Free Parenting Support

/

Free parenting support is on its way to town.  Dr Tonia Fahey of the Department of Education brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and practical tips to the free Triple P seminars hitting Geraldton later this month. These sessions are perfect for all parents, carers, early childhood educators and service providers; if you have been before, then come again – the content is fresh, new, relevant and practical.  The sessions are short - only two hours long - providing an intensive, valuable insight into each topic.

In the first week of Term 2 the Child and Parent Centre - Rangeway have three amazing Triple P seminars running, twice each (one morning and one evening) for parents, carers, early childhood educators and service providers. The sessions are perfect as professional development for service providers, for any parent who is struggling, and for those working with children on behaviour management plans to introduce wrap around support. 

All sessions are free, and include crèche facilities – but booking are essential.

  • The power of positive parenting – Tuesday 26 April: 9am to 11am OR 5.30pm to 7.30pm
  • Building confident, competent children - Wednesday 27 April: 9am to 11am OR 5.30pm to 7.30pm
  • Raising resilient children – Thursday 28 April: 9am to 11am OR 5.30pm to 7.30pm

“Dr Fahey is an outstanding presenter and after just one visit to town, she has got people raving and wanting more.” says Jennifer Edwards, Coordinator of the Child and Parent Centre – Rangeway. “We need to make sure that these sessions are well attended so that we can keep her, the Triple P services and sessions (running) regularly in Geraldton for our community.”

Dr Fahey will be back later in Term 2, to deliver the second set of seminars in the Triple P series; Dealing with disobedience, 0 to 4s emotional development and Managing fighting and aggression where parents and carers get even further into the nitty gritty of the world of caring for children.

More information can be found at www.edcentre.wa.edu.au/events or bookings can be made by phoning 9921 6814 or emailing cpc@edcentre.wa.edu.au

The Child and Parent Centre - Rangeway is a Department of Education, State funded initiative operated by the Geraldton Regional Community Education Centre. The centre offers a huge range of free activities, programs and services for children aged 0 to 8 and their families. You can visit them anytime during the week on Hovea Street in Rangeway, between 8am and 5pm.

Free School Holiday Family Fun Next Week

/

Want to entertain the kids for free these school holidays? You can on Thursday 21 April at the Child and Parent Centre – Rangeway when they hold a free Family Fun Day with the Midwest Early Years Network.

From 9am to 1pm children aged between 0 and 8 years of age and their families are invited to join in the fun at the new centre on Hovea Street in Rangeway.  With airbrush tattoos, face painting, bouncy castles, play dough, water play, bubbles, sensory play, car restraint checks, art, craft and more; the day is sure to be a hit for young and old!

The Child and Parent Centre - Rangeway is a Department of Education, State funded initiative operated by the Geraldton Regional Community Education Centre. The centre offers a huge range of free activities, programs and services for children aged 0 to 8 and their families. You can visit them anytime during the week on Hovea Street in Rangeway, between 8am and 5pm. More information can be found at www.edcentre.wa.edu.au/events or by calling 9921 6814 or emailing cpc@edcentre.wa.edu.au

Changes to Motor Vehicle Expense Substantiation

/

Since the commencement of motor vehicle expense substantiation, taxpayers have had four methods by which they could substantiate their car expense deductions:

  1. Cents per kilometre method
  2. 12% of original value method
  3. 1/3 of actual expense method
  4. Log book method

As of 1 July 2015, the “12% of original value method” and “one third of actual expense method” has been withdrawn. This leaves the “cents per kilometre” and the “log book” method available to substantiate car expenses and be able to claim a deduction.

Workplace Motor Vehicle Expenses
It should be notes that there is no change to claiming deductions for “work” vehicles. Claims for work related use of vehicles such as vans and utilities with a carrying capacity of at least one tonne will not be effected by these changes.

Cents per Kilometre
The “cents per kilometre method” is limited to a maximum of 5,000 kilometres per year. Any taxpayer who travels more than 5,000 kilometres in a financial year could be financial disadvantaged if they do not have a compliant log book for the financial year ended 30 June 2016.

Guidelines to ensure your log book is compliant
To have a compliant log book, the following steps must be adhered to;

  • A log book must be kept for the first income year when a claim is made for a car and it must be maintained for a continuous 12 week period.
  • The log book must record all business journeys made in the car for the 12 week period. For each journey the following must be recorded:
  1. The date the journey began and ended
  2. The total kilometres travelled on the journey
  3. The purpose of the journey (i.e. business or private)
  4. The total number of business kilometres travelled
  • If claims are to be made using the log book method for two or more cars in a particular business, the log books must cover the same 12 week period.
  • Once a log book has been maintained for a 12 week period, the next subsequent log book is only required to be completed after 5 years.

We urge all taxpayers to discuss the motor car substantiation options with their accountant, as each taxpayer’s circumstances are different.

Should you have any queries or would like more information, please contact the Geraldton office on 9920 7400.

 

Geraldton Principal chosen to join Harvard elite

/

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has congratulated former Rangeway Primary School teacher Jacquie Quartermaine, on being one of twenty of Western Australia’s best public school principals to be selected to follow in the footsteps of Harvard alumni such as Barack Obama and Ban Ki-moon thanks to a partnership with the prestigious American university. 

“This wonderful news and a great achievement for Ms Quartermaine. She will be an outstanding ambassador for both Geraldton and Western Australia 

“As a Rangeway Primary School Board Member who has worked closely with Ms Quartermaine, I know the knowledge and experienced she gains will be put to good use when she returns,” said Mr Blayney. 

Education Minister Peter Collier said the principals would travel to Boston in June to learn from the world’s best educators, after being accepted into an intensive course delivered by the Harvard Graduate School of Education with online learning and executive mentoring. 

“The modern principal not only needs to be an exceptional leader, but an entrepreneur with the vision to drive new ideas,” Mr Collier said. 

“The Harvard experience offers a rare opportunity for Western Australian principals to explore leadership in partnership directly with their counterparts from around the world.” 

The 20 principals, who were selected from more than 130 applicants, lead a range of metropolitan and country schools including Broome Senior High School, Swan View Senior High School and Rangeway Primary School in Geraldton. 

“These principals were chosen because they have made an outstanding contribution to public education,” the Minister said. 

“On their return, they will provide expertise in future reform and innovation across all public schools, including their own.” 

A further 20 principals will be selected for the Fellowship Program in 2017.

Students benefit from $42,000 in scholarships through the Hollomby Foundation

/

Twenty Geraldton Universities Centre students will share in $42,000 in scholarships awarded through the Hollomby Foundation this year.

The GUC’s Hollomby Foundation is dedicated to the advancement of tertiary education in our region.  Named in honour of the late Joe Hollomby, the Foundation supports GUC and Mid West students to fulfil their dreams, building the capacity of our region.

This year’s recipients were chosen from the largest and strongest field of applicants yet, reflecting the record number of students studying at GUC in 2016.

2016Hollomby Foundation scholarship recipients:

Hollomby Foundation Scholarships in Nursing: Natalie Watts, Melissa Kiddle, TenaeMcCombe

Deepdale Bursary: Zoe Harrington

St John of God Health Care Geraldton Scholarship: Kimberly Ryles

St John’sKu’arlu Scholarship: DainiraPapertralk

Horwood Family Education Scholarship: Rachel Clancy

Mid West Development Commission: Jade Briggs

City of Greater Geraldton: Mikala Cooper, Morgan Freeman

Shire of Irwin Scholarship: Kobi Jeffery

Shire of Northampton: Melissa Mellan, Sonia Williams

The Hon. Paul Brown MLC, Member for the Agricultural Region: Brodie Drage, Ciarra Ryan

The Hon. Darren West MLC, Member for the Agricultural Region: Shaun Chester

Ian Blayney MLA, Member for Geraldton: SitaAjaran

Bendigo Bank: Michael Patrick

Bundiyarra Community Aboriginal Corporation: Rianna Pension

Rotary Club of Batavia Coast Scholarship: Danyelle Cowan

Enquiries from businesses or individuals wanting to sponsor a new scholarship are welcome, and should be directed to GUC on 9920 4400.

Amberland Inflatables are in Geraldton these school holidays

/

Looking for somewhere to take the kids these school holidays?

Bring them down to Maitland Park to have some fun with Amberland Inflatables. They have a wide range of inflatables including a giant water slides and bouncy castles.

They will be there every day from 10am to 4pm during the school holidays, finishing on ANZAC Day the 25th April.

Entry is only $20 and you can stay the whole day! Bring a picnic lunch, comfy chair and spend the day at Maitland Park these school holidays.

 

Crossing Australia 2016

/

Steve Grace has a dream to cross Australia from Shark Bay in W.A. to Byron Bay NSW on his Harley Davidson motor bike, sharing the Gospel.

Brian Sonneman and Wayne Anderson have a dream to fly out to remote Indigenous communities and install Christian satellite TV and Vision Radio. We also desire to share the Gospel wherever we go.

On Sunday the 18 October 2015 Steve Grace held his Shed Tour meeting at Sun City Christian Centre where God brought our vision and dreams together.

Brian Sonneman:

"We are believing that Steve Grace Ministries and Chariots of Fire Ministries can complete this mission together to fulfill the vision that God has given Steve and Brian."

"Our mission is to take the Gospel to all communities, bring unity back and stop suicide. This has already happened in Mulan in the Kimberley with the Christian media running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week."

"We can only achieve this vision with funding and support from our extended family of Churches and businesses around Australia."

If you wish to help and sow a seed in this Mission then go to our home page for more information: www.chariotsoffireministries.com.au, email cofm@bigpond.com or call Brian Sonneman on 0428889804."

"We are planning for this mission now and it can only happen with your support. We are now waiting for the final plan and times. In God's timing. Thank you for your support."

"With your HELP, WE can Stop Suicides in Remote Indigenous Communities."

"We are also looking for major sponsors for this mission. If you feel God's call to commit to this project, call Brian on 0428 889 204."

Get the latest fashion glasses with Specs 2-4-1

/

Buying a new pair of glasses can be a big decision for anyone to make. The frames you choose for your specs can express your personality and individuality. At Specs 2-4-1 our Fashion Frame Consultants can help you choose the right frame for your face shape and style. 

The fashion style for glasses at the moment is the bold look – and Specs 2-4-1 can help you be on trend with our great brands such as Celine, Fendi, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Wayne Cooper, Oroton, Police, Ray-ban and Oakley.

Specs 2-4-1 also have a great range of specs and sunglasses for kids and teens.

Do you need your specs to see at work but work in an environment where you have to wear safety glasses? Specs 2-4-1 have prescription safety glasses available and they are the agent for PSG and Eyres Safety Optixx.

As well as finding you the perfect frame Specs 2-4-1 do all repairs, eye examinations and ocular health checks.

Specs 2-4-1 Geraldton is located on Marine Terrace and proudly locally owned and operated, servicing you and your community for over 10 years. They are committed to providing you with the latest design frames fitted with the lenses to best suit your lifestyle.

Specs 2-4-1 continues to offer the “Buy one get one free deal”* which is great for the individuals who want a second pair made as sunglasses, that spare pair of readers or simply two different looks. Conditions apply, see in store for details

They also offer a large range of frames and lenses that are fully covered through most private health funds, leaving little to no out of pocket expense.

Come in and see Glenn, Karina and the team at Specs 2-4-1 today or call them on 9964 8922 to book an appointment or simply check out their stock.

 

Sunset festival to celebrate National Youth Week

/

With National Youth Week in swing, the City of Greater Geraldton will be celebrating with the ‘Gero Youth Fest’ taking place this Thursday on the Foreshore.

A sunset festival event will include local stage performers, heaps of music, entertainment, rage cage activities and there will be lots of prizes to be won.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said he encouraged local youth to get down to the Foreshore to celebrate the great event.

“Our youth are the future of this community and it is important we engage with them and put on events such as this one,” he said.

“Every year we celebrate National Youth Week with great events and this year will be no exception.

“There will be some great local young artists down there providing musical entertainment plus heaps more so I hope everyone gets down there and joins in the festivities.”

National Youth Week 2016 is ustralia's largest celebration of young people and is celebrated all around the country.

The free event will take place on the Foreshore at the Youth Precinct on Thursday 14 April from 6pm – 9pm.

For more details visit the City’s website at www.cgg.wa.gov.au or call the City on 9956 6600.

Community invited to have their say on Beresford Foreshore amenities

/

Champion Bay Marina.

If you love the Beresford Foreshore you won’t want to miss the opportunity to have your say on the amenities you believe would improve this popular stretch of Geraldton once erosion protection is in place.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said although the engineering design solution to combat erosion and protect valuable infrastructure has already been approved, the City is keen to hear from the community about amenities for this Foreshore space.

“To prevent further erosion of the Beresford Foreshore and mitigate the risk to $55 million of State and City infrastructure located along this part of the coastline a multi-agency Ministerial Working Group has worked extensively with coastal experts to develop the Beresford Foreshore Coastal Protection and Enhancement Project Engineering and Detailed Design Solution,” he said.

The earthworks required to construct extensions to the offshore breakwater and marina groynes and to build three revetments to stabilise the beach present an opportunity for the community to have their say on the repair of damaged paths and landscaping, the replacement of amenities already lost from erosion and the inclusion of other amenities.

“The Beresford Foreshore is very popular and the City is keen to collaborate with the community to develop a priority list of amenities to be included in the staged development of the Foreshore and map out where these attractive extras should be placed,” said Mayor Van Styn.

There are two opportunities for members of the community to have their say on the amenities. The first is to complete the online Beresford Foreshore Amenities Survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/Beresfordforeshore  Hard copies of the survey can be found at the Civic Centre, Geraldton Regional Library and Aquarena.  Survey closes on 2 May 2016.

The second opportunity is to take part in the Beresford Foreshore Community Workshop on Saturday 14 May 2016 from 1.30pmto 3.30pm at the City Civic Centre.  Interested members of the community must register to secure a spot as participation numbers are limited.

Partial funding for construction of the project has already been secured.

“Mid West Ports Authority and the Mid West Development Commission have already agreed to partially fund the project and the City has also applied for grant funding to cover the remaining costs,” said Mayor Van Styn.

“By combining the engineering design solution with community priorities for amenities the Beresford Foreshore will continue to be part of the coastal lifestyle that makes our City such a great place to live.

If you would like to register for the workshop contact Communications Officer - Engagement Janell Kopplhuber on 9956 6945 or email janellk@cgg.wa.gov.au

For more information on the engineering solution search Beresford Foreshore Project on the City website www.gg.wa.gov.au.

Total Uniforms…now giving you Onsite Service

/

Total Uniforms are proud to announce, to complement their expanded retail and warehouse facilities; Nick Knight has joined them as their Onsite Customer Service Representative. Nick comes with a strong background in customer service from an internationally recognised company.

Nick’s family has a long history in the Midwest and due to these ties he recently rejected a lucrative offer to join a Perth based company and has committed to service the local market that he calls home.

Nick’s primary role is to offer a complete onsite customer service to the industrial, corporate and health sectors from workwear, safety footwear, hi-vis and PPE. Nick will also service the hospitality and school sectors.

On joining Total Uniforms, Nick’s immediate focus was to ensure that their customers are getting the lowest possible prices and the best service. He has successfully negotiated great deals on a wide range of products and introduced our ‘CORE RANGE’ to help you get a better deal.

Give Nick a call and he will organise a time to come to your site, or come in and let them help you. They are sure you will be more than happy with the new look Total Uniforms.

 

The Comedy Emporium’s House Warming Show 2016

/

The Comedy Emporium is back with their cast of hilarious locals, and hilarious invaders ­ bringing you their first Showcase for the year on Friday 15 April, for their official housewarming!

Christening their new home with the first stand up comedy showcase for 2016, and bringing headliner Fabien Clark to join the fun, The Comedy Emporium want you to join them and reminisce about the old times. You might have to BYO chair but the crew are pumped and full of witty punch lines to settle you in.

“Fabien Clark spins tales and enthrals an ever­chuckling audience... Over the past 10 years, Fabien has established his comic career in the Adelaide scene, last year having impressively won the title of ‘Adelaide’s Comedian Of The Year’. And to top it off, he has single­handedly started and promoted the dreadlock­headscarf combo. One could try to liken the languid wizard of comedy to many other performers on the circuit, but in his low­key relatable humour lies a unique personal lens where the sandpit at his playgroup transforms to Pride Rock and the comedian is no longer Fabien Clark but The Lion King. Sharing Libra shopping expedition woes and craft table nightmares, this businessman from the ‘70s will have you simultaneously nodding and cackling.” Katie Bryant of ripitup.com.au reviews.

MC Luke Joesphe Ryan is sure to keep the House Warming Show rolling in laughs ­ "an unpredictable mix of smut, cheese and wit" reviews The West Australian and "He is brilliant and unpredictable. Comedy lives inside him. I love him. If you don't, you're dumb'" reviews Greg Fleet ­ supported by Jez Watts, other hilarious Perth acts and your favourite locals.

If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at a bit of standup, The Comedy Emporium are always welcoming new faces and would love to see you at their stand up workshops. You could even head down and join another regional team ­ then you don’t have to perform in front of an audience you know!

Tickets are available online now for just $25 (or less if you BYP chair!) at www.thecomedyemporium.com. If you’re late getting your ticket and buy it on the door, it costs more ­ just saying.

Call Ringmaster Julian Canny on 0458 306 111 or email laugh@thecomedyemporium.com for more information

Rob Jefferies stepping down from Chamber

/

For the past two years, Rob Jefferies has been leading the charge as the CEO of the MWCCI (Mid West Chamber of Commerce & Industry) and navigating its course through challenging economic times. Effective April 30th 2016, Mr Jefferies will step down as CEO, opening up an opportunity for an equally high calibre candidate to take over the reins. 

In his role as CEO, Rob’s influence and previous experience has given the chamber the opportunity to become a very influential organisation. His collaboration between government institutions, the city of greater Geraldton, the Midwest Development commission and also being on the forefront of dealing with new organisations and existing organisations within the Midwest region has given our members many opportunities. 

“It has been a great privilege to work with local businesses and where appropriate be their Voice on many issues and forums in the region” said Mr. Jefferies. Adding “I have made the decision to re-establish my consulting business based in the Mid West, and plan to work in facilitation of business and industry growth, regional development and to undertake project development and management.” 

The MWCCI’s efforts in the last few years through participation in regional planning, proactive engagement of government and industry leaders, taking on significant issues challenging our members’ growth and working to improve the regulatory environment businesses operate in, has established a very strong foundation to develop on. Under Rob’s leadership, the MWCCI has also dealt with many other community aspects which affect our small businesses in the region in relation to rates increases, Sunday trading and also collaborating with government on aspects which affect small business. 

From a chamber perspective Rob has driven the 2020 strategy which will pave the way for the future of the chamber to ensure it remains relevant and continue to provide a meaningful service to the business community. 

MWCCI President, Mr. Trevor Lake said “Rob has certainly paved the future of the Chamber and the next CEO’s role would have been moulded by Rob’s enthusiasm. His go, get and collaborative approach has certainly ensured that all parties who have Geraldton’s interests at heart will ensure that Geraldton and its business community benefit from this approach. We wish Rob all the best in his future endeavours and our hope is that our next CEO will benefit from the ties Rob has built.” 

The search for a new CEO begins. To learn more about the MWCCI, please call our office on 9964 6767 during normal trading hours.

Photos to Celebrate the Importance and Beauty of Rocks in the Murchison

/

Organisers of the Mount Magnet Astro Rocks Fest are calling for submissions of photos which celebrate the beauty and importance of rocks in the ancient Murchison region.

The photos will be displayed in the Murchison Geo Photo Exhibition, as part of the festival weekend which includes stargazing, talks from scientists, a visit from SciTech, and more over the weekend of May 13 and 14.

Last year’s rock photography exhibition included some 40 entries from around the region and was a popular addition to the festival program.

Mount Magnet Shire CEO, Warren Olsen said the Murchison was home to some of the most ancient rocks on the planet.

Warren said these rocks formed spectacular landscapes, and helped shape the history of the Murchison.

“Indigenous people in the Murchison region created rock art galleries and used rock ‘signposts’ to communicate with each other across space and time,” Warren said.

“They used rocks to grind seed and ochre and make tools. And rocks were vital holders of water in this dry landscape as naturally formed rock holes and gnamma holes.

Warren said rocks were just as important to Europeans, who used rocks to create outback hot water systems known as ‘donkeys’, fire-places and tanks and troughs at windmill sites.

“They also used rocks to create shelters and infrastructure for everything from shepherd huts, homesteads, shearing sheds, churches and chimneys to public buildings, road-works and railways,” Warren said.

“Rocks have been lifted, shifted and re-organised for living, working, mining and simply enjoying the Murchison region.”

Please email your photo entries (maximum of five per person), along with your name and contact detailsto hello@eventnation.com.au, before 4pm April 29.

Photos received after this date will not be accepted.

While copyright remains with photographer, the photos downloaded and displayed will remain property of Mount Magnet Astro Rocks Fest for display at the 2016 and future Astro Rocks Festivals.

The photos will go in the running for a ‘most popular photo’ prize as voted by the public.

For any queries relating to this exhibition or the 2016 Mount Magnet Astro Rock Fest please contact the event coordinators at Event Nation by email gina@eventnation.com.au or phone 08 99646088.

Aboriginal Youth to Get Healthy and Have a Blast

/

Aboriginal people aged between 12 and 25 are being urged to ensure they’re in good health – and have a blast while they’re at it – at the next free GRAMS Youth Health Day on Thursday April 14.

The Youth Health Day at Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service (GRAMS) from 9am to 3pm will enable anyone who has a free health check to go in the draw for a chance to win prizes such as driving lessons, pamper packs, Quicksilver Skateboard, Bikeand more.

The day will also host a workshop by graffiti street artist Shay Jackey who will encourage participants to try their hand at creating vibrant graffiti art.

There will also be the chance to capture all thefun in the ‘Gigglebox’ photobooth, as well as enjoy non-alcoholic drinks and a barbecue lunch, visit information stalls and take home free health promotion giveaways.

GRAMS Youth Project Officer Danielle Sutton said the Youth Health Days were designed to empower young Aboriginal men and women to make healthy changes to their lifestyle.

“We want to encourage young people to take control of their health not just when they are sick and to use the services that GRAMS provides on a regular basis,” Ms Sutton said.

“If people can make healthy lifestyle choices while they’re young, it will put them in great stead to go onto enjoy a healthy adulthood.

“This way we can enjoy a healthier community as a whole.”

GRAMS will offer free transport to and from the event. Please call (08) 9956 655 to arrange.

For more information, call GRAMS on the number above or visit the website www.grams.asn.au

Wonthella Supa IGA best in the State

/

Geraldton’s much loved and newly renovated Wonthella Supa IGA has cleaned up at the IGA State awards night.

Wonthella received three department awards for meat, grocery and customer service and managed to take out the top prize of Store of Year, making them the best Supa IGA in the state. Manager Leanne Merendino was also celebrated, receiving the ‘Rising Star’ Award. 

‘It’s fantastic for the team out there to be recognised for all their hard work,’ said Operations Manager Stuart Bain. ‘They were up against the best from around WA. Leanne has such a passion for her store and serving her customers and this is reflected in her whole team.’

Wonthella Supa IGA was reopened in 1974 by the Rigter family. Long time manager Eileen Jones became a favourite with the locals, before she passed the baton over to Leanne in 2011. It underwent a complete transformation last year with staff working overtime to create the new look you see today.

2016 marks the first year that a RegionalSupa IGA has won the award. The management crew head to Queensland in July where they will be in the running for the best store in the nation.