Kick Start your way to better health

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University of Notre Dame Physiotherapy student Caitlin Cocks assisting Fay Prunster in the WACRH Kick Start Program.

Members of the community are invited to participate in an eight week supervised health and exercise program.

The WA Centre of Rural Health (WACRH) Kick Start program is for Geraldton residents who are currently not exercising due to ongoing chronic health issues and who would benefit from structured exercise program in a safe environment.

WACRH health science students on rural clinical placements run the program with clinical supervisors.

Kick Start participants complete a comprehensive assessment that includes a case history, health assessment and personal goal setting. Physiotherapy students work with Kick Start participants in the WACRH gym over a period of eight weeks.

The WACRH Director Sandra Thompson said the program provides participants with a ‘kickstart’ to better health and wellbeing in a supported environment.

‘Whilst services like this exist elsewhere, there is no cost charged for Kick Start. So people who may not normally access this type of service due to affordability can benefit from the professional assistance,’ Professor Thompson said.

Local resident Fay Prunster was recommended the program by her GP.

‘I started going to Kick Start to regain fitness and balance and both of these have improved immeasurably since I started,’ Ms Prunster said.

To register your interest in participating in the program, see your GP for a referral or contact Marjorie Collett at the WACRH on 9956 0210.

Census critical for funding

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City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn with Census WA Director David Waymouth.

By filling out your Census form on 9 August you are ensuring that the populations of Greater Geraldton and the Midwest region are represented properly and therefore are eligible for crucial community services.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn is sending a strong message to the local community and said population numbers were fundamental in getting funding for key projects.

“We all want the absolute best services for our community and every day I have feedback from locals about getting improved services for health, education and policing,” he said.

“An accurate snapshot of our population will determine government funding for big projects such as our proposed hospital expansion and services including higher Police numbers.”

The information provided in the Census estimates the population, which is used to distribute government funds and plan services for your community – housing, transport, education, industry, hospitals and the environment.

“This count needs to be as accurate as possible and that’s where our community need to do their part,” Mayor Van Styn said.

“The numbers that are collected are also used by investors and large national retailers which could mean some big wins for Greater Geraldton in the near future. 

“It is absolutely imperative that everyone gets on board and fills out their Census,” he added.

“Don’t risk our funding cuts, stand up and be counted.”

As part of Census 2016 the City is hosting a series of hubs throughout the region to help people who may need assistance in filling out their forms.

The Census hubs will be set up in four locations including the CBD, Spalding, Rangeway and Mullewa.

Head to www.cgg.wa.gov.au for full information.

City hosts Census hubs

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This year the City of Greater Geraldton is making it easier for residents to complete their Census by holding hubs to help people fill out their forms. 

On 9 and 10 August there will be hubs in the CBD, Spalding, Rangeway and Mullewa. Each hub will allow members of the public access to a computer, as well as volunteers who will be available to offer assistance. 

In addition to providing assistance with Census, select hubs will also be providing free food and entertainment. 

“We are making it easier for locals to complete their census by setting up four hubs so if you need assistance to complete your form, simply bring your Census letter with you to a hub and our volunteers will help you out,” City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said. 

“Census are encouraging people to fill out their forms online and some people might not have access to a computer or the internet, and some people may just need help with filling out their form, so we are providing people with those resources.” 

People in the Greater Geraldton district will receive a letter in the mail with a special code for them to go online and fill out the form. Those who would like a hard copy can request one. 

Residents in Mullewa will receive a hard-copy form. 

Mayor Van Styn is urging all local residents to take part in the Census to ensure that the populations of Greater Geraldton and the Midwest region are represented properly and therefore are eligible for crucial community services. 

“Some members of the community have been put off participating in Census in previous years because of unfounded fears that their information will be passed around,” he said. 

“I have been assured that this is not the case – personal information that is collected during the Census is not shared with other Government agencies.”

Those wishing to take advantage of a Census hub will need to be able to produce their special Census letter, which started arriving at households from 1 August 2016. 

You can find more information about the Census their website at http://ow.ly/p0rp302Gk2c and for more information about the local hubs head to the City website at www.cgg.wa.gov.au 

Do you have what it takes to be a 2017 Fringe World Artist?

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Do you have what it takes to join the internationally renowned artist’s and explosive act’s taking stage at Fringe World 2017?

Geraldton’s regional Fringe World hub ‘Funtavia’ is now seeking expressions of interest from Mid West artist’s with unique and creative acts to join the Funtavia assemblage.

This is a fantastic opportunity for local artist’s to preform alongside the outstanding national and international Fringe World acts, whilst receiving hints and tips about the worldwide stage!

Geraldton’s regional Fringe World hub ‘Funtavia’ will once again be brought to Geraldton by local event management company Event Nation and local arts production enterprise The Comedy Emporium.

“We are looking for expressions of interest from local artist or performers with original and unique acts that are keen on performing at the festival’ said The Comedy Emporium Ringleader Julian Canny.

“Three artist slots are available with additional opportunities to feature in other aspects of programming also” he said.

Along with programming allocation in Funtavia, local artist will also be provide with opportunities to present their work at various Fringe World locations in WA.

Funtavia is set to return on Thursday 9th to Saturday 11th February for 3-nights of specular entertainment tucked away in Geraldton’s Vibrant West End.

“The festival contributes greatly to the city’s lifestyle and vibrancy and providing unprecedented opportunities for local artists,” said Event Nation Director Jody Reilly.

For more information or to express your interest please contact Julian Canny on 0458306111 or email laugh@thecomedyemporium.com

Free Hearing Checks for over 18’s

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 18 years and over have the opportunity to have free hearing checks when the Australian Hearing bus visits Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service (GRAMS) on August 18 from 9am to 2pm.

Australian Hearing will provide hearing awareness advice, measure people’s hearing and provide steps on the different options available if a patient’s hearing is suffering.

GRAMS chief executive Deborah Woods said, because hearing loss often occurred gradually with age, many people were unaware their hearing was diminishing.

“We’d encourage anyone concerned about their hearing, or those whose family complain about their hearing, to take advantage of this opportunity for a free hearing check,” Ms Woods said.

“It’s a great chance to find out how your hearing measures up – and learn what steps you can take if you’re having hearing problems.”

As well as having a hearing check, visitors to the bus can find information on a range of common hearing issues and view a display of easy-to-use hearing devices for around the home. This includes headsets for watching the TV and alert systems for doorbells.

Australian Hearing Geraldton manager Julie Faulkner said hearing loss was a prevalent issue in the community, with around 60 per cent of Australians over 60 suffering from some form of hearing loss.

“Not everyone who is experiencing problems hearing needs a hearing aid,” Ms Faulkner said.

“Sometimes it’s just hearing the TV at normal volumes, hearing your doorbell, or hearing your friends on the phone that’s the problem.”

Bookings can be made at GRAMS clinic or by calling 9956 6555. 

Community called to register plantings for Million Trees project

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Seedlings recently planted along the Chapman River.

With less than 13 years to go till 2029 the call is out for people to help green the City and register trees and shrubs they’ve planted towards the Million Trees project.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said more than 150,000 trees and shrubs have been planted by the community, business and industry since the project began in 2012.

“The community’s top priority of greening the City is well underway and the City is playing a pivotal role in helping the community reach its goal of planting a million trees by 2029,” he said.

“Every year City staff plant trees and shrubs in parks, on verges and on the coast.  We also organise a number of annual community and corporate tree planting days that help revegetate areas along the Chapman and Greenough rivers.

“All of these plantings have been counted towards the Million Trees project.

“We also grow local providence seedlings in our Community Nursery which are planted by community groups, business and industry throughout the City region.  This year alone more than 30,000 seedlings were produced and planted locally.

“Finally, and most importantly, we manage the Million Trees Register so we can keep count of all the trees or shrubs being planted across the City region,” said Mayor Van Styn.

“Although a million trees may seem like a big number I know if everyone continues to plant trees and registers them to make them count we can achieve this goal together.”

If you would like more information on the Million Trees project or to register trees or shrubs you’ve planted in the past four years visit the City Website www.cgg.wa.gov.au

Royalties funding allows Bundiyarra to develop tourism experience

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Regional Development Minister, Terry Redman, leaves his mark with local children at a family fun day at Bundiyarra last month, ably aided by Nationals Member for the Agricultural Region, Paul Brown, right.

A unique Aboriginal tourism experience will soon be offered in Geraldton.

Bundiyarra Aboriginal Community Aboriginal Corporation (Bundiyarra) is about to reap the reward of community consultation, strategic planning and solid hard work that has resulted in more than $270,000 in funding through the Liberal National Government’s Regional Grants Scheme.

Regional Development Minister, Terry Redman, announced the funding on July 27. The Regional Grants Scheme is designed to improve and develop infrastructure and services in the regions, through the Royalties for Regions program for community, public and not-forprofit organisations.

Mr Redman said the funding of $272,000 has been awarded to Bundiyarra to help the corporation develop an urban Aboriginal tourism venture.

Bundiyarra CEO, Marchelle Retallack, said the Bundiyarra Board is thrilled with the funding and it allows the corporation to realise a long-held aspiration to expand and be more self-sufficient while offering a unique experience to tourists.

“The Board and staff have worked hard alongside community to make this happen and now we will be able to progress our plans to develop the grounds and offer a unique cultural centre for greater community and a tourism experience around the dreaming tracks on the Reserve,” she said.

“This funding is the icing on the cake; we have been successful in all funding applications submitted this year allowing Bundiyarra to develop a community garden, created by an enthusiastic team of participants through the Work for the Dole Scheme.

“We also received funding through the WA Waste Authority for recycling to avoid creating waste by including natural recycling methods which will make the community garden a stand out. In total we have received $672,000 for the development of a Cultural Centre,” said Ms Retallack.

The Bundiyarra Environmental Health Services Team also received funding through the WA Department of Health to continue for a further four years. This service is vital to the greater community in educating residents in hygiene and keeping their homes pest free.

The Bundiyarra Irra Wangga Language Centre has been equally successful with receiving funding for a further four years through the Australian Government – Department of Communications and the Arts.

“However, this Royalties for Regions funding will allow us to really power ahead with our development and start to build some of the infrastructure that has been designed by community and local architects Eastman Poletti Sherwood,” Ms Retallack said.

A big day is planned at Bundiyarra on August 11 to celebrate the Royalties for Regions funding.

$551,000 for WA coastal projects

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Communities across Western Australia will share in $551,000 for strategic coastal planning and to undertake projects that improve the condition and amenity of the State’s coastline.

Planning Minister Donna Faragher recently announced the 23 successful projects to receive funding under the latest round of the State Government’s 2016-17 Coastwest and Coastal Management Plan Assistance program.

Member for Geraldton, Ian Blayney MLA, welcomed the recent announcement and said that local projects- including CapeBurney to Drummond Cove Adaptation Planning,would ensure the community has safer access to our highly-valued coastline and demonstrates the State Government’s commitment to good coastal planning and on-ground management.

Funding is provided to the City of Greater Geraldton to undertake a Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Plan (CHRMAP) in accordance with the Western Australian Planning Commission’s CHRMAP Guidelines. It will include community forums and concentrate on identification and assessment of adaptation options and implementation planning for the whole coastline of the City of Greater Geraldton area, including Drummond Cove, Beresford Beach and Southgate Dunes.

Ian Blayney said the State Government’s commitment was shared by many people with most projects being led by local governments and involving coastal community volunteers and groups.

The latest funding allocations support the Western Australian Planning Commission’s State Coastal Planning Policy, which guides land use and development along Western Australia’s coast.

For more information about projects in your area visit www.planning.wa.gov.au. 

Harvey Norman Electrical have extended their wine offer!

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Harvey Norman Electrical have extended their free wine offer until the28th August 2016.

This offer is only available on purchases from their current cooking catalogue - http://www.harveynorman.com.au/catalogues/current-catalogue/#j=320258&r=V99&t=636056553360000000&v=spread&p=1

So, if you need a new freestanding cooker or are looking at replacing your oven or stove top, then now is definitely the time to get into Harvey Norman Electrical. Not only can get free wine with your purchase but you can get 12 months interest free with no deposit, no interest and no repayments (cooking only). AND they will have up to 50% off all discontinued models that are scratched or dented, and if you don’t like the price then make them an offer!

If you come into Harvey Norman Electrical but you aren’t looking for a new cooking appliance then you could get your purchase with 48 Months Interest Free. So save your tax cheque and take advantage of 4 years interest free with no deposit.

For this week only (until the 7th August) Harvey Norman Electrical have the Akai TV on special. Get the 39.5” for $299 or the 65” for $999.

If you want even more savings from Harvey Norman Electrical then make sure you get into the store on 13th August for their Stocktake Sale. Help then move the stock so they don’t have to count it. Everything will be heavily reduced with huge savings across the whole electrical store.

They will have up to 20% off small goods and up to 20% off white goods.
All goods must be taken by the 18th August.

 

Get a free bottle of wine at Indian Sunset

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Are you looking for a great place to catch up with friends for dinner? Then you should definitely try Indian Sunset. Not only do they have delicious food to fit your lifestyle but for every $80 or more spent between a minimum of 4 people you will get a complimentary bottle of House ‪‬‬Wine (Red or White) or a 1.25 litre soft drink.

Terms & Conditions:
Must present this voucher OR mention this offer to our staff.
Offer valid only from Tuesday to Friday Dinner.
Not valid on public holidays . 
Must present the voucher. 
Not valid with any other offer or redeemable

For bookings please call them on 08 9964 3382 or visit their website and book online (or order some takeaway) – www.indiansunset.com.au

 

40 Hour Sale at FortyWinks Geraldton

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FortyWinks Geraldton is having a MASSIVE 40 Hour Sale this weekend!

Now is the perfect time to grab a bargain on leading brand mattresses, bedroom furniture, kid’s beds and more, with up to 40% off storewide.

And get up to 40 months interest free. See in store for more details.

Get the bedroom of your dreams and Wake Up Wonderful at FortyWinks Geraldton.

Get yourself down to the Homemaker Centre and let their bed experts help you choose the perfect match– Don’t miss out on an absolute bargain.

Got a specific model in mind? Give them a call on (08) 9921 1900 and they will let you know if it’s in stock. 

http://www.fortywinks.com.au/

 

Planned water interruption in parts of Wandina

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Planned water interruption in parts of Wandina -

3 August 5am to 3pm Water Corporation will be turning off the water for customers living between Bellimos Dr, around Bellimos Park and further South towards Verita Rd.

Water supply will be interrupted from 5am and will be restored at 3pm.

An alternative source of potable water will be made available from Bellimos Park over the shut-off period.

Customers who wish to access water from this supply are encouraged to bring their bottles or storage containers for re-filling.

Customers with special water requirements should call our 24 hour Faults, Emergencies and Security line on 13 13 75.

Is your business operating at its peak?

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Today’s business owner often finds himself looking after the day-to-day operations including everything from operating practices to administrative processes to costs and cash flow to accounting systems.

How long has it been since you were asked these questions?
• Do you have the right business structure for your business?

• How do you streamline operating and administrative processes?

• What do you need to have an effective POS (Point of Sale system) that links to an online accounting platform?

• Are your businesses internal control systems adequate in relation to debtors, creditors & inventory management?

• How do you read financial statements (ie Profit & Loss /Balance Sheet)?

• Do you understand what impacts your business’ cash flow (ie maximise liquidity)?

• What do you need to do to monitor and contain costs (ie continuous improvement)?

• Do you know how to measure your product or service profitability margins?

• Have you covered all business’ legal requirements (ATO, ASIC, insurance & superannuation)?

• Do you have real time management reports to run your business and identify warning signals?

• Do you have real time information to make informed decisions?

• Are you forward planning in relation to budgets, forecasts and cash flow models?

Our advisors will review and renew your operating practices, identifying inefficiencies and making recommendations.

Your business cannot afford to lose any more time.
Call us for an obligation-free chat.

Glen Coombs
T: 9920 7400 M: 0400 408 205
glen.coombs@rsm.com.au
rsm.com.au/geraldton

 

Repairs to footpaths at Edith Cowan Park

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be repairing the footpath at Edith Cowan Park, located on Marine Terrace across from the Courthouse with works scheduled to begin on Tuesday 2 August and lasting for three days.

To ensure community safety the footpaths will be fenced off during the works.

Motorists and pedestrians are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and direction from authorised City personnel and contractors. The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact Kim North, City Precinct Facilitator, Sport and leisure on 08 9956 6600 or emailcouncil@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Stand up and be counted

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Census night is rapidly approaching. If you need a hand completing your form, the City of Greater Geraldton will be hosting Census hubs in Rangeway, Spalding, Mullewa and the Geraldton CBD. There will be free food and entertainment at some of the hubs. For more information visit - http://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/census-2016.aspx

GERALDTON CBD – 
QEII Seniors and Community Centre
88 Durlacher St
Tuesday 9 August: 12pm to 6pm
Wednesday 10 August: 9am to 5pm
Refreshments provided

RANGEWAY – 
Bundiyarra
56-86 Eastward Rd
Tuesday 9 August: 4pm to 9pm
Featuring ban Morning Sons from 6pm-8pm, FREE roo stew and damper

SPALDING – 
Spalding Family Centre
75 Mitchell St
Wednesday 10 August: 4pm to 9pm
Featuring bank Red Ochre from 6pm-8pm, FREE roo stew and damper

MULLEWA – 
CRC
Cnr Jose St and Maitland Rd
Wednesday 10 August: 10am to 4pm
FREE sausage sizzle

One day closure of Aquarena

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the Aquarena will be closed on Tuesday 2 August 2016 from 7am for Western Power to undertake maintenance work on the facility’s main transformer.

Early morning swimmers won’t be affected by the closure as the Aquarena will be open from 5.30am-7am on 2 August.  Programs and classes scheduled for the day will be rescheduled.

The Aquarena will resume normal business hours on Wednesday 3 August 2016 from 5.30am to 7pm.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the Aquarena on(08) 9956 6906 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.