‘An Incompetent Life’ to brighten up yours

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An Incompetent Life, is a short look into a life that could've gone a bit better.

Local comedian Brian Poller looks at life just a little differently; using incompetence to gain success – or at least one version of success.

Poller will be performing his unique comedy show, that sold out at Fringe World 2017, as part of the Big Sky Festival in Geraldton on Friday 25th of May. The event will be held at the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery commencing at 8:15p sharp (limited tickets available to the public).

Fitting in with the festival theme of “windswept words”, Poller’s intricate storytelling will have you completely absorbed in his world.

This one man show has been more than 50 years in the making… A soaring saga of disaster and comedy; inanity and depth.

In Brian’s world, competence may lead to success and money, but incompetence is a shortcut to seeing things a little differently, if only out of necessity.

“Anyone who loves tales of adventure, tragedy and raw life truths will love Brian Poller’s An Incompetent Life,” said Euphorium Creative Ringleader, Julian Canny.

“Brian’s story telling ability is incredibly engaging and will have audiences hanging on his every word. It’s also completely inspiring through his ability to tell his story and perform to a live audience, all whilst having a speech impediment.” Said Canny.

Tickets can be bought at the Geraldton Regional Library or over the phone. Please contact Tracy Smith on tracys@cgg.wa.gov.au or 9956 6659.

Find out what the Red Rubber Thing has to do with loss, how reticulation can only be managed from the inside, and a few other things that can’t be mentioned here due to….er…… incompetence!

For more information on the Big Sky Festival, please view the program online: https://library.cgg.wa.gov.au/Profiles/library/Assets/ClientData/Big_Sky_Readers___Writers_Fe stival_Program_2018.pdf

BANFF Mountain Film Festival in Geraldton

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The world's most prestigious mountain film festival is coming to Geraldton for the first time, screening at Queens Park Theatre Saturday 19 May at 7.00 pm

The 2018 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour showcases over 2 ½ hours of the most enthralling mountain adventure films that will have you planning your next adventure before the credits roll. Get the crew together, tix available at https://bit.ly/2oGipHU

Desert Blue Connect – promoting strong and safe families

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The Midwest Early Years Network will be celebrating National Families Week with a free Family Fun Day on Saturday 19th May at the Beachlands Primary school oval from 10am to 1pm.  There will be engaging activities for children such as sensory play, bubbles, play dough and face painting from a variety of local organisations.

Desert Blue Connect will be attending and providing an activity stall, where children aged 0-5 years can paint their hands.  Their hand artwork will be then added onto a community network hand tree that promotes the theme of “we all have the right to feel safe at all times”.

Desert Blue Connect uses a whole of community approach to provide strategies that aim to prevent child abuse and children’s exposure to family violence.  One approach is to work with parents and carers to educate them on ways they can support their children to learn how to keep safe.  Education is provided on protective behaviour strategies that they can teach their children, which promotes safety and wellbeing, enhances resilience, and encourages positive sense of self.  Desert Blue Connect community educators will be available at the event to talk to and prevention resources will be available.

“The first step is to simply talk to your child and develop that open and trusting relationship”, says Meg Deluca, Community Educator at Desert Blue Connect.  “Your child has the right to be safe so reassure them that they won’t be punished if they say they feel unsafe or threatened by anyone, no matter who it is.”

“‘We all have the right to feel safe at all times’ is a key message we use to educate parents and children” said Ms. Deluca. “We will be using our community network hand tree as an artistic tool so children can communicate this theme.”

National Families week (15th May to 21st May) is held every year with people getting involved in hundreds of community events to celebrate the vital role families play in our community.  It is a time to celebrate the meaning of family and work together for stronger families and communities. 

If you would like any further information about the 2018 family fun day, contact Ngala Child and Parent Centre, Rangeway at rangeway@ngala.com.au or by phoning 99216814.

Desert Blue Connect offers specialist education in sexuality and relationship, respectful relationship and child abuse protection and prevention.  This is offered throughout the community customised to meet specific needs and working to implement and embed within local organisations.  Please contact Desert Blue Connect for further information on 9964 2742 or email info@desertblueconnect.org.au

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.

You are Invited to Geraldton Grammar School’s Open Day

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Save the date for Geraldton Grammar School’s Open Day Thursday 31 May and you’re invited.

Whether you currently have children going to Geraldton Grammar School, you are considering sending them there or you just want see what Geraldton Grammar has to offer, this is the perfect opportunity to get more information, have a look around, and speak to the staff.

It starts at 8:30am in Batavia Hall where you can listen to the outstanding Concert Band followed by a presentation by our Principal Neesha Flint in the library. Tours of the school will be provided and you will have time to speak with staff and students over morning tea.

If you would like any more information please contact the school on 9965 7800 or email them at ggs@gegs.wa.edu.au

https://www.facebook.com/events/174864739888173/

 

Beyond Primary

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As a parent, it’s important to be informed about the different choices available for Secondary Education in Geraldton. The changes to zoning and the public-school landscape means that as parents you need to investigate all options open to you.

Although your child might only be in Primary School, the years pass very quickly and now is the time to do your research.

Strathalbyn Christian College offers a ZONE-FREE education option. We have small class sizes, and all the options your child needs for either a university or TAFE pathway.

Beyond Primary offers a rare opportunity for parents with primary aged students to come to Strath and hear about our Secondary School options. This free, no obligation event that will run for approximately 45 minutes and it will feature videos and short presentation about the College and the different pathways available.

This free event will be held at the Strathalbyn Christian College Hall which can be accessed via Verticordia Drive in Strathalbyn.

To RSVP to this event - https://sccbeyondprimary.eventbrite.com.au

City to trial two-hour free parking at two CBD carparks

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Following the free parking trial during the installation of underground power in the CBD, the City will begin a trial of two-hour free parking at Carparks 2 & 3 with a proposed date of Tuesday 8 May 2018.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said trialling two-hour free parking at Carpark 2 at the Geraldton Regional Library and Carpark 3 behind McDonald’s will inform Council’s review of paid parking this year.

“The trial of two-hour free parking at these carparks over the coming months will help the City better understand the demand for short term parking at these two locations,” he said. 

“Being able to park for a couple of hours free of charge just may entice more people to visit the nearby shops, restaurants and businesses which is good for the businesses and their customers.”

The ‘Pay by Plate’ trial involves reprogramming the existing parking ticket machines so car park users can enter their license plate number into the machine and retrieve a ticket that states their plate number and the time the ticket was retrieved. Additional paid time beyond the two hours can be purchased simultaneously.

The valid ticket must be displayed on the dash of the vehicle whilst parked in the carpark.

The two hour free parking period in Carparks 2 and 3 has a proposed day of Tuesday 8 May 2018 to commence however further communication will be released to confirm the date.

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.