8 ways to save money on your next flight

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It’s always tricky when booking a flight because you don’t know whether the price will stay the same or go up or down by this time next week. It also takes time to save up for your dream holiday and once you’ve added up the cost of accommodation, eating out, long term parking and plane tickets, you’re not left with much to spend on yourself. Kaylie, who is the manager at Flight Centre Geraldton, shows us how easy it is to save money on airfares with these handy tips. 

1.  Avoid last minute tickets

It’s a myth that flights are cheaper when booked at the last minute. In fact, the closer you book to the date of departure, the more expensive the ticket will be. Seats are priced based on availability and prices are allocated after a set amount of seats have been booked. For example, an early bird sale for the first 100 seats on a flight may cost $150 for a ticket, but once those 100 seats are sold, a new price is allocated for the next 100 seats, which may be priced at $200, and so on. Booking your tickets as early as possible is what will save you money, so try not to book them at the last minute if possible. Booking a few weeks in advance for a domestic flight is recommended.

2. Book with a representative

Instead of booking your flight online and running the risk of making a costly mistake, talk to a representative either face-to-face or over the phone and get them to book it for you. This is definitely a wise choice because you’re in the safe hands of a professional who knows what they’re doing and you will be given the best price guaranteed, along with 24/7 support when you need it. When it comes to travel, it’s best to leave it to the professionals who will find a deal that best suits you and your budget.

3. Be flexible with your dates

The most expensive time to fly in Australia is generally around the holidays, such as Easter, Christmas and school breaks. So if you’re keen to book your flights around the holidays, be open to flexibility. Booking even just a week before or after the holiday period will make a huge difference in price.

4. Book a Holiday Package

Although this isn’t classified as just an airfare, Kaylie emphasises that booking a Holiday Package instead of booking everything separately will save you hundreds of dollars. Booking a Holiday Package includes everything from return airfares, accommodation, number of nights booked, transport to and from the airport and even continental breakfasts, depending on what package you purchase. Booking a Holiday Package will also give you access to wholesale prices for accommodation, whereas if you book accommodation separately, you will be expected to pay the regular price. Depending on the time of year, you can also receive bonus night/s accommodation for free.

5. Plan ahead

If you’re looking at going overseas in several months, start planning dates and get in early. International flights are a lot different to domestic flights, so don't book just a few weeks in advance. Kaylie recommends booking international trips around 10-11 months in advance (if possible) during the international early bird period when tickets are priced at their lowest.  Note: It is not possible to book flights more than 11 months in advance.

6. Book an Airfare Package

Fight Centre has recently introduced a new promotion called the International Airfare Package, which takes some of the hassle out of organising travel and you have access to great deals and discounts. Kaylie recommends the Captain’s Premium Package, priced at only $99 and guarantees you protection from a price drop in airfares once booked (you will be paid out the difference in the form of a flight centre gift card within 30 days of purchase), $150 discount on accommodation, 24/7 customer care, transferable deposits, visa and passport checks, and zero dollar cancellation fees if you decide to cancel your booking. You will also receive a refund in one business day if you cancel.

7. Book during a travel expo period 

Flight Centre hold travel expos three times a year and they’re a great opportunity to grab a bargain when booking airfares, cruises, accommodation and even travel insurance. Their expos generally take place in February, August and November; all of which offer great deals when travelling to certain destinations at particular times in the year. A few expos include, Around The World, Discover Europe, Cruise Expo and Discover America. So if you’re looking at travelling overseas, visit their website and see what each expo has to offer.

8. Attend a film night

Flight Centre Geraldton hold film nights every three months and major wholesalers, such as Virgin Airlines, come to Geraldton and offer unbeatable bargains that are not available online. Their next film night takes place on June 17th so come along, enjoy some champagne, grab yourself a bargain and save anywhere from $300 to $700. It doesn't get much better than that.

 

Any of these handy tips has the potential to save you hundreds of dollars on your next holiday and the team at Flight Centre Geraldton are here to help you every step of the way.  Phone them on 1300 511 869 to book your next holiday.

  • They’re located at Shop 14A Stirlings Central, 54 Sanford Street Geraldton (next to Sanity)
  • Trading hours: Monday – Friday from 9:00am – 5:30pm, Saturday from 9:00am - 5:00pm and close at 9:00pm on Thursday nights.

Beach activities you can still enjoy in winter

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Winter is approaching and the weather is starting to cool down, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the beach for the next few months. Geraldton Surf & Sail stock a wide range of winter and summer gear and clothing that you can still enjoy, no matter what the weather is outside.

Wetsuits

Geraldton Surf & Sail stock a wide range of wetsuits that are designed to keep your body warm in cold water with its thermal insulation material that stops heat from escaping. Geraldton Surf & Sail stock a wide range of wetsuits, including Junior Energy S/S Springsuit, Peak Climax Pro Steamer 3/2, Peak Energy Sport John and much more. All wetsuits they stock are lightweight, comfortable to wear and don’t restrict body movement. Now you can still do the many beach and water activities you enjoyed during summer and stay warm in the process. Different types of wetsuits are designed for different temperatures, so pop in today and browse their large variety of brands and sizes.

Kayaking

Kayaking is a fun water activity/sport that can be enjoyed all year round and is fun for all ages. A kayak is a canoe-like boat with a hollowed out opening that a person can either stand or sit in. Kayaks are very lightweight and come in a variety of sizes and generally seat one or two people. Kayaking is a great way to get fit or just to sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery whilst doing some light paddling. Geraldton Surf & Sail stock ‘The Fun Ski’ that is 2.6 metres long and comes with a storage port, carry straps, water bottle cage and is available in a variety of colours. 

Sand boarding

Sand boarding is a popular beach activity for families, but is often avoided in the cooler months due to not having the right clothing. Whilst sand boarding can be done in just a t-shirt and board shorts, this choice may not the comfortable during the winter months, as summer clothes will not keep you warm. Geraldton Surf & Sail sell a decent variety of sand boards and warm clothing designed for the beach that won’t fill the car with sand afterwards. Geraldton Surf & Sail also sell FCS Wet Caps that are designed to stay secure in harsh winds and the occasional tumble.

Surfing

Geraldton Surf & Sail have prepared for the winter swells and have ordered in custom surfboards from Stuart Surf Designs. These boards are designed to be hardy and their pointed nose is able to push through choppy waves and is easier to maneuver. These boards are great for both small and medium waves and the size of the board is wide enough for the kids can have a paddle on close to the shore. And yes, Geraldton Surf & Sail also stock wetsuits for children and rashies for children.

So although the weather is cooling down, you can still enjoy the many fun beach activities, no matter what the weather is like. Head on down the Geraldton Surf & Sail today and then get on down to the beach.

  • Geraldton Surf & Sail are located at 6/208 Northwest Coastal Highway, Geraldton (in the home maker centre).
  • They’re open Monday – Friday from 9:00am – 5:00pm, Saturday from 9:00am – 2:00pm and closed Sunday.
  • Phone (08) 9921 7873. 

4 low maintenance plants that will look great in any garden

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Low maintenance plants are becoming a very popular choice in the Midwest region because they are tolerant of hot and windy weather conditions and require little watering. Low maintenance plants come in a variety of colourful species that will not only give you a beautiful looking garden, but also save you money and time in the long run. Although gardening is a fun weekend activity and is very rewarding, dying plants that fail to survive in harsh weather conditions can make the experience quite frustrating and costly.

Local nursery, Mooreview Plants and Trees, has been growing and supplying a variety of plants and trees for over 7 years that are suited to the Midwest region. Owner, Caroline Wright, says any of these 4 low maintenance plants will give you a beautiful looking garden without all the hassle in between. 

Eremophila - The Emu Bush

Caroline ranked the Emu Bush as one of her favourite low maintenance plants because of its beautiful coloured flowers and easy maintenance. Eremophila plants are guaranteed to put a splash of colour into your garden and they are very easy to maintain with their low water requirements. These plants thrive in direct sunlight and only require watering several times per year (too much water rather than not enough will kill the plant). Eremophila plants are extremely hardy and tolerate strong winds and warm weather.

Grevillia Olivacea

This lush native shrub makes a great garden hedge for blocking wind and is very easy to prune and maintain. Grevillia Olivaceas’ grow up to 2 metres tall and flower all year round. They’re adaptable to any soil condition and are a fantastic plant that will attract birds into your backyard. Once established, they no longer require hand watering, as the occasional shower of rain is more than enough. Caroline says the Grevillia Olivacea is one of the lowest maintenance plants she grows.

Westringia – Native Rosemary

Westringia’s are a low compact bush that will do great in any landscape setting and thrive in both direct sunlight and in the shade. Westringia plants tolerate hot climates very well and only require watering 1-3 times per year. Due to its compact size and rate of growth, these plants make fantastic garden hedges, so early pruning is recommended.

Anigozanthos – Kangaroo Paw

Kangaroo Paws are a fantastic and colourful plant to have in the garden that is not affected by strong winds and grows best in direct sunlight. Kangaroo Paws grow up to 2 metres tall with long flower stems that come in a variety of colours, including yellow, red, pink and orange. Kangaroo Paws have a slightly higher demand for water during the warmer months, but are still quite drought tolerant. Watering them lightly once a fortnight during warm temperatures is more than enough. Kangaroo Paws adapt well in any garden and also make great pot plants. They will thrive all year round, as long as they’re lightly watered during summer and spring. 

So, if you’re looking at giving your garden a fresh new look, why not head on down to Mooreview Plants and Trees? If you're after something different, they also have a wide range of native seedlings, fruit trees, advanced trees and exotic, non-native plants to choose from.

  • They’re located at 6538 Nangetty Road, Walkaway
  • Phone 0427 261 180
  • They’re open Monday – Wednesday, Saturday – Sunday from 9:00am – 5:00pm and closed Thursday and Friday.

5 reasons to get pet insurance

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We all love our furry friends and we want to do what’s best for them and give them a long, happy and healthy life. However, many owners have not heard of pet insurance, or are not fully aware of the benefits it provides. I am also guilty of this, where I disregarded the idea of insuring my 7 month old Bulldog, named Bibi and brushed it aside thinking, “I won’t need it, she’s young and healthy”. Consequently, several weeks after dismissing the idea, Bibi developed a slight limp and there was a distinctive clicking/popping sound coming from her hips. It turned out she had hip dysplasia, which is a degenerate joint disease that is often caused by genetics, among other environmental factors. It’s conditions like these that are very hard to detect and there’s no way of knowing it’s going to happen until it happens. Of course I’ll go through with the surgery, but purchasing pet insurance would have saved me thousands of dollars and taken some of the stress out of the situation.

Bibi, the Bulldog

After doing a bit of research, I condensed and simplified the many benefits of pet insurance into 5 key points and I encourage all pet owners to read it. Note: dogs, cats and equine animals are eligible for pet insurance.

1.) You can add pet insurance onto your existing health cover, depending on who you’re insured with. Medibank, RACQ, HCF and Bupa offer pet insurance options that you can add onto your existing policy. This makes signing up very easy and some insurance companies offer a discount to existing members.

2.) Most pet insurance companies pay anywhere from $7,000 to $20,000 in annual benefits that cover around 80% of vet bills for hundreds of conditions and procedures, including accidental injury, cancer treatment, surgery, prescription medicine, skin conditions, eye conditions, tick paralysis, gastrointestinal problems, consultations, after hours emergency care and much more. All policies vary, so be sure to read thoroughly what procedures your pet will be covered for.

3.) Pet insurance is very affordable and is worth every cent when the unexpected occurs. Policies are generally broken down into 3 different plans, being Accidental Injury Cover, Comprehensive Cover and Ultimate Comprehensive Cover (names may vary). You can apply for comprehensive insurance when your pet is over 8 weeks of age and younger than 9 years. There is no upper age limit for accidental injury cover. 

  • Accidental Injury Cover: Covers only injuries from accidents. Prices range from $13 - $20 per month.
  • Comprehensive Cover: Covers both accidental injuries and illnesses. Prices range from $40 - $60 per month. This is the most popular choice of cover.
  • Ultimate Comprehensive Cover: This is the highest policy you can get and it covers accidental injuries, illnesses and routine checkups. Routine care includes anything from vaccinations, worming, nail trimming and flea, tick and heartworm preventatives. Prices for Ultimate Comprehensive Cover range from $60 - $100 per month.

There is also the convenient option of paying fortnightly or annually for all three policies.

4.) Most pet insurance policies guarantee life-long cover for the duration your pet is insured for. This will give you that peace of mind knowing that if something ever happens, your pet will get the treatment they need without forking out thousands of dollars. Note: no pet insurance company will cover treatment costs for a pre-existing condition. Check with your provider for further clarification.

5.) It takes no more than 5 minutes to sign up and all accidental injuries are covered immediately, once approved. There is generally a 30-day wait for illness conditions and the cooling off period is around 21 days.

To find out more, feel free to get in touch with some of these pet insurance companies:

House cleaning tips for allergy sufferers

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Suffering from dust allergies can be a struggle for some and the smallest things can often trigger symptoms to develop. People with dust allergies are likely to experience anything from an itchy throat, watering eyes, and a stuffy nose to a pounding headache, sneezing and even tightness in the chest.

This makes household cleaning quite a difficult task and can do more harm than good if not maintained regularly, as it will lead to a build up of allergens. Common indoor allergens include dust mites, pet dander, fumes from cleaning products, mould and even pollen from indoor plants.

Karyn, from Norfolk Cleaning Services, has provided us with a few handy cleaning tips that can help relieve and reduce allergy symptoms. She also emphasises that regular household cleaning is strongly encouraged to keep on top of the build up of dust and other allergens.

Vacuum regularly:

Dust is one of the most common allergens in homes. Thankfully, it is manageable through regular vacuuming of carpets and window tracks. Dust builds up quickly and if vacuuming only occurs once or twice a month, you will most likely trigger allergy symptoms by bringing up excess dust into the air when cleaning. A simple vacuum once or twice a week is the best thing you can do to keep on top of it.

Use a HEPA filter:

HEPA vacuum filters are designed to remove dust that is both on the ground and in the air, through its powerful suction. Many older modelled vacuum cleaners do not have HEPA filters, which is why some older vacuum cleaners collect dust and blow some of it back out into the air. So investing in a HEPA filtration model vacuum cleaner is a wise choice and they’re sold in most white goods stores. 

Switch cleaning chemicals:

While most cleaning chemicals are effective, certain brands that are scented can easily trigger allergies for those who are sensitive to the fumes. If this is the case for you, Karyn recommends switching to a diluted white vinegar solution and/or fragrant free cleaners which are available in most shopping centres.

Check for and remove mould:

If you notice a few specks of mould, the best thing to do is wait until the surface is completely dry before treating it. Turning on a fan for a few hours will do the trick. Once thoroughly dry, mix vinegar and baking soda with warm water and spray the solution onto the affected area. It is recommended to wait a few hours and then remove the mould with a normal scrubbing brush. Remember, mould can grow anywhere in the house, so using non-toxic chemicals is the safest solution for your family and pets.

Leave it to the professionals:

The best way to avoid irritations and allergies from cleaning is to either get someone else who doesn’t suffer from allergies to do it for you, or leave it to the professionals. Norfolk Cleaning have been operating in Geraldton for over 20 years and specialise in all areas of cleaning and are here to do the hard work for you.  For more tips on how to allergy-proof your home, give their friendly team a call today.

  • Norfolk Cleaning Services are open Monday – Friday from 7:00am – 5:00pm
  • Phone 0409 374 572

Mid West Weddings – 3 Ceremonies They Perform Which You Might Not Know About

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Barry Lance from Mid West Weddings is a local celebrant based here in Geraldton and has become a popular choice for couples who are getting married. We caught up with Barry where he discussed a bit about him, his business and 3 other ceremonies he performs as well as wedding ceremonies.

How long have you been doing weddings for?

Barry has been doing weddings for over 30 years in any location requested. Barry has been all over the Midwest, including Perth, Kalgoorlie, Monkey Mia and even locations outside of WA, including Tasmania and Bali. Whatever location your wedding is being held, Barry Lance is happy to conduct it.

What types of ceremonies do you do?

When is comes to wedding services, Barry does the whole range and his services are available to everyone.  While the vast majority of his work is devoted to weddings, he also performs several other ceremonies.

Renewing vows: At a renewal ceremony, you have the same options as you would at a wedding ceremony. The ceremony can be as varied as you like and you don’t need a new marriage license or bring in your original. Renewing wedding vows is a beautiful ceremony and is a popular choice.

Naming of children: A naming ceremony is an exciting and important experience for some parents and is a special occasion. Some parents who wish to hold a naming ceremony want to celebrate the birth of their child, which is an intimate experience and can be shared with family and close friends.

Commitment ceremonies: Commitment ceremonies are the perfect alternative to marriage for same sex couples (who under current Australian laws are not permitted to marry). Couples exchange rings, write their own vows and sign their own Vow of Commitment Certificate. Commitment ceremonies are also a good idea for couples that wish to get married overseas and can’t take their wedding papers with them.

Do you sometimes liaise with other wedding services and planners? 

While some celebrants do cover additional roles for weddings, this is not a common request and one that Barry does not do. However, being in the business for over 30 years, Barry has a wide range of connections with other wedding businesses, including photographers, venue hiring, catering, florists and much more. So he certainly has a long list of recommendations for your convenience. 

How long is your waiting list?

This is a difficult question to answer, because in order for a couple to book a celebrant, they must sign a Notice Of Intended Marriage (NOIM) document, which is valid for 18 months, meaning you can’t technically book over 18 months in advance. When signing the NOIM document, you are required to pay a deposit and you can then pick a date that is available. Although 18 months is technically the waiting list, Barry is more than happy to make a ‘verbal agreement’ booking with couples that wish to book past 2017. Although it is not an official booking, Barry will hold spots for couples until further notice or until it is time to sign the NOIM document.

Do you have any advice for couples when it comes to planning their wedding?

It’s easier said than done; but the best thing to do is just to relax and try not to stress too much about planning and don't overwork yourself. It's the golden rule. Barry is here to make your special day a fun and memorable celebration. Barry also goes over the 3 steps for organising a celebrant for your wedding.

  • Step 1: Meet with your celebrant and sign the noim document. You can then go over ideas for your wedding, have a look at sample vows and pay your deposit.
  • Step 2: Signing of the Statuary Declaration document stating that there’s nothing impeding your marriage to your partner. You can then look at the draft form of the ceremony and you have the opportunity to make any changes if need be. You will also pay the remaining balance to the celebrant.
  • Step 3: This involves the rehearsal to make sure nothing goes wrong. This makes sure that everyone knows the general layout of the venue everyone and where and when to stand. A rehearsal is optional, though.

Barry is nearing his 500th wedding this year and does roughly 40 weddings and ceremonies each year. If you’re looking for a celebrant for your wedding or special occasion, phone Barry Lance, who is here to help make it a stress free and memorable occasion.

 Phone 0438 454 213 

How to Choose the Perfect Mattress

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Choosing the right mattress is not an easy task and making a decision involves a number of factors such as size, support, cost, environment and more. Often, people who are browsing for a mattress do not take these important factors into consideration and end up buying a mattress that does not suit their lifestyle.

No matter what your budget or lifestyle is, Batavia Furniture & Bedding have many mattresses to choose from and guarantee they’ll find the perfect mattress for you. Jacinta from Batavia Furniture & Bedding explains the 6 key guidelines when investing in your next mattress.

Lie on the mattress: 

This is one of the most important factors when purchasing a mattress because often, people don’t know what they want until they try it, especially in this circumstance. Jacinta recommends lying on the mattress in your normal sleeping position to see if it’s comfortable and if you can stretch out properly. This is especially important for those who share a bed.  

Partner disturbance:

Some people toss and turn more than others and this can really get in the way of your sleep. If your partner is a restless sleeper or they often get up in the middle of the night for a glass of water, a pocket spring mattress is the choice to go with. A pocket spring mattress offers great support by distributing you and your partner’s body weight evenly through the connected springs. If for example, your partner were to get out of bed, you should feel little or no movement in the mattress. However, if this isn’t an issue for you and you’re after a mattress that is light and low maintenance, then a coil spring mattress is the way to go.

Left to right: Pocket Coils, Coil Springs.

Level of firmness:

Often when people have had a mattress for many years and are looking to buy a new one, they’re going to choose a mattress that has the same level of firmness (soft, medium, firm) as their old one. Some people don’t actually know that there are different levels of firmness to a mattress and end up picking a mattress that looks similar to their old one. Try each mattress out and get a feel for which one is most comfortable for you. It’s encouraged to lie down for a considerable amount of time, as often, people have pressure points that aren’t identified when lying down for just a few seconds.

Left to right: Firm, Medium, Soft.

Asthma and Allergy Sufferers:

If you’re an asthma and/or allergy sufferer, narrow your choice down to a mattress that is HealthVantage guaranteed. HealthVantage's organic cotton foam provides protection and peace of mind against dust mites that can cause asthma and allergy symptoms. HealthVantage is also anti fungal and anti bacterial, which will help you get a better night sleep and maintain the quality of your mattress.

Back pain:

Batavia Furniture & Bedding have a wide range of orthopaedic approved mattresses to choose from for those who suffer from arthritis, back pain and other orthopaedic complaints. Orthopaedic approved mattresses are designed to last and improve quality of sleep due to the level of comfort and support it provides. Brands that are orthopaedic approved include Stuart’s House of Bedding, Sleep Revolution and Simply the Best.

Pillow Tops:

There is a range of mattresses that comes with pillow tops. Some are designed for support and others are designed just for added comfort. Gel tops are a popular choice for those who are hot sleepers by moderating body temperature with their water-based foam. Latex tops provide the ultimate comfort experience with their packed padding and allow the mattress to breath. And high-density foam is perfect for pocket spring mattresses and is a cost effective option for those who are on a budget.

Jacinta emphasises that there is never a silly question that can be asked. Buying a mattress is a big buying decision and Jacinta encourages customers to ask as many questions as possible. If you’re looking at buying a mattress, come see the team at Batavia Furniture & Bedding who will help choose the perfect mattress for you.

  • They’re located at 210 North West Coastal Highway, Geraldton (In the Home Maker Centre).
  • Phone (08) 9921 4191.
  • They’re open Monday – Friday from 9:00am – 5:30pm, Saturday from 9:00am – 3:00pm and closed Sunday.  

The 5 most requested orders at Gearing Butchers

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Gearing Butchers is a family owned and operated business, servicing Geraldton with top quality meat choices with exceptional service. Owner, Debbie Gearing, has been running the Gearing Butchers since 2005 and has narrowed down 5 of her most requested orders out of the hundreds of products they sell.

1.)  Sausages:

Gearing Butcher’s sausages are a huge hit for customers and are one of their most common requests. Due to the wide range of sausages they serve, it was hard to narrow down just one type. However, the three most popular choices of sausages requested are Peppered Steak, Herb & Garlic and Tomato & Onion.  These three types of sausages are only $10.00/Kg and also come pre-packed for your convenience.

 

2.)  Meat Packs:

Gearing Butchers have several different sized meat packs available which is perfect for those who like to buy in bulk, for family barbeques or for a camping trip. Their meat packs are a popular choice at Gearing Butchers because customers can pick a pack that suits them or they can make up and customise their own pack for added convenience.  They have a range of packs including:

  • The BBQ Pack: Contains a combination of sausages, rissoles, one rump steak and two pork chops. This is perfect for family barbeques and get together’s with friends. The BBQ Pack is only $25.99 and comes in multiples sizes at an additional cost.
  • The Campers Pack: Contains one kilogram of bacon, one kilogram of sausages, one rump steak, one dozen eggs and one bottle of sauce of your choice. The Campers Pack is only $44.99.
  • $55.00 Pack: Contains a range of different meats amounting to one kilogram each of chops, rissoles, sausages, beef ribs, mince and chicken pieces.

3.)  Chicken Cordon Bleu:

Their famous Chicken Cordon Bleu’s are a popular choice and are prepared with sliced virginian ham and cheese wrapped in a skinless chicken breast and coated in golden bread crumbs. This product is only $16.00 per kilogram and is a dish the whole family can enjoy.

4.)  Marinated Meats:

Gearing Butchers serve a range of marinated meats including chicken kebabs, beef ribs, pork/ lamb chops, and pork spare ribs, just to name a few. Different marinades include honey mint & rosemary, barbeque, chilli, red wine and garlic, honey mustard, honey soy, satay, plum pork and much more. Each product is packed with flavour and ranges from only $10.00 - $16.99 per kilogram. 

5.)  Roasts:

From blade roasts, rolled roasts, silverside, lamb legs, whole chickens, boneless pork legs and top side roasts, Gearing Butchers have it all and are a great choice for Sunday roasts. All roasts are carved carefully by their experienced butchers and are available for purchase daily. The prices for their roasts vary by what kind of meat you are after and the weight.

Gearing Butchers operate in multiple stores around Geraldton including:

  • Shop 8 Tarcoola Shopping Centre, Paringa Street Geraldton.
  • Shop 4 Bluff Point Shopping Centre, 429 Chapman Road Geraldton.
  • 179 Durlacher Street Geraldton

They’re open Monday – Saturday from 8:30am and closing time varies from each store. Phone for details.

  • Mount Tarcoola: (08) 9921 4656
  • Bluff Point: (08) 9923 1545
  • Durlacher Street: (08) 9921 2054

Clark Rubber sell more than just pools

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Clark Rubber Geraldton don’t just stock a wide range of pools and spas. They also sell an even bigger range of products for all of your indoor and outdoor living needs. Clark Rubber Geraldton focuses on three main categories: Pools, Foam and Rubber.

Foam & Bedding:

Clark Rubber stocks a range of sleeping solutions, including mattresses, overlays, pillows, nursery bedding, air beds and much more. Whether it’s specialty foam, chiropractic cushions, foam chairs, memory foam overlays, or even portable beds for camping, Clark Rubber have the lot and can cut foam to what ever size or shape you are after. They also stock children’s foam accessories, including toy foam alphabet tiles that are both educational and durable, which will last for years to come.  

Rubber & Flooring:

Get the look you have always wanted without breaking the budget. Clark Rubber has a wide range of indoor/outdoor flooring that includes artificial turf, carpet (for cars, boats, inside and outside flooring and carpet protectors), automotive rubber flooring, rubber tiles, pavers and much more. Transform your back patio and pool surroundings with one of their many flooring options that are low cost and easy to replace if you’re after a new look a few years down the track.

Pools & Spas:

You already know that Clark Rubber sell a wide variety of pools and spas. You probably also know that they sell a range of packages including family pools, blow up pools, pool covers, spas and even blow up spas. But did you know that they also stock everything you need to keep your pool or spa in great condition? Whether it’s pool chemicals, water analysis/testing or even robotic cleaners, Clark Rubber stock the lot at competitive prices. They also sell water filters, pumps, swimming aids, pool toys, snorkeling gear, kids surfboards, sun lounges and much more.

They’re the business that specialises in all of your outdoor living needs under one roof who do more than just pools and spas. Give their friendly team a call today to see what they can do for you.

  • Clark Rubber are located at 85 Durlacher Street, Geraldton.
  • They’re open Monday – Friday from 9:00am – 5:30pm and open Saturday – Sunday from 9:00am – 4:00pm.
  • Phone (08) 9965 3000 

What to do for your child’s next birthday party

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Is your child’s birthday coming up? Have you started planning a party for them but are stuck on ideas for fun filled activities? A child’s birthday party is a day they look forward to all year, so naturally, you want to throw them the best party possible. But planning a party for young children can be challenging and often, it becomes more stressful than what it should be. Several businesses in Geraldton are here to help and can make your child’s next party a day to remember.

Hop-Upon-A-Pony:

Lets face it, at some point during our childhood, we wanted to have a pony at our birthday party more than anything…even the boys, I’m sure. And your children most likely relish the idea as well. Pony rides have been a huge hit at parties for many years and the only flaw in this otherwise perfect form of party entertainment is that your children wont want them to leave. Hop-Upon-A-Pony is a family owned & operated business based in Deepdale, Geraldton. They offer pony rides for children’s birthday parties for all age groups, which can be held in your very own backyard or at a park. They can even dress their ponies up to a theme of your child’s choice. You can book one pony for 2 hours for $180 or two ponies for 2 hours for $250.

Amberland Inflatables:

Having a bouncy castle in your own backyard will keep the kids happy and you’ll be the talk of the town (or should I say, in the classroom), being known as “the coolest parents ever”. Bouncy castles are a great form of entertainment where the fun doesn’t stop. Amberland Inflatables, based in Boyanup, travel around Western Australia during the school holidays and have a wide range of inflatables from giant water slides to small bouncy castles for the backyard. Prices vary in terms of what sized inflatable you're after and bookings are based on when Amberland are travelling to Geraldton, so it is recommended to book a couple of months in advance.

Aquarena:

The Aquarena has always been a favourite at children's parties with their many different facilities available to hire. The Aquarena has giant inflatable fun factories for hire, including the BIFF, SMIFF and WIFF. If inflatables aren’t your child’s cup of tea, their Tarzan Rope is also a popular choice in the pool. Don't let the cold weather ruin your child's special day. If it's a bit nippy, their Leisure Pool, which is heated to 29 degrees and contains the 47 metre Flume Slide is guaranteed not to disappoint. To find out more about their prices and availability, visit their website.

It’s All Sorted:

If you don’t have the time to organise your child’s next party, or just don’t know where to start, phone It’s All Sorted, who can do all the hard work for you. It’s All Sorted specialise in a variety of organisational services, including business administration, fundraisers, organisational assistance, promotion assistance, event set up, children’s parties and much more. See what they can do for your next party by giving them a call today.

These are great party ideas and are guaranteed to leave your child grinning from ear to ear. Make your child’s next birthday party a memorable one while you sit back, relax and watch the fun unfold!

  • Hop-Upon-A-Pony are available 7 days a week through bookings and will come to you.
  • Phone 0417 182 815.

 

  • Amberland Inflatables are available via bookings during the school holidays and will come to you.
  • Phone 0429 376 737.

 

  • The Aquarena are open Monday – Friday from 5:30am – 8:00pm and Saturday – Sunday from 9:00am – 6:00pm.
  • They’re located on Pass Street, Geraldton (across from Auto Pit Stop).
  • Phone (08) 9956 6906.

 

  • It’s All Sorted operate mobile in and around Geraldton 7 days a week and are available via bookings.
  • Phone 0458 271 853.

Ways to recognise and prevent a computer infection

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A computer virus is a program or programming code that infects your computer by self-replicating and infecting files throughout your computers system. There are many forms of computer infections, such as Ransomware, Web Browser Hijacking, Adware, your common Malware programs and much more. Many of these infections try (and in many cases, succeed) to access your personal information, erase data and send mass spam emails to infect other hosts, although it depends from case to case.

Rohan Norris from Norris & Hyde IT has dealt with hundreds of computers and laptops infected with viruses and say it's an easy trap to fall victim to. Many people aren't aware what they're clicking on or downloading is actually malware. Rohan has shared with us what to look out for and how to prevent a computer infection.

Ransomware: Crypto Locker/Wall:

The major variant that is going around right now is the Crypto Locker/Wall which can infect your computer once a spam email has been opened. A common infected email going around right now claim they are from companies like the ATO or postal services stating that your documents are attached. Once the attachment is opened, it will encrypt all of your files and you will be held ransom to pay for the decryption key. Rohan explains that once your files have been encrypted, you will notice a pop-up on your desktop explaining exactly what has happened and requesting payment in the form of 'bitcoins'. Once payment is received, they will supposedly supply a decryption key to unlock all your data. 

The best way to prevent this happening is not to open any emails from an unknown sender and to be very cautious when opening attachments or clicking on URL links. The most common giveaway is when the attachments are zipped (.zip). Even if the email says that there is a document/PDF/Excel attached, pay close attention to the title of the attachment. Because chances are, it will report as something similar to ".doc.zip". As soon as the attachment is opened, all files on your computer will then be encrypted. 

Web Browser Hijacking:

If your usual search engine is Google for example, and you suddenly notice that it has changed to Ask.com, Delta Search or even Yahoo, it’s very likely that your normal web browser has been hijacked and all your web search results won’t be legitimate. Many of these search results show a large amount of advertising before showing anything legitimate. For example, if you’re searching for a dog bed online, the first 5-10 results will be advertisements that have been integrated with your hijacked search engine and all 5-10 advertisements will be infected with malware.

This is a very easy virus to fall victim to, especially when downloading or updating software. Java is a good example. Although Java is a legitimate and safe program to use, you can infect your computer once the installation is complete. Once installed, you’ll be presented with several ‘tick boxes’, which many of us do not read. The most common tick box to cause web browser hijacking is “do you want to change your search/home page over to Ask.com?”. These boxes are often already ticked, so if you don’t uncheck boxes like this, your normal web page will be hijacked and you may fall victim to advertisements that contain malware. In order to prevent this from happening, pay close attention to what you’re downloading or updating and make sure you read what boxes you are ticking or accepting.

Malware:

  • As mentioned before with Crypto Locker/Wall, do not open emails with unusual subjects, even from your friends. For example, if you get an email and the subject is “take a look at this it will make you LOL” from an old friend or work mate, it's more than likely malware and it’s very easy to identify. Sadly, once a computer is infected, it will spread through to other hosts via spamming emails. And chances are, the person doesn’t even know their computer is infected. So if you receive any emails from someone who you don’t normally talk to on a regular basis or the subject seems ‘off’, do not open any link or attachments they have sent. The best thing you can do is reply and let the person know you have received their email and their computer is infected. It is safe to open and reply to the email, but do not open any attachments or click on any links.

 

  • Another giveaway that your computer is infected with malware is an unusual or excessive amount of toolbars in your Internet Browser that you have never seen or used before. This can be caused through clicking or downloading fake advertisements and software. Once your computer is infected with this type of malware, it has the ability to manipulate your search engine and add additional toolbars that can do more harm to your computer if clicked on.

 

  • If an antivirus alert that you have never seen before pops up on your computer, do not click on it. A classic line is “Warning—your computer is infected! They may cause critical system failure. Click here to get available software”. This is a virus that leads you into thinking your computer is infected and to perform a ‘scan check’, which is actually an infected file. It is relatively easy to recognise a fake virus alert when it pops up out of the blue and you have never seen it before.

Unfortunately, some computer infections cause devastating effects and can wipe months even years' worth of important data off your system, access your personal information or worse, completely wipe your computer. Fortunately, Norris & Hyde IT have several types of antivirus software available to protect your computer.

Avast Free Antivirus: Avast is an antivirus/spyware protection program that continuously updates its database of virus definitions to maximise protection for Windows, Android and Apple MacOS. Avast is free for 12 months for home users and they also have paid subscriptions for greater protection.

Trend Micro Security: Trend Micro Security provides comprehensive, multiple device privacy protection against malware and blocks sites trying to trick you into downloading harmful content. This program is perfect for families where multiple devices are used under one roof. Trend Micro Security protects both Android and iOS Mobile Devices. The cost for Trend Micro Security ranges from $49.95 to $199.90 per year, depending on how many devices you want protected.

Trend Micro Worry Free Business Security: This software provides complete user protection designed for businesses and protects employees. Trend Micro Worry Free protects everyone in the office and safeguards your email, web activity, file sharing and more. Trend Micro Worry Free pricing is dependent on the end users computer systems, ie. Server configuration and total amount of computers.   

If you believe your computer is infected with malware, speak to Rohan and the team at Norris & Hyde IT who provide fast on-site service to anywhere throughout WA. Norris & Hyde IT can supply and install antivirus software to prevent infections, as well as professional backup systems for recovery purposes if the worst case scenario does happen.

  • Norris & Hyde are open Monday – Friday from 8:00am – 5:00pm with after hours support available 24/7.
  • They’re located at 36 Chapman Road, Geraldton. 
  • Phone (08) 9964 6448

What solar energy can do for you and the environment

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As many of you know, solar power energy has proven to be very cost effective for households and businesses and can reduce your electricity bills by a substantial amount; but did you know by how much? Not only does solar energy keep you and your wallet happy, but it also reduces your carbon footprint by reducing greenhouse gases.

There are two forms of solar power energy: one being Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) and the other being Solar Photovoltaic (PV). The one we’re going to focus on is Solar Photovoltaic, which captures the sun’s energy through fitted solar panels to generate electricity cleanly and quietly. You’ve probably seen these solar panels on the roofs of quite a few buildings and homes across town.

Scott Phillips from Sun City Solar has been installing and maintaining solar panels for Geraldton homes and businesses since 2006 and delivers a cleaner alternative to generating electricity through his quality products. Being in the business for over 9 years, Scott has seen the benefits first hand and encourages all households to consider switching to solar power. Once you read some of their many benefits, you’ll wish you had switched sooner.

Reduces your electricity bills:

Solar panels convert light energy directly from the sun into electrical energy (this does not include hot water systems). Getting your electricity free from the sun through solar panels can reduce your electricity bills by up to 60%, which works out to be around $1,200 per year for the average household. The suns natural resources are free to use, so why haven’t you switched yet?

Environmentally friendly:

Everybody knows that switching to solar energy is better for the environment because electricity is converted from a natural energy source. But did you know by how much?  Scott explains that solar energy helps reduce one’s carbon footprint by up to 1.1 tonnes of carbon dioxide per kW for each solar panel installed. Can you think of the difference this will make if we all switched?

It’s easier to get than you think:

Having a solar energy system installed for your home or building is easier than you once thought and the process doesn’t drag on for months, like some people think. Sun City Solar state that there’s only a 6-8 week approval process, which involves an assessment of your home, measuring the size of your roof and determining what area and angle is most efficient for maximum exposure to sunlight. Once approval has been processed, Sun City Solar can fit your solar panels in just one day and you can enjoy energy directly from the sun that day, too!

Minimal maintenance:

Once your solar panels have been fitted, you’re set for years to come and don’t have to worry about additional repair costs. Just sit back and enjoy energy free from the sun and save along the way. All panels fitted by Sun City Solar come with a 20-year warranty that covers all repairs and maintenance costs. So if you’re experiencing some system faults with your solar panels for whatever reason, they will be repaired for free, providing they’re still under their 20-year warranty.

So if you’re tossing up the idea of switching to solar, speak to Scott and the team at Sun City Solar who will go over everything that’s involved and will look after you for years to come. The average cost for a solar energy system is $5,000 including installation.

  •  Sun City Solar are open Monday – Friday from 8:00am – 5:00pm and closed weekends.
  • They’re located at 140 Flores Road, Geraldton.
  • Phone (08) 9965 4089.

5 Handy Tips to Pass Your Practical Driving Assessment

/ Martin's Motorcycle & Driver Training/

Getting your log book is an exciting experience because you’re just one step closer to being able to drive by yourself. That sense of independence is like no other. One of the most exciting things for me was no longer needing to phone my parents every time I required a lift to and from work. So once you pass your Practical Driving Assessment, you’re then on your way to getting your license.

But let’s not get too ahead of ourselves...you have to pass your assessment first, and Martin’s Motor Cycle & Driver Training are here to help you every step of the way. Owners, Craig and Sandie Martin, say that if you follow these 5 simple tips, you’ll be on your way to driving independently!

1. Start with an instructor:

So you’ve passed your online Learners Theory Test and now have your learners permit. Brilliant. Now you’re on your way towards getting your log book with 25 hours of practice in between. Sandie highly recommends that the first person you should really start off your driving with is your instructor. There’s nothing wrong with driving with a parent at first, but times have changed and there are now different road rules and protocols that your parents may not even know about. So the last thing you want is for Mum or Dad to accidentally teach you bad habits when you’re just learning how to drive.

Sandie recommends having around 3-5 lessons with an instructor first before you start driving with a parent. You can even have Mum or Dad in the backseat while having your lesson. That way, it gives both of you the opportunity to learn about any new road rules you may be unaware about and to ask questions at the end.

2. Get used to driving with different people:

When you eventually sit your Practical Driving Assessment, you’ll be sitting next to someone that is a complete stranger. And to some, this can be quite nerve-racking, which can cause you to slip up and make mistakes you wouldn’t normally make. So the best thing to do is to practice driving with as many different people as possible. This can be your Mum, Dad, Aunty, Uncle, or even your neighbour. Because once you sit your test, you won’t even notice that it’s with a stranger and the nerves will settle. 

3. Practice in wet weather:

Weather can be extremely unpredictable; so you’re going to want to practice in all weather conditions before you do your test. Driving in the rain is completely different to driving on a dry road. So prepare yourself for every possible scenario and take the proper precautions if it begins to rain during your assessment. Failing to slow down on a slippery road will definitely deduct a lot of points from your overall mark.

4. Don’t be put off by your assessor writing:

One of the main reasons as to why students fail their Practical Driving Assessment is because nerves get in the way. This may cause learners to do things they wouldn’t normally do, such as failing to give way, speeding or rolling through a stop sign. You’ll notice that throughout the test, your assessor will be writing down notes. Don’t let this put you off. They’re just ticking the tasks that you have already completed and yes, they may be writing something negative, but chances are, they’re also writing something positive about your driving performance. Constantly looking over to see what your assessor is writing will take your eyes off the road, which can cause an accident. Don’t get distracted by them doing their job.

5. Have a lesson beforehand:

Sandie and Craig recommend having a lesson one week before your test, and a final lesson an hour before your test. Having a lesson one week beforehand will allow your instructor to correct any bad habits that may have been developed, and having a lesson one hour beforehand will calm your nerves and it gives your instructor the opportunity to rectify any small errors that have been made.

 

 It is also a wise idea to undergo your assessment in your instructors’ car. This is because the car you might want to use may not meet the road safety standards. For example, you may have only one tail light working and not even know about it because it’s on a part of your car which you don’t normally look at while driving. Handbrakes are also a good example. If your cars handbrake isn’t situated in the centre console, the car cannot be used for the assessment. This is because if the handbrake is in a location that the assessor doesn’t have easy access to, there’s no way for them to stop the car if an accident is about to occur. Using your instructors’ car is the wisest thing to do, as it not only meets the road safety standards, but it’s also a car that you are relatively familiar with, especially if you're doing a lesson right before your test.

Doing the test really isn’t as frightening as it sounds and chances are, if you’re confident and know what you’re doing, you’ll pass it with flying colours. If you are a learner and are looking at doing your Practical Driving Assessment, speak to Sandie or Craig Martin from Martin’s Motor Cycle & Driver Training. They specialise in all forms of driver training, including motor vehicles (both manual and automatic), motorcycles, scooters, trucks and more. They operate in Geraldton, but travel all over the Midwest for remote customers.

  • They’re located on 32 Bedford Street, Geraldton.
  • Phone 0457 377 714
  • They’re open all hours from Monday – Sunday 

3 Dishes You Have to Try at Wood Fired Roasts

/ Wood Fired Roasts/

Wood Fired Roasts have become a well-known business in Geraldton who serve a delicious range of roasts and finger foods, along with sweets and an assortment of cool drinks that can be home delivered or picked up.

Take a night off from cooking and enjoy one of their succulent roasts or crispy spring rolls. You’ll never want to cook again!

1. Roast Beef, Lamb and Pork Combo

Can’t decide what type of meat you want for dinner? Why not have it all? Wood Fired Roasts have a combo meal that includes roast beef, lamb and pork, all of which are cooked in their wood fired oven to give it that delicious smoky taste.

Their famous combo also comes with peas, cauliflower cheese, roast potatoes, pumpkin, carrot and a dinner roll with gravy. Their combo is only $15 and includes FREE delivery.

 2. Lamb Shank

Treat your taste buds by trying one of their delicious lamb shanks that are cooked to perfection, using their wood fired oven. All lamb shank meals come with roasted vegetables, including garlic and tomatoes that will leave you coming back for more. Their lamb shank meals are only $15 and include FREE delivery.

 3. Spring Rolls

Their Vietnamese spring rolls are a popular choice in the kitchen and you’ll see why once you’ve tried them. Their spring rolls are freshly made with cabbage, mince and carrot and are served with a side of sweet chili sauce. Their spring rolls are an absolute bargain at only $10 for a pack of 5.

There is a different roast for every day, so see what the specials are for this week by browsing their Facebook page.

Contact Wood Fired Roasts on 0429 646 800 to place your order

They’re located at 44B Lawley Street. You have the choice to either pick up your food or have it delivered. There is no dine in. 

They’re open from Wednesday – Sunday from 5:00pm – 8:00pm

Benefits of 5 Natural Therapies You May Not Know About

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Natural Therapy is a form of alternative medicine that is non-invasive and delivers a holistic approach without the use of medication or surgery. Natural Therapy, also known at Naturopathy, is based on the belief that the body has the ability to heal itself through various natural methods; including reiki, acupuncture, reflexology and much more.

Ocean Ridge Beauty & Wellness Centre specialises in a range of Natural Therapies and has shared with us what each one is and some of the benefits they provide.

1. Reiki: Reiki is a traditional Japanese form of hands on healing, allowing the life force energy that flows inside us to charge the affected parts of the mind and body with positive energy to promote relaxation and natural healing. Some of the benefits of reiki include the release of stress and tension, increased energy levels, clearing of the mind, relief of pain and aids in better sleep.

Reiki is performed with the premise that our life force and energy that flows inside our body can be used to provide relief for some medical conditions. Although the premise is hypothetical, many patients come out saying that they feel an increase in energy and relief has been provided to the area of discomfort.

2. Acupuncture: Good health requires good circulation. Acupuncture relieves pain, illness and restores normal function by bringing the body back into balance and restoring circulation of blood, energy and body fluids. An acupuncturist chooses specific points on the body to restore this circulation and proceeds by inserting fine, sterile needles into the targeted area to restore balance and encourage self-healing. Acupuncture is known to treat a range of conditions including:

  • Neurological conditions - including headaches, migraines, insomnia, dizziness and nervous tension.
  • Skin conditions - including eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, scar tissue, hair loss and acne.
  • Sporting injuries - including sprained joints, torn muscles and ligaments, bruises and cartilage problems. 
  • Psychological conditions - including depression, phobias, anxiety and emotional trauma.

 

3. Indian Champissage: This is a seated massage that focuses on the shoulders, neck, scalp, face and ears. This massage is a relaxing experience that stimulates blood circulation to loosen muscles in the neck, shoulders and scalp which can provide pain relief, release of anxiety and tension, relief from insomnia and promotes clearer thinking.

Indian Champissage is a relaxing therapy that is safe, non-invasive and is known to provide relief after one session.

4. Ear Candling: This therapy involves lighting one end of a hollow natural ear candle and placing the other end in the ear canal.  This non-invasive relaxing therapy acts as a vacuum and draws out excessive earwax which can provide many benefits including regulating ear pressure, relief from headaches, swimmers ear, tinnitus and even relief from certain allergies. If done correctly, ear candling can be a safe and relaxing experience.

5. Reflexology: Reflexology is a form of pressure massage that is applied to the feet and directs the body’s healing energies towards promoting healthy organ function through hidden meridians and pressure joints. Certain parts of the body correspond to different areas in the body’s system when pressure is applied. If this is done correctly, it may have a beneficial effect on one’s general health. Reflexology aids in reducing stress, insomnia, headaches and improving the immune system through the body’s natural ability to heal and re-balance itself.

 If you are interested in knowing more about Natural Therapies and what they have to offer, speak to the team at Ocean Ridge Beauty & Wellness Centre, who are located at 241c Lester Avenue, Geraldton.

They’re open Monday from 9:00am to 4:30pm, Tuesday – Wednesday, Friday from 9:00am to 5:30pm, Thursday from 9:00am – 8:00pm and Saturday from 9:00am – 1:00pm. Phone (08) 9965 5999.

8 Tips Every DIY Painter Needs To Know

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Whether it’s painting your own room, decorating a nursery or even just touching up some run-down looking doors, painting can be an exciting process and if done correctly, you can transfer your next project into a work of art. There’s a lot of work and preparation that needs to be done before you start painting, as poor preparation can compromise the final result and the life of the paint. So what do I do first? What do I need to know before I start painting? Well, Ben France from City in Colour has shared with us 8 handy tips every do-it-yourselfer should know before starting your next project. 

1. Remove foreign objects: If you’re looking at painting your wall, you’ll need to remove anything that is hanging on, or near the area you plan on painting. This includes hooks, hanging pictures, clocks, light switches and blinds. These are fairly easy to take on and off and it will save you a lot of hassle in the future. Because the last thing you want to do is get paint on a family portrait or a new set of blinds that you just had installed. 

2. Fill any cracks with filler: Make sure there aren’t any cracks or imperfections in your wall before painting. Painting over a small crack can actually turn into an eyesore, as the paint will make it stand out and become more visible. So the best thing to do is fill any imperfections with a top coat filler. Ben recommends Polyfilla, which is only 8-10 dollars and is available at Bunnings and some hardware stores. You don’t have to be conservative when filling cracks or small holes, as the more filler you use, the better. Because the next step is sanding it down, so don’t worry if it looks lumpy. 

3. Sand the wall: Regardless if your wall needs a filler or not, you will still need to use sand paper to sand it down until smooth. The roughness of the paper you’ll need to use will depend on the condition of your wall. You don’t have to spend too much time sanding because a light sand is all you need. The point of sanding is to smooth the wall and get rid of any dust or dirt that is stuck to it, so don’t worry about scratching off any current paint. Painting over dirt will only give it a grainy ‘sandy’ look that will reflect the quality of the job. A nice smooth finish really makes a difference when it comes to painting. 

4. Avoid using tape: You may think that using tape will protect any grooves or edges that you want to keep dry, but chances are, the tape will rip and remove the current coat you have just applied because the paint will stick to the tape. 

5. Edging: A paint roller for large areas can’t paint around the top, bottom, edges or frames of a wall/window properly. So a good substitute for tip 4 is to just use a good quality brush to get into those hard to reach places for edging. This might be time consuming, but it makes an amazing difference. Avoid using a cheap $2 brush for edging, because brittle brushes often leave a streak after painting, so it’s definitely worth paying a little extra and buying a good quality brush that will give it that perfect finish. Ben recommends doing the edges first and then finishing the rest of the area off with a paint roller. 

6. Cover the floor..and yourself: Be prepared to get dirty when it comes to doing a painting job. Wear old, worn out clothes that you don’t mind getting paint on and wear a hair net if you have long hair. You’ll also need to cover the floor with sheets to avoid accidental drops of paint on your floor or carpet. Newspaper is a good idea, but each sheet of paper can get stuck together if paint gets on it, so the best material to use is just an old bed sheet that you are no longer using.

7. Use a paint roller: Once everything has been prepared and edging has been done, you can now finish the job! Since walls are a large area, it will save you a large amount of time by using a paint roller. It will give you a great finish and it’s just as effective as doing it by hand, except it will save you half the time. 

8. Finishing off: Use a damp microfiber cloth to finish off the job. This will remove any streaks or hand prints that might have been placed while painting. The microfiber cloth will also remove any dust that may have stuck to the wall in the process. Finish it off by removing any water marks with a DRY microfiber cloth. Once you’re happy with the result, keep the door closed and let the paint dry. It can take several hours to dry, but it depends on the type of paint you use. 

If you have a job that is too big for you to do on your own, or you don’t want to risk making any mistakes, let City in Colour do the hard work for you. Ben has been painting for over 10 years and knows all the ins and outs when it comes to choosing the correct colour, what paint brush to use and what after-care needs to be applied. If you would like a professional job, give Ben from City in Colour a call and be amazed with the results.

 They’re open Monday – Friday from 7:00am – 5:00pm and are closed weekends.

Phone 0408 915 910.


The 11 Steps of Building a Home. From Buying a Block of Land, Moving into Your New Home and Everything Else in Between. Here’s What’s Involved…

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The thought of building your new home from the ground up can often be daunting and quite off-putting. Where do I start? Who do I talk to? Will this take years to do? The short answer is no. Depending on what your intensions are, the size of the land you plan to build on and of course, your budget, the construction process can be as little as 6 months. Building a house is actually a very exciting process and is something you’ll never forget. And it’s easier than you think. 

Peter Bisby from Redink Homes Midwest has shared with us the 11 steps for building a home with one of their House and Land Packages. 

1. Speak to a Building Consultant

Contact your local builder who will then direct you to one of their Building Consultants who will meet with you to discuss what your building intentions are. Your Building Consultant will be there to help with the entire process of your building project. So the first step is to get the ball rolling, work out what sort of home you are after and how big you are planning to build. This will give the Building Consultant a rough indication of what your expected budget will be.

2.  Establish a budget and obtain finance pre approval

Once you have established your budget and have indicated what you are willing and able to spend, you’ll then need to check if your lender will approve your loan before you choose a block of land and start planning. Dennis Smallwood from the Mortgage Gallery gave us an insight of the process of getting finance pre approval and the criteria that must be met.

Generally, mortgages require a 5% deposit that must be saved over a minimum of three months. When meeting with a mortgage broker, you’ll need to bring any bank statements or documents in with you to prove that you have saved that amount over the last 3 months and are capable of paying off the loan. Dennis explains that you generally have to be employed for over 6 months to be considered for pre approval, although every lender is different, so the time frame may vary. All applicants must be over 18 years of age. 

If you’re at the stage of getting finance pre approval, The Mortgage Gallery is more than happy to assist you. If you meet the criteria, you can be pre approved in just a week.

3. Choosing a block of land and making an offer

Once you have got finance pre approval, your Building Consultant will then present you with a range of blocks that are available. Once you have carefully selected an ideal block of land, you’ll then need to make an offer and if it is accepted, you’ll need to notify your Building Consultant and your bank afterwards. 

4. Arrange a settlement date for the block of land

Once you have made an offer that has been accepted, you'll have roughly 28 days to obtain finance approval. The settlement date is approximately 28 days after this, the date which the bank pays for the land and it is yours to build on. It is important to keep liaising with your builder in the case of a house and land package. A settlement agent will help process all this for you.

5. Have the builder test the soil prior to the settlement date

Once your offer for the block has been accepted, you'll need to contact your Building Consultant straight away. This gives the builder enough time to order a contour survey and a soil test in order to product working drawings and contracts before settlement date. This is one of the most important steps when building your home. Your builder will then enter you into a preliminary agreement before you sign a contract.

6. Work out when you would like to move into your new home

It’s very important to plan ahead and make sure that nothing will get in the way of your building plans over the next few months. Once you have planned ahead and have worked out roughly when you are planning to move in, your Building Consultant will work with that time frame to make sure that their contractors are available for the job and it is built on time. 

7. Choose a design from the builders range or design a custom home

Your Building Contractor will have a range of house designs to choose from. This is a very exciting step when building your home, because it’s the first step towards reality and you can get a clear picture of what your house will look like. 

8. Get approval from the local authorities

The builder will then seek the appropriate approvals from the local authorities to start building. Once you are happy with your plan and the design of your home, your lender will then take this to the bank and organise a loan. A loan can only be granted once all the designs and plans have been organised. This will give the bank an idea of exactly how much money to loan you. 

9. The construction begins!

Once the local authorities have granted approval, it is now time to start building your home! You do not have to pay the whole amount in one hit. Instead, the bank pays it as a progress payment claim, which means, the bank pays as you go. The construction of your home alone takes an average of 6 months.

10.  The builder will keep you updated on the progress of construction

The builder will liaise with you throughout the construction process and keep you updated and meet you on site to view the progress of your new home.

11.    You’re ready to move in!

Once you’re happy with the final product, it’s time to get the keys and move into your new home.

 Redink Homes will help you every step of the way when building your new home and can help you choose a House and Land Package that’s right for you. Some packages include everything needed for a home, including blinds, paintwork, tiles and more. So if you prefer to do some of these things yourself or want the builder to take the hassle away and do it for you, Redink Homes have a package to suit you and your budget. 

It may seem like a lot of information to take in at once, but you’re not doing it alone. Your Building Consultant will help you every step of the way and will make your building experience as easy as possible. To find out more about House and Land Packages, speak to Peter Bibsy from Redink Homes Midwest. Or if you need finance pre approval on a property, speak to Matt Gething from the Mortgage Gallery Geraldton. 

Redink Homes are open Monday – Friday from 8:30am – 5:00pm

Phone (08) 9920 8999

They’re located at Suit 1, Champion House, 87 Marine Terrace, Geraldton

The Mortgage Gallery are open Monday – Friday from 8:30am – 5:30pm

Phone (08) 9964 4770

They’re located at 67B Forrest Street, Geraldton 

Heat stroke in pets

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What you need to know about heat stroke in pets:

It’s natural for Australians to love summer and we want to soak up every bit of sun we can before the season ends. Although summer is nearing an end, the weather hasn’t cooled down yet and we want to spend every moment with our fury friends by our sides. But it comes at a price sadly, as many pets are subject to heat stroke where many cases can easily be prevented with proper precaution. 

What is it? Heat stroke occurs when an animal has been overexposed to high temperatures for a prolonged period of time, which can lead of organ failure if not treated promptly. Even if your pet has been exposed for only 10 minutes can lead to a state of extreme hyperthermia and severe internal damage. Dogs and cats don’t sweat like humans do and rely only on the pads on their paws and their nose. They are able to control their temperature by panting and increasing their breathing rate. This technique IS successful, but only to a certain extend and when temperatures are exceeded is when animals are not able to cool themselves off as quickly as they are heating up. 

Warning Signs: The key warning signs of heat stroke in your pet is excessive panting and difficulty breathing. This especially applies for dogs, which tend to develop thick mucus in the back of their throat when exposed to high temperatures. Snorting and/or trying to cough may be a warning sign of heat stroke. Other warning signs are an increased heat rate, blue/purple gums, fatigue, muscle spasms, excessive drooling, confusion and vomiting. 

How to prevent heatstroke:
Do NOT leave your pet in a vehicle, even if the weather is moderately cool outside. The inside temperature of a car can rise from 22 degrees to 47 degrees in as little as an hour and the pet will not be able to cool itself down. 

Always keep fresh, cool water nearby. Staying hydrated is extremely important in preventing heat stroke on those hot summer days.

If it’s hot outside, it is encouraged to keep your pets indoors where it is cool. However, if this is not possible, make sure that there is plenty of shade for them to rest under and do not over exercise them.

What to do: If you are unsure if your pet is developing heat stroke, don’t wait and see if the symptoms progress. The best thing you want is just a false alarm and even if you think they’re panting more than usual, take them to a vet straight away. There are first aid techniques you can use on the way to the vet which include keeping a cold, wet flannel on your pets body (not ice cold, though), encouraging to drink water at every opportunity and turning the air conditioner up full blast in the car. This gives your pet the best chance of survival. 

If you think your pet is developing heatstroke, visit your vet straight away. Midwest Vets can provide your pet with the care it needs. They are located at 117 Cathedral Avenue and are open Monday – Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm and are open till 7:00pm on Thursdays. They are open Saturday from 9:00am to 12:00pm. 

Phone (08) 9964 3671 or after hours on 0407 471 933 if it’s an emergency.

How to get Help with your Bookkeeping

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When running a business, there’s nothing more stressful than falling behind in paper work and having a million other things to do. It’s even worse when you’ve fallen behind in so much paper work that you have no idea what’s actually going on in your own business, especially finances. Let’s face it, everyone’s not perfect. It’s extremely difficult for an individual to run a business and spend their limited time keeping track of accounts, keeping books organised and keeping clients happy when your job is to actually run the business. 

We spoke with Pamela Weston who is the owner of Pam Weston’s Bookkeeping who has shared with us what bookkeeping is and how it can benefit your business. Pamela says, “Bookkeeping in a nutshell, is the accounts side of a business who keep track of finances and ensure that everything is running smoothly and as it should”. Bookkeeping saves you time, stress and in some cases money. Pamela tells us how: 

Bookkeeping helps keep a business on track by regularly updating and keeping accounts books organised and reconciled. This makes it easier for accountants when generating annual reports and financial statements. An unorganised file will cost the accountant more time, and therefore, you more money. 

Recording transactions and keeping track of finances gives you, the business owner, a better understanding of what is going on inside your business and where money is being spent. This will also give you a better understanding of your financial position and you can then focus on what areas need improvement and what strategies appear to be working. Setting goals is extremely important when running a business because it keeps everyone on track and it gives you the opportunity to improve your business by developing strategies to increase revenue. If that goal hasn’t been met in a set period, then it’s obvious that something is wrong and isn’t working. By addressing the problem sooner rather than later can save you a lot of time and money. 

You may not require a bookkeeper on a daily basis, which is expected if you’re running a small business. However, when mistakes have been made, bookkeepers are here to provide you with ongoing support and to help rectify what errors have been made before the problem progresses into something catastrophic. Everyone makes mistakes, however, not everyone may know how to fix it correctly. If a mistake has been made, don’t try to fix it yourself if you don’t know what you’re doing and let the bookkeeper do it for you. 

If you run a business and need assistance with the accounts side of it, phone Pam Weston’s Bookkeeping and see how she can help your business. Pam Weston’s Bookkeeping is open Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm and is closed weekends. 

Phone 0407 382 220

Benefits of Pole Dancing

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Any form of exercise is good for your body, whether it’s cardio, swimming, weights or even yoga. But did you know the benefits of pole dancing and what it can do for your body? We spoke with Julie from Everybody Group Fitness who are the only studio in Geraldton that do pole dancing classes and has shared with us the benefits of it.

1.)  Increases your core and upper body strength:
Pole dancing requires large amounts of strength and endurance to support your body when performing intense moves. The combination of abdominal contractions and relying on the strength of your arms to support your body is a fantastic way of strengthening your core and upper body, which is exactly what pole dancing can do.  

2.)  It is a fantastic way to boost your confidence:
Pole dancing isn’t all about the fitness. It’s also about the fun aspect of it. Being able to perform tasks that you once thought not possible is a great way to feel good about yourself and boost your confidence. Being more strong and flexible will also make you healthier and feel happier.

3.) Increases flexibility:
Certain movements of pole dancing require total muscle relaxation, which is an ideal way of increasing flexibility. Flexibility allows your body to move in the direction that you want it to go in. A wide range of movements in pole dancing require flexibility, so consistent practice and going to classes regularly will increase your body’s ability to move.

4.)  Great way to release stress:
If done correctly, any exercise will release endorphins into your system (the feel good hormone), which will make you feel great about yourself and get rid of any stress you may be carrying on your shoulders. 

On February 9th, Julie introduced Pole Fit, a class specifically for pole dancing that takes place during the following times:

Monday: 5:45pm & 7:00pm
Tuesday: 10:30am, 11:45am, 5:45pm & 7:00pm
Thursday: 10:30am & 11:45am
Friday: 5:45pm & 7:00pm 

See their website for more information. 

They’re located at 60 Fitzgerald Street, Geraldton
Phone: (08) 9965 5885