Support for new mums

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New mothers in the Midwest are invited to a Mother’s Day Information Morning from 9am to 11am on Monday 14th May at Desert Blue Connect in Geraldton.

Local guest speakers will engage with new mothers and inform them on strategies to ensure physical and mental health and wellbeing following the birth of a baby.

‘The topics covered are ones that women are more hesitant to talk about but which they commonly experience,’ says Desert Blue Connects women’s health nurse Sharon Houwen. 

‘The three topics include pelvic floor after birth, sex after baby, plus emotional and mental health for families affected by birth trauma, premature birth or infant illness.’

‘The information morning will give mothers an opportunity to meet with other mothers and realise they are not alone in their motherhood journey,’

Local physiotherapist Sally Mckenzie, an expert in women’s health and continence, will present on pelvic floor health and exercise after birth.

Sex after baby will be presented by Desert Blue Connect’s women’s health nurse Sharon Houwen, a registered midwife working with women who are experiencing perinatal mental health issues.

Local midwife Bridget Robson will present on emotional and mental health for families affected by birth trauma, premature birth or infant illness.

The event will be held in the Desert Blue Connect Studio at 28 Durlacher Street in Geraldton.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at DBC or online at Eventbrite: https://mothersdaymorning.eventbrite.com.au.

The information morning includes morning tea.

Desert Blue Connect provide a range of free or low cost services that include women’s health, family violence response, primary prevention and crisis accommodation for women and children. 

The women’s health program at Desert Blue Connect offers a range of health and wellbeing services that are provided free to women. They include a female GP, cervical screening clinic (previously known as Pap smears), and general nurse consults.

The GP service and the cervical screening clinic are available on Tuesdays. Nurse consultations are available on Wednesdays and Thursdays to offer free pregnancy tests, STI testing, continence information, relationship/sexual health advice, and mental health support (including perinatal).

For an appointment at Desert Blue Connect, call 9964 2742 or drop into the office at 25 Chapman Road in Geraldton.

 

Temporary closure of the Esplanade

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that the Esplanade will be closed to the public from 10am on Sunday 22 April to allow for the setup and execution of the Mitchell & Brown Retravision and Sealy Posturepedic Fireworks Show.

The Esplanade will reopen the following day on Monday 23 April at 11am.

The City apologises for any inconvenience and will endeavour to keep disruptions to a minimum.

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

Free transport for WoW Fest Concert

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The City of Greater Geraldton will be providing FREE transport to and from the WoW Fest Concert on Sunday 22 April.

There will be a first pick up at 3:30pm and a second at 4pm from both routes (below). The first return trip will commence at 9:30pm and the second at10pm from the WoW Fest Concert.

Blue route will pick up and drop off from:

  • Double Beach Caravan Park (Cape Burney) outside entrance
  • Puma Service Station
  • Coles Express (Brand Highway)
  • St Francis Xavier Cathedral (Cathedral Avenue bus bay)
  • Foreshore Boat Ramp

Green Route will pick up and drop off from:

  • Gull 440 Road House
  • Glenfield IGA
  • Wintersun Hotel (near bottle shop)
  • Broadwater Resort (Mabel Street bus stop)
  • Bill Sewell Complex
  • Foreshore Boat Ramp

Significant fine issued for illegal land use

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Ongoing complaints and refusal to comply with town planning regulations has resulted in a significant fine for a Geraldton man running an illegal industrial business from a rural residential property.

Acting on numerous complaints from the surrounding community the City undertook an investigation and the results revealed the property owner was not only illegally residing in a shed on his property; he was also operating an industrial business from the site without development approval.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim said staff had tried to work closely with the resident to resolve the issues.

“Over a number of months City staff worked with the man to ensure the shed he was living in was compliant which resulted retrospective planning and building approvals for the shed being granted,” he said.

“However, the sand blasting business did not have any development approval to operate.”

After numerous requests to stop the activities were ignored, Mr McKim said the City was left no other option but to take the matter to the Geraldton Magistrates Court in March 2018.

“The City takes breaches in the Planning and Development Act very seriously and will only resort to prosecution once all other avenues have been exhausted,” he said.

The Court described the offence as ‘significant, repeated and ongoing’ and noted that the accused had shown complete disregard for the City, its town planning requirements, and the accused’s own neighbours.

The Court also noted that the operation was generating significant commercial gain for the accused and that the operation was having significant adverse impact on the accused’s neighbours.

The penalty and costs recently awarded by the Court amounted to $77,093.00. If the illegal land use continues, the offender can be fined for every day that the offence continues. 

“The City has a responsibility to act in the best interest of residents by ensuring residential areas are not degraded by inappropriate industrial or commercial type activity which adversely impacts on the lifestyle of the people living there, the general amenity of the area or diminishes the value of their homes,” Mr McKim added.

Geraldton Grammar School Scholarships now Open

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Let Geraldton Grammar School free your child’s potential and apply for one of our academic scholarships.

Geraldton Grammar School offers academic scholarships to students. Selection is on the basis of the ACER Scholarship Exam and an interview with our Principal, Mrs Neesha Flint.

The scholarships are academic in nature and the exams require the applicants to sit 4 tests. The program is managed by ACER so as to ensure an objective process and further information is available on their website.

In order to enrol in the exams applicants must register at ACER by following this link https://scholarships.acer.edu.au/. Registrations close on 9 May 2018.

Should you have any questions please contact the Deputy Principal Derek Lange - derek.lange@gegs.wa.edu.au - or use the contact form on our website http://geraldtongrammarschool.wa.edu.au/index.php/enrolments/scholarships

 

Desert Blue Connect Raises Awareness of Sexual Violence

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Local community organisation Desert Blue Connect is promoting Sexual Violence Awareness month to throw their support behind ending sexual violence and helping those affected.

Sexual Violence Awareness Month is an annual international campaign held in April that raises awareness about sexual violence, promotes support options to those affected by sexual violence and assault, and supports a clear message that sexual violence will not be tolerated in our communities. 

Sexual violence is any behaviour of a sexual nature that makes someone feel uncomfortable, frightened or threatened, has not been agreed or consented to, and where physical or emotional force is used.  Sexual violence can include sexual harassment, sexual coercion, unwanted sexual contact, stalking, sex related insults and use of technology to hurt others.

“Sexual violence can be a very traumatic experience for both men and women and those affected can find it hard to tell others or seek help due to a sense of shame,” says Alison Adam, Desert Blue Connect CEO said. “Quite often they fear negative reactions from others or victim blaming which can lead to them experiencing negative mental and physical health effects.”

“Seeking professional help can assist the process of recovery from sexual violence, as well as reduce trauma and these negative effects,” Ms. Adam said. “Our services offer a safe space where you will feel supported, listened to and receive counselling.”

Desert Blue Connect offers specialist sexual assault services in the Midwest region, providing free and confidential counselling and support for men and women, face to face at the office or by phone for outreach clients.  They also offer information, support and counselling for partners or family members and education for community or professional groups. 

A Sexual Assault Crisis Line is also offered and is available 24 hours/7 days per week - 1800 016 789.

Desert Blue Connect provide a range of free or low cost services that include women’s health, rural support services, family violence response, primary prevention and crisis accommodation for women and children. 

For an appointment at Desert Blue Connect, call 9964 2742 or drop into the office at 25 Chapman Road in Geraldton.

 

Mitchell & Brown Retravision to wow crowds with fireworks

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Mitchell & Brown Retravision Managing Director Steve Nanninga with Mayor Shane Van Styn celebrating the addition of fireworks to WoW Fest.

Another exciting element has been added to the Wind on Water Festival program and it’s all thanks to the support of Mitchell & Brown Retravision and Sealy Posturepedic!

With the companies’ sponsorship, event-goers will enjoy a sparkling fireworks show which will wrap up the weekend of festivities. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the fireworks were bound to entertain the whole community.

“What better way to finish the Wind on Water Festival than with an epic concert and fireworks display,” he said.

“A big thank you to Mitchell & Brown Retravision and Sealy Posturepedic for their generous sponsorship and providing our community with such excitement and joy.

“Fireworks have amped up the WoW Fest even more and I can’t wait for 21 and 22 April!”

Mitchell & Brown Retravision Managing Director Steve Nanninga said they were proud to be part of the inaugural Wind on Water Festival.

“The Wind on Water Festival is going to be a massive weekend in Geraldton and we are so proud we can make it even bigger with an awesome fireworks show,” he said.

“The fireworks will go off at the conclusion of the WoW Fest Concert featuring The Veronicas, San Cisco and Songbird.

“I look forward to seeing everyone down the Geraldton Foreshore and coming together for a massive celebration.”

The Mitchell & Brown Retravision and Sealy Posturepedic fireworks show will conclude the Wind on Water Festival with a bang, literally!

There are still tickets to the WoW Fest Concert, however, members of the community will be able to view the fireworks show from all areas of the Geraldton Foreshore.

More information about the Wind on Water Festival is available at www.wowfest.com.au

Grant funds resurface netball courts

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From left, DLGSC Regional Manager Mid West Gascoyne-Sports and Recreation Richard Malacari, City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn, Geraldton Netball Association Administrator Charlotte van Jaarsveldt and Geraldton Netball Association President Janniel Harris on the outdoor netball courts which were recently resurfaced with the assistance of grant funding from both the City and State government.

Geraldton Netball Association outside courts have been recently upgraded with the assistance of grant funding secured from the City and State Government.

The $75,000 project, which involved resurfacing 10 outdoor netball courts, was jointly funded through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund (CSRFF), the City and the Geraldton Netball Association with each organisation contributing one-third of the project costs.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the CSRFF assists sporting clubs to develop and improve their infrastructure.

“The CSRFF funding program is open to all sporting clubs who want to increase participation their particular sport, or recreation, by providing quality facilities that are sustainable,” he said.

“This program enables Council to support local clubs who have worked hard to raise the funds required to make improvements to their facilities which ultimately benefits the community.”

Geraldton Netball Association President Janniel Harris said association members couldn’t wait to play on the new surfaces.

“Our members are really looking forward to playing on the new courts with the commencement of the season on Tuesday 1 May 2018,” she said.

Council has also recently approved its CSRFF one-third contribution of $60,000 for the Wonthella Bowling Club to replace one of their turf greens with synthetic turf. 

“The synthetic playing surface can be used year round and reduces the costs associated with turf maintenance and irrigation which enables the club to become more environmentally sustainable,” Mayor Van Styn said.

“The high quality surface could also make the club eligible for State and National competitions which would have a positive economic impact on our community through sports based tourism.”

Although the City’s one-third contribution towards this project has already been secured, the Wonthella Bowling Club is still awaiting the State Government’s approval of their one-third contribution.

Proposed Alignment Dongara Northampton Transport Corridor (DNTC)

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The Shire of Chapman Valley has erected a sign at the location where a Heavy Haulage Road Train Route is being advocated by Main Roads WA (MRWA) and the Mid West Development Commission (MWDC).

“The Shire of Chapman Valley is vehemently opposed to the route being proposed and has been trying to promote a preferred route, which incorporated the existing North West Coastal Highway (NWCH) and Oakajee Narngulu Industrial Corridor (ONIC)” Cr Farrell said.

“The route being proposed by MRWA and MWDC bypasses the Oakajee Industrial Estate and will sterilise land across a large section of the Shire. We have seen the ONIC corridor sterilise land for decades because the State Government drew a line on a map, yet refused to acquire the land from the landowners. We do not want to see this happen again with the DNTC proposal” Cr Farrell said.

The Shire encourages all landowners, either directly or indirectly affected by the MRWA & MWDC proposed alignment of the DNTC, to contact these two organisations and their local members of parliament to express their concerns.

Council renews commitment to access and inclusion

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City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn (right) and Disability Services Commission Count-Me-In Ambassador in the Midwest Chris Kerr, check out the recently repaved footpath on Sanford Street which greatly improves accessibility to the buildings and properties.

Council has reaffirmed its commitment to providing an accessible and inclusive community by endorsing the recently amended Disability Access and Inclusion Policy.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said a review of the five-year old policy showed it no longer aligned with recent revisions to the Western Australia Disability Services Regulations.

“In 2013, Council formalised its commitment to ensuring our community is an accessible and inclusive one for people with disability, their families and carers by endorsing the Disability Access and Inclusion Policy,” he said.

“The policy recognises that people with a disability have a right to quality services, facilities, programs and events that enable them to live and fully participate in our community.

“This means people with disability will be provided with the same opportunities, rights and responsibilities enjoyed by other people in our City which includes employment at the City.”

Disability Services Commission Count-Me-In Ambassador in the Midwest, Chris Kerr, said it is very important for people with disability to be part of the community.

“It is essential for everyone, regardless of their ability, to be present, seen and connected to their community,” she said.

“Over the past five years the City has improved existing infrastructure and built new facilities which make public open spaces, our foreshore and our City more inclusive and welcoming.

“This includes creation of a MLAK (Master Locksmiths Access Key) Changing Place facility in the toilet block behind the Visitor Centre and the provision of beach wheelchairs which now means our beautiful beaches and the ocean are more accessible.

“I am so pleased to see that Council has widened its commitment to ensure people with disability have the same opportunities as other people to obtain and maintain employment with the City,” she added.

The  City’s Disability  Access  and  Inclusion  Policy is supported by the Disability  Access  and  Inclusion  Plan which aims  to ensure  that  universal  access  is  available  to  the  whole  community  and therefore  ensures  that  the  Greater  Geraldton  economy  can  benefit  from  all sectors of our community and visitors alike. 

Prescribed burn in Cape Burney

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be undertaking two prescribed burns in Cape Burney on Saturday 14 April 2018 and Sunday 15 April 2018 commencing at approximately 9.00am.

The burns will take place at Lot X20 Brand Highway in Cape Burney.

The Cape Burney, Moonyoonooka and Waggrakine Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades will be on site to control the burn rate and extinguish the fire by the end of the day.

Smoke from this prescribed burn should been carried by prevailing winds out to sea, however it may affect the surrounding areas. If you have a respiratory condition or are affected by smoke you should contact your local doctor or call Health Direct on 1800 022 222.

Prescribed burns are undertaken by the City to mitigate the severity of bushfires by reducing the build-up of flammable fuel loads, which helps protect lives and property.

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 may cause.

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

Pindar-Tardun Road repair works

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be undertaking road repairs at the intersection of Pindar-Tardun Road and Dean Road and the intersection of Pindar-Tardun Road and Williams Road with works scheduled to begin on Wednesday 11 April 2018 and taking approximately four working days to complete.

Traffic management will be in place and 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.

Partial closure of Midalia’s Beach footpath

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the partial closure of the Midalia Beach footpath, located on the south side of the beach, to undertake key services and footpath connection works associated with the Beresford Foreshore Enhancement project.

The footpath between Stellar Maris Drive and the Organ Donor Awareness Fountain, including a portion of the laneway to Stanford Cove will be fenced off and closed to the public from Wednesday 11 April 2018 to Saturday 14 April 2018. The footpath between Stellar Maris Drive and the Stanford Cove laneway will remain closed until completion of footpath extension works at the end of April 2018.

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.

School Holiday Program returns for autumn

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Kids will have no reason to be bored this autumn break with the return of the ever popular School Holiday Program.

The School Holiday Program, a combined effort of local providers, will begin on Monday 16 April and run through to 27 April.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the line-up of programs would entertain kids of all ages and interests.

“I am delighted to introduce the latest School Holiday Program which offers kids a fantastic variety of activities from sports, arts and more,” he said.

“It’s great to see local community providers unite to put a jam-packed fortnight of quality entertainment together for kids of all ages.”

Kids will have plenty of reasons to keep active during the break, with a variety of sporting events such as basketball, soccer, volleyball and sunset yoga on offer. There will also be special kids SUP yoga classes, fishing clinics and junior golf.

For those who prefer to stay indoors, there are plenty of crafts to create at the Geraldton Regional Library, PCYC and Scrapbook House, as well as a video game zone at the Geraldton Multipurpose Centre, and lots of pirate themed fun at the Museum of Geraldton.

Panaceum’s Films on the Foreshore will return to the Stow Gardens on Friday 27 April. Families are encouraged to bring along a picnic rug, blankets and some snacks, while settling down to enjoy a free screening the hilarious family comedy, Despicable Me 3 on a large outdoor screen.

Parents with very young children from newborn to five years of age can come along to a morning of free activities and games designed for littlies on Friday 27 April thanks to Child and Parent Centre – Rangeway.

With lots more on offer, be sure to check out the full program by clicking here or pick up a hard copy from the Civic Centre on Cathedral Avenue, the Library, Visitor Centre, Aquarena and the Mullewa Youth Centre.

For more information about events on offer during the school holiday program, visit our website at www.cgg.wa.gov.au or contact the Youth Development team on 9956 6600.

Temporary footpath closure on Marine Terrace

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the footpath at 190 Marine Terrace (location of the Menshed) has been closed while repairs to the building awning are undertaken.

To ensure community safety during the works, a footpath diversion over the four carpark spaces in front of the building will be in place.

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 temporary footpath closure may cause.

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

Grant funding secured for plant propagation e-Booklet

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Community Nursery Volunteers standing proud with the Scaevola seedlings they have successfully grown for the first time.

Valuable knowledge of local native plant propagation methods gathered by Community Nursery volunteers will soon be available to the wider community in an e-Booklet.

The City has received $7,770 in grant funding from the Western Australian State Natural Resource Management program to collate seed collecting and propagation data for a Community Nursery Local Provenance Native Plant Propagation Guide.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the project is critical to the continued protection of local biodiversity.

“Our Community Nursery volunteers have documented a large amount of knowledge on how to collect and propagate local native plant species which must be made more accessible to the community,” he said.

“This is particularly important for plant species such as the Scaevola tomentosa and the Westringia dampieri which volunteers were previously unable to reliably germinate or grow until this year.”

“Ensuring information on how to grow species like these is available will certainly increase the number of plant species nurseries or community members may be able to grow.

“This year alone, Community Nursery volunteers have grown about 22,000 seedlings comprising 62 different species. New techniques and new research have contributed to the successful propagation of 4,000 of those plants including 11 species completely new to the Community Nursery. "

Publishing an e-Booklet has a number of advantages over printing hard copies.

“E-booklets make sense.  They can be quickly updated and easily shared which will ensure our Community Nursery, and other nurseries from across the state, can continue to provide a wide variety of native plants for revegetation projects,” Mayor Van Styn added.

The development of the Native Plant Propagation Guide is supported by Central Regional TAFE, The Drylands Foundation and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Herbarium.

Drummond Cove foreshore works continue

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise as part of the ongoing works to return the former leasehold foreshore area in Drummond Cove to coastal public open space, fencing of the foreshore reserve on Whitehill Road will be undertaken.

Pedestrian access to the foreshore will be maintained at Surf Place, Tailer Street and Park Place.

Works will begin on Wednesday 11th and take approximately one week to complete.

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.