australia’s top wheelchair para triathlete has added his name to the heavyweight line up of competitors taking part in this year’s Geraldton Toyota Endure Batavia Triathlon on April 17.

Two times para triathlete state champion Nige Young will compete in the gruelling long course, swimming 1.5km, bike riding for 44km and completing the 10km run in a racing wheelchair.

Mr Young is currently placed number one in the Sunsmart Sprint Series for men para triathletes in WA, and took out fourth place for Australia at the World Open Para Triathlon Championships in Chicago last year.

He also won the men’s para in the Busselton 70.3 Ironman competition in May last year. This is his first time competing in Geraldton.

“A good friend of mine, para cyclist Craig Parsons, has competed in Geraldton before and said it was the most amazing atmosphere and crowd so I’m really looking forward to competing,” Mr Young said.

Mr Young began his career as a triathlete as an 18-year-old in the UK, where he relished the chance to push his body to its limits.

But a car accident on the return from a duathlon when he was 20 resulted in a shattered neck and damaged spinal cord. Doctors told his parents there was a one per cent chance he’d ever be able to move a muscle below his neck. He’d be a virtual vegetable.

But, within months, Mr Young moved his left big toe and went on to regain movement in both legs. He went on to forge a career with the military in the UK but the damage his body sustained meant Mr Young never again considered competing in triathlons.

But one day after moving to Australia Mr Young found himself watching seemingly endless online videos of triathlons. He called the state and national triathlon associations to find out more and in 2014 discovered he could compete – swimming normally, completing the bike leg using a recumbent hand-cycle and running leg in a racing wheelchair.

But why does he push his ailing body to its extremes?

“It’s all about pushing boundaries and saying yes you have a spinal injury but that doesn’t mean life ends,” he said.

“I have always pushed boundaries – even before the accident – I love pushing my personal limits and proving to myself and others that you can do things even if you’re in a wheelchair or have a spinal injury.

“And, I love racing.”

For more information on Geraldton Toyota Endure Batavia Triathlon visit the website: www.geraldtontriclub.com.au/endure-batavia-triathlon.aspx 

Future of Rural Financial Counselling Service secured

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Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price has welcomed today’s announcement by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Barnaby Joyce that funding for Rural Financial Counselling Services (RFCS) will continue for the next three years.

Ms Price said a new funding round would start from today and help support rural communities and clients in need for years to come.

“Twelve service providers around the nation will be able to continue their valuable work in helping our farming families, including Primary Production Services Inc,” Ms Price said.

“More than 5,000 clients across Australia accessed RFCS services last year, a clear indication of how valuable it is to farming businesses.

“The continuing funding package of $47 million through to 2019 demonstrates the Turnbull Government’ s absolute commitment to supporting our farmers, fishers, forest growers, forest harvesters and rural small businesses who need advice on managing their finances.”

Ms Price said core funding for the RFCS had continued to increase under the Turnbull Government, rising from $13.56 million in 2012-13 under Labor, to $15.01 million by the end of the new funding round in 2018-19.

“The Turnbull Government is also strengthening the programme by implementing enhancements flowing from the National Rural Advisory Council’s 2014 review of the RFCS, including increased flexibility to boost resources in areas where there is a spike in demand, such as communities hit by drought, flood and other events,” Ms Price said.

“While the number of service providers has been reduced from 14 regions to 12, it means more funds are available to help farmers rather than being spent on administration.

“It will allow more effective and efficient spending so clients can receive the same or higher levels of service, as well as better targeting of areas in need.

“Extra transitional funding has also been made available to regions most affected by the boundary changes, to make sure that services to clients continue smoothly.”

Ms Price said forest growers and harvesters would now be able to access the service, along with farmers, fishing enterprises and small related businesses that are in financial hardship.

“The RFCS is jointly funded and I certainly welcome the ongoing commitment of state and territory governments in supporting the programme. It has been providing an important service to farmers and rural communities for almost 30 years, and we are continuing to demonstrate our commitment to this service,” Ms Price said.

For more information, visit: agriculture.gov.au/rfcs.

Geraldton is the first place in WA with a certified adult change facility for people with a disability

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Council’s ongoing commitment to improve access and inclusion throughout the City has resulted in Geraldton being the first City in the state to receive accreditation for a Type 2 Changing Place facility.

The recently refurbished Town Beach toilet block located in the Youth Precinct offers a clean and secure Changing Place for people with disability who need space and assistance to use the bathroom when they are away from home.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the Town Beach toilet block is one of very few certified Changing Place facilities in the nation.

“Every day there are thousands of Australians with disability are confined to their homes due to inappropriate toilet facilities as they require assistance to use the bathroom,” he said.

“Across the country there are only a handful of facilities that meet the Changing Place’s requirements for certification and we are very proud to be the first Local Government one in WA.”

The City received $100,000 in grant funding from the Disability Services Commission, administered by the Western Australian Local Government Association for the refurbishment of the toilet block.

Geraldton is not only the first local government to receive accreditation, the Town Beach toilet block is also the first facility in a network of Changing Places whose construction has been joint funded.

The video below is from the launch in January of the Youth Precinct and new change facilities.

Youth Precinct

Introducing the new City of Greater Geraldton "Youth Precinct". It opens this Australia Day. We headed down there this afternoon to have a look and speak with a few folk from CGG about the new foreshore addition. It looks like a lot of fun for all age groups. There's a rage cage, some very fun looking electronic games, foosball tables, table tennis, and more. It will be open each day from 6:30am until 10:30pm. Sports equipment is available from the Visitor Centre with a $5 deposit. There is a new "Changing Places" toilet facility, that provides unprecedented facilities for restricted mobility members of our community, a first for WA. A beach access ramp for wheelchairs is also on its way. Stay tuned later in the year when the rest of the multi user facility is finished. CGG have called the multi user facility and Youth Precinct the "jewell in the crown" for our foreshore. It certainly is a welcome addition to our city.

Posted by Everything Geraldton on Sunday, January 24, 2016

This baby lost his mother, and now needs our help

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This is Kobi Rumble. 

Kobi lost his mother in November 2015 when a truck veered into the path of the vehicle his mother was driving on NWCH near Drummond Cove. 

Kobi was in the car, but survived the accident, sustaining only minor injuries. 

But growing up without Mum is only one of the challenges that lies in front of young Kobi. 

Kobi was born 12 weeks premature, with a condition known as fibula hemimelia (more info). This means his ankle and foot bones aren’t developed and he requires ongoing treatment.

From the Go-fund-Me page set up for Kobi:

"Whilst the option from specialists at PMH is amputation, the Paley Institute in Florida USA treat his condition but to get Kobi and his Nan across we need to raise around $255,000."
 

You can CLICK HERE to visit the Go Fund Me page and make a donation. 

Or Donations can be made at any Bankwest branch:
Kobi Rumble
BSB: 306-012
Account №: 0915355

Friends and family of Kobi have also set up a Facebook page: www.facebook.com/kobisjourney

Mumps cases reported in Geraldton

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Via Geraldton Neighbourhood Watch

Many comments confirm other cases have been reported in Geraldton too. 

From health.gov.au:

Causes
 
Mumps is highly contagious and can spread rapidly among people living in close quarters. The virus is most commonly spread from one person to another through contact with infected saliva or respiratory secretions.
Symptoms
It takes between 12 and 25 days for the symptoms of mumps to appear after infection. As well as swelling on the sides of the face and along the jaw-line, mumps can cause chills and fever, headache, loss of appetite, and aching muscles.

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