Nature lovers invited to take part in coastal biodiversity project

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Community members are invited to document the plants and animals of the beach and dunes by drawing, photographing just making note of what they see.

Local artist Angela Rossen invites nature lovers to join in a coastal biodiversity survey which will generate research and help to create a stunning art exhibition.

The City of Greater Geraldton in conjunction with the Northern Agricultural Catchment Council (NACC), are hosting the coastal biodiversity event on Sunday, March 15 from 9am at Separation Point.

Community members are invited to take part in documenting the plants and animals of the beach and dunes by drawing, photographing or just making a note of what they see.

The Geraldton Regional Herbarium Group, The Friends of Bluff Point and Midwest Birdlife Geraldton will be on hand to assist with identifications along with Environmental Officers from NACC, the City and Department of Parks and Wildlife.

Funded by a Community Arts Network grant from the Department of Culture and the Arts, the event will culminate with a naturalist exhibition showcasing drawings, paintings and photographs by those who took part.

The WA Museum Geraldton will host the Geraldton Community Coastal Biodiversity Exhibition in May.

Participants are invited to submit drawings and photographs of coastal flora and fauna for inclusion in the exhibition. Registration and entry forms will be available at the Separation Point event.

Local artist Angela Rossen.

As part of the event, adult painting workshops will take place in the evening the following week at The WA Museum Geraldton.

Places are limited so come early on March 15 to register your interest. Angela will demonstrate painting the plants of the coast and the animals of the beach and no experience is necessary.

This project is delivered by Angela Rossen in partnership with NACC, City of Greater Geraldton and The WA Museum Geraldton.

The community beach event will take place on March 15 from 9am to 12pm at Separation Point, followed by a delicious lunch on the beach.

RSVP to Felicity Beswick on 99380108 or email Felicity.Beswick@nacc.com.au

SHOW OUTGROWS CURRENT SITE - NOW TO BE HELD AT EXCITING NEW VENUE!

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The Club Marine Geraldton Boat, Caravan and Camping Show is shaping up to be so successful in 2015 that already it’s outgrown the new location, meaning a change of venue is being announced!

Show organiser Jane Clarke said the Show was to be held at the Geraldton Camp School; however four months out from the Show she needed to re-think and find a bigger venue.

“It’s a good problem to have – needing more space for the Show!” Jane said.

“We have looked at different venues in Geraldton and have decided on one that is in an ideal location, and offers plenty of room for growth in coming years.”

“I am pleased to announce that the 2015 Show will be held at GBSC Sports Park on corner of Green Street and North West Coastal Highway,” Jane said.

This new venue offers much more space for exhibitors and, more importantly, means there can be extended areas for entertainment such as the popular 4x4 stunt track and motorcycle stunt area.

Jane said she knows this new venue will prove successful, and she is pleased to have the full support of the GBSC Sports Park.

The Club Marine Geraldton Boat, Caravan and Camping Show is the biggest event of its kind in the region. It brings together displays of new products and services in boating, fishing, 4wds, camping, accessories, electronics and lifestyle products with a huge line-up of entertainment and attractions for the whole family.

The Club Marine Geraldton Boat, Caravan and Camping Show attracts more than 5,000 people each year; and has loyal exhibitors from the local area as well as from Perth and the south-west.

The 2015 Show not only celebrates a move to a new venue, but is also recognises the Show’s 10th year!

With motorbike and 4WD stunts, cooking demonstrations, the Engel Aquatank fishing show, Yamaha Kid’s Casting Competition, quad bike rides and prizes to be won, it’s an event for the whole family!

The prospectus is available now for exhibitors. For more information, contact Jane Clarke, Sunset Promotions on 0403 226 303 or sunsetpromotions@bigpond.com.

More Show information is available at www.geraldtonboatshow.com.au.

City hosts Waitangi Day at Geraldton Foreshore

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Members of the Geraldton Maori Community all set for Waitangi Day celebrations at the Foreshore

A day of fun-filled entertainment can be enjoyed by the Geraldton community down at the Foreshore by the Yellow Submarine on Saturday 21st February, as the City celebrates Waitangi Day.

Event organiser Bronwyn Barnett and committee member of the Geraldton Maori Community said: “Waitangi Day at the Foreshore is all about being proud of and acknowledging New Zealand’s culture and traditions and commemorating the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, considered to be New Zealand’s founding document.”

“Over the years Waitangi Day has succeeded in becoming a recognised cultural celebration enjoyed by the whole Geraldton community and it is fantastic that again we have the opportunity to share this special event,” Bronwyn added.

There will be lots of family entertainment including pony rides, stalls, music, cultural performances by Hula Magic and Te Papakanui A Maui and a community lunch available from 12.00-1.00pm. A traditional welcome will open the festival at 10.00am, with the day’s activities concluding at 4.00pm.

For those who want to kick on afterwards, an evening event is also being hosted at the Wintersun Hotel with free entry from 7.00pm, where you can dance the night away to the sounds of Perth-based Kiwi band Box Party & The Brofessionals.

The Waitangi Day Committee was recently awarded a Community Grant by the City of Greater Geraldton in Round 15 of submissions, to assist with funding this year’s event.

City Mayor Ian Carpenter said: “Waitangi Day celebrations at the Foreshore is one of many community events and services which the City has helped fund this year, aiming to showcase the cultural diversity and enrich the lives of residents in the Greater Geraldton Community.”

For more information please contact Bronwyn Barnett 0400 420 453 or Cleo Kereone 0438 351 463 from the Geraldton Maori Community.

Mud Nut and Fourby's - 3 days of good old fashioned Aussie fun

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Hey Mud Nutz, have you booked in for 3 days of good old fashioned aussie fun, hows this for events, 4wd tug of war, glory hole, mud runs, max horsepower, extreme mud runs, mud burnouts, king of the castle, double dare mud course, show n shine. Jetboat demos and rides, see some of the states quickest jetboats roar around the Thunder Bay track.

Full points ABCRA Rodeo, come and see the cowboys and girls tame the wild beasts. Miss Mud Nutz comp, Mud wrestling, sumo suits, arm wrestling, beer belly comp,Mud Obstacle running course, great LIVE music from gero,s own "Lost for Words". if thats not enough the whole long weekend kicks of with an amazing Anzac Dawn service overlooking the Murchison River.

The Dirt Dust n Diesels bar n grill will be open all long weekend for breakfast, lunch, dinner and an ice cold beer. So what are you waiting for, grab your tickets and get your vehicle entered into the 4wd comps. 

Tickets for all 3 days fun incl camping....

Adults $99
Children 13-17 $55
Children 12 and under FREE
Family pass 2adults 2 kids $220
Tickets can be purchased on 99331050 or http://www.murchisonoffroadadventures.com.au/drtCont.php?cPath=52 
Where MOA 4wd Park
When Anzac Long Weekend 25th-27th April 2015

Nukara Music Festival Early Bird Tickets

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IT’S THE FINAL WEEKS FOR 10TH NUKARA MUSIC FESTIVAL EARLYBIRD TICKETS

BOOM! BAP! POW!

There are only a few weeks to grab your EarlyBird tickets to the special 10thNukara Music Festival being held on the outskirts of Geraldton in the scenic Chapman Valley at Nukara Farm on Saturday 21st March. 

The Nukara Music Festival has evolved in many ways over its little lifetime. Initially on an old farm trailer by the creek and now a 2 stage venue, but still a very unique, boutique small sized music festival in the beautiful bush surrounds of Nukara Farm that many travel from afar to attend.

This year’s special anniversary is a slight look back in time bringing some of the favourite acts from previous festivals such as US Bluesman Eugene ‘Hideaway’ Bridges, Blue Shaddy, Punk/Folk/Rockers from Victoria The Go Set, Noongar songstress Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse, Morgan Bain and The Swoop, Boom! Bap! Pow!, Beck Tuesley, plus the band to play at the very 1st Nukara Music Festival, the Dave Mann Collective. 

DJVB (Victor Broido from Switzerland) will wind the crowd down again into the wee hours, and more live music will happen at the Recovery Breakfast Sunday morning (camping overnight is encouraged). 

Tickets are available from Geraldton CD Centre Ph: (08)99214821 and online from Ticketbooth.

EarlyBird $100 until cob 21st February (Full price $125)

Aquarena Takes on Epic 24-hour Challenge

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Aquarena staff members Zoe Rowcroft, Emily Murphy and Emma Hancox (front) are gearing up for this weekend’s 24-hour swim to raise money for the Cancer Council.

Get your goggles ready because the Aquarena is calling on the community to join in their 24-hour swim to raise money for the Cancer Council.

The swim will take place this Friday, January 23 at 6pm and will go through to 6pm on Saturday.

The rules are very simple - you must have one person from your team swimming at all times, you can even wear floaties if you want.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said the event was a fun way to get involved in raising money for a very worthy cause.

“Everyone has been touched by cancer in some way and we would really like the community to get behind this great event,” he said.

Teams can range from one to 20 people and entry fee is $20 per person with all money going to the Cancer Council.

The Aquarena is also calling on all local businesses to make a donation to the event.

You can go and support the swimmers during the swim with a gold coin donation.

For more information about how you can get involved, contact Emma Hancox at the Aquarena on (08)9921 8844.

YOU'RE INVITED! Come and check out an afternoon of short films about Geraldton

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YOU'RE INVITED! Come and check out an afternoon of short films about Geraldton.

When: This Saturday, January 17 at 4:15pm
Where: Queen's Park Theatre
Cost: FREE!

Ring the QPT Box Office on 9956 6662 to reserve your tickets. 
Click on the link below for more information.
http://www.everythinggeraldton.com.au/geraldton-calendar/2015/1/17/showcasing-geraldton

Geraldton showcased on the big screen

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Imagine the changes that have transpired in our City from the 1960’s through to today? Well imagine seeing it right before your eyes on the big screen! 

The Geraldton community is invited to ‘Showcase Geraldton’ on Saturday, January 17 at 4:15pm at the Queen’s Park Theatre, to enjoy a late afternoon of films celebrating life in Geraldton.

Channel 7’s ‘Our Town’ episode focusing on Geraldton will premier, which showcases the best in the region and encourages people to move, live, work, study or invest here. 

Our Town is a half-hour documentary series focusing on ten WA towns and Geraldton was chosen to be one of them. 

The film crew hit Geraldton last year and had their hands full interviewing local people, filming tourist attractions, businesses and our education facilities. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said the opportunity to have Geraldton showcased to such a wide audience was an extremely unique and exclusive opportunity.

 “We have so much to be proud of here in Geraldton and it’s great that we can shine a light on our way of life and what makes Geraldton great,” he said. 

“I think the community will get a real kick out of seeing this new documentary as well as the Life in Australia Geraldton film, which will also be shown, a snapshot of Geraldton in the 60’s.

 “I’m sure that many of our local residents will be able to spot someone they know whether it is from the new brand new documentary or the one which dates back over 50 years.”  

 As well as the showing of Our Town, a feature wildflower film will play as will Life in Australia Geraldton.

 Life in Australia Geraldton is a 20-minute film capturing Geraldton in the 1960’s when the population was around 12,000. Now part of the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, the film was originally made by the Department of Immigration to entice immigrants from Great Britain to settle into a new life in Australia.

 The film proves to be a truly nostalgic trip down memory lane for many but is a good reminder of the journey that Geraldton has made to become the vibrant City it is today.

 Filming has been made possible thanks to financial assistance from the City of Greater Geraldton, Mid West Development Commission, Mid West Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Geraldton Ports Authority, Durack Institute of Technology, Geraldton Universities Centre, WA Museum – Geraldton, plus in-kind support from Ocean West and Geraldton Air Charter.

 The wildflower video is being primed for the tourist season and has been produced by Cineport.

 Reserve your free seat for Showcase Geraldton now by calling the Queen’s Park Theatre Box Office on 9956 6662 or dropping into Council offices or the library.

Family focus on New Year’s Eve event

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There will be a family friendly feel on the Foreshore this New Year’s Eve with a fireworks display and family activities sponsored by the City of Greater Geraldton.

The young ones won’t have to stay up until midnight to bring in the New Year with the fireworks predicted to get underway around 9:30pm. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said the City was happy to support the event.

“Bringing in the New Year is something that everyone should celebrate, no matter what age,” he said.

“We’re glad that there is a community event that families can participate in to celebrate the New Year and we are proud to be part of it.”

In addition to the fireworks, the City is proud to present a broad range of family-friendly entertainment on the east side of Dome Café, including activities, a bouncy castle and rides, from 5.30pm until the fireworks at 9:30pm, on Wednesday, December 31.

The Comedy Emporium 2015 Summer Nights Season Launched with Beach Party Show

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SUMMER nights are about to get a whole lot more enjoyable as Geraldton's longest running and only local stand­up comedy club The Comedy Emporium unveils its Beach Party Show as the first of its 2015 Summer Nights Season!

The team have been continuously busy, but there really is no rest for the wicked! January 9th will see James Masters from Melbourne MC a hilarious lineup, with acts soon to be announced.

“There’s nothing else to do in January.. except hang out with your family ­ and you’ll be sick of them by January!” said Comedy Emporium Director Julian Canny.

Audience members are actively encouraged to wear beach attire as the night will feature heaps of crazy beach themed antics. There will be more competitions, like the infamous “worst hawaiian shirt” and “thong throwing” competition which had the crowd in an uproar in 2014.

The show will be held in The Comedy Emporium’s favourite venue ­ under the stars in the Queens Park Theatre Amphitheatre. Audience members are encouraged to bring a picnic and spread out on the grass.

“Realistically, this is probably the only show you can wear your pluggas to and get away with it” hints The Comedy Emporium Coordinator Emma Howell.

Tickets are available at $10 off until Christmas.

“Look, you can even bring your partner along and have some quality time, with the added bonus that you don’t have to talk to them, just sit back and laugh!” adds Julian.

Presale tickets are available from the Queens Park Theatre at $29, Christmas presale promo tickets $25 or available on the door for $35.

Doors open 6:30pm, live music from 7:00pm and Comedy at 8pm.

Tickets on sale now $29 each. Tickets at the door for $35 (if sales permit) – so make sure you pre book through the Queens Park Theatre. Group discounts apply and for enquiries please ring 0458 306 111. No BYO alcohol. BYO food encouraged. BYO terrible hawaiian shirt. Bar available.

Family focus on New Year's Eve event

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Party Time: Sun City Cinema owner George Scicluna, Dome Manager Graham Sertorio and City CEO Ken Diehm.

There will be a family friendly feel on the Foreshore this New Year’s Eve with activities, entertainment and fireworks.

The Panaceum Sun City Cinema in conjunction with Dome Café, will host the entertainment and the City of Greater Geraldton are sponsoring the fireworks display.

From 6pm, there will be live music, games, a bouncy castle, face painting, a fish and chip special from Dome and once the sun sets, the film Rio 2 will be playing on the big screen next to Dome.

The young ones won’t have to stay up until midnight to bring in the New Year with the fireworks predicted to get underway around 9:30pm. 

City of Greater Geraldton Acting Mayor, Neil McIlwaine, said the City was happy to support the event.

“Bringing in the New Year is something that everyone should celebrate, no matter what age,” he said.

“We’re glad that there is a community event that families can participate in to celebrate the New Year and we are proud to be part of it.”

Sun City Cinema owner, George Scicluna, said the event initiated from community feedback.

“We had a lot of feedback from the community about the lack of family activities on New Year’s Eve,” he said.

“Sun City Cinema has had such success throughout the year among local families with the cinema that we thought we would take that feedback on board and create a fun event for families this New Year’s Eve.”

The event will kick off from 6pm on the Foreshore next to Dome on Wednesday, December 31. Entry is $3 for children and $5 for adults. 

For more information about the event, contact Sun City Cinema on 0408 643 494.

Carols have a new nativity scene, but won't conclude with fireworks this year

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From the Carols by Candlelight team: 

Carols by Candlelight will not be concluding with the traditional fireworks this year.

In  a last minute turn of events the Committee has not been able to obtain approval from the Council due to the imposition of new risk management requirements of which we were advised only last Thursday.

There is neither the time nor resources available to meet these requirements or any possible alternative entertainment.

Disappointing as this is for us at such late notice, Carols by Candlelight will be a fabulous night of celebrating Christmas as a community and we would love to see you there. 

Bring a picnic blanket or chair and please come together for a wonderful evening of food and family activities from 6pm and carol singing from 7pm.

Battery operated candles and carol programs will be available on the night.

This year Everything Geraldton will kindly be providing lyrics online for those who want to sing carols by the light of their smart phone or tablet. Head to www.everythinggeraldton.com.au/carols

We are excited to unveil new this year, our nativity photobooth.

Come join the action on Sunday evening at 6pm at Maitland Park for family activities and food stalls including free photo opportunity in this stable photobooth (bring your own camera or mobile phone, costumes will be provided for kids - including Mary, Joseph, Kings, Shepherds, animals, and angels). Carols by Candlelight will start at 7pm. Going to be a great evening!

Muslim women’s style on display at WA Museum

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Muslim fashion bloggers Delina Darusman-Gala and Mya Arifin with a group of friends. Photo: Marinco Kojdanovski. © Powerhouse Museum, Sydney.

An exhibition showcasing Muslim women’s contemporary fashion will open at the Western Australian Museum – Geraldton this week.

Faith Fashion Fusion: Muslim women’s style in Australia focuses on an emerging modest fashion market and the work of Australian Muslim designers and entrepreneurs.

A group of well-respected Australian Muslim women also share their experiences of faith and fashion, including three Geraldton women.

WA Museum – Geraldton Manager Leigh O’Brien said Faith Fashion Fusion will help people better understand the diversity of women in the community.

“While most Muslims are Australian born, their families come from more than 70 different countries,” she said.

“Visitors will see a range of modest fashion from the famous Burqini, to denim, to red carpet dresses.

“It is interesting that many of the designs have broader appeal for women looking for longer, looser fitting fashionable clothing.”

The exhibition was developed in consultation with a wide range of individuals, including those from Australian Muslim communities and organisations.

“I am so pleased three Geraldton women have agreed to be part of this exhibition,” Ms O’Brien said.

“They are all Muslim, but their experiences and fashion choices are all very different.”

Faith Fashion Fusion is a travelling exhibition from Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum.

It opens at the WA Museum – Geraldton 13 December until 1 March 2015.

The exhibition will then move to the WA Museum’s Kalgoorlie and Albany sites, and then to the Western Australian Maritime Museum.

For more information visit http://museum.wa.gov.au/museums/geraldton/faith-fashion-fusion-muslim-womens-style-australia

Annual Family Fun Day returns

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Cray Z will be making an appearance at Sunday’s 98.1 Spirit Family Fun Day.

Get ready for another day of fun and entertainment with the annual 98.1 Spirit Family Fun Day.

Renowned for being a hit with the kids, the event will be held on Sunday, December 14, from 12pm to 4pm at the Aquarena.

The pool inflatables including the BIFF, Crocodile BIFF and SMIFF will be open as well as the brand new outside run, slip and slide castle.

Other activities also include the Tarzan rope, Old McDonald’s Farm, plus everyone’s favourite pool friend Cray Z will be there with lots of giveaways and prizes.

Entry is $2. For more information contact the Aquarena on 9921 8844.

Jingle all the way with Carols by Candlelight

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Everyone’s favourite Christmas event, Carols by Candlelight, will take place on Sunday at Maitland Park.

Get your singing voices ready because this year’s Carols by Candlelight is set to be bigger and better than ever.

Held in Maitland Park on Sunday, December 14, the park will be bustling with activities for the whole family from 6pm, with the carols getting underway from 7pm.

Presented by Christian Churches of Geraldton with major sponsors City of Greater Geraldton, Rigter’s IGA and Iluka Resources, there will be a host of fun activities including craft, a bouncy castle and yummy food stalls.

City Deputy Mayor, Neil McIlwaine, said the Christmas Carol tradition was one that everyone should get involved in.

There will be something for the whole family at this year’s Carols by Candlelight.

“The City is proud to be part of such a great community event and it’s something that everyone can come and enjoy,” he said.

“We encourage the community to come and have a look at the activities on offer and join in the fun.”

Carols committee Convenor, Sue Mischke, said the event brought the community together to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus.

“We come from different backgrounds but have a common goal in wanting to provide an event where the Geraldton community can share the Christmas season together.”

The Geraldton City Band will be playing up a storm alongside guest singers and local acts.

The Carols Committee said this year’s carols is set to be even more family friendly after taking on board community feedback from last year’s event. 

The night will kick off with special kids segment with the much requested Christmas favourite Jingle Bells and a new pre-carols activity. The ‘Join the Nativity’ photo booth is set to be a hit with children joining in the action by dressing up as Joseph, Mary, a shepherd, a king or an angel. Costumes will be provided and families are encouraged to bring along a camera to capture the moment.

Battery operated candles and carol programs will be available on the night. This year Everything Geraldton will be providing lyrics online for those who want to sing carols by the light of their smart phone or tablet. Head to www.everythinggeraldton.com.au and select "Carol Lyrics" from the menu. 

For those unable to attend, the event will be broadcast live by Radio Mama.

The Geraldton City Band will be playing alongside local acts and guest singers.

Calling all Geraldton kids to join the school holiday fun at Bunnings Warehouse Geraldton

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WHAT: Summer holidays are here and to make the most of the long break, team members from Bunnings Warehouse Geraldton will be on hand to entertain kids with free School Holiday D.I.Y. Workshops in January.

The School Holiday D.I.Y. Workshops, running every Tuesday and Thursday* throughout the summer break, will provide a range of fun, hands on and engaging activities for local kids starting in January. 

Bunnings Warehouse Geraldton Complex Manager, Natalie Kennedy, said kids are encouraged to join the D.I.Y. Workshops as they provide an opportunity to get creative and make new friends.

“Local kids are all welcome to join in the D.I.Y experience, learn crafty tips and meet new people these school holidays,” Natalie said.

“The workshops are an exciting opportunity for kids to create the perfect show and tell item of what they have learnt over summer,” Natalie said.

The Kids School Holiday D.I.Y. Workshops are suitable for children of all ages.

Bookings are recommended; please contact Bunnings Warehouse Geraldton for further details.
 
WHEN: Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the school holiday period starting in January. 

WHERE: Bunnings Warehouse Geraldton, 181 North West Coastal Highway, Tel: (08) 9965 9600

Bodyboarding Legend to visit Geraldton

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Hardy celebrates winning The Pipeline Pro 2009: Alex Ormerod

Bodyboarding legend Ryan Hardy will be visiting Geraldton on the 27th of December 2014 to host a coaching clinic in his quest to promote bodyboarding across regional WA.

Hardy from Margaret River is one of the most famous bodyboarders in the world having won World Tour events in Hawaii, Tahiti, Chile and Australia leading him to finish 2nd in the world in 2006 and 2011. Hardy is also attributed with re-defining the modern style of bodyboarding and riding some of the most dangerous waves on the planet without a jetski assist!

Now heavily involved in bodyboard coaching and development through his bodyboarding school (ryanhardybodyboardingschool.com.au) Hardy has decided to share his expertise with the bodyboarders across the state.TheGeraldton event will also be run in conjunction with Midwest Surf School and Bali Bodyboarding.

Hardy shares his knowledge: Cian Salmon/ Bali Bodyboarding

Hardy commented from the Canary Islands where he is on tour for his sponsor Funkshen Bodyboards:

‘Geraldton had a reputation for breeding Australian champions and World Tour competitors in the early 2000s (Sean Virtue, Ben Sukiennik and Kris Nelson) so I am really excited to come up to Geraldton, meet the bodyboarders and do some coaching in Geraldton.’

This event is open to all ages and abilities. Interested participants can register on line at ryanhardybodyboardingschool.com.au to partake in the 2 hour coaching session on the 27th of December 2014.

Hardy carves in Bali: Cian Salmon/ Bali Bodyboarding

4 free seminars that will teach you about your Apple device

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Mitchell and Brown are holding some timely seminars that will show you how to get the most out of your iPhone, iPad or Mac. 

It's great timing for those thinking of purchasing one of these as a gift for someone this Christmas. 

Head along to one or all of the presentations this Saturday at Mitchell and Brown.  

Video - Blues for the Bush 2014

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Blues for the Bush was held at Charles Darwin Reserve in Perenjori in October. This wonderful video prepared by Cineport gives you a great feel for what it was like.

www.bluesforthebush.org.au