Stories of Geraldton - They’re not lucky to have us, it’s us who are the lucky ones because they’ve made our lives whole

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I always make a point of never making the children feel like they have to be grateful, because they shouldn’t be. It’s a child’s right to have a fantastic life so they should never feel the need to thank me. When people think of foster care they think of these damaged children but they don’t see the beautiful moments they’re going to have and the family bond that will grow. There’s a lot of special moments and a lot of laughter. Every single one of them have contact with extended family and they’ve now become our family. Our family tree, I don’t even know where it goes anymore.

We aren’t special, we have the same things happen in our family as other families, just on a bigger scale. We fail every single day, so we are just very much normal parents and we’re still learning, we never stop learning. I’m so proud of the people my kids are becoming. They’re so kind. They’ve got such a strong bond with each other. Even though they’re all from different families the way they are with each other, you know they’re from our family. They’re not lucky to have us, it’s us who are the lucky ones because they’ve made our lives whole.

Part 2 of 2.

#StoriesOfGeraldton

- In the footsteps of Humans of New York, Everything Geraldton has been publishing stories from every day locals in our community. If you know of someone we should be speaking to, get in touch.

What makes a Mid West Bride?

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A Mid West bride is easygoing but she knows what she wants. She loves where she lives and wants to use the stunning surroundings for her big day. She wants to have a good time with her family and friends. She is creative and innovative. Mid West brides are pretty amazing.

If your big day is coming up soon and you’re stuck for ideas of locations and scenery around Geraldton and the Mid West for photos, these beautiful local brides are here to help.  

Their beautiful farm in Minnenooka proved to be the perfect location for Kat’s Winter wedding last year. Even though it rained, they had a fantastic day surrounded by friends and family, with their reception held at the Geraldton Surf Club. Wedding photos were taken around the farm, with the overcast weather providing a perfect backdrop for their stunning memories.

‘The local scenery made our day magical- the memories and photos will last forever.’

Photo Credit: Karl Monaghan Photography

Elly married Chris in the serenity of the Queens Park Theatre gardens, with a reception that followed at Posh. They had photos taken on the Geraldton Foreshore at night time, at the Bluff Point church arches and on the Old Moonyoonooka Bridge.

‘The best thing about being a Mid West bride is the diversity in backdrops for your photos. Do your research to find the ideal location and do it your way, not how you think people would want it done, it’s your day.’

Photo Credit:  Shaun Rose Photography

Kara got married in Dongara, with her ceremony on the Dongara Foreshore and her reception at the Fisherman’s Hall, with the beautiful sunset in the background. She chose the famous Moreton Bay Fig Trees as a location for her photos. 

‘Choose a spot that means everything to you and where you know you will have many more memories in the future.’

Photo Credit: LMR Photography

Skye and her husband are coming up to their first wedding anniversary. They had their ceremony and reception at Nukara, with stunning photos to cherish all taken at the farm and the old Chapman Valley Winery, which is now Burnt Barrel.  

‘Over the years we have watched Donna and Phil turn Nukara into what it is today, this amazing place filled with love, laughter and soulfulness.’

Photo Credit: Luxe + Fox

Jess and Kelvin were married earlier this year. They were both new to Geraldton and decided to elope to the spectacular Abrolhos Islands with their three children there to watch their special day. They surprised family and friends in the afternoon with the exciting news. Jess found Geraldton Air Charters faultless in helping them out with their nuptials, even decorating the shelter with flowers from their own garden!

‘The best thing about being a Mid West bride is the wonderful, friendly people you meet. The beautiful region we live in sure makes it hard to choose a specific location to get married!’

Photo Credit:  Emma Hutton (Birth, Bumps and Babes)

The weather did nothing to dampen Megan and Nathan’s spirits when they said their ‘I do’s’ at Daisy Downs, in Greenough, with their reception of 125 people held at POSH. They chose the beautiful gardens of their ceremony for photos, with others shot at Devlin Pool and various paddocks outside of town.  

‘Don’t sweat the small stuff, in the end it’s a minor detail. If at the end of it you’re married, then that’s the main thing. Enjoy the day, because it goes seriously quick!’

Photo Credit: Miranda Gregory

For Kimberley and her husband, a small intimate ceremony in Seminyak, Bali was exactly what they were after. She planned her entire wedding over there by email and was pleasantly surprised when everything ran smoothly on the day. Back in Geraldton, they held a reception at Salt Dish, with 70 of their closest family and friends. Their photos were taken on the Marina at night time, at the Mantra Hotel and at the restaurant.

‘We have amazing, unique local businesses and venues that can help put together the perfect day. Salt Dish was perfect, we loved the intimate, relaxed setting with rustic décor that matched our style and a beautiful garden where guests could be entertained by ‘Me and the Missus,’ as well as amazing food and service.’

Photo Credit: Paul Essenson Photography

Lavender Valley Farm was the perfect setting for Melissa and her husband to tie the knot. They had an intimate ceremony with 17 of their family and best friends, followed by an afternoon tea. The purple lavenders provided a breathtaking backdrop for their photos.

‘Trust in your suppliers. Everyone I’ve dealt with or seen the work of has so much experience and vision and can find a way to help with practically any request!’

Photo Credit: Luxe + Fox

After twelve years together and two children later, Valentine’s Day, 2015 was the day Rochelle and her husband recited their vows to each other on the Esplanade Boardwalk at the Geraldton foreshore. Their two young ones even led the way down the aisle in a motorised mini car, which she said was definitely a highlight of her big day. They chose to have their location photos on the boardwalk, at the Old Library and in the park across the road from KFC.

‘Smile, hold your head high, go with the flow and use lots of hairspray!’

Photo Credit: Jewell Photography

Row was married at a place very special to her family, the veranda of their homestead built in 1927 on the farm that has been in the Rob family since 1901. They had photos around the property and a reception of 114 guests at the Kalbarri Golf Club. The chose Kalbarri so friends and family could enjoy a mini vacation with swimming, barbecues and beautiful beaches.

‘Be humble and remember what’s really important to you.’

Photo Credit: Ashton Wright, Lace Weddings

That good time country feel was the theme for Samantha and Glen’s wedding in Yetna, Chapman Valley. 80 of their closest family and friends celebrated afterwards at the Golden Pond Retreat, in Moonyoonooka. They incorporated the stunning backdrop of the ranges in their location photos which were shot across the road from Mills Lookout and along the Chapman River.

‘We chose Golden Pond Retreat because it had the country feel that we were going for. It was very much Glen and I.’

Photo Credit: Shaun Rose Photography

Chelsea and Mark had their ceremony at St Peter’s Church at Greenough Hamlet, followed by a reception with family and friends at the Wintersun Hotel. Mark spent 8 years doing up an LH Torana, which was licensed 4 weeks before the wedding, making it a very special wedding car.  They had their location photos at the Church, the Greenough Hamlet and on the Marina.

‘The best part was seeing my husband wipe a tear away as I walked down the aisle.’

Photo Credit: Martika Morcom

 

Getting married in the Mid West doesn’t mean there are minimal choices when it comes to your wedding day. There are many fantastic local vendors, plus a great range of choices for ceremony and reception locations. Where else can you get photos done overlooking beautiful ranges, or in the rustic bushland, right next to the beach? Mid West brides can have it all, they just need to know where to look.

10 things anyone who's lived in Geraldton knows

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This year marks the tenth year I have lived in Geraldton.  I guess that officially makes me a local now, right? 

I absolutely love this city.  I loved it ten years ago, and I still do.  I moved from Perth in 2006 to be with my (now) husband with no plans, knowing nobody and nothing about Geraldton at all.  It’s definitely changed a lot since I’ve been here, but the best things about Geraldton have stayed the same, really.  The beaches, the people, the relaxed atmosphere.  Now that I am, hopefully, officially a Geraldton local, here are some things that people of Geraldton know for sure about our fair city.

 

1. You haven’t experienced wind until you’ve had to pick your clothes up from around the backyard. 

Sometimes, when you hang the washing out, you have to chase the hills hoist around in circles.  You come back outside in ten minutes and it’s dry.  Possibly all over the ground, or over the back fence, but it’s dry.  You can’t wear your hair down for an outside wedding.   People everywhere else call it severe winds.  To us, it’s a sea breeze.

2. We have the best customer service.

When I moved to Geraldton I was delighted to discover how friendly people in customer service are.  They are always helpful and always smiling.  Sure, I imagine we all have bad experiences once in a while, but it happens nowhere near as much as it did when I lived in Perth.

3. 'Six Degrees of Geraldton' is a thing. 

You go places and you know everyone.  People you know talk to you about other people they know, who you kind of know, because they are your mum’s best friend’s daughter’s Year One teacher.

4. Everyone is this town bands together during times of personal crisis. 

Thanks to ‘Six Degrees of Geraldton,’ when someone is going through something, we are all going through it.  People are so quick to raise money and help out a family or a person in a tough time.  We are a generous city, and we look after each other.

5. It’s a great place to raise children. 

This one is new to me.  My twins are 19 months old and there is nowhere my husband and I would rather raise them than in Geraldton.  There are parks, great beaches and playgroups.  Our beautiful foreshore makes for a great family Sunday day out.  

6. We all remember what we were doing the day the cinema got EFTPOS.

It was a joyous occasion for all.

#Drummonds from the air Shared by @jthomas84_

A photo posted by Everything Geraldton (@everythinggeraldton) on

7. Geraldton has the best beaches in Western Australia. 

It’s our state’s best kept secret.  Watch out for the sharks though.

The jewel of #geraldton #crayfish #rocklobster #seafood about to be #pickled #omnomnom #tasty #monster

A photo posted by Caity Teneille (@caityteneille) on

8. Our Christmas lunches usually involve crayfish. 

Thanks once again to ‘Six Degrees of Geraldton,’ we all know someone who knows someone who has a few spare crays they can throw our way.

9. Winter in Geraldton is practically Summer everywhere else. 

Some of the best weather I’ve experienced has been smack bang in the middle of July.  I’m talking 29 degree days, with no wind.  Beautiful.

10. We love our city. 

Don’t say anything bad about it either, we live here because we love it.  I’m so proud to call this place my home and excited that my sons will grow up here.  Thank you, Geraldton for the memories over the last ten years, the friendly faces, and the wind, for being the reason why I never had to buy a clothes dryer.  

 

Here’s to the next ten years in this beautiful place.    

10 Pointers for Anyone Moving to Geraldton

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Pic: Travis Petford

So, you’re making the move to the seaside city of Geraldton, right?  

Firstly, a very big welcome.  Geraldton is a Port city with a population of almost 40,000 people, 4.5 hours North of Perth.  We have agriculture.  We have fishing.  We have water sports.  We have wind.  Lots and lots of wind.  

If you’re new to town, here are ten must-read pointers on our fair city that will help you navigate and work out where things are and what  

1. The Geraldton Visitor Centre is located at 246 Marine TCE and is a MUST for people who are new or visiting our city.  They have a wealth of information, and friendly staff who are always quick to lend a helping hand.  You can ask them anything and they will do their best to accommodate. 

2. Geraldton has two hospitals, the Geraldton Regional Hospital which is located on Shenton St, and St John of God Healthcare, which can be found on Hermitage St.  Panaceum Group has after hours consults available (call 99208111 to book), otherwise you can report to the Emergency Department at the Regional hospital. 

3. If you need to buy a loaf of bread when you get here, there are many excellent supermarkets to choose from: 

  • Queens Supa IGA- 79 Durlacher St
  • Rigter’s Supa IGA- 179 Durlacher St (Open 7 Days) 
  • Wonthella Supa IGA- Fifth St, Wonthella (Open 7 Days) 
  • Glenfield IGA- Chapman Valley Rd, Glenfield (Open 7 Days) 
  • Mt Tarcoola IGA- Paringa St, Mt Tarcoola (Open 7 Days) 
  • Woolworths- Centro Stirlings, Chapman Rd 
  • Coles- Centro Northgate, Chapman Rd 

4. The Geraldton Foreshore is a must see.  There are cafes, a beautiful path to walk or bike ride, various sculptures, an enclosed playground, great beaches, a monitored Surf Lifesaving tower and plenty of space for picnics and barbecues.  Please note, dogs are not allowed on the Geraldton Foreshore. 

5. If you are keen on an insight into Geraldton history, including shipwrecks such as the Batavia and the Zeewijk, the culture of the Yamaji people, the local flora and fauna and marine life and the discovery of the HMAS Sydney, the Geraldton Museum is absolutely fantastic and worth a look.  They are open 7 days a week from 9:30-4pm and run school holiday programs for the kids as well.  

6. The local police- the Geraldton Police Station can be directly contacted on 99234555. 

7. Our city has a variety of different markets which range in fresh produce and local arts and crafts. 

  • The Farmer’s Markets are held every Saturday morning in Maitland Park from 8am-12pm.   
  • The Platform Markets are held at the old railway station, Chapman Rd, Sunday mornings from 8am-12pm.  A great place to stock up on wonderful cheeses, hobby crafts and fresh local food, fruit and veg. 
  • The Craft Markets run on Marine TCE on the first and the fourth Sunday of each month from 8am-12pm. 
  • Geraldton Lion’s Community Markets are held at the Bill Sewell Complex on the second Sunday of each month from 8am-12pm.  Stall fees contribute to renovating the Settlement buildings. 

8. Geraldton has an exclusive type of sea hare known as Aplysia Gigantean which wash up on the beaches regularly during the Summer months and can be dangerous if your family dog goes near them.  If you suspect your pet has had contact with one of these, please get in touch with a local vet right away. 

9. There are some wonderful things to do in Geraldton.  These include the Greenough Wilflife Park, Lavender Valley Farm, Oakabella Homestead, The HMAS Sydney Memorial, the Greenough Hamlet, Orana Cinemas and some amazing beaches catering to your needs.  A list of the best beaches in Geraldton can be found here http://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/play/sports-recreation/beaches.aspx. 

10. Geraldton is the fourth windiest city in the world.  Great for kitesurfing, not so fantastic for your washing though.    

So, once again, on behalf of the city of Geraldton we welcome you.  I have fallen in love with this place over the past ten years and I hope you get as much out of it as I have.   

The best coffee in Geraldton

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If you’re a coffee lover, you will have your steadfast opinion about where to go in our fair city to find the best beans.  As a cappuccino fan myself, I was more than happy to hunt out the best in Geraldton. 

So, first of all, what makes a great coffee?  Everyone I asked this question generally said the same things.  Must not be bitter, not too milky and never, ever burnt.  After drinking a fair amount of caffeine around town, I realised that this task was going to be harder than I thought.  There are tons of great coffee places around, it just depends what vibe you’re after really.

If you’re looking for a cappuccino with a view, Skeeta’s wins hands down.  Good coffee overlooking that beautiful Geraldton harbour.  Definitely not disappointing.  Grab a takeaway and go for a walk down the Marina in the sunshine.

Want that beach vibe?  The Jaffle Shack Café on the foreshore opened recently, and you will love it.  With the distressed wood and grassy space for the kids plus a range of jaffles and snacks it’s a great place to chill after a swim.  The best part, for you diehard caffeine lovers, the coffee is amazing.

If you have toddlers in tow like I always do, Two Foreshore not only does great coffee, but a range of healthy snacks, and they will even deliver your cuppa to the playground for you.  Plenty of room for prams and mother’s groups too.

Culinary HQ is an excellent place to stop in and grab a takeaway on your lunchbreak and Salt Dish serves an amazing, healthy breakfast with your morning brew.

But where in town serves hands down the best coffee?  

This was a tough task but I found it at the very last place I visited, which was Quiet Life Specialty Coffee.  I’d never been there but had heard only good things, and let’s just say, I was super impressed.  It has a funky vibe and friendly staff.  My cappuccino was amazing and the sneaky cronut was tasty too.  What’s a cronut, you ask?  Well it’s a croissant crossed with a donut, and you need it in your life.    

So, the best coffee in Geraldton, a harder task than I had imagined, but one I had lots of fun researching.  It’s great to see so many places with such different atmospheres, and that’s why I love this city.