Brand Highway median works

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be undertaking landscape upgrade works between Fortyn Court and Durlacher Street on the Brand Highway median island commencing Monday 10 June 2019 for a period of approximately two weeks.

Works include the replacement of existing turf and synthetic grass with paving and are an extension of recent upgrades previously completed on the median to John Willcock Link.

The anticipated hours of work will be between 8am to 5pm daily. 

The inside traffic lane in both directions will be closed during works with speed limits reduced to 40km/hr. Motorists can expect delays and are asked to drive with care to maintain the safety of all road users and workers.

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.

Fines issued for illegal asbestos dumping

Asbestos sheets illegally dumped at Meru Waste Facility.

Hefty infringements have been issued to a Geraldton resident and a local business for the illegal dumping of asbestos at the Meru Waste Facility.

Caught burying the asbestos waste under metal in the metals recycling area, a local resident was fined $1000 and a local business was fined $4000 for illegally dumping asbestos in the builder’s waste area whilst a second resident was issued a warning for not declaring and properly disposing of the dangerous material.

City of Greater Geraldton Chief Executive Officer Ross McKim said illegally dumping asbestos can have both severe and costly consequences.

“The illegal dumping of asbestos is concerning because it is hazardous waste and needs to be handled correctly or it can pose a health risk to those handling it,” he said.

“Residents are only required to pay $15 per sheet to dispose of up to 10m2 of asbestos and businesses $150/tonne for correct disposal at Meru landfill.

“Attempting to avoid these fees by hiding asbestos in other piles of rubbish or worse in recyclable material areas is unacceptable.

“This illegal dumping could endanger the health of other users and Meru staff whose job it is to process and recover waste. It also contaminates the recyclable materials other residents and businesses have carefully separated.

“The removal of the illegally dumped asbestos and then remediation of the site also comes at a cost which often isn’t totally recovered by the fines imposed,” he added.

Asbestos removal up to 10m2 does not require a licence to remove.  Asbestos amounting to more than 10m2 requires a licenced removalist to comply with the regulations. Legislation requires asbestos materials to be double wrapped with a minimum of 0.2mm of plastic and marked as asbestos.

Although undisturbed asbestos cement materials in good condition do not pose a health risk because the fibres are bound together, materials that have been damaged or are crumbling or is disturbed by breaking, cutting or drilling releases fibres into the air and can pose an extreme health risk when breathed into lungs.

City launches local plant propagation e-booklet

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn (middle) joins Geraldton Community Nursery volunteers to celebrate the launch of their Native Plant Propagation Guide e-booklet, available free on the City website.

The continued protection of local biodiversity has received a big helping hand following the official launch of the City of Greater Geraldton Community Nursery Native Plant Propagation Guide.

Following years of trials and testing on the collection and propagation of more than 120 different native plant species, Community Nursery volunteers decided to document their hard won knowledge for the benefit of the environment and the wider community.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the Native Plant Propagation Guide will be critical to ensuring a wide range of plant species can be grown to restore and revegetate the region’s bushland and coastal reserves.

“This year alone, Community Nursery volunteers are growing about 20,000 seedlings comprising 55 different species,” he said.

“Thanks to their research, the techniques they have developed have contributed to the successful propagation of important plant species such as the Scaevola tomentose,also known as Raggedleaf Fanflower, and the Westringia dampieri, which they were previously unable to reliably germinate or grow.”

To ensure the Native Plant Propagation Guide is always current, it has been published in e-booklet format.

“E-booklets make sense,” Mayor Van Styn said.

“Not only can they be quickly updated, as new volunteers join the team or management staff changes, the guide can be easily shared.

“This format also makes our native plant propagation information readily available to other nurseries from across our great state.”

The development of the Native Plant Propagation Guide was supported by Central Regional TAFE, The Drylands Foundation and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Herbarium with the Western Australian State Natural Resource Management program contributing $7,700 in grant funding towards the project.

The City of Greater Geraldton Community Nursery Native Plant Propagation Guide e-booklet is available on the City website www.cgg.wa.gov.au

Whitehill Road coastal reserve facelift begins

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn (left) and Drummond Cove Progress Association President Gavin Hirschhausen at fence around the Whitehill Road Coastal reserve which will be replaced with bollards and rails.

The Whitehill Road coastal reserve north of the John Batten Community Hall in Drummond Cove will undergo a facelift in the coming weeks as fences around the site are replaced with bollards and rails.

Following the coastal erosion of Whitehill Road in 2016, fences were erected around the reserve to ensure community safety whilst a medium term adaptation measure to mitigate on-going erosion could be identified and implemented.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said now that coastal works were completed the City is able to respond to requests from the community to improve the reserve.

“Late last year two, 40m long Geotextile Sand Container (GSC) groynes, which were consistent with community values identified via the City’s Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Planning (CHRMAP) process, were constructed to help retain sand at the foreshore and reduce reliance on temporary sand nourishment,” he said.

“Although it is still very early days in the project, we are already seeing some initial success regarding the effectiveness of the groynes.

“This means we can now focus on requests from the community to make improvements to the coastal reserve to ensure the best outcomes for local residents are achieved.”

Drummond Cove Progress Association President Gavin Hirschhausen said the community was keen to see the project progress.

“The GSCs groynes are a good interim outcome and once we’ve observed a full swing of the year’s seasons, the next steps in the project will be more telling,” he said.

“In the meantime, enhancing the area is really important as it will enable the community to access the coastal reserve for recreational purposes.

“We will continue to work with the City to make further improvements to the Foreshore space which will increase community use of the area.”

In November 2018, and in accordance with Western Australia's Planning Policy No. 2.6 – State Coastal Planning Policy (SPP2.6), Council adopted the Geraldton CHRMAP Report.  The process of adapting to coastal erosion and inundation is currently in Stage 3, which involves the development of a local coastal planning policy.

Locals encouraged to recycle newspapers at Jack’s Shed

Aquarena User Group members Hovea Winston, Alan Lawrie, Ross McArthur, Lee Westlake and Carol Haynes.

A dedicated group of local volunteers are encouraging the community to recycle newspapers at Jack’s Shed.

Jack’s shed, located in the Aquarena carpark, is run by around 10 volunteers from the Aquarena User Group which consists of various organisations that use the pool.

The group is encouraging locals to utilise the facility to recycle their newspapers, and also to think about joining the group as a volunteer.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn commended the group on their contribution to the community.

“Not only is this amazing volunteer group helping the environment by recycling newspapers for our community, but the money they make from the recycling goes straight back into the community,” he said.

“Approximately $20,000 is raised every year and is used to improve the Aquarena.

“I’d encourage the community to consider dropping their newspapers off for recycling and think about joining to help the group.”

Funds from the newspapers being recycled have gone to a number of additions at the Aquarena including lane ropes, starting blocks, drink fountains, new inflatable equipment and also contributions to the build of the crèche.

The group recycles approximately two tonnes of newspaper a week which is transported to Perth every two to three months to be recycled. 

The newspapers are recycled into things such as soil stabilisation, insulation and sound proofing materials.

User Group volunteers collect newspapers from various drop off points, sort the newspapers removing any glossy inserts, stack the newspapers into piles and then bundle them to be placed onto a pallet for collection.

Potential volunteers looking to join can put in as little as 1-2 hours a week. There is no skill or heaving lifting involved. 

Community members are encouraged to drop their newspapers off at the Shed, taking out any glossy inserts, removing any plastic and unfold them to have them in a flat stack.

Opening hours for Jack’s Shed coincide with the same opening hours from the Aquarena – 5:30am-7pm during the week and 9am-4pm on weekends in Winter. During Summer, the Shed is open 5:30am-8pm during the week and 9am-6pm on weekends.

For more information and to join the User Group, contact the Aquarena on 9956 6906 or email aquarena@cgg.wa.gov.au

Drummond Cove coastal reserve rehabilitation works

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that rehabilitation works will be undertaken in Lot 12820 the former beach cottage area in Drummond Cove commencing on Friday 10 May 2019 for period of approximately one week.

Building materials including bricks, concrete, rocks, fence posts and other building materials left in the reserve after the removal of the cottages will be removed. An infestation of agave plant will also be removed in addition to general weeding.

Small machinery and vehicles will be operating in the reserve during the works.

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.

Local volunteers pledge to make Geraldton beautiful

Local volunteers Bob Taylor, Les Hollomby, Margaret Dawson and Lisa Bickley.

Local volunteers are dedicating their time to make Geraldton beautiful through the City of Greater Geraldton’s litter collection program.

Five local volunteers are rolling up their sleeves once a month to target litter problem areas in the community.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said he was blown away by the dedication of the volunteer group.

“This group have chosen to give up their time to make Geraldton an amazing and clean place to live,” he said.

“There aren’t many people who give up their own time on a weekend to pick up rubbish.

“I’d like to personally thank the group for what they’re doing and encourage locals to join the volunteer collection program.”

The volunteers meet on a Saturday at the start of every month and spend around three hours picking up rubbish in different areas.

The group began in April, cleaning up Separation Point and this month they cleaned up the stretch on Chapman Road near Rum Jungle.

Passionate local volunteer Lisa Bickley is leading the group and says she is inspired by her fellow volunteers and hopes the community will get on board.

“I personally have a desire to clean up the environment and I hope one day it is normal behaviour for the community to keep Geraldton clean as well,” she said.

“The land gives us everything and it’s about respect and giving back now to minimise later.

“It’s not a huge commitment and the feeling you get after cleaning up an area and then driving past it is just something you can’t replace.”

Lisa is joined by other volunteers including Bob Taylor who has been dedicated to picking up rubbish for 27 years.

The City provides volunteers with rubbish bags, gloves and pick up tools. The program is open to all people over the age of 10.

To sign up, head to the City’s website and fill out a volunteer form at https://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/live/my-community/volunteering.aspx

For more information on the program, contact the City on 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au

Marine Discovery Tour sure to impress

Central Regional TAFE (CRTAFE) have launched an exciting tour sure to impress visitors and residents of the Midwest who love everything to do with the ocean and its interesting inhabitants.

The Marine Discovery Tour opens to the public next week and will take tour goers behind the scenes at the Geraldton Fisherman’s Co-operative for a look at their live Western Rock Lobster Factory.

Participants will also visit CRTAFE’s Batavia Coast Maritime Institute (BCMI), a specialist state-of-the-art training, research and development facility to observe the breeding stages of tropical fish, including Clownfish and view the very rare Ribbon Sea Dragons. The BCMI is a national award winning facility and Australia’s largest hatchery of marine aquarium fish such as Clownfish.

The three and a half hour tour ends with a delicious two course lunch at CRTAFE’s award winning training restaurant the ‘Zeewijk’, where participants can enjoy the outstanding service provided by TAFE’s hospitality and commercial cookery students and staff.

CRTAFE Portfolio Manager, Marine, Environment and Technology – Dr Suresh Job said CRTAFE was excited to be able to offer this fantastic experience to the public whilst providing practical training opportunities for students.

“The tours are organised and managed by our Tourism and Business students under the guidance and supervision of lecturing staff. Hospitality and Commercial Cookery students and staff also look after the preparation and full lunch service for every tour” Dr Job said.

“Our priority is to provide students with practical training opportunities to ensure our graduates are job ready, and the Marine Discovery Tour will provide students with valuable real-life experience in their area of study” he said.

“The Marine Discovery Tour also complements the existing tours and events offered in the City and provides a one-of-a-kind experience for those who attend” he said.

Tours will occur weekly on Wednesdays, commencing on 15 May. Tickets can be booked online through the Visit Geraldton website or by visiting the Geraldton Visitors Centre at 246 Marine Terrace.

Tickets are $65 for adults and $35 for children, and include all transfers, entrance fees and lunch. More information is available at visit.geraldton.com.au or by calling (08) 9956 6670.

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Library welcomes revamp

Library staff Deborah Barnett, Lorin Cox, Jenni Hargrave and Trudi Cornish are gearing up for the revamp.

An exciting revamp is about to take place at the Geraldton Regional Library in order to meet the growing needs of the vast collection.

New shelving along with changes to the location of study areas, a new-look children’s area and as well as more local history items on display, will be just some of the changes as part of the refurbishment.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the changes will be welcomed by the community.

“Over the last six months more than 54,000 people visited the Library – that’s an average of over 9,000 people per month,” he said.

 “As a part of the revamp, old, well-worn shelving at the Library will be replaced, meaning that the collection can be better arranged to meet the needs of the community.  

“It’s great to see one of our most well utilised community assets get a much needed re-fresh!”

In 1968 the Town of Geraldton opened the Geraldton Public Library at the Civic Centre, and since that time hundreds of thousands of local people have used this free service. 

Since relocating to Marine Terrace in 2010, the Library has remained a popular community space, with a wide selection of books, audiobooks, magazines, DVD’s, plus children’s activities, study spaces, meeting rooms, local history, free public computers and WIFI.  

The revamp will take place from Monday 13 May to Sunday 19 May and the Library will be closed during this time. 

People will be able to borrow additional items and have extended loan periods over this time. Normal Library opening hours will resume Monday 20 May.

This project will mean a wide range of old shelving will become available for recycling.  Community groups interested in repurposing the old shelving are invited to drop by for a look, or express an interest by contacting either Jenni Hargrave or Trudi Cornish on 9956 6659 or library@cgg.wa.gov.au. 

Queens Park pond removal

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the Queens Park Garden’s pond next to the Queens Park Theatre has reached the end of its useful life and will be removed on Saturday 4 May.

Removal works are scheduled to take place from 7am to 12pm and reinstatement of the area with a new garden bed will take place during the following week.

Members of the public are asked to avoid the area if possible and to obey all warning signs and instructions from city authorised personnel.

For more information contact the City on 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au

Blue Shaddy Set to Rock Out the Geraldton Hotel Again

In what seems the ever-living WA band that’s been playing hard professionally for over twenty years Australia wide are back to play their second show at The Geraldton Hotel.

Blue Shaddy never seem to fade and just seem to mature more and more each time you catch one of their live shows.

There’s something very magical in their makeup, whether it’s the sibling connection of Jim and Belly, or just the pure musicianship and

the love of playing to audiences anywhere from their old home locale of Kellerberrin to the furtherest reaches of Australia and beyond.

There is even a mini Blue Shaddy in the works with their now teenage children itching to get into the action.

Come see what the fuss is all about and why Blue Shaddy appeal to just about anyone and all generations Saturday 11th May.

Presale tickets are just $20 available from Eventbrite or $25 at the door.

Jim ‘Shaddy’ is available for a chat if you like by calling 0417 180 750

Biodiversity burn at Greenough

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be undertaking a biodiversity burn at Byrne Park in Greenough on Thursday 2 May 2019 commencing at approximately 9:00 am.

The biodiversity burn is part of a research project being undertaken by the City to use cool fire to assist regeneration of natural bush areas and involves lighting small burn piles to stimulate germination of native seed, in particular banksia. 

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

Smoke from this prescribed burn 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.

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.

Whitehill Road toilet block renovations

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise of the temporary closure of the toilet block located at the John Batten Community Hall carpark on Whitehill Road in Drummond Cove to undertake renovations.

Works are scheduled to begin on Thursday 2 May 2019 and take approximately 10 days to complete. Temporary toilet facilities will be provided during this time.

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.

ANZAC Day Services to commemorate the fallen

Thousands are expected to gather for ANZAC Day services in Geraldton. 

Thousands of community members will gather to pay their respects to those who fought for our country at ANZAC Day Services in Geraldton.

The City of Greater Geraldton in conjunction with the Geraldton RSL Sub-Branch, will hold ANZAC Day Services at Birdwood House on Thursday 25 April.

ANZAC Day commemorations will kick off with the Dawn Service at 6.00am, followed by the Main Service at 11.00am.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the services were always extremely moving and encouraged the community to pay their respects.

“ANZAC Day is a time of national significance, when we pay our respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom,” he said.

“It’s great to see our community come together every year to remember those men and women who served and lost their lives in the war.”

A wreath laying ceremony will be part of the ANZAC Day proceedings, as well as a march from Foreshore Drive, along Forrest Street to Birdwood House on Chapman Road.

Community members are encouraged to gather along Foreshore Drive to Forrest Street and acknowledge the marchers.

Road closures along Chapman Road, Foreshore Drive, Durlacher Street and Forrest Street will be in place during the Dawn Service and Main Service. Motorists and pedestrians are advised to obey all warning signs. 

An ANZAC Day Service will also be held in Mullewa at the War Memorial on Maitland Road at 10.00am.

It will be followed by a morning tea in the Lesser Hall. 

Iluka bring resourceful sand sculptor to WoW

Sand sculpting legend Tim Darby will return to Geraldton for the Wind on Water Festival this weekend.

Sand sculpting legend Tim Darby will return to Geraldton this weekend for the Wind on Water Festival (WoW Fest) and is set to recreate one of the region’s icons out of a mound of sand. 

Festival goers will also be able learn tips and tricks from Mr Darby at a number of workshops thanks to the sponsorship of Iluka Resources.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the community was captivated with last year’s creation.

“Tim did an amazing job of producing the Point Moore Lighthouse and the HMAS Sydney II Memorial at last year’s WoW Fest and we can’t wait to see what he creates this weekend,” he said.

“Those attending this weekend’s festivities will also be able to participate in a number of free workshops as well as a masterclass.

“This is just one of the many family-friendly activities happening at WoW Fest.”

The sand sculpture and workshops will be taking place near Dome Café on the Geraldton Foreshore on the Saturday from 10am – 12pm in the morning and 1pm – 3pm in the afternoon.

Those wanting to take their skills to the next level can take part in the masterclass on Sunday from 10am – 12pm.

The City of Greater Geraldton would like to thank Iluka Resources for their support of this exciting element.

WoW Fest will take place on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 April on the Geraldton Foreshore. The RedFM WoW Fest Concert will conclude the event on Sunday 21 April with headline acts The Temper Trap and Tkay Maidza.

To view the full WoW Fest program, visit www.wowfest.com.au 

Geotechnical survey begins

The City has engaged a consultant to carry out a geotechnical survey along the coastline at Drummond Cove, Sunset Beach and Bluff Point. The works will involve geotechnical drilling which will begin next week. 

The purpose of the works is to identify and confirm the presence and extent of underground rock layers in the area. 

This is being done as a resulting recommendation from the Geraldton Coastal Hazard Risk Management Adaptation Planning (CHRMAP) Report which was adopted by Council in November 2018. 

The findings of this investigation, along with other recommendations of the CHRMAP Report, will help the City develop the necessary adaption measures for coastal erosion and inundation.

Works will take place from Monday 15 April to Wednesday 17 April 2019. 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.

TAFE Major Award winners announced

Central Regional TAFE (CRTAFE) celebrated their 2018 graduating Diploma and Advanced Diploma students, and announced the Midwest’s Major Award winners at their annual Graduation and Awards evening held on Friday, 29 March 2019.

The award recipients were:

• Skill Hire Apprentice of the Year - Cameron Christie

• Humfrey Land Developments Trainee of the Year - Tianni Brown

• Rio Tinto Aboriginal Student of the Year - Erin Dawson

• Midwest Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vocational Student of the Year - Michelle Groom

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Skill Hire Apprentice of the Year Cameron, Christie

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Humfrey Land Developments Trainee of the Year, Tianni Brown

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Rio Tinto Aboriginal Student of the Year, Erin Dawson

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Midwest Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vocational Student of the Year, Michelle Groom

The event had its highest turn out in recent years with approximately 400 people attending including family, friends and sponsors who presented the major awards. Thirty Outstanding Achievement Awards, across various industry areas, were also presented to students who excelled in their studies last year.

Guest speaker Isabelle Croswell, 2018 WA Training Awards finalist, CRTAFE’s 2017 Apprentice of the year and previous National WorldSkills competitor, impressed the audience with her inspirational words of advice for the graduates. Isabelle is a high achiever who returned to complete her Hairdressing apprenticeship after becoming a mum. The student address was given by Hannah Read a graduating Veterinary Nursing student.

The evening also celebrated the achievements of Central Regional TAFE’s Geraldton 2018 graduates. There were over 850 students across CRTAFE’s three Geraldton campuses (Fitzgerald Street, Batavia Coast Maritime Institute and Technology Park) who graduated from qualifications in 2018, ranging from Certificate I to Diploma level. Over 100 were from a Diploma and Advanced Diploma level.

Celebrations for graduating students in the Gascoyne region (Carnarvon and Exmouth campuses) were held earlier this year.

Central Regional TAFE Managing Director Bill Swetman said the Graduation and Awards evening was a highlight on the college’s annual events calendar.

“It was great to see family, friends, industry partners and members of the community come together to support our students who have made a great effort to finish their training” he said.

“It is fantastic to see that many of the students who have graduated with their Diploma are currently employed in the region in the industry they’ve studied, and others have used their qualification as a pathway for further study” Mr Swetman said.

“The support by the local community in the Midwest has always been strong and we are proud of this fact. We thank our sponsors and industry partners for not only their support for the awards but also for their ongoing commitment to the future success of vocational education and training in our region” he said.

Vocational Student of the Year recipient Michelle Groom said she felt surprised by the Award and really proud of herself.

“I’ve had other successful careers but nothing with a formal qualification. TAFE has given me a qualification (Diploma of Nursing) and at age 50, I look forward to being able to make a difference in people’s lives during the remaining years of my own working life” she said.

Cameron Christie this year’s 2018 Apprentice of the Year recipient said studying at TAFE has been a great experience.

“Everyone is really supportive, blocks are structured and always fun” he said.

“Starting out completing a Certificate II pre-apprenticeship course led me to securing an apprenticeship and has now continued to enrolling in a second apprenticeship and becoming dual-trade qualified. It has really created opportunities and I’m really ecstatic to be recognised in this way” he said.

Major award winners will have the opportunity to apply for the 2019 WA State Training Awards. Central Regional TAFE had two state award finalists last year.

All graduates and award nominees were able to enjoy delicious refreshments, prepared and served by CRTAFE’s Commercial Cookery and Hospitality students, whilst networking with guests from local industry and the community.

Nursing students with lecturers

Diploma of Accounting Students and lecturer

Changes to MEEDAC Tip Shop opening hours

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise there are changes to the MEEDAC Tip Shop opening hours.

Located at Meru landfill, the Tip Shop will now be open from Thursday to Monday from 7am to 3:30pm.

On Tuesdays and Wednesday the facility is only open for processing recyclable material and is not open for sales or to drop off items. 

For more information contact the City of 9956 6600.

Chinese photographers showcase Coral Coast in exhibition

You haven’t seen the Coral Coast captured like this before! 

In a brand new photography exhibition, Through the Dragon’s Eyes showcases the region through the lens of Chinese photographers from the Zhongyi Photography Club.

The first exhibition of its kind in Western Australia will be on display at the Museum of Geraldton from 12 April 2019 to promote and showcase Australia’s Coral Coast.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the region was an emerging destination for photography themed tourism.

“We are attracting more and more photographers who are discovering Western Australia as the perfect place for amazing photography due to the unique landscape and pristine natural environment,” he said.

“Not only do we have some of the most stunning landscapes in the world here on the Coral Coast, but we also boast clear skies which is perfect for capturing the stars and night sky.” 

The exhibition is comprised of 40 photographs taken by 22 different Chinese photographers.

The exhibiting photographers visited Geraldton in September 2018 and January 2019 as part of the Photography Club’s international tutorial program.

With a main focus on landscapes and nightscapes, the photos capture locations including Geraldton, Lancelin, Cervantes, Northampton and Kalbarri. 

“People from the region tend to see these landscapes every single day and become desensitized to the unique beauty,” Mayor Van Styn added.

“So it’s great to have international guests, some seeing our region for the very first time, capturing the amazing Coral Coast.”

The exhibition is a joint initiative between the City of Greater Geraldton, Easy Going Travel Services, Museum of Geraldton and Zhongyi Photography Club.

It will be on display at the Museum of Geraldton from Friday 12 April until Sunday 12 May.

Bursaries provide professional development for future leaders of the Western rock lobster Industry

Western Rock Lobster is pleased to announce it has awarded ten $3,000 bursaries to attend the 2019 Trans-Tasman Rock Lobster Congress in Queenstown, New Zealand.

The bursaries provide professional development for future leaders of the Western rock lobster Industry and target skippers and crew members who are actively engaged in fishing operations. 

CEO Matt Taylor said he was encouraged by the many strong, diverse and passionate applications received and commended all applicants on their desire to further build their capacity, knowledge and networks within the industry.

“The bursary applications illustrate our young fishers’ strong industry ambitions, drive and commitment so we are excited to be able to assist them with capacity building and professional development to help deliver benefits and security to both them personally and our industry in to the future,” he said.

“Attending the 2019 Trans-Tasman Rock Lobster Congress is an exciting opportunity which will allow participants to further network with rock lobster fishers, managers and scientists from across Australia and New Zealand, and will really help support their aspirations and future involvement within the industry.”

WRL will continue to provide bursaries so those who missed out this time around will have further opportunities to get involved in the future. 

“WRL is committed to engaging with future leaders and building industry leadership development so we will continue to provide opportunities in the future to assist with capacity building and professional development,” Mr Taylor said.

In October 2018, WRL held its first DECK Program which aims to build capacity within the industry. 

Mr Taylor said the DECK Program provides professional development opportunities for participants to build their industry knowledge, skills, capability and networks to continually improve their fishing operations and business management.

“The DECK Program is part of WRL’s commitment to developing young future leaders for the western rock lobster Industry.”

Congratulations to Kurt Glass, Chris Williams, Lance Dawe, Michael Butcher, Eddie Fernandes, James Camarda, Radley Woodcock, Stephen Minutillo, Frank Rodriguez and Ashley Cole on their successful bursary applications.

We look forward to working with the bursary winners further and helping grow the positive impact our young future leaders will have on our State’s iconic Western rock lobster industry. 

The bursaries have been funded by WRL through its Industry Partnership Agreement with the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC).