Cricket talent to flock to Geraldton for tournament

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Cricket’s finest regional talent from across Australia and the East Asia Pacific are gearing up for the Toyota Australian Country Cricket Championships.

The annual tournament will kick off in Geraldton on January 5 and will run through to January 13.

A total of 13 teams including six male and seven female sides will play fixtures at various locations in the Midwest and the competition is open to the public.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the community were in for a real treat.

“We are about to see some real quality cricket here in Geraldton and I would urge everyone to check out the matches,” he said.

“The fixtures have been finalised so make sure you put them in your calendars!”

There will be a number of men and women’s T20 matches and one dayers alongside an ‘Allstars’ match with a Country Representative team playing the local Allstars that will also include a number of former Australian state cricketers.

The Allstars will include WA’s Simon Mackin, WA all-rounder Jim Allenby, as well as South Australian bowler Mark Harrity, Queensland’s Chris Simpson, WA bowler Jo Angel, New South Wales wicketkeeper Daniel Smith and Brett Geeves from East Asia Pacific.

Games will take place at various sporting grounds in Geraldton including WA Country Builders Stadium (Wonthella Oval), the Recreation Ground, Muir Park, GBSC Sports Park (Eadon Clarke Oval) with fixtures also set for Nabawa Oval.

Spectators won't have to stump up any money for entry as all games are free.

Fixtures and more information regarding the tournament can be found on the City’s website.

Do you want a NAB footy match in Gero?

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Geraldton gunning for NAB Challenge match

Geraldton is vying for an AFL NAB Challenge match and the campaign has already generated unwavering support from the community.

The City of Greater Geraldton and the Great Northern Football League have teamed up to present a strong case to bring one of the AFL’s pre-season games to the region.

City of Greater Geraldton Acting Mayor Neil McIlwaine said the economic benefits of an AFL game in Geraldton would be huge.

“A NAB Challenge game in Geraldton would generate over $1million into our economy,” he said.

“We know how much our community loves sport and we have already seen strong support to get the game here.

“We hope everyone will get behind this and help us to get it over the line.”

A letter of offer has been submitted to the AFL to help secure the game which would take place in early 2017.

GNFL President Colin Cox said the GNFL had been working towards this goal for some time.

“We are very close to being selected to host a match and a big thank you goes to the City for their help and determination in making it happen,” he said.

“The last NAB Challenge game in the region was in 2004 and since then, suitable lighting to enable games to be played at night have been installed.

“As the lights have now come to fruition the Midwest look forward to holding a NAB Challenge game allowing thousands of people across the region to access to the sport which they love and passionately support.”

Mr Cox also highlighted the fact that the Midwest produced 18.43 draftees for every 1000 male players aged between 13 and 18 for the period of 1998 to 2010. The "yield" figure was sixth-best in the country.

“The Midwest AFL production line includes past players Chris Mainwaring, Murray Wrensted, Graham Polak, Troy Cook, Daniel Chick and Brad Tunbridge, along with many others,” he said. 

“If WA’s Jaeger O'Meara and Jack Martin live up to the wraps, they won't just be following in the footsteps of fellow Midwest products Josh Kennedy, Paul Haselby and Harry Taylor, rather O'Meara and Martin will be reaffirming a statistically proven fact – that WA's Midwest produces more AFL draftees per 1000 players than any other development region in the state.”

Councillor McIlwaine is urging the community to show their support online.

“We would love for everyone to head on over to the ‘Bring a NAB Cup game to Geraldton’ Facebook page and like it and share it with your friends,” he said.

“Comment and post on the page to show your support and tell us what AFL teams you would like to see play in Geraldton.

“Seeing a huge amount of support, especially online, gives us more backing and builds a case to the AFL on how successful the event will be in the Midwest.

“We want the community, sporting groups and local businesses to really get behind this – without you, we cannot do it.”

The decision as to whether Geraldton will secure a NAB Challenge match will be made in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, community members can head to www.facebook.com/NABCupInGero and show their support by liking, sharing and commenting on the page.

#BringTheNABCup2Gero

Max Walker has died, aged 68

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Australian cricketer and TV personality Max Walker has died following a battle with cancer, at age 68. 

Wikipedia: Walker played 70 first-class games for Victoria and 38 Tests for Australia, taking 138 wickets as a medium-fast bowler. He played in 29 ODI's between 1974 and 1981, including matches during World Series Cricket from 1977 to 1979. His strange bowling action, particularly the way he moved his feet, earned Walker the nickname of "Tangles" or "Tanglefoot".

Walker became a member of the Order of Australia in 2011. 

Australian National Championships - Croquet

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Each year the Golf Croquet National Championships are played.

Six states compete and take turns to host the event. This year WA clubs hosted the various competitions held over a twelve day period.

Firstly the Gold Medal – a three day event, where each state champion (Bronze Medallist) competes for the Gold and Silver. This year, Chris McWhirter, WA and Australian Team Capotain, won the event for the fourth time.

The Men’s and Women’s Championship Singles were played next.

Geraldton’s Paul Christmass entered his first Australian event and showed that Geraldton is on the radar and does have some good local players. Paul surprised his opposition and spectators by winning many games to end up being 22nd out of 44 players….not bad for only starting to play the game about 16 months ago.

Paul Christmass

The final event was a teams’ event where the six states competed for the Interstate Shield.

This year WA came the closest ever to Victoria, only needing one more winning game against Victoria to be the outright champions….sadly it was not to be this year…but we are heading on the right direction.

Local player Kay Chynoweth was a strong contributor to the team’s result by winning 11 of the14 games she played.

Kay Chynoweth

It is very pleasing to add that, over the last ten months five state team players have visited Geraldton to play in tournaments held at the Geraldton Croquet Club. This has provided encouragement and strong competitive play for our members and has been very much appreciated.

WA Team 2016

Perth Wildcats are coming to Gero

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The Perth Wildcats are taking their Regional Trophy Tour to Geraldton next month!

Championship players Greg Hire, Jesse Wagstaff, Matt Knight, Shawn Redhage and Corban Wroe plus assistant coach Jamie O’Loughlan will be making the trip to the Mid West.

The group will be hitting Indian Ocean Drive with all seven of the club’s championship trophies in tow and visiting 11 primary and high schools over the three-day tour.

The Wildcats will also visit Midnight Basketball where they’ll meet with young players from the region.

They will also hold FOUR different coaching clinics with the players, allowing kids of all ages the unique chance to improve their skills and have a lot of fun.

The clinics will be held at Activewest Stadium after school on Thursday 30 June and Friday 1 July. There will be two more clinics on Saturday 2 July.

You can find out more information and register for the clinics NOW by clicking here.

All seven Perth Wildcats Championship Trophies will be on display at each clinic!

Everyone who signs up for a clinic will become a Perth Wildcats member and receive a free gift pack.

The Geraldton tour begins Thursday 30 June and runs till Saturday 2 July.

Gratte Cup 2016

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A strong field entered the Gratte Cup competition for 2016. It is an annual non-handicap event where a pool of low handicap players are paired with progressive partners of higher handicap and usually results in a good tight finish. This year was no exception. The tournament was ably managed by Golf Croquet Captain Anne Bunter and a field of 16 players competed for the cup.

Photograph by Maureen Nanson

This year the cup was won by Glenys Ryan pictured at left, below. The runner up was Maureen Edwards at right. Golf captain Ann Bunter is standing in the centre.

Second runner up was Paul Christmass and Ken and Jenny Morris were equal fourth. A good day of stiff competition was enjoyed by all.

Photograph by Maureen Nanson

The Gratte Cup was donated by the late Ethel Gratte as an Association Croquet Cup many years ago. It was replaced with a new Gratte Cup suppporting a golf croquet competition in the current format by her son, Stan Gratte OAM, a Geraldton identity.

Wonthella Oval lights project reaches final stage

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City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said four 43m high light towers housing 28 lights each were lifted into place yesterday bringing the project one step closer to completion.

 

 “Now that the towers and lights are in place additional works for the oval that were approved by Council in December 2015 can be undertaken,” he said.

“The existing carpark lighting needs improving and the carpark bitumen is in rough shape therefore the carpark lighting will be upgraded and the carpark surface resealed which will not only improve security, it will provide safer access for facility users. 

“Retaining walls, stairs, new ramps and hand rails will also be installed to enhance access and inclusion for all and ensure safer access to the pitch from the grandstand. 

“Once everything is completed the oval can be used for night programming including entertainment, sporting activities and competitions such as regional and state wide sports as we will finally have the necessary infrastructure needed to host these events,” said Mayor Van Styn. 

The $1.5 million project funded by Department of Sport and Recreation, Midwest Development Commission Royalties for Regions, Country Local Government Fund, AFL and the City of Greater Geraldton was awarded to local Geraldton business S&K Electrical.

“The installation of the flood lighting at the Wonthella Oval is part of the record $68.5 million the City will be spending on a wide range of capital works this financial year that are helping stimulate our local economy,” Mayor Van Styn said.

The commission of the flood lighting will be completed by 19 February 2016.

Fixing the Grass

A number of residents have expressed concerns over the state of the oval. CGG have advised us that remedial works are underway. 

"The works on remediating the oval have commenced today. The oval is expected to be ready for use at the end of March 2016."

Pic: Posted in the EG app by "tig"

​

Geraldton local Declan Knowles is the new Australian 250cc Speedway Champion

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Knowles wins Australian Championship

15 year old Geraldton resident Declan Knowles took out the 250cc Speedway Championship last month with what was described as a "dominating display."

He now has his sights set on the world championships in Europe later this year. 

According to Gillman Media, "Knowles had to come through the hard way after a big crash in his fourth ride."

Following the crash he had to repair his bike with gaffer tape, which held together long enough to make it over the finish line. 

Declan also had a stroke of luck when the race favourite, Matt Gilmore, fell early in the race. 

Declan Knowles is the first W.A rider to ever win this event.

The Race

In speedway solo racing motorcycles use only one gear and have no brakes. Racing takes place on a flat oval dirt track. Competitors use this surface to slide their machines sideways, powersliding into the corners. On larger tracks the bikes can reach up to 110km/h.  4-6 riders compete in each heat over 4 laps in an anticlockwise direction.  

Here's a short video of Declan's winning final.

"A" Final AusieTites 250cc 2016

Main Final Aussie Titles 2016 250cc- Thanks Mick

Posted by Declan Knowles Racing on Monday, February 1, 2016

Background and the future

Declan Knowles is a talented 15 year old Solo rider from Geraldton W.A who is in his 5th season of racing this year. He is the current 250cc Australian Champion and the only Western Australian to ever hold the title. He has his sights set high on this year's World Title.

Declan began his riding career on a 125cc junior bike and rode competitively at Pinjar Park on the 125cc in Perth for 3 seasons. During this time he had great success including runner up W.A State title, club championships and the Chum Taylor Foundation Cup.

From there Declan stepped up a level to the 250cc class. In his first year in this division he once again excelled, winning the W.A State Title, Fairest and Best and Club Championships. He competed in his first Australian Title on the 250cc in 2014 coming in 7th. At the 2015 Australian Title he improved on that coming in 5th which earnt him a place in the 2015 FIM World Youth Cup in France. Unfortunately he was not able to attend that event due to financial hardship. 

It was then decided that Declan should begin competing at a higher level again to improve his skill and gain more experience on other tracks, competing against other top level riders around the country. His parents put a massive amount of effort into sending Declan to various tracks and events in the eastern states which was difficult financially for the family, but a necessary step towards his goal and dream of riding overseas for Australia. It was an effort that has paid off greatly with Declan having various successful rides in State titles and events across the country and then winning the Australian 250cc Title. This win has earnt him a place to compete at he 2016 FIM World title in Germany in July this year where he has a chance at becoming World Champion 250cc.

Click here to help Declan get to Germany.

Please have a read of my fundraiser and donate to help me get to the World Cup in July. It would also be great if you...

Posted by Declan Knowles Racing on Monday, February 8, 2016

Gwn news story tonight.

Posted by Declan Knowles Racing on Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Or you might like to help out by buying this bike...

The Croquetwest State Handicap Singles

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The Croquetwest State Handicap Singles were held in Geraldton on the 8th, 9th and 10th January 2016. A Geraldton Croquet Club player, Paul Christmass topped the list in the round robin draw of 17 games. Second place was held by Martin Clarke from Mandurah, a regular player in the state squad.

Martin Clarke, left above, won the competition, defeating Paul Christmass, pictured at right, in a best of three games playoff. Martin began his croquet playing career at Geraldton Croquet Club.

Visiting Players

l-r Owen Keane (East Fremantle), Ed Parravicini (Forrest Park), Torben Bek (Forrest Park), Martin Clarke (Mandurah), John Doepel (Forrest Park), and Dorothy Bull from York.

Rankings at completion of round robin series

The Geraldton Croquet Club thanks the many members who dressed courts, provided wonderful afternoon teas, set up the clubrooms for our dinners, prepared excellent meals, provided refereeing services and managed the competition. Well done all! You have done the club proud.

Martin Clarke playing a jump shot in the final against Paul Christmass.

Plenty to do this school holidays

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The kids won’t have a chance to get bored during the school holidays as the City of Greater Geraldton kick starts its seven week long School Holiday program on Sunday 13 December.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Shane Van Styn, said this is the third school holiday program the City has pulled together and it offers a huge range of activities for kids to do.
“The program is absolutely jam packed with activities such as cartooning and hip hop dance workshops, skateboarding and basketball clinics, Kung-Fu cupcake, a disco day, sea monster mask making, dodgeball and this time around the kids can even try out stand up paddleboarding,” he said.

The City has worked closely with several local organisations to develop an exciting calendar of events and activities both here in Geraldton and also in Mullewa.

“There is a real variety of activities to choose from and most of them are free of charge however, for some of the activities spaces are limited so you will want to register early to ensure you can take part.”

For a full run down of all the events and activities and to register to attend those activities with limited spaces, visit www.cgg.wa.gov.au

Locals to sail yacht from Geraldton to Rockingham in preparation from Cockburn Sound Regatta

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On Friday 18th December, a crew of approximately 8 Geraldton crew and Skipper, will depart our pristine waters, setting sail for Rockingham, 230 Nautical Miles South, in preparation for the Cockburn Sound Regatta. 

Not only is the sail south an adventure of some significance, which may take up to 40 hours, but it is the first Geraldton yacht to nominate in a Perth regatta for some time. 

The West Coast of Australia is some of the roughest coast in the world, and is home to some of Australia’s worst maritime disasters, The Batavia and HMAS Sydney II. The coast can be strewn with boat-strangling cray pots and infested with sharks, but the crew is keen to embrace the adventure.

The Cockburn Sound Regatta, 27th-30th December, will feature 100’s of boats in various classes, and being in the festive season, will gain exposure to many tourists and Perth locals. 

The Shady Doctor, previously known as The Fremantle Doctor, is renown on the West Coast as a competitive race boat, and will gain significant interest. 

The Crew and Skipper of The Shady Doctor are keen to promote our Geraldton lifestyle to the population south of Perth, and in doing so, seek sponsorship for costs associated with the journey south, crew logistics, boat maintenance, and regatta race fees. 

In exchange for sponsorship, we can offer promotion of businesses in the form of flags featuring the business logo, Stickers on the hull, logo/sign writing on crew apparel and local promotion. Or, come aboard for some team building, and experience the thrill and exhilaration of being part of a racing crew.

 

Final results of the Geraldton Croquet Club Spring Pennants

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The victorious Blue Team, l-r Ken Morris, Maureen Edwards, Margaret Stokes and Ruth Shave.

The third and deciding round of Spring Pennants was played on 14th November 2015. The results are as follows: 

Blue Team won the Pennant by winning 11 games with a total score of 98 hoops

Black Team won 10 games, also with 98 hoops.

Red Team won 9 games with 88 hoops, and

Yellow Team won 6 Games with 58 hoops.

 

 Round Three game details:

Yellow Team: l - r Jenny, Wendy, Sheryl & Coralie. (Jenny substituted for Colin in round one)

Blue Team: l - r  Margaret, Maureen E, Ken & Ruth

Red Team: l - r Rhonda, Kay C, Pamela & Sandra. (Beth substituted for Pamela in final)

Black Team: l - r Maureen N, Robyn, Paul & Christi who substituted for Jeannette in round one.

Photos by Maureen Nanson

Regional Organisational Sustainability Program

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Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has welcomed the news that Geraldton and the Midwest have been so successful in their applications for funding through the Regional Organisational Sustainability Program.

The Department of Sport and Recreation supports regional sporting bodies through this program.

Bodies that have the responsibility of developing players, officials, coaches and events on a regional basis are provided funding through the Mid West Gascoyne office. In return, these bodies must demonstrate a high level of planning and sustainability at both an operational and strategic level.

“I’m delighted that Sport and Recreation Minister Mia Davies has approved the following funds to Geraldton and the Midwest,” said Mr Blayney.

“It is reassuring to see the hard work of these sporting organisations being rewarded,” said Mr Blayney.

“I look forward to witnessing their future successes,” Mr Blayney said.

Skateboarding clinics these school holidays

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The City of Greater Geraldton and Skateboarding WA are bringing free skateboarding clinics to Geraldton for all ages and skill levels.

Get your skateboards ready for a gnarly clinic these school holidays! The City of Greater Geraldton and Skateboarding WA are bringing free clinics to Geraldton for all ages and skill levels.

Clinics will be held on Saturday, 26 September at Wonthella Skate Park, along withgame of skate and best trick competitions.

City of Greater Geraldton Deputy Mayor, Neil McIlwaine, said skateboarding clinics had been extremely popular in the past.

“We know the community, especially our youth, love skateboarding clinics and this one certainly won’t disappoint,” he said.

“It will be held on the first day of school holidays and it’s the perfect way to kick off the holidays.

“Everyone is welcome no matter the age or skill level.”

Helmets and skateboards will be provided and registration closes 30 minutes after the event starts.

You can find the registration forms and more information by heading to this link http://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/events-calendar/1426/skateboarding-clinic

Participants under 18 require parent/guardian consent on the registration form.