Country Football Showdown

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Avon supporter, Mia Davies MLA and GNFL supporter, Paul Brown MP. 

Nationals WA MP’s Mia Davies and Paul Brown will be on opposing sides during this weekend’s Country Championships regional fixture between the Great Northern Football League (GNFL) and Avon Football Association (Avon), which will take place under the lights at Wonthella Oval this Saturday night.

As Minister for Sport and Recreation Ms Davies is a footy fan no matter what the colour jumper, but as Member for Central Wheatbelt, she’ll be throwing her support behind Avon for the match, with Member for the Agricultural Region and Geraldton local, Paul Brown barracking for the GNFL.

The regional fixture is an initiative between the Western Australian Country Football League and Landmark to bring the Landmark Championships to the regions. Senior fixtures will be held throughout regional WA during the weekend of June 17-19, with a total of six matches being played. Matches will be played in Mount Barker, Kalannie, Narrogin, Geraldton, Bunbury, and Wongan Hills.

“As someone who is passionate about country grassroots sport, it’s great to see the first round of the Landmark Championships will be held in regional WA,” Ms Davies said.

“I’m also pleased the women will be playing a curtain raiser, opportunities like this are now even more important with the announcement of the AFL women’s league this week,” she said.

The Landmark Country Football Championships have been held over 40 years, and the remainder of this year’s fixtures will be played in the metropolitan during the 8-10 July.

Local Geraldton MP Paul Brown said, “This game is a great way to be able to showcase the new lights at Wonthella Oval, along with the refurbishment works that have taken place around the oval and in the grandstand. It will be a great evening of football, and I am looking forward to seeing a very high quality match.”

The day will kick off at 3pm with a Women’s match, followed by a Midwest AFL Masters Match from 3:45pm. The Avon vs GNFL match will commence at 5pm.

“I encourage everyone to come down and see some great local football, support our men and women players, and support WA Country Football,” Mr Brown said.

Francis Street Jetty puts emphasis on access and inclusion

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The community will now be able to enjoy the Francis Street Jetty as it re-opens to the public this Friday 17 June.

Boasting some great new features, the recently constructed jetty is 39 metres long and 1.3 metres wide with the addition of a stepped deck configuration that allows people with mobility impairments to board and disembark vessels more easily.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the jetty was another element within the City that promoted access and inclusion.

“Both access and inclusion are a high priority for the City and we are dedicated to putting an emphasis on this with all of our projects,” he said.

“We want our facilities to promote inclusion for all people so everyone is able to enjoy a variety of different activities that may not have been previously available to them.

“A great deal of planning has taken place as well as consultation with sector representatives to ensure we are improving disability access and we can see that with our outstanding changing facility at the Youth Precinct as well as the newly opened beach access ramp.”

Timber from the original jetty that was stored for potential reuse was able to be repurposed by local company Saw Doctors and used as chafers in the new construction.

The project was co-funded by the Department of Transport Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme, Royalties for Regions and the City of Greater Geraldton.

The Francis Street Jetty will be officially opened by WA Premier Colin Barnett on Friday 24 June.

Letter to Editor: Dealing with Mental Health system

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April 20

I have in the past year been to a psychiatrist twice in Perth as I have bipolar and sciziod personality disorder. The first time the Perth psychiatrist compiled a report back to my Dr here in Geraldton recommending that I see a psychiatrist on a regular basis at mental health.

My Dr referred myself to mental health, I was seen by a triage nurse who refused myself based on the fact that I was not suicidal or threatening others. 6weeks ago I was sent to Perth by my workplace for another assessment by the same psychiatrist and the report came back recommending that I see a regular psychiatrist at mental health.

Once again my Dr referred myself to mental health and 2 weeks ago I was contacted by a lady at mental health who made an appointment to see myself at home. The time was made for wednesday 10.00am. I waited until 10.45am and then rang mental health who got her to ring me.

She explained she forgot and had gone shopping instead and commented that she didnt need to see me now as I seemed ok. She told me that the mental health psychiatrist would make an appointment for me soon.

Today I contacted mental health as it has been a month since the referral and asked when I would be assessed or seen. I was told that there was no referral and to go back to my Dr and request another referral.

At this I got angry and explained that this whole process was frustrating and asked why I was the one why had to try to arrange so called professional when I had the mental health issue? I was told to see my Dr.

As you can imagine I am extreemly frustrated at the lack of communication, lack of response and confusion caused by mental health staff. I feel truly sorry for those clients who are less able than myself to address this type of disfunctional so called service.

- Matt. 

Letter to the Editor: These people have decided to take the ashes of my Pop

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April 30

I just want to take a moment to talk about something that has happened to my family recently. Yesterday my Nans house was broken into.

The entire house was ransacked and many possessions were stolen, but that isn’t what bothers me. What is truly disgusting about this act is that these people have decided for some reason to take the ashes of my Pop.

Yes, they stole the remaining physical piece of a human being from his own family. They have literally stolen a mans dying wish to have his ashes spread with his partner, all for the sake of their own “benefit”.

Although I do not see where there is one. Along with this, the entire house is trashed. Kerosene has been poured over anything flammable in attempts to set the house ablaze and there is bleach throughout the entire house. There is nothing in the house untouched. I don’t know what they were looking for, but they certainly would not find anything of true value to them in my Nans home. My Nans house is an archive; it holds things from generations in our family and there is nothing in her home apart from items of sentimental value.

It is unforgivable to want to destroy something like that. With all this said, in this time of need I have seen people come together. It has been heartwarming to see just how many people have opened their homes to my Nan and offered their services. As we live in a materialistic society it is refreshing and relieving to see that people are still happy to help and not expect anything in return.

I encourage everyone to be more like this. Focus on what you can give to the world rather than what you can receive from it. It isn’t hard to be a decent human being, though do not expect anything in return as you will be disappointed. Kindness is rewarded all in good time.

It infuriates me that there are people in the world who could perform such despicable acts, but if we change our mindset goodwill can easily overthrow disdain.

(By Emily)

 

So many touching comments after this "Stories of Geraldton" post

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As you may know, Everything Geraldton has been publishing images and quotes from everyday people around Geraldton, in the footsteps of Humans of New York. 

A recent post featuring a foster family with over a dozen children was particularly inspiring, and the comments touching. 

If you haven't taken a moment yet to read the comments on Facebook, I suggest you do. 

Part two of this post will be published Friday. 

Here's one example of the inspiring comments you'll read. 

Two 40 year olds arrested and charged for growing two medium sized cannabis plants

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On Thursday 9 June 2016, officers from Geraldton Detectives executed a search warrant at a residence in Geraldton.

During the search Police located a small hydroponic growing system, 2 medium sized cannabis plants, a small quantity of cannabis plant material and drug paraphernalia.

A 42 year old male and a 44 year old female from Geraldton were charged, they will both appear at Geraldton Magistrates Court at a later date.

Charges:

1 x Cultivate a prohibited plant
1 x Possess a prohibited drug
1 x Possess Drug Paraphernalia 

Very Cheap Thursday

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This Thursday only – 16th June – Harvey Norman Electrical is going very cheap!

There will be 12% off Sony TVs (in stock models only)
PLUS many other amazing half yearly deals throughout the store, and don’t forget to ask them about their best price guarantee – they will beat any written quote by 10%!

This is for ONE DAY ONLY! So make sure you get into the store at 38 Chapman Road this Thursday.

For today only you can get 60 Months Interest Free with no deposit and no interest, with payments (conditions apply see in store for details).

And small businesses, don’t forget about that Harvey Norman Electrical make tax time easy!

The end of financial year is fast approaching, so make sure your small business has everything it needs to succeed by taking advantage of instant tax deductions on any new assets that cost $20,000* or less.
*Terms and conditions apply

 

Man stabbed outside Hungry Jacks

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Thursday night, 10:30 pm. 

Gary, a self employed gardener, arrived at Hungry Jacks to pick up his son who's shift was nearly over. Another son of his was in the car with him.

"Just after I pulled up, my son rang me, he said 'Make sure you come and not mum,'" says Gary. "I told him 'I’m in the car park.'"

"He said there’s two guys that have threatened to kill him waiting outside."

Gary says the attacker had been hanging around the store for much of his son's shift, and made threats to kill him. "He had entered the premises three or four times during the shift, and threatened to stab and kill him. My son was told by the management don’t worry about it, just get back to work."

"At one stage they were inside riding their skateboards around the floor. The manager told [my son] to tell the boys to get them to leave the store."

Gary was pretty disgusted as he relayed his account of what happened. He didn't think it was right for his son to be directed to deal with the very people that had threatened his life. 

As Gary recounts, he got out of his car and saw the two young men standing there.

“I said 'Do you know who I am.' 'Yes. We’re going to kill him,' they said."

"I said, 'You won’t be touching my son.'"

As Gary describes, a scuffle broke out, and the two young men started attacking Gary.  

"One was kicking me in the guts, one was sitting on my chest stabbing me," says Gary. "There was also a group of of [onlookers] hanging around. Whenever I was trying to defend myself, the [onlookers] would grab my arm, they would pull my hand off his arm, so he could continue. When I would wrap my legs around one of them they would push my legs off."

Gary says he wouldn't have believed the story if he hadn't experienced it himself. "If I hadn’t gone through it, I would have thought someone was dramatising it. But thats what f###### happened. Pardon my language. People standing around egging him on, then pulling my arms off him so he could get another stab in.”

"There were males and females, aged from around 16 to 25. Around 6 of them. Not sure if they were friends of the attackers or if they were hanging around because they knew there was going to be some action."

Gary was obviously angry at what had occurred. "They were egging him on 'Stab the c###. Make sure you stab him. Go for the throat.” 

"When police turned up, they were still there," says Gary. "They lied to the police and said they were trying to pull them apart. I told police what had happened.”

Gary says his other son saw the whole incident from the car, but was prevented from assisting his father by the group of onlookers.

Gary said he ended up with about 6 or 7 little puncture marks. "One got to the jaw bone. That’s why my jaw is pretty sore."

According to Gary, after the incident, he went inside the store to make sure his son was ok. "They piss bolted, and I staggered inside Hungry Jacks to see if they had gone in there to get my son."

"My son said 'Police are on their way and an ambulance is on the way.' I was light headed and woozy so just crouched down on my knees. I was holding the wound, but the blood just kept coming out." 

"Management asked me to go outside and sit on the steps." 

"Then they started mopping the floor. Then they got told to stop mopping when the Police arrived, as it was an investigation. So they just went and put the mop in the cupboard. I think the mop has been taken away by Police. Then they closed the building off."

"While Police were interviewing one of Gary's sons, his phone went off and there was a message from the attacker," says Gary. He says the message included something along the lines of "I only see three cop cars. Is that all I’m worth?"

Gary was taken to hospital for treatment.

The Police took a statement from Gary at the hospital, and took his clothes. "They let me keep my underwear. But they took everything else as evidence because it was covered in blood."

"I haven’t heard from the cops since they left the hospital."

Gary says he did not receive surgery. "What they did, when they looked at the wound, it was too deep to clean out in ED. I had be booked in at 8am to have surgery. Then there were a couple of emergencies that went in first. I spent about 3 days on an IV drip and antibiotics. Then they told me 'For us to go in probing around might do more damage.' With the three days of antibiotics, the wound started sealing itself up. They had put some kind of compression tape on it to keep it closed."

"They gave me some kind of chemical through the IV drip that highlights veins and arteries, and put me in an imaging machine to get a 3D picture. They told me it was pretty close to the main artery. They said 'You’re very lucky. You would have bled out before you got to the hospital.'"

Gary doesn't consider himself a hero for protecting his son. "At the end of the day there wouldn’t be any parent that wouldn’t put themselves in harms way to stop their kid being hurt. They stabbed me and whatever, but I’m a lot bigger than my son. My son would have had no chance defending himself. I’m maybe 30kg or 40kg heavier than what he is."

Gary still isn't back at work. "Friday is the first day I’m allowed back at work. I mow lawns, slash blocks, stuff like that. I can’t even lift a lawn mower off the back of the trailer. [Being self employed] I’m losing income from it."

Hungry Jacks have been contacted in relation to the incident. They have not responded to a request for comment. 

Geraldton Police were contacted regarding the incident. We have not been able to obtain any information from them at this stage. We will update this article if information becomes available. 

Exhibitor sites still available at the 2016 Mingenew Midwest Expo

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The Mingenew Midwest Expo is the largest agricultural field day in Western Australia’s Midwest. It showcases the future of farming and agricultural technologies. The two day event plays host to some of the biggest names in the industry, providing an exciting insight into what the agricultural sector has to offer and highlights the technology of tomorrow. This year the Mingenew Midwest Expo is on Wednesday 10th August and Thursday 11th August.

The expo offers a unique opportunity where key decision buyers and sellers meet face-to-face to view the latest in agricultural products, services and information. It offers your business the opportunity to build on existing customer relationships and create new ones.

There are still spaces available for exhibitors, including in the Innovation Hub, the new Micro Hot Site, on the Oval (including new 5x5m ‘Micro’ sites) and the Family Interest Pavilion. 

The Innovation Hub is for businesses like agricultural technology and innovation and R+D displays. The Hub also includes a space to conduct a conference or training session during the Expo.

Also included in the Hub are new Micro Hot Sites which are for exhibitors who only want a static, unmanned information display.

The Oval suits commercial agribusiness and rural merchandise exhibits including banks, grain agents, car dealers, outdoor furniture, camping and caravans, fuel suppliers, hardware and tools etc. A range of sites including new ‘Micro’ 5x5m site are available.

The Family Interest Pavilion becomes the retail Mecca of the Midwest in August with businesses selling wine and food goods (dried fruit, honey, and chocolates), clothing and accessories, handmade items, arts, crafts, education display, furnishings, Manchester etc. Large, small and booth sites are available.

For more information or to apply for an exhibitor site please go to the website – www.mingenewexpo.com.au.

Local business celebrates rebrand and restructure

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New brand, better structure, that’s Geraldton’s RSM; now offering a wider, more accessible personal and friendly service.

Global accounting firm, RSM Bird Cameron, was rebranded simply RSM in October last year and since then Geraldton’s arm of the global network has been headed by Director, Trevor Lake, who is supported by Principal, Travis Bate and a highly qualified team of over 35 managers and staff. John Thomson who was formerly with RSM resigned from the partnership in November 2015. 

The new structure allows clients more accessibility to a team dedicated just to them; that will look after their interests in a confidential but friendly manner.

“We have changed the methodology for the better,” said Mr Lake.

“We have expanded our business offering and made the shift to adding more value to clients’ business, rather than just taking care of statutory obligations.”

New - and some expanded services - include bookkeeping at an affordable cost; bookkeeping packages tailored to business needs; business health checks; monthly management information; and help with completing budgets.

RSM provides advice for self-managed superannuation funds along with advice on succession planning, business valuations; and a big point of difference as a local business, is that RSM boasts a regional based audit practice – with a registered auditor on the team.

Mr Bate said although RSM is recognised as a global network, the Geraldton community can be assured their business will be taken care of locally, by local people.

“RSM is a big supporter of the Geraldton community, and we like to retain local staff so we’re happy to pay for their education through university,” he said.

“It’s a bonus to have people with local knowledge on staff; particularly those who may not have had the opportunity to study. 

“RSM sponsors the Geraldton Universities Centre annual award for the Best Accounting Student.”

Since July 1 last year, RSM has administered Business Local - a free service through the Small Business Development Corporation which is a successor program to the Small Business Centre program.

The beauty of this program is that it is a regionally-based free service, with face-to-face consultancy throughout the Mid West, Wheatbelt, Gascoyne and Pilbara.

“It is imperative to deliver this service to small businesses throughout the region,” said Mr Bate.

“Small businesses are important drivers of economic and social capacity, without small businesses towns will suffer. Business Local is a free service delivered by highly qualified advisers and in the current economic climate businesses are encouraged to take advantage of this free service.”

RSM is a great supporter of local sport and business, sponsoring basketball, tennis, rugby, softball and golf clubs along with small business awards, a business breakfast group and the Variety Club of WA.

“We believe in giving back to the community that supports us,” said Mr Lake.

Contact RSM on 9920 7400 for a friendly, confidential chat.

 

Police need your help identifying these people

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Public Assistance Required.

Do you know this person? They may be able to assist police with an inquiry. 

Contact Geraldton Police 99234555.

Reckon you know them? - pls give us ring - they maybe able to assist with a stealing of alcohol investigation. 9923 4555. 

8 photos that remind you why Gero is such a brilliant place to live

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1. The water lyfe!

Shared by @_beyondsight_ G Town SUP boarders #everythinggeraldton #geraldton

A photo posted by Everything Geraldton (@everythinggeraldton) on

2. Gero punches above it's weight when it comes to caring for people of all levels of ability. 

3. Fishing!

4. Thriving arts and culture community

5. World class marine services industry region

Geraldton Esplanade Wednesday Arvo #dji #everythinggeraldton #phantom4 #westernaustralia

A photo posted by Beyond Sight | Geraldton | WA (@_beyondsight_) on

6. Best kitesurfing location in the world

7. The. Abrolhos. Islands.

8. The outdoors!

The Perth Wildcats are coming to Geraldton

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The Perth Wildcats are bringing their Regional Trophy Tour to Geraldton. They will be here from Thursday 30 June until Saturday 2 July.

Players Greg Hire, Jesse Wagstaff, Matt Knight, Shawn Redhage and Corban Wroe plus assistant coach Jamie O’Loughlan will be making the trip to the Midwest.

The group will be bringing with them ALL seven of the club’s championship trophies and will be visiting 11 primary and high schools over the three-day tour.

The Wildcats will also visit the Midnight Basketball where they will meet with young players from the Midwest region.

They will also hold FOUR different coaching clinics with the players, allowing kids of all ages the unique chance to improve their skills and have a lot of fun. 

All seven Perth Wildcats Championship Trophies will be on display at each clinic!

Everyone who signs up for a clinic will become a Perth Wildcats member and receive a free gift pack. 

Clinic 1 - 7-14 years mixed
Participate in a two-hour after-school clinic with Perth Wildcats players at Active West Stadium, 4:00pm-6:00pm Thursday 30 June
$65.00 total per participant (includes supporter membership and merchandise pack)

Clinic 2 - 7-14 years mixed
Participate in a two-hour after-school clinic with Perth Wildcats players at Active West Stadium, 4:00pm-6:00pm Friday 1 July
$65.00 total per participant (includes supporter membership and merchandise pack)

Clinic 3 - 7-12 years mixed
Participate in a skills clinic with Perth Wildcats players, 2 hour clinic at Active West Stadium
8:30am-10:30am Saturday 2 July
$65.00 per participant (includes supporter membership and merchandise pack)

Clinic 4 - 13-17 years mixed
Participate in a skills clinic with Perth Wildcats players, 2 hour clinic at Active West Stadium
11:00am-1:00pm Saturday 2 July
$65.00 per participant (includes supporter membership and merchandise pack)

Registrations close at 5:00pm on Monday 27 June. 

To register for the clinics please click here -https://secure.ticketdesq.com/book/index.cfm?fuseaction=main&TicketDesqID=1869&OrgID=5295

Stories of Geraldton: We would help my Grandad with the farming, rounding up the cattle and the sheep, loading hay bales up onto the trucks, watching him shear

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My grandparents own a farm just outside Northampton and every school holidays my Dad used to take us out there, which was always fun. When we were there we would help my Grandad with the farming, rounding up the cattle and the sheep, loading hay bales up onto the trucks, watching him shear, that sort of stuff. It taught me the value of hard work. You’ve always got to work for what you want and you always have to help your family out no matter what.