Join Desert Blue Connect in a Summit to address Family Violence

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On September 28, Desert Blue Connect Inc. will be holding a Community, Respect and Equality (CRE) Summit and launching the CRE Strategic Action Plan for the prevention of family violence at the Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) Seniors and Community Centre in Geraldton.

Family violence is a significant social issue in our community which is preventable and can be effectively reduced by prevention activities and collaborative community action.

The rates of family violence in Geraldton and surrounding communities are amongst the highest in the state. Each month, the Midwest-Gascoyne Police Family and Domestic Violence Response Team attend an average of 234 Family Violence incidents for a total of 2819 incidents for the 2016/17 financial year. 

It is estimated that over 80% of women who experience violence from a current partner do not contact Police, making the estimated number of actual number of family violence incidents in the region closer to 14,000 per year (Source WA Police; ABS Census 2016, ABS personal safety survey 2012).

Over the last twelve months Desert Blue Connect have managed the CRE project and have developed with community consultation a CRE Strategic Action Plan to address primary prevention of family violence in our local community.

The CRE project aims to inspire, innovate and connect community leaders, sector and service organisations, and government to work together on creative and sustainable strategies for the primary prevention of family violence. 

“Desert Blue Connect have advocated for a long time that Geraldton needs a high level strategic action plan and to focus on primary prevention to reduce the levels of family violence in our community,” says Executive Manager Operations, Desert Blue Connect Daphne White. 

“The CRE Summit is the start of our community journey in primary prevention. It will inform, educate and create momentum within the community to drive prevention activities.”

“We are fortunate to have five experts in the field of primary prevention at the Summit whose knowledge will be invaluable to those attending, as will be their sharing of successes and challenges working in the field.”

Promoted as a state-wide event and the first of its kind in regional Western Australia, the Summit aims to attract services workers, professionals from all fields (education, family violence, youth, health, sport and business), government and non-government agencies, policy makers and community with an interest in primary prevention.

The CRE Summit will be a forum that will raise awareness of family violence in the community. It will provide a sound, evidence based foundation from which the community can start a unified journey to challenging and saying no to violence within a regional context. 

The Honourable Minister McGurk will be opening the CRE Summit and launching the CRE Strategic Action Plan. 

Funded by the Department of Social Services the CRE project will see the publication of a community led Action Plan for the Primary Prevention of Family Violence in Geraldton.

Desert Blue Connect is the region’s leading provider of support to women and children experiencing family and sexual violence. It provides services that include women’s health, family violence response including services for women, men and children, primary prevention and crisis accommodation for women and children.

For more information on the CRE Summit or CRE Strategic Action Plan, contact Daphne White at Desert Blue Connect on 9964 2742 or visit the website www.communityrespectandequality.com.au.

 

Desert Blue Connect – Enriching & Empowering the Community

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Desert Blue Connect unites the Women’s Health Resource Centre and Chrysalis Support Services into a new organisation. Using their combined strength, connection and engagement with the community, Desert Blue Connect provides safe and inclusive services. They open their doors to the community and can connect you with services to meet your individual requirements.

Desert Blue Connect provides services that include women’s health, family violence, primary prevention and crisis accommodation for women and children. 

Women’s Health – 
The Desert Blue Connect Women’s Health program offers a range of health and wellbeing services that are provided free or at low cost to women in the community. Medical services including female GP, Pap smear clinic and general nurse consults. Also available is individual women’s counselling and unplanned pregnancy counselling.

Family Violence Response – 
Desert Blue Connect provide a range of family violence counselling, outreach and advocacy services available to women, children and men with the following services offered free to clients – 

  • Sexual assault counselling
  • Child sexual assault therapeutic counselling and support
  • Relationship and family violence counselling
  • Family violence advocacy and support
  • Family violence outreach service
  • Local support co-ordination – response and proactive outreach
  • Family violence intervention service – Barndimalgu Court 

Primary Prevention – 
At Desert Blue Connect they are driven by a pursuit in supporting change by providing education and awareness by

  • Health promotion
  • Community education and events
  • Community, Respect and Equality Project
  • Child Protection and Abuse Prevention Teacher Training.

Crisis Accommodation for Women and Children – 
Chrysalis House Women’s Refuge offers safe and supported short term accommodation (up to 3 weeks) for women and their children who are escaping violence or at risk of being homeless as a result of crisis.

Make an appointment with Desert Blue Connect to access their FREE or low cost services by calling 9964 2742 or by coming into the office at 25 Chapman Road in Geraldton. A referral isn’t required but they do encourage you to bring a friend or family member to support you.

Chrysalis House Women’s Refuge – 9964 2173
Sexual Assault Crisis Line – 1800 16 789

 

Annie at QPT

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Creative Works Youth Theatre will be showcasing their latest production 'Annie' on Saturday 16 September 2017 at Queens Park Theatre, this is a not to be missed family performance! Get your tickets now at http://bit.ly/2x3ZD0a

Creative Works Youth Theatre will be showcasing their latest production 'Annie' on Saturday 16 September 2017 at Queens Park Theatre, this is a not to be missed family performance! Get your tickets now at http://bit.ly/2x3ZD0a

Attorney General must stop release of paedophile

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Attorney General John Quigley must act immediately to ensure the planned release of a serial sex offender into the Geraldton community next week does not happen.

Opposition Leader Mike Nahan said the Attorney General should be more concerned with protecting the public than political point scoring.

“In Opposition Mr Quigley called for the Attorney General to overrule the Director of Public Prosecutions and appeal the release of dangerous sex offenders; he is now the Attorney General and the buck stops with him,” Dr Nahan said.

“While Mr Quigley is focusing on his planned legislation, he is overlooking the fact that a serial sex offender, with a known risk of reoffending, is about to be released from jail to live near a school.”

Dr Nahan said Mr Quigley could not distance himself from the fact that he appointed the judge that made the decision to release this offender.

“This decision was made at the discretion of the judge, there was scope within the law for the judge to order this offender remain in jail, and Mr Quigley cannot hide from that fact.” Dr Nahan said.

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney reiterated that the most urgent task before Mr Quigley was to stop this offender being released into his community.

“Mr Quigley is playing a long blame game and not doing his job to protect the people of Geraldton,” Mr Blayney said.

“The people of Geraldton need to be reassured Mr Quigley has exhausted every possible legal avenue to keep this man in jail.

“Legislation yet to be introduced into Parliament is all well and good and will get due and serious consideration but right now I want the people of Geraldton protected.”

Justice Crew

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Justice Crew are heading to Geraldton. Catch them at Queens Park Theatre Saturday 23 Sept. Tickets and info:  https://qpt.cgg.wa.gov.au/events-calendar/4919/justice-crew-kick-ons-tour

Justice Crew are heading to Geraldton. Catch them at Queens Park Theatre Saturday 23 Sept. Tickets and info: https://qpt.cgg.wa.gov.au/events-calendar/4919/justice-crew-kick-ons-tour

Strathalbyn Christian College are ready for their Family Fun Day

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On Saturday 9th of September, Strathalbyn Christian College will be holding their annual Family Fun Day. There will be loads of fun activities suitable for the whole family.

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

There will be lots of activities for little ones like face painting, horse rides and bouncy castles. Local talent Me and Missus will be playing plus home grown talent from Strath, Angus and George Davidson with their band Corned Beef. They will have demonstration performances from All Things Dance, just to liven things up.

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

This year at 1pm they will be holding a Colour Fun Run. Strath students have been busy fundraising in the community for the College in order to be part of this event. There will be two obstacle courses, one for primary and another for secondary. The community can join in the fun. Registration must be made prior to the day at https://scccolourfunrun.eventbrite.com.au, Adults are $20 and Children under 12 are $10.

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

Strathalbyn Christian College are ready for their Family Fun Day
 

Looking for a vet that’s open on Sundays?

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Chapman Animal Hospital is now open on Sundays!

The clinic will be open from 9am to 12pm. Walk-ins and appointments are welcome.

If you find it difficult to go and see them during the week, then this will be perfect for you, just drop in and they will be happy to take a look at your furry friend.

Pop in and see Chapman Animal Hospital is at 74 Northwest Coastal Hwy or call to make an appointment on 9964 2828.

 

68th Annual Chapman Valley Agricultural Show

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The 68th Chapman Valley Show is on Saturday 2nd September. Gates open 10.00am to 4.00pm.

Loads of free entertainment: Dinkum Dinosaurs, PCYC climbing wall, face painting, Stage entertainment, Amazing Agricultural Race, Sheep Dogs, Exhibition Hall, Shearing competition.

Adults $15, Pensioners $5 Kids Under 16 FREE. EFTPOS not available so bring your cash.

Thanks to Bendigo Community Bank we have a FREE Pensioner bus from town and back allowing 4 hours at the show. Children may accompany supervising adults - go to trybooking.com to book a seat FOR A GREAT FAMILY  DAY OUT WITH LOADS OF FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT COME TO THE CHAPMAN VALLEY SHOW!!

Beatlemania in Geraldton

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Coming to Gero soon! Relive the heyday of the world’s favourite Pop act with Beatlemania On Tour, the complete live tribute show that recreates a true Beatles experience - authentic costumes, replica instruments and all songs performed with exquisite attention to detail and in their original key! Tickets here: https://qpt.cgg.wa.gov.au/events-calendar/4629/beatlemania-on-tour

Coming to Gero soon! Relive the heyday of the world's favourite Pop act with Beatlemania On Tour, the complete live tribute show that recreates a true Beatles experience - authentic costumes, replica instruments and all songs performed with exquisite attention to detail and in their original key! Tickets here: https://qpt.cgg.wa.gov.au/events-calendar/4629/beatlemania-on-tour

Join the free workshop ‘We’re in this Together’

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We’re in this Together is a free community development workshop that will leave participants brimming with fresh and engaging ways to make positive change in the community.

The event will be facilitated by social entrepreneur and community enthusiast Peter Kenyon who is the Bank of I.D.E.A.S Lead Consultant.

We’re in this Together will take place at 10.30am on Wednesday 6 September at the Geraldton Multipurpose Centre. The workshop will conclude at 4pm and be followed by a Networking Sundowner.

To secure your place, please RSVP to steved@cgg.wa.gov.au before Friday 1 September.

For more information about the event visit http://bit.ly/2vzcs0P

 

Homegrown Music Festival

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Some of the best musical talent to come out of Geraldton will unite for the first ever Homegrown Music Festival. For more information https://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/news/2903/geraldton-celebrates-homegrown-talent-with-music-festival

Some of the best musical talent to come out of Geraldton will unite for the first ever Homegrown Music Festival. For more information https://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/news/2903/geraldton-celebrates-homegrown-talent-with-music-festival

Enrolments open for 3 and 4 year old kindy programs at Geraldton Grammar School

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Geraldton Grammar School offers kindergarten programs especially for 3 and 4 year old children with highly qualified, experienced early childhood teachers in a beautiful environment. With the facilities only a K-12 campus can offer, their kindergarten programs are exciting places of fun and learning!

Junior Kindergarten is two full days of fun and learning for 3 year old children. Kindergarten is four full days of fun and learning for 4 year old children.

Do you want to have a look at Geraldton Grammar School’s Early Learning Centre? Then join them at their next Come and Play morning on Wednesday 6 September. You will get to meet the staff and experience their facilities. It is at the Junior Kindy Room at 134 George Rd, 9am to 10:30am. Alternatively you can arrange a tour of the campus by calling 99657800.

 

New CEO looks to build on solid foundations

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City of Greater Geraldton’s new CEO Ross McKim.

Ross McKim has been appointed as the City of Greater Geraldton’s Chief Executive Officer and says he looks forward to continuing the years of hard work bringing the City to a financially sustainable position.

At the Ordinary Meeting of Council in Mullewa today, a recommendation was passed with unanimous support from Council appointing Mr McKim as CEO for a five year term.

Over the past two years, Mr McKim has been the City’s Director of Infrastructure Services and most recently stepped into the role of Acting CEO after the departure of previous CEO Ken Diehm in June.

City of Greater Geraldton Deputy Mayor Neil McIlwaine said Mr McKim had put himself in good stead with the City and emerged as the most outstanding candidate for the position.

“We had a great response for the job role with over 20 quality candidates applying from around Australia,” he said.

“After a rigorous selection process, I am very pleased to announce that Mr McKim has accepted the role as CEO.

“Ross has been working at the City for the last two years as the Director of Infrastructure Services and has a wealth of knowledge and experience leading local government teams.

“I look forward to working closely with Ross now and into the future.”

Mr McKim has over 25 years of local government experience and has previously held leadership positions at Cairns, Redlands and Tablelands Regional Councils, where he was responsible for the delivery of a diverse range of local government services. 

His qualifications include a Masters of Business Administration, an Honours Degree in Civil Engineering, a Graduate Diploma in Municipal Engineering, a Diploma in Community and Youth Work and various certificates relevant to local government operations.

Mr McKim said he was honoured and humbled to be the successful candidate for the role.

“The City of Greater Geraldton is a very progressive local government with a strong national reputation for community consultation and innovation and I am honoured to take up the position of CEO,” he said.

“I'm looking forward to working closely with the Mayor, Councillors, staff and the community in building on the great work currently underway.” 

Mr McKim also added that Council had worked extremely hard over the past years to build strong foundations for the City.

“The Councillors have made a number of courageous decisions over the last two years with the intention of bringing the City back to a financially sustainable position,” he said.

“I look forward to continuing this work which should see the City reach a surplus in the very near future. 

“Complementing this endeavour, is the need to develop robust asset renewal programs that will ensure the City’s nearly $1 billion in infrastructure remains fit for purpose.”

Mr McKim added that he will continue to work with stakeholders on initiatives that will help to grow the local community.

“I look forward to working with key stakeholders such as the Midwest Development Commission and the Midwest Chamber of Commerce and Industry to develop and implement initiatives to assist in the growth of the local economy,” he said.

“The Progress Midwest model combined with the completion of the Greater Geraldton Growth Plan demonstrates the Council’s commitment to doing all it can to grow the local community.

“I also look forward to developing and implementing the City’s customer service strategy and working with local community groups to ensure their input is provided to Councillors as part of the decision making process.”

Mr McKim will officially take up the new position on 28 August 2017 and said he is excited to keep the City of Greater Geraldton moving forward.

“I am passionate about local government and all that it represents and achieves,” he said.

“I very much appreciate the faith both the Council and staff have shown in me and it is very rewarding as it provides me with the opportunity to continue doing what I love – which is serving the local community to the best of my ability.

“I believe Geraldton has a very bright future ahead of it, and I am excited about making a positive contribution.”

Spend $30 – get $10 back at Stirlings Central!

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For FOUR days only when you spend $30 at Stirlings Central you will get a $10 voucher back!

From Wednesday 23rd August to Saturday 26th August, present your receipts, to the value of $30 or more, to the hostess in the centre to receive your $10 voucher – while stock lasts.

The hostess will be at Stirlings Centre at the following times –
Wednesday 23rd August – 11am to 6pm
Thursday 24th August – 11am to 6pm
Friday 25th August – 11am to 6pm
Saturday 26th August – 9am to 5pm

So make sure you get down to Stirlings Central between these times to claim your $10 voucher.
T&C’s apply and it is strictly while stock lasts.

https://www.stirlingscentral.com.au/whats-on/10-give-back/

 

Have you seen the great 4 bedroom design plans at Triton Building Co?

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Are you looking to build your new home and have no idea where to start? Then a 4 bedroom 2 bathroom is a good place to start. And Triton Building Co have some great designs to choose from. You can change them to suit your style or leave them as they are.

Just some of the designs available are:

The ‘Kalumba’ is a great design for narrow blocks or where side access is needed. It is centred around a great kitchen and designed for entertaining. This livable home will tick all the boxes. The bedrooms have been placed towards the rear of the home, ideal if your site is on a busy street or you have a shift worker in the house.

The ‘Dandalup’ is a great plan for the first home owner or if you are looking to downsize. Has a lovely open kitchen, dining, living area and alfresco area.

The ‘Helena’ is well proportioned and boasts a massive main bedroom. There is ample storage throughout with generous, practical kitchen and wet areas. This is ideal for the modern family or as a great investment home.

The ‘Victoria’ was originally designed to allow the use of the alfresco area in summer, while being sheltered from the southerly winds. This home boasts a generous walk through kitchen and a beautifully defined entry to impress your guests. The large master bedroom, ensuite and walk in robe allows you to feel pampered every day of the year. This design also has a separate games room and study.

The ‘Mackenzie’ was originally designed to accommodate a site with a frontal view. This is a well proportioned home with a large kitchen, theatre room and alfresco, and heaps of storage with the built in robes and linen cupboards.

The ‘Murchison’ is a large home with raised ceilings to the master bedroom and projected façade tastefully framing the bedroom windows, creating an exciting and aesthetically pleasing frontage that will set this home apart from the neighbours. Huge walk in pantry and walk in robe in the master bedroom, gives ample space for storage. Large rooms and luxurious living is the ‘Murchison’

For more great designs go to Triton Building Co’s website - http://www.tritonbuilding.com.au/designs/4-bedroom/ and if you can find a plan you like they will help design one from scratch!

Ascential Float

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Ascential Float will be opening their doors soon! And to celebrate they will be holding an Open Day on Sunday 20th August. Meet the team and walk through Geraldton's first Floatation Therapy Centre. They will have some great deals available on the day! Check out their Facebook page for more details. 

Ascential Float will be opening their doors soon! And to celebrate they will be holding an Open Day on Sunday 20th August. Meet the team and walk through Geraldton's first Floatation Therapy Centre. They will have some great deals available on the day! Check out their Facebook page for more details.

Last days of the Harvey Norman Furniture Birthday Sale

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Harvey Norman Furniture and Bedding are celebrating 20 YEARS in Western Australia! Join the celebration and see the amazing furniture and bedding deals in store now. 

There are some truly amazing deals on furniture like the ever popular Bourbon Modular Suite at $2499. 

And the Sunset 7 Piece Dining Suite for just $999

Or the Vegas 4 Seater + Ottoman for only $1899!!

As well as 20% off bar stools and 40% off rugs!

Now is the time to update your bedroom with up to 50% off mattresses and ensembles – Sealy, Sleepmaker, King Koil, Beautyrest and Tempur - Plus up to 50 % off selected clearance Manchester and up to 30% off bedroom furniture and kids beds

And bonus local delivery and free removal of old mattresses on mattress purchases over $999.

Hurry, these deals are 20 years in the making and won't last long!

Must end Monday 21st, so make sure you get into Harvey Norman Furniture and Bedding at 38 Chapman Rd, as soon as possible so you don’t miss out!

 

Bluff Point Pharmacy celebrate their rebranding to TerryWhite Chemmart

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Follow all things green to the newly rebranded TerryWhite Chemmart Bluff Point Pharmacy.

That’s right the Bluff Point Pharmacy has turned green! But they are still locally owned and run, just as they have for past 30 years. So you will still see the same friendly faces and receive the great service you have come to except from your local chemist.

So why are they going green? Terry White Chemists, Chemmart and Chemplus pharmacies are joining forces to become TerryWhite Chemmart, with the goal of providing better healthcare to all Australians.

They understand that in today’s world, better health means better prices – that’s why they are committed to delivering even better value everyday as well as offering their price match guarantee. But they also believe that better health goes far beyond price, which is why they offer health programs, where they can deliver quick and convenient extras, like flu vaccinations. All their pharmacists are qualified experts and are able to provide advice on a wide range of preventions and treatments.

Terry White Chemmart Bluff Point are located in the Bluff Point Shopping Centre on Chapman Rd, and are open 7 days a week

Come and see them, or call them on 9923 1584, their friendly staff are always happy to help.

 

Specsavers loves their new season eyewear range - ELLERY

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Specsavers are excited to announce the new season of exclusive eyewear designed for Specsavers by luxury womenwear brand – ELLERY.

The Ellery eyewear collection includes a range of both glasses and prescription sunglasses, starting at just 2 pairs from $199, complete with standard single vision lenses.
Conditions apply

See the full collection at Specsavers Geraldton, located at the Stirlings Shopping Centre.