Letter to the editor: $500 REWARD for information of the person/s responsible

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$500 REWARD for information which leads to the arrest, conviction and jailing of the person or persons responsible for smashing our main lounge room window TWICE in the past three weeks. Charles Street, Bluff Point. Clearly done with a ging in both instances. Anyone who had been standing on the other side of the window at the time would have surely been killed. The police have attended the scene, taken away evidence and are investigating. Glass shards were found in the adjacent room 10m away along with these steel nuts and a number of rocks. If you have information, please Contact Geraldton Police.

A story on an Aboriginal community from the view of a foreigner

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We recently had American film maker and travel writer , Gareth Leonard, visit our School, Pia Wadjarri Remote Community School in the Mid West Education District. We are only a bit over three hours from Geraldton, our main shopping centre, and near the Murchison Settlement.

He was interested in seeing a positive story about Aboriginal communities after hearing lots of negative stories

Here is the film he produced.

- Kevin McKenna

Prize money up for grabs in basketball comp

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Get your mates together and win yourself a handy $500 in prize money with the City of Greater Geraldton’s 3-on-3 basketball tournament.

Starting on 18 October through to 6 December, every Tuesday the tournament will be held at the half court on the Foreshore from 5 – 8pm.

Entry is $10 and is open to anyone 21 and under.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the competition would be a great opportunity for all kinds of athletes.

“This might be a good chance for those who wanted to try out basketball but wanted to do it in a more social setting, or maybe for those wanting to fine-tune skills with some different people,” he said.

“We’re encouraging anyone under 21 to get a couple of friends together and enter the comp.

“Plus there is $500 up for grabs for the winning team!”

For more information and to sign up for the competition head to the City’s website, call the City on 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au

Grants to revitalise WA heritage places

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Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has welcomed the news that OakabellaStation is among this year’s Heritage Grants recipients, securing $34, 122.00. 

“The station homestead and outbuildings provide us with a glimpse into the past. It is an important record of history in the Midwest,” said Mr Blayney. 

“I am very pleased that it has been selected to receive one of this year’s Heritage Grants. 

“The Jackson family are to be congratulated for their efforts in preserving these significant buildings,” said Mr Blayney. 

“The Belay Farm Group, Walkaway were also successful receiving $14,034.00 as was Tibradden Homestead Group, Kojarena who received $6,390.00.” 

“These properties all provide a window to the past, so it’s very important that their heritage status is recognised through appropriate funding,” said Mr Blayney. 

Western Australians place a high value on our heritage places. The State Government is committed to preserving heritage sites to ensure they continue to play an active role in the life our community.

Private property owners play a big role in preserving and revitalising many heritage buildings and places. Some of this State’s most important heritage places such as homes and commercial buildings in are private ownership.

To help support the maintenance of heritage values of these places for the whole community, the State Government’s Heritage Grants Program provides a total of almost $1.3 million a year, with dollar-for-dollar funding of up to $100,000 to private owners for urgent conservation works or documentation to help plan future works.

This year, 28 projects have been awarded heritage grants – 13 metropolitan and 15 regional projects.

As owners are required to match funds to the projects, this will result in almost $3 million in conservation works around the State.

The grants program offers dollar-for-dollar funding to private owners for urgent conservation works or documentation to help plan future works. It is one of the few grant programs in Australia to assist private owners with the costs associated with maintaining heritage places.

Since the program’s inception in 1997, 745 heritage projects had received grants totalling more than $18 million.

Funding available for Community Crime Prevention Initiatives

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Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney is inviting all local government authorities and incorporated-not-for-profit organisations to apply for funding to implement community crime prevention initiatives.  The funding is provided through the Community Crime Prevention Fund and the State Graffiti Fund.

“I hope as many organisations as possible will take advantage of the opportunity to apply for funding through the Community Prevention Fund and the State Graffiti Fund.

“Submissions for funding are now open but will close on the 2nd of November, so please follow the links provided to make your application,” said Mr Blayney.

“I hope we can all work towards making Geraldton a safer community. One where people feel safe to go about their everyday business, and enjoy the natural beauty and many amenities that Geraldton has to offer,” Mr Blayney said.

Please take the opportunity to promote these grants in your Electorate. Further information can be sourced by following the links below.

Community Crime Prevention Fund 2016 -2017
Submissions are now open.
Submissions close 12:00PM 2 November 2016 (AWST).
Find out more about Community Crime Prevention Fund 2016 -2017...

State Graffiti Fund 2016 - 2017
Submissions are now open.
Submissions close 12:00PM 16 November 2016 (AWST).
Find out more about State Graffiti Fund 2016 - 2017...

Maxine Howlett "A Walk Down Memory Lane"

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Maxine’s love of painting has been with her since the 70’s. When living in Darwin camping was a way of life and with a convoy of friends and their families they would pitch tents near creek beds and waterfalls and Max would pull out her easel and carefully place it in the middle of these water ways, settle herself into a camping chair, a scotch and coke at arm’s reach, her oils even closer and away she would go painting stunning mirror image art, all of it being luscious territory landscapes. The paintings were that well done, when you looked long enough you could feel the cold spring waters and hear the pandanus trees rustling. Truly majestic work from someone who never went to art classes or was coached, this work then and now is simply a ‘gift’.

During Maxine’s time in Darwin she had two wonderful daughters – Meagan and Leanne.  Leanne has a son Brett.

Maxine’s love of the brush and canvas continued, especially with oils for another thirty years. Moving to Perth in the early 80’s her work was not as fluent, but it was still a passion that when the mood caughther, out would come the ‘tools’. Maxine became inspired all over again when her and her husband moved to a property in the hills of Jarrahdale W.A.again showcasing stunning scenery which Maxine couldn’t wait to put on to canvas.

Never ever did Maxine feel that her work was good enough to exhibit let alone sell? Her friends however, believed differently and would want her work on their walls; Max reluctantly gave them her work not because of any other reason than she was convinced they were not ‘that good’ to be placed on display, which they definitely were.

In 2011 Maxine suffered a major stroke affecting all of the left side of her brain.  This resulted in her losing most of her function in the right side of her body.   Maxine spent months and months in Darwin hospital learning to walk, talk and eat  ( using her left hand ) with only the left side of her body fully functional. There was still one passion and love she wanted to try with her left hand now, and that was to see if she could paint.

Maxine can write a few words, but this can get tiresome for her as it does when she talks. Everything Maxine does today must be done in small doses, as the concentration required to do even small tasks exhausts her, except for painting. Maxine can paint for hours on end with a precise steady left hand; her art work is now what you see before you.

Maxine lives and breathes for her art and what she sees at the end of her work. Still to this day she does not see how inspirational she is, bringing out beautiful colours and creating bright, living and wonderful work. 

Maxine Howlett, a truly gifted individual that still to this day under estimates just how special and talented she really is.

We love her ….

Maxine has moved into Juniper Hillcrest Residential Aged Care (Geraldton) where she has focussed on her art – learning to work with her non dominant hand – now painting with her left hand -she spends most of each day in her studio corner at Hillcrest continuing to create her pieces of art.

Forty Winks Geraldton’s 10th Birthday Sale

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Forty Winks is turning 10 – and you get all the savings!

First they are having a huge Upsize Sale – if you buy a double, queen or king Serta Mattress, you will only pay the price of a single! Serta Mattresses are so comfortable you’ll never count sheep again. So if you have been thinking about buying a new mattress now is the time.

And if this wasn’t enough, if you mention this post to the friendly staff when you are in store they will give you a further 10% of their already low prices! 

This sale is only available from Wednesday to Saturday 4pm, so make sure you get down to Forty Winks Geraldton at the Homemaker Centre this week. 
If you snooze you’ll lose!

Uploaded by Everything Geraldton on 2016-10-11.
 

UK Government admits cannabis has a medicinal effect

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Christopher Hootern for The Independent:

The government’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has found that Cannabidiol (CBD) has a “restoring, correcting or modifying” effect on “physiological functions” when administered to humans, in a potential milestone in the campaign.

Click here to read more.  

2 Complete Pairs of Glasses from $199 at Specsavers

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You can get 2 complete pairs of glasses from $199 at Specsavers Geraldton, PLUS free polarising in your second pair valued at $100.
Hurry, limited time only!

Ever find yourself squinting even though you’re wearing sunglasses?
This could be because your lenses aren’t polarised. Polarising adds comfort and clarity by eliminating 99.9% of glare, providing 100% UV protection, enhancing vivid colour and sharpening vision. This is perfect for daily activities such as driving, gardening, fishing and golf.

Become glare free and care free today at Specsavers Geraldton.

You can call them on 9964 7555 to make an appointment or see them at Stirlings Central Shopping Centre (next to The Reject Shop)

 

Spend your Sundays by the sea

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Your Sundays are about to get a whole lot better with the City launching Sundays by the Sea!

Each Sunday a different musician or band will hit the GMC stage playing a three-hour performance for the whole community to enjoy.

The City are currently looking for artists for the session slots and would love to hear from anyone that is interested in playing.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the new initiative was a great opportunity for all kinds of musicians.

“We are looking for people who may be just starting out and want some practice or coverage as well as the more established singers or bands,” he said.

“The GMC stage on the Foreshore is a great location and it will provide a big opportunity for all of our local talent.”

Kicking off on Sunday 16 October from 3pm – 6pm, musicians that are selected to play will receive a payment of $200 per three-hour gig. They are also welcome to busk at the event.

The community are invited to head on down to the Foreshore and enjoy their Sunday afternoons with the whole family whilst taking in some great local talent and enjoying a Geraldton sunset.

“Bring your picnic rug or camping chair, get some fish and chips and enjoy our wonderful Foreshore whilst listening to awesome live music,” Mayor Van Styn said.

“We know our community love our Foreshore and also love live entertainment – so we have decided to combine the two!”

For any musicians looking to get involved in Sundays by the Sea, head to
www.cgg.wa.gov.au and fill out the online form.

For more information you can also contact the City on 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au

National day to focus on Youth Mental Health in Durack

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Today marks the inaugural National headspace Day – a national day of awareness aimed at ensuring that every young Australian knows how to get help for mental health issues if they need it, regardless of where they live. 

This headspace Day Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price has reminded all young members of Durack that mental health is important and help is always available. 

Ms Price said intervention at the early stages of a mental illness can reduce its duration and impact enormously. 

“Approximately one-in-four young people aged between 16-24 years may experience a mental illness at some point in their young lives,” Ms Price said. 

“headspace has been a vital part of the Australian Government’s preventative health services for the last ten years, providing teenagers and young adults with affordable, youth-friendly mental health services through the headspace network.” 

To mark National headspace Day, Australians are being encouraged to wear an ‘access all areas’ wristband and show their support on social media, using the hashtag #headspace. headspace centres across the country will also be hosting community events and open days. 

headspace, as well as providing mental health services, also offers a range of additional advice and support services to young people on physical health, work and study support, and alcohol and substance abuse. 

The Australian Government, during the recent election campaign, committed to investing $20 million for an additional ten headspace centres with the aim to increase services in rural and regional areas. 

This continued investment will bring the total number of headspace centres to 110 around the country by 2019. 

For more information on youth mental health services or National headspace Day, please visit the headspace Day website.

Town Towers' building site has been robbed 8 times already... $500 reward for your help

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For the last eight weeks, SMF Projects have been underway doing the renovations works to the Town Towers. 

In that time, they are reporting that they have been broken into eight times. The offenders have caused damage to the property, and are adding cost and time to the building process. 

SMF Projects are offering a "$500 reward for information that will lead to an arrest."

If you can identify any of the individuals in the images below, please contact Geraldton Police on 9923 4555. 

Our recent video on the announcement of Town Towers renovations being underway. 

Town Towers Refurb finally underway in Geraldton

Graffiti Laws

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At the stroke of midnight tonight the State Government will have delivered another blow to graffiti vandalism in Western Australian communities with its tough new graffiti laws coming into force.

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney said the Liberal-National Government had delivered another key election commitment by creating a stand-alone graffiti offence which carried significant maximum penalties of a $24,000 fine and two years behind bars. 

“This sends a clear message to those people who have a complete disregard for someone else’s property, that they are committing a serious offence and will pay a high price,” Mr Blayney said. 

The Graffiti Vandalism Bill would also include:

  • mandatory clean-up orders for convicted vandals
  • confiscation of property, like smart phones and laptops, used to record and transmit graffiti vandalism
  • strengthened Public Transport Authority (PTA) powers to ban serial offenders from buses, trains and stations
  • strengthened local government powers to enter private property to remove graffiti
  • an offence for possession of a graffiti tool or implement. 

“These new laws support local councils and many home and business owners who know the grind of cleaning up graffiti vandalism,” Mr Blayney said. “Now offenders will understand the effort it takes to clean and plenty of time to rethink their unacceptable behaviour,” Mr Blayney said. 

“The laws strengthened what the Liberal National Government was already doing to combat graffiti vandalism, which costs WA about $8 million a year to remove. 

“We endeavour to clean graffiti vandalism within 24 hours and now we will remove the ability for the vandal to broadcast it.  If it isn’t already, now graffiti vandalism will truly be the most pointless past-time in WA,” Mr Blayney said.

Opportunity for Geraldton residents to shape their future

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Nationals WA Member of Parliament and candidate for the seat of Geraldton Paul Brown MP, is urging City of Greater Geraldton residents to have their say and help shape the future of their region by completing the Living in the Regions 2016 survey.

Made possible by Royalties for Regions, the survey is a safe and convenient way for regional residents to contribute thoughts about their region.

Mr Brown said the survey was a great opportunity for City of Greater Geraldton residents to share their perceptions and experiences of living in a regional community.

“Royalties for Regions is transforming regional WA through the provision of essential infrastructure and services,” Mr Brown said. “Finding out more about residents, what attracts them to live in the region and what they like best about living here, are simple but crucial elements that are instrumental in supporting the ongoing sustainability of our city.”

Mr Brown said it was anticipated government agencies, private organisations and community groups will use the survey findings to support decision-making and policy development across regional WA.

More than 10,000 people responded when the West Australian survey was last conducted in 2013, the largest and most comprehensive of its kind in the country.

“I urge all residents of the City of Greater Geraldton to have their say,” Mr Brown said.

The survey, conducted by the Department of Regional Development via Ernst & Young, is available online at www.drd.wa.gov.au/Regions2016.

Regional residents will also receive the survey in the mail, with 50,000 copies distributed at random across regional WA. The survey will remain open until 30 November 2016 and results are expected to be available mid-2017. Results from the 2013 survey are available on www.drd.wa.gov.au. 

Women’s Refuge handover true recognition of service to our community

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Photo Caption: L/R Anne Pekaar (Chair, Chrysalis), Alison Adam (CEO, Chrysalis), Minister Brendon Grylls, Paul Brown MP

Chrysalis Support Services will be handed ownership of their properties in a proposal put forward by Nationals WA Member of Parliament and candidate for the seat of Geraldton Paul Brown MP.

The Minister for Housing Hon Brendon Grylls MLA, recently made the announcement to transfer the three properties to Chrysalis Support Services (Chrysalis) at a celebratory event in Geraldton, thanking CEO Alison Adam, along with members of the Board and staff.

Mr Grylls said, “I would truly like to thank everyone from Chrysalis for providing services such as these in times of utmost need for people seeking compassion, care and support.”

The properties are currently owned by the Housing Authority and leased to Chrysalis on a peppercorn lease.

“The Housing Authority has considered the support that they have been able to give to Chrysalis over many years as fundamental to ensuring that women and children remain safe in our community,” Mr Grylls said.

Mr Brown said, “Freehold title will give Chrysalis security into the future, and provide them with an asset that will help them to meet their objectives in continuing to provide this vital community service.”

The Housing Authority has supported Chrysalis with the provision of housing since 2010. The Chrysalis refuge provides safe, supported accommodation for women and children escaping domestic violence, and at risk of homelessness. Chrysalis provide a variety of support services including helping young children with trauma associated with family and domestic violence.

Mr Brown said “I would also like to thank the previous Minister for Housing, Colin Holt who gave me his full support for the ownership transfer when I took the proposal to him some months ago, and I also thank Brendon for his commitment to see the ownership transfer through to completion.”

“Chrysalis Support Services has also recently been able to undertake significant renovations to their women’s refuge centre due to a $123,277 grant from the Royalties for Regions funded Regional Grant Scheme, which I also happily supported.”

Warren Taylor Homes – with you every step of the way

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Bring your home to life with Warren Taylor Homes. Their team are by your side every step of the way, providing you with their uniquely personalised and friendly service, to build the home that you want. 

The entire team is based in-house. Sit around the table with our expert builders and designers to perfect your home. The registered builder will be on site, making sure the workmanship is of a premium standard. Their team are freely available to discuss any query you may have.

What sets them apart
At Warren Taylor Homes you are surrounded by a team that has been handpicked for their expertise, experience and knowledge. They listen to your needs, your wants, and your ideas. 

All of their contractors and suppliers are local and have been selected for their high quality workmanship and premium standard finishes. They have made sure that your investment is in the right hands and that your home reflects the very essence of you. 

Call the today on 9935 9444 or come and see them at 150 Chapman Rd, Geraldton

 

Drummond Cove Dune Restoration project enters second stage

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Coastal bushland recovery is the focus of Stage 2 of the Drummond Cove Dune Restoration project being undertaken with the assistance of the Green Army.

Several areas west of Surfside Terrace were identified by the Drummond Cove Progress Association (DCPA) Coastcare group for Stage 1 rehabilitation works which involved closing off a small access track.

Stage 2 involves the Green Army installing 150m of sand trapping fencing made of Jute mesh and Jarrah stakes which will help prevent vehicle access and give the area vegetation a chance to recover.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said he hopes the community will respect coastal rehabilitation works being undertaken by the community.

“Every year many volunteers spend countless hours rehabilitating bushland,” he said.

“We can only hope that once this project is completed the work involved will be respected by the community and vandalism of the likes that occurred last year at Separation Point where someone purposely drove through 66 Jarrah posts holding 200m of sand trapping fencing doesn’t happen again.”

DCPA Coastcare Coordinator David O’Meara said vehicle access is one of the biggest challenges coastal bushland faces.

“The DCPA has undertaken numerous Coastcare projects over the years to rehabilitate coastal vegetation damaged or destroyed by vehicles accessing the beach,” he said.

“However, the fact Stage 1 of the project was not vandalised makes me confident Stage 2 rehabilitation works will be respected by the community.”

Fencing materials valued at approximately $1400 are being funded by NACC’s Coastal Quick Step Grants.  

Josh Langley; author, illustrator and daydreamer comes to Geraldton.

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Fresh from his tour of 16 primary schools in the South West as part of the Margaret River Young Readers and Writers Festival, Josh Langley is bringing his presentation, Being You is Enough, based in his popular kids book of the same name, to Geraldton primary schools the week beginning October 17.

Also while in Geraldton he will be holding a book signing event at Read a Lot Books on Anzac Terrace on Saturday October 22.

Being You is Enough is an inspirational book that helps children with self esteem and confidence and the presentation based on the book has received widespread positive reviews.

Josh has written and illustrated two inspirational books for adults, a children’s book, and paradoxically two books about his search for personal evidence of the afterlife. 

Having lived in Geraldton during his high school years, Josh is eager to return and catch up with old friends, meet some new ones, and see how much the city has changed.