Go glare free this summer with Specsavers

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Specsavers have an amazing offer that will get you ready for summer!

Don’t be blinded by the sun, get into Specsavers Geraldton to get FREE polarising on your second pair of glasses.

Get into Specsavers Geraldton before 8th Novemberand buy two pairs of glasses from the $199 range and you can get FREE polarising in your second pair.

Don’t ignore the glaring obvious, get into Specsavers and be glare-free this summer!

Specsavers Geraldton are located at Stirling Central, or you can call them on 9964 7555.

 

Free Concert - Watoto Children’s Choir - Signs and Wonders

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Watoto Children’s Choir will be coming to Geraldton this October for a free concert – Signs and Wonders.

The Watoto Children’s Choir, whose members are orphans and other vulnerable children, present worship music from Watoto Church in Uganda and invite audiences to expect an encounter with God. 

Signs and Wonder celebrates the joy of salvation.

Through song, dance and stories the children proclaim the good news of the salvation that is available for all. They share testimonies of how their lives have been changed, and how they have been called into a life of purpose to transform their communities. 

Audiences are given the opportunity to respond by partnering to rescue vulnerable women and children in Africa, raise them up as leaders, so they can rebuild their nation. 

Watoto Children’s Choirs have toured since 1994 as ambassadors of millions of African children in need of hope. Their audiences come from all walks of life including the Queen of England, President George Bush, the UK, Australian, Canadian and Scottish parliaments, and the greater public; warming many hearts wherever they go.

Watoto Children’s Choir will be in Geraldton on Wednesday 11th October from 6:30pm (to about 7:45pm) at Sun City Christian Centre, 14 Assen St, Karloo.

 

Ladies Day at the Geraldton Turf Club

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Sunday 15th October 2017 is Ladies Day at the Geraldton Turf Club!

Enter the WA Country Cups Fashions on the Field Geraldton heat. The winner will receive fabulous prizes from Leon Baker Jeweller PLUS a trip to Perth to compete in the final at Perth Racing. The winner of the final will win a trip for two to London to visit Royal Ascot with $10,000 in spending money!

You must be registered in order to enter the Regional Heat. Registrations will be taken on the day at the Fashions on the Field registrations desk. Registration and heat times will be available closer to the date.

There is FREE entry to the course or buy tickets for the Garden Party Marquee. Tickets are just $65 each for reserved seating, canapes, a glass of sparkling on arrival, race book and entertainment, with spot prizes throughout the day including best fascinator.

To purchase tickets contact Sandy on 0418 942 282 or message the Geraldton Turf Club Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GeraldtonTurfClubInc/

 

Free vaccinations to stop Parvo

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Mayor Shane Van Styn and the Mayor Pooch, Bella.

An influx of Parvovirus has brought organisations in the Midwest together to hold a free vaccination day to protect our canine friends.

The deadly virus has claimed the lives of over 120 dogs this year and the City of Greater Geraldton is urging dog owners to take action and vaccinate.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said Parvovirus has no cure and the only prevention is through vaccination.

“Parvovirus is a highly infectious disease that kills dogs, but it can be easily prevented by vaccinations,” he said.

“As a dog lover myself, I’m delighted that we can join forces with Central Regional TAFE, Geraldton Dog Rescue and the veterinary services to raise awareness and vaccinate dogs for free.

“Unfortunately we are unable to provide this service to the whole community, however, those who receive Centrelink benefits or have a Senior Citizen Card are encouraged to attend and have their dogs immunised.

“We want to help educate the community through this free event.”

The virus is highly contagious and attacks dogs’ gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular systems. The main source of Parvovirus is through the faeces of infected dogs, making it even more important to bag and bin your dog’s faeces when in public places. 

The free vaccination day will take place on Wednesday 4 October at N-Block, Central Regional TAFE from 9am to 4pm.

In addition to the free barbecue and information session, the City’s Rangers will be there microchipping dogs at no cost.

“A big thank you to our Rangers for providing such a vital service,” added Mayor Van Styn. 

To secure your dog’s free vaccination, please email skye.strutton@crtafe.wa.edu.au or call 0427 566 112. 

Price calls for Mid West Space Agency

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The Federal Government has committed to establishing a national space agency to ensure Australia has a long-term plan to grow its domestic space industry.

Member for Durack Melissa Price has called for some or all of the new agency and capability to be placed in Geraldton, in the Mid West, where a number of large space projects currently exist.

“We have already demonstrated we have the capacity to support that industry here in the Mid West” Ms Price said.

“We already have the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project here in the radio quiet zone of the Murchison, a next generation mega telescope that will help us to uncover the mysteries of the universe.

“We also have the Harold Holt Naval Communications Station at Exmouth, the Universal Space Network ground station at Dongara, the European Space Agency Deep Space Earth Station at New Norcia, the Swedish Space Corporation Ground Station, 30kms north of Mingenew and the Australian Defence Space Communication Station at Kojarena, 30kms east of Geraldton.

“You would be hard pressed to find any region in Australia with as high a concentration of satellite ground stations, with as much expertise in the field, as is found in the Mid West.

“Any space agency the Government is looking at creating, in my opinion, should seriously consider using the industry expertise that is already available in this region.

“As a member of the Select Committee on Decentralization and Regional Development, we are looking at a number of possibilities of relocating Government Department to where they are most suited, and a space agency based in Geraldton makes a lot of sense” Ms Price said.

Acting Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, said the establishment of a space agency is one of the key issues being examined by the Expert Reference Group appointed to review Australia’s space industry capability.

“The global space industry is growing rapidly and it’s crucial that Australia is part of this growth,” Minister Cash said.

“A national space agency will ensure we have a strategic long-term plan that supports the development and application of space technologies and grows our domestic space industry.”

“The agency will be the anchor for our domestic coordination and the front door for our international engagement.”

Former CSIRO Chief Dr Megan Clark is chairing the Reference Group, and its review is well advanced.

The Reference Group has sought views from across the country from industry, government and society, which will be used to inform our plan to expand this important and exciting sector.

The Reference Group has received almost 200 written submissions in response to its issues paper, and more than 400 people have been consulted through roundtables in each state and territory.

Meetings have also been held with key stakeholders, including the state and territory governments.

Feedback from the extensive consultation process has overwhelmingly shown the need for the establishment of a national space agency.

The Reference Group will now develop a charter for the space agency for inclusion in the wider strategy being brought forward by the end of March 2018.

RIP Simone Anne Purcell

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Deepest sympathies to my cousins Leslie, Kirstyanne, Chelsea, Sophie, Taryn & Zoe for the sad loss of a very special woman, wife and mother.

She touched many people within the Geraldton Community and Shark Bay.

Lots of love & hugs
Faye & Murray, Peter, Jennifer & Croyden, Bronwyn & Luke, Pippah, Harlo, Odacoda, Hunter, Noah, Elijah and Biddy. Our thoughts are with you.

REMEMBER TO GET CHECKED CORRECTLY - LETS BEAT OVARIAN CANCER TOGETHER

Anthony Grzelka – Australia’s Ghost Whisperer – is coming to Geraldton

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Anthony Grzelka is considered to be one of this country’s leading Mediums, with his unique talent to connect to those seeking confirmation that life exists after death, with a down-to-earth, practical and compassionate approach. Anthony’s skill for connecting with and conveying messages from loved ones passed is simply astounding, and has given him the name of Australia’s Ghost Whisperer.

In these awe inspiring events Anthony Grzelka will entertain and enlighten, while at the same time having attendees questioning what they think about heaven and the afterlife. Anthony will answer questions about spirituality; give messages from loved ones passed and help with real life decisions. Quite possibly in the process, changing people’s lives and making believers out of die-hard sceptics.

Anthony is coming to Geraldton for 2 great events in October.

On Friday 6th October 2017 Anthony will be doing a Mediumship Demonstration at Golden Pond Retreat, 58 Giles Road Moonyoonooka, 7:30pm to 10pm (please arrive at 7pm). Tickets are just $65.00 each. 

The moment Anthony open the doors between this world and the next, anything can happen. Without fail the dearly departed will come through, each with a message of love or comfort for a loved-one in the audience. Pets too, are not shy in coming forward. They will often bound in, usually straight through the middle of a reading, wagging a tail or purring with love. The experience that unfolds is often deeply compelling, occasionally chilling, sometimes humorous but almost always heart-warming, with Anthony’s down to earth, honest and compassionate approach, it will be impossible for those in the audience not to be moved. And within each individual’s message of love rests a solution for everyone.

Then on Saturday 7th October, join Anthony on an exclusive night tour and investigation of the Historic Greenough town site. Tickets for the Greenough Ghost Hunt are $200 which includes meals and accommodation. 

Greenough was one of the first settlements in Western Australia and there are eleven buildings standing that you can explore. Boasting two churches, a convent, presbytery, school, government complex that houses the court house and old gaol facilities and a community hall where the old time dances are still held today. The buildings of Central Greenough Historic Settlement were constructed between 1863 and 1913 and are now conserved by the National Trust of Australia (WA), and are located on the corner of Brand Hwy and McCartney Rd, Greenough.

This is a sleepover tour starting at 6:30pm on 7th October, until 10am the following day. The ticket price includes buffet meal and breakfast. You will need to supply your own sleeping gear, swag sleeping, bag etc... There are some shower facilities available.

Revelations given and predictions made throughout the nights will take audiences on a spellbinding journey both emotionally and spiritually. Each connection made will be a step towards demystifying the spirit world and will leave audiences with one important message — Spirits can and will communicate with the living.

Tickets for both events are available at www.whispersfrombeyond.com.au or calling 08 9791 8529. Booking is essential for both events, so make sure you get your tickets today.

The Midwest Show & Shine is back for 2017

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The Midwest Show & Shine is back in Port Denison for 2017.

This fun-filled family day is on Sunday 24th September, with cars coming from all over WA to take part. All vehicles are welcome to enter on the day from the normally hidden away beauties to the all-out street machines and motor bikes. There are no categories, it’s just about having a great day out and enjoying the cars, so the more the merrier.

If you want to bring your car along the entry fee is $10, but if you just want to look at the display of awesome machines on show, entry is FREE. Gates open at 7am for vehicles and 9am for spectators.

The Midwest Show & Shine will again this year be joining forces with the Port Denison Sprint. Watch the pre-1985 cars sprint around the Port Denison foreshore, while you enjoy the Show & Shine.

Plus there will be trade stalls, club displays and plenty of food and drink. Come and make a day of it at the Midwest Show & Shine, on the Port Denison Foreshore, Dongara.

 

Enrolments for Y7-9 available at Geraldton Grammar School

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Geraldton Grammar School is now taking applications for students for the 2018 and 2019 school year for their middle school (years 7 to 9).

Geraldton Grammar School run more than 30 subjects and participate in 28 different sports, musical groups, clubs and societies, giving their students a broad range of options for their education. They run an extensive outdoor education and camp programs, as well as an excellent tutelage in Instrumental Music across the campus together with outstanding performance opportunities. 

Geraldton Grammar School were recognised as the top performing school in the Midwest in both primary and secondary education sections for the 2016 NAPLAN assessment, and they have achieved the highest ranking in the Midwest for the Vocational Education and Training in Schools awards. They are small enough to care for every child, but big enough to challenge all students.

For an enrolment application or to organise a personalised tour of the school with the principal call them on 9965 7800 or email ggs@gegs.wa.edu.au. More information can be found on their website www.geraldtongrammarschool.wa.edu.au

 

Style yourself at Stirlings for Spring

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Join Stirlings Central for their FREE event to style yourself for spring!

Join in the fun on Saturday 23rd September and enjoy make up, nail painting, hair styling and a fashion parade. PLUS receive a FREE goodie bag when you register your attendance online – but be quick goodie bags are limited to the first 50 people.

This special event runs from 10am to 1pm, with the fashion parade starting at 12:30pm, and will be held next to Flight Centre.

For more information and how to book your free ticket, go to https://www.stirlingscentral.com.au/whats-on/style-yourself-at-stirlings-for-spring/

 

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