Join Stirlings Central for their Sunday Funday!

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Did you know that Stirlings Central is now open on Sundays? 11am to 5pm every Sunday!

And to celebrate they are having a Sunday Funday on 5th November 2017, 11am to 2pm.

There will be FREE entertainment, colour in activities, face painting, giveaways, one day only specials and more.

PLUS if you spend $10 on the day you will get a FREE Stirlings Central shopping bag!

You can find more information on their website - https://www.stirlingscentral.com.au/whats-on/sunday-funday/

 

Roundabout planned for busy North West Coastal Highway junction

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The McGowan Government will upgrade the busy intersection of North West Coastal Highway and Hosken Street in wider Geraldton into a new four-leg roundabout.

Taking community feedback into account, Main Roads Western Australia has finalised designs for a roundabout to replace the existing T-junction at Hosken Street and provide a new connection to Spalding via Horan Street.

The roundabout will include separate left-turn lanes on Horan Street, Hosken Street and North West Coastal Highway northbound and an upgraded shared path network for pedestrians and cyclists, in line with community feedback.

It will be designed to accommodate a future dual carriageway on North West Coastal Highway in this location to provide for heavy and oversized vehicles.

For more information on the proposed roundabout, visit http://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au or attend Main Roads' community information session at Spalding Park Tennis Club on Wednesday November 8, 2017 at 6pm.

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"I recently visited this intersection and I am confident the upgrade will significantly improve safety and efficiency at the current T-junction.

"Adding in the fourth leg to Horan Street will also help facilitate an urban renewal program in Spalding, planned by the Department of Communities."

Comments attributed to Agricultural Region MLC Darren West:

"I am pleased that safety issues at the Hosken Street intersection will now be addressed by the McGowan Government.

"Concerns about the safety of this dangerous intersection was first raised with me in December 2014 after a child had been hit in the face by a rear vision mirror while crossing the road.

"Since then, I have continued to advocate for an upgrade in the Parliament but this project was not deemed important by the Barnett Liberal National Government.

"I thank the Minister and the staff at Main Roads for supporting our community by improving safety for local and other road users."

Comments attributed to Agricultural Region MLC Laurie Graham:

"This upgrade is very much welcomed and needed, increasing road safety for road users and pedestrians.

"Construction will begin in early 2018 and the new roundabout should be completed by mid-year.

"This follows the announcement of upgrades to Brand Highway, Great Northern Highway and Indian Ocean Drive worth $13.5 million as part of the Regional Road Safety package."

Geraldton Grammar School presents Dr Arne Rubinstein

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Geraldton Grammar School welcomes Dr Arne Rubenstein for 2 events next week.

The first event is on Tuesday 31st October 2017 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at the Geraldton Grammar School Batavia Hall. 
Join Dr Arne Rubinstein in this interactive presentation as he provides clear guidelines and practical solutions to support parenting and building strong healthy relationships with teenagers in these rapidly changing times that include the enormous influence of technology.
To RSVP to this event go to www.trybooking.com/319017

The second event will be held on Wednesday 1st November at 10:30am to 12noon. 
Dr Arne Rubinstein is an internationally recognised expert on Rite of Passage and adolescent development. He has been running programs for teenagers and delivering cutting edge leadership training in Australia and internationally for over 20 years.

To RSVP to this event go to www.trybooking.com/319042

Dr Arne Rubinstein is an expert on adolescent development, with 30 years experience as a doctor, counsellor, mentor and workshop facilitator.

 

New Four Leg Roundabout to Increase Safety at Hosken Street and North West Coastal Highway Intersection

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Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has welcomed the decision to upgrade the busy intersection of North West Coastal Highway and Hosken Street in wider Geraldton into a new four-leg roundabout.

“I'm very pleased to see this project being given the go-ahead.

 

“I have been advocating for the project since being elected 

 

“It will make a significant difference to road safety and the safety of the community.

 

“The project was ready to go last year, but was held up in negotiations with the City.

Following community consultation and feedback Main Roads Western Australia has finalised designs for a roundabout to replace the existing T-junction at Hosken Street and provide a new connection to Spalding via Horan Street.

 The roundabout will include separate left-turn lanes on Horan Street, Hosken Street and North West Coastal Highway northbound and an upgraded shared path network for pedestrians and cyclists, in line with community feedback.

 It will be designed to accommodate a future dual carriageway on North West Coastal Highway in this location to provide for heavy and oversized vehicles.

 For more information on the proposed roundabout, visit http://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au or attend Main Roads' community information session at Spalding Park Tennis Club on Wednesday November 8, 2017 at 6pm.

NWCH and Hosken Street roundabout approved

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Diagram of the new North West Coastal Highway and Hosken Street roundabout.

Construction of a roundabout at the current T-junction of Hosken Street and the North West Coastal Highway will go ahead with Main Roads Western Australia securing funding for the project from the State Government.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn thanked Main Roads WA and the Department of Communities for finding the money to construct the new four-leg roundabout.

“Over the years there have been a number of traffic accidents at this dangerous intersection,” he said.

“Community concerns regarding the safety of the intersection have clearly been heard and we are thankful steps are now being undertaken to upgrade the T-junction to a roundabout which will result in less serious injuries or fatalities.”

The new roundabout will feature separate left turn lanes onto Horan Street, Hosken Street and the North West Coastal Highway and an upgraded shared path network for pedestrians and cyclists.

Mayor Van Styn said the project would also increase traffic efficiency and amenity.

“The new roundabout will be far more efficient than the existing T-junction, providing a much safer access to the North West Coastal Highway,” said Mayor Van Styn.

“However, it’s the link onto Horan Street that the City sees as a critical first step in improving connectivity in the area and will be a key element in the revitalisation of Spalding planned by the Department of Communities.”

Other works to improve the overall safety in the area include modifying Strickland Street access to the NWCH to provide left in, left out access only.

According to Main Roads, construction will begin in early 2018 and the new roundabout should be completed by the end of the financial year.

For more information on the proposed roundabout visit www.mainroads.wa.gov.au or attend Main Roads’ Community Information Session at Spalding Park Tennis Club on Wednesday 8 November from 6pm-7pm.

Carpet Tiles are on special @ All Decor

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Carpet tiles are on special at All Decor!

Carpet Tiles are a commercial grade option for carpet that is great for offices, schools and those heavy traffic areas.

All Decor have pallets of carpet tiles in stock in grey and blue, and they are priced to go out the door at $28/m2 supply only.

All Decor can also arrange installation for you, speak to a flooring salesman for a quote!

All Decor also have other flooring options including carpet, vinyl, vinyl planks and timber; as well as blinds, shutters and curtains. Get your house ready for the family and guests this Christmas All Decor. (PS – Christmas is only 2 months away, so book in now!)

All Decor also have interest free options available.
Terms and conditions apply, see in store for details.

All Decor are located in the big blue building on the corner of NWC Hwy and Jensen St, Geraldton.

 

Council cements steady position after local election

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Councillors Michael Reymond, Graeme Bylund, Natasha Colliver, Tarleah Thomas, Jen Critch, Lewis Freer, Deputy Mayor Neil McIlwaine, Mayor Shane Van Styn, Simon Keemink, Victor Tanti, David Caudwell, Sally Elphick, Jerry Clune and Steve Douglas. (Absent: Bob Hall).

After Saturday’s Local Government Election, City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn says the outcome showed locals took a vote of confidence and had faith in the current Council.

All incumbent Councillors were re-elected and were sworn in at a special meeting of Council last night.

This included Natasha Colliver being re-elected for Tarcoola ward, David Caudwell for Chapman ward and Victor Tanti in the Port ward.

Simon Keemink was also welcomed back to Willcock ward alongside newcomer Sally Elphick while Jerry Clune has stepped back onto Council for Hills ward after two years off.

Steve Douglas will continue in the Champion Bay ward after being elected unopposed as will Jennifer Critch for the Mullewa ward.

Mayor Van Styn said he was looking forward to continuing the hard work of Council.

“Having all incumbent Councillors returned on Saturday night demonstrates the community are happy with the direction of Council and are asking us to keep the course steady,” he said.

“Our Council is incredibly proactive and we work extremely well together and the two new candidates who filled vacancies are sure to continue in that vain.

“The election result is also another endorsement of our decision to extend trading hours in Geraldton.”

Mayor Van Styn said the two new candidates are welcome additions to Council.

“Jerry Clune is an experienced and highly respected former Councillor and he has worked with a majority of Council members only two years ago,” he said.

 

“Sally Elphick is also a sensational addition to Council as her involvement with the Wonthella Progress Association means she is not only in tune with her wards’ ratepayers, but also is well aware of how Council functions.”

 

Councillor Neil McIlwaine was also elected as Deputy Mayor by his fellow Councillors for a fourth consecutive term.

 

“Councillor McIlwaine continues to make significant contributions to our community as Deputy Mayor and he is very well respected by Council,” Mayor Van Styn said.

 

“I would like to thank those who took the time to vote in the local election and to have a say on a strong Council that represents the voice of the people.”

Desert Blue Connect are Celebrating National Children’s Week

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Early years organisations and service providers, families and communities are participating in activities from 21-29 October 2017to mark National Children’s Week celebrations. Children’s Week celebrates the right of children to enjoy childhood.

The Midwest Early Years Network is organising a “Fun on the Foreshore” on Thursday 26th October 2017, from 9am to 12 noonat the Foreshore behind the waterpark. A variety of local early years learning organisations and service providers will be there providing activities and education to children and parents. Entry is free and aimed at children 0-4 years and their families. 

“Desert Blue Connect will have an activity station at the event where we will have squishy stress balls and we will be doing a helping hands collage mural. Both these link with our protective behaviours program, a personal safety program for children that we offer in Childcare Centres”, said Sarah O’Malley, Community Educator at Desert Blue Connect. 

“It’s important to start educating children at a young age about their right to feel safe, identifying safe and unsafe feelings and knowing that they can talk to someone if something doesn’t feel right, and who those people are”.

“The activities are aimed to soothe and calm unsettled children and the helping hand mural is aimed at helping children identify who in their network is a safe person to talk to” said Ms. O’Malley.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) Child protection Australia 2015-16, there was 355,935 notifications involving around 224,487 children, a rate of 42.0 per 1,000 children in Australia. 

1 in 33 children received child protection services, with 73% being repeat clients 162,175 (1 in 33) children had an investigation, care and protection order and/or were placed in out-of-home care.

Ann Watts is the Child Sexual Assault Therapeutic Service Counsellor at Desert Blue Connect. “I am here to help families and children recover from the harmful impacts of sexual assault, which often involve intense feelings of grief and anger”, said Ms. Watts. 

“Here, parents are encouraged to support their child recover from sexual abuse by gaining knowledge, understanding and using appropriate strategies. We seek to support the child and family’s recovery by offering therapeutic intervention. We do this by identifying feelings and thoughts, offering safety and protective behaviours, and empowerment.”

The Child Sexual Assault Therapy Service is available free to children and their families and is available Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm. Self-referrals are welcome from families with any concerns.

For bookings ring 08 9964 2742 Desert Blue Studio, 25 Chapman Road, Geraldton, further information email info@desertblueconnect.org.au

If you feel unsafe or would like confidential advice please call:

  • WA Police for immediate help 000
  • Desert Blue Connect – Geraldton 9964 2472
  • 1800 respect on 1800 737 732
 

Triton Building’s Home Open Sunday 22nd October

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This Sunday 22nd October, Triton Building will have a beautiful home open from 2pm to 4pm.

This is a great opportunity to have a look at the high quality of work that Triton Building builds to. 

This house won the 2016 Master Builders – Bankwest Building Excellence Awards for – 

  • Contract Homes $300,000-$350,000
  • Best Appointed Bathroom
  • Excellence in Paiting

If you would like to have a look at this award winning home pop in to 6 Defiance Corner, Wandina this Sunday.

This house is also currently up for sale, so if you love it, it could be yours! Triton Building are currently building the only 2 storey display home at the Glenfield Beach Estate, and if you want to keep up to date with the progress make sure you like their Facebook page.

 

City balances Budget

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After years of hard work to identify efficiency gains whilst maintaining a high level of service to the community, the City of Greater Geraldton’s budget has reached surplus. 

At last night’s Ordinary Meeting of Council, the City’s operating result was reported to be sitting at $3.2 million in surplus with an underlying surplus of over $145,000 after allowing for prepaid grants.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said it was a big win for Council who had been working hard for years to find efficiency gains to pave the way for a bright financial future for the City.

“Two years ago we had an operating deficit over $9 million and financial sustainability was projected to be at least 10 years off,” he said.

“It’s been a rewarding journey and it’s great to see that the City is back on track and has ended years of operating losses.”

Mayor Van Styn said while the financial position of the City was a huge win for the organisation, it was not a time for Council to be frivolous with spending.

“We are still budgeting for a deficit of $1.2 million this year and we need to continue to work hard to achieve sustainable surpluses,” he said.

“We still have a backlog of asset renewals so we need to continue to be smart with our long-term financial planning to ensure we can still offer key services to our community whilst keeping up with infrastructure renewals.”

The City has also dramatically lifted its FHI score from being in the bottom 20% to possibly the top 20% of Councils within Western Australia on the Department of Local Government’s Financial Health Indicator (FHI) calculator.

The FHI Calculator is the current benchmark measurement of a Council’s overall financial health.

“The FHI calculator enables us to measure our overall financial health and this information assists in our long term financial planning,” Mayor Van Styn said.

“The City’s operating financial position has improved significantly as a result of the flow on effect of cost saving initiatives that Council has undertaken over the last few years including changes to organisational structure, staffing levels and our range and level of services.

“Council’s score progressed from 53 in 2015-16 to 87 in 2016-17 and is projected to increase even more in the next financial year.”

Mayor Van Styn also commented on the City’s positive audit result.

“There were no specific comments and/or recommendations arising from the audit which is extremely rare and indicates the fine work, commitment and knowledge from the City’s Finance team,” he added.

Unable to find an apprenticeship, Darcy employed himself

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Sick of the lack of opportunities in Geraldton, this young man, Darcy Randall, has decided to create his own by starting his own company and employing an electrical apprentice master. 

Darcy says “I love living in Gero, but unfortunately, work is so unstable. If you want a decent job here, you have to know someone. Even with an Electronic Engineering degree, I was rejected by just about every electrical contractor in town. I have always wanted an electrician’s ticket as I believe it will bring job security. I therefore decided that I would take a risk and employ an electrician to be my apprentice master. Ask me in a few months time and I will tell you if it is viable. In the meantime consider us for all electrical work. Part of Steve’s former experience as an Energy Safety Inspector means that electrical work is completed to the highest trade level and complies with relevant standards.” 

Darcy has started Indigo Electronics (EC13155) and are happy to quote you on all electrical work, just give them a call on 0423 343 350 or 0423 603 187, or you can email them at indigo_electronics@iinet.net.au

Nominations are now open for the Australia Day WA Community Citizen of the Year Awards

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Do you know a role model in our community? The Australia Day WA Community Citizen of the Year Awards recognises locals who go above and beyond and you can now nominate an individual or group for an award!

The Awards celebrate outstanding service in the community and locals are urged to acknowledge those who have made a positive contribution.

You can nominate across four categories including: 

  • Community Citizen of the Year
  • Community Citizen of the Year (Youth)
  • Community Citizen of the Year (Senior)
  • Active Citizenship (Group or Event) 

Nominations close on Tuesday 31st October and winners will be announced on Australia Day 2018

Recognise your role model here: https://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/play/whats-on/australia-day-2018.aspx

Black Friday Sale on at Harvey Norman Furniture

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Friday the 13th can be unlucky for some, but you will be feeling lucky when you score an awesome deal at Harvey Norman Furniture and Bedding. 

For one day only this Black Friday get into Harvey Norman Furniture for prices slashed across the store, with deals so good they’re scary.

Buy now and pay later with FIVE years interest, with a minimum purchase of $1500.

Harvey Norman Furniture and Bedding is located at 38 Chapman Rd, Geraldton.

 

Local Community, Respect & Equality Champion set to highlight family violence and women with disability

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Local woman, Chris Kerr has joined the Community, Respect & Equality (CRE) champion project to highlight the impact of family violence on women with disability and provide awareness around prevention. Ms. Kerr, a leader in the women’s, education and disability field in the Midwest, is passionate about supporting people with disability. Her community message is “family violence doesn't discriminate - know how, and know where to get help".

"I became a champion as it felt like the right thing to do,” said Ms. Kerr. 

“I do not condone family violence and being able to be a champion is a way of highlighting the issue of family violence against women with disability which occurs at a higher rate than other women. It is important to me that women with disabilities are provided with education and information that will support them to be empowered to keep themselves and their family’s safe, as well as know where to seek help and support if they are experiencing family violence.”

According to Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS) State of Knowledge paper (2015), women with disability are more likely to experience and have an increased risk of violence than women with no disability. Women with disabilities experience the same forms of violence as other women, however the dynamics associated with their experience are complex and they are exposed to more forms of violence across a variety of settings. It is also believed that there is considerable under reporting to police and agencies by women with disability. 

The Doors to Safety Project, run by Women’s Community Health Network (WCHN) will be in Geraldton next week offering workshops that focus on education for women with disability, the disability sector and professionals working in the family violence sector with women and disability. 

“It is also important that the service providers who work with women with disability understand and address the dynamics of violence that affects women with disability,” Ms. Kerr said.

“These workshops provide opportunity for everyone in the disability sector to upskill and look toward preventing violence from happening in the first place. It will enable women with disability to come forward and be appropriately supported if they report family violence,” said Ms. Kerr.

The workshops have been developed by women with disability and will be presented by Zel Iscel, who has expertise in education and training and disability advocacy and is blind. The workshops will be held at Desert Blue Studio, 25 Chapman Road, Geraldton, contact Zel for further information on 0413 813 885 or email ziscel@wchnwa.org.au

The CRE Champions project is a primary prevention initiative managed by local family service organisation Desert Blue Connect. CRE Champions are local leaders who promote messages about family violence in Geraldton by being visible, approachable and attending awareness events and activities. For further information contact Sarah at Desert Blue Connect on 9964 2742 or email saraho@desertblueconnect.org.au

If you feel unsafe or would like confidential advice please call:

  • WA Police for immediate help 000
  • 1800 respect on 1800 737 732
  • Desert Blue Connect – Geraldton 9964 2472
 

Coastal Planning Workshops and Survey

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Coastal erosion and rising sea levels are affecting our community. The City of Greater Geraldton needs your input to develop a coastal adaptation plan to address these risks by:

  • Identifying what makes our coastline special
  • Examining options to manage coastal hazard risks
  • Providing feedback on options to address the risks

How to get involved – 
Take the online community survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/GeroCAP
Or hard copies of the survey are available at the Civic Centre and the Geraldton Regional Library.

Register and take part in the community workshops on Saturday 14th October 2017 at the QEII Seniors and Community Centre Upper Hall.
Workshop 1 is from 9am to 12noon and is for the coastal area between Cape Burney to Town Beach.
Workshop 2 is from 1pm to 4pm and is for the coastal area from the Marina to Drummond Cove.
Refreshments will be provided.

For more information or to register to attend one or both community workshops contact Janell Kopplhuber on 9956 6945 or 0429 687 037 or janellk@cgg.wa.gov.au