Bret Mosley Dinner/Show at the Bootenal Family Tavern

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BRET MOSLEY

DINNER and SHOW

BOOTENAL FAMILY TAVERN
SATURDAY 6th AUGUST

With the popularity of the Andrew Winton Dinner/Show recently we've organised another interesting & talented musician to entertain you with his music & knowledge, from the USA this time.

Bret Mosley enthralled the audience over two days at the Nukara Music Festival in March this year with his Americana styled grooves. 

And what an interesting guy as he has done everything from been a ranch hand, linebacker, fur trapper, ballet dancer, stockbroker, actor, computer programmer, Pilates instructor & art handler, plus he's been playing music since he was 6 years old. What a fulfilled life!

Tickets are limited again to 60 places @ $60 per head which includes a 2 course meal. Avoid missing out on this show by booking ASAP.

BOOKINGS: please phone 99233707 (eftpos/credit card or cash if you're out at the Booty)

This turtle needs your help We have a Oblong Turt...

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This turtle needs your help

We have a Oblong Turtle in Coorow which needs to be either taken through to Perth or brought up here for medical attention. He was hit by a car but thankfully has survived and is being cared for ATM by Shannon . If you can help by giving him a lift either way please phone me 0404387215 Thank you in advance.
From Darren Darch at Fauna for the future

Shore-Tension Units a potential boost for Geraldton tourism and industry

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The use of Shore Tension mooring units are a potential game-changer for Geraldton’s tourism and export industries, according to local MP Ian Blayney. 

Mr Blayney, Geraldton MLA, said “I am very excited about the potential of the Shore Tension units recently trialled at Geraldton Port. 

“This would be a real shot-in-the-arm for Geraldton tourism and extra business for the Port. 

 “Berth 2 could also be suited to regular visits of live cattle export ships, which could allow the expansion of the Midwest as a finishing region for pastoral cattle and switching of export from Fremantle. 

“A number of options have been looked at to address the issue of the long- wave, or surge, in Geraldton Port.  The shore-tension units appear to address it, and could be highly cost-effective.”

Mr Blayney said “I have discussed the Shore Tension unit’s potential with the Port Authority and with Premier Colin Barnett. 

“The Premier is very interested in them and I expect, if the trial report is positive that he would support the procurement of sufficient units to open this window of opportunity,” Mr Blayney concluded. 

The units are a Dutch invention and when deployed maintain a constant mooring line tension.  Traditional rope mooring lines have limited capacity to control the movement of a moored vessel under high wind or swell conditions.  Uncontrolled movement of moored vessels is a significant risk to port and vessel infrastructure.  

The constant mooring line pressure applied by the Shore Tension units is designed to dampen the movement of moored vessels and enables vessels to remain safely moored in conditions that would be otherwise unsafe.  

Mid West Ports has recently trailed the use of Shore Tension units to assess their performance in Geraldton harbour’s high energy environment.  The trial was conducted under the guidance of Dr Tim Gourlay from Curtin University’s Centre for Marine Science and Technology.   

The trial report is being drafted and we hope this will confirm that Geraldton’s under-utilised Berth 2 could be used for the safe and reliable mooring of future cruise vessels in most weather conditions. 

Go to www.shoretension.nl to have a look at the units.

Record student numbers and courses continue to grow at GUC

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Student numbers at the Geraldton Universities Centre (GUC) continue to grow and so too the range of quality supported and mix-mode delivered programs offered at the Centre to grow community capacity and higher education engagement in the region.

With the addition of 43 newly enrolled students starting programs in 2nd semester, GUC now has a record 279 students studying across its programs in 2016.

New students are enrolled in Bridging (STEPS), Accounting, Business, Education, Nursing and Psychology.

GUC is also looking to introduce at least one new program in 2017, with the Board endorsing Secondary Education to its suite of CQUniversity Education programs.

“This development would strengthen education options for mid-west students who will then be able to graduate in programs from early childhood and primary education through to secondary education, providing qualified local professionals for the region across the whole education system,” Director Natalie Nelmes said.

“Already GUC has run a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education, but now this new course will be available for students with no previous degree.”

Subject to signing off on an agreement with CQU, the potential for Secondary Education to run at GUC will see students undertaking mixed mode delivery across education core units and units in their chosen discipline area of secondary teaching.

Discipline Teaching areas include; Accounting, Business, Biology, Chemistry, English, Geography, Health and Physical Education, History, Home Economics & Hospitality, Industrial Technology & Design, and, Mathematics.

The CQU program also offers a unique opportunity for trade-to-teacher pathways. Students enrolling in discipline areas of Industrial Design and Technology or Home Economics and Hospitality can receive recognition of prior learning if they have previously completed a trade certificate, an Australian apprenticeship with teaching experience or 3-5 years trade work experience in the relevant industry.

“Trade professionals who have experienced a downturn in their fields of industry locally can consider upscaling their education and find a pathway into alternative employment as a trained professional secondary teacher,” Ms Nelmes said.

Photo credit: New STEPS students at Orientation session.

Letter to the Editor: Fed up with builders in Geraldton

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Being in Geraldton for five years,and still renting a house,we have decided to start building our own house. One reason being that we have been paying someone else's bond now for five years. The other reason, is that we are not getting younger and it would be nice if we have our own house to retire in. So, we decide on building a house because then you can have your own design and your own choice,right?  

So after saving some money we bought the land...nice big one,no problem there. We started with builder number 1 - he took us to few show houses, and we immediately liked one of them and decide to get the building done, but wanted them to add another metre to the rooms - that's it,no other changes. The gentleman tried his best to talk us out of adding to the house and recon that the house was big enough as it was! As if it is for him to decide!! So we decide to try a other builder - number 2:  He was really helpful and talked with us numerous times,but unfortunately they closed doors and was unable to assist us further. So off we went to builder number 3: He was VERY keen and promised us lots and lots of things. He told us if we find one of their designs that we liked,he will help us change it to our taste. But the minute we had the plan drawn up,changed and printed,his promises soon changed to no more than just talking about it.

So off we went to builder number 4:  He listened to our story,shook his head and told us that we are to get someone to plan our house and pay a fee for it, then that way we have exclusive rights to it. He even gave us an business card from the designer of his choice.
We phoned him and set up an meeting. He very happily came to our house to do the design. Then he said he was scheduled for surgery,but will get hold of us as soon as he can and in meantime will sent us a few of his designs - are still waiting. Eventually, he phoned us after 2 months!! 

So we went to builder number 5:  They told us as soon as we step in the door that they were going on a holiday,but said that they will soon return and in the first week after their return get back to us so we can set up an meeting......we are still waiting!! 

We are now on builder number 6: Our last option because according to the word on the street and customers did not have a pleasant experience with them....we shall see soon.

We are also thinking to just buy existing and leave the building until, one day we can find SOMEONE that is really looking for business and are able to give us what we need,because it is just like banging your head against the wall. Is it really that hard to get what YOU want in Geraldton - it is not that you get it for free or What? 

One unhappy client
Retha Bezuidenhout

The Thunder Weekender on special this July at Sun City Batteries

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For the month of July at Sun City Batteries you can get the Thunder Weekender for $480 (RRP $534), when you purchase a 120AH Bosch AGM Battery for $370 (normal RRP $400)

So why the Thunder Weekender?

  • The Thunder Weekender is a cost effective portable alternative to a dual battery system
  • Has a 300 watt pure sine wave inverter, 10 Amp 240 Volt socket
  • You can place it next to your caravan/tent/car and have next to no noise as well as saving on space when packing for your holiday. No smelly fuel and extension cords or even the generator
  • The internal dimensions of the weekender have been stretched so that you can also fit the popular large deep cycle batteries – larger batteries means more power!
  • Its accessories are positioned to the sides of the box allowing for a well-balance unit, without a battery. This makes it perfect to access when positioned in the back of a 4x4
  • A 5 volt, 2.0 amp USB port with the ability to charge smart phones and power thirsty tablets
  • Has a full coloured LED display that lets you know exactly what’s going on in your battery

Other great deals for the month of July

Up to 30% off all other Thunder products including Lithium Jumper Packs, 20Amp DCDC, LED camp and working lights and smart chargers.

 

Bonus wine when you shop at Harvey Norman Electrical

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Come into Harvey Norman Electrical this July for some great deals.

From the month of July they have their very popular wine giveaway.

Just spend more than $399 on catalogued products and receive 12 bottles of Wolf Blass Wine Chardonnay, Shiraz, or Sauvignon Blanc.

OR

Spend $1500 or more on catalogued products and receive an additional 12 bottles of Wolf Blass Bilyara Sparkling Brut – delivered to your door!

PLUS the other huge July promotion happening at Harvey Norman Electrical is, if you purchase anything from the Look and Feel Your Best catalogue before July 17th you will go in the draw to win a $5000 Flight Centre Voucher!

Have a look at the catalogue here -http://www.harveynorman.com.au/catalogues/current-catalogue/#j=320259&r=V99&t=636029841890000000&v=spread&p=1

Don’t forget Harvey Norman Electrical’s price guarantee – they will always beat any price so you’re always getting the best deal.

So come on into Harvey Norman Electrical, your local super store located at 38 Chapman Road.

 

20% off Rugs @All Decor

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All Decor have done their stocktake and they have too many rugs. (They think Rick went a bit overboard when he bought the new rugs). But this is good news for you because they are putting all rugs on sale – you can get 20% off rugs, including the new stock (excludes rugs already on sale).

Come in and have a look in store today - All Decor the big blue building on the corner of Northwest Coastal Hwy and Jensen St.

 

Election 2016: Coalition to form government as more crossbenchers pledge support

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Louise Yaxley and Dan Conifer for the ABC:

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has edged closer to forming Government after two more crossbenchers pledged their support on confidence and supply.

 

Key points:

Three crossbenchers have now pledged support for the Coalition
ABC's election computer has Coalition at 73 seats, Labor 66 and five seats in doubt Shorten concedes
Coalition likely to "scrape" over the line
ictorian independent Cathy McGowan and Tasmanian Andrew Wilkie made the commitments, giving the Coalition 76 votes it needs to govern in minority.

 

Get your tax returns done at RSM

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It’s tax time! RSM will ensure that working out your tax return is stress free and you get the maximum refund.

Book an appointment today – we can help with:

  • Preparation of annual tax returns
  • Self managed superannuation funds
  • Succession and estate planning
  • Cloud accounting
  • Financial planning

For further information please contact the RSM team at – 
1/12 Bayly St, Geraldton
9920 7400
rsm.com.au/geraldton

 

Rigters Supermarkets are shouting their customers

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They say IGA is your local supermarket who likes to give back to their communities; well this couldn’t be truer for the Rigters Supermarkets here in Geraldton. Last month they ran a competition to give away $1000 to 3 sporting clubs and now this month they shouting a shopper a week!

When shopping at any of the Rigters Supermarkets – Wonthella Supa IGA, Queens Supa IGA or Rigters Supa IGA, keep your eye out for Stuart or Kyme when you’re at the checkout because they might just pay for your shopping! They will be picking one lucky shopper each week for the month of July.

So make sure you shop at your local Rigters Supermarket because when you shop local your money goes back into the community.

Wonthella Supa IGA
252 Fifth St
Wonthella
9921 4798

Queens Supa IGA
79 Durlacher St (Corner George Rd)
Geraldton
9964 7044

Rigters Supa IGA
179 Durlacher St
Geraldton
9921 2307

 

5 reasons you should keep getting the Geraldton Guardian

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Newspaper sales have fallen dramatically around Australia in recent years, and our local Guardian has not been immune to the changes in how we all consume content. 

Even though Everything Geraldton may compete in some ways with the Geraldton Guardian, I honestly believe Geraldton is better served if said newspaper continues does well. 

Here are some of the reasons I believe you will benefit from buying our local paper.  

1. Public notices

They may be the most boring part of the paper, but I think they're the most important.

Why?

When a local government WANTS to get the word out about something, they will send a press release or public notice to all media, usually including Everything Geraldton. 

I'm grateful for this. EG wants to help locals stay informed about what's happening in their community. Many people who never read the paper, including young people, are now far more connected and informed.

Sometimes the City will even pay Everything Geraldton to promote or publish something. This too is very helpful for us in terms of paying our staff and continuing operating. We think we're pretty good at getting information out to the Geraldton public. And we're super grateful for support from the CGG. 

But when the council HAS to put something out to the public, but doesn't necessarily WANT a lot of feedback, I've noticed they just purchase an ad in the public notices section of a paper. 

They are legally obligated to do this much of the time.

While I'm sure there's nothing malicious happening behind the scenes, I do believe that for much of the general public, only putting a public notice in a newspaper essentially makes it invisible. I don't think I know anyone under the age of 35 who even buys the paper with any regularity. 

Here's a recent example. I've seen no hoo-ha or press release about it, despite it potentially having a massive impact on our city. 

There were a number of complaints when the Jaffle Shack opened on the foreshore, saying that others weren't given the opportunity to put a business on the most prime piece of real estate in Geraldton. Now the city can technically say they have given everyone the opportunity. All you had to do was be one of the few people that buy the Guardian twice a week and always checked the public notices section. 

In fact, each time there's a public outcry about a decision the city makes, I have heard: "We published a public notice in a newspaper and very few people responded."

So until the laws change to better reflect how people actually get information in 2016, it's incumbent upon us, the general public, to keep an eye on the public notices in our local papers. 

2. Journalists.

The Geraldton Guardian employs a small team of journalists who put effort into chasing up stories. 

It's no secret that journalism isn't exactly a growing industry, but it will probably survive for the foreseeable future. Even though it's not the highest paying career, it can lead to other fulfilling professions. 

The Geraldton Guardian has a good track record of giving young journalists a start and helping them get their uni degree. I personally know a couple of people who are doing well in other careers now, who started off at the Guardian. Had they not had the support of the local paper in their youth, they may have struggled somewhat more. 

3. Geraldton needs multiple media voices

I admit I'm extremely inconsistent when it comes to reading the paper. Or rather, I'm consistently terrible at it. 

I will try harder after writing this article.

Three years ago I knew I wanted local content in a digital format, but no-one was going to do it in Geraldton. So instead of complaining, I started a business doing just that. But The goal of Everything Geraldton was not to replace other the media completely, but to be another voice.

I don't think a community is well served if there is only one media voice. If you piss off the wrong person, you can essentially be cut off from having your say. 

Fortunately, this isn't the case in Geraldton.

We have Everything Geraldton, which is independant and I'm obviously an advocate for. There's the Geraldton Guardian/Mid West Times, who have been around for 100+ years and are backed by Seven West. There's a talented and creative team over at the ABC, who publish great stuff. And there's a few radio stations. 

Having more media publications means a more diverse voice, and fewer newsworthy items are likely to slip through the cracks. It also gives advertisers more choices and opportunities to promote their products and services. 

4. Responsible people at the helm

I know a couple of people who work at the Geraldton Guardian in the editorial team, and from what I know of them, I do believe that they care about the people of Geraldton. 

It's not very common to have people who care so much about the community in charge of local media. Often the agenda to simply sell more papers at the cost of sensationalising everything wins out over the mandate to serve the community by printing the facts. 

Anita Kirkbright is the current editor, and I've dealt with her in other capacities in the past. I've read several of her articles over the last year or two, and she certainly seems to have a desire to surface encouraging stories from the Mid West. It's a refreshing change from the usual negativity that seems to fill our Twitter and Facebook feeds. 

That's not to say I agree with every publishing decision the Guardian makes, but for the time being I think it's well above par. 

5. It's not too big

I'm pressed for time. I don't sit down and read the paper to alleviate boredom. I know reading the paper was a favourite pastime for our Granddads. But I have a million things to occupy me that are more interesting than a newspaper. And when something big happens I will probably hear about it well before the paper comes out anyway. 

So when I do read the local paper, I want to get through it as quickly as possible. 

I have listened to complaints for about 8 years now about how thin the Guardian is. But looking at it as someone who mostly reads content online, I consider thinness a positive. 

When someone "reads" the paper, they don't actually read very much. You scan through the headlines until something stands out, and you end up reading about 1 and a half articles. 

What you leave with is the knowledge that you haven't missed anything important that may affect you, your business, or your family.

And with a world of information now accessible through our smartphones, we don't need our local papers to try and be all things to all people, publishing all manner of lifestyle articles that we may or may not be interested in. They can just give us important local content, and we can follow our particular interests through apps, social media, websites, podcasts, YouTube etc. 

In conclusion, my vision of the future of media in Geraldton doesn't involve a winner take all outcome as was the case in the past, but a diverse range of voices, each serving the community and playing a part in our daily lives. I hope the Geraldton Guardian is a part of that future. 

Note: No one from the Geraldton Guardian had any involvement with this article.

 

 

Maintenance works on flood damaged roads

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be undertaking road maintenance works on the following flood damaged roads during the month of July.

As access to driveways may be limited during maintenance, the City encourages residents to park their vehicles outside the work area where possible.

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 Moneer Fates, Project Manager on 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au