Premier opens elements with a focus on access and inclusion

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WA Premier Colin Barnett has today opened three facilities on the Geraldton Foreshore that have a strong emphasis on access and inclusion.

A wheelchair beach access ramp, the Francis Street Finger Jetty and the Changing Places facility were all officially opened, highlighting the City’s dedication to access and inclusion.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the three elements kept in line with community’s top priority.

“Access and inclusion was identified as a top priority during the 2015/16 10-year Capital Works Plan and the City remains committed to improving the lives of those living with disability,” he said.

“Providing accessible and inclusive facilities on the Geraldton Foreshore is just one of the measures to ensure all members of our community can enjoy our coastal lifestyle, regardless of ability.”

Upgrades to the Foreshore toilet block are complete and it now features an integrated adult change table and hoist facility, making it the first facility in WA to receive type 2 ‘Changing Places’ accreditation.

The Changing Places facility also provides people with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy the beach via the newly installed mobility beach access path for wheelchairs. A specially designed beach wheelchair is also available for use.

In addition to the Changing Places facility, the Francis Street Finger Jetty was recently demolished and rebuilt as a 39m long and 1.3m wide stepped jetty that makes it easier for people with mobility impairments to board and disembark vessels.

Totalling over $875,000 the elements were partially funded by the Disability Services Commission and the Department of Transport Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme and the City. 

Geraldton Multipurpose Centre officially opens

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Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett has today opened the Geraldton Multipurpose Centre and Youth Precinct on the Geraldton Foreshore with the project totalling over $9million.

Boasting a board room with stunning ocean views, as well as a function room, meeting rooms, commercial kitchen and an outdoor stage set in pristine park land, this state-of-the-art facility is the crowning jewel of the West End Revitalisation Project.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the opening of the Centre was a momentous occasion for the City.

“The Geraldton Multipurpose Centre is a stunning building and the City is very pleased to be able to show off the hard work that has gone into realising the community’s vision for this space,” he said.

The Geraldton Multipurpose Centre will be available to hire for both corporate and private functions such as meetings, conferences and events.

The versatile outdoor space will also play host to a variety of community celebrations such as Australia Day and Festivals on the Foreshore.

“This space will be a great hub for many of our local events on the Foreshore,” Mayor Van Styn said.

“With the Youth Precinct and the beautifully restored Original Railway Building adjacent, this area will be a hive of activity and a great place for our community to enjoy.”

In addition to the facilities that can be hired by the general public, the Geraldton Multipurpose Centre will also be the home of organisations such as TS Morrow and Geraldton and Districts Offshore Fishing Club.

Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price MP joined Colin Barnett in opening the facility today.

“This project is a great addition to Geraldton,” Ms Price said.

“Geraldton is a great regional city which continues to grow, and I believe this project will help enhance the city’s attraction to live and visit.”

Construction of the Geraldton Multipurpose Centre commenced in early 2015 after extensive consultation with the community.

Regional Development Australia provided $4.1million for the Geraldton Multipurpose Centre and Youth Precinct, with $1million from Lotterywest, $60,000 from Variety WA and a contribution of $3.86million from the City. 

West End Revitalisation Project finalised with opening of final elements

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Today’s official opening of the Geraldton Multipurpose Centre and other elements on the Foreshore by WA Premier Colin Barnett marks the completion of the West End Revitalisation Project.

The project commenced in 2013 and involved the construction of the Eastern Breakwater and Youth Precinct, refurbishment of the original Railway Building, upgrade of the Foreshore toilet block, reconstruction of the Francis Street Finger Jetty, the installation of a mobility beach access ramp, and the construction of the Geraldton Multipurpose Centre and Event Space.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said that it was fantastic to see everything come together to create such a wonderful space for the community to enjoy.

“We’re pleased that Premier Colin Barnett could be here for such a momentous occasion for Geraldton and the Midwest,” he said.

“The opening of the various elements on the Foreshore completes the transformation of the West End into a vibrant and lively space that everyone can enjoy.

“We have put a very strong focus on access and inclusion, and we are very pleased with the final product.”

The $11.1million project was funded by Regional Development Australia, Royalties for Regions through the Mid West Development Commission, Mid West Investment Plan, Lotterywest, Mid West Port Authority, the Department of Transport Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme, the Disability Services Commission and the City of Greater Geraldton. 

News Flash! We made it!

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WE MADE THE FINALS !!!!!

Midwest Charity Begins at Home have just been announced as a FINALIST in the 2016 Telstra Business Awards in WA. The new category of 'Charity' is designed to recognise the significant contribution of not-for-profit organisations to not only Australian communities but the economy as well.

We are absolutely thrilled to stand with Cystic Fibrosis Western Australia, Telethon Adventurers and the Motor Neurone Disease Association of WA as 2016 WA FINALISTS.

We would like to once again THANK everyone who has supported us and had belief in what we do. You really do mean the world to us x.

Take on the Bite’Z Wing Challenge

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Do you like chicken wings? Do you want to become the ultimate Wing Slayer?

Then you need to head into Bite’Z Tavern and take part in their Wing Challenge!

The challenge is to eat the most chicken wings in one visit. The staff will judge if you have eaten enough meat off the wings to count, so don’t think you can get away with just taking one bite. Your total wings eaten will go onto the tally chart at Bite’Z and the person with the highest score will win the title of ‘Wing Slayer’ for the month. The winner will receive a Wing Slayer shirt and a free serve of chicken wings anytime they wear the shirt into Bite’Z Tavern.

The official challenge starts Friday 24th June but Jason and Jonesy from the radio station just had to have a go first. So on Thursday they sat down to the first Wing Challenge. It started off with all smiles between the two food soldiers, especially while sitting with Stuart and Kyme from the Rigters Group.

But it didn’t take long for the competitiveness to get the better of them.

Both wanting to win the title of Wing Slayer for June.

And they were off…

But in the end there can only be one Wing Slayer – 
Jason – 30 wings
Jonesy – 28 wings

If you want to be like Jason and claim the title of Wing Slayer make sure you get down to Bite’Z Tavern on the corner of Durlacher St and George Rd, and see how many wings you can stomach.

Let the games begin!

 

2016 Camino to be Historic Cycling Event

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The Camino San Francisco 2016 is on again!

This year’s Camino will be a historic bicycling event to celebrate the heritage of Monsignor Hawes. It is a group cycle and not a race.

The two-day cycling event has been planned for height of Geraldton’s wildflower season on the weekend of 27 -28 August.

Fr Robert Cross (Director of Heritage, Diocese of Geraldton) said ‘As it was last year, the Camino San Francisco would have a broad appeal. Some might like to do it as a spiritual pilgrimage, others as history enthusiasts, lovers of flora or people who just enjoy a relaxing cycle along the back roads’.

He said, “People will have their own motivation for participating; it is part of a worldwide trend where people are embracing Caminos and walking (or in this case cycling) for self-discovery.”

The renowned Catholic Priest and architect Monsignor John Hawes built over 20 buildings in the Mid West and the Camino participants will have the opportunity to cycle to several of his buildings and imbibe their architectural beauty and history.

Cyclists will commence the Camino 2016 from St James’ Kojarena Catholic Church and ride along the back roads to the historic property of Tibradden and then onto Ellendale Pool for lunch and a short break.

Participants will then cycle to Walkaway where dinner and overnight accommodation will be provided.

On Sunday morning, pilgrims will ride to the Greenough Hamlet for a hearty breakfast before cycling along coastal tracks to The Hermitage via Cape Burney with our final destination being St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral where participants will be welcomed by Bishop Justin Bianchini.

The Camino San Francisco 2016 will build on the existing Monsignor Hawes Drive Trail and provide a deeper experience of the priest/architect and his works.

It is a great opportunity to improve your fitness, learn about Geraldton’s local history, enjoy the wildflowers along the route and the company of like-minded and motivated people.

Fr Robert extends an invitation to anyone interested in participating, saying it was not a religious event per se but an encounter with the spirit of what motivated Hawes in his life and works.

Participants will pay a fee to cover costs. To book your place in the 2016 Camino San Francisco event visit: http://www.geraldtondiocese.org.au/camino-home

Pics from last year

Pics from last year

Chiropractic Clinic not a pain in the neck

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All this week Geraldton community members have been able to take advantage of visiting Chiropractic students from Murdoch University’s School of Health Professions.

The final year students are offering free chiropractic consultations in a supervised student teaching clinic at the WA Centre for Rural Health.

Don’t worry if you missed out, as they will be returning to the Midwest.

Next week they will be based in Mount Magnet from 27th June to 1st July. They will then back in Geraldton from 4th to 8th July. With another Mount Magnet visit from 29th August until 2nd September.

Geraldton appointments can be pre-booked by contacting Christopher Hodgetts on telephone 0402 422 156.

Mount Magnet appointments can be pre-booked by contacting Lyndon Woods on 0429 209 255.

Letter to Editor: Your opinion wanted on proposed public amenities at the HMAS Sydney II Memorial

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We would like to get the public’s opinion on the Proposed public amenities at the HMAS Sydney II Memorial as designed by the designers Joan Walsh-Smith and Charles Smith of Smith Sculptors.

The HMAS Sydney II Memorial is now recognised around the world and is in the top 1% of places to visit on Trip Advisor.

The Rotary Club of Geraldton is seeking support for this much needed project on behalf of the community and the 40,000 plus visitors of the site annually.

The Rotary Club of Geraldton

Aerial overview of proposed building

Bridge of the ship layout

Bridge of the ship layout

Bridge of the ship

Contemplation area

Front of building

Plan of layout of HMAS II Memorial

Public Wi-Fi undergoes re-configuration

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that the free public Wi-Fi service in the CBD and at the QEII Centre, Queens Park Theatre, Aquarena and the Airport will be down intermittently on Thursday 23 June.

The Wi-Fi is being re-configured to improve service delivery but will be back running on Friday 24 June.

If you require further information please contact the City on 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Bishop’s soft approach to GST won’t fly in WA

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The Nationals WA Candidate for Durack Lisa Cole has called out Deputy Liberal Leader Julie Bishop for her soft approach to securing a fairer share of GST revenue for WA.

“Contrary to Ms Bishop’s comments at the weekend, it is the role of West Australian elected representatives to put the interests of their constituency before their personal political aspirations as Minister,” Ms Cole said.

“WA’s federal Liberal team should be pulling every lever available to them in order to deliver the best possible outcomes in their own state to secure a fair share of the GST back to WA and they have clearly failed to do this.

“Even Ms Bishop’s state colleague Treasurer Mike Nahan agrees WA needs a far stronger approach from WA’s federal Liberal representatives.”

Ms Cole said while WA’s share of GST revenue had plummeted over the past several years to a record low of 30 per cent, New South Wales would be virtually debt free by the end of the financial year largely as a result of the generous share of GST revenue it received.

“NSW received 97 cents in the dollar last financial year and is now in a position to pay down their debt, yet here in WA we are seeing unforeseen record debt levels due to an unfair distribution of GST,” Ms Cole said.

“At present we have a system which penalises economic success and rewards mediocrity. The current distribution formula set by the Commonwealth Grants Commission (CGC) is clearly flawed and must be fixed.

“If other State’s wish to share WA’s success during the good times, they must also share in the more challenging times, reforming the structure of our Federation will be key to achieving this.”

The Nationals WA team is encouraging West Australians to use the #fixourfederation hashtag online to send a strong message to Canberra.

“By using the hashtag #fixourfederation everyday West Australians will send a loud and clear message to our federal politicians that WA won’t continue to be ripped off on GST.”

Ms Cole said West Australians had an opportunity to send Canberra a message on July 2 by voting for The Nationals WA.

“While The Nationals WA are prepared to cross the floor to ensure WA is a priority in Canberra, the Liberal Party will toe a party line set by their colleagues in the eastern states,” Ms Cole said.

“The people of WA deserve better than self-serving politicians.” 

Works to begin at St Georges Beach

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that works to mitigate erosion at St Georges Beach will begin on 21 June and are expected to take up to three weeks.

Works include the construction of a low level sandbag groyne and sand nourishment works.

Traffic management will be in place during this time. Motorists and pedestrians are advised to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

If you have any queries regarding this work please contact the City on 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Community Nursery sets new record

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Green Army member Richard Slater with Mayor Shane Van Styn at the Community Nursery.

Over 30,000 local native plants have been grown at the City of Greater Geraldton’s Community Nursery smashing a new record!

A total of 64 different native species make up the collection of plants grown during the 2016 season.

These latest figures are a significant jump in both the number and variety of native plants grown by the group, with this newest figure dwarfing the 16,500 plants that were grown in the 2015 season.

Plants that are grown are made up of species native to the Midwest region including the Geraldton Rose, Beach Spinifex and Cockie’s Tongue.

Playing a very significant role in the revegetation of many of our local natural areas, the dedicated volunteers at the Community Nursery as well as other organisations work tirelessly to ensure the rehabilitation of our natural bushland.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn acknowledged the hard work put in by volunteers and congratulated everyone involved in reaching the milestone.

“Protecting and managing our bushland is an ongoing challenge and having 30,000 native plants available to help with rehabilitation makes a big difference – something that can already be seen around the Chapman and Greenough river reserves as well as Devlin Pool and Bootenal Springs,” he said.

“I want to thank those volunteers and organisations who have put in the hard yards and contributed to the Community Nursery’s biggest season yet.

“Without these volunteers and the hard work of the Community Nursery, our beautiful natural areas could be under threat.”

Volunteers are the backbone of the Community Nursery and this year they have been helped by teams from several other organisations including Skill Hire, MEEDAC, Conservation Volunteers Australia and Green Army.

With plenty of leftover native plants, the Community Nursery will be holding an annual plant sale with local plants available to purchase for your garden.

The plant sale will take place on Saturday 16 July and Saturday 23 July from 9am to 1pm at the nursery located at 31 Adelaide Street Waggrakine.

SAY (Students Advising Youth) Project

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WA Police and The Lions Drug Education Foundation are calling on all WA students aged between 12 and 18 years to be Community Safety Champions as part of the SAY Project for 2016.

This year’s theme is “The impact of alcohol and other drug misuse on family violence.”

Applicants must have support of their school or a member of an established youth organisation to participate. Then compile a 90 – 105 second film to show how you can make your community aware of this year’s theme.

There are some great prizes and for more information visit WA Police Website or contact Senior Constable Jonine Harrison at Geraldton Police Station. 

Police Dog Bucky Assists In Arrest

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On Saturday 18 June 2016 at about 12.40am, Geraldton Police arrested a 16 year old female from Geraldton.

Police allege the 16 year old was the driver of a stolen Holden Commodore which became bogged in sand on the roadside after crashing into wooden bollards causing substantial damage to the vehicle.

It is further alleged, the female ran from the vehicle and was located shortly after by Geraldton Police Dog. She was found approximately 100 metres from the vehicle.

The 16 year old, who did not appear to have any injuries, was charged with the following:
1 x Steal Motor Vehicle
1 x Dangerous Driving
1 x Excess 0.08% and
1 x No Motor Drivers Licence (never held)

She will appear in Geraldton Children’s Court. 

Carriage Café will change hands, not close down

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The City of Greater Geraldton is currently examining alternatives for operation of the Carriage Café, located at the Visitor Centre.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ken Diehm said that the Carriage Café was gaining in popularity which is diverting resources away from the prime purpose of the Visitor Centre.

“The Carriage Café has proved to be popular and the City expects that it will continue to be the case, especially considering its vicinity to the Youth Precinct and the newly builty Geraldton Multipurpose Centre,” he said.

“The decision has been made to seek expressions of interest to run the café, which will free up Visitor Centre staff to focus on their main purpose.”

The City will be calling for expressions of interest from commercial and not-for-profit organisations in the near future.

It is expected that alternative arrangements will be made for operation of the Carriage Cafe from early July.

WALGA looking to enhance panel of suppliers

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WALGA is seeking tenders to enhance its panel of suppliers for road building materials and related services, and local businesses are encouraged to apply.

The City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said this was a great opportunity for local providers to be placed on WALGA’s panel.

“I urge local businesses to put in an application to become a WALGA preferred supplier,” Mayor Van Styn said.

“There are many benefits for businesses wishing to become a WALGA preferred supplier details of which are available on WALGA’s website.”

Request for tender documents will be available from WALGA’s website www.walga.asn.au on Saturday 18 June. Further information in regards to the request for tender can be obtained from Craig Grant on 9213 2037.

Tenders must be submitted electronically via the WALGA Provider Portal. Information on portal access is provided within the request document.

The deadline for tenders to be submitted is Thursday 14 July 2016, 3PM WST.

Utakarra getting "competitive priced" liquor store after appeal by business owners

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Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney says he is deeply disappointed that an appeal by Con’s Liquor against the decision to deny its application for a large discount liquor outlet is Utakarra, has been upheld by the Liquor Commission of Western Australia.

“I’m surprised this appeal has been upheld given the range and volume of submissions against this development.

“I remain of the view that the location and size of this particular liquor outlet is not in the best interest of the Geraldton community.

“The Commission has acknowledged that Geraldton is a city with a higher percentage of at risk persons than in other parts of Western Australia and that there are social issues within the town relating to the use of alcohol, and it yet has overturned the initial decision to prevent this development from occurring,” said Mr Blayney.

The liquor store, operating as Con’s Liquor Geraldton and owned by business man Mr Peter Jeffree’s company PDG Geraldton Pty Ltd, submitted that there is no liquor store of the size proposed currently operating in Geraldton and that as a result of existing arrangements consumers have been deprived of competitive prices and access to the multiple advantages of buying liquor as a bulk sale.

Mr Blayney said that the proposed site of this liquor store is near Bundiyarra and Geraldton Streetwork Aboriginal Corporations and both organisations had submitted applications against this proposal, as has many other organisations. Submissions opposing the proposal were also made by the Commissioner of Police and on behalf of the Executive Director of Public Health. 

“I think that the community has a right to expect that all undertakings given by the applicant Mr Peter Jeffree will apply to all subsequent owners and operators of this business. I would expect that the Liquor Commission will make the undertakings a condition of any sale or lease of the licence.

“I am advised that any further appeal must be to the Supreme Court of Western Australia, to determine whether there has been an error in law in reaching the decision to uphold this appeal,” said Mr Blayney.