Staircase closure at Dolphin Street

/

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be decommissioning the Dolphin Street and Barrett Drive staircase as it has reached the end of useful life and cannot be maintained in an appropriate and safe condition.

To ensure community safety, the staircase will be removed and the site rehabilitated with works taking place on Wednesday 6 March and Thursday 7 March 2019.

Pedestrians are advised to use alternative routes to access Barrett Drive and are encouraged to use the Ackland Road controlled intersection to safely access and cross the Brand Highway.

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.


Hearing Awareness Week sees launch of new technology to combat hearing aid stigma

/

Stigma is one of the main reasons that 9 out of 10 Australians with a mild to moderate hearing loss delay addressing the issue. 

Hearing solutions pioneer Signia announces the launch of a new hearing aid called “Styletto” which is designed to address Geraldton residents’ concerns over hearing aid aesthetics in the lead up to Hearing Awareness Week, 3 – 9 March 2019.

One in six Australians are affected by hearing loss – that’s an estimated 3.5 million people.  Further research indicates 9 out of 10 people with a mild to moderate hearing loss are not seeking treatment or wearing hearing aids.  Stigma of how traditional hearing aids appear is a major factor in this worrying statistic.

Styletto on ear

To combat the reluctance of people to wear hearing aids, Signia is launching a new stylish and modern hearing aid concept called “Styletto” which is designed to transform the perception of hearing aids.  

Paul Mayfield a Uniting Church Minister who recently was fitted with “Styletto” at Hearing Professionals in Melbourne commented “There is something appealing about the look of state-of-the-art technology, I’m not a techie but this appeals to me.”

Styletto hearing aids have been engineered to combine style, technology and connectivity.  Featuring the latest sound processing technology and Bluetooth* streaming, the hearing aids are designed to address the main hearing challenges for people with mild to moderate hearing loss; reduced speech clarity and difficulty hearing in noisy environments. 

Paul commented “I was having difficulty hearing in meetings and parties with a lot of background noise, I was also anxious when taking phone calls. Now my hearing is so much better, I feel straight away the difference in communicating and the Bluetooth streaming makes a huge difference.”

Paul Guthrie, Managing Director of Sivantos ANZ, said he is proud the company has developed a product that not only delivers quality hearing support but also drives hearing aid adoption.

“It’s concerning that so many Geraldton residents may be choosing to avoid wearing hearing aids when confronted with mild-to-moderate hearing loss due to concerns over how they might look,” said Mr Guthrie.

“By developing a solution that combines the very latest hearing technology and Bluetooth connectivity with stylish designs and colour palettes we are tapping into society’s overwhelming preference for technology that looks good,” he added. 

Styletto with charger

For convenient handling on the move, Styletto uses the latest portable rechargeable technology.  An ultra-slim portable charging case ensures wearers can experience four days of use without plugs or cables.

To celebrate Hearing Awareness Week. Signia is currently offering free no obligation trials of Styletto at participating hearing clinics across Australia. To learn more and register visit www.signia-hearing.com.au/trial-hearing-aids-styletto-connect

For information please contact: Professional Public Relations: Eli Grynberg 03 8643 1624 

Canstar Blue rated Signia as having the most satisfied hearing aid customers 




Colin Buchanan Live!

/

Colin Buchanan is coming back to Strathalbyn Christian College to kick off our 40th Anniversary Year with an action, packed performance for one night only.

For some of us we might remember Colin Buchanan on ABC’s Play School, or maybe it was his role as Presenter in various Channel 7 prime time shows like “Australia’s strangest home improvements” but I think most people would know Colin as a singer songwriter for Christian Children’s music. (http://colinbuchanan.com.au/about)

Colin Buchanan has become a household name when it comes to Christian Children’s music and I am sure his albums have been played on countless family road trips, Sunday schools and classrooms around Australia.

Colin’s performance is action packed with many different characters and lot of energy.

This performance would not be possible without the support of our wonderful sponsors, Turtle Cove Early Learning Centre, Ocean Air Custom Airconditioning Solutions and Centro Dental.

Tickets are on sale now!

Details:

Thursday 21 March @ 6.30pm Strathalbyn Christian College Hall

Tickets $11 each (children under 2 free) Tickets can be purchased online at www.trybooking.com/BAUAB

Cheer & Dance Intensity

/

Cheer & Dance Intensity is a Dancing studio located in Flores road that provides fun, high energy, quality classes suited to a large variety of ages.

We provide competition & recreational class options to suit everyone in addition to the opportunity to participate in a range of local performances and exams throughout the year. Classes are offered in a variety of styles including, Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, Acrobatics, Singing, Musical Theatre, Cheerleading and Gymnastics.

Contact us today to see what we have to offer for your child.

Geraldton Grammar School Come & Play

/

Geraldton Grammar School would like to invite families with children 0-4 years old to their Come & Play in the Early Learning Area and Kindy Playground.

Come &  Play is a great opportunity for you to spend some fun time with your child/ren in a family friendly environment filled with great resources and play opportunities.  There will be inside and outside play, craft activities and sensory play. You will also meet other parents and carers and your child will have lots of new friends to play with.

Come and Play is on Wednesdays from 8:30am to 10:30am, during the school term.

For more information see our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/comeandplayatGGS

North West Coastal Hwy Resurfacing Works

/

Catwest wishes to advise that it will be undertaking Nightworks for road resurfacing activities on NW Coastal Hwy between Mabel Street and Chapman Valley Road

Resurfacing works is scheduled to undertaken between Tuesday the 29th January to the 8th of February 2019. The anticipated hours of work will be between 7:00pm and 7:00am.

Traffic Management will be in place during this time with some side road closures as required. Detours will be in place and access to nearby surrounding properties will be maintained.

Residents and businesses with properties located nearby are advised to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and direction from the authorised Catwest personnel and contactors.

Any Industrial Properties located on Flores Road are advised to detour all RAV Network vehicles to Place Road during the works when the Road Closure on Webberton Road is in place.

Catwest apologises for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any queries regarding the scheduled works please contact David Serafini, on 08 9923 3957 or email admin@catwest.com.au



Greenough ‘G’ plates back by popular demand

/

City of Greater Geraldton Councillor Jerry Clune (from left), Agricultural Region MLC Laurie Graham and Mayor Shane Van Styn with reintroduced ‘G’ plates.

You’ll soon be seeing more of the ‘G’ vehicle number plates around town as the Department of Transport has approved the City’s request for the reintroduction of former Shire of Greenough registration plates.

Following the amalgamation of the Shire of Greenough with the City of Geraldton with in 2007, the Shire’s ‘G’ and the City’s ‘GN’ number plates were discontinued and ‘GNG’ plates introduced. After the amalgamation with Mullewa in 2011, these registration plates were then replaced with the current ‘CGG’ plates.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said continued community sentiment for the rural shire was the reason for requesting the number plates be reissued.

“Many residents still have strong feelings for the former Shire of Greenough and many still retain their existing ‘G’ plates on their licenced vehicles,” he said.

“Following the amalgamation with Mullewa, the Department continued to issue the Mullewa ‘MW’ registration plates so all the more reason for the Greenough plates to be reintroduced.”

Agricultural Region MLC Laurie Graham has long been a proponent for a return of the ‘G’ plates.

“It’s very satisfying that the City of Greater Geraldton undertook this process with Department of Transport. I have lobbied for the return of ‘G’ plates for Geraldton as a citizen, Councillor and now as a member of State government,” he said.

“This decision helps us retain and strengthen our identity in Geraldton and I am looking forward to putting new ‘G’ plates on my work vehicle as soon as possible.”

Greenough ‘G’ series plates are available to vehicles, trailers and motorcycles as well as farm vehicles and trailers from the Geraldton Dept. of Transport office.

Marc Jacobs frames are now Available at Specsavers

/

These brand new Marc Jacobs frames have just launched and are available now from Specsavers Geraldton.  

Get two for the price of one, and prices start at just $249 including single vision lenses. 

Multifocals and bifocals are extra.

 

See where TAFE can take you at Enrolment Days

/

Photo 1 (L-R) – Tyler Price and Zia Van Der Merwe

Central Regional TAFE (CRTAFE) are getting ready to welcome an influx of potential students at their annual Enrolment Day events.

Each year CRTAFE looks forward showing the community what their local TAFE has to offer and the Enrolment Days are a way for them to find all the information they need in one place.

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.

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.

CRTAFE Managing Director Bill Swetman said there is something to suit everyone at TAFE and encouraged anyone thinking about training to come and explore their options.

“From those who have recently completed high school, to those looking for a career change, a promotion at their current workplace or perhaps anyone just wanting to improve their current skills, studying at TAFE can help you get to where you want to be” Mr Swetman said.

“We aim to make the enrolment process hassle free and accessible to all, and this year we also have the added advantage of having the Jobs and Skills Centres on campus which will provide an additional service for the community to speak to staff about employment and career advice” he said.

“We offer flexible training options, a large variety of qualifications, and state-of-art facilities right here in the central regions of WA and we want everyone to come and see what is available at their local TAFE” he said.

Potential students can choose from a Certificate I to Advanced Diploma, apprenticeships, traineeships and short courses. CRTAFE also offers payment plans, University Pathways and has several student support services available.

 

Enrolment Days details:

Geraldton Campus General Enrolment Days

Date: Thursday 17 January and Friday 18 January. For those who have already been offered placements in 2019, enrolment will take place on Wednesday 16 January.

Time: 9am-5pm

Location: Geraldton Campus at 175 Fitzgerald St. Geraldton

Northam Campus

Date: Thursday 24 January and Friday 25 January

Time: 9am-5pm Location: Northam Campus, Lot 1 Hutt Street Northam

Kalgoorlie Campus

Date: Thursday 24 January and Friday 25 January

Time: 9am-5pm

Location: Kalgoorlie Campus, 34 Cheetham Street Kalgoorlie

* Prospective students are asked to bring their identification.

The 2019 Course Guide is available to download from www.centralregional.wa.edu.au

For more information students can contact the TAFE on 1800 672 700 or email info@crtafe.wa.edu.au

New heritage drive trail honours military ties

/

The War Years Drive Trail booklet is now available from the Geraldton Regional Library and includes old photos of Geraldton like the above and more much.

A new heritage drive trail which honours the long association Geraldton has had with the military has been produced which explores places and stories associated with war in the City of Greater Geraldton.

The War Years Drive Trail booklet which is now available, takes readers on a journey through Geraldton to a number of different sites and places of significance.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said many locals will be interested with the war connections Geraldton has.

“Many locals might not associate Geraldton with war but we actually have a long history and this new trail gives us a whole new insight into that era,” he said.

“Geraldtonians have continued to serve our country in the various theatres of war, from the battles of World War I and World War II, to the more recent military conflicts of the Korean and Vietnamese Wars.

“We have deep connections with the loss of the HMAS Sydney II in 1941 which came as a huge shock for Geraldton at the time, dispelling any previous thoughts that it would not be affected by the war.

“Despite the terrible loss of life inflicted during the war, the presence of large numbers of servicemen and women in Geraldton and the wider district introduced activities, industry and experiences which has changed our City forever,” Mayor Van Styn added.

Geraldton’s involvement with the military and war began as early as 1629 when a group of soldiers, led by Private Wiebbe Hayes, rose against the mutineers of the shipwrecked Batavia.

The self-drive heritage trail takes approximately one-day to complete covering around 200km.

Locations include West End beaches, Olive Street Memorial, Marine Terrace, Geraldton Railway Station, Birdwood House, sites in Greenough, Mullewa and many more.

The War Years Drive trail booklet is available as a free download via the Geraldton Regional Library website and will also be available as a free app early in 2019. 

Hardcopies of the trail booklets are available for purchase from the Geraldton Regional Library, Geraldton Visitor Centre and the Mullewa District Office for $10 each.

Mid West Ports Authority

/

Mid West Ports Authority (MWPA) operates with the values of integrity, caring, courage collaboration and accountability. The Community Respect and Equality (CRE) Agreement for Workplaces is aligned with these values and its aim is to improve the imbalance of equality in the workplace.

During the 2016/2017 financial year the Mid West-Gascoyne Police attended over 50 family violence incidents a week. This is a shocking statistic and even more disturbing knowing that only 33% of women who experience physical violence from a current partner actually contacted Police.

Desert Blue Connect and the CRE Reference Group have developed the CRE Agreement in an effort to stop the high incidence of family violence in our community and make it a safer place to live for everyone.

The CRE Agreement is for workplaces to acknowledge and recognise that family violence is a whole of community social and health issue. By addressing the norms, attitudes and behaviours that create the violence we, as a community, can work towards preventing the violence.

Dr Rochelle Macdonald, Chief Executive Officer at MWPA says, “MWPA has made a commitment to the CRE Agreement by signing the CRE Endorsement Certificate and is taking the actions within the Agreement to increase awareness of equality and stopping family violence in our community. MWPA promotes and advocates for a safe and healthy community.”

MWPA is a strong advocate for equality within the workplace in-line with the UN Global Compact Women’s Empowerment Principles and demonstrates this through

  • The provision of corporate leadership for equality;

  • Treating all employees fairly - respecting and supporting human rights and anti-discrimination legislation;

  • Ensuring the health, safety and well-being of all employees;

  • Promoting learning and development for all employees;

  • Implementing enterprise-wide practices that empower all employees;

  • Promoting equality through community initiatives, and

  • Measuring and reporting on progress to achieve equality.

At MWPA we are proactive and taking steps to create a truly gender equitable workplace. By signing up to the CRE Agreement this is just another step to ensuring that our workplace is safe for everyone.

MWPA is implementing a number of things in support of the CRE Agreement:

· The CRE Agreement Agreed Values and Codes of Behaviour for the Workplace included in employee induction packages.

· Family violence information will be made available to all employees through the provision of equality related resources, professional development and meetings.

· MWPA Enterprise Agreement and employment contracts provide prevention of family violence provisions and supports for employees impacted by family violence.

· Participating in safe work month, including a focus on family violence prevention.

· Participation of MWPA representatives in community family violence events.

· The CRE Agreement workplace logo and hashtags will be displayed on MWPA website and in social media.

 

To find out how your workplace can be part of the Community, Respect and Equality Agreement call Desert Blue Connect on 9964 2742 or visit www.communityrespectandequality.com.au

If you are in immediate danger call the Police on 000

If you are feeling unsafe or are worried about a colleague or friend you can contact:

· WA Police on 131 444

· The National Sexual Assault, Family and Domestic Violence Counselling Service 1800Respect - 1800 737 732

·  Desert Blue Connect Geraldton – 9964 2742

·  Sexual Assault Crisis Line – 1800 016 789

· The Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline -  9223 1188 or free call 1800 007 339

· The Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline - 9223 1199 or 1800 000 599

· Kids Helpline (for young people to the age of 25) - 1800 551 800.

Council wants tourism at Abrolhos Islands to become a reality

/

Council have shown their support for the development of tourism at the Houtman Abrolhos Islands. Picture: Eco Abrolhos

Council have shown their support for the development of tourism at the Houtman Abrolhos Islands and have asked the State Government to help make it a reality.

At this week’s Council Meeting, Council agreed to write a response to a request from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DCBA) to show support for future developments at the Abrolhos Islands, including the creation of a Class-A National Park.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said developing tourism at the Abrolhos Islands would be the economic boost the region and the state needed – a real game changer.

“While the Midwest economy is showing signs of improvement, there is still a long way to go and we agree that properly managed tourism based on the Houtman Abrolhos has the potential to not only significantly lift the local economy but also enhance WA’s overall visitation statistics,” he said.

“This has been identified as our game changer project.

“Ironically, a great deal of ‘unofficial tourism’ already exists on the Islands and at times hundreds of people arrive in boats they own or charter to enjoy some of the world’s best coral formations and a unique ecosystem.

“It is one of the most untapped sources of tourism in the state and it is important we monitor what is happening over there and moving forward we need to permit environmentally sensitive development of the Houtman Abrolhos Islands for tourist orientated purposes,” he added.

In August 2017, the City adopted the Abrolhos Islands Tourism Policy which supports the development of sustainable tourism on the Islands as a means to diversifying and expanding the City and regional economies and to grow local employment in the tourism industry.

The City is highly recommending the $10,000,000 allocated by the State Government be used on the construction of tourism enabling infrastructure.

The City will form an Abrolhos Islands Tourism Development Committee to ensure there is a clear focus.

Mayor Van Styn also added that a body similar to the Rottnest Island Authority, would be needed to have overarching responsibility for the Islands.

“If managed properly, the benefits to local employment and investment would be huge,” he said.

“With best practice management in place of the Islands’ terrestrial and marine environment, we could create huge opportunities but it will be imperative to preserve the area’s nature, culture and visitor appeal.

“In 2017 WA was the only state in which tourism declined and we believe the Abrolhos Islands has what it takes to be the turning point for tourism in WA.”

WACRH signs on to the Community Respect and Equality Agreement to prevent Family Violence in Geraldton

/

WACRH staff are keen to start working collectively towards the prevention of family violence in Geraldton as part of the CRE Agreement.

The WA Centre for Rural Health (WACRH) is one of the first organisations in Geraldton to sign up to the Community Respect & Equality (CRE) Agreement for Workplaces. 

The CRE Agreement enables workplaces and community organisations to stand together to say #violenceisNEVERok. It provides a framework and support for organisations to raise awareness of family violence, how it can be prevented, how to support staff experiencing violence and how to develop internal policies and procedures to embed these actions within the organisation.

Led by Desert Blue Connect and a strong Reference Group of local organisations and agencies, the CRE Agreement is a key component of CRE Strategic Action Plan for the Prevention of Family Violence in Geraldton.

The Midwest has among the highest rates of family violence in WA, with 2819 incidents recorded by the WA Police in the year to June 2017.  These are alarming statistics, however, family violence is preventable and there is something that everyone can do to work towards making our community free from family violence.

Professor Sandra Thompson, Director of WACRH says “As an organisation, WACRH is deeply committed to improving health outcomes.  Family violence contributes more to the burden of disease  of women aged 18-44 years than any other risk factor, including smoking and road accidents. A number of our own staff and friends have been personally affected by family violence, so WACRH as an organisation was keen to sign on to the agreement and work towards its prevention. We also see the consequences and impact of family violence in some of the work we do in the community.”

"WACRH staff have already started looking at how we can implement the Agreement internally as a whole of organisation process. A WACRH Working Party has planning underway to ensure that internal actions and policies align with the CRE agreement. We want to demonstrate WACRH’s organisational support for the prevention of family violence and give visibility to an issue where silence means the problem of family violence that exists in our community is under recognised.” Professor Thompson said.

To find out how your workplace can be part of the Community, Respect and Equality Agreement call Desert Blue Connect on 9964 2742 or visit www.communityrespectandequality.com.au

If you are in immediate danger call the Police on 000

If you are feeling unsafe or are worried about a colleague or friend you can contact:

  • WA Police on 131 444

  • The National Sexual Assault, Family and Domestic Violence Counselling Service 1800Respect - 1800 737 732

  • Desert Blue Connect Geraldton – 9964 2742

  • Sexual Assault Crisis Line – 1800 016 789

  • The Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline -  9223 1188 or free call 1800 007 339

  • The Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline - 9223 1199 or 1800 000 599

  • Kids Helpline (for young people to the age of 25) - 1800 551 800.

City seizes property over unpaid rates

/

The City of Greater Geraldton has taken possession of a property due to an excess of $300,000 outstanding on rates and rubbish charges, including penalties and legal fees, dating back several years.

In order to recover these costs, the City took possession of a property located at 1004 Chapman Road in Glenfield on 8 August 2017 under section 6.64 of the Local Government Act.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn stated that this action was taken as a last resort.

“This drastic action has been taken by the City because we have exhausted the legal process for recovery of the unpaid rates and charges,” he said

“We have also exhausted attempts to find negotiated solutions that would have avoided the need to exercise our powers in this way.

“The recovery action has taken a great deal of time and cost, and this was the result of the ratepayer refusing to admit at all times that he and the other titleholder on the property were obliged to pay the outstanding rates and charges, despite having no legal grounds for doing so.”

The property owner has been declared by the Supreme Court of WA to be a “vexatious litigant” and all courts the ratepayer has appealed to during the recovery process found no legal basis at all for his arguments against meeting his obligation to pay the rates and charges. 

The City understands that the courts consider the ratepayer’s arguments to be based on a misunderstanding of the Commonwealth and State Constitutions and entirely lacking in legal merit. 

The City is committed to exercise the powers it possesses under the law in order to provide good government to the people of Greater Geraldton. 

This includes ensuring that no ratepayer unfairly avoids their legal obligation to pay rates and charges, to the detriment of the wider community.

Mayor Van Styn also added that there were options for ratepayers who were encountering financial hardship.

“We understand that some ratepayers may be faced with financial difficulties and the City offers such ratepayers a number of payment arrangements,” he said.

“There are a number of instalment options available and if someone is struggling they just need to give the City a call and discuss it with us.

“We are here to assist and we want people to know that there are a number of ways in which we can do so.”

For those looking for more information about rates arrangements call the City on 9956 6600.