Click to see a cool video of Dolphins off the coast
/Dolphins swimming off the coast. Thanks to Leilani for sharing.
Local musician makes top 5 in Vance Joy competition
/Local musician Ashton Kate has caught the eye of successful recording artist Vance Joy.
Miss Kate has been selected as one of five winners for the Fire and the Flood contest.
Each entrant submitted a video of them singing a Vance Joy cover and each winner will receive a meet and greet including tickets to a show. Vance posted to his social media to congratulate the five winners saying:
"The covers were amazing. I wanted to choose so many because it was so great seeing you guys singing with heart and soul. Was a pleasure to see and hear. Thank you. It was very difficult to choose only 5. Thank you to everyone who entered. Sorry I couldn’t choose you all.
Ashton posted to her Facebook saying My cover of Vance Joy's Fire and the Flood is one of five winners in this competition.
I had already recorded and shared the cover long before the competition was ever announced - so when I saw Vance's tweet about the competition, I decided, why not enter? Nothing to lose!
Vance is an Aussie, so I was a bit silly and assumed this must be an Australian/worldwide competition... However after entering I finally managed to find the terms and conditions, and I am pretty sure you were supposed to be a U.S or Canadian resident to be eligible. After reading this I assumed I would be automatically disqualified after saying on the entry form that I live in Australia.
Photographer Kristi Teakle Photography
I had to enter my address and other details in order to enter, so I am not sure if this just got overlooked, or what is going to happen from here. The prize is tickets to a show and a meet and greet with Vance!
As incredible as that prize is, and as disappointed as I will be if it does turn out that I am ineligible, I am still so honoured to be a winner, and it has again encouraged me to continue my musical journey despite doubts and nerves.
I truly cannot believe that Vance has heard my voice, let alone liked the cover enough to share it as one of the winners... I am speechless and so excited about this.
Below is Ashton Kate's entry to the competition:
Gallery: River creatures
/David Ford shares his brilliant photography with a river theme this time.
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
No respect for those with a Disability
/Claire Sleeman says she is not pleased with members of the public not respecting those with disability:
It has come to my disgraced attention that a lot of people have no respect for people with disabilities in this town anymore. I am fed up with having to put up with mothers at the aquarena using these changerooms with their toddlers and people using disabled parking bays.
I hope all the people I have upset have gone home and thought about their laziness but come on you people, one day you will need it too.
Tides Restaurant to close at the end of 2015
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After nearly 10 years in operation Tides of Geraldton are closing their doors at the end of 2015.
The owners posted the news online last night, thanking customers for their support over the past decade.
"In this time we have done countless Weddings, Function, cooked for 2 Prime Ministers, State Premiers, Heads of International Delegations and so many more. We have won awards for service and accolades in food, been written in books with Anya’s famous Lamington Ice Cream.
"We have donated countless thousands to charities and we have loved every minute of it. So it is with a heavy heart we will have to close the doors at the end of the year.
"We want to thank our staff - and we have had the most amazing wonderful precious staff anyone could ever have. We love you guys so much.
"Thank you again from Tides of Geraldton."
Tides kindly request if you have vouchers please book and use before them asap.
Elves descend on Marine Terrace last night to make it a festive Wonderland
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Last night a Christmas blizzard hit Marine Terrace.
Barbara Thompson said the magic of this Christmas blitz was obvious from the Courthouse right through to the roundabout at Orana Cinemas.
Some tinkling bells were heard late last night and reports of some happy Elves, and Santa helpers in resplendent red suits and white beards were weaving their Christmas cheer up and down the Terrace.
With it being so close to celebrating Christmas the helpers thought Geraldton needed some help to put a heart back into the City centre, lift traders’ spirits and encourage people back into the centre of town to view their handiwork.
The bollards and some Norfolk trees have received some special Christmas attention and indeed the City centre looks very Christmassy indeed.
The Festive helpers were very impressed with the extra effort the businesses are making in decorating their windows for the Geraldton Best Decorated Christmas Window Competition. The results of this will be announced and applauded on the 21st Dec, just four sleeps before Christmas.
Peals of laughter and clapping of congratulations were heard from the 50 plus helpers when they stood in awe of the special effort made by the Ray White and Rotary Clubs ‘A little Ray of Giving’ collaboration which will open up the doors of this display this Thursday 10th December when the Christmas on the Terrace evening celebrations are in full swing.
All gifts will be kindly accepted and gifted to children so they too may celebrate a happy Christmas.
A faint message was spotted on a window and on closer inspection this morning it was thought to have said “Joy, Peace and Goodwill to All” and “to all a goodnight”
School community supports parent struck down with lung cancer
/Quintin De Klerk was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer earlier this year. He has been on a clinical trial for chemotherapy in Perth, which has been working well.
Personal Assistant to the Principal Fiona Davidson at Strathalbyn Christian College advised college parents via email, asking for their support.
Recently in Perth the Oncologist advised Quintin that he has 3 cracked vertebrae (from the spread of cancer) and will need radiotherapy treatment.
Quintin and his wife Jenine (who is a member of staff at the College) do not have permanent residency in Australia, so they have to pay for the radiology treatment up front (no Medicare cover is available).
The cost will be $20,000. If Quintin doesn’t receive the treatment urgently he soon won’t be able to walk, and therefore wouldn’t able to work and support his family – so time is of the essence.
If you feel led to donate to this lovely family, a Go Fund Me Page has been set up to assist with Quintin’s treatment costs:
https://www.gofundme.com/quintindeklerk
Around $5000 has been raised so far.
Family fundraises despite adversity
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A Father's passionate plea for good luck comes following one of his children being struck down with a mystery illness. The family already works hard to care for their middle child who suffers with severe cerebral palsy.
Ashley Walker wrote his plea on Facebook saying:
I'm a father of five, our middle child has Severe Cerebral Palsy and is cared for by her brilliant Mother and Sisters with help from our awesome Carers. We built a basic special home and care for Kayla Koo Walker. We fundraise every year for PMH children's hospital to help people wherever we can. I have always worked and still constantly have bad luck now our second eldest has been struck down with a mystery illness and will lose her eyesight. We just want some good luck.
Despite all this, the family works hard annually to raise funds for the PMH Foundation who supports the family through Kayla's visits to Perth for medical treatment.
Commencing in 2013, Kayla’s Christmas Lights was started in order to provide a lasting tribute from the Walker Family for their 10 year old daughter and sister, Kayla is no longer palliative as of February this year and isn’t ventilated anymore. The lights are now a celebration of Kayla’s Life and Strength.
Kayla was born prematurely in 2008 with a virus in her brain which has left her with Cerebral Palsy (Quadriplegia – which in turn means she has no head, neck or limb control), wheelchair bound for life, epilepsy and multiple complex care requirements such as a tracheostomy (a tube in her neck which is her airway), a PEG (for nutritional support – this is a tube inserted into Kaylas stomach) and an infusaport (this is intravenous access for medications, taking bloods etc which I do myself at home as to reduce the amount of time Kayla is hospital).
"In its first year Kayla’s Christmas Lights raised a whopping $11,800 for the PMH Foundation as a part of the PMH Foundation's Christmas Lights Campaign.
The Walker House is on Strathalbyn Road in Geraldton and has a massive 88 metres of road frontage on a corner block making it the perfect location for families and visitors young and old to marvel at hundreds of kilometers of lights. Christmas Eve (2013) it was estimated that over 2000 locals visited leaving donations over $1200.
2015 will be the last opportunity to raise funds for the PMH Foundation due to the much anticipated move to Perth Children’s Hospital which is expected to take place in April 2016.
Mother Nic Walker said when Kayla was first diagnosed doctors didn’t expect Kayla to live long and prepared us to take her home to die.
"The outlook should she survive was bleak, as they believed Kayla would never recognize us, respond to stimulation and basically endure a short life in a vegetative state.
"Despite such a poor prognosis and multiple bumps in the road Kayla is a beautiful little 11 year old with a very outgoing personality, Kayla knows who we are, responds appropriately emotionally and follows our every move with eye movement and a little head control.
"This year Kayla has spent 5 months in Perth with inoperable scoliosis to her spine, which saw her unable to even sit in her wheelchair due to her pelvis being wedged under her rib cage. Surgery was deemed too dangerous and during the investigations it was discovered Kayla had multiple clots throughout her major blood vessels which have been left permanently damaged, however with a bit of research and the financial support of the local community via Kayla’s Go Fund Me page we obtained a special suit and with day physio has allowed Kayla to sit up again and even attend school for the first time in 3 years.
"Every year we switch on our lights on the 1st of December however this year our celebration of Kayla’s life was delayed when our 15 year old daughter Storm began experiencing extreme eye pain. Our optometrist discovered Storm has a condition called Bilateral Hemianopia which in most cases is caused by a tumour of the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. This time it was Storm who was rushed down to Perth and we were told the devastating news that Storm has permanently lost most of her peripheral vision and the doctors are unable to isolate the cause or get the worsening pain under control.
"As a family we are so grateful to the PMH Foundation for their support over the years and really want this year to be successful in our fundraising, it will make all the effort we have put into our display worthwhile and bring us a lot of joy to know that we are still making a difference to other families like ours," she said.
Rangers search for dogs owner
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This older female dog was found in Wonthella today by City Rangers and they would love to find the owner.
If you know the owner or have information on this dog please contact the City Rangers on 9956 6600.
Car set on fire in Spalding Park
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The owner of a Nissan Patrol parked in Spalding Park before going on an early morning run, shortly before 4am on Sunday morning. While on his run he received a call from Police informing him his car had been set on fire.
The 4WD had been broken into and torched, the car contained nothing of value.
The owner who wishes to remain anonymous said he couldn’t understand why someone took the next step in setting fire to the vehicle rather than just breaking in.
Geraldton Police said they are investigating incident, anyone with information is asked to call the station on 9923 4555.
Click video below to see vehicle on fire.
Paranormal Investigators visit Freemasons Hotel and QPT
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Professional Perth-based paranormal investigators Haunted were in Geraldton yesterday investigating the unexplained.
They visited the Queens Park Theatre and the Freemason’s Hotel.
Check out what exciting things they found by heading to their Facebook page.
Airport staff commended for caring attitude
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I would like to give a massive thanks to the security ladies and gentlemen at the Geraldton airport.
Fly out day is always a hard day for our 4 year old daughter but without a doubt every 3 weeks and the lovely staff help make the trip so very pleasant with hugs, high fives and letting her know they are looking forward to seeing her again.
I can't express how thankful I am to see their happy friendly faces every trip.
A massive thanks from a very very grateful mother and happy little girl.
- Daneale
Dead bird halts flights to Perth
/Both evening flights from Geraldton to Perth have been delayed due to a dead bird on the runway.
The 6:10pm Qantas flight and the 6:30pm Virgin flight were grounded until the bird could be removed.
Parcels stolen from doorstep
/Local Trevor Dunen claims he had two parcels stolen off his front door step in Strathalbyn after they had been delivered by Australia post, one containing 2 Albums, by Pink Floyd- "The Wall" and "Dark Side of the Moon" in Quadraphonic.
The other Parcel contained Led Zeppelin IV with an orange label and a rare misprint on the label.
"All three albums have rare matrix/serial numbers and are valued at around $1000 plus all up.
The albums were allegedly stolen by an aboriginal male, he was seen by the next door neighbors leaving my home with my property.
Half an hour before the records were stolen this aboriginal person was caught behind a bush near my front door and asked to leave, any person knowing any information please pm me or the Geraldton Police.
If you have my rare albums and return them, nothing more will be said."
Mr Dunen said "a $100 reward would be offered for their return."
Geraldton Police currently have no lines of inquiry relating to this incident and are appealing to the public for information.
Anyone with any information is asked to call Geraldton Police station on 9923 4555 or make a report online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au
Students suspended following incident
/Social media was a buzz with talk of John Willcock College going into lockdown yesterday.
Below details what actually happened.
John Willcock College Principal Julie Campbell said in a letter sent to parents today, I can confirm that an incident occurred on Wednesday, 2 December that required us to keep students in classrooms for a brief period to ensure their safety.
Eight students behaved in a very intimidating manner, looking to fight particular individuals and banging on windows to try to get into classrooms. Police were called and those students were suspended.
Contrary to some entirely false rumours circulating online, there was no physical assault on any person, no student was at risk of harm, nor were any weapons involved.
However, the behaviour was a disgrace and I will not stand for it at this school. In addition to suspension, further work is being done with the students and their families to prevent a repeat of such behaviour.
It is sad that from time to time we have students whose behaviour undermines all the good and positive work we do at John Willcock College. Most of our students are very well-behaved and a credit to themselves and the school.
However, our procedures for ensuring student safety worked very well and are consistent with the processes used by all schools in such situations. As we do after any incident, we are reviewing what happened so we can further strengthen our response for the future.
Police spokeswoman from Geraldton Police said Officers attended the school but were not required to intervene.
Geraldton Grammar donate hundreds of dollars worth of food
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Geraldton Grammar School joined Foodbank in the fight against poverty five years ago. Each year teachers and students rally together and donate hundreds of dollars’ worth of food. This year is no different, with Grammar School’s year sevens’ coordinating and driving change.
Hunger and poverty is at large in Western Australia and this Christmas many will suffer in silence without food, love and laughter. While most spend Christmas rejoicing with family and friends, Foodbank WA are looking at one of their toughest years yet.
Year 7 coordinator Ms Sharon Cole highlighted the importance of helping those in need, especially at Christmas.
“Grammar School look forward to this time of year. Christmas is a time for giving. It’s a time for celebration and sharing. Each year people in our community go hungry and we need to help!
“The year sevens’ drive the Christmas Foodbank Appeal and get the whole school involved. Through this, they learn the importance of giving to those in need,” Ms Cole said.
A Foodbank representative received the donation on Wednesday and spoke of the difference it will make.
“In 2014 there was an eight per cent increase in those seeking food assistance. This year Foodbank has seen another increase due to the mining downturn and our role is to help.”
He explained: “Every little bit makes a difference and it’s fantastic to see all the students getting involved.”
Students buzzed with excitement as they helped load food into the Foodbank truck, which will be distributed to those in need.
To help make a difference this Christmas or for more information, visit the official Foodbank website at www.foodbankwa.org.au
Recall on Carlton Dry beer
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Carlton and United Breweries has recalled Carlton Dry beer from Coles, Woolworths, liquor stores, Metcash/IGA (BWS, Dan Murphy’s, First Choice, Liquor Land etc.), other independents & on premise liquor outlets (bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants and hotels) nationally.
The recall is due to the possible presence of glass in product. Consumers should not consume this product as glass may cause injury.
Relevant date marks are 19JUL16 3A & 20JUL16 3B. The product can be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Public assistance sought after knife attack
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Geraldton Local Policing Team officers are seeking the public’s assistance for information to assist with their investigation into an assault in Rangeway on Monday, 9 November 2015.
At about 8:50am, a 37 year old man and his female partner were walking along Cassia Street when a man and a woman chased them. The woman was armed with a knife.
The couple ran away in different directions and the offenders pursued the man to a service station on Rifle Range Road.
The woman accompanied by the man, stabbed the victim several times with the knife.
The 37 year old man received minor injuries and was taken to Geraldton Regional Hospital for medical treatment.
The woman is described as being in her 20s, about 165 to 175cms tall, with a slim build and dark coloured hair tied up in a bun. She was wearing a pink jumper with a white motif and blue denim jeans rolled up below her knees.
The man is described as being between 30 to 40 years of age, approximately 170 to 180cms tall with a slim build, dark short hair and a short goatee. He was wearing a black shirt with a motif on the front, black shorts and sunglasses.
Anyone with any information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au
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