Christmas in the City

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Marine Terrace will be buzzing tomorrow for Christmas on the Terrace.

The festive season is upon us and what better way to kick off celebrations by checking out the number of Christmas events hosted by the City of Greater Geraldton.

Festivities will kick off tomorrow, Thursday, December 4, with the ever-popular Christmas on the Terrace.

Marine Terrace will be a hive of activity tomorrow from 5:30pm with a host of fun activities for the whole family.

The main street will be a sea of colour and entertainment with unique market stalls, food and great Christmas bargains from our local retailers and artists.

Deputy Mayor, Neil McIlwaine, said the number of community events this holiday season was a great way to showcase our City.

“The festive season is such a great time to get out and about and see what our local community has to offer,” he said.

“It’s such a fun and social time of year and we encourage everyone to have a look at some of the activities on offer for the whole family.”

Other events this holiday season include the Mullewa Community Street Festival held on Friday, December 5.

The festival will be an evening of family entertainment for the whole community to enjoy with lots of stalls including art and craft and indigenous painting. There will be free entertainment including face painting and a jumping castle as well performances from Ricochet Circus and Edward De Bozo.

You’ll have every reason to laugh with The Comedy Emporium’s Christmas Comedy Feast on Saturday, December 13.

And Sunday, December 14 will see a Family Fun Day at the Aquarena from 12pm followed by Carols by Candlelight at Maitland Park from6pm.

For more information on these and other great events happening this holiday period, visit the City of Greater Geraldton website atwww.cgg.wa.gov.au

Free activities as part of International Day of People with Disability

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TODAY!!! Wednesday 3 Dec

Free activities as part of International Day of People with Disability

Sport Activities at the Foreshore - 5pm - 7pm | FREE
Enjoy an evening of “SPIN OUT” wheelchair basketball, beach volleyball, bouncy castle and face painting!

Sausage Sizzle - 6pm - 7.30pm | FREE

Feature movie: The Ride - 7.30pm till late | FREE | M Rated - coarse language

Head to the Sun City Cinema with your rug and chair to watch a true story of four men ditch their wheelchairs for a quad bike adventure. Q&A with 

Craig Parsons who featured in the movie, popcorn provided. More info from Regional Home Care Services on 9920 7600.

Cabaret performance set to shine

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Geraldton PCYC Cabaret

PCYCis gearing up for a stellar performance with their 2014 Circus Christmas Cabaret.

In partnership with Tarts and Co Catering, PCYC invites groups to celebrate this year's festive season in absolute style.

The 18+ Adult Circus Cabaret has been directed by Perth based choreographer, Chris Meyhew, and stars local performers.

As well as live music entertainment throughout the evening, the ticket also includes a three-course buffet dinner.

You'll enjoy everything from acrobalance, adagio dance, double trapeze, lira ring duet and theatrical circus performance.

PCYC Geraldton Centre Manager, Jill Bourke, said tickets are selling fast and people should get in quick.

"The team have been in preparation for months so guests are in for a real treat," she said.

"Tickets are on sale for everyone but it's also a great idea for businesses to celebrate the festive season and end of year with something different."

The show premiers this Friday, December 5 at PCYC and there will be a second show on Saturday, December 13.

Tickets are $65 per head, there is a licensed bar and the show starts at 7pm.

For tickets or more information contact PCYC on (08)9921 1317 or geraldtonpcyc@wapcyc.com.au

Rangeway Primary wins Premier's award

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Congratulations to Rangeway Primary School on winning the WA Premier's Excellence in Aboriginal Education award. 

Rangeway Primary is the first ever winner of the award. The ceremony was held at Crown Perth this morning. 

Thanks Jo and Jaqui for the images. 

2wd Offroad racing coming to Midwest in 2015

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Remember that off-road sedan racing video we shared last week? Well a lot of you thought it was a great idea for Gero and went and asked Moa Offroad Park to make it happen. 

They've been in touch with us and told us they're grabbing the bull by the horns and setting up some events. 

Here's a recent post from them:

"Ok guys as promised, MOA 4wd Park is proud to bring you the "Offroad Sedan Racing Series" 3rounds to start with in 2015 (will add more rounds if interest demands) Rd 1 28-29th March, Rd 2 23-24th May, Rd3 5-6th Sept. We have junior (13-17) & Senior (18+ classes). 2wd front or rear drive, registered/unregistered. Rules and regs will be posted up early next week. Its tons of fun, cheap offroad racing for all the family. We will keep everybody updated with track build and info via this facebook page. So please share this with all your mates and like the page. More info will be released soon.......cheers"

Follow their Facebook page set up for the events: 

https://www.facebook.com/Offroad2wdSedanRacing 

Charity Gala Dinner with Abrolhos theme featuring Peter FitzSimons

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There’s a flurry of activity up at Batavia Hall today in preparation for tomorrow night’s Mitchell and Brown Midwest Charity Begins at Home annual gala dinner, as the hall is transformed into an Abrolhos Island theme.

The 7th annual gala dinner features Australia’s biggest-selling non-fiction author of the last ten years and ex Australian rugby player Peter FitzSimons.  

His book BATAVIA is described as the greatest story in Australia’s history!

Local band Hester take to the stage later in the evening after a 3 course meal from Dalgleish Catering.

The cocktail hour at 6pm will be Abrolhos Islands through and through, with a seafood BBQ, crayfish and other options from Perry Minisale and Tarts & Co.  Me & The Missus will get the crowd started as the sun sets.

The night will feature raffles, silent auctions, major auctions, best dressed, Charity & Abrolhos Islands merchandise and much more!

Midwest Charity Begins at Home creates hope and financial relief for Midwest residents in need due to serious illness.  They pride themselves on all dollars raised staying in the local community and adopt a values approach of contribution, community, integrity and compassion.

City celebrates International Day of People with Disability

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The City of Greater Geraldton will host a number of events in recognition of International Day of People with Disability 2014.

International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is an annual global event that aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability, and celebrate the achievements and contributions that people with disability have made to the community.

 Starting next week, the City and community will hold three days of activities to celebrate the occasion.

 Deputy Mayor, Neil McIlwaine, said the internationally celebrated event was something very significant for the City to recognise.

“The City is committed to facilitating the inclusion of people with disability and supports the celebration and recognition of the great work done within our community,” he said.

“We are proud to support International Day for People with Disability by hosting an art exhibition and special library activities.”

To kick off three days of events, there will be a story time session at the Geraldton Regional Library on Friday, November 28 from 9.30am to 10.30am. Join the friendly library staff for a morning of fun songs, stories, rhymes and crafts, no bookings are required.

On Tuesday, December 2, the Queens Park Theatre will be host the Creative Waves Art Exhibition 2014. The exhibition showcases art created by people with disability which was supported by local Disability service providers. This will be open for viewing until December 15.

The Foreshore will be packed with activities on Wednesday, December 3, from 5pm to 7pm. Enjoy activities including Spin Out wheelchair basketball, beach volleyball, a bouncy castle and face painting.

A sausage sizzle and the Sun City Cinema will conclude the evening. The Ride, an inspirational documentary about four men who ditch their wheelchairs for a quad bike adventure, will be showing from 7:30pm. There will also be a Q&A Session with Craig Parsons after the movie. Free popcorn will be provided. For more information on this event call Regional Home Care Services on 9920 7600.

For more information about IDPwD, visit www.cgg.wa.gov.au.

Big Dig starts - Public welcome

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Don't forget, the BIG DIG welcomes members of the public to come along to the area in front of St Francis Xavier's Cathedral, Geraldton, from 9am to 3pm today and during the week to participate in the excavation of a late 19th and early 20th century rubbish dump. Work commenced on site last week to prepare for this BIG EVENT. Please wear work clothes and enclosed footwear.

Nukara Music Festival 10th Anniversary Early Bird Ticket Release

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From what started out as an idea in the wee hours around a campfire many years ago out in the scenic Chapman Valley at Nukara Farm to get a band or two under the Ancient River Red Gums by the Spring fed creek, has now grown to a unique ‘boutique’ music festival. 

Since those early days acts have come to perform from as far away as the USA, France, New Zealand and Africa, plus a variety of performers from the length and breadth of this fine country. 

Anyone who has been to Nukara knows what a special place it is, with many doing the soul searching drive from Perth and other parts of Western Australia. Others have flown from the eastern states as well to revel in these majestic surrounds that a big flock of White Tail Carnarby Cockatoo’s call home.

Nine amazing Nukara Music Festivals have whizzed by pretty quickly and the celebratory 10th Nukara Music Festival will be held on Saturday 21st March 2015vwith a selection of artists from previous festivals including US Bluesman Eugene ‘Hideaway’ Bridges, Blue Shaddy, Gina Williams & Guy Ghouse, Boom! Bap! Pow!, The Go Set (Vic), Morgan Bain, Dave Mann Collective, Beck Tuesley and some more surprises to be announced later on. 

Live music runs from 4pm to 1.30am. DJVB (Victor Broido) from Geneva, Switzerland winds the party down slowly on the Creek Stage to 3am. Then the following morning the Recovery Breakfast gets underway from 8am with more live music. 

Early Bird tickets for this special 10th festival are just $100 each and on sale now from Geraldton CD Centre (08 99214 821) and online at www.ticketbooth.com.au

More info can be found at www.nukarafarm.com.au

Confirmed so far to celebrate an awesome achievement out at the beautiful Nukara Farm will be the band that 'saved the fest', Blue Shaddy and their whirlpool of foot stomping infectious energy.

From Houston Texas, the man who owns any stage Eugene ‘Hideaway’ Bridges is looking forward to giving us another lesson on real American Blues. Just think Sam Cooke & B.B King!

The Dave Mann Collective played the 1st festival and will be a welcome return to Nukara playing their brand of timeless rock/roots/folk.

Although BOOM! BAP! POW! haven't played an NMF, they did blow everyone away at the last Nukara Rhythm & Fire Fest and they'll bringing some great soul/rock n roll back to the bush.

Recent WAM Award Winners for Best Indigenous Act Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse played their 1st festival at Nukara Music Festival, and have since travelled all over Australia with their smooth Noongar language tunes very fitting for the Nukara environment.

Melbourne's The Go Set was a popular call from punters to return for their 3rd NMF with their original take on Punk/Folk. Just think of bagpipes, mandolin meshed with drums and guitar. A great mixture of folk/rock/punk that will have you tapping your feet and next minute jumping like a mad man.

Morgan Bain just had to be asked to come back after his stellar debut at the last NMF. Recognised not only for his incredible vocals but also for pushing the limits of his 6 and 12 string guitars, powerful blues harmonica and more recently rockn out on keys as well, his talent is unmistakable and makes for captivating raw performances and a sensibility that showcases his skills in the Blues/Roots/Rock genre. 

Long-time volunteer and main stage hand at Nukara, Beck Tuesley well deserves another slot for her 1st time on the new stage with her sweet folk/pop!

This will be a special memorable anniversary looking back over the past 9 festivals and unfortunately we would need several days to put on all the acts we wanted to come back!

Mud Nutz & Fourbys

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Mud Nutz & Fourbys

25th – 27th April 2015

“ 3 days of good old fashioned aussie fun”

Anzac dawn service

ABCRA full points rodeo

Jet Boats

Jet Boat rides

4WD competitions

Miss mud nutz

Mud wrestling

Beer belly competition

Mud obstacle course

Acres and acres of mud pits

Sumo suits

Arm wrestling

Live band

Tons of great prizes and giveaways all weekend

Tickets out now

Website: http://www.murchisonoffroadadventures.com.au/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MudNutzFourbys

Building a web of knowledge about Weld Range

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Brendan Hamlett at work at the Weld Range

An update of research findings from the Weld Range in Wajarri Yamatji country will be presented at a public lecture next week at the Western Australian Museum – Geraldton.

Weld Range, near Cue in the Murchison region, is highly significant for the Wajarri Yamatji Traditional Owners.

It is home to the nationally heritage listed Wilgie Mia Aboriginal Ochre Mine, mined by Aboriginal people for thousands of years.

Last year Wajarri Traditional Owners and University of Western Australia archaeologists were awarded Federal Government funding for the Weld Range Web of Knowledge Project – to work together to document sites in the area.

UWA archaeologist Viviene Brown, who is one of the lecture presenters, said the Wilgie Mia Aboriginal Ochre Mine’s vibrant red ochre was traded far and wide in Aboriginal Australia, and continues to be used ceremonially today.

“The Weld Range is culturally significant and drew people to the area, leaving behind a rich archaeological landscape,” said Ms Brown.

“We’re working alongside Wajarri Traditional Owners to build a web of knowledge, by linking cultural knowledge with the evidence of physical sites.”

WA Museum – Geraldton Regional Manager Leigh O’Brien said it’s important to raise awareness about Weld Range among the local community.

“There are old camping grounds, stone tool quarries, and paintings that give an insight into how Aboriginal people lived in this part of Australia,” she said.

“It’s going to be a fascinating lecture.”

Tales from the Weld Range: A summary of Weld Range Web of Knowledge activities will be presented by UWA senior archaeologist Vicky Winton, Wajarri Traditional Owner Carl Hamlett, and Ms Brown at the WA Museum – Geraldton on Monday, 17 November at 7pm.

It’s a free event but bookings are essential via 9921 5080.

For more information visit http://museum.wa.gov.au/museums/geraldton/tales-weld-range-summary-weld-range-web-knowledge-activities

Public meeting on the future of Geraldton Secondary Schooling

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Public meeting on future of Geraldton secondary schooling

Thursday, 6 November 2014 

  • Community meeting to be held Thursday, November 13
  • Education Minister to share results of community survey 

Parents and community members with an interest in the future of public education in Geraldton are invited to attend a community meeting next week.

Education Minister Peter Collier will visit Geraldton to host the meeting and share the results of a recent online survey about local public secondary schooling.

More than 300 people responded to the survey, and Mr Collier said it was important to hear the views of the local community about what made a good secondary school.

“I want to have a close look at education in Geraldton - a major regional centre of our State,” he said. 

“This process is about looking at the way we deliver secondary education and whether it is most effective, or if we can do better for students in this area.”

The Minister said all students needed the opportunity to study a broad range of subjects, and have access to pastoral care programs and support services that parents would expect of a good secondary school.

Fact File

  • The meeting will be held from 6pm-7.30pm, November 13 at Geraldton Surf Lifesaving Club, 260 Willcock Drive, Geraldton
  • Survey findings will be published online following the meeting at http://www.education.wa.edu.au 

Minister’s office - 6552 6300

Seniors Week – recognising our seniors

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Seniors Week is just around the corner with a variety of events to recognise the contribution of seniors in our community.
 
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said the 2014 Bendigo Bank Seniors Week is an annual event to thank our seniors for inspiring the quality way of life for elderly in the Mid West.
 
“The City promotes positive and active ageing with a range of programs available for Over 50s at the QEII Seniors & Community Centre.”
 
Kicking off on Sunday November 9, Seniors Week is anticipated to be one of a kind with including the following events:
 
Sunday November 9:

  • Seniors Week Opening Event – screening of the classic film Cis and Barbiche at the QPT at 2pm. Tickets: seniors/concession $12, early bird $17, adults $20. (Includes afternoon tea).

 
Monday November 10:

  • City of Greater Geraldton Mayor’s Mystery Bus Tour – 9am at the Queen Elizabeth II Seniors and Community Centre, followed by morning tea. Free event.

 
Tuesday November 11:

  • Grandparent’s Story Time at the Geraldton Regional Library – 9.30am to 10.30am, followed by morning tea. Free event.
  • Seniors Quiz Afternoon – 1pm at the QEII Centre, afternoon tea provided. Six people per table, cost $3.
  • Afternoon tea and musical entertainment – 1.30pm to 3.30pm at Opal Geraldton (former Geraldton Nursing Home). Free event.

 
To see more of the events happening during this week, visit the City’s website on www.cgg.wa.gov.au/events/seniors-week-2014. 
 
For more information about Seniors Week or to get your copy of the program, contact QEII Seniors and Community Centre Coordinator, Rosetta Finlay, on 9921 2684 or 0407 993 413.
 
Programs can also be found on the City’s website.

Experience an Eco Abrolhos Harbour Cruise this Sunday

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*Experience an Eco Abrolhos Harbour Cruise this Sunday* 

Come, relax and enjoy the sounds of James McDonald on the top deck of the Eco Abrolhos on a Harbour Cruise this Sunday. 
Delicious food, fully licensed bar, spectacular view of Geraldton on the water & a stunning sunset. 
Ring Sonia on 0418 386 307 to secure your tickets $25pp. 
Boarding from 4:30pm depart @ 5:00pm and returning at 8:00pm @ 182 Connell Road, Fisherman's Wharf. We hope to see you all there!

Finity Concept presents FASHION WEEK 2014

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FASHION WEEK 2014
Five fabulous days of fashion, food and French wines.

In-store Styling Evening
Learn how to make the new season looks work for you.
Tuesday 14th & Wednesday 15th October
Starts 6:30pm sharp
RSVP essential. Numbers strictly limited.

Personal Styling With Darren
By appointment
Please call store on 9965 3311 to secure a time
Thursday 16th October

Chic Frocks & French Drops
An intimate evening showcasing our new season collections
Wine by Justin Lazenby. Food by Culinary HQ
Friday 17th October
From 6:30pm

Summer Parade
The catwalk is up. The frocks are on. The hair is high.
Saturday 18th October
7:30pm

RSVP essential for all events. Call 9965 3311 or visit
Finity Concept 163 Marine Terrace, Geraldton

The 2014 Ladies Indulgence Evening

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The 2014 Ladies Indulgence Evening

Ladies come dressed in your favourite cocktail dress for a night of glamour and indulgence!

A Profit For Purpose Event Raising money to go towards the upcoming It's All Sorted Community Events – ultimately benefiting 5+ local charities/community groups! e.g. Midwest Pet Fair for Geraldton Dog Rescue, Christmas Bonanza for Variety WA Midwest Geraldton.

Spoil Yourself

Handsome waiters; gourmet cocktail nibbles; free champagne on arrival; mini manicures; photo booth; foot detox spa; make-up touch-ups demonstrations and personal consultations; thank you gifts; cocktails; live music and entertainment; professional MCs; door prizes; competitions and more.

Exclusive Product Displays Décor, home wares, kitchen and linen; clothing, lingerie, jewellery and accessories; cosmetics and skincare; bedroom and relationships. Solo (with Napoleon Perdis cosmetics), Hazard, Ivy Vibe, Seacret, Pure Romance, Scentsy, Tupperware, Lorraine Lea Linen, Intimo, Park Lane Jewellery.

Friday 24th October | 6:30pm | Towns Football Club | Cocktail Attire | 18+ | $60/ticket

Get tickets at Solo or online at www.itsallsorted.com.au

Free mental health training

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Free mental health training is available to community members in October thanks to sponsorship from Local Drug Action Group (LDAG) Inc, the Mental Health Commission and the WA One Life Suicide Prevention Strategy.

Geraldton LDAG convenor Kate McConkey said the training is an opportunity for people to learn more about mental illness and suicide.

“This training will help people understand the risks, signs and impacts of mental illness and suicide, and learn how to respond in a crisis situation”

“There is a huge stigma around mental illness and people don’t really like to talk about. The provision of training is an important step in generating discussion and raising awareness about how we can all play a role in preventing suicide”.

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training is in Geraldton on 20th & 21st October and 23rd & 24th October, and Youth Mental Health First Aid Training is in Mullewa on the 23rd and 24th October or 27th and 28th October.

People interested in attending the training must attend both days and register with Kate McConkey on 0429 104 920 by Friday 17th October.

If you or someone you know would like help or support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Saturday Night Harbour Cruise

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There is a harbour cruise on the ECO ABROLHOS this Saturday night, 4th of October instead of Sunday, as the weather forecast is for light winds and sunny. Boarding times are now different, see below. 

Come and enjoy a sunset cruise around Geraldton Harbour with fully licensed bar, delicious meals available to purchase, live entertainment and a magnificent sunset.

  • This Saturday 4th of October 4:30pm till 8:30pm
  • Departs 182 Connell Road
  • Meals available between 5:30pm- 7:30pm
  • Fully licensed bar (no BYO)
  • Pre-paid bookings essential $25pp

Call Sonia on 0418 386 307 to secure your tickets. Limited tickets available. EFTPOS available on board.

For more information, visit the website: http://www.ecoabrolhos.com.au/

Midwest girl represents Australia in Polocrosse

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Midwest woman Lauren Cant has hit the big time in Polocrosse after she was chosen for the Australian Women's Polocrosse team.

The 20-year-old who has been playing for 14 years, played in the winning senior women's side at the Darwin Nationals in July of this year.

After that performance, Lauren was selected into the Australian squad.

This weekend Lauren will play in the Australia vs. New Zealand Polocrosse test here in Geraldton.

For more information about the this weekend's test, click here.