The war on drugs has never worked anywhere else in the world but it will work in Geraldton

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You may be asking why our politicians are so hell-bent on fighting drug users with criminal sentences and tough laws.

And you may often wonder why the police brag on social media so often about busting people with something most of us have taken more than once, treating drug users like idiots.

You may think that because fighting the war on drugs has never worked anywhere in the world it won't work here.

But you'd be wrong.

We're different. Australians are the best kind of people in the world so we know what we're doing.

If we fight hard enough and spend enough tax payer money and get more cops and jails, then eventually we'll get the upper hand and there will be no more drugs in our community. (Except alcohol, but that doesn't count because alcohol has never caused any problems and is a big revenue raiser for the government.)

"Why send them to jail?" you may be asking. "There's even more dugs there!"

Well, by being surrounded by lots of other people who do drugs and deal drugs they're likely to learn how bad drugs are, and they'll never do drugs again. It's obvious when you think about it. 

"But WHY are drugs bad?" lots of people ask. "Shouldn't I be allowed to decide what I put in my body?"

Look, on the surface it may make sense to let adults make their own decisions about what to do with their bodies. Life is short. It seems people should be allowed to enjoy their momentary existence however they choose. You're responsible enough to vote, get married, be drafted then killed in war, and have gender reassignment surgery if you want. So you may think that people should be able to choose what they consume. 

But you're wrong.  

You don't understand how much smarter politicians are than regular folk. They get to go to special private schools like Scotch college that cost $50,000 a year, and they come from better stock.

And by living nowhere near any poverty or any suburb that has a lot of drug users, they're more aware of how to deal with the problem.

They know what's best for us. And they've decided that alcohol gets the thumbs up, prescription anti depressants should be consumed like Minties™, but cannabis is an evil plant probably created by Satan.

"But people are still easily getting drugs despite all the money spent on fighting them!" is one popular argument against continuing the status quo.

But that's just because we haven't scared, I mean, educated the community enough yet of the consequences of drugs.

"But the current laws are what's making drug taking dangerous, because people can't test what they're taking!" I hear you say.

Pfft. If we made it safe for people to take drugs, then what would the media print each week? Everyone knows newspaper circulation is plummeting, and TV viewership is basically now just over 50s who don't have a grandchild that can set up Netflix for them. Without the scary "drugs are bad" stories, news organisations will have to come up with a different trope to get everyone tut-tutting at their screens and constantly worried about the state of the world.

Besides, meth.

That's right. Meth. I love meth. I mean, I don't love meth. I mean, the word meth is so powerful now that you can just say "meth head" and straight away a picture of a scab-riddled-zombie appears in your mind and you basically want to shoot it with a sawn-off shot gun and scream "think of the children" while running into the reassuring arms of Constable Care. 

We don't even need to have a conversation about all the different drugs that are no worse than alcohol, if we just mention "meth" then talk about dugs generally. Because then we can just associate the zombie picture in your mind with all drugs and lump all those drug users onto that shelf.

What's that? You want meth use decriminalised too, and to reallocate the $1.7 billion spent fighting drugs on resources to HELP addicts who want to quit?

Gah! Crazy talk.

Look, drugs and crime are related. No one is exactly sure how much crime is because of drug use. But it seems pretty legit. I read about it in The West™ once. So if we want people to stop breaking into our homes we have to make drugs hard to get and expensive so they can't afford them and have to ... wait...  

"But Portugal decriminalised all drug use and crime actually dropped! Even drug use declined."

Rubbish. Just because all the statistics about Portugal being so much better off since they decriminalised all the drugs are blindingly obvious, doesn't mean we want to be like Portugal.

What about being more like the USA? They have the second highest incarceration rate in the world, at 698 per 100,000 people, only behind a country you've never heard of called Seyechelles with a population of about two Geraldtons. Wouldn't you rather be like the USA where all the cool violent movies come from, rather than where Nandos comes from? When was the last time you watched a Portugese movie? Exactly. Coz they're not cool. Americans are cool.

It's not like the WA laws are unfair or anything. Here's an excerpt from lawstuff.org.au that helps young people get wise about ... law stuff. This is for WA.

"You can also get into trouble if the police catch you at a mate’s place where people are smoking cocaine or heroin. Even if you don’t smoke yourself, you could be fined up to $2,000 and/or have to go to jail for up to 2 years just for being there."

Sure, many pedeophiles get less than 2 years. But it's good to know that by being at a house where someone else does cocaine, you can go to jail for 2 years. Australia definitely has it's priorities sorted. 

And if you think that's too harsh... a lot of the effort is spent catching the dealers anyway, not the users. 

Which makes a lot of sense really when you think about it. If we catch all the dealers, then people won't be able to get drugs and when there's low supply, we all know what happens. That's right. People decide not to do drugs at all and just stay at home and enjoy a quiet cup of tea. 

Look, people need the government to stop them from doing things that are bad. We can't be expected to make decisions for ourselves. Sure, that approach totally isn't working right now and drugs are everywhere, but we just need to raise taxes a bit more so we can afford more prisons and cops, then we'll definitely get rid of the drugs.

And a really good social media campaign will help too, because social media is trendy with the "youth", who are the ones whose drug use is on the rise.

Oh what's that you say? The only age groups that are increasing in drug use in Australia are the over 50's and over 60's according to Australian drug use stats? (Link)

Oh.  Um...

Yeah, those dodgy grandparents. I knew it was them.

That recent "dob in a dealer" campaign the WA Police ran worked I think. It netted $50,000 worth of guns and drugs in Geraldton and the surrounding areas. Not sure what the breakdown was between firearms and drugs... but that has to be at least 2 or 3 days worth of drugs in the Mid West. 

Look, if we don't have the constant moral panic in our community over drug use, then how will the existing political system continue to justify its existence. We can't allow individual freedom to become more important than maintaining the status quo.

I think I might celebrate getting all those drugs off the street by drinking a bottle of wine, and remind myself how much better I am than drug users.

(For the record, I don't do drugs. Except pseudoephedrine. And caffeine. And alcohol. And nicotine. And whatever those blue pills are my mate gave me that help my "stamina".)

Help create a green city

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Join a community planting day this June.

A green city has been identified as our community’s top priority and you can help make this vision a reality by taking part in community tree planting days.

The City is urging the community to be a part of the green transformation by joining in tree planting events which will be held in June.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the planting days were a result of community consultations.

“In previous public consultations we asked the public what would make Greater Geraldton a better place to live and we found that having a green city was a top priority,” he said.

“We are now asking for people’s help in making this priority a reality by joining in our community tree planting days.”

The first planting day is on Saturday 11 June from 10am-12noon with a free sausage sizzle afterwards and is being hosted by the Chapman River Friends. The planting will be on the corner of Swan Drive and Chapman Road, Sunset. Parking is at Spalding Park, where the group will return afterward for a BBQ.

The second will be at Back Beach on Saturday 18 June from 2pm to 4pm, with a sausage sizzle afterwards. Planting will be in the South Pipe dunes just south of the Surf Club. Parking will be available at the Surf Club.

Everyone is welcome to take part in the Community Planting Day, no gardening experience is necessary. Wear suitable clothes and bring your own gloves, hat, water bottle and hand spade if you have one.

This project is supported by funding through City of Greater Geraldton, the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program and Green Army Program, and the West Australian Government’s State NRM Program.

For more information see the City of Greater Geraldton’s event calendar at www.cgg.wa.gov.au/events or phone the City on 9956 6600. 

 

Grant funds repairs to 24 rural roads

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More than $3.7 million in external funding has been secured by the City of Greater Geraldton to undertake repairs and minor upgrades to 24 rural roads damaged during flooding events last year.

The majority of the repairs will be on unsealed roads spread over an extensive area.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the funding from the Western Australia Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements program was significant and helps support the local economy.

“Through this 100 per cent funded program the City has the opportunity to invest millions of dollars of external funds into our rural road network,” he said.

“The repairs and upgrades to 24 rural roads will create a significant economic boost to the region by supporting local contractors who have been appointed to undertake the work.

“Local contractor Central Earthmoving was recently awarded the tender and The City is currently finalising the scope of work for each road with the contractor. Works are expected to begin shortly.”

Thanks for some great service

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I would just like to say a kind word to the staff at Harvey Norman, computer section.

My wife & i had a few unwanted computer problems and the help was more than sales and service. One problem was fixing up a critical area on a tablet, asked what payment and and the reply was `none, just helping you out, no charge`.

Great help thanks to Gavin & staff at Harvey Norman computer section.

- Leon

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We love hearing your stories of great customer service in town. Feel free to contact us with any notes of thanks you think should be published by emailing geraldton@justeverything.com.au  

Improvements to wastewater infrastructure in Geraldton

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Residents in regional Western Australia will benefit from the State Government’s investment in water and wastewater projects.

Water Minister Mia Davies has announced $782 million had been committed to Water Corporation projects across Western Australia, as part of the 2016-17 State Budget.

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney, welcomed the announcement today, saying local projects – including upgrades to Geraldton’s wastewater infrastructure would benefit, helping to ensure the community has access to quality and reliable water and wastewater services.

In the 2016-17 year, a total of $782 million has been committed to capital investment projects across the State. These projects will improve Water Corporation’s services, and ensure its customers have access to reliable, high quality water and wastewater services.

In the Mid-West, a total of $23 million will be invested in capital projects in 2016-17.

Improvements to wastewater infrastructure in Geraldton

• Water Corporation will invest $4 million in 2016-17 to improve wastewater infrastructure in Geraldton. 

• It includes an upgrade to the Geraldton Wastewater Treatment Plant to improve odour control, effluent and sludge handling capabilities.  As well as construct a wastewater pump station within the Glenfield Beach Estate to service residential development.

• Work is expected to begin in July 2016 and be completed by September 2017 with an estimated total value of $6 million.

Water Corporation provides water, wastewater and drainage services to more than 2 million people across the 2.6 million square kilometre expanse of Western Australia.

These projects will improve Water Corporation’s services, and ensure its customers have access to quality and reliable water and wastewater services.

For more information about projects in your area visit www.watercorporation.com.au.

Mobility beach access ramps opens

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‘Count Me In’ Regional Ambassador Chris Kerr, CEO Mid West Community Living Association Angie Phillips, Geraldton Manager Disability Services Commission Sheena Byrne and Mayor Shane Van Styn test drive the new ramp.

Access to the beach and ocean for people just got a whole lot easier with the long awaited completion of the mobility beach access ramp at Town Beach.
 
The specially designed beach wheelchair ramp, which is engineered to counteract erosion from the sea, features a slip resistant concrete path and stainless steel handrails that extend down to the high water mark on the beach is also surrounded by newly planted coastal seedlings.
 
Located across from the basketball half court, the ramp has been placed in close proximity to the recently refurbished toilet block in the Youth Precinct, which conveniently houses the new beach wheelchair in the first Changing Places Facility in Western Australia.
 
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the completion of the ramp is another important milestone in the City’s journey to become more accessible and inclusive.
 
“The mobility beach access ramp is another fantastic asset the City has developed that supports people with disability and their families so everyone can fully enjoy our coastal lifestyle,” he said.
 
“With all the improvements made in the past 11 months including resurfacing footpaths throughout the CBD and the soon to be completed fully accessible Francis Street Finger Jetty our City is truly on the way to becoming the greatest regional accessible City in Australia.”
 
‘Count Me In’ Regional Ambassador Chris Kerr says she’s thrilled to see all the changes taking place that are resulting a more inclusive community.
 
“This beach ramp is going to give everyone, regardless of their level of ability, much better access to the beach than we’ve ever had before in Geraldton,” she said.
 
“I’m really excited about getting into the water and look forward to trying out the new beach wheelchair too.”
 
The $285,000 project was partially funded by the Disability Services Commission, a grant funding program administered by the Western Australian Local Government Association contributing $50,000.

The Geraldton Crime Survey

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This survey is for residents in and around Geraldton. 

Submissions are anonymous. 

Results will be published on Everything Geraldton. 

If you can't see the survey below (eg if you are viewing this from the Everything Geraldton app) click here. 

Building site on Polwarth Parade being robbed

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Just sent in to Everything Geraldton from a resident on Polwarth Pde, Deepdale. 

"A loud car has been doing laps up and down the street for a hour or so. We heard a loud bang and I looked outside and saw tailights a going very slowly down the street. A few minutes later the same loud car, a v8, had stopped outside the front of my house and turned off the car. I went outside to look what was happening and saw a man putting a 6m long timber into the back of a well body utility vehicle. I asked him what was he doing and he ran to his car. It struck me as suspicious so I took the rego of the vehicle and he sped off quite quickly down the street. I yelled after him that I got his rego. The car turned into a driveway a little way down the street, I couldn't see which but it was very close. I could hear people talking and doors closing. I had a look at the place I thought they had been stealing from and saw a spotlight torch on a pile of timber that had some missing. I rang the police and told them what happened. Two patrol cars arrived within minutes and did patrols of the area. I don't know if they found the people stealing or not but they seem to have left the area now. They collected the torch from the building site. We are sure someone on the street will know who has a dark loud v8 that has been out driving tonight. I would sure like to know who the person is who has been stealing tonight. I sure don't want them on my street anymore!"

Do you want to win $1000 for your Sports Club?

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Do you want to win one of 3 $1000 cash prizes for your Sports Club?

All you have to do is create a short video about your sports club. It can be about your members, the club or how you might spend the $1000 if you win. Get creative and have some fun with your video. Show Rigters Supermarkets what makes your club special.

Once you have put a video together upload it to one of the Rigters Supermarkets Facebook pages – 

Queens Supa IGA
Wonthella Supa IGA
Rigters Supa IGA

The best three videos will be chosen by Rigters Supermarkets and will be awarded $1000 each.

Entries close 30th June and the winners will be announced by the7th July.

Your sports club must be within Geraldton or surrounding catchment and must be a registered sports club (juniors to seniors).

Good luck to everyone who enters.

TV Run Out Deals with Harvey Norman Electrical

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If you are thinking about upgrading your TV now is the time to do it. Harvey Norman Electrical is having a run out deal on a huge range of TVs including curved TVs, Smart TVs and 3D TVs.

Samsung 65” Series 7 4K Ultra HD LED LCD 3D Ready Smart Curved TV
$3395

Hisense 75” K700 Vidaa Ultra HD LED LCD Smart TV
$3497

LG 65” EG960T 4K Ultra HD OLED 3D Capable Smart Curved TV
$7975

For more great TV specials have a look at Harvey Norman Electrical’s Ultimate Home catalogue 

If you not in need of a new TV you should still come down to Harvey Norman Electrical because when you purchase a home appliance from their latest catalogue you will receive a bonus digital gift card. Current Catalogue Link Here.

And if you thought Harvey Norman Electrical couldn’t possibly have any more great deals going, they also have up to 20% off selected AEG Kitchen Appliances 

With so many great deals happening at Harvey Norman Electrical, your best bet is to get in store and speak to one of their friendly staff. Harvey Norman Electrical are located at 38 Chapman Rd or you can call them on 9964 0111

 

Prepare now for severe weather

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If you live in an area southwest of a line from Geraldton to Southern Cross to Norseman to Israelite Bay you need to prepare your home and family now for the severe weather coming Saturday. 

This includes people in Perth metropolitan area, Geraldton, Dalwallinu, Jurien Bay, York, Mandurah, Bunbury, Busselton, Margaret River, Bridgetown, Albany, Katanning, Narrogin, Southern Cross and Esperance and surrounding areas.

This weather is not unusual for this time of year, but could damage homes and make travel dangerous

WHAT TO DO:

DFES has these tips to help you and your family prepare before the bad weather starts: 

  • Trim branches around your home to prevent them falling on your roof or car. 
  • Clear gutters and downpipes so they do not overflow after heavy rain. 
  • Store or weigh down loose objects around your home or work like outdoor furniture that could be picked up and thrown by strong winds, causing damage or injury. 
  • Prepare an emergency kit with a battery operated radio, torch, spare batteries and first aid kit. 
  • Organise an emergency plan, including a relocation plan for your family and pets in case your home becomes flooded. 

WEATHER DETAILS: 

As at 11.35am on Friday 20 May 2016 the Bureau of Meteorology advises the first significant cold front of the year is expected to affect southwest WA during Saturday.

The strong cold front is likely to cause widespread damaging winds to 100 kilometres per hour that could result in damage to homes and property. In isolated areas dangerous gusts in excess of 125 kilometres per hour could cause significant damage or destruction to homes and property.

Damaging winds are expected to develop about the Southwest Capes late Friday evening, extending to reach Perth to Katanning to Albany by 6:00am Saturday and Jurien Bay to Merredin to Hopetoun by late morning.

Higher than normal tides may cause flooding of low-lying coastal areas particularly along the west coast during Saturday morning around the time of high tide. Dangerous surf conditions which could cause some beach erosion are also likely.

Heavy rainfall will occur with the passage of the front with the heaviest falls expected southwest of a line Perth to Albany. Isolated thunderstorms and small hail are possible southwest of a line Perth to Albany, extending along the south coast to Esperance during Saturday afternoon and evening.

People in the southwest of WA experience a front as windy as this about 5 times per year.

Storms may be accompanied by:

  • Damaging winds 
  • Heavy rainfall, which may lead to flash flooding
  • Small hail

IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE: 

  • If your home has been badly damaged by a storm, call the State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500
  • In a life threatening situation call 000

After a storm SES volunteers make temporary repairs to homes that have been badly damaged, such as roofs that have been ripped off or large fallen trees on homes and cars. Please contact your insurance company to organise permanent repairs. 

KEEP UP TO DATE: 

Visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa or listen to news bulletins. 

For the latest weather warnings visit www.bom.gov.au/wa/warnings or call 1300 659 213. 

Special General Meeting (Merger of GRCEC with Ngala)

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Geraldton Regional Community Education Centre invites you to a Special General Meeting (Merger of GRCEC with Ngala) for a vote by Financial Members only on Tuesday, 14th June 2016, 5.30pm in the Function Room of Geraldton Regional Community Education Centre.

RSVP to Grady Smith by Monday 6th June 2016 via grady@edcentre.wa.edu.au or (08) 9921 4477.

Batavia Furniture & Bedding’s Autumn Sale

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Batavia Furniture and Bedding are having an Autumn Sale with up to 30% off lounges, beds, mattresses, dining tables and more. Come and see them at the Homemaker Centre to grab yourself a great deal on furniture and bedding.

Do you want to win a $500 voucher with Batavia Furniture and Bedding?

Just go to their Facebook page for details on how you could win, competition closes 18th June 2016

 

Movie Review- Captain America: Civil War

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My kids were super hyped for this one. All their YouTube heroes (they basically watch YouTube instead of TV these days) have been raving about Civil War.

Rotten Tomatoes has a score of 90.

My take: Overrated. Try as I might, I just couldn't bring myself to care about any of the characters.

I've watched and enjoyed all the past Captain America flicks, and Iron Man and even the Avengers.

Maybe it's all gotten too much.

My eight year old's take: Epic!