Local heroes recognised on Australia Day

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Nominees and winners of the Australia Day Active Citizen of the Year Awards.

Several community members have come away with a win following the Australia Day Active Citizen of the Year Awards on Friday.

Presented in both Geraldton and Mullewa, the Australia Day Active Citizen of the Year Awards acknowledge those who demonstrate leadership and enhance community life. 

Geraldton’s Community Citizen of the Year was presented to Emma Jackson, and local icon Bobby Pepper claimed Community Citizen of the Year (55 and over). Youngster Jessica Muller took out the 26 and under category and Geraldton Seniors Week Committee secured Community Group of the Year Award.

Mullewa’s Julie Freeman was awarded the Community Citizen of the Year and Casey Tunbridge obtained the 26 and under prize. Tenindewa Progress Association secured Community Group of the Year Award and Community Citizen of the Year (55 and over) was presented to Kim Keeffe. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn congratulated the winners and nominees.

“Each person who won or was nominated gives back to our community in a number of ways and I thank them for their ongoing contribution,” he said.

“They encourage positive change, enhance our community life and make Greater Geraldton what it is – a flourishing regional City.

“The Australia Day Active Citizen of the Year Awards are a great way to acknowledge those who put their blood, sweat and tears into our community and I thank everyone who took time to nominate.”

Winners of the 2018 Awards will join previous recipients Di Gilleland, Grant Woodhams and Julian Canny.

Mayor Van Styn, Australia Day Ambassador Tim Britten, Ian Blayney MLA and Laurie Graham MLC presented the recipients with a medal and framed certificate on the day.

For more information about the Australia Day Active Citizen of the Year Awards, please visit www.citizenshipawards.com.au

Whether you are looking for a relaxing, therapeutic or remedial massage Olivia’s Remedial Massage can help

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Are you feeling tired or stress? Or just looking for some relaxing down time? Then you should go and visit Olivia’s Remedial Massage and Reflexology.

Olivia is a professional remedial massage therapist, who is also qualified in reflexology and aromatherapy. 

Getting a massage can help with so many things within the body including to relieve stress, encourage relaxation, improve posture and circulation, relax muscles and relieve headaches – just to name a few! Olivia will work with you to choose the best massage for your problem areas.

For those who have the massage extra on their private health fund, Olivia’s Remedial Massage now has HICAPS set up, so you just pay the gap.

Olivia’s Remedial Massage is located at 120 Chapman Rd (corner of View St) and is open Wednesday to Saturday 9am to 5pm by appointment. Book yourself in by calling 0412 796 784.

Olivia's Remedial Massage is looking for a complementary business to share in renting the premises at 120 Chapman Rd (corner of View St). An individual treatment room is available plus the use of a shared kitchen, waiting room and toilets. Looking for a business related to health care or beauty.

Please contact Rick on 0418 884 446 for more information.

 

Get your carpet laid within 7 days @All Decor

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Do you need new carpet laid but don’t like to wait? 

Well at All Decor you don’t have to. If you buy any stock carpet or vinyl you can have it laid within 7 days of your order.

All Decor have a range of styles and colours in stock for you to choose from and if you just have one room to do then you may be able to find a remnant to suit at a discounted price.

Come down to their showroom on the corner of NWCH and Jensen St and speak to one of their friendly staff.

This offer is for a limited time only and terms and conditions apply.

All Decor now offer 12 months interest free finance. For more information please see their website - http://alldecor.com.au/interest-free-finance/

 

Get your kids Asthma Plan ready for back to school with TerryWhite Chemmart Bluff Point

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Asthma is a common lung condition which affects over two million Australians. One in ten people in Australia have asthma, and it affects people of all ages.

TerryWhite Chemmart has teamed with Asthma Australia to provide help and guidance to those with Asthma to manage their condition. The friendly staff at TerryWhite Chemmart Bluff Point will be able to assist you with your asthma plan and have a range of products available in store. If your child has asthma make sure their asthma plan and products are up dated before going back to school.

Weight loss management with TerryWhite Chemmart Bluff Point

Are you looking to get serious about your health and weight, but don’t know where to start?

The first steps in your journey to weight loss can be daunting, but receiving expert advice and support will make everything a lot easier. At TerryWhite Chemmart Bluff Point, we can help you manage your weight, improve your health and enjoy a more active lifestyle. Our trained consultants can offer personalised advice that’s tailored to your individual needs to help you achieve long-term sustainable weight loss.

During your free consultation, we can help you with:

  • Personalised weight loss plan
  • Trained consultant advice
  • Weight assessment test
  • Healthy eating plan & recipes
  • Exercise plan
  • Optional BMI or Blood Pressure test

To book an appointment or find out more about their asthma products call 9923 1584 or go in and see them at Bluff Point Shopping Centre, 437 Chapman Rd, Bluff Point.

TerryWhite Chemmart Bluff Point is 100% locally owned and operated, so when you support them, they can support the local community.

 

HBF Members can get 2 designer pairs of glasses for only $50 out of pocket at Specsavers Geraldton

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Are you with HBF? Then come into Specsavers Geraldton and you can get 2 designer pairs of glasses, including sunnies, for just $50 out of pocket expense!

This amazing offer includes single vision, but multifocals and bifocals are at an extra cost. Conditions apply, see in store for details.

Specsavers Geraldton is located at Stirlings Central or you can call them on 9964 7555.

 

Enrolling at TAFE made easy

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This year’s CR TAFE Enrolment Days in Geraldton are expected to be the busiest to date with numerous courses on offer. 

For anyone wanting to enrol or interested in finding out more about studying at TAFE, the Geraldton Campus General Enrolment Days will be held from 9am-5pm on Thursday 18th January and Friday 19th January. For those who have already been offered placements in 2018, enrolment will take place on Wednesday 17th January.

Each year CRTAFE looks forward to opening their doors and encouraging attendees to explore the many career possibilities available to them by training at TAFE. 

Experienced staff and lecturers will be on hand to speak to prospective students and discuss the best training options for their needs. Those attending can also tour the campus and view the modern facilities on offer. 

Both current and previous students have said the best part of the Enrolment Days is the valuable time spent with staff who assist students in finding the best courses and pathways to suit their interests, availability and lifestyle. 

Central Regional TAFE Managing Director Bill Swetman said the college wanted to ensure the enrolment process was hassle free and accessible to all.

“We are excited to offer anyone interested in studying the opportunity to come in and find all of the information they need in one place” Mr Swetman said. 

“We offer flexible training, a variety of qualifications and state-of-art facilities right here in the central regions of WA and we would like everyone to come and see just how much is available at their local TAFE. 

There is truly something to suit everyone and the Enrolment Days create the perfect opportunity to help students explore every possibility.” 

CRTAFE offers a large variety of courses from a Certificate I to Advanced Diploma, apprenticeships, traineeships and short courses, as well as several payment options and support. 

Enrolments will take place on the Geraldton Campus at 175 Fitzgerald St. Geraldton. Prospective students are asked to bring their identification. 

The 2018 Course Guide is available to download from www.centralregionaltafe.wa.edu.au
For more information students can contact the TAFE on 1800 672 700 or email info@crtafe.wa.edu.au

 

Jeremy & Connie Sinnott SEEK HIS FACE - Renewal Revival Healing

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Needing spiritual refreshing & renewal? Hungry for a deeper relationship with the Heavenly Father?

Do want to know Jesus more intimately & to experience the power of the Holy Spirit? Join us as we press in to seek His face.

Jeremy & Connie have been worship leaders & pastors at Catch The Fire Toronto since 1987. Their passion is to see the Body of Christ drawn into renewal & intimacy with God through worship & soaking in His Presence, healing hearts to prepare for the coming of Jesus our Bridegroom.

Saturday, 13th January 2018, 6:30pm At Salvation Army
42 Ainsworth St., Geraldton

Sunday, 14th January, 9:30am Geraldton Family Church Cnr North West Coastal Hwy & Bayly St., Geraldton

For further information please contact
Chris Lee 0429 110 861 or Linda Kriedemann 0405 082 075

Jeremy & Connie Sinnott SEEK HIS FACE - Renewal Revival Healing

/

Needing spiritual refreshing & renewal? Hungry for a deeper relationship with the Heavenly Father?

Do want to know Jesus more intimately & to experience the power of the Holy Spirit? Join us as we press in to seek His face.

Jeremy & Connie have been worship leaders & pastors at Catch The Fire Toronto since 1987. Their passion is to see the Body of Christ drawn into renewal & intimacy with God through worship & soaking in His Presence, healing hearts to prepare for the coming of Jesus our Bridegroom.

Saturday, 13th January 2018, 6:30pm At Salvation Army
42 Ainsworth St., Geraldton

Sunday, 14th January, 9:30am Geraldton Family Church Cnr North West Coastal Hwy & Bayly St., Geraldton

For further information please contact
Chris Lee 0429 110 861 or Linda Kriedemann 0405 082 075

City farewells retiring long-term employees

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After clocking decades of service to the community long-term City of Greater Geraldton employees Natale Iaria and Patrick ‘Jimmy’ Giles have retired.

Since joining Geraldton and Greenough Shires back in the 1970s and 1980s, Mr Iaria and Mr Giles have collectively served the community for more than 71 years.

Mr Iaria, who was hired by the Town of Geraldton in 1975 as a ‘kerb layer’ building roads, footpaths and drainage, said back then things were very different than they are today.

 “When I started, the works department employed about 90 people. There was one engineer, two supervisors and we fixed and built everything ourselves, we did it all by hand,” he said.

Mr Giles, who joined the Shire of Greenough in 1988 as an offsider and then moved into road maintenance driving a roller and later a gravel truck, said the biggest change he saw over the years was the amalgamation of the former Geraldton and Greenough shires.

“When I worked for the Shire of Greenough my job was sealing gravel roads. After the amalgamation, my job changed and I began repairing and resurfacing roads around the City region,” he said.

Over the years, both men have been involved in the maintenance and development of infrastructure the community uses and enjoys every day.

During Mr Giles’ 29 years of employment he sealed and maintained hundreds of kilometres of the City region’s road network.

Mr Iaria worked on a number of key infrastructure projects during his 42 years of service including the development of the Mount Scott subdivision in the mid 1970s, external works during the construction of Queens Park Theatre in the early 1980s and the removal of the former railway line and rocks, and construction of drainage for the Foreshore development in the mid 2000s.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said both men were highly thought of by fellow staff members and thanked them for their dedication.

“Mr Iaria has always been a happy man who loved his job, was kind and fair to his fellow co-workers and took pride in serving the community,” he said.

“Mr Giles was always ready to help out whenever he could, nothing was too much trouble for him.  In fact years ago, he planted an orange tree in the Greenough Shire yard, took care of it and made sure its produce was shared amongst all the staff.

“I’d like to thank both men for their service to our community and congratulate them on amazing careers they spent making our City a better place to live.  They will be missed by all.”

Although Mr Iaria said he had no plans of slowing down in retirement, Mr Giles said he would miss his work colleagues.

 “Even though I will no longer work at the City, I still plan to work a bit around town and will be helping my brother with his market garden because the day you stop, you die,” Mr Iaria said.

“I’m really going to miss the guys I worked with every day so I plan to visit them regularly and catch up on what’s going on,” Mr Giles said.

Mr Iaria is looking forward to spending more time with his wife Angie of 49 years, three children and three grandchildren whilst Mr Giles is pleased to have more time to be with his three children and six grandchildren, some of whom live interstate.

Natale Iaria (left) and Jimmy Giles will miss driving ‘dozers’ and gravel trucks now that they’ve retired from the City of Greater Geraldton. 

Community nursery growing strong

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Plant production at the Community Nursery is in full swing with volunteers aiming to grow 20,000 local native plants to help revegetate Geraldton’s natural bush and beach areas this year.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the Community Nursery is steadily ‘growing’ from strength to strength.

“Following the well-attended Volunteer Open Day in October last year, the number of nursery volunteers has grown to well over 40 who have all shown a keen interest in acquiring new skills,” he said.

“Recently, volunteers ranging in age from 13 to 82 attended a propagation workshop to learn the secrets behind successfully growing our very diverse native plants.

“Over two days, volunteers and MEEDAC work for the Dole participants banded together to learn how to germinate various seeds, how to prick out and pot on seedlings and how to grow local native plants from cuttings.”

Volunteers have already put their new knowledge to use when the first seeds ‘hit the dirt’ before the Christmas.  Now that the break is over, propagation will begin in earnest.

Community Nursery participants (from left) Kyle Cleminson, Anna Beyer and Roslyn Kelly use skills learned at a propagation workshop to prick out and pot on seedlings. 

Cricket talent to flock to Geraldton for tournament

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Cricket’s finest regional talent from across Australia and the East Asia Pacific are gearing up for the Toyota Australian Country Cricket Championships.

The annual tournament will kick off in Geraldton on January 5 and will run through to January 13.

A total of 13 teams including six male and seven female sides will play fixtures at various locations in the Midwest and the competition is open to the public.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the community were in for a real treat.

“We are about to see some real quality cricket here in Geraldton and I would urge everyone to check out the matches,” he said.

“The fixtures have been finalised so make sure you put them in your calendars!”

There will be a number of men and women’s T20 matches and one dayers alongside an ‘Allstars’ match with a Country Representative team playing the local Allstars that will also include a number of former Australian state cricketers.

The Allstars will include WA’s Simon Mackin, WA all-rounder Jim Allenby, as well as South Australian bowler Mark Harrity, Queensland’s Chris Simpson, WA bowler Jo Angel, New South Wales wicketkeeper Daniel Smith and Brett Geeves from East Asia Pacific.

Games will take place at various sporting grounds in Geraldton including WA Country Builders Stadium (Wonthella Oval), the Recreation Ground, Muir Park, GBSC Sports Park (Eadon Clarke Oval) with fixtures also set for Nabawa Oval.

Spectators won't have to stump up any money for entry as all games are free.

Fixtures and more information regarding the tournament can be found on the City’s website.

Australian Country Cricket Championships 2018

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The best of regional cricket in Australia and the East Asia Pacific will be right here in Geraldton for the Toyota Australian Country Cricket Championships. Beginning January 5, the competition will go through to January 13 with 13 teams including six male and seven female sides. Entry to all games is free! Fixtures here: https://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/Profiles/cgg/Assets/ClientData/2018_TACCC_Playing_Fixture_13_11_17__3_00pm.pdf

Get some amazing Boxing Day Sales at Harvey Norman Furniture

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Harvey Norman Furniture and Bedding will be open on Boxing Day 11am to 3pm. Come in a grab yourself a bargain with their ½ Yearly Sale!

Everything is on sale!

Cody 5 Piece Round Dining Suite - $699

Slimline 7 Piece Rectangle Dining Suite - $1999

Boom Home Theatre Entertainment Unit - $1449

Arizona 2 Piece Fabric Lounge Suite - $2199

Allendale 3 Piece Fabric Lounge Suite

Harvey Norman Furniture will be open every day except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, opening on 11am-4pm on Sunday.

Make sure you get down to Harvey Norman Furniture at 38 Chapman Rd so you don’t miss out on the Boxing Day Sales.

Alison and the team at Harvey Norman Furniture and Bedding would like to wish all of their customers a wonderful Christmas and great New Year, and to thank you for your support in 2017. They look forward to seeing you all in 2018.

 

All Decor is open between Christmas and New Years

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All Decor will be open over the festive season with the following hours.

Saturday 23rd December 2017 – 9am to 1pm
Sunday 24th December 2017 – Closed
Monday 25th December 2017 – Closed
Tuesday 26th December 2017 – Closed
Wednesday 27th December 2017 – 8:30am to 5pm
Thursday 28th December 2017 – 8:30am to 5pm
Friday 29th December 2017 – 8:30am to 5pm
Saturday 30th December 2017 – 9am to 1pm
Sunday 31st December 2017 – Closed
Monday 1st January 2018 – Closed
Normal hours from Tuesday 2nd January 2018

All Decor have a large range of flooring and window treatment options available and they will work with you to suit your budget and timeframe needs. Just come and speak to one of the friendly sales staff, or they can come to you to do a free measure and quote.

Interest free options are also available – see in store for details.

All Decor are located on the corner of NWC Hwy and Jensen St, Geraldton or you can call them on 9964 4233.

Rick and the team at All Decor would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas and hope you have a great New Year.

 

Changes to rubbish collection and Meru Landfill hours

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that Meru Landfill and the Tip Shop will be closed on Christmas Day Monday 25 December 2017 and New Years Day 1 January 2018.

This will affect rubbish collection for both residential and commercial premises during the Christmas/New Year period. Changes to rubbish collection days are as follows:

Normal collection days will recommence on Monday 8 January 2018.

National Cervical Screening Program to change – a move forward for women’s health

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Pap smears will soon become a thing of the past in the fight against cervical cancer. From December 1, the Australian Government will replace Pap smears with the more effective Cervical Screening Tests. A Pap smear looks for abnormal cell changes on the cervix that may go on to develop cancer, while the new test can actually detect the cause of the abnormal cells: the human papillomavirus (HPV). This means the Cervical Cancer Test will put women one step ahead in cervical cancer detection. 

With the new test, most women will also only need to get checked every five years, instead of every two years with Pap smears, making it a double-win for women. 

Sharon Houwen, Women’s Health Nurse at Desert Blue Connect said, “It is a big win for women, it’s a better test and we have to have it less often”. 

“There are other changes with the renewal including the screening start date which has increased from 18 years to 25 years, so young women don’t need to come in from such a young age. However, women of any age who have symptoms such as unusual bleeding, discharge or pain should come and see a health professional immediately and be checked out”, said Ms. Houwen. 

“Another thing to note is that women who have been HPV vaccinated still require cervical screening as the HPV vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV that cause cervical cancer”. 

For further information on the National Cervical Screening Program changes go to https://jeanhailes.org.au/contents/documents/Resources/Fact_sheets/Changes_to_Pap_tests.pdf 

Desert Blue Connect offer Cervical Screening Tests weekly on a Tuesday with Sharon, Women’s Health Nurse - please ring for appointments. This is a bulk-billing clinic. Desert Blue Connect is located at 25 Chapman Road, Geraldton, phone 08 9964 2742 or email info@desertblueconnect.org.au

 

Local Community, Respect & Equality Champion is a top cop who personally champions family violence prevention

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District Superintendent Midwest Gascoyne, Mike Bell, is a Community, Respect and Equality (CRE) Community Champion. 

The CRE project is a family violence prevention initiative managed by local family service organisation Desert Blue Connect. It forms part of the CRE Strategic Action Plan for the Prevention of Family Violence in Geraldton. 

Community Champions are local leaders who promote messages about family violence in Geraldton by being visible, approachable and attending awareness events and activities. 

Mr Bell’s message as a Champion is “Family violence isn’t always physical – you don’t have to hit to hurt’

‘Having served as a Police Officer for 32 years, I have personally witnessed the devastating effects of family violence on individuals, families and the community’ Mr Bell said.

‘The cost of family violence is not only the physical injuries but community cohesiveness and wellbeing along with economic and personal costs’

“Because of this, family violence is a top priority for WA Police and I am personally lending my voice to the Community Champions project to raise awareness and start crucial conversations.”

Mr Bell says that the key message that he wants people to hear is that violence is never ok and family violence isn’t always physical – you don’t have to hit to hurt. 

‘If you’re experiencing family violence in any form, contact Geraldton Police Station for assistance 9923-4555. Let’s work together to stop family violence in our community.’

For more information about the Strategic Action Plan for Family Violence Prevention in Geraldton visit the CRE website www.communityrespectandequality.com.au or contact Margie Robinson at Desert Blue Connect on 9964 2742.

If you or someone you know is affected by family violence, local support services are available through Desert Blue Connect on 9964 2742 or Chrysalis House Women’s Refuge on 9964 2173. 

Information and counselling is also available over the phone from 1800 Respect (1800 737 732) or online at www.1800respect.org.au