Local businesses and tradies angry about handling of Shane Crothers Homes collapse

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Since Everything Geraldton published news about the demise of Shane Crothers Homes, multiple business owners have come forward and expressed anger at the situation, claiming they are owed many of thousands of dollars and have been kept in the dark. 

Some of the business owners we spoke with did not want to be named, but shared that they are extremely angry over how they felt they had been treated, and the money they are owed. 

Based on the number of businesses that have contacted Everything Geraldton, lots of people have not been paid. 

There's also mystery surrounding who exactly is the administrator for Shane Crothers Homes Pty Ltd, with several creditors speculating that an administrator HAS NOT taken control of the company yet as Mr Crothers asserted. 

Company Director Mr Shane Crothers stated to Everything Geraldton last week that Shane Crothers Homes had entered into voluntary administration, but at the time of publication of this article the business is not listed with ASIC as being in administration, nor is anyone we have spoken to aware of who the administrator is. According to ASIC, no Form 505 Notification of appointment or cessation of an external administrator has been lodged. 

The following information is from ASIC for creditors (people owed money) regarding voluntary administration, and it explains a little about what happens when someone who owes you money enters administration. 

ASIC says the administrator will contact people within days. It's been over a week, and no one has heard anything, and Mr Crothers isn't returning calls. 

This is also from ASIC:

It says administrators have 8 days to call a meeting for creditors. Tomorrow (Wednesday 10 May) will be the eighth business day since the public was informed by Mr Crothers that Shane Crothers Homes had entered into voluntary administration, and no meeting has been organised yet. 

Everything Geraldton received a copy of the correspondence Mr Crothers sent out to clients, claiming that he had sold the company, AND it had entered into administration. Accountants we have spoken with are confused how the company can both be sold, and have entered into voluntary administration. 

There has been no word on who the buyer of "the business" is, and what it is exactly the mystery buyer has purchased. Mr Crothers claims the unnamed new builder will be employing SCH staff immediately. 

Everything Geraldton has since tried multiple times to get in touch with Mr Crothers. None of our phone calls have been returned. 

When we spoke with Mr Crothers last week we directly asked if people currently building with Shane Crothers Homes would have their projects completed. He said he was unable to answer that question, even though he had already assured clients that the unnamed "new builder" would see the homes through to completion. 

Everything Geraldton did some digging on what public information is available for Shane Crothers Homes. 

Shane Crothers Homes Pty Ltd is fully owned by KALBANK HOLDINGS PTY LTD, which is in turn fully owned by Shane Alfred Crothers. 

(Kalbank Holdings is also not listed as being in administration with ASIC.)

The principal place of business listed for Shane Crothers Homes Pty Ltd with ASIC is 144 Flores Road. 

This property, interestingly, is not owned by Shane Crothers Homes Pty Ltd. According to Landgate the property is owned by CHAPMAN ROAD SMSF WARRANT PTY LTD.

SMSF stands for self managed super fund. 

This self managed super fund, according to public records on ASIC, is owned by Debra Michelle Crothers and Shane Alfred Crothers. 

Individual creditors, some of whom say they are owed hundreds of thousands, are fearful they may not be able to touch the property at Flores Road because it is owned by a separate superannuation fund, and not Shane Crothers Homes Pty Ltd. 

In the ASIC filings for CHAPMAN ROAD SMSF WARRANT PTY LTD, Mr Shane Crothers is registered in one role as living at 189 Parmelia Boulevard, White Peak, and in another as living at 15 Basile Court, Wandina. 

15 Basile Court is registered with Landgate as being owned by Lisa Jane Vince. This property was also advertised this year as being for rent. 15 Basile Court is, however, still the registered address ASIC has for Debra Crothers and Shane Crothers. 

189 Parmelia Boulevard is registered with Landgate as being owned by Debra Michelle Crothers, and is "Subject to Dealing".

189 Parmelia is also currently advertised for sale. (Link.)

Based on publicly available information we could find, none of the properties associated with Mr Shane Crothers or Shane Crothers Homes Pty Ltd are held in the names of Shane Crothers or Shane Crothers Homes Pty Ltd. 

We have been informed by creditors that other properties also exist. 

All of the ownership information we have published is publicly available online. No private information has been published. 

There are also questions surrounding the future of the businesses "Devpro Unit Developments" and "Devpro Design & Construct". 

Everything Geraldton has not been able to contact the office number at Devpro, with the phone simply giving an engaged signal. 

Devpro Unit Developments and Devpro Design and Construct are both trading names for WAVERLEY CORPORATION PTY LTD.

WAVERLEY CORPORATION PTY LTD also lists its principal place of business as 144 Flores Road. 

The current directors of WAVERLEY CORPORATION PTY LTD are Shane Alfred Crothers and John Preston Crothers. 

Almost 50% of WAVERLEY CORPORATION PTY LTD is owned by KALBANK HOLDINGS PTY LTD. (120,000 shares) (which is in turn owned by Mr Shane Crothers.)

Crothers Bros. Holdings Pty Ltd owns 40,000 shares. (which is owned by Lorraine Crothers and Geoffrey Crothers.)

JP and KH Crothers Pty Ltd own 40,000 shares. (which is owned by JOHN PRESTON CROTHERS and KATHRYN HELEN CROTHERS.)

LORRAINE KAYE CROTHERS owns 25 shares. 

SHANE CROTHERS HOMES PTY LTD owns 25 shares (which is in turn owned by Kalbank Holdings, which is in turn owned by Mr Shane Crothers.)

A.C.N. 008 685 836 PTY LTD owns 50 shares. (Yes, that's the name of the company. It's previous name was GERALDTON BRICKWORKS PTY LTD). (it is owned by STARFIELD NOMINEES PTY LTD which is registered at the same address as Lorraine Crothers and Geoffrey Crothers. A liquidator was appointed in 2014.)

It is unclear if WAVERLEY CORPORATION PTY LTD / DEVPRO is still trading. They also have not been contactable. 

"When I asked about the money he owed me, he laughed."

Daniel Tyler from Bubbles Plumbing and Gas says he's owed between $14,000 and $15,000 by Shane Crothers Homes, and feels like he's been kept in the dark.

He says he heard rumours about Shane Crothers Homes closing, and he rang Mr Shane Crothers on Monday morning of last week (2/5/16) to find out the story. 

"I did speak to him Monday morning. I rang at around 8:30. He told me he'd gone into voluntary liquidation. But in the letter he said administration. They're totally different things. When I asked about the money he owed me, he laughed and said “well you won't see that will you.” It was like he didn’t care. 

"[Since then] I haven’t heard a thing from him. You ring their office, and it just goes on an answering machine. 

"No administrator has contacted me, and I haven’t been able to find out who the administrator is. I’ve looked on ASIC and there’s nothing registered on there as being in administration."

We asked Mr Tyler if he expected to be paid eventually. 

"I’ve got no idea, I’ve got no idea about the whole thing because no one’s saying anything. A lot of people are owed money through town, and no one knows, they’re all in the dark as well.”

PLEASE NOTE:

Everything Geraldton has been advised that Geoff and Lorraine Crothers do not live at 95 Brede Street, and have not lived there for several years. It appears they have not informed ASIC of their current address. 

Everything Geraldton has been advised that Shane and Debra Crothers do not live at 15 Basile Ct, and have not lived there for several years. It appears they have not informed ASIC of their current address. 

Shane Crothers Homes

Kalbank Holdings

Chapman Road SMSF Warrant Pty Ltd

Waverly Corporation

Note: Everything Geraldton has been advised that Geoff and Lorraine Crothers do not live at 95 Brede Street, and have not lived there for several years. It appears they have not informed ASIC of their current address. 

Crothers Bros. Holdings

Note: Everything Geraldton has been advised that Geoff and Lorraine Crothers do not live at 95 Brede Street, and have not lived there for several years. It appears they have not informed ASIC of their current address. 

A.C.N. 008 685 836 Pty Ltd 

Note: Everything Geraldton has been advised that Geoff and Lorraine Crothers do not live at 95 Brede Street, and have not lived there for several years. It appears they have not informed ASIC of their current address. 

JP & KH Crothers Pty Ltd

15 Basile Court

Note: The owner of this property does not appear to be associated with Shane Crothers. However, this address is the address Mr Crothers has publicly listed with ASIC for most of his businesses. It is not clear if Mr Crothers has up to date information registered with ASIC or not. 

144 Flores Road

189 Parmelia Blvd

Changes to City of Greater Geraldton Carpark Stations

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City of Greater Geraldton rangers are alerting drivers that Carpark stations have changed.

Carpark stations within the City of Greater Geraldton have changed to provide an improved user friendly experience and consistency with signage located throughout the State.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the City’s parking machines now provide credit card and coin payment options. 

“The credit card payment option is an added convenience however as with all technology, there are times when credit card connection to banks is affected preventing the use of credit card facilities,” the Mayor said.

“It is, however advisable to have coins at hand, because it is also a legal requirement to utilise the coin option if the credit card facility is faulty.”

Placing the parking ticket on the dash of the vehicle so it is clearly visible is also a legal requirement allowing the Parking Ranger to easily detect the ticket.

“Paying for parking either within a parking station or ‘on road’ parking has historically been a contention for many people,” said Mayor Van Styn.

“Contrary to what some believe, Parking Rangers do not enforce parking compliance for revenue gain, they monitor parking to assist local businesses with economic gain by ensuring potential customers have fair and regular access to parking bays.

“For example, if vehicles were permitted to park in the Marine Terrace mall with no time limits applicable, the ability for customers to park adjacent and or close to shops would be impacted and in turn negatively affect Geraldton’s economic as a whole.”

If vehicles overstay the permitted time limit, not only does that prohibit other vehicles from accessing parking, it also decreases small business revenue.

Duboulay Street tree maintenance

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be undertaking tree maintenance works on Duboulay Street in the West End from Tuesday 10 May to Wednesday 11 May 2016.

Maintenance works include the pruning of 19 of the Western Australian Peppermint Trees and the removal of three trees which have died or are excessively decayed.

Although the City is always reluctant to remove trees as they add to the liveability of the City, in this case the trees pose a serious risk to pedestrians, motorists and homes.  New trees will be planted to replace the trees being removed.

During the tree maintenance the Duboulay Street will open for local traffic only.  Motorists and pedestrians are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries regarding the renewal works please contact Graham Smith Reserves Supervisor on 08 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Nationals WA MP calls for rejection of Cashless Welfare Card in Geraldton

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Nationals WA Member of Parliament Paul Brown MP, is calling on Federal Minister for Human Services, Alan Tudge to remove Geraldton from consideration as a trial site for the Cashless Welfare Card.

I was initially happy to consider the benefits of implementation of a trial and the investment in community services that it might have delivered,” Mr Brown said.

“However, I have been speaking and listening to many advocacy groups from across the Geraldton community. The overwhelming opinion has been that the welfare card is not welcome. There is a feeling that the federal government has not done enough to convince our community of its merits.”

Trial sites in Ceduna, South Australia and in the East Kimberley have already been established by the federal government. Significant investment into these communities has been delivered by the federal government with Ceduna ($1mill) and East Kimberley ($1.7mill) each seeing social, rehabilitation and mental health services being expanded.

“The Geraldton community obviously faces a range of recognised issues such as domestic violence, drug and alcohol addiction and a lack of resources in rehabilitation services,” Mr Brown said.

“As a state government representative of Geraldton I was hopeful that the Human Services Minister would seek to partner with the community and the state government to invest in the services needed to make the trial a success.”

“Unfortunately that has not been the case and I believe there is a lack of understanding at the federal level about the growing concerns of the community, and a lack of commitment to invest in the services that would be impacted if the trial went ahead,” Mr Brown said.

Nationals WA Federal Senate candidate Kado Muir supports Mr Brown’s stance.

“Initially, I too was very supportive of the Cashless Welfare card but after consideration of the potential impact, I feel it is far too early for Geraldton to be a trial site. The Cashless Welfare Card focuses on some of the most vulnerable members of our community and we really need to be sure that we have fully funded and resourced wrap around services to ensure they are supported if things go wrong.” Senate candidate Muir said.

The Batavia and recent discoveries

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Researchers carefully excavating a burial site at Beacon Island, 2015.Photo courtesy Dr Paul Bourke, ARC Linkage Grant: Shipwrecks of the Roaring Forties

The story of the infamous Batavia shipwreck continues to unfold with new perspectives and discoveries.

Members of the public are invited to join local historian Dr Howard Gray and WA Museum Maritime Archaeology Curator Corioli Souter for an afternoon of back-to-back lectures about the Batavia and recent findings at the Western Australian Museum – Geraldton next week.

WA Museum – Geraldton Regional Manager Catherine Belcher said the lectures are part of the 2016 WA Heritage Festival.

“The WA Heritage Festival theme of ‘Discovery and Rediscoveries’ is a great opportunity to explore new theories and research about the Batavia,” Ms Belcher said.

“Although it was wrecked 387 years ago, interest in this brutal chapter in Western Australia’s maritime history continues to grow. Dr Gray and Ms Souter’s research reveals even more of this incredible story than was previously known.”

The Batavia wrecked on Morning Reef near Beacon Island in the Houtman Abrolhos in June 1629.

Of about 341 people on board, most made it to nearby islands; 196 people died, most during a mutiny among the survivors, including women and children.

During the first lecture, Dr Gray will explore the fascinating journey of the rescue ship Sardam, sent to recover the treasures and survivors of the Batavia wreck.
 
Ms Souter will present an overview of the Australian Research Council funded project called Shipwrecks of the Roaring Forties: a maritime archaeological reassessment of some of Australia's earliest shipwrecks, with a focus on the 2015 archaeological excavations of the Batavia related sites at Beacon Island.
 
The lectures will be held on Saturday 14 May in the Museum’s Wedge building and will run from 2pm – 4pm. Entry is free but bookings are essential for each lecture via 9431 8393. Light refreshments will be provided.

 

Call To End Cashless Card Threat

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Local MLC Darren West has again rejected threats for Geraldton to become the third trial site for the cashless card.

Mr West said both he and Carol Martin, Candidate for Durack, had voiced concern when it became apparent there was widespread community opposition.

“The trial for Geraldton is based on poor assumptions.

“Funds set aside for the cashless card would be better invested in services that actually help people,” Mr West said.

“Ms Price unequivocally stated in her Letter to the Editor, published in the Geraldton Guardian on February 3 “I want to make it very clear that the Turnbull Government will only proceed with the trial with the support of the community.”

On that basis Mr West said he believed that the trial should not go ahead in Geraldton.

“Where is that community support?” Mr West said.

No other community leaders have come out in favour of the trial.

“Neither the Member for Geraldton nor any of our upper house members have come out in support.

“The City is “neutral” despite a 2009 council motion opposing income management in the City. Further, the Mayor has not offered support in an official capacity and even the local Chamber of Commerce and Industry has no formal position.

“Given this, why is the Member for Durack and the Turnbull Government so keen to proceed?”

Mr West said the trial was unlikely to solve the social issues in the community and urged the Government to reinstate services to help those who need them.

“Since the Abbott/Turnbull Government came to power in 2013, services have been slashed in the Mid-West.

“We need to empower our local community. The threat of a cashless card trial does the opposite.”

Near miss - Barrett Drive T Junction

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Everything Geraldton.

NEAR MISS -  3:10pm 6th May 2016
AtT Junction of Brand Highway and Barrett Drive, Tarcoola Beach.

We were travelling south on Brand Highway, when an off white 4WD vehicle came off Barrett Drive turning north on Brand Highway, as another vehicle turned left, off Brand Highway, up Barrett drive.

But then as we were travelling south on Brand Highway, an orange coloured dual cab vehicle -on the STOP SIGN, turned out onto Brand Highway turning RIGHTto go north, as our white car was going south. I was the passenger..All I could see in front of our car -was the orange coloured vehicle...........Oh my!!!

BUT for my husband's quick thinking and driving, as he veered suddenly to his right, we would have hit the orange coloured dual cab vehicle.

Wow!!  What a lucky escape for both vehicles. (Hope the driver reads this???)

ThisT-Junction, with Barrett drive has a STOP SIGN...has had a number of accidents at the sight..

Coming from the north, Brand Highway has two lanes.  Very close just south of Barrett drive, on Brand Highway the road becomes ONE Lane.  Drivers on Barrett Drive STOP SIGN, who want to turn RIGHT to go north on Brand Highway, DO NOT WATCH THE VEHICLES CLOSELY ENOUGH.  SOME VEHICLES TURN LEFT UP BARRETT DRIVE, (with flickers on), WHILE OTHERS LIKE OUR VEHICLE , (without flickers on),  GO STRAIGHT AHEAD – SOUTH ON BRAND HIGHWAY.   We feel very lucky that no accident happened today.

 

Beryl & Robert of Wandina.

Mental Health Commitment Needed for Greater Geraldton

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Local MLC Darren West today called on the Barnett Liberal/National Government to honour its commitment to the people of Greater Geraldton to build the acute mental health facility that was promised in 2013.

While Mr West welcomed the Government’s recent announcement to provide much needed funds for the North West, there was no mention of any funding for Geraldton.

“Geraldton and the Mid-West region has again missed out on services and facilities under this Government.

“Despite promises by senior Liberal and National Government Ministers, nothing has yet come to fruition and the Mid West remains without this vital service,” Mr West said.

“This Liberal/National Government promises the world before an election but fails to deliver when in office.”

Mr West said it’s way past time for action and called for real funds to be allocated to mental health in Thursday’s state budget.

Securing our Economic Future - Western Australia launches Regional Film Fund

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Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has welcomed a new Western Australian Regional Film Fund, which is expected to generate wide-ranging rewards for the regions and the State by drawing more productions to Western Australia.  

Multiple film production opportunities would drive job creation through local procurement, skills development and tourism – showcasing regional WA’s extraordinary landscapes, stories and experiences. 

Treasurer Mike Nahan said the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program would continue to build a stronger economy by supporting initiatives like the $16 million fund.

“This will encourage strategic investment in film-making in the regions, helping support and grow local economies and contributing to the vibrancy of country communities,” he said.  

Culture and the Arts Minister John Day said the fund provided WA with a competitive advantage over other states in attracting productions to shoot in Western Australia.  

"The screen industry will welcome the fund as it will attract key national and international players to make content here while maximising the use of local crews and talent," he said. 

"ScreenWest will administer the fund, partnering with regional development commissions to market WA’s great locations locally and overseas to attract productions.” 

He said the fund sought to extend recent successful partnerships with the screen industry. 

“The current production of Breath in Denmark has generated more than 250 local jobs,” Mr Day said. “Jasper Jones recently finished shooting in Pemberton in the South West and Red Dog: True Blue worked alongside the Pilbara Development Commission.” 

Last chance to have your say on the Beresford Foreshore

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​

9 May, 2016

If you love the Beresford Foreshore and are between the ages of 15 and 45 it’s not too late to have your say on the facilities or amenities that would improve this popular stretch of Geraldton coastline.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said registrations for the Beresford Foreshore Community Workshop have been steady over the past three weeks with only a few spots remaining to be filled.

“The response from the community to take part in this workshop has been really great with more than 30 residents aged between 10-85 years already registered to attend,” he said.

“However, we still have a few spots open for teenagers of all ages and members of the community under the age of 45.

“The workshop is an important opportunity for people of all ages to share their thoughts and ideas on the Beresford Foreshore and I would encourage residents to register before it’s too late.”

If you would like to attend the workshop call 9956 6945 or email janellk@cgg.wa.gov.au. Registrations close Thursday 12 May at 5pm.

2016 National 2016 National Volunteer Week EXPOVolunteer Week EXPO

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The Volunteering EXPO is back! Centacare Volunteer Service held its last Volunteering EXPO in 2013 to celebrate National Volunteer Week. The EXPO was a resounding success with 20+ exhibitors on show, lots of networking happening and some new potential volunteers engaged.

The 2016 National Volunteer Week EXPO is being held on Thursday 12 May at the Queen Elizabeth Centre Upper Hall from 2:00pm – 6:00pm. This is a fantastic opportunity for volunteer involving organisations to showcase their volunteering programs to the public. The EXPO provides a recruitment opportunity and also allows volunteer managers and other staff to network with their colleagues in fellow organisations.

Of course it is absolutely about new potential volunteers engaging with the various groups exhibiting too. So if you are thinking about commencing a new or looking for a different volunteer opportunity, then this is the place for you. 

The volunteer organisations that will be attending the expo are – 

  • The Art of Living
  • Cape Burney Bush Fire Brigade
  • Community Group of Greenough
  • City of Greater Geraldton
  • Geraldton Visitor Centre Meet & Greet Volunteers
  • Friends of Geraldton Gardens - Froggs Inc
  • Geraldton Dog Rescue
  • Geraldton Local Drug Action Group
  • Geraldton Volunteer Marine Rescue Group
  • Juniper Hillcrest Geraldton
  • The Menshed Geraldton Incorporated
  • PCYC Geraldton
  • Geraldton Greenough Farmers Market
  • Geraldton Greenough Sunshine Festival
  • Australian Red Cross
  • Relay For Life Midwest
  • Riding for the Disabled Midwest-Geraldton
  • Soroptimist International of Geraldton Inc
  • St John Ambulance
  • WACHS - Midwest
  • Waggrakine Volunteer Bushfire Brigade

To stay updated with the latest information about the expo have a look at the event page on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/events/259723537697155/

This event is in partnership with and supported by the City of Greater Geraldton

 

This dog will help 6 year old Jamie by alerting his parents to seizures

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Hello, firstly we would like to introduce ourselves. We are Brent and Michelle REID.

We are fundraising on behalf of our 6 year old son, Jamie.

Jamie was born with a rare brain condition called Bilateral Frontal Polymicrogyria. The result of this is uncontrollable epilepsy (150-350 seizures a week), Autism, Global Development Delays and Intellectual Disabilities.

Jamie has been selected as a suitable candidate for an Autism/Seizure assistance dog. The dog will assist Jamie and the family by alerting us to seizures prior to them occurring. The dog will also assist Jamie personally with his Autism. The assistance dog is trained to disrupt autistic melt downs and ensure Jamies safety when out in public. The assistance dog is trained to be tethered to Jamie allowing him freedom to walk freely without the need to be placed in a trolley/stroller or strong hand grip. Jamie has a penchant to want to get out and run and without the knowledge of his own safety. The assistance dog will be with him at all times and when required will stop Jamie to ensure his safety. This is extremely important in situations where there is water, as Jamie has a fixation with playing with water.

The dog is also trained to be able to track Jamie and locate his should he get out and wander off.

The assistance dog will deliver peace of mind, comfort and safety for Jamie. The opportunity it will give Jamie will be outstanding as it will offer him a greater level of independence that a normal 6 year would enjoy. The assistance dog will open his world and like most special needs kids allow him to feel normal and like he fits.

As part of the process of placing the dog with Jamie, we have agreed to fundraise towards the dogs training. The training of each Smart Pup costs $25,000.00 and as a not for profit organisation they rely on fundraising to be able to provide an assistance dog to the candidate family.

This is where we are asking if you would be able to assist in any way possible to help us achieve this opportunity for Jamie.

 

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All donations made are charitable donations to Smart Pups. To let them know that your donation is in support of a particular Smart Pups family you can use ONE of the donation codes provided below when completing a direct Bank Deposit or PayPal transaction. Donations without a donation code will be allocated to the general Training Program to help Smart Pups cover the balance of the training costs for our families.

DONATION CODE OPTIONS:

a) FULL NAME CODE: Jamie Reid or
b) ALFA CODE: jmrd or c) NUMERIC CODE: 55209

To donate via direct deposit - Smart Pups Westpac | BSB: 034198 | ACC: 415185
To donate via PayPal - Click on the BIG RED Smart Pups Donate Button on the website at www.smartpups.org.au.

NB: The three donation code options are provided in an attempt to meet the different code restrictions set by each Banks IT system. A direct Bank Deposit does not attract any fees. If making a donation via PayPal you must manually type the child’s name in the ‘NOTES TO SELLER’ field at the time you make the transaction. Please be aware that, as there is no fee waiver in place for charitable donations, PayPal will charge Smart Pups an administration fee on each donation.

Future needs met with new Geraldton station

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With the opening of a new $6.53 million fire station in Geraldton on Friday 22 April firefighters in the Midwest Gascoyne are better resourced than ever to support the growing regional community.

Emergency Services Minister Joe Francis said the new station, on North West Coastal Highway, delivers first class facilities for emergency services personnel who provide a lifesaving service to the community.

"They work to protect the community every day - responding to fires, road crashes, chemical spills and other serious incidents,” Mr Francis said.

"This new facility will provide extra capacity to allow firefighters to train, store equipment and recuperate between incidents."

Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Wayne Gregson said that as communities like Geraldton continue to expand, DFES must be forward thinking and ensure it can meet the growing demand for emergency services. 

“The state-of-the-art design of this fire station encapsulates DFES’ vision of catering for future expansion, and our commitment to adapting to the changing needs of the community,” Commissioner Gregson said. 

“As more and more incidents occur in this State requiring crews from near and far, this additional capacity may be critical to emergency response in this region in the future.” 

The purpose built station includes three large appliance bays and an increased accommodation capacity, with the ability to meet extra demand for staff and equipment in the future.

The facility features an outdoor training area, including a confined space rescue tower to enhance firefighters' skills, and a hygiene facility to ensure personnel are free from contaminants when returning from incidents.

Midwest Gascoyne Superintendent Kim Lambkin said the firefighters from the station face a diverse range of hazards and challenges. 

“These include major industrial incidents, emergencies on heavy haulage road and rail networks, heavy export port facilities and its busy airport,” Superintendent Lambkin said.

“This means that the men and women who serve here must receive varied and intense training. These training needs are catered for by this building.”

Last year, firefighters from Geraldton Fire Station attended more than 450 incidents. Demand for emergency services is expected to increase, with the population in the region predicted to grow to more than 80,000 by 2026.

The new fire station replaces the existing station which was built on Durlacher Street in 1969.