Midwest Charity Begins at Home Inc have Four Events Coming Up

Midwest Charity Begins at Home Inc have three events coming up to help raise money that stays here in the Midwest to help those in financial need due to serious illness.

We have helped over 163 families so far and are getting applications for assistance weekly!

FAMILY DINNER NIGHT
Saturday 10th September from 5.30pm
Spalding Park Golf Club
Cost: $35 a head for an all you can eat buffet
Drinks available at the bar, games, raffles etc... will be held
Tickets available at Mitchell and Brown
This is run by our YOUTH committee

BRIDGET JONES BABY Movie Premiere
Thursday 15th September from 5.15pm
Orana Cinemas
Cost: $30 a head with champagne and tapas, ticket, and 2 choices from the candy bar (popcorn, chocbomb or drink)
Tickets available at Mitchell and Brown and Flowvitality

2016 Mitchell and Brown Midwest Charity Begins at Home Gala Dinner
Saturday 5th November from 6pm
Moon over Marrakesh is our theme
For Sponsorship opportunities and tickets please contact us at info@charitybeginsathome.org.au

Straight Up Health Charity Fundraising Day

Refurbished Mullewa Youth Centre reopens

Shane Love MLA for Moore and Mayor Shane Van Styn officially open the Mullewa Youth Centre.

The popular Mullewa Youth Centre has officially reopened its doors after being closed for four months to allow for an extensive refurbishment of the building and make improvements to the surrounding precinct. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the long list of much needed works wouldn’t have been possible to complete without support from Lotterywest. 

“The City’s project budget focused on the building itself and included upgrades to internal and external walls, roof and gutters and the existing toilets along with the installation of new flooring, air conditioning, kitchen cabinets, doors, windows, security screens and disabled access and an ambulant toilet,” he said.

 “Thanks to a Lotterywest grant we were also able to make much needed improvements to the grounds and facilities surrounding the Youth Centre including the installation of mini AFL goals, fencing and reticulation along with resurfacing of the basketball court, replacement of skate park shade shelters and seating, skate park upgrades and landscaping.”

According to Mayor Van Styn, the refurbishment of the highly frequented Centre was the community’s top priority. 

“Last year there were more than 7500 individual visits by young people from Mullewa as well as the surrounding areas of Yalgoo and Pia Wadjari,” he said. 

“The Centre is open 35 hours a week after school and on Saturdays but during the four school holiday periods the Centre is open 48 hours per week to provide important diversionary activities for youth. 

“Which is why the refurbishment of the Centre was identified as the number one priority for Mullewa in the 10 Year Capital Works Plan Community Panel in 2013.” 

The Centre, which is largely funded by the Department for Child Protection and Family Services, offers a variety of recreational and sporting activities and a range of programs around music, healthy cooking, basketball including the Dismantle Bike and School Holiday programs.

The $326,709 project was jointly funded with Lotterywest contributing $176,709 and the City $150,000.

Digital Retinal Photography at Specsavers

At Specsavers, Digital Retinal Photography is free with every standard eye exam.

Digital Retinal Photography allows Specsavers optometrists to screen for abnormalities which can help with the early detection of diseases including glaucoma, macular degeneration and retinal changes that may be associated with diabetes.

Digital Retinal Photography uses sophisticated equipment to produce a high-resolution photograph of your retina, optic nerve and blood vessels. Any detected abnormalities can then be monitored and treated to better protect the quality of your sight and overall eye health. These images are stored by our optometrists to track your eye health over time. This means photos can be compared to help identify subtle changes in the eyes that could indicate serious eyes diseases.

Jacques Breytenbach, Optometrist and Store Director Specsavers Geraldton, says, “I am so pleased that we offer our customers access to the best eye care possible with the latest cutting edge technology. I believe all our customers deserve access to advanced technology without having to pay extra for it.”

Regardless of whether or not you wear glasses, Specsavers optometrists recommend that everyone, including children, have an eye test every two years.

For more information or to book an eye test online, visit www.specsavers.com.au/stores/geraldton

Specsavers - Stirlings Central Shopping Centre - Phone (08) 99647555

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Rough medicine on the high seas

A burial at sea. The Illustrated London News, November 1880
Courtesy State Library of Victoria

Rough Medicine: Life and Death in the Age of Sail will open at the Western Australian Museum – Geraldton on Saturday, 10 September 2016.

WA Museum CEO Alec Coles said the exhibition explores the fascinating history of how illness impacted upon and even shaped early sea voyages from the 17th Century until the advent of the steamship in the late 19th Century.

“Sickness could render a voyage anything from uncomfortable to horrific, or even fatal. Disease spread rapidly in cramped quarters, drinking water was often polluted, food perished and new climates brought new ailments from heatstroke to malaria with few escaping a visit to the ship’s surgeon,” Mr Coles said.

An eye-watering array of surgical instruments features in this absorbing and sometimes confronting exhibition. Ship surgeons carried an array of instruments including saws to amputate limbs, a procedure that only one in three people survived; a cork-screw like trephine to remove sections of skull; tooth keys to break off teeth at their roots; and it was recommended that every ship carried a jar of at least 50 leeches to bleed patients and rebalance the ‘humours’. 

Mr Coles said until ether was trialled in 1846, operations were conducted without anaesthetic and the surgeon’s most prized skill was speed. 

Rough Medicine: Life and Death in the Age of Sail explores immigrant voyages that are part of the histories of thousands of Australians.

The exhibition brings together an extraordinary collection that includes passengers’ letters and diaries, surgeons’ journals and artefacts including bone syringes used to inject mercury, surgical kits, and even jars of parasites and leeches.

South Australian Maritime Museum Senior Curator Lindl Lawton will present a free public lecture, From ‘laudable pus’ to the bloody flux…surviving the age of sail, at the WA Museum – Geraldton from 7pm – 8pm on Friday, 9 September. Those attending will have the opportunity to see a special preview of the exhibition from 6.30pm.

WA Museum – Geraldton Regional Manager Catherine Belcher said places are limited and bookings via 9431 8393 or geraldton.museum@museum.wa.gov.au are essential. 

“This unique opportunity to understand more about life at sea through the focus on ship-borne illness and medical treatments will be an excellent way to begin the exhibition’s time in Geraldton and is sure to book out,” Ms Belcher said.

Rough Medicine is developed, designed and toured by the South Australian Maritime Museum. This free travelling exhibition is supported by Visions Australia and will be on display at the WA Museum – Geraldton until 20 November 2016.

http://museum.wa.gov.au/museums/geraldton/rough-medicine

Funding for community gardens

Nationals WA Member of Parliament and candidate for the seat of Geraldton, Paul Brown MP has welcomed the latest round of funding through the State Government’s Community Gardens Grants Program (CGGP). Funding for community gardens had been extended to 2019-20, which provides $100,000 per year for the establishment and maintenance of community gardens.

"Community gardens are often a central hub of local communities," Mr Brown said.

"They are not just for the green-fingered. They provide people of all generations an area to come together, share a cuppa and their love of the great Western Australian outdoors.

“As well as enabling people to learn about gardening, community gardens can build a greater understanding and a sense of community between neighbours, parents, young people and people from diverse backgrounds.”

Since the introduction of the grants program by the State Government in 2013, 37 projects totalling $464,853 have been funded across Western Australia.

“I am pleased the State Government has made a further commitment to fund the CGGP because community gardens foster community spirit and a sense of stewardship, particularly in regional WA,” Mr Brown said.

“I encourage our local Geraldton community gardens enthusiasts to apply.”

Brand Highway drivers targeted at litter hotspots to keep WA beautiful

Motorists who litter along the Brand Highway are the target of a new campaign to reduce rubbish on roadsides and change long-term litter behaviour to keep the environment clean.

Nationals WA Member of Parliament and candidate for the seat of Geraldton, Paul Brown MP said the State Government had launched the Regional Roadside Litter Prevention Project along three litter hot spots – the Brand Highway, the Great Eastern Highway and the Forrest Highway.

Roadhouses on the Brand Highway that have committed to be a part of the trial are:  

• Gingers Roadhouse Upper Swan
• Caltex Cataby
• Liberty Cataby
• BP Dongara
• Puma Tarcoola Geraldton
• Gull 440 Geraldton

The project is supported by the Keep Australia Beautiful Council (WA) and Main Roads WA, and will run until the end of December.

The project is centred on the “WA Naturally Thanks You” message and will encourage people to do the right thing with their rubbish by promoting a sense of personal responsibility.

As part of the project, informative signage will appear on the roadside and at rest stop bins along the Brand Highway. Complimentary litter bags will also be available at these six roadhouses. The Keep Australia Beautiful Council will also survey drivers at the roadhouses on their reactions to littering.

Based on the results of this trial, the State Government will consider extending the project to other areas of high littering in Western Australia.

Key messages

• The State Government is committed to reducing the volume and types of litter in Western Australia.
• Western Australia needs to reduce its rate of littering to prevent harm to the environment and wildlife. Litter looks unsightly, attracts vermin and damages our waterways.
• The $185,000 Regional Roadside Litter Prevention Project will help reduce litter where it is most prominent along three of our main highways.
• The trial sites are along the Brand Highway, the Great Eastern Highway from Perth to Merredin, and the Forrest Highway.  
• The four month trial is centred on the message “WA Naturally Thanks You” to encourage people to do the right thing with their rubbish by promoting a sense of personal responsibility. 
• The trial includes roadhouses distributing litter bags to drivers. Printed on each bag is a link to a website and an educational quiz about littering issues and correct disposal of rubbish.  
• The Keep Australia Beautiful Council will survey drivers at the participating roadhouses to get their response to the project.  
• Based on the results of this trial, the State Government will consider extending the project to other areas of high littering in Western Australia.  
• The State Government will introduce a container deposit scheme in 2018 to further reduce littering of drink containers in our community.

Everyone is capable of making a difference and I’m confident thanking people in advance for doing the right thing will help change the habit of roadside littering.

Along with a container deposit scheme for Western Australia in 2018, we can make a big difference

Results from the 2015–16 National Litter Index confirmed that roadsides continue to attract high volumes of litter and are the source of most of the litter found in Western Australia.

Greys Beach potentially contaminated from dumping

Following a question at the recent council meeting regarding Geraldton's Beaches, the CGG provided this response, mentioning a potential contamination at a small section of Greys Beach: 

 "The City has received advice from the Department of Environment & Regulation (DER) that a small section at the Greys beach area has some potentially contaminated materials (due to legacy dumping of old building materials). The City is following the DER process and has commissioned a preliminary site investigation for the area, the City is currently in the middle of that process with its consultants. The process needs to meet DER requirements and the extent of any potential clean-up will be determined after those investigations have been completed in conjunction with DER."

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).

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All Decor

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

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Turn It Up Dancewear

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.

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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

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Waggrakine Volunteer Bushfire Brigade

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

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Waggrakine Volunteer Bushfire Brigade