Walkaway

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Take a Sunday drive down to Walkaway for a change of scenery and some good times.

Just half an hour out of town, Walkaway offers some beautiful landscapes to get your camera ready for. With rolling hills and expansive farmland, it’s stunning to see with the long roads stretching through. Oh and cows and sheep too!

Once you’re there, check out the Walkaway Railway Museum to see some gems from the old train station, including an old style train engine! There’s green grass, a picnic table and toilets so you can bring a picnic lunch too.

Remember sun safety though as it can get pretty hot on warmer days. About 7 km’s out is the Mumbida Wind Farm which is worth checking out too, especially if you have kids. It’s amazing to get up close and see the Wind Turbines and see how far they stretch across the land.

Youth Precinct

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Come on down and check out the Youth Precinct on Foreshore Drive near Sail Inn.

It’s an awesome place for some fun in the sun with your friends and family; don’t forget sun safety and bring along sunscreen and a hat!

It’s got something for everyone with an awesome climbing structure both littlies and even older people like me enjoy.

There’s a great ‘Rage Cage’ where you can play almost every kind of ball game; there’s ping pong, football and musical games too. There’s disabled friendly equipment too.

It’s close to town for takeaway, next to the beach to cool off in the relaxed waves, and there’s some great walking opportunities if you follow the path left or right.

The amphitheatre on the grassed area is a wonderful opportunity for local events such as the ‘Sunday Sessions’ that are currently on and will continue until April. With live music and food trucks and a fantastic local event that would love your support and is great fun!

So come on down and see what’s there for you.

HMAS Sydney II Memorial

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The memorial is a hotspot for tourists all year ‘round but is one of my favourite places as a local too. People tend to fall into a routine, I myself and prone to the mundane jaws of daily life too, but I encourage all you Geraldtonites to take a break and check out this golden spot.

Look out over the bustling streets during the day, or take a stroll at night to see the twinkling city lights; but remember to take a jacket because the winds are stronger up here.

There’s plenty of lovely green grass and a picnic bench, so bring along the family for some food and games as well.

Take a moment to remember the 645 bravemen that sacrificed their lives in November, 1941. Think of their families that were left behind with no closure, constantly looking out to sea for those who were lost.

$8000 Amazon Gifts For Pollinators Coworkers!

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Pollinators is hugely excited to announce a new partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) that entitles all full-time Pollinators co-workers to access $8000 worth of resources to help their startups grow.

AWS provides startups with an easy to use infrastructure needed to scale and grow any business. Some of the world’s hottest startups, including Airbnb, Slack, and Robinhood, have leveraged the power of AWS to scale quickly.

By taking on a full-time coworking subscription at Pollinators coworkers can now access the AWS Activate Program. This program is designed to provide startups with the resources to get started on AWS. ($450 a month for a minimum of 3 months).

The program includes:

- $2,000 in AWS Promotional Credit valid for 2 years.
- 1 year of AWS Business Support (up to $5,000).
- Access to the AWS Technical and Business Essentials web-based (or instructor-led) training ($600 value per course).
- 80 credits for Self-Paced Labs ($80 value).
- AWS Activate Toolbox with offers for Amazon Payments and Amazon Marketplace.

To find out more about coworking at Pollinators and get this great deal, visit the website www.pollinators.org.au or email angie@pollinators.org.au

To find out more about AWS Activate Program visit: AWS Activate

7 things you will find out about living in Geraldton

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This article was written by a local student as part of the  Young Voices initiative. 

The City of Greater Geraldton, typically just referred to as Gero, is a thriving country town by the sea. When you enter our town, you’ll find that Gero is in fact a small region, unlike Perth, where ‘North Gero’ and ‘South Gero’ do not exist… you’re either in town or you’re not. However, this isn’t the only thing that you will discover. As many locals know, or probably anyone that’s been around for more than a week, Geraldton has a range of aspects which define its idiosyncrasy. Here are just a few.

 

1.  Wind

“Come to Geraldton to get blown away” is a common term used by individuals who find ironic humour and puns, funnier than they should be. Whether you’re at the beach, in town or in your backyard. I assure you that there will be a slight breeze. A 25-35 km/h ‘slight’ breeze. The Geraldton wind has become part of our culture; it wouldn’t be Geraldton without it. I mean, we even have a hyper kyphotic tree which is appealed as a tourist attraction because of it. Apart from the impossibility of wearing a hat and peacefully eating fish and chips on the foreshore, the wind does have a few positives. For example, your clothes dry in record time (If they’re still attached to the cloths hoist) and you can play frisbee with yourself (See my other article on “7 innovative uses of the Geraldton wind which will blow you away”). You should just keep an open mind.

 

2. Finding yourself erupting into spontaneous conversations with random people

Speaking of locals, we’re quite a chatty bunch. We like to take a simple “How yagoin’?” “Great thanks… you?” trade off a step further. “Good to hear, I’m feeling great today, although I’d feel better after this coffee I’m about to order. The weather is great isn’t it? There’s a lovely calm (25-35km/h) wind outside. Are you from town, or just visiting?” and it goes on. Eventually you’ll probably find yourself ‘having to go’ to escape this daunting experience of speaking to people. That’s okay though, you’ll only find yourself in another conversation twenty minutes later, just like the one in the coffee shop, either at the beach or in another store. Really, it can happen everywhere, so be prepared to either stick around or have a list of short excuses to execute a swift departure.

 

3. Everyone knows everyone

Moving on from this topic of ‘conversation,’ It won’t be long until you just about know every person in town. From your favourite coffee shop, to your grocery store, chemist and bank. You will be on first name terms with just about everyone. It’s an amazing thought, isn’t it? It’s quite a scary one as well. But, sooner or later you will no doubt grow to love it. Geraldton is one of the only places in the world where you can walk into a store and have a thirty minute conversation with the manager, or even speak politics with your waiter. It’s a unique ‘thing’.

3.5. Overly nice customer service

Furthermore it may slightly confronting and odd to have people so eager to help and talk to you. You’d probably think it was a scam and just move on to the next store, only to find the exact same thing. It isn’t a scam, it isn’t marketing, it’s genuine.

 

4. Oh, and have I mentioned the wind?

To be honest, you’d think we would have some kind of farm manifesting this force into power. I know I’d be a ‘big fan’.

 

5. Never trusting the weather forecast

On Saturday it’s going to be cloudy with a 70% chance of rain and a ‘slight’ breeze. Except the temperature will be 31 degrees maximum along with a U.V. alert from 8 am until 4.30pm. What?

Basically, treat the weather forecast as a debatable opinion. Geraldton weather cannot be predicted until the preceding morning. As a matter of fact, it probably can’t even be predicted then. There have been days where we have had flash flooding in the morning then drought in the afternoon. So, if you’re making plans based around the weather, be wary. Be subject to change in all circumstances.

 

6. Everything is 5 minutes away

The saying “I won’t be long, it’s just around the corner” is a common saying used to suppress the thought of a 30 minute drive to a store and back. However, in Geraldton, it’s literally ‘around the corner.’ Everything you need is a five minute drive from your house. Town, sporting facilities, restaurants, everything. The town is one terrace that runs alongside the beach, chances are, walking to the beach from your house would be a breeze. Although for some reason, you don’t often find yourself complaining about a lack of stores or places to go. We seem to have it all here, within the vicinity of a few hundred metres.

 

7. There is so much more

Apart from what has been mentioned, there are so many more things to see and find out about our great town. I personally have been living in Geraldton my entire schooling life and I’m still finding new things to do and new things to see each and every day. I work as a waiter in a cafe, and every time I work, I meet someone new and unique from the person before. As with every town there are negatives, but here, there are indefinite positives. Go explore and see for yourself!

I couldn’t think of a way to finish this listicle, so I guess I’ll just let it blow over…

Sources;
Creative Commons
Pexels

Join in the Easter fun at Stirlings Central

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Easter is almost here and Stirlings Central has you covered. Not only can you get all your Easter treats from the range of stores but the Easter Bunny will be hopping around the centre on – 
Wednesday – 12th April – 11am to 2pm
Thursday – 13th April – 11am to 2pm
Saturday – 15th April – 11am to 2pm
If you find him, he may have a little treat for you.

There is also Free School Holiday Activities. Come down and colour in a special Easter Bunny Backpack that you can take home from 10th – 13th April, 10am to 1pm. Or come and make your own Easter Bunny Hat with Sunsmart WA on Thursday 13th April, 10:30am to 1pm. Both activities located outside of Best and Less.

Stirlings Central will be closed Good Friday and Easter Sunday but will be open on Easter Saturday and Easter Monday.

And don’t forget by spending $20 at any Stirlings Central store, you can go into the draw to win $500. Make sure you shop often to go in the new draw each week.

For more details see Stirlings Central website - https://www.stirlingscentral.com.au/

 

Save the Date for Geraldton Grammar School’s Open Day

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Save this date in your diaries – Thursday 18th May 2017. Geraldton Grammar School will be having their open day on this date and you’re invited. 

Whether you currently have children going to Geraldton Grammar School, you are considering sending them there or you just want see what Geraldton Grammar has to offer, this is the perfect opportunity to get more information and have a look around, and speak to the staff.

The details are still being finalised but if you would like any more information please contact the school on 9965 7800 or email them at ggs@gegs.wa.edu.au

 

Video: Sunday Morning Edit - Geraldton from the sky

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This great video was produced and submitted by Yaiden Colley as part of the Young Voices initiative. 

Great vid Yaiden!

This great video was produced and submitted by Yaiden Colley as part of the Young Voices initiative. Great vid Yaiden!

Crooner Harrison Craig brings his Kings of Vegas tour to the QPT

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Harrison Craig performs a homage to Las Vegas favourites from Nat King Cole to Sinatra's Rat Pack, Elvis Presley to Tom Jones plus many more on Thursday July 13 at Queens Park Theatre. Performing songs from Craig's newly released album, Kings of Vegas, this concert showcases Vegas greats old and new, plus a string of Harrison's own hits from his first two records. 

Get your tickets today from http://bit.ly/2mk6lpL

 

The Best of the Eagles Tribute Concert at QPT

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Happy Days Records presents THE BEST OF THE EAGLES in concert
Together & Alone, Greatest Hits and Solo Works.

The Eagles are indisputably one of Rock’s greats, their statistics speak for themselves – more than 150 million records sold worldwide, six Grammy Awards, six number one albums and five number one singles, they are one of the most successful bands of all time. The group’s first best-of collection, ‘Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975’, is amongst the best-selling albums of all time with over 42 million copies sold.

The Best of the Eagles is a tribute concert production that delivers a captivating show from start to finish and recreating the idiosyncratic country rock sound Eagles’ fans have come to expect. With a string of sold out shows from coast to coast performing to over 10,000 Eagles fans in 2016, The Best Of The Eagles won over audiences with fans calling the show “entertaining” and “brilliant”.

Get set to be enthralled as the signature harmonies and musicianship of the Eagles is recreated to perfection. The Best of the Eagles is a concert experience to be truly enjoyed. They will be coming to the Queens Park Theatre on Sunday 7th May at 8:00pm.

Get your tickets today from http://bit.ly/2n8tUEW

 

Norris and Hyde IT raised over $12,000 for the World’s Greatest Shave!

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After nearly a year of training (living with wild hair and beards) the team at Norris and Hyde IT donned their capes and braved the shave (or colouring) for the World’s Greatest Shave. 

Their aim was to raise as much money as possible for the Leukaemia Foundation. The IT CrewCutz started off with a reasonable goal of $2,500 and once they had smashed that goal they started a new one - $5,000, then $10,000 when they reached the second goal. (And let’s not forget if they reached the $10,000 mark that Rohan would not only be shaving his beard and hair but also getting an upper body wax.) Well all their donations have been counted and their final total is … $12,127.20!!

This is a massive job by all involved, especially everyone who donated to this amazing cause. The Norris and Hyde IT team know they could not have done this without the support of the Geraldton community and businesses that jumped on board with them.

And now I’m sure you want to see the proof they all really did shave and colour.
Here they are before going under the razor and spray can - 

And here they all are after - 

And yes there are photos of Rohan getting waxed!

To see all the photos from the day check out Norris and Hyde IT’s Facebook page.

To make any last minute donations go to www.nh-it.com.au/shave

 

Join in the fun at Fools on the Foreshore Music Festival

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The inaugural Fools on the Foreshore music festival is happening this Saturday 1st April!

Held on the Geraldton Foreshore, the free all ages show will feature Aussie sensations Evangeline along with electric duo Killboy, Sly Withers and C 4. 

Evangeline spent 2016 touring Europe, topping the international music charts, and after a year on the road, she is coming home to Australia with Killboy whom she frequently collaborates with on song writing and music videos. 

In addition to the tunes, there will be a Silent Disco powered by headspace, loads of tasty food, a Zen Zone complete with henna tattoos and braiding, a photo booth and free chai and hot chocolates. 

headspace Geraldton are giving away VIP passes to the Silent Disco and merch! For more information and to enter go to https://www.facebook.com/headspaceGeraldton/photos/a.1053824047990013.1073741828.1027726387266446/1347619411943807/

The event will take place on Saturday 1 April from 4pm – 7.30pm at Stow Gardens on the Geraldton Foreshore. 

Entry is free and all ages are welcome. 

To celebrate Fools on the Foreshore City of Greater Geraldton are giving one lucky person the chance to win a pair of Sol Republic Trax Ultra Viz headphones and accessories valued at $340. To go in the draw you need to tell them your best April Fools Story. You can enter here https://www.facebook.com/cityofgreatergeraldton/videos/vb.1389876877917024/1877158425855531/

Brought to the community by the City of Greater Geraldton and sponsored by headspace Geraldton, Geraldton's Ocean West, RedFM, Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Services, PCYC, Lottery West, Rotary Club Geraldton and Rio Tinto Midwest.

For more information - http://bit.ly/2mRtqo8

 
See Facebook Event here

Ian Blayney appointed Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Food, Fisheries and Forestry

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Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney is enthusiastic about his appointment as Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Food, Fisheries and Forestry.

“I am looking forward to meeting industry representatives to discuss the aims and the issues of these important primary industries,” said Mr Blayney.

“Since the mining slow down these industries are reclaiming their status as major economic drivers for the State and significant contributors to the wealth of the nation as a whole.

“I am looking forward to representing the interests of these industries in the Parliament of Western Australia. I intend to be a strong advocate for their advancement.

“Prior to my election to the Parliament of Western Australia in 2008, I was a farmer for twenty five years, with broad experience as a part time consultant on the Grains Research and Development Corporation and Board Member of the Centre for Rhizobium Studies at Murdoch University. I was also the Northern Zone Grains Councillor for the WA Farmers Federation for eight years

“Geraldton is home to Western Australia’s most valuable fishery – the Western Rock Lobster fishery. I look forward to working with the fishermen, industry groups and the Department of Fisheries to ensure that this fishery remain sustainable and viable. I’m excited by the potential growth of aquaculture in Western Australia.

“Aquaculture is also emerging as an important component of sustainable fishing, and Geraldton is well placed with the State’s second aquaculture zone nearly ready for development at the Abrolhos Islands.

“Forestry is an important sector, both in terms of land use and regional employment. I’m very interested in talking to the industry about its growth prospects.

It is my intention to be an effective advocate for these industries, while still maintaining a strong representation for my constituents and electorate in Parliament,” said MrBlayney.

Win a Boat at this year's Club Marine Geraldton Boat, Caravan and Camping Show!

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WIN A $32,000 BOAT AND TRAILER PACKAGE AT THE SHOW
Geraldton Boat, Caravan and Camping Show, 29 & 30 April

The 2017 Club Marine Geraldton Boat, Caravan and Camping Show is set to attract more attention than ever before following the announcement of the Show’s biggest giveaway ever!

The Club Marine Geraldton Boat, Caravan and Camping Show is the biggest event of its kind in the region, bringing together displays of new products and services in boating, fishing, 4wds, camping, accessories, electronics and lifestyle products with a huge line-up of entertainment and attractions for the whole family.

The event has always been popular for locals, and Show organiser Jane Clarke said in 2017, people would have even more reason to come to the Show.

“We are very excited to announce that in 2017 we are offering the biggest prize in the history of the Show!”

“A couple of our loyal exhibitors Mandurah Motor Marine and Midwest Marine have teamed up to give one lucky person the chance to take home a brand new boat and trailer package valued at $32,000!”

The Boat Prize will include a new Stabicraft 1410 Frontier fitted with a Suzuki 40Hp 4-stroke outboard and complete with Dunbier trailer. There will also be one-year boat insurance thanks to Club Marine Insurance.

“Never before have we had such a large prize pack to give away at the Show, and we are thrilled that one lucky Show visitor will take home a new boat this year!” Jan said.

The competition will run all weekend at the Show. Show visitors can enter their details on the ipads at the Show, and there will be six finalists drawn across the weekend. Each finalist will be given a key; and at the closing of the Show on Sunday, all finalists can try their key to start the motor. Only one key will start the boat – and that person will be the overall winner!

The boat prize is thanks to Mandurah Motor Marine and Midwest Marine; and Jane said Show visitors can also enter to win one of two Engel 40litre fridges at the Show.

Geraldton’s biggest outdoor leisure event

The Club Marine Geraldton Boat, Caravan and Camping Show is now in its third year at the new venue GBSC Sports Park. Jane said the venue is proving to be ideal for the Show as it continues to grow and expand.

“GBSC Sports Park offers more space for exhibits and entertainment; plus the location on the highway meant great exposure for the Show,” Jane said.

“The Show now has more room to grow and develop in the next few years and we are pleased to be working closely with GBSC Sports Park, and with the local council, to put on what has become an important event for Geraldton.”

The Club Marine Geraldton Boat, Caravan and Camping attracts exhibitors from the local area as well as from Perth metropolitan area and south-west WA; and Jane said she was pleased that many of the same exhibitors support the Show year after year.

“This year we have already booked in some of the big name brands such as Getaway Outdoors, Engel, Geraldton Toyota, Midwest Auto, Sun City Solar and Mickey Blu.”

“We have a huge range of caravans and camper trailer exhibitors this year including ABBA Caravans, Batavia Coast Caravanland, JB Caravans, Pioneer Campers Sales & Hire, Rockingham RV Centre, Track Star Campers and West Coast Campers,” Jane said.

The Show offers more than just a trade Show. Entertainment and attractions planned for 2017 will delight the whole family.

“We have changed the layout of the Show so that now we have not one, but two separate stage areas,” Jane said.

“The Engel Aquatank Fishing Stage will host fishing demos and talks throughout the day, plus flare demos and life jacket safety info thanks to Department of Transport.”

“In the centre of the Show we have designed the new Camping Demo Area, which will have camp oven cooking demonstrations, 4WD and Camping info, new product reviews and more.”

“On the 4WD Track we will have the popular Extreme 4x4 Show, and new this year, we have some local guys and girls showing us BMX demos too! There’s plenty to do for the family with the Kids Casting Competition and kid’s motorbike rides, plus as always there’s food, ice-creams and drinks for sale, plus a bar,” Jane said.

The Club Marine Geraldton Boat, Caravan and Camping Show is on 29th and 30th April. More Show information is available on the website www.geraldtonboatshow.com.au

Discover the greatest show from Africa - Cirque Africa

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Cirque Africa is one of a kind show that is sure to amaze and enthral all who see it. It is 100% African cultural experience and transports each audience to the positive side of Africa through a modern stage performance. 

Highlighted with stunning colourful African costumes, high energy knuckle-biting acrobatic acts, humorous comedy, traditional and modern original composed music for each act plus vibrant dance routines, this is a superb show for all ages of the family and as it’s a visual show, Cirque Africa has no language, cultural or religious barriers.

Cirque Africa is fresh funky, bold, fun and challenges your imagination like no other show. Cirque Africa will be returning to the QPT on Thursday 1st June at 7:30pm.
Get your tickets today from http://bit.ly/2lzfkqC

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City pays tribute to Ian Carpenter

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Former Mayor Ian Carpenter.

The City of Greater Geraldton is deeply saddened by the passing of former Mayor Ian Carpenter.

Mr Carpenter served as Mayor for nine years and was named an Honorary Freeman of the City in September 2016 along with a long list of achievements and accolades. His patronage spans widely through the Midwest region with service to many clubs, public institutions, boards and committees.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Van Styn has paid respect to Mr Carpenter and said he was a true Geraldton icon who would not be forgotten.

“On behalf of the City of Greater Geraldton community I wish to extend our sincere condolences to the Carpenter family on the passing of a true gentleman,” he said.

“Ian made an extremely significant contribution to our community and his influence in Geraldton will be long remembered.

“Ian’s passion for our community, his humbleness, humour and dedication will never be forgotten.”

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 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 last year about his greatest achievements 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.”

“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’s outstanding service to the community of the City of Greater Geraldton for many decades 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 served on a wide range of public institutions, boards and committees, such as Mid West Development Commission, Batavia Regional Organisation of Councils, Western Australia Regional Capital Alliance and Regional Capitals Australia.

Leasing opportunities for 2 remaining shops at the new Seacrest Shopping Centre

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Construction is nearing completion on the new Seacrest Shopping Centre and is due to open in September 2017. In addition to Woolworths there will be a large Medical Centre, Pharmacy, Newsagents, Hairdresser and Café. There are 2 shops remaining for lease.

Metier are leasing the last remaining 2 shops and are seeking interest from a variety of retailers operators, including take-away food operators, with lettable areas of 75-97sqm available.

This new shopping centre will be located on Barrett Drive, Geraldton and has

  • Strong anchor tenants, including brand new Woolworths supermarket
  • Easy access and great convenience for shoppers
  • 230 car parking spaces, the majority with shade cover
  • High quality design and landscaping
  • And will service the strong population base to the south of Geraldton with little competition

To get more information or to discuss leasing options please contact – 

 

Why did Everything Geraldton post that question about getting rid of the Mayor?

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Why did Everything Geraldton post that question about getting rid of the Mayor?

Does Jason from EG hate Shane?

What's going on?

Jason Smith from Everything Geraldton clearly doesn't understand the law!

Ok folks, here's the question that was posted:

Your say: Do you support removing the position of Mayor completely from the City of Greater Geraldton to save money, given the predominately ceremonial nature of the position and the fact that it costs ratepayers more than 3 councillors?

So does the leading nature of that question imply Jason Smith from Everything Geraldton actually wants to get rid of the Mayor?

No. I don't want to get rid of the position of Mayor.

And no, I'm not enemies with Shane Van Styn. I quite like Shane. Shane knows this. But that's irrelevant.  I'm not going to stop questioning his actions because I like him. 

Now, some of you know that Shane Van Styn has recently started posting things online to suggest that council could or should reduce the number of councillors in the near future.

I know most of these people who serve on council. I believe they all work hard to serve the community. I also see them debating each other in the council chamber, and I cannot see how the small cost saving that getting rid of a few of them would give us would make up for their loss.

I mean, technically we could do the job with just a handful of councillors. But would we have more robust debate in the chamber? Would more ideas spring forth from our elected representatives? Would the accountability that they hold each other to be higher or lower?

Technically you could also get rid of the Mayor and save a hundred grand or so each year. Sure, you'd have to get the state government to change a few laws, but essentially one of the councillors could chair the meetings, and the other councillors could all take turns going to all the events the Mayor goes to.

Do I think that's a good idea? No! It's a stupid idea. The position of Mayor serves a lot of purposes. 

And I also think we get value out of all of our councillors. Which was the point of the question. 

So the answer to do I think we should get rid of the Mayor's position is an emphatic no, and the answer to do I think we should cull some of our councillors, who also work hard and provide value to residents, is also no. I don't see them as less valuable than the Mayor. 

And as much as I love Shane, and genuinely think he's doing what he thinks is best for the people of Geraldton, I've watched when councillors have stood up to him and disagreed with him on different matters, and I think they need their numbers to be able to continue that when required.

You don't need to point out that the decision is not up to me. Ultimately the councillors themselves will need to decide on their own future, and that of future councils.

Shane ran on a platform of reducing the council's responsibilities. And I'm sympathetic to that view. I don't understand why some councils try to discover fusion energy with ratepayer funds. But I don't see the concept of "small goverment" as meaning small in physical number of elected representatives. It's meant to mean small in scope of services provided by government. Besides, just a decade ago what is now covered by just the CGG councillors, was previously covered by Geraldton, Greenough, and Mullewa councillors. Plus our population was lower. So we already have drastically reduced the level of representatives, AND we've increased the population. It's hard for me to see why we need further reductions. 

If it's arguable that the position of Mayor is well worth the money we spend, I'd say so are the councillor's positions. Just because you always see Shane's face on all the Facebook posts about things happening in Geraldton, doesn't mean he's the only one working to make the good stuff happen. Not that he claims that to be the case. In the comments of the post in question, the Mayor publicly gave credit to all the councillors, saying that all of them together is what allowed them to achieve great things.

Which is my point.

Together. All of them.

Let's keep the Mayor, and consider keeping all the councillors too. Their small cost is a tiny price to pay for the extra accountability they provide. 

Massive Outdoor Furniture Clearance at Harvey Norman Furniture

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Harvey Norman Furniture and Bedding are having a massive clearance on Outdoor Furniture.

They are clearing the end of season lines and floor stock, so once it is gone – it’s gone! With these massive savings on outdoor furniture you are guaranteed to get a bargain so make sure you bring your ute or trailer so you don’t miss out.

Come in and see Alison and the team at Harvey Norman Furniture and Bedding at 38 Chapman Rd, Geraldton.

 

Racism, Geraldton, 18c and Freedom of Speech

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Part 1. Childhood. 

1992. Year 6. Waggrakine Primary School. I had moved from Perth to Geraldton for a term to live with my Dad. The pressure on an 11 year old to choose which of his divorced parents he loves more is pretty fucked up. But others had it worse I guess. 

I hated having to make friends every time I moved school... which was a lot. My mother was as nomadic as they come. She loved moving, it seemed. It was more of a "life sucks at the moment and clearly the only way to fix it is to move house and change schools" kind of thing actually. But by 11 I was already crushed by it. 

I was fortunate though. I had found a technique for fitting in each time I moved school, a kind of shortcut for making friends. I was tall, and loved basketball. So I'd head to the school's basketball courts and see what happened. 

Sport has a funny way of levelling everything. No-one gives a crap if you're the new kid, if you're white, black, or some kind of mixture. Can you play ball? That's all that matters. And if you're half decent, by the end of lunch time you've made 8 or more friends and the other boys trust you. 

So it was at Waggrakine Primary. Within a day or two I was playing with the other kids and holding my own on the court. 

And I made a friend.

Alfred Farrell. I'll never forget him. He was a little Aboriginal kid. He was fast and a great basketball player. And he was kind to me. 

Not with a "tolerate the new kid" type of kind. But with a "I want to be your friend" kindness. 

Despite having some Aboriginal blood myself, my skin is Point Moore lighthouse... either very white or very red/sunburnt. So skin colour was not the thing that connected myself with Alfred. What bonded us was his kindness and my loneliness.

His house was directly across the road from mine. We hung out all the time. We played heaps of basketball after school, and caught up on weekends. 

At the end of the school term I was faced with the choice of returning to Perth or staying in Geraldton and living with my Dad and step family. I chose to return to Perth to be with my mother and brothers. 

The day I was to leave, Alfred came across the street and handed me a Hallmark card. 

I'll never forget that card. He was thanking me for my friendship. 

It shocked me so hard I think I cried. He had written how he was going to miss me. It ended with:

love, Alfred.

I hadn't realised he was actually going to miss me, and my friendship had meant something to him. 

I sat in my Dad's carpet shop waiting for my bus to Perth, and decided I would get Alfred a card too. It felt reactionary though, a bit "you got me one so I get you one too" kinda thing. But I was just so blown away by his card I didn't know what else to do. 

I got on the bus. 

And I never spoke to Alfred again. 

About every 6 months or so since that time, I have thought of Alfred. 

To me, he's my symbol of why racism is so stupid. We were just two boys, a very black kid, and a very white kid, hanging out. 

I was going through perhaps the roughest time in my childhood, and he had chosen to care and be my friend when I needed a friend more than anything in the world. To us at the time, there was no "race narrative" running through our minds. In fact, to me he wasn't black. He was Alfred, my friend. I wasn't white. I was just Jason.

It was only later as I would start reading the news, would my conscience become infected with society's need to categorise everyone. 

I'm blessed today to live next to wonderful Aboriginal neighbours. As I watch my boys and their boys play with each other in the street, oblivious to the fact that there's so much racial angst in the world, my heart is encouraged. 

Part 2. Freedom of Speech. 

Chances are you've seen a lot of articles recently about the RACIAL DISCRIMINATION ACT, and the changes proposed to it. I've noticed rarely do the articles include the wording of the actual law. 

The section of interest is not very long. Please take a moment to read it:

RACIAL DISCRIMINATION ACT 1975 - SECT 18C

Offensive behaviour because of race, colour or national or ethnic origin

(1)  It is unlawful for a person to do an act, otherwise than in private, if: 

(a)  the act is reasonably likely, in all the circumstances, to offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate another person or a group of people; and 

(b)  the act is done because of the race, colour or national or ethnic origin of the other person or of some or all of the people in the group. 

You read that correctly.  

In our law, simply OFFENDING someone with anything to do with race, colour or ethnicity could be construed as unlawful. According to how this law is written, it doesn't matter what the intent of the offender was... just if someone was offended. 

For example, that controversial Bill Leak cartoon. 

In August 2016, on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day, a Leak cartoon in The Australian depicted an Aboriginal policeman holding a teenage male and telling the youth's father that he needed to teach his son about personal responsibility. The father, with a can of beer in hand, replies "Yeah, righto, What's his name then?". - Wikipedia. 

These laws were used against Leak. It didn't matter that the message he meant was "Aboriginal people need to take accountability for the behaviour of their own children," a sentiment echoed by much of the community and Police. 

Personally, even though I got the point the cartoon was trying to make, I saw how it could have made any Aboriginal person feel degraded. Cartoonists say things with cartoons. I don't have a suggestion for a better one Leak could have done to make the same point. But all the same, I'm not surprised there was offence taken. 

So, after receiving a complaint, the Australian Human Rights Commission pursued Mr Leak and The Australian. 

After much hullabaloo, and receiving another 2 complaints, the complaints were dropped and nothing happened, other than cause a lot of hassle for Leak and his employer. You can read a lot more about the cases online. 

Another case that came about because of 18c, was the QUT (Queensland University of Technology) case. 

What was the case about?

From "The Conversation"

On May 28, 2013, (Alex) Wood and two other students were using a QUT computer lab when (Cindy) Prior asked them whether they were indigenous. They replied they weren’t. Prior then asked them to leave.

Later that day, on the “QUT Stalkerspace” Facebook page, Wood posted:

Just got kicked out of the unsigned Indigenous computer room. QUT stopping segregation with segregation…?

Many people commented. Powell posted:

I wonder where the white supremacist computer lab is….

These kids were shocked that they got kicked off computers because they were white. They made their point via a post, and a snarky joke. And they ended up in court.

The Conversation article goes on to tell how that case went to "Federal Circuit Court against QUT, certain QUT employees, and a number of QUT students including Wood, Thwaites and Powell. Prior’s claim was for A$247,570.52. Prior alleged that the students had breached 18C. She also alleged that QUT and its employees had breached section 9 of the RDA."

That's right. The person who took these kids who complained about the treatment they received on Facebook were asked to pay a quarter of a million dollars to Cindy Prior to compensate her for how "physically sick and abandoned" she felt.  

How we can live in a world where we can't even have a conversation about whether white kids should be kicked off computers because they're white, is absurd. They clearly felt like they were the ones being discriminated against. And for saying it, they faced a hell of a ride. 

Ultimately the case failed in court, but the point is, these people were able to be dragged through the courts, vilified in the media, and had their lives turned upside down because they published their opinion, and someone was "offended".

The kids that took the case all the way to court had to come up with copious legal fees.

And the kids that couldn't afford it, actually SETTLED with Cindy Prior for $5000. 

I know, right. Mind blowing.

This woman getting bulk coin for what everyone now agrees was a ridiculous law suit, only encourages more of these to happen in the future.  

So now, understandably, some people want to change the poorly worded law.

But the proposed changes are drawing a line in the sand once again throughout the nation. It's like Australia Day all over again.

According to one side of the debate, if you support the changes you're a racist. 

Freedom of Speech

I understand the power of words. I use them for a living. So I support robust laws that shut down hate groups. 

And I also support effective measures to improve the welfare of our Aboriginal brothers and sisters. I have family in the Kimberly. If you think it's rough in Gero, take a trip up north. Australia still has a lot of progress to make. 

But we can't find real solutions to our problems if we're all silenced in to not offending anyone. 

That's, in part, why I completely support freedom of speech laws also. 

And the way the law reads at the moment, it's scary to do anything online or in print that even mentions specific races. 

The law as it stands is not breeding reconciliation. It's breeding resentment from those who feel silenced. 

They're staying silent, sure. Congratulations, you're shutting them up with a stupid law. 

But I see what they say outside of the public eye. They're not happy.

They're not racist. But many of them carry a certain growing resentment for a system that doesn't want to hear their side of an argument.  

They feel vilified for having an opinion on anything. They've stopped contributing to public debate on how to solve a lot of VERY REAL PROBLEMS. They're closing off and staying in their own communities. They're changing how they vote. And they're leaving the people who need help the most to fend for themselves. 

And the actual racism isn't going away at all. Because it's so easy to stay anonymous online, the true racists can't be prosecuted at all.

I know, because I play whack-a-mole with them on Everything Geraldton. Some people in the community think we allow that type of thing, but you only see the comments we miss. We delete and ban trolls all the time. And I'm pretty sure the accounts we ban are just the same 3 idiots creating new accounts each week. 

Unless you start suing YouTube, Twitter, 4Chan, Reddit and Facebook, you're going to find that we live in a global community now anyway, where 18c doesn't apply.

I hate racism.

I hate it when people won't rent their homes to Aboriginal people. I hate it when a white person is abused at the train station for using an Aboriginal word and has to spend 10 minutes explaining that she's married to an Aboriginal and that's why she speaks that way. I hate it when someone is assaulted for their ethnicity. I hate it when someone is called a white dog while they walk down the street. I know these are real problems. 

But I also know that the vast majority of Australians are not racist in the slightest. 

Most of us love each other, work together, live next to each other... and we get along perfectly. But that never makes the news for some reason. 

Most of us who support changes to section 18c of the Racial Discrimination Act abhor racism, we just support freedom of speech and more sensible ways to stop racial discrimination. 

And to be very clear, the proposed changes to the law still make overt racist acts of harassment illegal. All those stories you've read online about people's racist experiences in Australia, supposedly to justify keeping the law the way it is, would actually remain illegal under the proposed changes. 

If you honestly want to engage working class Australians and allow them to contribute to progressing our nation, then they need to know they're not going to have to pay tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees because someone was "offended" by their opinion. 

Sometimes people are harassed because of their race. The law needs to remain robust enough to protect us ALL from this. 

And sometimes people will have opinions that aren't politically correct. But if you scream "racist" and sue them each time they pipe up with an opinion you don't like, guess what. They'll stop trying to help, and they'll stop voting for people trying to help.