2019 Art Show

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The Geraldton Grammar School P&F invite everyone to their 2019 Art Show. Artists from around WA are displaying their pieces with all exhibits available to purchase.

There will be live performances, food and a licenced bar.

Thanks to The Gerald Apartment Hotel we have an amazing door prize for the Art Show. All attendees have the opportunity to win 1 nights accommodation in their premium 1 bedroom apartment and a $100 voucher towards dinner in The Lobby Restaurant.

Tickets available through Trybooking: www.trybooking.com/BCCYS

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1218349201670254/

Church Together

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Church Together is an annual event which brings Christians together in the Midwest to celebrate the gospel of Jesus Christ. Last year’s event saw over 300 people gather at Strathalbyn Christian College to hear guest speaker Dr Margaret Court.

Organised by the Minister’s Fellowship, this year’s Church Together event will be hosted by Strathalbyn Christian College on Sunday 8th September at 6.00pm.

The Keynote Speaker is Dr. Michael O’Neil, Director of Research at Vose Seminary in Perth. Vose has a passion for theology, ministry, chaplaincy, mission, education and leadership.

Dr Michael O’Neil returns to Geraldton with over twenty years’ experience as a Pastor, having held various senior ministry roles including former Pastor at Family Church in Geraldton.

It is expected that this year’s Church Together will draw an even larger crowd than last year; therefore the event will be held under cover outdoors to accommodate the diverse Geraldton Christian community.

A combined music and worship team represented by many fellowships and a Children’s program provided by local Youth Ministries will ensure all ages are catered for. It is important to RSVP for both the main event and the children’s program through any Christian Church in Geraldon.

“This year, Strathalbyn Christian College celebrates 40 years of providing education from a Christian worldview. The College enrols students from different Christian denominations and those families to whom it is important that the Biblical values taught at home are also taught at school. Hosting Church Together is a wonderful way for us to support the combined Geraldton Christian Churches”, said Mr Gavin Hirschhausen, Principal of Strathalbyn Christian College.

The Geraldton Christian Churches represented by the Geraldton Minister’s Fellowship invite you to come along to Church Together on Sunday 8 September at 6.00pm at Strathalbyn Christian College. The gathering will be held at the Hangar off Verticordia Drive, with parking available.

Woolworths rolls out Quiet Hour in Geraldton

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Chris Chippendale, Life Without Barriers Executive Lead, Disability Engagement with Woolworths team members

Thursday 22 August 2019: Following a successful trial period in Western Australia, Woolworths Geraldton will now offer the low-sensory Quiet Hour to customers.

The program is designed to reduce anxiety and sensory stress for customers with specific needs, including autism, by providing a quieter and less stimulating environment in store. 

Autism Spectrum Australia estimates more than 300,000 (or 1 in 70) Australians are on the autism spectrum*.

Woolworths Geraldton will lower lights, turn down music and radio, and turn off oven buzzers for an hour every Tuesday between 10:30am and 11:30am.

Woolworths Geraldton will join more than 260 stores nationally, including 20 in Western Australia.

Woolworths  Group Manager James Ferguson said: “We’ve heard from our customers there is a need in the community for a low sensory shopping experience in the area. 

“Off the back of successful trials, we’re delighted to expand Quiet Hour to Woolworths Geraldton for the benefit of even more customers. 

“Our team takes great pride in ensuring the store is quieter and less stressful for customers who want to shop during Quiet Hour and we look forward to welcoming them in store.”

The low sensory initiative was developed in consultation with disability service providers at Life Without Barriers. 

Life Without Barriers Chief Executive Claire Robbs said: “Quiet Hour is a fantastic accessibility initiative by Woolworths that recognises that people have different accessibility needs. 

“It gives people a way to do their shopping and increase their independence in an environment that is not stressful and overwhelming to them.” 

During Quiet Hour, customers will also notice the following changes:

  • Reducing volume on store phones and registers on the trading floor;

  • Roll cages will be removed from the shop floor; and

  • No PA announcements (excluding in case of emergencies).

Boarding at Geraldton Residential College.. More Affordable!

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Geraldton Grammar School families with students boarding at the Geraldton Residential College are in for a substantial saving from 2020 with the annual maintenance levy being dropped for private school students.

Thanks to Sue Ellery MLC who visited Geraldton Grammar School last term and conducted a review into the financial arrangements with regional boarding colleges she recommended discontinuing the maintenance levies.

As of 2020, all students regardless of which school they attend students will be charged the same boarding fee set by the government.

The Geraldton Residential College provides a safe and caring environment for all its students including students from Geraldton Grammar School and hopefully, this change will keep more children in the Midwest and closer to their families.

Available Room to Rent at Midwest Chiropractic

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MIDWEST CHIROPRACTIC

NWC Hwy - Geraldton

 

Looking for an amazing ALLIED HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL to join Dr Darren Edwards and his team of dedicated workers, whether you're a Remedial Massage Therapist, Acupuncturist, Reflexologist or a Podiatrist, we'd love to hear from you.

Rental Requirements

  • Fully qualified with minimum 2 years working experience & membership with appropriate Governing bodies.

  • Eligibility to provide Private Health Fund rebates.

  • Current First Aid Certificate

  • Public Liability and professional Indemnity Insurance.

If you would like to join our team, please contact Donna Parker, Practice Manager to view the room and discuss costs. Midwest Chiropractic 279 NWC Hwy, Geraldton. Mobile 0412 363 862

Prescribed burns in Cape Burney

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be undertaking several prescribed burns on the eastern side of the Greenough River Walk Trail in Cape Burney on Saturday 3 August 2019.

The burn will commence at approximately 9am and the Greenough River Walk Trail will NOT be closed to the community during this time.

The Cape Burney, Waggrakine and Moonyoonooka Volunteer Bushfire 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 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 and to help protect lives and property by reducing the build-up of flammable fuel loads.

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

If weather conditions are not favourable this burn will be postponed until a future date.

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.

WA ScamNet: Buyer beware fake websites

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Recently there have been fake sportswear websites, including one called sksvipstocks dot com posing as shoe brand Skechers.

Alarm bells should ring if sites ask you to pay by direct bank transfer or wire transfer. WA ScamNet's Buyer beware fake websites has some tips on what to look out for before buying online.

A super bargain promoted via an online pop-up or social media advertisement is just like an enticing shop window display with ‘sale’ signs. It can be hard to pass up the chance of big discounts or low prices but digital impulse buying may mean you get nothing in return for your money.

You can report scams or ask for further advice by contacting WA ScamNet on 1300 304 054 or by email.


New home for vital volunteers

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DFES Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM, Tom Wilson Deputy Unit Manager, Member for the Agricultural Region Darren West MLC, Minister for Emergency Services Hon Francis Logan MLA, Member for the Agricultural Region Laurie Graham MLC and Councillor Bob Hall at the opening event.

State Emergency Services (SES) volunteers have a new home in Geraldton after the brand new state-of-the-art SES building was officially opened.

The new modern facility featuring an administrative building, shed, garage and training tower was officially opened by Minister for Emergency Services Hon Francis Logan MLA on Saturday.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the building was very much needed for the local group. 

“We have more than 35 Geraldton-Greenough SES volunteers who all work tirelessly for our community,” he said.

“The group has been forced to relocate more than six times so it’s only fitting they have suitable and permanent headquarters. 

“Our SES volunteers provide such a crucial service not only to Geraldton, but also to the state and we thank them for their continuous efforts.”

SES volunteers provide services to the community which include responding to natural disasters such as major flooding, fires and severe storms events.

Their service also extends to mass casualty events, emergency repairs to buildings, restoration of essential services and transportation of cargo and passengers. 

Emergency Services Minister Hon Francis Logan MLA said the SES play an essential role in the WA community.

"This new $1.8 million state-of-the-art SES facility will improve response times, act as a back-up incident control centre when necessary and encourage closer collaboration between emergency services,” he said.

"This modern headquarters is centrally located, purpose-built and equipped with the very latest in communication technology." 

The central location of the building near major road arteries will enable quick response times in during emergencies and they will also be able to provide an additional layer of assistance in the event of an aircraft incident at the airport.

Construction of the $1.8 million facility, was 100% funded by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, and construction was undertaken by local contractor Geraldton Building Services and Cabinets.

The City of Greater Geraldton provided the land to DFES for the project and also managed the design and construction.

Back Beach boxthorn removal works

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise boxthorn removal works in the foreshore reserve adjacent to the South Pipe beach access, Mahomets Flats is scheduled to commence on Monday 29 July 2019 for a period of approximately five days.

Works include the mechanical removal of African boxthorn plants.

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.


Cape Burney subdivision tender awarded

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The subdivision of the current leasehold properties in Cape Burney is one-step closer with the tender to construct road, drainage, sewer, water, power and lighting works awarded at Tuesday’s Council meeting.

The $1.2 million project to subdivide the 23 lots located on Gaskin Drive was awarded to BMD Urban Pty Ltd a national company with extensive experience in lot subdivision and development.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said once the works are completed residents will finally have closure on the legacy project, which dates back to 2005 before the amalgamation of Greenough Shire with Geraldton City.

“For more than 14 years leaseholders have been waiting for the leased land on which their homes stand to be subdivided into freehold residential titles,” he said.

“Following Council’s resolution in February 2018 to subdivide a portion of Lot 200, leaseholders have entered contract agreements with the City and made prepayments to purchase their individual lots.

“This is a very satisfying outcome for the community which has enabled all former leaseholders to continue to live in their homes with the added security of finally owning their properties.”

All costs associated with the design, construction and development phases of the subdivision will be funded by the sale of the lots.

Home is not just a building

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On any given night, there are 116,427 Australian’s recorded as experiencing homelessness. 42% are under the age of 25.

“Probably one of the biggest things is trust and faith. A lot of that disappears when you see people walking by and any one of those can help you out but a lot of people just choose to ignore you. Having a feeling of no home, there also comes a feeling of no hope as well” – Alex, Fusion past resident.

Behind those statistics and faces are stories. “Most people don’t realise that there’s always a story. People don’t realise that they just need that little bit of help to get up and back on their feet. Two years ago I wasn’t really thinking about the next day or the future. [After] Being with Fusion… now I actually want to live life and be as good as I can be.” – Alex, past resident.

“My life has not been easy. My troubles started when I was around 11. Things got so bad between mum and I by 15 I wasn’t at home. I spent about four months going from place to place  I moved to Perth. Life on the streets in Perth was a time I don’t even want to recall. To say my life was broken is an understatement, but I decided to come home to Geraldton. Off the bus I saw a poster for Stay, and after a phone call I knew my life was going to change. The youth workers at STAY got me settled into a new way of life in about four months. I started counselling. I quit dope. I enrolled in a course at TAFE and I started to feel better about myself. As I was studying STAY supported me to get Austudy, and then into independent living. Four years on I’m doing ok. My life isn’t perfect but it’s better than it was. I have a place to call home and I’m doing my best”  – Sam, past STAY resident.

Alex and Sam's stories of homelessness end with connection, support and shared hope. Will you help build more than a building?

Friday 9 August Fusion Australia partnering with STAY (Short Term Accommodation for Youth) is hosting Sleep In Your Car at Maitland Park.

Held during Homelessness Week, the local event is in its 4th Year and is part of a nation wide campaign creating community spaces to begin to consider what it means to experience homelessness.

Drop in for dinner or stay the whole night. Where you will learning about the experience of homelessness, listen to a children's story reading, participate in a scavenger hunt, food and coffee.

Register to Sleep In your car or sleep rough to raise the crucial funding to prevent and support local young people experiencing homelessness. The Geraldton event aims to raise $15,000 .

Kayla, 17 years old, slept out two years ago and had her eyes opened. “Last night … I was wrapped up, but yet I was cold everywhere… I couldn’t feel my toes. I couldn’t sleep… [I was] uncomfortable on the ground and… I realised an awful thing. There are people out there tonight and other nights, colder nights, that are sleeping out… They’re doing it because it’s their life and they have no where else to go… I couldn’t do that every night, and I don’t think anyone else should have to either.”

You have the power to help transform the lives of vulnerable young people in our community.

Register for the Geraldton event at www.sleepinyourcar.com.au

Signage installation on Foreshore

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The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be installing new pedestrian wayfinding signage at five sites along the foreshore with works commencing on Monday 29 July for a period of approximately four days.

Works will take place from 7.00am to 4.30pm daily with traffic management in place 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.


Jump Start Geraldton

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Build a stronger team for your business and your community

Do you have a vacancy or work experience opportunity?

Join us for Jump Start Geraldton and find out how we can help you find the right employees for your business.

We’ll share details of how you can access ready-to-work job seekers matched to your requirements, and further support for you and your new employee to help you make the best start together.

Plus, we’ll detail how you may also access government wage subsidies of up to $10,000 for eligible job seekers.

APM Geraldton is partnering with community organisers to help local people find local jobs and make positive changes to their lives.

Register for Jump Start Geraldton and help us make a difference.

When: 5.30pm to 7.30pm | Wednesday, 21 August

Where: Geraldton Golf Club | Pass Street, Geraldton

Refreshments: Food and drinks provided

RSVP: Email ricky.cox@apm.net.au or call 08 9965 0466

City turns up the heat on weed control

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Steam treating weeds in the Mahomets Flats playground.

Weeds across the City are beginning to feel the heat as the City rolls out a 12-month steam treatment trial for the unwanted plants.

The trial, which began last week, uses a purpose built, steam treatment machine that applies steam directly to plant foliage.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim said the trial is part of ongoing investigations to identify alternative, environmentally friendly and cost effective ways to control weeds.

“Managing weeds in our parks, open spaces, road reserves and paths and even in our drains is a massive, never ending, task,” he said.

“Weeds can have a huge impact on our environment by choking out native plant species and reducing food sources or habitat for native animals.

“They can also create fire hazards which is why weed control is a very important part of the City’s operations.

“Given the sheer volume of work involved in weed control we are always looking for alternative weed management practices that can achieve effective results whilst reducing the need for chemical control methods,” he added.

The trial will monitor the cost and efficiency of steam as an alternative to Glyphosate for weed control.

Warning to motorcycle & push bike riders in Wandina

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Local residents have contacted EG over safety concerns caused by a large concrete block that is not visible to riders coming from one direction, which has been placed on a dirt track near Eakins Crescent and Bellimos Drive in Wandina.

The concrete block appears to have been placed there to deter would-be riders. However, the concern the locals who contact EG hold is that the block is not visible to people coming from the other direction, and poses a serious hazard.

Rangers from the City of Greater Geraldton were alerted to the risk but the community members. However when presented with the safety concerns they said they were told “that it was placed there to stop people using the track. We were told that people should not use the track!

The locals say the concrete block is now something of a “man trap” and they hold concern that “someone will be seriously injured if something is not done to remove this hazard, even another block on the other side of the hill.”

Delivered: tax relief for Durack

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Low and middle income earners in Durack will start to receive immediate tax relief from next week.

Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price said the Morrison Government has delivered on its promise to build a better tax system and provide more tax relief in Durack.

“This will ensure Durack low and middle income earners will keep more of what they earn and have more money in their pockets. This will ultimately boost household consumption, which will be good for the overall economy,” she said.

“Those earning up to $126,000 in Durack will receive up to $1,080, and dual income couples will receive up to $2,160.”

The tax package provides a further $158 billion in tax relief, building on the already legislated Personal Income Tax Plan that announced in the 2018-19 Budget.

The Government has also locked in the benefits of low and middle income tax relief by increasing the top threshold of the 19 cents in the dollar tax bracket from $41,000 to $45,000 and by increasing the low income tax offset from $645 to $700 in 2022-23.

In combination with the legislated removal of the 37 per cent tax bracket in 2024-25, the Government is delivering structural reform to the tax system by reducing the 32.5 cents in the dollar tax rate to 30 cents in the dollar.

“Together, these tax relief measures will create a flatter and better tax system that will improve incentives for those people working hard Durack,” Ms Price said.

“It will also ensure that 94 per cent of Australians will face a marginal tax rate no higher than 30 cents in the dollar in 2024-25.

“Australians voiced their loud and clear support for our comprehensive tax package at the election. They supported a tax system that rewards aspiration and encourages effort, and we have delivered it. 

“Lower taxes are part of our plan for a stronger economy,” said Ms Price.