Arrest – Reckless Driving, Fail to Stop.

On Monday 29 January 2018, officers from the Geraldton Police Station identified a person of interest at the BP Wonthella, North West Coastal Highway Geraldton.

A 35 year old male from Geraldton was spoken to where he was found to be in possession of a prohibited drug.

He was arrested and further charged over a reckless driving incident which occurred on the 15 January in the carpark of the Stirling Central Carpark.

He has appeared in the Geraldton Magistrates Court on a number of charges including.

• Fail to Stop
• No Authority to Drive
• Reckless Driving
• Possess a Prohibited Drug.  

If you have any information for police, contact Crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Arrest – Possess Drugs, Possess Drug Paraphernalia

On Tuesday 30 January 2018 officers from Geraldton Police Station identified a person of interest at the BP Wonthella, North West Coastal Highway Geraldton.

A 29 year old male from Wandina was arrested and appeared in the Geraldton Magistrates Court on a number of charges including.

• No Authority to Drive
• Possess Prohibited Drug
• Possess Drug Paraphernalia

Possess Stolen Property.

Fail to Stop Arrest

On Wednesday 31 January 2018 officers from the Geraldton Traffic Office attempted to stop a vehicle in Central Road Wonthella. A 26 year old male from Geraldton initially failed to stop for police. After a short fail to stop incident the driver stopped his vehicle and was arrested by police.

He will appear in Geraldton Magistrates Court on a number of charges including

• Fail to stop
• No Authority to Drive
• Reckless Driving

Possession of Drugs

On Wednesday 31 January 2018, Officers from the Geraldton Police Station conducted a traffic stop in Glenview Street Mount Tarcoola. As a result a 43 year old male from Waggrakine has been charged with possession of a prohibited drug. The drugs were located in a number of syringes inside the vehicle.

He has been summoned to appear in the Geraldton Magistrates Court

Suicide prevention trial site makes progress

Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price confirmed that the Mid West region Suicide Prevention Trial, one of 12 national trial sites to combat suicide, is making good progress in identifying effective approaches to suicide prevention.

In 2017, the Mid West region received a share of the Federal Government’s $192 million election commitment to strengthen mental health care in regional Australia to run the three-year trial.

“The Mid West region has a much higher rate of suicide than the national average, and that is due to the large proportion of high risk populations we have in the region” Ms Price said.

“We know that Aboriginal people are susceptible to depression which is closely linked to suicide, but so are farmers, fly in/fly out workers and fishers working in remote communities.

“The Mid West suicide prevention trial site is focused on helping reduce suicide rates among these at-risk populations, and to sharing this knowledge across Australia.

“We have tasked the PHNs, the overarching federal health framework nationally, to come up with a suite of strategies to combat suicide.

‘These strategies need to be inclusive, need to be bold, and most importantly, they need to work” Ms Price said.

The communities of Geraldton, Mullewa, Morawa, Mt Magnet, Meekatharra and Carnarvon are being targeted during the Mid West trial, and each will have the opportunity to develop a suicide prevention action plan. The PHN’s suicide prevention trial coordinator employed has already visited many of these sites, in preparation for this next stage.

The trial will facilitate learning about how best to prevent suicide at a local level and how best support can be provided to at-risk individuals.

The four-level approach includes:

1. Focusing on general practitioner (GP) training to identify and improve the treatment of depression;
2. Educating the public via a depression awareness campaign
3. Cooperating with stakeholders and community facilitators to provide training to improve the recognition of symptoms of depression and referrals to GPs
4. Low threshold support for individuals, high risk groups and their families.

People needing access to psychological services and support can seek a referral from a GP to the Midwest Mental Health Portal. More information is available at www.wapha.org.au/mental-health-portal

Share your love of floating this Valentine’s Day at Ascential Float

Disconnect from your busy schedule and connect with someone special. Why not take some time with someone you care about and share the float experience?

For the month of February purchase and book
A Valentine’s package –a Float and Massage for 2 people for just $280.00
AND receive a free fruit platter to share in our relaxation lounge for your post float Zen.

Floatation therapy is essentially a way of achieving deep relaxation by spending an hour or more lying quietly in darkness, suspended in a warm solution of Epsom salt. Floating is a powerful tool for wellness, relaxation, pain relief and better sleep. As with any therapy, with regular use its benefits are enhanced.

Ascential Float is located at 156 Chapman Rd, or call 0413 732 010 to book your Valentine’s Package.

Terms & Conditions: Limit to 1 per customer
Package to be purchased and redeemed within the month of February
Expiry 28th February 2018

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Ascential Float

Chapman River mountain bike trail designs revealed

If you love bike riding and adventure, you won’t want to miss seeing the concept plans for the Chapman River mountain bike trails at a community information session on Tuesday 6 February at the QEII Centre.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the concept plans were exciting and offered something for everyone.

“I’ve had a sneak peek at the designs and I can’t wait to try out the new facilities being built in Spalding Park,” he said.

“Bike riders of all ages and abilities will be able to hone their riding skills on a pump and jump track and skills loop before meeting at a new trailhead and heading out on the formalised 11km long river loop trail.”

In November 2016, Council endorsed the Chapman River Regional Park Mountain Bike Master Plan, which ensures the Park is shared and enjoyed by all recreational users including mountain bike riders.

“Over the past 23 years the City has developed a number of plans and strategies regarding the environmental management and recreational use of the Chapman River Regional Park,” Mayor Van Styn added.

“It is exciting to see years of community consultation resulting in a project that is sustainable and will enhance the environmental and cultural values of the Park.

Project construction is scheduled to begin in March with an estimated date of completion before the end of the financial year.

The Chapman River Mountain Bike Trials Community Information Session is on Tuesday 6 February 2018 from 6.30-7.15pm in the QEII Seniors & Community Centre Upper Hall on Durlacher Street. The presentation will be followed by an opportunity for members of the community to ask questions regarding the designs.

Construction of projects in the Chapman River Regional Park Mountain Bike Master Plan projects  is joint funded with the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program, managed by the Mid West Development Commission, contributing $235,500, Lotterywest $65,000 and the City providing $49,500 towards the delivery of the projects.

Funding to build a stronger community in Geraldton

Member for Geraldton Ian Blayney MLA is pleased that the City of Greater Geraldton has been awarded $16,585 through the Youth Development Scholarship Program as part of the Country Local Government Fund (CLGF).

‘As a significant employer in Geraldton, the City is well placed to create opportunities for young people in the region’, said Mr Blayney.

‘It will allow local government employees to gain valuable skills, knowledge and leadership capacity through real life experience and will provide local opportunities to further develop their careers.

‘The Liberal led Government introduced this fund as the first Royalties for Regions initiative back in 2009 to assist country local governments to support and build communities.

‘These prospects will help to ensure the retention of young people in Geraldton, enabling them to build stronger partnerships within the community sector. This, in turn, will help to promote the sustainability and future success of our economy.

‘I would like to congratulate the City of Greater Geraldton for securing the funding and I wish the chosen participants all the best throughout the program and in their future careers.’

Earlier this month the Government announced that a total of 70 grants have been awarded to 39 country local governments across four programs through the CLGF.

Small businesses clean up Food Safety Awards

Three local businesses have been recognised for their commitment to food safety with a five star rating in the City of Greater Geraldton 2017 Food Safety Awards.

The rating system ranks business from three to five stars based on a strict hygiene criteria that has seen the winning businesses awarded five out of five stars.  

Tasty Little Cheesecakes took out the Home Business Category

Greenough Visitor Centre won Restaurant/Café Category

Aussie Pastries secured the Snackbar/Takeaway Category

Tasty Little Cheesecakes took out the Home Business Category while Greenough Visitor Centre won Restaurant/Café Category and Aussie Pastries secured the Snackbar/Takeaway Category.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn applauded the businesses on their outstanding efforts in providing quality and safe food to the Geraldton community.

“The Five Star Program is a great way to give a pat on the back to those businesses in town that strive to deliver quality foods,” he said.

“In order to receive these awards, a strict criteria needs to be met and maintained and these businesses have shown that they are willing and able to meet these expectations and then some.

“It is fantastic to see these businesses achieve excellence and I wish them the very best for the future.”

Customers should note that businesses are now able to display stickers advertising their official star rating.

For more information about the City of Greater Geraldton Food Safety Awards, please visit www.cgg.wa.gov.au.

Rural roads reopen following heavy rainfalls

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise all rural roads, with the exception of Rose Road, have reopened to traffic.

Drivers are advised to use caution as there may be still water flowing across these roads.

Members of the community are requested to obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience recent road closures may have caused.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Limestone block installations in Glendinning and Hadda Parks

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be installing limestone blocks to existing soft fall boarders to help prevent sand from blowing onto grassed areas.

Works at Glendinning Park will take place on Thursday 1 February 2018 and Hadda Park works at Mahomets Beach will take place on Friday 2 February 2018. The estimated date of completion for both jobs is Friday 2 February in the afternoon.

Members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Anti-Social Behaviour – Karloo

Between 19 January and 23 January 2018 Geraldton Police received a number of complaints of Anti-Social Behaviour occurring at several locations in Karloo. One incident was recorded and uploaded onto social media.

Geraldton Police have conducted ongoing inquiries into these incidents and to date have charged 7 people with a number of offences.

• 31 yr old female from Rangeway – Disorderly Behaviour
• 17 yr old female from Rangeway – Disorderly Behaviour
• 13 yr old female from Rangeway – Disorderly Behaviour
• 20 yr old female from Spalding – Disorderly Behaviour
• 23 yr old female from Northampton – Disorderly Behaviour
• 16 yr old female from Utakarra – Disorderly Behaviour
• 42 yr old male from Karloo – Criminal Damage, Disorderly Behaviour

If you have any information for police, contact Crimestoppers on 1800333000.

Burglary Arrests Geraldton

the weekend of Saturday 27 and Sunday 29 January 2018, Officers from the Geraldton Police Station arrested and charged two juvenile females for a number of burglaries that occurred during December (2017) and January 2018 on Geraldton Businesses.

2 people were arrested and charged with the following:

• 14 year old female from Rangeway – 1 x Agg Burglary with Intent, 1 x Agg Burglary and Commit and 1 x Stealing.
• 14 year old female from Rangeway – 1 x Agg Burglary with Intent, 2 x Agg Burglary and Commit and 2 x Stealing.
• Both will be attending the Geraldton Children’s Court

Cricket champs success to attract more events

The City of Greater Geraldton are set to attract more high-quality sporting events to the region after the success of the recent Toyota Australian Country Cricket Championships. Picture: Arctic Moon Photography

After the success of the recent Toyota Australian Country Cricket Championships, the City of Greater Geraldton is set to attract more high-quality sporting events to the region.

The 10-day tournament saw the local economy benefitting from 500 people staying in Geraldton with the total economic output estimated at $1.1 million.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said hosting the Championships was another step closer to securing more sporting events.

“We are continuing to showcase ourselves as a destination that can host top-notch sporting events and this is the perfect example alongside last year’s AFL pre-season Derby match,” he said.

“It will open up a lot more opportunities for us to host other nation-wide cricket competitions and we are currently in talks with the WACA regarding the possibility of a regional Big Bash match here in Geraldton.

“We have proved that we have top-class facilities to hold these kinds of events and we look forward to bringing more to our region as we know how invaluable the benefits are.”

The Championship Exhibition Match was well attended with nearly 600 people at Wonthella Oval taking in the action.

The tournament was delivered in partnership with Cricket Australia, Western Australia Cricket Association (WACA) and the Geraldton Regional Cricket Board.

Cricket Australia Executive General Manager of Game and Market Development, Andrew Ingleton congratulated Geraldton on the event.

“We are very pleased to have brought the Toyota Australian Country Cricket Championships to Geraldton. The city continues to establish itself as a destination of choice with a stunning Foreshore, excellent sporting venues and welcoming people,” he said.

“Geraldton is a wonderful place to visit, and these Country Cricket Championships have provided a great opportunity for many visitors to appreciate everything this town has to offer.

“The success of the competition comes down to the backing from state and regional associations and local communities off the field.  We could not run such an event without the outstanding contribution and support of the local cricket community and our event partners, namely, the City of Greater Geraldton, Toyota, Kookaburra, the Geraldton Cricket Board, Gatorade, Sanitarium, umpires and officials.”

Mayor Van Styn added that the event was a great example of local clubs and boards working in conjunction with the City and outside parties.

“We were very lucky to work alongside Cricket Australia, the WACA and also our Geraldton Regional Cricket Board,” he said.

“A lot of hard work and effort was put in from a lot of our local clubs and it is a testament to the great outcomes that can come from collaborations like this one.”

February bumper month for Cruise Ships

Councillor Bob Hall receives a plaque from Azamara Journey Captain Magnus Davidson.

A total of five cruise ships will call Geraldton home for a day in February making it a bumper month for the local cruise ship calendar!

With two ships already hitting our shores this year, there are a total of 12 cruise ships scheduled to visit Geraldton in 2018 with the possibility of more.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said Geraldton was becoming an increasingly popular spot for cruise ships to stop.

“We love having the cruise ships come here to Geraldton, the benefits to our community are massive,” he said.

“In February alone there will an estimated quarter of a million dollars injected into our local economy.

“Four of the five ships coming in February have never been to Geraldton before so it’s great that our name is now on their radar.

“With extended trading hours in operation it’s fantastic that ships scheduled to visit on a Sunday will have a lot more variety when it comes to retail.”

The first ship of 2018 was ms Regatta followed by an unscheduled stop by Azamara Journey. Next will be Crystal Symphony on Sunday 4 February.

“We love seeing all the tourists disembarking off the ship and into our community on various tours and sightseeing ventures,” Mayor Van Styn added.

“After spending significant time at the Port during Azamara’s visit, I had several passengers commenting on how clean and attractive our City was and a majority of them carried shopping bags back onto the ship after enjoying their day out which was great to see.

“Big kudos to our cruise ship meet and greet volunteers who are always giving warm welcomes to our guests.”

With the recent acquisition of four shore tension units by Mid West Ports Authority,  Mayor Van Styn said Geraldton is becoming known as a ‘safe port’ for ships that are including Western Australia on their itineraries.  

“We are now able to have ships berth in Port instead of anchoring in Champion Bay, which is definitely a draw card,” Mayor Van Styn said.

“Geraldton is continuing to establish itself as a destination of choice and it’s great that we are being seen by thousands of cruise ship passengers from all over the world!’

Road resurfacing works in Flores Road

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be resurfacing a section of Flores Road between Sixth Street and Geraldton Golf Club in Wonthella with construction works scheduled to commence on Monday 29 January 2018 for a period of approximately six weeks.

The anticipated hours of work will be from 7am to 6pm.

Main Roads WA has allocated $1,198,667 this financial year through the Mid-West Regional Road Groups Road Project Grant Program for roadworks within the City of Greater Geraldton Municipality.

Members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Triton Building’s 2 Storey Display Home now has a roof!

Triton Building Company’s future 2 storey display home ‘The Glenview’ is looking great. It has taken on a homely feel now the roof is covered and they are now preparing for the plasterers.

The home has a fantastic view from the balcony of the Glenfield beach and ocean. It is a great spot to watch the sun go down and enjoy those wonderful Geraldton sun sets.

Glenfield Beach Estate offers an outstanding opportunity to own a home alongside one of Geraldton’s best beaches. With affordably priced land, Triton Building can put together an outstanding package to help you own a home at this magnificent location.

Great Beach – Good fishing – Safe environment – Great homes – what more do you need?

Talk to the team at Triton Building today and let them help you realise your dream.

For more information https://www.tritonbuilding.com.au/

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Triton Building Company

City to upgrade sporting facility lighting

Evening football and soccer activities at the Greenough Oval and Alexander Park will soon come under new light when flood lighting towers at both facilities are replaced in the coming months.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the decision to replace the towers was based on the findings of a recent audit conducted on sporting tower floodlighting at all non-leased grounds and several leased facilities with tower floodlighting. 

“The audit reported some light towers had reached their end of life whilst other towers were in need of maintenance,” he said.

“Many of these towers and floodlights were installed by the sporting clubs with the assistance of volunteers and we are thankful for their dedication and hard work.

“Unfortunately, the efforts of well-meaning volunteers has in many cases resulted in inadequately maintained floodlights which have now become financially unviable for clubs to continue to maintain or the towers becoming non-compliant.”

The Sporting Facilities Lighting Audit Report recommends removing the floodlight towers at the Greenough Oval and Alexander Park, as they no longer meet standards in terms of pole height and lighting levels.

“The light towers at the Greenough Oval, home to Rovers Football Club, are originally from the Gloucester Park in Perth and were installed more than 20 years,” Mayor Van Styn said.

“The Alexander Park towers have been lighting up Rovers Soccer Club, Chapman Athletics Soccer Club and the Marconi Soccer Club activities since the early 2000s.

“Although these towers have served these sporting groups well, due to their age and condition they now need to be replaced.”

Mayor Van Styn said asset renewal is a Council priority.

“This Council has been taking measures to improve the financial sustainability of the City and has concentrated spending on renewing our existing assets,” he said.

“The 2017/18 Budget includes $700,000 to renew sporting tower lighting which we are putting towards keeping the floodlights on at the Greenough Oval and Alexander Park.”

To improve the future management of flood lighting, a Sporting Flood Lighting Policy will be developed in the coming months.

Roads/campground reopen after heavy rainfalls

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the Ellendale campground has reopened and the following roads have reopened to all traffic:

• Yuna-Tenindewa Road
• Tenindewa North Road
• Coonawa Road
• Westbank Road
• Ellendale Road
• Carnarvon-Mullewa Road

Drivers are advised to use caution as there may be still water flowing across these roads.

Members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience this closure may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Road resurfacing works at Goulds Road

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be resurfacing a section of Goulds Road adjacent to Foskew Road in Narngulu, with works scheduled to commence on Monday 29 January 2018 for a period of approximately three weeks.

The anticipated hours of work will be from 7am to 6pm.

Main Roads WA has allocated $1,198,667 this financial year through the Mid West Regional Road Groups Road Project Grant Program for roadworks within the City of Greater Geraldton Municipality.

Traffic Management will be in place during this time; business operators, motorists and pedestrians are advised to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and direction from the authorised City personnel and contactors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.