Geraldton Regional Art Gallery and Visitor Centre closed

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery and Visitor Centre will be closed the morning of Monday 12 September to allow for maintenance works.

The Geraldton Visitor Centre will reopen at 12pm that same day, while the Gallery remains closed until Friday 30 September to allow for new exhibitions to be installed.

Visitor information is available to access at www.visitgeraldton.com.au and in-person assistance will be provided at the Geraldton Regional Library or by phoning 9956 6659. 

The City apologises for any inconvenience this closure may cause.

Members of the public are requested to obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Passport 2 Employment gets stamp of approval

Passport 2 Employment Class of 2022 students on their first day.

Tuesday just got a whole lot better for some students, with the next round of the Passport 2 Employment program set to take flight from this week.

The program sees select Year 11 and 12 students from local schools participating in the nine-week program designed to prepare them for entering the workforce.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn was happy to see the program back on the radar.

“Passport 2 Employment is a brilliant way to equip students for their journey into employment,” he said.

“The program offers students exposure to new and exciting fields, while also teaching practical skills such as resume writing and interview preparation.

“It’s a well-rounded curriculum hosted by professionals and I’m excited to see where it takes this crop of kids.”

The program is offered to students who have been identified as benefitting from extra education and support as they prepare to graduate from high school.

Sessions include onsite visits to various locations throughout the City, as well as activities designed to improve confidence and wellbeing.

The program is a collaborative effort involving Forrest Personnel, Central Regional TAFE, Mid West Ports Authority and the City of Greater Geraldton.

Carpark 6 electrical upgrades

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise upgrades to the electrical infrastructure in Carpark 6 located on Cathedral Avenue will begin the week of Monday 12 September 2022 and take approximately two weeks to complete.

During the works a number of car parking spaces will be unavailable.

Members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Nominate a Local Legend for a Community Citizen of the Year Award!

Community Citizen of the Year Award nominees for 2022 on stage during Australia Day celebrations in Geraldton.

Residents in Geraldton and Mullewa will have the opportunity to celebrate the work of their peers, with nominations now open for the 2023 Community Citizen of the Year Awards.

Awarded on Australia Day, the Auspire – Australia Day Council WA, Community Citizen of the Year Award is an opportunity to acknowledge those making an outstanding contribution to our community.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn encouraged everyone to make a nomination.

“We have seen through the immense popularity of the Local Legends social media campaign that Greater Geraldton is full of wonderful people doing good work,” he said.

“The Community Citizen of the Year Awards is a fantastic way to really shine the spotlight on these people.”

Categories include Community Citizen of the Year, Young Community Citizen of the Year (under 25), Senior Community Citizen of the Year (over 65) and Active Citizenship (group or event).

“The nomination process now is easier than ever, with the City joining other local governments across the state in taking nominations though the official Auspire website,” Mayor Van Styn added.

“Head to the official website at https://www.citizenshipawards.com.au/nominate/ and put forward a local legend today!”

The Awards will take place at the Australia Day events in Geraldton and Mullewa on Thursday 26 January 2023.

Nominations close on Monday 31 October 2022.

New footpath construction Bellimos Park

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be installing a new footpath in Bellimos Park connecting Jackson Loop to Bellimos Drive starting the week of Monday 12 September 2022.

The works will take approximately four weeks to complete.

Members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

City and Chamber calls for flight stability

Flights to and from Geraldton are expected to decrease further this month, prompting the City of Greater Geraldton and Mid West Chamber of Commerce and Industry to call for action so that local industries aren’t further impacted.

Qantas regional flights were disrupted in June and promised to return to normal mid-July.

Several weeks on, flights have been reduced further and departure times have now been delayed to later in the day.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said it was having an impact on both the business and tourism industries.

“It’s disappointing that we are looking at more reductions this month along with many flights being moved to the middle of the day, which impedes travel plans,” he said.

“Most travellers accessing the flight connecting Geraldton to Perth represent our business community. This in turn impacts our region, and we are calling for action and stability from Qantas.

“Because of these changes, it is becoming harder for healthcare specialists who historically treated Midwest patients for the day to do so now. This is just one example that’s becoming a growing concern.”

Mid West Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Officer Joanne Fabling said the flight alterations are causing significant challenge for local and visiting businesses.

“Qantas reduced their flights to alleviate pressure on the intrastate and interstate routes to bring certainty back into their timetable whilst training new staff. We accepted this as it was put to us as it was only for a short period,” she said.

“Three months on, we are being further reduced to a middle of the day flight once a day. A schedule that does not reflect any thought into the business, health or tourism sector in either direction.

“We understand that COVID-19 has had an impact on aviation and there is going to take some time for recovery, however Geraldton is the largest regional city north of Perth. It deserves more consultation on changes to schedules prior to implementation.”

In June, Qantas cancelled a number of flights to better prevent last minute cancellations as well as changes. This month, flights are expected to reduce further.

As a result of these ongoing changes, an increased number of travellers are now resorting to driving to and from Perth. 

The City of Greater Geraldton and Mid West Chamber of Commerce and Industry understands this news will disappoint the community further and are advocating for increased flight stability and frequency.

The Bowerbird celebrates one year of operation

Customers and staff celebrate the Bowerbird’s first birthday.

Customers and staff alike came together last week to celebrate one year of the former tip shop being under City management.

Now known as the Bowerbird, the reuse facility has been embraced by the local community.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn lauded the facility as a success.

“The Bowerbird team work tirelessly to assist customers and they should be proud of their achievements,” he said.

“In just one year of operation the Bowerbird has served 17,190 customers and diverted a whopping 50,000 items from landfill.

“This kind of diversion is not only a boon for the environment and for savvy customers chasing a bargain, but it also increases life expectancy of the landfill.

“The more we can reduce and reuse, the more everybody wins!”

The City took over operation of what was then known as the ‘Tip Shop’ from MEEDAC in early 2021 as part of a two year trial.

The facility officially reopened with its bright blue facade and new name on Monday 30 August 2021.

Conveniently located on the way into the Meru Landfill facility, people are encouraged to call into the Bowerbird first to donate any items that would otherwise be thrown away.

Items accepted include furniture, household electrical appliances, tools, building materials, crockery, bric-a-brac and more.

The Bowerbird is open from 9am until 3pm Wednesday to Monday (closed Tuesday).

Celebrating language through art

Wilunyu language will be celebrated through a new exhibition set to be mounted in the Post Office Lane Lightbox Gallery and the Geraldton Regional Library as part of the Big Sky Readers and Writers Festival.

The Wilunyu Words of Wisdom Language Exhibition invites community members to create and colour-in artwork using special templates prepared by acclaimed local Aboriginal artist Nicole Dickerson, alongside words culturally approved for use.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn is looking forward to seeing what the community can produce.

“Wilunyu is the recognised Aboriginal language of the area central to Geraldton,” he said.

“Therefore it is important that we as a community respectfully safeguard its future through initiatives such as this one.

“I encourage anyone with an interest in art, language and Aboriginal culture to sign up for what I am sure will be a fantastic workshop with Nicole Dickerson, and to come down and enjoy the exhibition once it is installed.”

The Wilunyu Words of Wisdom workshop will take place on Saturday 3 September between 10.30am - 12pm at the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery.

Prizes of $350 will be awarded for the seven artworks chosen to be displayed in the Post Office Lane Lightbox Gallery.

Entries close on Monday 12 September.

The exhibition will open with a community sausage sizzle on Thursday 29 September starting at 10.30am and concluding at 11.30am.

For further information, conditions of entry and tickets to the workshop and exhibition opening see here.

This event has been made possible thanks to funding from the WA Primary Health Alliance under the Australian Government Primary Health Networks program.

Revolve Skate Series reloaded for September

The Revolve Skate Series is set to roll into Wonthella Skate Park next month, after the resurgence of COVID-19 forced event organisers to hit the brakes on the original date.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn threw his support behind the new date.

“I’m stoked to see Revolve will return to Wonthella Skate Park on Saturday 17 September,” he said.

“There is an epic prize pool of over $2,500 still up for grabs so I encourage any keen skaters to register to compete in this free event.”

Competition categories include under 8’s, under 12’s and under 16’s as well as an open category and best street trick.

Due to popular demand, an additional division for girls aged 5-16 has also been added.

Registrations are now open and competitors can sign up via the LiveHeats website.

“If spectating is more your thing, there will also be plenty of entertainment cranking throughout the day,” Mayor Van Styn added.

“The new line up of entertainment features Perth band Pretty Uglys performing alongside local legends RATSALAD.

“Demo skaters from Soggy Bones will also be joining the fray, so keep an eye on the City’s Facebook and Instagram accounts for more information!”

Competitors and spectators alike can also make the trip to Jurien Bay to participate in the second leg of the series taking place on Saturday 3 September.

The Revolve Skate Series is made possible thanks to support from Healthway, Rio Tinto, Infinity Skate WA, Jayde Fox of Geraldton Property Team and the City of Greater Geraldton.

Time to prepare for bushfire season

The City of Greater Geraldton is reminding residents now is the time to begin preparing properties for the coming bushfire season.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said works undertaken now could later save properties and lives. 

“Despite all the rain we’ve been having lately the bushfire season is just around the corner so we all need to do our part to prevent bushfires and protect our properties,” he said.

“A well prepared home and property is more likely to survive a bushfire or ember attack, will be easier to defend and less likely to put your neighbours’ homes at risk.

“Rolling up your sleeves now will go a long way to preventing the loss of your home or even your life to a devastating bush fire.”

In the weeks leading up to the 4 October 2022 firebreak deadline residents can start preparing their properties by cleaning gutters of leaves and twigs, cutting back trees and shrubs and cleaning up fallen leaves, twigs and other debris around the yard.

If you are choosing to employ local contractors this year to get the property compliant, now is the time to contact them to ensure any required works to get the property compliant with Local Government law is completed before the deadline.

All firebreak measures must be in place by 4 October 2022 and maintained to 1 May 2023.

On 5 October 2022, fire prevention work inspections will begin and property owners who have not completed the necessary works will be fined $250 for non-compliance.

Owners of vacant or undeveloped blocks under 0.4ha must have them mowed or slashed and all Wattle bush removed.

Occupied or developed properties require a three metre clearance of all flammable material around structures and buildings and Wattle bush managed.

Larger blocks will also require a mineral earth firebreak installed along the entire external boundary of the land.

For more information on preparing for bushfire season head to the City’s website here or pick up the 2022-23 Firebreak Notice from the Civic Centre on Cathedral Avenue.

Christmas on the Terrace returns this December

Marine Terrace will be packed with festive cheer this December as the popular Christmas on the Terrace returns for another unforgettable year.

Businesses, entertainers and musicians interested in being part of the event are being encouraged to express their interest by Mayor Shane Van Styn.

“We’re excited that the popular Christmas on the Terrace is returning to the Geraldton CBD on Thursday 8 December,” he said.

“This event always presents significant opportunity for businesses and brings people together for an evening full of festive cheer.

“We’re anticipating it to be another fantastic year and encourage those interested in being part of it to submit an application on our website as soon as they can.”

Christmas on the Terrace will unfold in Marine Terrace from 5pm – 8.30pm on Thursday 8 December.

Businesses and entertainers keen to be involved can submit an expression of interest form on the City’s website by clicking here.

Opportunities close on Friday 7 October. 

More information about Christmas on the Terrace including program highlights will be announced closer to the event.

FOGO waste getting put in its place

FOGO Bin with green tag indicating the household is doing a great job at separating FOGO waste from general household rubbish.

The Food Organic Garden Organic (FOGO) kerbside collection trial is seeing more green waste than ever before being disposed of in the lime green lidded bins.

Following Council’s decision in May to extend the trial for another 12 months and ramp up the engagement with the 500 participants, the number of people presenting their bins for collection has gone up and contamination levels have dropped considerably.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said ongoing education and direct feedback to participants on FOGO separation was making all the difference.

“In the last couple of months we’ve ramped up our communications with participants about what they are throwing into their FOGO bins and its working as nearly all of them are now separating their waste correctly,” he said.

“Unfortunately, about 5 percent of households in the trial still don’t understand the difference between FOGO waste and general rubbish and/or not prepared to separate their waste correctly.

“For those participants, if this doesn’t improve we will be forced to take away their FOGO bins.”

FOGO participants have been given feedback on their separation efforts via bin tags. On collection days, City Officers visually inspect FOGO bins placed at the kerb before they are collected and place coloured tags on the bins with feedback on the contents.

A green tag means they did a great job, a grey tag means there are a few issues and bins that are contaminated are taped shut.  Participants who have their bin taped shut three times will be removed from the trial.

“We really want the trial to be a success and we are working hard with participants so that we can reduce the volume of organic waste going to landfill,” Mayor Van Styn added.

“If we can get this to work, Council will consider adding more households to the trial.”

For more information on the trial follow the CGG FOGO Trial Facebook page or visit the City’s website here 

UPDATE: Road closures and openings

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that all unsealed rural roads, with the exception of Giles Road, have reopened to traffic. The river crossings on the following roads remain closed due to water over the road.

·        Arthur Road

·        Minnenooka Road

·        Phillips Road

·        Ramsay Road

·        Short Road

Members of the community are urged to use alternative routes and not to risk driving through floodwaters.

For all the latest updates on road closures go to the Road Conditions Report https://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/road-condition-report.aspx

The City apologises for any inconvenience these closures may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

UPDATE: Road closures due to heavy rainfall and flooding

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the following three roads have reopened to traffic:

·        Carnarvon-Mullewa Road  

·        Beringarra-Pindar Road

·        Glenfield Beach Drive

All other unsealed rural roads remain closed, with the exception of local traffic only, until further notice.

Drivers are requested to proceed with caution, drive to the conditions and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

For all the latest updates on road closures go to the Road Conditions Report https://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/road-condition-report.aspx

The City apologises for any inconvenience these ongoing closures may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

UPDATE: Road closures due to heavy rainfall

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that ongoing rainfall is causing temporary flooding at various locations across the City region with some roads being closed to ensure community safety including:

·        Scott Road

·        Giles Road

·        Glenfield Beach Drive

·        All unsealed rural roads

Community members are urged to not to risk driving through floodwaters, as there may be debris in the water, and to use alternative routes.

City crews are currently working to clear these roads. With rain forecast to continue for the coming hours these works will be ongoing until further notice.

For all the latest updates on road closures go to the Road Conditions Report https://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/road-condition-report.aspx

Members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these closures may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Developing Talent in WA’s Midwest

Geraldton Aquarena will host Royal Life Saving WA’s Talent Pool program. Photo credit: Ken Lawson.

Royal Life Saving WA’s Talent Pool program is being rolled out across Geraldton, offering skills development and training opportunities for local Aboriginal youth, with a focus on employment pathways.

Royal Life Saving is working with employment agency, Real Futures and the City of Greater Geraldton to deliver the six-month program, which will involve a range of swimming and rescue activities culminating in participants receiving Swim Teacher and Lifeguard qualifications at the Geraldton Aquarena.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn threw his support behind the program.

“This is a fantastic initiative that we are proud to be a part of,” he said.

“I applaud everyone involved in bringing the Talent Pool program to Geraldton.”

The Talent Pool program is an innovative training and employment initiative that provides skills development to Aboriginal young people with an aim to generate real employment opportunities in the aquatics industry while building capable communities.

The free course is being made available in Geraldton thanks to funding support from the Australian Government through the Local Jobs Program and will be provided to youth no longer in the education system who are looking for work.

The City of Greater Geraldton is also allocating access to facilities and pools at no charge to assist this worthwhile program.

Travis Doye, Royal Life Saving Senior Manager Workforce Solutions, says the program engages vulnerable community members, offering training with an aim to foster first-time employment.

“Talent Pool is unique in that we start with the end in mind, striving to provide real employment outcomes for graduates,” he said.

The Local Jobs Program (LJP) is funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

Bloom time in Mullewa

Wreath flowers in Mullewa. Image by @block.275 on Instagram.

There has never been a better time to visit Mullewa than right now.

As the bush blooms all eyes are on the flourishing heart of wildflower country.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn is encouraging everyone to take the trip out east.

“Mullewa really is the place to be this time of year and it is not just about the wildflowers,” he said.

“This year there is also the brand new Mullewa entrance mural at Callaghan Park to check out as well as Helen Ansell’s Floral Fashionista Exhibition and of course the much loved Outback Bloom and Mullewa Agricultural Show will round out an action packed month.

“I urge everyone to make the most of all this rain we have been getting and hit the road to Mullewa to experience one of the most fantastic wonders of our region.” 

Mullewa’s signature wildflower event Outback Bloom is partially funded through the City’s Festival and Event Funding Program and officially opens at Mullewa Town Hall at 10am on Thursday August 25 and runs through until Sunday 28 August.

The Mullewa Agricultural Show is funded in part by the City’s Community Grants Program, gates open at 9.30am Saturday 27 August before concluding at 8pm the same day.

For all the latest information on wildflower hotspots and on what is on offer in Mullewa call into the Mullewa Visitor Centre or check what is happening online by clicking here

Railway Street transformed into safe active street

The transformation of the 1.4km long Railway Street in Bluff Point into a Safe Active Street the first of its kind in regional WA, is complete.

Mayor Van Styn said Railway Street is now a more welcoming place for all roads users thanks to a funding contribution from the State Government.

“The transformation of Railway Street into shared space for riders, walkers and drivers featuring new red asphalt, traffic calming devices and a 30km/h speed limit is a fantastic outcome for our community,” he said.

“Railway Street’s generous street width has been divided into three lanes, two for vehicles and one for designated on-street parking that’s bookended by street trees, making it a much more appealing place to go for a walk or ride a bike.

“I’d like to thank the State Government who provided $1.1 million in grant funding to design and build the SAS which has become an active transport route between areas where people live, the Chapman River Regional Park, Bluff Point and St Lawrence’s Primary Schools and the Bluff Point commercial centre.”

The Railway Street SAS was identified as a key cycling facility in the Geraldton 2050 Cycling Strategy and has become a key component of the City’s cycling network.

The completion of the SAS project means residents and visitors to the City can now walk or ride from the CBD north to Corallina Quays in Sunset Beach along a series of recently upgraded footpaths along Chapman Road, off-road shared paths and the SAS.

The $1.73 million project was jointly funded with the State Government contributing $1.1 million and the City the remaining $630,000.

More information on the Railway Street SAS is available here

Temporary closure Webber Park playground

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise maintenance works on the Webber Park playground equipment at the Waggrakine Hall will begin the week of Monday 8 August 2022 for a period of approximately three weeks.

To ensure community safety during the works, the playground located on Hackett Road in Waggrakine will be closed.

Members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

UPDATE: Artwork bus shelters installation postponed

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the installation of eight new bus shelters featuring artworks by local artists has been postponed due to high winds. The installation at following locations will now begin on Monday 8 August 2022 for a period of approximately five days.

·        Harrison Street, Bluff Point near Bluff Point Primary School

·        Central Road, Wonthella between Place Road and First Street

·        Shenton Street, Geraldton near Geraldton Senior High School

·        Shenton Street, Geraldton near the Geraldton Regional Hospital

·        Chapman Road, Bluff Point across from Bluff Point Shopping Centre

·        Fitzgerald Street,  Beachlands across from Central Regional TAFE

·        Chapman Road, Geraldton in front of North Gate Shopping Centre both street sides

The anticipated hours of work will be from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.