Grab a bloomin’ good Spring School Holiday Program

The sun is shining, the birds are singing and the City of Greater Geraldton’s School Holiday Program is here just in time for spring!

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn is pleased to introduce the newest edition of the program.

“Spring is a perfect time to be outdoors in Geraldton, and the School Holiday Program is great way to get the kids off the couch and out of the house,” he said.

“There is an excellent array of activities that cater for all ages and interests, from sports, crafts, writing workshops and so much more.

“Grab a printout for a list of City hosted events or head to our website to see the full range of activities on offer.”

Free City hosted events include the ever popular soccer clinics as well as wheelchair basketball, Dungeons & Dragons sessions and low tox potion parties.

Geraldton Regional Library will be alight with a kaleidoscope of activities as part of the Big Sky Readers and Writers Festival, including twilight story time, writing workshops, author Q&A’s and plenty more.

Geraldton Regional Art Gallery is offering kids the chance to be part of shaping the future of Town Hall by collaging historic photos and drawing new meanings.

Mullewa is also getting in on the fun, with the Mullewa Youth Centre set to host an Olympian obstacle course, stupendous science experiments, karaoke and basketball competitions and everyone’s favourite, Taco Tuesday.

In addition to the City ran events on the physical program, there is also a variety of additional events hosted by external providers that can be found on the City’s events calendar.

For a copy of the program, or more information on how to register, head to the City’s website at www.cgg.wa.gov.au/schoolholidayprogram

Temporary closure of Youth Precinct skywalk slide

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the Skywalk slide in the Foreshore Youth Precinct will be closed for repairs with works starting Tuesday 20 September 2022 for a period of approximately six weeks.

The Skywalk will remain open 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.

General retail trading hours for National Day of Mourning

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the State Government will apply normal public holiday trading hours for the one-off National Public Holiday to honour Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday 22 September 2022.

General retail shops in the Greater Geraldton region will be able to trade as per normal public holiday hours of 11am to 5pm on the National Day of Mourning.

Normal retail trading hours of 8am to 9pm will recommence on Friday 23 September.

This notice only applies to general retailers such as Coles and Woolworths and does not affect smaller and speciality retailers, who have been approved to operate with unrestricted trading hours.

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

Temporary closure of Post Office carpark

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise access to Post Office carpark (Carpark 4) will be restricted on Sunday 18 September due to works taking place at Geraldton Regional Art Gallery.

Works will take place from 7am to 10am. During this time parts of the carpark will be closed to the public and traffic management will be in place.

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.

New Aussies welcomed this Australian Citizenship Day

Geraldton welcomed another fresh crop of new citizens at an Australian citizenship ceremony today as part of the Australian Citizenship Day celebrations.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said today’s ceremony will be one of hundreds of ceremonies taking place across Australia that will see thousands of people officially become new citizens on or around Australian Citizenship Day.

“Australian Citizenship Day is an opportunity for all Australians in their community, whether by birth or by choice, to reflect on and celebrate what’s great about being Australian,” he said.

“Australian Citizenship Day provides an occasion for all of us to contemplate the contributions of citizens to our local communities.

“I encourage everyone in Greater Geraldton to reflect on and affirm their Australian citizenship today as we warmly welcome our newest citizens.”

This intake of conferees will bring the total to 111 people who have become Australian citizens so far in 2022.

City staff have worked tirelessly to clear the backlog of those waiting to make their commitment to Australia after COVID-19 caused significant interruptions to scheduled ceremonies.

This ceremony will be the first since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

The portrait will be respectfully updated once the period of mourning has passed and official photos of His Majesty King Charles III have been released.

For more information about Australian Citizenship Day and Australian citizenship visit www.citizenship.gov.au.

Experience a kaleidoscope of literature at this year’s Big Sky

(L-R) Councillor Thomas with Big Sky Short Story Prize 2021 winner Erin Middleton.

Magic will be in the air at this year’s Big Sky Readers and Writers Festival which features yet another stellar line-up of local, state and interstate authors, storytellers, poets and creatives.

Embracing the theme “Kaleidoscope”, the ever-popular literary event hosted by the Geraldton Regional Library presents an impressive four-day program featuring the Festival Opening Night, Book and Author talks, Writing Workshops, Open Mic Poetry and lots of activities for young people. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the range of events this year would ensure an impressive turnout.

“Big Sky is one of our most popular events and it continues to grow each year,” he said.

“Having such a diverse program of literary delights means the event offers something for everyone. 

“I congratulate the Library, and thank everyone who has come aboard to make this event such an ongoing success.”

As part of the Festival, the Library opened the Big Sky Short Story Prize in April and it is with great pleasure the shortlisted entrants are announced as follows:

-          Rob Christoffersen

-          Sarah Jane Greenlees

-          Hazel Pruyn

-          Tracey Snowball

-          Diana Wilde

-          Grant Woodhams

The winner, runner-up and highly commended entries will be announced at the Festival Opening Night on Thursday 29 September which starts at 6pm at the Geraldton Regional Library.

Big Sky Readers and Writers Festival runs from Thursday 29 September – Sunday 2 October at various locations including Mullewa and Northampton.

The full programme is available via the Library’s website or by contacting the Library on library@cgg.wa.gov.au or 9956 6659.

Funding for this event has been provided by Lara Dalton MLA, Sandra Carr MLC, Darren West MLC, WA Primary Health Alliance, and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, along with support from the Geraldton Universities Centre, local businesses and community groups.

We thank them for their support.

Celebrating a monument and a milestone

Peter Aarts and Doreen Dawson dance at the Geraldton Town Hall circa 1958, image courtesy of Gilda Studio and Niel Bertelsen.

Geraldton Regional Art Gallery will soon be rolling back the years with two reflective exhibitions set to open at the end of this month.

The Town Hall 1907-1984 draws from the City of Greater Geraldton’s Civic Archive Collection, Local History Collection and Art Collection as well as a combination of generous contributors to portray the importance of a building at the heart of the Greater Geraldton community- the Old Town Hall.

The Banksia Ball 50th Anniversary shares a collection of photographs from the Abdullah family that celebrates the first time local and state governments, local businesses and an Aboriginal organisation worked together to successfully orchestrate a community event at the Town Hall. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn is looking forward to stepping back into this period of Geraldton’s past.

“Both The Town Hall 1907-1984 and The Banksia Ball 50th Anniversary exhibitions display important elements of Geraldton’s history that deserve to be celebrated,” he said.

“The Old Town Hall was nearly lost and it was only through the efforts of a small group of passionate locals that this beautiful building was preserved for generations of future Geraldtonians.

“Meanwhile the Banksia Ball represents a significant milestone on the journey toward reconciliation within our community.

“I encourage everyone to head down to the Gallery and experience this snapshot of times gone by.”

The Town Hall 1907 – 1984 and The Banksia Ball 50th Anniversary will open at 6pm Friday 30 September. Tickets to the opening night event are limited, so patrons are requested to register their attendance via Eventbrite. Both exhibitions will remain on display until Sunday 20 November 2022.

The Town Hall 1907-1984 and the Banksia Ball 50th Anniversary have been made possible through the generous contributions of the Abdullah Family, Niel Bertelsen, Rita Stinson, Geraldton Historical Society, Geraldton City RSL Sub Branch, Bundiyarra Aboriginal Community Aboriginal Corporation, Geraldton Guardian, West Australian Newspapers Ltd, Nola Gregory, Geraldton City Band and the State Library of Western Australia.

Temporary closure Eighth Street West playing field

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the Eighth Street West Playing Field lights are being commissioned on Wednesday 14 September 2022.

Works will take place from 5pm to 5am. During this time the playing field will be closed to the public.

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.

Geraldton Regional Art Gallery and Visitor Centre closed

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery and Visitor Centre will be closed the morning of Monday 12 September to allow for maintenance works.

The Geraldton Visitor Centre will reopen at 12pm that same day, while the Gallery remains closed until Friday 30 September to allow for new exhibitions to be installed.

Visitor information is available to access at www.visitgeraldton.com.au and in-person assistance will be provided at the Geraldton Regional Library or by phoning 9956 6659. 

The City apologises for any inconvenience this closure may cause.

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

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

Passport 2 Employment gets stamp of approval

Passport 2 Employment Class of 2022 students on their first day.

Tuesday just got a whole lot better for some students, with the next round of the Passport 2 Employment program set to take flight from this week.

The program sees select Year 11 and 12 students from local schools participating in the nine-week program designed to prepare them for entering the workforce.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn was happy to see the program back on the radar.

“Passport 2 Employment is a brilliant way to equip students for their journey into employment,” he said.

“The program offers students exposure to new and exciting fields, while also teaching practical skills such as resume writing and interview preparation.

“It’s a well-rounded curriculum hosted by professionals and I’m excited to see where it takes this crop of kids.”

The program is offered to students who have been identified as benefitting from extra education and support as they prepare to graduate from high school.

Sessions include onsite visits to various locations throughout the City, as well as activities designed to improve confidence and wellbeing.

The program is a collaborative effort involving Forrest Personnel, Central Regional TAFE, Mid West Ports Authority and the City of Greater Geraldton.

Carpark 6 electrical upgrades

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise upgrades to the electrical infrastructure in Carpark 6 located on Cathedral Avenue will begin the week of Monday 12 September 2022 and take approximately two weeks to complete.

During the works a number of car parking spaces will be unavailable.

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.

Nominate a Local Legend for a Community Citizen of the Year Award!

Community Citizen of the Year Award nominees for 2022 on stage during Australia Day celebrations in Geraldton.

Residents in Geraldton and Mullewa will have the opportunity to celebrate the work of their peers, with nominations now open for the 2023 Community Citizen of the Year Awards.

Awarded on Australia Day, the Auspire – Australia Day Council WA, Community Citizen of the Year Award is an opportunity to acknowledge those making an outstanding contribution to our community.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn encouraged everyone to make a nomination.

“We have seen through the immense popularity of the Local Legends social media campaign that Greater Geraldton is full of wonderful people doing good work,” he said.

“The Community Citizen of the Year Awards is a fantastic way to really shine the spotlight on these people.”

Categories include Community Citizen of the Year, Young Community Citizen of the Year (under 25), Senior Community Citizen of the Year (over 65) and Active Citizenship (group or event).

“The nomination process now is easier than ever, with the City joining other local governments across the state in taking nominations though the official Auspire website,” Mayor Van Styn added.

“Head to the official website at https://www.citizenshipawards.com.au/nominate/ and put forward a local legend today!”

The Awards will take place at the Australia Day events in Geraldton and Mullewa on Thursday 26 January 2023.

Nominations close on Monday 31 October 2022.

New footpath construction Bellimos Park

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be installing a new footpath in Bellimos Park connecting Jackson Loop to Bellimos Drive starting the week of Monday 12 September 2022.

The works will take approximately four weeks to complete.

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.

City and Chamber calls for flight stability

Flights to and from Geraldton are expected to decrease further this month, prompting the City of Greater Geraldton and Mid West Chamber of Commerce and Industry to call for action so that local industries aren’t further impacted.

Qantas regional flights were disrupted in June and promised to return to normal mid-July.

Several weeks on, flights have been reduced further and departure times have now been delayed to later in the day.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said it was having an impact on both the business and tourism industries.

“It’s disappointing that we are looking at more reductions this month along with many flights being moved to the middle of the day, which impedes travel plans,” he said.

“Most travellers accessing the flight connecting Geraldton to Perth represent our business community. This in turn impacts our region, and we are calling for action and stability from Qantas.

“Because of these changes, it is becoming harder for healthcare specialists who historically treated Midwest patients for the day to do so now. This is just one example that’s becoming a growing concern.”

Mid West Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Officer Joanne Fabling said the flight alterations are causing significant challenge for local and visiting businesses.

“Qantas reduced their flights to alleviate pressure on the intrastate and interstate routes to bring certainty back into their timetable whilst training new staff. We accepted this as it was put to us as it was only for a short period,” she said.

“Three months on, we are being further reduced to a middle of the day flight once a day. A schedule that does not reflect any thought into the business, health or tourism sector in either direction.

“We understand that COVID-19 has had an impact on aviation and there is going to take some time for recovery, however Geraldton is the largest regional city north of Perth. It deserves more consultation on changes to schedules prior to implementation.”

In June, Qantas cancelled a number of flights to better prevent last minute cancellations as well as changes. This month, flights are expected to reduce further.

As a result of these ongoing changes, an increased number of travellers are now resorting to driving to and from Perth. 

The City of Greater Geraldton and Mid West Chamber of Commerce and Industry understands this news will disappoint the community further and are advocating for increased flight stability and frequency.

The Bowerbird celebrates one year of operation

Customers and staff celebrate the Bowerbird’s first birthday.

Customers and staff alike came together last week to celebrate one year of the former tip shop being under City management.

Now known as the Bowerbird, the reuse facility has been embraced by the local community.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn lauded the facility as a success.

“The Bowerbird team work tirelessly to assist customers and they should be proud of their achievements,” he said.

“In just one year of operation the Bowerbird has served 17,190 customers and diverted a whopping 50,000 items from landfill.

“This kind of diversion is not only a boon for the environment and for savvy customers chasing a bargain, but it also increases life expectancy of the landfill.

“The more we can reduce and reuse, the more everybody wins!”

The City took over operation of what was then known as the ‘Tip Shop’ from MEEDAC in early 2021 as part of a two year trial.

The facility officially reopened with its bright blue facade and new name on Monday 30 August 2021.

Conveniently located on the way into the Meru Landfill facility, people are encouraged to call into the Bowerbird first to donate any items that would otherwise be thrown away.

Items accepted include furniture, household electrical appliances, tools, building materials, crockery, bric-a-brac and more.

The Bowerbird is open from 9am until 3pm Wednesday to Monday (closed Tuesday).

Shade sails reinstallation

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will begin reinstalling shade sails over playgrounds throughout the City starting the week of Monday 12 September 2022.

Works will take approximately two weeks to complete.

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.

Short Road river crossing open

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the Short Road river crossing has reopened to traffic.

Drivers are requested to proceed with caution, drive to the conditions and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

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

Celebrating language through art

Wilunyu language will be celebrated through a new exhibition set to be mounted in the Post Office Lane Lightbox Gallery and the Geraldton Regional Library as part of the Big Sky Readers and Writers Festival.

The Wilunyu Words of Wisdom Language Exhibition invites community members to create and colour-in artwork using special templates prepared by acclaimed local Aboriginal artist Nicole Dickerson, alongside words culturally approved for use.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn is looking forward to seeing what the community can produce.

“Wilunyu is the recognised Aboriginal language of the area central to Geraldton,” he said.

“Therefore it is important that we as a community respectfully safeguard its future through initiatives such as this one.

“I encourage anyone with an interest in art, language and Aboriginal culture to sign up for what I am sure will be a fantastic workshop with Nicole Dickerson, and to come down and enjoy the exhibition once it is installed.”

The Wilunyu Words of Wisdom workshop will take place on Saturday 3 September between 10.30am - 12pm at the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery.

Prizes of $350 will be awarded for the seven artworks chosen to be displayed in the Post Office Lane Lightbox Gallery.

Entries close on Monday 12 September.

The exhibition will open with a community sausage sizzle on Thursday 29 September starting at 10.30am and concluding at 11.30am.

For further information, conditions of entry and tickets to the workshop and exhibition opening see here.

This event has been made possible thanks to funding from the WA Primary Health Alliance under the Australian Government Primary Health Networks program.

Revolve Skate Series reloaded for September

The Revolve Skate Series is set to roll into Wonthella Skate Park next month, after the resurgence of COVID-19 forced event organisers to hit the brakes on the original date.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn threw his support behind the new date.

“I’m stoked to see Revolve will return to Wonthella Skate Park on Saturday 17 September,” he said.

“There is an epic prize pool of over $2,500 still up for grabs so I encourage any keen skaters to register to compete in this free event.”

Competition categories include under 8’s, under 12’s and under 16’s as well as an open category and best street trick.

Due to popular demand, an additional division for girls aged 5-16 has also been added.

Registrations are now open and competitors can sign up via the LiveHeats website.

“If spectating is more your thing, there will also be plenty of entertainment cranking throughout the day,” Mayor Van Styn added.

“The new line up of entertainment features Perth band Pretty Uglys performing alongside local legends RATSALAD.

“Demo skaters from Soggy Bones will also be joining the fray, so keep an eye on the City’s Facebook and Instagram accounts for more information!”

Competitors and spectators alike can also make the trip to Jurien Bay to participate in the second leg of the series taking place on Saturday 3 September.

The Revolve Skate Series is made possible thanks to support from Healthway, Rio Tinto, Infinity Skate WA, Jayde Fox of Geraldton Property Team and the City of Greater Geraldton.

Time to prepare for bushfire season

The City of Greater Geraldton is reminding residents now is the time to begin preparing properties for the coming bushfire season.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said works undertaken now could later save properties and lives. 

“Despite all the rain we’ve been having lately the bushfire season is just around the corner so we all need to do our part to prevent bushfires and protect our properties,” he said.

“A well prepared home and property is more likely to survive a bushfire or ember attack, will be easier to defend and less likely to put your neighbours’ homes at risk.

“Rolling up your sleeves now will go a long way to preventing the loss of your home or even your life to a devastating bush fire.”

In the weeks leading up to the 4 October 2022 firebreak deadline residents can start preparing their properties by cleaning gutters of leaves and twigs, cutting back trees and shrubs and cleaning up fallen leaves, twigs and other debris around the yard.

If you are choosing to employ local contractors this year to get the property compliant, now is the time to contact them to ensure any required works to get the property compliant with Local Government law is completed before the deadline.

All firebreak measures must be in place by 4 October 2022 and maintained to 1 May 2023.

On 5 October 2022, fire prevention work inspections will begin and property owners who have not completed the necessary works will be fined $250 for non-compliance.

Owners of vacant or undeveloped blocks under 0.4ha must have them mowed or slashed and all Wattle bush removed.

Occupied or developed properties require a three metre clearance of all flammable material around structures and buildings and Wattle bush managed.

Larger blocks will also require a mineral earth firebreak installed along the entire external boundary of the land.

For more information on preparing for bushfire season head to the City’s website here or pick up the 2022-23 Firebreak Notice from the Civic Centre on Cathedral Avenue.