Brown says any sale of Geraldton Port will not have his support

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Paul Brown MP with Geraldton Port in the background.

In response to comments by Labor MLC, Darren West that the complete removal of the Port Expansion Project (PEP) charge and the forgiving of the remainder of the loan is a precursor for a future sale of the Geraldton Port., Nationals WA Member of Parliament and candidate for the seat of Geraldton Paul Brown MP, speaking on local radio this week, clearly stated that he would not support any future sale of the Geraldton Port.

Calls by Mr Brown for the removal of the PEP charges and the remainder of the loan have been agreed to by the Minister for Transport in this year’s State Budget.

Mr Brown said “Geraldton Port sale comments are nothing more than blatant scaremongering by the Labor party and its members. The removal of the PEP charges were due to a concerted call over a considerable period of time by myself and other community members, particularly the northern grain farming community, to recognise the contribution that had already been made without a substantial reduction in the loan amount.”

“Along with my Nationals WA colleagues, I have opposed the proposed sale of the Fremantle Port and I would definitely not be supporting any sale of the Geraldton Port. At this point there has been no discussion of a proposal except from the Labor’s Darren West. Perhaps it’s them warming up the community for a potential sale if they have the opportunity to form government.”

The Port Expansion Project was undertaken in 2003 to deepen the inner harbour and the shipping channel of the Geraldton Port to enable larger vessels to be fully loaded at the port, rather than the previous operations model which was to partially load before continuing to Fremantle to complete the loading. This model only increased the charges to growers by requiring addition fees at two ports.

Mr Brown said “The need for the Geraldton Port to remain in government control has been strengthened when you look at the requirement to continue the sand bypass from Pages Beach as part of the coastal erosion that is attributed to the port expansion in 2003.”

“I also think that the potential for a future port development at Oakajee would restrict the financial return of anyone that wanted to buy the current Geraldton Port. If I was going to spend the time and money on a port in this area I would be looking to entice a developer that might look favourably on a 50 year “build and operate” model for Oakajee.”

“We always seem to want to undertake these projects at the top of the economic cycle rather than look for investments at the bottom of the cycle where we are now.”

Kalbarri Boardriders making waves for the environment

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NACC’s Coastal and Marine Program team this week joined-up with members of the Kalbarri Boardriders for a bit of landscape restoration – helping to revegetate the dunes surrounding a new memorial shelter at Jacques Point.

The shelter, which was solely funded by community donations and many volunteer hours, was recently erected in memory of two young men from Kalbarri who lost their lives when the trawler they were aboard sank at Nichol Bay last year.

NACC’s Quick Step Grant Program provided the Boardriders with 200 coastal native plants which were put in the ground with help from more than 25 volunteer members of the community.

NACC Coastal and Marine Project Officer Vanessa McGuiness said: “It was fantastic to see so many people jump in and help support the Kalbarri Boardriders revegetate such an important site that is valued highly in the community. We hope to see more projects go ahead like these in the region, supporting both Kalbarri and the environment.”

Vanessa said that adding to the perfection and beauty of the day, the surf picked-up just as the plants were all in the ground, and getting ready to be watered by Rick Davey, Ranger from the Shire of Northampton.

“Then it was a case of ‘Surf’s up’,” she said.

Look out for the memorial shelter’s grand opening on Sunday 5 June.

For more information on the Coastal and Marine Program, or opportunities to apply for grants, please contact Vanessa McGuiness on 9938 0108 or vanessa.mcguiness@nacc.com.au.

School holidays at the Western Australian Museum – Geraldton: Imagine it! Design it! Build it!

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Imagine it, design it and build it at the WA Museum – Geraldton these school holidays.

Become a mini-architect-builder and explore the ideas, designs and possibilities of buildings and structures. How does climate, the environment, sustainability and needs of the community influence and change building design in our world today?

Take a step back in time and be inspired by the architecture of Monsignor John Hawes, responsible for many iconic buildings throughout the Mid West. His designs are also this year’s theme of the Museum’s annual Clem Burns Heritage Award. Local school students are submitting models as their entries. They will be on display from 29 June until 17 July 2016.

Have fun drawing inspired plans, adding your designs to existing buildings and imagining buildings of the future.

Great Ideas Wall
Dates: 2 – 17 July 2016
Cost: free
Age: all ages
Bookings: not required for groups of less than 5

Be inspired by Monsignor John Hawes and the design principles he followed in his iconic buildings throughout the Mid West. Check out the great models on display in the Clem Burns Heritage Award and then select elements of environment and location, shapes and materials, function and sustainability from the list architects use today. Create your designs for a building suitable for Geraldton and add it to the Museum’s ’Great Ideas Wall’. 

Geraldton re-designed!
Dates: 2 – 17 July 2016
Cost: free
Age: all ages
Bookings: not required for groups of less than 5

Choose an image of a well-known building around Geraldton. Let your imagination soar as you draw, cut and paste on the image to change the way the building looks. What would be the environmental impact of your ideas? What ways would your ideas improve the way the building is used?

Say it in Lego
Dates: 2 – 17 July 2016
Cost: free
Age: all ages
Bookings: not required for groups of less than 5

What fantastic structures will you build? A building, home, slide, swing, or even a climbing adventure playground? Maybe something never seen or dreamed of before? Share photos of your designs on social media using #wamholidayfun. 

Activity corner
Dates: 2 – 17 July 2016
Cost: free
Age: all ages
Bookings: not required for groups of less than 5

Come and enjoy the great range of free family activities and games in our creative hub of construction.

Trails
Dates: 2 – 17 July 2016
Cost: $3 or $2.50 each for families of 4 or more
Ages: all ages
Bookings:  not required for groups of less than 10

Choose an activity trail to take you on a journey of discovery around the WA Museum – Geraldton.

Venue: WA Museum – Geraldton (Museum Place, Batavia Coast Marina) 

Further information: call 9431 8393 or visit http://museum.wa.gov.au/whats-on/school-holidays/Geraldton 

Bookings: not required

Programs are subject to availability. All children 12 years and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Building a competitive Western Australian defence supply sector

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Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has congratulated GCo Electrical in Geraldton on their receipt of a $30,000 grant toimprove their competitiveness to secure work related to the Australian Government's multi-billion dollar defence programs.

The funding is part of the defence-specific round of the State Government's Industry Facilitation and Support Program (IFSP).

Mr Blayney said IFSP would enable small and medium-sized businesses in Western Australia to purchase equipment, upgrade facilities, and contract finance and marketing experts.

“The successful recipients will use this funding to up-skill and diversify their business base, ensuring they are in the best position possible to take advantage of defence-related contracts,” Mr Blayney said.

“GCo Electrical will use this funding to improve internal business infrastructure systems to ensure they continue to offer a broad scope of works and solutions to their customers.”  

The IFSP defence round will provide more than $350,000 in dollar-for-dollar assistance to 16 WA businesses.

Mr Blayney said IFSP has supported 257 WA-based SMEs to win 539 major contracts valued at $313 million since 2011.

"The State Government's $4.4 million investment in local industry has resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in major contracts that have created 565 new jobs, including 66 apprenticeships," Mr Blayney said.

“I’d like to congratulate Murray Hadley and his team for developing a company that looks across WA and Australia for work.

“One of Geraldton’s strengths into the future is to develop as a venue for education and training, and as a base for companies like GCo,” said Mr Blayney.

Goodness Festival to Inspire

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Pollinators and partners have met to plan a range of inspiring science, sustainability and innovation activities during the 2016 Goodness Festival in Geraldton.

Held over National Science Week from August 14th to 21st, the Goodness Festival brings together a kaleidoscope of exhibits, activities and presentations aimed at thrilling participants with the wonders of science and innovation. Last year more than 3500 people participated in Goodness activities, and 2016 promises to be just as attractive.

This year’s Goodness Festival will operate under the themes of Ocean Science, Bright Green (environmental conservation), Smart Health (health-related technology), Light Science (astrology and astrophotography), Engineering Energy and Social Innovation.

It will include a mix of professional development workshops and talks, community events and festivities, school events and activities and a ‘hub’ of activity at the WA Museum.

“There are plans for some fascinating tours, professional development opportunities, inspiring public talks, pitches for funding and interactive family activities,” Mr Outhwaite said.

Pollinators is also welcoming organisations and individuals to help create the Goodness Festival by hosting their own activities under the Goodness Festival umbrella.

Pollinators Community Lead Andrew Outhwaite said this model enables partner organisations to host science, sustainability and innovation events that suit their needs, while leveraging Pollinators’ marketing, communications, partnership and back-end administration capabilities.

“It’s a win-win-win where an organisation might use the Goodness Festival as an opportunity to bring a speaker to Geraldton, Pollinators will help market it and sell tickets, and our community gets inspired and informed in ways that otherwise wouldn't happen” Mr Outhwaite said.

Goodness Science, Sustainability and Innovation Festival is an Inspiring Australia initiative, supported by the Australian Government as part of National Science Week, and by Regional Development Australia Mid West Gascoyne.

Anyone interested in being part of the Goodness Festival should check the website for updates: http://www.goodness.org.au or contact Mr Outhwaite directly via email andrew@pollinators.org.au or on 0466 694 702

Scholarships invaluable for growth of local students

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Corin Desmond

Jarna Kendle

Central Regional TAFE students Corin Desmond and Jarna Kendle are among the first recipients of the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council (NACC), Conservation and Land Management (CALM) scholarships, delivered through the Batavia Coast Maritime Institute (BCMI) campus in Geraldton.

The scholarships were introduced last year, and Corin and Jarna encourage anyone considering a career in this industry to apply – regardless of their age or experience.

Corin, 20, began studying at the BCMI in 2014 and was a scholarship recipient in 2015. He startedstudying the Certificate IIin Conservation and Land Management (CALM), and is now completing his Diploma in CALM.

Corin went straight from Year 12 to study at the BCMI, choosing TAFE over university as he prefers the hands-on experience offered through vocational education and training. Since undertaking the course Corin said he has learnt theory aspects that are equally as important as the practical elements, like record keeping and management skills.

Growing up in an environmentally conscious family, studying CALM was a natural choice for Corin as he’s spent many hours volunteering with his father who works with the Department of Parks and Wildlife.

He was involved, from inception, in the black-flanked rock wallaby project where a number of the species once thought to be locally extinct were recently released into Kalbarri National Park.

“I was involved as a volunteer, collecting scat and setting up camera traps to monitor the effectiveness of pest control to check that the area was safe to release the animals,” he said.

Corin said receiving the scholarship has helped him enormously from an economic perspective.

“It has the flow on effect of freeing up more time for study and also allows me more time to volunteer, and take part in BCMI’s ongoing Abrolhos islands’ restoration project.”

The BCMI’s Biodiversity Conservation Projects Manager (Abrolhos islands), MarykeGray, said Corin has been a significant participant in the Abrolhos project.

“Corin is a great asset to the restoration project, demonstratingpractical skills including on-site groundworks, biodiversity monitoring and developing site management plans,” she said.

“He has shown great leadership to the Certificate II and III students on his regular trips to the Abrolhos.”

Both Corin and Jarna said the NACC scholarships are a fantastic opportunity and encourage everyone interested in the field to apply to study the CALM program at the BCMI. They both said lecturers have been incredibly supportive and helpful of anything they have undertaken, and age is no barrier to applying.

Jarna, 32, who is equally passionate about the environment, has returned to study after a break to raise her family.

Originally a biosecurity officer, Jarna said being a NACC scholarship recipient to assist with expenses while studying the Certificate IV and Diploma in CALM has not only helped financially but has given her confidence knowing she has qualifications on her resume.

“I’ve always been passionate about the environment and wanted to gain qualifications to confidently re-enter the workforce,” she said.

“Studying at the BCMI has been amazing with opportunities like being a part of the Abrolhos project and working with industry partners like NACC and the Department of Parks and Wildlife.”

Jarna said she has had some incredible job opportunities presented already, through the study and work experience elements of the course, including an offer from a national company with a base in Geraldton.

“I want to finish my studies first and then I really want to get back into biosecurity,” she said.

Both Corin and Jarna’s advice to anyone thinking about a career in CALM is to gain some experience by volunteering

“And get to know the local community members who are involved,” added Jarna.

For more information visit this link: http://www.durack.edu.au/students/future/scholarships/government-funded-scholarships on the Central Regional TAFE website or contact Maryke Gray on (08) 9956 2892.

Applications for the NACC scholarships close on Sunday, June 5 2016.

Kathleen Nelly named named Durack Aboriginal Student of the Year

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Kathleen Nelly with her Aboriginal Student of the Year award – and others she has earned over the past two years! 

Kathleen Nelly has achieved a great deal since beginning work at Bundiyarra in 2013, and in April this year, she was named Durack Institute of Technology’s Aboriginal Student of the Year. Through a work placement at Bundiyarra as part of her Business Certificate II, Kathleen became a fulltime employee.

Last year, Kathleen returned to study the Certificate IV in Digital Media and Technology at Durack three days a week, while working at Bundiyarra for the other two, and was the recipient of three scholarships to help her on her way.

She was awarded the 2015 Aboriginal Education and Employment and Training Committee (AEETC) Academic Careers Pathways scholarship, and the 2015 Rio Tinto Aboriginal Scholarship. Kathleen also earned herself the 2015 Mid West Development Commission Certificate IV in Digital Media Scholarship to continue her studies at Durack Institute.

Kathleen, 21, has achieved what she set out to do and is now working fulltime at Bundiyarra once again as Administration Coordinator.

Kathleen said she is thrilled to have successfully completed her studies and looks forward to using her new skills as part of her full time role.

Stories of Geraldton: There were twenty kids in the whole school ... so it wasn’t very big. It was daunting coming here...

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I finished school last year. I did ATAR, so it was just study, study, study. I’ve been accepted into Notre Dame, so I’m going to do Early Childhood teaching. Hopefully I’ll be a good teacher. I moved to Geraldton about five years ago from a town that had 300 people in it. There were twenty kids in the whole school including me and three of my siblings, so it wasn’t very big. It was daunting coming here, but when I think about going to Perth it’s even bigger and scarier.  

I took a gap year to gain experience and meet new people. My favourite thing about my job is meeting lots of people and talking to lots of people, becoming more of a person outside of school. It’s the best when people realise you remember their name and what coffee they drink and it makes my day better. That’s why I love what I do.

Consumer Watch - What everyone building a house should know

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With Consumer Protection Geraldton receiving enquiries recently about builders experiencing financial difficulty, the Building Commission has provided the following information to assist anyone whose building work remains unfinished or whose builder becomes insolvent.

We understand the frustration homeowners face when they are confronted with incomplete work and a builder who is no longer able to trade.  It is important to know that all residential building work valued over $20,000 is required to be covered by home indemnity insurance (HII).  

HII protects owners against financial loss if a builder cannot complete residential building work because of death, disappearance or insolvency of the builder. 

Occasionally, there is a period of uncertainty for owners between when a builder begins to experience financial distress and when they actually become insolvent. The following points may be helpful if you find yourself in this situation.

  • Before construction or renovation of your home starts it is vitally important that you read and understand the terms and conditions of the contract and what should be agreed as the progress payment points at the various stages of construction. 
  • Progress payments should only be made in accordance with the contract terms and when the work has been carried out.
  • A builder having trouble meeting its obligations may attempt to make arrangements with another builder to complete the building work. You have a choice as to whether or not you go ahead with this new builder or wait until it is confirmed that your builder is insolvent and lodge a claim with your HII provider.
  • Understand what your rights and obligations are if you wish to terminate your contract.  You should get legal advice.
  • Contact your home indemnity insurance provider. Details of who you need to contact will be on your certificate of insurance, which can be obtained from your builder or applicable local government.  
  • Delays may result in other unplanned expense or stresses including additional rent or storage costs while your home is completed. If you are experiencing any financial difficulties as a result of the delays, you may need to contact your bank or lender.

Once the builder has become insolvent and you haven’t transitioned to a new builder, you are able to make a HII claim against your policy. The claim will be treated in a timely manner as the insurers and their agents are very aware that it can be a frustrating and anxious time for home owners and can represent a significant financial burden.  

If approved, the insurer will work with you to resolve the issues associated with the completion of the building contract.  This may involve seeking quotes to complete the work, appointing a new builder to complete construction of the works and assess the shortfall (if any) of work against the progress payments.  Claims made under HII are capped at $100,000 and the policy may have up to a $500 excess that the home owner has to bear.

Talk to the Building Commission

If you are worried about your builder’s ability to complete your home you should raise these concerns with the Building Commission by phoning 1300 489 099 or email bcinfo@commerce.wa.gov.au.

Road maintenance works in Kojarena and East Chapman

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that it will be undertaking road maintenance works in the localities of Kojarena and East Chapman between 30 May and 30 June 2016.

Lateral tree pruning and vegetation clearing to improve road user’s line of site and road safety will occur on Kojarena Road South and on Angels Road.

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.

Clustering for Growth – Cluster Musters

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  • Global Cluster Expert in Geraldton to meet with businesses
  • Aim is Growing the Pie for the region
  • Focus on Horticulture; Wind and Wave and Marine Services

International clustering expert Ifor Ffowcs-Williams, CEO from Cluster Navigators Limited will be in Geraldton for a series of follow up meetings with local businesses to continue with cluster development in the Mid West on June 8, 9 and 10.

Mr Ffowcs-Williams previously visited Geraldton earlier this year to explore possible cluster development approaches for horticulture, adventure and experiential tourism (Wind and Wave) and marine services. Since then, more businesses have been communicated with and the response has been overwhelmingly positive with several ideas put forward where collaboration could hold the key to "growing the pie" for the Region. 

The project, led by local business identity Todd West (Glassco) and Trish Palmonari (Mid West Development Commission), is part of the Mid West Regional Blueprint and Growing Greater Geraldton, a partnership project by the City of Greater Geraldton, Mid West Development Commission and the Department of Regional Development, as part of the Government's regional centre development program. 

According to Todd West – Clustering is a “coalition of the willing”.

“Whilst the opportunities are apparent, the missing ingredient for such collaboration is often the "glue" - who has the time or resources on top of their day jobs to organise meetings, facilitate the agreements, do the research and manage the initiatives?” Mr West explains.

“That is where the public sector can play a useful role. The business leaders just focus on what they are best at and what will help their cluster grow. 

“This is a proven methodology for business-led growth, with public sector in support. Academia (research and education) completes the "triple helix". 

“Following the exploratory meetings in April, the Greater Geraldton Growth Plan Partnership met to assess the potential of the cluster development approach and expressed wholehearted support for offering this approach to the development of a Horticulture, Marine Services and Wind and Wave (adventure and experiential tourism) cluster. 

“This means that a highly capable facilitator will be available to work with the group to assess and agree the areas to focus on, starting with the "low hanging fruit". There will also be some seed funding to enable those early initiatives to get up and running quickly and produce results. 

“We are fortunate that Ifor Ffowcs-Williams will be in WA in mid-June. We are making the most of this opportunity by holding a series of "cluster musters" to ignite the cluster developments. The musters will review the information we have about the growth potential and identify the priority areas to pursue.

“We are looking forward to seeing as many businesses there as we can. We know that other regions in the world have achieved impressive results that in today's global economy just couldn't be achieved without a structured approach to collaboration - we are excited by what this approach could deliver for us here,” Mr West said.

For further information about the Cluster Musters contact Trish Palmonari on 0428 210 712.

Students and Science: Check out the The ConocoPhillips Science Experience

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Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney is encouraging Geraldton students in Years 9 and 10 to consider taking part in the ConocoPhillips Science Experience. Mr Blayney is a sponsor of this program and two students from Geraldton Senior College will participate.

The program encourages students in Years 9 and 10 to consider science, engineering and technology as interesting, worthwhile subjects and careers choices.

The programs are essentially for 3-4 days of hands-on science fun and practical activities in laboratories, short interactive lectures from prominent scientist and most programs include a visit to a local research/industry site. Each program provides information on possible careers and future study opportunities and allows students to become members of the Young Scientists of Australia, if they wish.

The registration fee for the 3 day program is $120 (inc GST) per student and the 4 day program is $160 (inc GST) per student. This program is also supported by Rotary through the Science Schools Foundation (Inc), which is an independent non-profit association of educationalists, Rotarians and industrials. I am really pleased to be able to support this program.

Registration can be made by contacting (03) 9756 7534 or online at: admin@scienceexperience.com.au

Trying to get help in the system

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A woman reached out to EG a few weeks ago, at her wits end and demanding a return phone call. I rang back as quickly as I could. For privacy reasons we'll call her Jane. (That's not her real name, but Jane is such a wonderful name I like to use it whenever I can.) 

I wondered what I had done to upset her. Turns out she wasn't upset about anything to do with Everything Geraldton. Moreover, she didn't live anywhere near Geraldton. She lives in Rockingham. That would be Mark McGowan's electorate if I'm not mistaken. 

She reached out to EG, as well as a number of other media outlets, in a desperate attempt to have her story told. She told me the other outlets had basically said "we don't like to deal with these sorts of things" and I guess I can understand why. But I decided to listen to Jane for some time as she related her troubles. 

Here it is in a nutshell. 

Jane has seven kids. She's come out of a violent relationship. She had a VRO for her and her children's protection, but as she put it, "I may as well wipe my arse with the VRO." She says her ex breached it at least 20 times. 

Her ex husband committed a terrible crime recently and is about to go to jail. Jane says he got her onto meth a decade ago, and she says she's been off it for a bit over 100 days. Jane is also medicated for bipolar.

Oh yes. Seven kids, who have been brought up in a violent home, and are about to see their father locked away for a long time. 

Most men I know head to the doctor for that special procedure after kid number three, because they know the limits of what they can cope with. But Jane has seven, ranging from 14 to 1.

Jane copes. 

But barely. 

And she's been trying to get some help. 

Admittedly, she's already helped out by the government/taxpayer. She doesn't work, and receives the usual benefits a single mother receives. 

But Jane has been trying to get some assistance with caring for the kids from agencies like DCP. 

But because Jane copes she doesn't quite qualify. 

You see, Jane was told the only way she could get some extra assistance was if her kids were in actual danger. 

Jane had explained she was suicidal and barely coping at times. But it seems "barely coping" translates into "you're coping so you're not our problem." 

Someone kindly advised Jane that all she needed to do was lie to DCP and tell them she had neglected her youngest child. Jane told them the lie they needed to hear, and was then able to get day care for the children. 

It seems that if you're on the edge of coping, and can feel yourself slipping, there's not a lot of help available until you've actually slipped. 

Jane doesn't want her kids to go into foster homes. But she tells me she doesn't feel like she's coping much of the time. She says she's trying to get some sort of in home care or assistance to help keep her from the edge, but because she isn't bad enough of a parent, she's struggling to get the assistance. In her words: "I'm not a bad enough mum for DCP to do anything, but don't feel like I can keep treading water for much longer."

But having recently watched Jane try and navigate the numerous organisations that are ostensibly there to help, I can see why she's frustrated.

Here's another example of the difficulty faced by Jane in looking for assistance.

Jane's nine year old daughter has been more difficult than usual lately. Perhaps that's an understatement. She actually tried to run onto the road in front of a car. The daughter confessed to a psych worker she wants to kill herself, and explained how she would carry it out. She also explained how she would hurt her siblings. Jane tells me that this daughter has a history of similar behaviour. After the recent episode of the nine year old running out the front of the home and heading for the road, only stopped by a friend who happened to be arriving who tackled the girl to the ground, Jane sought help. 

As per her instructions from the support agencies, she called the Police. They said in a nutshell "What do you expect us to do? Call agency X or go to the emergency department of the hospital." Agency X also said "go to the hospital." The hospital admitted the daughter, but wanted her gone the next day with no other advice. After arguing and fighting Jane was able to take the daughter to another hospital in Perth. But they didn't want her either, because she wasn't displaying any problematic behaviour at that time. So home Jane went. But she didn't make it all the way home. Nine year old started threatening to open the car door and jump out on the freeway. So off to the nearest hospital, Fiona Stanley. And guess what. They don't want the daughter there any more either. Fair enough. They've got sick people to look after. So where do you take a suicidal nine year old who's threatening to hurt her siblings and herself? DCP will know. 

Nope. DCP said, and I quote because I heard the conversation, "That's up to you to talk to the hospital about."

"But I can't take my daughter home because it's unsafe, and the hospital says I can't leave her there. What do I do?" Jane asks. 

"That's up to you to talk to the hospital about," DCP says again. 

I'm sure you're a better parent than Jane. I'm sure you'd never make the life choices that would lead a person to this point. Good for you. 

But the fact of the matter is there are plenty of people like Jane living in our communities, and they struggle to navigate the complicated network of government departments and agencies. And some of these people don't fit our definitions of who qualifies for assistance.

They feel like they're being handballed each time they pick up the phone and ask for help.

I've done as much independent investigation as I can, viewed correspondence and court records, but as you can imagine DCP aren't too keen on speaking with the media about specific cases. I'm sure there's more than one side to the story, and I'm sure the individuals at all the different agencies are doing their best. Is Jane just someone who has failed to take responsibility for her own actions and needs to blame the "system" to make herself feel better, or is she someone who doesn't quite fit the description of a person who needs help, and hasn't said the magic words yet to get it? Is her case symptomatic of the disconnected age we live in where we can't even reach out to our neighbours or family and ask for help, and instead depend on the tax payer to fund an agency to solve our problems?

I don't know. But I keep meeting people who can't find the help they say they need, and they seem to be trying their best.

Here’s how you can get new sports gear at a very big discount

/ Sportspower Geraldton/

It’s definitely hoodie weather right now, and luckily for us Sportspower Geraldton are having a sale this week. 

The storewide sale has items up to 51% off. Store manager Adam Rowe tells us some of the items with the massive discount include footwear and apparel. 

Sportspower also stocks a range of sporting related accessories such as footwear, apparel, fitness equipment, accessories and team supporters gear, which is all on sale. 

Head on in and check out what’s on offer. The sale starts tomorrow and runs until Saturday at 4pm. Sportspower are located at 65 Marine Terrace in town. You can reach them on 9921 1779. 

They’re open weekdays 8:30am till 5:30pm, and until 7pm on Thursday and until 4pm on Saturdays. 

Northampton High School burgled three times in three weeks

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According to information from the Northampton Police, Northampton District High School was subjected to 3 burglaries over three weeks between ANZAC weekend and May 11. Police would like the community's assistance in catching the offenders. 

"Offenders targeted the manual arts building, stealing welders, plasma cutters, a lathe and several drills and grinders. The Yuna and Binnu Golf Clubs have also been burgled in the last month with a TV and significant amounts of alcohol stolen. These offences have cost the school, its students, the clubs and their members and the wider community thousands of dollars, so if you have any information that may assist us to identify offenders, please let us know, or report it anonymously via Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000."

Clay program creates positive outcomes for Mullewa students

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Artist Debbie Crothers with Mullewa students

A collaborative program in Mullewa that has helped students learn about important life lessons has been praised by local schools.

The City of Greater Geraldton in Mullewa joined forces with clay artist Debbie Crothers to present the Polymer Care program.

Debbie engaged with students from Mullewa District High, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Primary School as well as the local community to facilitate 11 polymer clay workshops at the Mullewa Women’s Indigenous Centre.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the main objective behind the project was to not only teach students new abilities but also some important life skills in a fun and interactive environment.

“We’ve had absolutely great feedback from all those who were involved, including the students,” he said.

Each school student successfully made a polymer clay piece that had relevance to a life lesson.

Kindy and pre-primary students made polymer clay dogs to accompany a thoroughly informative session on the correct way to care for dogs by two passionate volunteers from Geraldton Dog Rescue and a City Ranger.

Older students made their mums a polymer clay heart for Mother’s Day and transferred their own images of what makes them happy onto a bead, then took part in a fun and interactive session on positive feelings and general well-being with two inspiring Helping Minds and WA Centre for Rural Health employees.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Principal Di Nyman said she was over the moon with the outcomes of the project and hopes that it will be continued next year.

“It was absolutely brilliant and the kids loved it,” she said.

“Where else would you get the opportunity to work with such a specialist product like polymer clay along with an artist who specialises in it.”

The City of Greater Geraldton extended their thanks to those involved including Geraldton Dog Rescue, Helping Minds – Geraldton, Department of Child Protection and Family Services, Mullewa Women’s Indigenous Group, WA Centre for Rural Health, Mullewa District High School, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Primary School, Debbie Crothers and the Mullewa community.