Calling all beachcombers – have you seen this sponge?

/

Not an Agelasaxifera, but this specimen from the Houtman Abrolhos Islands looks similar to the rare sponge the Museum is looking for.

Beachcombers, divers, swimmers and anglers are being asked to help the Western Australian Museum find examples of a very rare marine sponge, Agelasaxifera, known only to the Champion Bay area in Geraldton.  

The Museum is hoping recent storms in the area might have washed the sponges onto the beach. 

WA Museum Head of Aquatic Zoology Dr Jane Fromont said the species was first described in 1911 from the holotype collected at Champion Bay in 1905 – the only known location of Agelasaxifera worldwide. 

A holotype is the first example of a named species ever identified, described and published. The Agelasaxifera holotype was taken to Germany early last century for scientific study and lodged with a museum in Hamburg, but was destroyed during World War II. 

“The WA Museum is looking for a new specimen of this sponge to replace the holotype, which would be known as a neotype,” Dr Fromont said.  

“I would encourage everyone in the Geraldton area who explores the beach to look out for a cup-like sponge with a bumpy surface, and possibly a light brown colour. 

“The best time to make such a discovery is after a storm or whenever Geraldton has big seas. This is when kelp and sponges are torn off the bottom of the ocean and are washed onto the shore.” 

People are asked to first photograph a sponge in situ using their camera or smart-phone so the image records the GPS location of the find. They can then take their discovery to the WA Museum – Geraldton to be tested.  

“Museum staff will perform a bleach test on a small piece of the sponge to determine if it has the characteristic spicules of the Agelas species and, if this is the case, they will preserve the collected specimen in ethanol and arrange for its transport to Perth,” Dr Fromont said. 

“Sponges up to 12 months old may still have molecular value so if you think you found something like the Agelasaxifera in recent times, and you still have it, you can also bring this to the Museum to be assessed.” 

The discovery of a neotype would help the WA Museum identify other sponge specimens in the State Collection, by providing a known example of Agelasaxifera for comparison.

City to review and increase winter mowing schedule

/

Increased rains this winter has seen accelerated growth of shrubbery on our verges and in our parks, and the City’s normal winter mowing schedule has failed to keep up.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ken Diehm has this week said he is aware of the issue and is putting measures in place to address the problem.

“This is simply not acceptable and as CEO I take full responsibility for this failure,” he said.

“We’ve had a lot more rain this season and the simple problem has been that our normal winter mowing schedule just hasn’t kept up with the growth.

“To address this issue, I have instructed my staff to immediately engage additional local contractors to undertake the mowing of our verges and parks as a high priority.”

Residents will see a significant improvement over the next few weeks with contractors now employed for the increased mowing service and Mr Diehm said he will be putting measures in place to ensure the same issues don’t occur next winter.

“This has been a big learning curve for us and we know that things will need to change moving forward,” he said.

“We will be reviewing our winter mowing schedule each year to take into account any changes in weather patterns that accelerate growth on our verges to ensure this problem does not occur again.”

If you have an area of concern please don’t hesitate the City on 9956 6600 or at council@cgg.wa.gov.au

Former Mayor honoured with Freeman title

/

Mr Ian Carpenter has been named an Honorary Freeman of the City of Greater Geraldton.

Mr Ian Carpenter said he was absolutely blown away and honoured after being named an Honorary Freeman of the City of Greater Geraldton.

The title was bestowed upon the former Mayor on Wednesday evening at a ceremony where he was joined by friends, family, former colleagues and community members.

“I am very honoured to have this title. It’s not something you go looking for but to be judged by your peers on something like this and to be nominated by them is very gratifying,” Mr Carpenter said.

“When I first found out I was really blown away by the sentiment and extremely surprised, it was right out of the blue as some time has gone by since I finished my term as Mayor.”

Mr Carpenter was first elected onto the Council of the City of Geraldton in October 2003. In 2006 he was appointed the position of Acting Mayor and in April 2007 he voluntarily resigned, as did all City Council, in preparation for the Geraldton/Greenough amalgamation.

In October 2007 Mr Carpenter was re-elected as a the inaugural City of Geraldton-Greenough Mayor. In 2009 he was again re-elected as Mayor then publically elected as the inaugural Mayor of the City of Greater Geraldton on 15 October 2011 and remained as Mayor until 2015.

When asked what some of his greatest achievements were as Mayor, Mr Carpenter said, “It wasn’t just me, there were so many people involved in the big projects throughout my time on Council and the Mayor is a figurehead that ensures Council functions together to help our community get the best possible outcomes.”

Mr Carpenter said the transformation of the Foreshore throughout his time as Mayor was just one of the standout achievements.

“I was lucky enough to be on Council for the whole process of the Foreshore from the beginning of the public consultation, working out what amenities the community wanted on our Foreshore, right through to the new Geraldton Multipurpose Centre,” he said.

“It really is fantastic to see it completed and see what it has transformed into today.”

Mr Carpenter also highlighted the collective formation of the WA Regional Capitals Alliance initiative.

Current City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn congratulated Mr Carpenter and said he had been an inspiration.

“Ian has been an absolute pioneer for the City of Greater Geraldton and he has led our Council for many of the great things we see in our community today,” he said.

“He is very deserving of this honorary title and I know so many others share this opinion.

“I would like to congratulate Mr Carpenter on this feat and thank him for his service and dedication to our community.”

Mr Carpenter was given the title having demonstrated outstanding and meritorious service to the community of the City of Greater Geraldton for many decades. This service includes significant community service to the Apex Club, Variety Club of Australia, Geraldton Sportsman’s Club and Geraldton Squash Rackets Association.

In addition to the above community service, Mr Carpenter’s public service to the community of the City of Greater Geraldton includes serving on a wide range of public institutions, Boards and Committees, such as Midwest Development Commission, Batavia Regional Organisation of Councils, Western Australia Regional Capital Alliance and Regional Capitals Australia.

Mr Carpenter joins other Freeman including Mr Phil Cooper, Mr Anthony Messina, Mr Douglas Brenkley, Mr James Grant, Mr Peter Freeman and past freeman Mr Richard Maslen and Dr Patrick Docherty.

Monsignor Hawes Heritage Centre opened

/

Nationals WA MP and candidate for the seat of Geraldton, Paul Brown has welcomed the official opening of the Monsignor Hawes Heritage Centre in Geraldton. The opening of the centre coincides with the 100 year anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone for the St Francis Xavier Cathedral, which is considered one of Monsignor Hawes finest works.

The Monsignor Hawes Heritage Centre is a wonderful complement to the St Francis Xavier Cathedral which is an iconic building identifiable to Geraldton,” Mr Brown said.

Representing the Minister for Regional Development Hon Terry Redman MLA at the event, Mr Brown acknowledged the work done by the Roman Catholic Diocese, and the considerable fundraising efforts of the Geraldton community.

“The Monsignor Hawes Heritage Centre is a wonderful example of how a community can support something that they are very passionate about. In this case, the wonderful legacy that Monsignor Hawes has left throughout the Mid West through built infrastructure,” Mr Brown said.

The Monsignor Hawes Heritage Centre will house an extensive collection of Monsignor Hawes artefacts currently held by the Geraldton Diocese. This includes original architectural plans, models, sketches, artisanal objects, assorted memorabilia and furniture. Previously, these artefacts have been held without an appropriate display and preservation forum.

“Preservation of these artefacts is important to ensure that the Mid West legacy of Monsignor Hawes lives on, and is shared via the tourism opportunity that the Heritage Centre now offers visitors to the Mid West,” Mr Brown said.

Funding of the $3.6 million project was made possible from:

  •   Royalties for Regions, with $1.541 million provided through the Mid West

    Development Commission’s Mid West Investment Plan;

  •   Lotterywest ($651,038);

  •   The Roman Catholic Diocese; and

  •   Community fundraising efforts.

    The Monsignor Hawes Heritage Centre will be the interpretive gateway to the Monsignor Hawes story, and showcase the 23 Monsignor Hawes buildings throughout the Mid West, encouraging locals and visitors alike to visit all 23 sites along the Monsignor Hawes heritage trail.

Thanks to S&K Electrical for the images. St Francis Xavier Cathedral. 

Geraldton businessman charged with fraud after stealing clients' credit card details

/

Police say they have arrested and charged a Geraldton man with multiple counts of fraud. 

The person is a 34 year old Geraldton man. Police say the man is charged with numerous counts of Gains Benefit by Fraud.

Police say he is a local businessman who used client credit card details for his own private use.  

He is due to appear in court later this month. 

A 34 year old Geraldton man has been charged with numerous counts of Gains Benefit by Fraud and is due to appear before the Geraldton Magistrates Court on 8 September 2016.

A person familiar with the matter has spoken with Everything Geraldton regarding the person. They stated that they have had dealings with the accused, and told Everything Geraldton that they had been overcharged by the business in question that the accused is involved with, and was disputing several charges for goods and services that were not supplied.

Water Corp finds large leaks in Tarcoola, Mahoments

/

LEAK DETECTION SAVES WATER IN GERALDTON

Water Corporation inspected more than 5,900 kilometres of water mains across Western Australia over the past year as part of a Liberal National Government program to detect and repair non-visible leaks.

The overall savings were the equivalent of 1,244 Olympic swimming pools of water each year.

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney said the program included Tarcoola Beach, Mahomets Flats and Mount Tarcoola where more than 200 million litres of water each year would be saved.

“Detection of non-visible leaks forms an important part of Water Corporation’s water loss management strategy,” Mr Blayney said.

 “Leaks can be difficult to detect on underground pipes, especially in sandy soils. This program uses acoustic technology to detect hidden leaks, which can then be prioritised for repair.

“Workers walk along the pipeline and listen with technology similar to a stethoscope to determine if a non-visible leak is present, then specialist equipment is brought in to pinpoint its location.

“The large leaks detected in Tarcoola Beach, Mahomets Flats and Mount Tarcoola illustrate how this technology can save significant amounts of water.”

Water Corporation manages nearly 34,500 kilometres of water mains across 2.6 million square kilometres of Western Australia.

“When you consider that amount of pipe would cover Australia east to west more than 8.5 times, you realise how large an undertaking it is to detect non-visible leaks,”Mr Blayney said.

Water Corporation will continue its non-visible leak detection program in 2016-17.

 

Fact File

• More than 5,900kms of water mains inspected for hidden leaks in 2015-16, which saved 2.8 billion litres of water each year. • This included around 4,400kms in the Perth metro area and 1,500kms in regional WA. • Leaks occur in every water supply scheme across the world and are influenced by a number of external factors, such as soil types, nearby construction and tree roots.• Members of the public who see a leak or pipe break can report it to Water Corporation 24/7 by phoning 13 13 75.

Arson squad investigating Moresby house fire

/

Arson Squad Officers have been called in to investigate a house fire that occurred over the weekend in Moresby, Geraldton. 

At about 7:50am, Sunday 4th September 2016, a structural house fire was reported at a house in Moresby.

The dwelling suffered significant damage as a result.

The matter is currently under investigation by Geraldton Detectives and Arson Squad Officers.

My husband nearly died - Letter to the Editor

/

My husband got extremely ill on the morning of 17th of August at 2am. He started vomiting initially, I thought he had gastro so didn't panic. By lunchtime I was concerned as he wasn't improving.

I got a doctor appointment but on the way to Dr at 3.50 he started to go down hill fast, so I changed direction and took him to Geraldton regional. He was rushed into resuscitation unit and RFDS to Perth where he spent 13 days in ICU, and was placed in an induced coma. His kidneys and body were starting to shut down.

A few days later we were advised he had salmonella poisoning. As no other family members were sick we believe he may have eaten some takeaway or fast food on Tuesday 16th August.

The only reason I am writing this post is the Health department in Midwest are not investigating as they believe it was an isolated case.

If you or any family members had similar symptoms I urge you to go to the doctor to be checked out, you may still have salmonella in your system. My husband is still on dialysis and is in hospital in Perth quite ill.

This was not a simple illness for him as he almost died from this. If anyone has this it can remain in their system for a substantial amount of time.

My husband was lucky I changed direction and headed to the hospital otherwise we would not be having a fathers day. Please, I just want others that may have been ill to see their doctor and get tested.


Anon

20% off Avenues Carpet at All Decor

/

This month at All Decor you can get 20% off the Avenues Carpet range.

Avenues Cavill, Madison and Park are their most popular colours and All Decor has rolls of these available in store now.

The Avenues carpet is a heavy duty residential carpet that comes with a 7 year wear warranty, so it’s perfect for all rooms of the house including the high traffic areas.

All Decor uses qualified and experienced carpet layers, so your carpet is laid and made to last.

Come into All Decor on the corner of North West Coastal Hwy and Jensen St to see the carpet for yourself, and if you’re quick you might be able to get this great stock carpet laid within 7 days (subject to availability).

 

Geraldton women have EMBRACED!

/

Geraldton women have EMBRACED! 

Driven by Roshelle of Turn It Up Dancewear, Kate of Real Food Real You and Carolyn of Carolyn Fox a group of incredible women came together one winter's day in Geraldton wearing nothing but their undies! 

Their mission... to reveal to the world they have embraced their body (age, weight and height notwithstanding!) and to encourage women everywhere to do the same. 

Because they are beautiful. So, so, so beautiful. You have no idea how amazing they are. 

Not only were these women photographed bearing barely nothing, they were also filmed and interviewed. The women were asked questions about their body image and they answered honestly from places of pain and love. 

This short film will be shown at the Geraldton premiere of EMBRACE on 7th September. The local models will also participate in a Q&A session after the movie.

Turn It Up’s EMBRACE STORY – By Roshelle Duggan

As females I believe we all have a Body Image story…. this is my business Body Image story, and why Turn It Up Dancewear wanted to be a part of the EMBRACE Community xox
Over the past couple of years, I dreamt of having a funky dancewear store for all students, young and old to come in and feel incredible. I want you to leave my store feeling like the amazing star performers I know you all are.

One of the things I didn’t know I would see is little girls who feel terrible about their beautiful young growing bodies. They don’t want to wear particular types of clothing as I hear them say negative things about themselves. My heart broke into a million pieces when I first witness this unfair negativity on a young mind. My inner child was crying, it brought back all my emotions from when I was a little girl feeling I wasn’t skinny enough to wear anything that would show off my body type.

I have also had customers come in worried that they will not fit into my clothing. I prefer not to ask the customer what size they are but what they are after, what colours and style they like. It is my job to ensure you walkout my door feeling incredible and that I have met your needs. It is my job to know that shorts for example, you will get more room in a rollover short and a V Front short will provide you a firmer fit around your waist.

I remember in my early twenties I would walk into stores and when asked if I needed help I would say “I was just looking for a gift for a friend”, even though I was shopping for myself!!! I was worried and scared about being body shamed by the retail assistant in case their store didn’t cater for my size. I now understand this of course had nothing to do with any stores or the beautiful people working in these outlets, this was about me. Me not accepting myself and embracing the body I have been given. If only I had the voice to tell the truth why I was in their store, so I could have given them the chance to help me, help me find something that made me feel beautiful.

Sometimes I hate that clothing even needs to have a size on them, why do we need to feel that we are labelled by a tag size? 

There is no lying that most branded clothing is limited in sizing, most of them really only going into a size 14. So as I was more than a size 14, I was left feeling that I was never beautiful enough to be wearing their tags. Sometimes we will experience what one brand classes as a size 14 fits but another brand with size 14 doesn’t? So please beautiful girls, never pay attention to the tag size, we don’t need to label ourselves this way, this sometimes can only lead us into a negative mind set.

I had seen Body Image Movement advertising Taryn Brumfitt story and her journey to create the Body-Positive Documentary EMBRACE, I had become even more excited when I had seen it being advertised that EMBRACE would be showing in Geraldton.

In the trailer there is a group of ladies of all shapes and sizes doing a group photo. It was at the moment I realised TIU needed to do this. TIU needed to do this to EMBRACE others. 
I was so emotional. I was very excited to be sending out a powerful message but so scared to work through my own fears. 

That was just over 4 weeks ago, and what amazing quick 4 weeks it’s has been.

I am so blessed to have worked with such amazing women with incredible stories to tell. Over the next couple of days leading up to the viewing on the 7th I will be sharing their stories on TIU FB page. I hope by either reading this or seeing our group photo that we have helped reach out to you to EMBRACE. Please gather all your friends and family to book your tickets to see EMBRACE. Our EMBRACE MIDWEST short film will be showing at Geraldton Orana Cinemas on the 7th and 18th September after the EMBRACE movie.

TIU has now been open for just over 6 months, and what an amazing 6 months it’s been. I am extremely proud of my team and thank each and every one of my amazing customers for your support and trust x

#embracemidwest #embrace #turnitupdancewear #bekindtoyourself

Without the below this could not of happened, big thank you to you all xox
Photos taken by: Emma Hutton Photography- Bumps, Births & Babes
Project by: Turn It Up Dancewear Real Food Real You Carolyn Fox
Models: Chilli Buck, Kate Tonkin, Kaitlyn Joy Isastrat, Carolyn Correll, Fleur Porter, Marnie Thurkle, Christine Bayliss, Roshelle Duggan, Sharna Whitehurst
Hair/Make up: Hot Locs Hair Body & Soul, The Makeup Parlour, Shanz Spray Tanning & MakeUp, Karis Crudeli

 

Take a FRESH LOOK Cluster JAM

/

Recognising that the current economic conditions are difficult for business and industry in the Mid West, the region’s leaders have banded together to explore the opportunities for growth through the hosting of the Take a FRESH LOOK Cluster JAM, on Tuesday September 6 2016 at the Queens Park Theatre (8.30am – 5.00pm).

The event will have a focus on Marine Services, Food (in particular around Horticulture) and Tourism but is open for all industry and business to attend to understand how working in collaboration with your competitors can grow your business and contribute to growing the wealth of the region.

The event will provide an overview of what we understand about these three growth areas and will see the announcement of small “quick win” projects designed to kick start GROWTH.

Under the umbrella of “Clustering” – which encourages business and industry to work together to grow their sectors - the event will be both informative and interactive. 

The Cluster JAM, is the first of its kind to be held in regional Western Australia and will include a presentation from and workshops with globally renowned Clustering Guru Ifor Ffowcs Williams.

The event will also feature the opportunity to hear about the learnings from attempts to set up Marine Hubs in State’s North.  It will also feature an overview of the Australian Marine Complex and help identify the gaps in services that could provide an opportunity for Geraldton businesses.

For the FOOD sector it will offer an update on the most recent Asian Market Opportunities to help growers identify “what next”.

Tourism operators will have the opportunity to understand the marketing and promotional opportunities being rolled out globally and also have the opportunity to explore the NEXT STEP in growing this sector for the region.

Take a Fresh Look Geraldton – Cluster JAM
$57.75 per ticket
Tuesday 6 September from 8.30am – 7.00pm
Queens Park Theatre, Geraldton
 
FOR TICKETS
Call 0428 210 712
 
RSVP by Friday 2 September

Speakers Include

Clustering for GROWTH
Ifor Ffowcs-Williams -  CEO & founder Cluster Navigators

Prior to establishing Cluster Navigators in 1997 Ifor was the General Manager, Strategic Development Unit of Trade NZ. Under the umbrella theme of "Cooperating to Compete" Ifor introduced the Joint Action Group (JAG) and the Hard Business Network (HBN) Programmes and the New Zealand cluster development initiative.  

Since establishing Cluster Navigators in 1997, Ifor's focus has been on the practicalities of cluster development.  He leads strategy workshops around the world with economic development agencies, cluster groups and support organisations.  Ifor is a frequent speaker on competitiveness, clusters and innovation.

Participants from 50 countries have attended training workshops on the Twelve Step process he has developed.  Clients include The World Bank, UNDP, European Union, international aid agencies and national/regional economic development agencies.  He has been described as 'one of the most influential cluster practitioners in the world'.

Ifor is a founder and Past President of The Competitiveness Institute.  TCI is the leading global network for practitioners, policy makers and business leaders addressing regional competitiveness. 

A Clustering Success
Australian Aerospace Alliance
Les Shearn 

Contracted as Alliance Facilitator Mr Shearn created alliances in the Aerospace and Specialist Vehicles sectors in South Australia. Alliances being broadened to include companies nationally and positioned to secure work globally.

He led the alliance’s participation in the SA Government’s India; South East Asia and Indonesian Trade Missions that resulted in a Strategic Partnering Agreement being signed with a State owned company in Indonesia, PT Pindad.

Developed a proposal securing $2million funding for the establishment of the Specialist Vehicles Alliance covering the Automotive, Defence, Public Services and Resources sectors.

Food is the FUTURE
FOOD INNVOATION AUSTRALIA
MIRJANA PRICA - Managing Director

Mirjana was appointed Managing Director of Food Innovation Australia Limited in July 2013, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience in general management, business development and project management.

She has over 17 years R&D project management experience of food, water, ceramic and mineral concepts and holds more than 10 years’ experience in business development and strategy for the food and agricultural sectors.

After completing her MBA in 1991, Mirjana joined George Weston Foods (GWF), part of the Associated British Foods Group, to work in business development and technology transfer both in Australia and overseas. During this time she helped to establish a global feed ingredients business for the group. More recently she oversaw GWFs analytical services business, focusing on areas of food, cereals and related products.

Mirjana is a business-science post-graduate from University of Melbourne and has worked as a senior research scientist and lecturer at Keele University in the UK. She also spent part of her career as a scientist at Food Science Australia (CSIRO).

Marketing and Branding Western Australia globally

Ms Louise Scott
Executive Director Strategy, Brand and Marketing Services | Tourism WA 

Louise moved to Perth from Aberdeen in Scotland in 2011 and in January this year joined Tourism WA as Executive Director Strategy, Brand and Marketing Services. 

She has recently led the creation and launch of the ’Just another day in WA' campaign. 

Prior to joining TWA, Louise headed up Marketing, Communications and Events for the City of Perth. 

Louise is a graduate of the Robert Gordon University, with an Honours Degree in Hospitality Management and recently completed an MBA at the University of Western Australia. She is also a Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and Local Government Managers Australia. 

Louise has held a number of senior roles in both the public and private sector and has over 20 years’ experience in marketing, communications, economic development, tourism and events management.

The event is funded through the Regional Centre Development Plan Phase 2.

Prescribed Burning Alert - Glenfield 3rd September

/

Waggrakine Bushfire Brigade will be conducting a Hazard Reduction Burn on a block at the corner of Chapman Rd and Stella Rd, Glenfield on Saturday 3rd September starting at approx. 12:30pm.

We advise that people avoid the area to allow crews to work on the control burn.

There will be smoke from the burn and advise on the following:

  • Close all doors and windows
  • Turn off air conditioning 
  • Remove clothes from washing line
  • If you suffer from asthma or have breathing difficulties we advise you relocate away from the smoke

We thank you for your cooperation whilst we conduct this Hazard Reduction Burn.

Any comments of concerns can be forward to: 
Murray Smith
Captain
Waggrakine Bushfire Brigade
0409 115 585

 

Prescribed Burning Alert - Waggrakine 3rd September

/

Waggrakine Bushfire Brigade will be conducting a Hazard Reduction Burn on a block at the corner of Sutcliffe Rd and Drabble Rd, Waggrakine on Saturday 3rd September starting at approx. 8:30am.

We advise that people avoid the area to allow crews to work on the control burn.

There will be smoke from the burn and advise on the following:

  • Close all doors and windows
  • Turn off air conditioning 
  • Remove clothes from washing line
  • If you suffer from asthma or have breathing difficulties we advise you relocate away from the smoke 

We thank you for your cooperation whilst we conduct this Hazard Reduction Burn.

Any comments of concerns can be forward to: 
Murray Smith
Captain
Waggrakine Bushfire Brigade
0409 115 585

 

Kalbarri Zest Fest – Spellbinding Fusion of Art, Culture, Performance and History

/

Kalbarri is preparing for a spellbinding fusion of art, culture, history, and performance for the finale Kalbarri Zest Festival from September 16-18.

The festival brings world class cultural performances alongside local talent in a fantasia of food, art, comedy, music and games under the theme Eendracht, Unity: accepting a world of difference.

This year’s Zest Festival celebrations are the last in a five-year festival which commemorates the 300th anniversary of the sinking of the Dutch East Indies trading ship the Zuytdorp in 1712, on the cliffs north of Kalbarri. The 2016 festival is also part of a year-long celebration of the 400-year anniversary of Dirk Hartog’s landing in Shark Bay.

Opening Night Pleasure Garden
The Zest Festival 2016 kicks off with an Opening Night Pleasure Garden at Rainbow Jungle on Friday September 16. 

Guests will wear Venetian-carnival-style masks and adorn themselves in ornate Baroque attire to listen to the classical music of the Perth Symphony Orchestra String Quartet and the choral music of the Giovanni Consort.

Amid enchanting lighting and sumptuously decorated surrounds, attendees will enjoy sparkling wine and canapes. Buses will ferry guests from the town site to Rainbow Jungle. 

Tickets are $80 available at www.zestfest.com.au and must be purchased before September 9.

Spellbinding Outdoor Performance at Red Bluff
Activities continue the next day, culminating in a free outdoor performance, called the Chamber of Rhetoric, at stunning Red Bluff on Saturday evening.

Under night skies, a projection will light up the soaring cliff face of Red Bluff with images of Kalbarri locals, interspersed with historical paintings from the Rijksmuseum, and photographic portraits by Dutch photographer Geert Snoeijer. He has captured mesmerising images of indigenous people from South Africa, Indonesia and Australia who believe they have a Dutch connection in their heritage. 

Be moved by this beautiful imagery and iconic place while listening to the Perth Symphony Orchestra String Quartet and the Giovanni Consort play hauntingly beautiful music, to mix with the sounds of the night and nearby lapping waves. Hold your breath as aerialist Theaker von Ziarno embodies the powerful trade winds and reflect as we light a symbolic signal fire in memory of all of those who did and did not reach our shores. 

Bring a blanket or chair and be there by 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Free buses will leave from town as car-parking is limited.

Foreshore Activities
Over the festival weekend, the Kalbarri Foreshore will come alive with a kaleidoscope of activity. After having completed a series of comedy workshops with The Comedy Emporium, the Drug Aware Kalbarri Comedy Crew will offer stand-up comedy performances that poke fun at history relating to the Dutch East India Company. 

Festival goers will also be invited to wander through a historical maze, in which they can literally lose themselves in history. They may also encounter the Zest Lady of Honour – a Kalbarri local who will encourage us to reflect on the courage and strength of the women who lived during the heyday of the Dutch East India Company.

The Ricochet Circus will add a carnival atmosphere with spinning plates routines and circus workshops, while the Batavia Maritime Heritage Association will present its discovery globe, with information about Dutch explorers and shipwrecks. 

Then there are hawkers’ food markets, a Nhanda message stick installation, tulip making workshops, an outdoor bar overlooking the foreshore, kite flying, outdoor chess, other games and more. 

www.zestfest.com.au

Sponsors
The Kalbarri Zest Fest has been made possible thanks to the generous support of ARC Centre of Excellence for the History of Emotions, the Embassy for the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Lotterywest, Tourism WA’s Regional Events Scheme (made possible by Royalties for Regions), Mid West Development Commission Community Chest Fund, the Department of Culture and the Arts Regional and Remote Touring Fund, Country Arts WA and by Healthway to promote the Drug Aware message.

 

Strathalbyn Christian College are ready for their Family Fun Day

/

On Saturday 10th of September, Strathalbyn Christian College will be holding their annual Family Fun Day. There will be loads of fun activities suitable for the whole family with carnival games like Sponge Throw, which is always enjoyed by students who get to throw a sponge at teachers, or even the Principal! Last year the Science Department was a crowd favourite and this year they won’t disappoint with crazy explosions and smoke.

“This year we really wanted the event to have a family friendly feel, especially as it is show season, and many families are looking for events that are affordable for the whole family. Here at Strath we will have something for everyone, including show bags” said Anna Hollander, Marketing and Community Relations Officer.

There will be lots of activities for little ones like craft, face painting, pony rides and bouncy castles. Strath Music Students will be performing, including the College Band, and we will have performances from All Things Dance.

“To celebrate our diverse community, we will have South African food available to purchase this year, not to mention the Year 12 Ball Committee who will have their famous Strath burgers ready for the lunch time crowd” said Anna Hollander.

If you are looking for great gift ideas for Christmas or birthdays, come and browse items in the Koorong Book Fair at the Edland Community Library. They will have a great selection of books, CDs and DVDs for sale, with Eftpos facilities available.

The Family Fun Day will start at 10am and run through to 2pm and with so much to see and do, everyone is very welcome to come along. All activities will be free with food for sale on the day.

 

No interest ever with Certegy Ezi-Pay at Batavia Furniture and Bedding

/

Certegy Ezi-Pay payment plans are now available at Batavia Furniture and Bedding!

Using a payment plan is an easy way to make a purchase and then repay it over time, whether you take your purchase home with you or have it delivered

Do you need new furniture but don’t have all the cash? Then Ezi-Pay is the way to go. Just pay an initial deposit and then the remaining balance is paid off through convenient fortnightly direct debits. 

Best of all, you pay NO INTEREST EVER!!

If you want more information come in and see the friendly staff at Batavia Furniture and Bedding, the big blue building at the Homemaker Centre.

While you’re there check out their great specials, like – 

For more specials have a look Batavia Furniture and Bedding’s latest catalogue – http://comfortstyle.com.au/cats/August2016/Zone2/index.html

 

MMG Golden Grove 2016 Round 2 Community Investment Program

/

MMG strives to be a responsible business underpinned by strong values and a belief that ‘We Mine For Progress’ - our progress and the progress of our stakeholders’. Benefits of our operations are shared by investment in the sustainable future of the communities in which we operate.

The MMG Golden Grove Community Investment Program is designed to provide support to community groups that make a difference by enhancing wellbeing and improving the social, environmental, educational and economic outcomes for the local communities in the Midwest region of Western Australia.

Applications for Round Two of the 2016 MMG Golden Grove Sponsorship Program are now being called. A total of $15,000 will be available to assist local community groups and committees.

If you are a Not for Profit organisation and would like to apply for assistance to benefit a local initiative that delivers a sustainable whole community benefit, please send an email to GGCommunity@mmg.com to request the guideline and application form. Applications close on 23 September 2016. All applications will be assessed against the eligibility criteria and successful applicants will be notified by the end of October.

For more information please contact Michelle Holmes, Senior Specialist Community Relations - michelle.holmes@mmg.com.