Time capsule reveals Geraldton in the 90s

Mayor Shane Van Styn, and former Mayor Mr Phil Cooper, reveal the items of a time capsule buried in 1994.

Locals have the opportunity to be transported back to Geraldton in the mid-90s by viewing items from a recently opened time capsule.

In a true blast from the past, a time capsule buried in 1994 has been opened and revealed some treasured memorabilia from the time.

The capsule was deposited beneath the then Clock Tower in Marine Terrace on 15 November 1994 at the official opening of ‘Marine Terrace Central’.

During the Rocks Laneway development, the capsule was moved to a different location close to where the Clock Tower stood, and it was dug up last week.

Yesterday it was officially opened by City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn and City of Geraldton Mayor of the day in 1994, Mr Phil Cooper.

Mayor Van Styn said it was an honour to be alongside former Mayor Phil Cooper, who is also a Freeman of the City, to reveal the items.

“It was like being transported back to Geraldton in the mid-90s seeing all the wonderful items revealed,” he said.

“To some, 1994 might not seem like that long ago but this has been buried for 26 years and Geraldton has changed a great deal.

“These items will hold a sentimental place in the hearts of many locals and I hope our community enjoys reminiscing as much as I have.”

The time capsule was buried by Mr Cooper and the Governor of WA at the time – Major General Michael Jeffrey OAMC. 

Mr Cooper said he remembers the occasion clear as day.

“There was a lot of excitement and very big crowds at the event,” he said.

“It was great to see the mall come to fruition so there was a lot of interest from the community and also other shires.

“But more than 20 years later, it is finally finished.

“A lot of things in this capsule still hold true today.”

Items in the time capsule include Mr Cooper’s speech from the event and a letter to Geraldton citizens, Council minutes, building plans for Marine Terrace Central, a Geraldton Guardian, a selection of various photos including the Marina and Chapman Road Upgrades, among other items. 

The time capsule was officially opened on Tuesday 15 December, prior to Council Meeting.

The items will be on display to the public at the Geraldton Regional Library from Monday 21 December.

Exhibition honours Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders

GRAG will welcome the exhibition For Country, for Nation this Friday night.

Visitors to the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery (GRAG) will have the opportunity to view the Australian War Memorial exhibition For Country, for Nation when it launches this Friday night.

The display explores Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories of military service and is part of a three-year tour sweeping the nation.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the exhibition encourages people to remember those who fought for Australia.

“For Country, for Nation honours the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who served in our nation’s military forces and gave up so much for us to lead the lives we do today,” he said.  

“The collection of objects, art and photographs represents an experience of wartime and peace, and is deeply moving.

“It’s a great privilege to host this exhibition and to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for a better nation and world.”

For Country, for Nation is the first memorial exhibition dedicated exclusively to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories of military service.

The exhibition has already featured at Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery, Melbourne Museum, Queensland Museum, Glasshouse Gallery and the Araluen Cultural Centre.

For Country, for Nation will be on display at GRAG from Saturday 19 December to Saturday 30 January 2021. To view GRAG’s opening hours visit https://artgallery.cgg.wa.gov.au/

RSVP for opening night on Friday 18 December by booking a ticket via Eventbrite. RSVP is essential due to COVID-19 requirements.

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government's Visions of Australia program; and we also kindly acknowledge the support of International Arts Services Australia.

City Services Update #17: Mandatory contact registers

The City of Greater Geraldton has been closely monitoring the WA COVID-19 Roadmap and as of Saturday 5 December, particular venues and businesses will be required to maintain mandatory contact registers to support COVID-19 contact tracing.

Records will only be used for the purpose of contact tracing, should it be required, and will only be kept for 28 days. 

Businesses or venues required to keep a contact register include:

• Food and licenced venues (restaurants, cafés, bars, pubs, taverns and nightclubs)

• Gyms, indoor sporting centres and pools

• Places of worship and funeral parlours

• Beauty and personal care services including hairdressers and barbers

• Galleries and museums

• Cinemas, theatres and other entertainment venues

• Auction houses and real estate inspections

• Community facilities, libraries and halls

• Zoos and amusement parks

• Function centres

• Accommodation facilities that already have check-in arrangements in place (i.e. hostels, hotels, large camp grounds)

The details required for the contact register will include the date, arrival time, names and telephone numbers.

Any person aged 16 years and over who attends a business, place or premises, listed above, including patrons, staff, volunteers and contractors will be required to register their contact details. Records are not required to be collected for people collecting takeaway or children under 16 years. 

The State Government have also released a free app, SafeWA, to help patrons check in and reduce the burden on businesses. 

The app is a contactless solution but not mandatory. Alternative formats for contact registers are available, including other electronic tools or a paper-based system, depending on what is suitable for the business, venue or individual.

All updates and information are being released in a timely manner as more decisions are made about facilities and services, and there will be updates on the City’s website and social media channels.

All changes to City facilities and programming can be found here.

Trading hours for Christmas and New Year

After consulting with local general retailers, the City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise there will be no changes to trading hours for general retailers over the Christmas/New Year period. 

The authorised trading hours in the Greater Geraldton region for general retailers from 1 December 2020 to 31 January 2021 will remain as:

• Monday – Friday: 8am - 9pm

• Saturday: 8am - 5pm

• Sunday & Public Holidays (other than Good Friday, ANZAC Day and Christmas Day): 11am – 5pm

Please note the above trading hours only apply to general retailers.

All shops are regarded as general retail shops unless they fall under any one of the other categories including small retail shops, special retail shops, filling - service stations or motor vehicle shops, and need to follow different regulations. 

Please refer to the following link for more details:  https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/consumer-protection/retail-trading-hours

Corella management re-commences

Activities to manage the Corella population will recommence on Monday 9 November with recent sightings in the CBD and outer suburbs.

Initial reports indicate up to 50 Corellas have been sighted in Deepdale and Utakarra.

A City contractor will commence feeding, trapping and culling activities next week at nominated locations approved to undertake trapping activities.

City Rangers are conducting regular patrols of the CBD to monitor any Corella activity and will implement necessary activities if required.

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

Roundabout construction detour for light vehicles only

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to remind the community that the one-way detour currently in place from Durlacher Street to Maitland Street over the QEII carpark is for light vehicles such as cars, utes and motorbikes only.

To ensure community safety buses, trucks and vehicles towing trailers or caravans must use alternative routes.

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.

Eadon Clarke Sporting Complex renewal works

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise fencing renewal works will be undertaken at the Eadon Clarke Sporting Complex located in Spalding with works commencing Monday 2 November 2020 for a period of approximately five days.

Works will take place from 6.00am to 5.00pm daily. 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.

Heavy vehicle bans on rural roads

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise due to heavy rainfall a heavy vehicle ban (four or more tonnes) is in place until further notice for Erangy Springs Road, Casuarinas Road and Peters Road.

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 closures may cause.

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

Australian Lobster Export Update

As reported in the media today there were some clearance delays in China on Friday and Saturday for some Australian lobster shipments as new inspection processes were being implemented. The industry has been working closely with authorities to understand these new inspection processes. We expect that the situation will become clearer now that normal business has resumed following the weekend.

There are positive signs today with the Chinese authorities undertaking additional testing over the weekend and confirmation that delayed consignments are starting to clear customs.

Australia’s lobster industry values the mutually beneficial trading relationship it has enjoyed with China for many decades. We are proud to send the best quality seafood for our friends in China to enjoy special occasions with their families. We remain confident that this will continue, underpinned by the Australian rock lobster industry’s reputation as a global leader in quality, reliability and food safety.

Further updates will be provided as details become known. To register for updates please contact us admin@seafoodtradeadvisory.com.

Join the Agrimaster Webinar with Thorntons

Agrimaster has just released their 6.5.0 Foundation for the future software update.

Let the experienced Thorntons team, in collaboration with Agrimaster, show you the best way to use and maximise the latest features, capabilities and benefits!

Details:

Agrimaster Webinar - 17 November 2020 10:00am Perth time
https://bit.ly/2Ge8we4

Contact Thorntons on 9421 1722 for further information.

Treat Musculoskeletal Conditions with Osteopathy

Dear Geraldton Residents,

If you didn’t know already, Geraldton has an Osteopath - Dr Mathew Kirk - Rewind Osteopathic Clinic.

Osteopaths treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions including but not limited to:

• Lower Back Pain and Sciatica

• Neck Pain

• Shoulder Pain and Frozen Shoulder

• Jaw Pain( TMJ)

• Headaches and Migraines

• Plantar Fasciitis

• Knee pain

• Osteoarthritis

• Piriformis Syndrome

Dr Kirk loves helping people function at their best and be pain free.

To book an appointment with Dr Kirk please call reception on 0422 221 371 or jump onto www.rewindosteo.com.au and hit “ Book Online”

Rewind Osteopathic Clinic has HICAPS so you can claim your on - the - spot rebate with all private health funds. We accept Chronic Disease Management care plans from your GP also.

Rewind Osteopathic Clinic
123 Cathedral Ave, Geraldton
Clinic Hours: Mon - Fri 8am - 6pm

October road works across the City

Glenview Street closure for road repairs to the Ackland Street intersection.

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise road resealing works will be commencing at various locations beginning Monday 19 October 2020 until 30 October 2020.

The works are part of the City’s 2020/21 Road Resealing Program and will take place progressively over the two week period at the following locations. Local residents will be notified of the specific start dates.

• Beachlands: Burges Street between Dampier Street and Stroud Street

• Cape Burney: River Drive from Greenough River Road to cul-de-sac

• Cape Burney: Rother Road from River Drive to Thames Drive

• East Chapman: Chapman Road East from Angel Road to Woodbine Bridge

• Rudds Gully: Meadowcroft Street between Janadol Road and Luderick Street

• Mount Tarcoola: Intersection of Glenview Street and Ackland Road. During works Martin Street to Ackland Road will be closed with a detour in place. 

• Spalding: Adeena Close from Broome Street to cul-de-sac

• Spalding: Houston Street between Mitchell Street to Houston Place

• Spalding: Houston Place between Houston Street to Crawford Street

• Sunset Beach: Baler Road between Bosley Street to Swan Drive

• Tarcoola Beach: Watterson Road from Brand Highway to Glendinning Road

• Walkaway: Evans Road between Meadow Lane and Padbury Road

• Walkaway:  McCartney Road from Brand Highway to Bridge

• Walkaway: Padbury Road from Levett Road to Desmond Place cul-de-sac

• West End: Crowther Street between Marine Terrace and Augustus Street

• West End: Pollard Street from August Street to cul-de-sac

The anticipated hours of works will be from 7am – 5pm Monday to Saturday and traffic management will be 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.

Temporary closure of Mitchell Street including Anderson Street roundabout

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise a temporary closure of Mitchell Street, including the Anderson Street roundabout, will take place on Wednesday 7 October 2020 from 7am to 6pm to undertake final road resurfacing works.

To ensure community safety during this time detours will be in place. Members of the community are encouraged to use alternative roads and 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.

Rewind your Health!

Did you know that Osteopaths treat:

• Lower Back Pain and Sciatica

• Neck Pain

• Shoulder Pain and Frozen Shoulder

• Jaw Pain( TMJ)

• Headaches and Migraines

• Plantar Fasciitis

• Knee pain

• Osteoarthritis

• Piriformis Syndrome

If you didn’t know already, Geraldton has an Osteopath - Dr Mathew Kirk - Rewind Osteopathic Clinic.

Mathew loves helping people function at their best and be pain free.

To book an appointment with Dr Kirk please call reception on 0422 221 371 or jump onto www.rewindosteo.com.au and hit “Book Online”

Rewind Osteopathic Clinic has HICAPS so you can claim on - the - spot rebates with all private health funds. They accept Chronic Disease Management care plans from your GP also.

Rewind Osteopathic Clinic
123 Cathedral Ave, Geraldton
Clinic Hours: Mon - Fri 8am - 6pm

Announcement from the Geraldton Courthouse

The Geraldton Courthouse would like to inform jurors summoned for Mon 14 Sept that they are no longer required and that offers apologies for any inconvenience caused.

The court can be contacted on 9921 3722 for further clarification or questions.

Café installation at Champion Beach

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the installation of a café at Champion Beach will begin on Friday 28 August 2020 for a period of approximately four weeks.

Temporary fencing will be erected on site to ensure community safety during the works. Car parking in the immediate vicinity of the construction site may be limited during 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.

Time to revisit the eligibility of your employees

Be informed. Call Thorntons on 9421 1722

Council renews commitment to Foreshore activation

Photo Credit: Thomas Tribe

Buying a coffee and snack whilst enjoying the CBD and Beresford Foreshores remains a key attraction with Council renewing its commitment to activating these popular destinations.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said enhancing people’s experience of the City’s premier foreshore spaces is what Council’s re-approval of the Foreshore Use and Development Policy is about.

“The benefits of having an activated Foreshore were plain to see during the school holidays with more people than ever before walking, riding their bikes and skating on the shared paths or just relaxing in the sun with family and friends while their kids had fun in the playgrounds,” he said.

“Enjoying a coffee or snack whilst taking in these fantastic ocean views or treating the kids to an ice cream while they are playing on the beach or in our Foreshore playgrounds is all part of the coastal lifestyle residents and visitors love about Geraldton.

“This experience is about to get even better with AJ’s Café at Midalias Beach opening mid-August and Hogs Express installing a sea container café on City Beach to the north of the Surf Life Saving Tower in the coming weeks.”

The Foreshore Use and Development Policy ensures these high priority public open spaces have the capacity to meet the demand for outdoor recreation and tourism activities by providing the amenities and facilities the people want to have on our foreshores.

Back Pain? Shoulder Pain? Visit Rewind Osteopathic Clinic

Rewind Osteopathic Clinic is now open and servicing Geraldton and The Mid - West with Osteopathic Treatments from Dr Mathew Kirk(Osteopath).

Osteopaths treat back and neck pain, shoulder pain, jaw pain, headaches, postural pain, knee pain, RSI and sporting injuries and other musculoskeletal complaints.

To book an appointment please call mobile 0422 221 371, you can also book online at their website  www.rewindosteo.com.au OR jump onto our Facebook page - Rewind Osteopathic Clinic

On the spot claims for Private Health Funds available with our HICPAS facility. DVA, CDM(Chronic Disease Management) and WorkCover welcome.

Office Hours :
Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm
Saturday - 9am - 1pm

Rewind Osteopathic Clinic is located at  123 Cathedral Avenue, Geraldton. 

Tourism soars as visitation peaks in Geraldton

Visitors have chosen to chase the sun to Geraldton this winter with record visitation numbers.

Geraldton has proved itself as a popular holiday destination as visitation numbers absolutely soared over the past two weeks.

Feedback from local businesses including restaurants, accommodation and tourism providers indicates that Geraldton was the place to be these winter school holidays!

Many accommodation providers were nearing 100% occupancy throughout the last two weeks and some businesses described it as the busiest fortnight they’d ever experienced.

A recent Visit Geraldton tourism marketing campaign, mixed with borders re-opening as the COVID-19 pandemic somewhat calmed down for WA, saw people from the south embrace the opportunity to head north this winter.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn thanked those travelling to the Coral Coast which has given the local economy a much needed revival.

“Firstly, a huge thank you goes to all of those travellers – families, young couples, caravaners, and everyone in between, for choosing Geraldton as your holiday destination,” he said.

“If you’ve been to the CBD in the last two weeks you would definitely agree that Geraldton has been absolutely pumping.

“We launched our ‘Adventure Awaits’ tourism marketing campaign back in May, which prompted many of our friends down south to book their next trip north, with Geraldton front of mind as a destination of choice.

“It’s great to see that people have chased the sun this winter and basked in some beautiful Geraldton weather.

“Our iconic ‘Take a Fresh Look’ Geraldton tourism brand is just as relevant as ever.”

The City’s Adventure Awaits campaign launched earlier this year in a bid to encourage tourists to holiday in their own backyard and placing Geraldton and the Midwest front of mind for those planning their next getaway.

Embracing Geraldton as the ‘hub’ to explore the whole of the Midwest region, there was a heavy push on exploring the Midwest and places such as the Houtman Abrolhos Islands, Pink Lake and Kalbarri.

As part of the campaign, a series of online advertising targeting people in the south was released with more than 50,000 impressions.

A collaboration with digital community Perth is OK had more than 146,000 impressions, driving people to find out more about Geraldton.

Businesses were encouraged to join the campaign to help promote Geraldton, with stats from the Geraldton Visitor Centre showing 75% of people through the door were either first-time visitors to Geraldton, or hadn’t visited in more than 10 years.

Owner of local cafes Jaffle Shack and Cafe Fleur, Christian Watters said he had received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback from customers.

“Business has been steadily building since restrictions were lifted but the previous two weeks have been our busiest on record,” he said.

“There’s been massive energy in town with the number of visitors being super impressed with the city in general and stating often that they hadn’t been here in so long and how much it has changed. The new focus on domestic tourism could be a real benefit to Geraldton.

“I hope this trend continues and with Geraldton giving such a great impression, these people will hopefully visit again and again.”

A high volume of visitors to the Midwest is predicted to continue with wildflower season about to bloom.

The Adventure Awaits campaign will continue to feature in Perth with a series of bus backs from August through to mid-October.

There will also be a Visit Geraldton feature on a billboard on Perth’s Tonkin Highway in September.

If you’re looking for information on things to do in Geraldton, head to www.visitgeraldton.com.au