Seniors Week bookings are open

Pat Parker, Deputy Mayor Jerry Clune, Jean Jones and Lina Mittoni add the final touches to the QEII Seniors and Community Centre in preparation Seniors Week.

Staff and volunteers at the QEII Seniors and Community Centre are preparing for a busy week, with bookings officially opening for the 2022 Seniors Week program.

Taking place on Friday 4 – Saturday 12 November, the Seniors Week program comprises of both free and paid events that are sure to appeal to everyone.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn encouraged seniors from all backgrounds to grab a program and plan out their week of fun.

“The 2022 program contains classic events that everyone knows and loves, as well as a few new additions to spice things up,” he said.

“From tours and feasts, to crafts, quizzes and even an information session on how to prepare for an emergency, there is something for everyone.”

“Thank you to the tireless work of the Senior’s Week Committee as well as QEII Seniors and Community Centre staff for putting together another stellar program.”

Queens Park Theatre (QPT) will be a flurry of entertainment, with a QPT Club movie screening of The Duke, a special Morning Melodies performance by the Golden Age Girls and a Multicultural Concert hosted by Midwest Multicultural Association.

If you’re looking to get up and active, Wednesday includes Walk and Breakfast as well as outdoor bowls and croquet ‘have-a-go’ sessions.

Participants can also get out in the garden at the Community Nursery tour or a Devonshire tea at Greenough Museum and Gardens.

Other events include basket weaving, grandparents story time at Geraldton Regional Library, bingo, an oral history morning at Geraldton Regional Art Gallery and the ever-popular quiz afternoon.

Food galore is also on the menu, including a Taste and See three course lunch at Lighthouse Church, morning tea with Lara Dalton MLA, and an afternoon tea at Geraldton Shore Care Community.

“And no Seniors Week event is complete without my personal favourite, the Mayor’s Mystery Bus Tour,” Mayor Van Styn added.

“I know it’s always very popular so be sure to get in early to secure your seat!”

Bookings for the activities officially opened Monday 24 October and can be made at the QEII Seniors and Community Centre on Durlacher Street or by calling 9956 6636.

For more information or a copy of the program, head to the City’s website or follow Over 50’s Geraldton Life on Facebook.

Community Nursery Open Day

Community Nursery Officer Jeanette Reynolds (left) and volunteer Joan Earl in the Community Nursery Seed Orchard.

If you like being outdoors, are passionate about plants and don’t mind getting dirt under your fingernails becoming a Community Nursery volunteer might be just what you’re looking for.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn encourages residents of all ages who are interested in greening our City to come along to the Community Nursery Open Day.

“Our 25 Community Nursery volunteers are amazing,” he said.

“Every year they propagate tens of thousands of local plants that the City, community groups and organisations use to revegetate and beautify our bushland and coastal reserves.

“They have also become specialists at trouble shooting the propagation of local natives that are notoriously difficult to grow.

“However, one of their greatest works to date has been to propagate and cultivate 139 Lone Pine trees, direct descendants from the tree that stood on the battlefield in Gallipoli, which are being planted in the Leonard T Green Memorial Park to commemorate Geraldton residents who lost their lives in WWI.”

If you would like to be part of this dedicated and passionate group of volunteers who take great pride in their work and workplace then come along to the Community Nursery Open Day on Thursday 27 October 2022 from 9.30am to 11.30am.

The morning includes a presentation on the nursery followed by a guided tour and morning tea with the volunteers.

For more information on the Community Nursery head to the website here.

Night roadworks in Rangeway

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that night road resurfacing works to a section of Utakarra Road from Howes Street to Wandoo Street in Rangeway are scheduled to commence from Monday 24 October 2021.

The night works, which will be undertaken in sections, will take place from 7.00pm to 7.00am and are expected to take approximately two weeks to complete with detours in place during these hours.

Members of the community are requested to seek alternative routes and 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.

Spalding revitalisation plan revealed

AMC Park Masterplan

The plan to revitalise the AMC Park and Mitchell Street Community Centre in Spalding has been finalised and will soon go to tender.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the plan developed by local community members will be a game changer for the area located in the heart of the suburb.

“The City and landscape architects worked closely with year six Bluff Point Primary School students and the Spalding Urban Renewal Team made up of local residents, service providers and business operators to learn how the centre and park are used and what changes could be made to improve the area and increase community use of the space,” he said.

“The community agreed with the ideas they put forward and the Department of Communities is providing the City with funding to undertake the works.”

“The final plan, that includes something for everyone, sets out to completely transform the park and how the Mitchell Street Community Centre is used.”

The final design features an adventurous playground, basketball court, yarning/education circle, covered picnic nodes, new pathways, a bush tucker garden, public toilets and more car parking with ACROD bays. 

The Mitchell Street Community Centre is also planned to undergo some renovations including the installation of doors along the eastern side of the building that will open onto a large veranda.

The Department of Communities has already begun the first stage of renewal works in the area by removing a number of aged public houses on Bogle Way and Sullivan Court to create new road connections onto Mitchell Street and onto an extension of Robinson Street from Mitchell Street to Broome Street.

These new road connections will greatly improve the pedestrian, cycle and road networks of the suburb and are all part of the first stage of renewal works.

The State Government is investing significantly into the renewal of Spalding with $9 million of funding allocated.

Tenders for the project will be issued in the coming months with construction to begin next year.

More information on the project is available on the City’s website here

Tree removal in the CBD

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise five dead Norfolk Pine trees will be removed at the following locations in the CBD with works taking place from Tuesday 18 October to Saturday 22 October 2022.

·         Marine Terrace between Point Street and Portway

·         Marine Terrace between Burges and Cunningham Streets

·         Conway Street east of Burges Street

·         Sanford Street between Fitzgerald Street and Cathedral Avenue

The City is always reluctant to remove trees as they add to the liveability of the City. However in this case, these trees are dead and pose a risk to pedestrians, motorists, homes and buildings.

Works will take place between 7.00am and 5.00pm pending appropriate weather conditions on the day. 

To ensure community safety, these sections of road will be closed to traffic with detours in place during the works.

Members of the community are requested to use alternative routes during this time, 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.

Prohibited burning period begins

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner has implemented the prohibited burning period for the City of Greater Geraldton, including Greenough and Mullewa from midnight tonight, Friday 14 October 2022 until 14 February 2023.

Burning permits will no longer be issued. Infringements may be issued for non-compliance.

If you see a fire or become aware of a potential fire contact 000 immediately. 

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

City completes preparations for bushfire season

Mulched firebreak installed along property perimeter and clean stem pruning of native trees along Waverly Street in Mount Tarcoola.

In preparation for the coming bushfire season the City of Greater Geraldton recently completed bushfire reduction treatments at various locations around the City region.

The works valued at more than $500,000, which included mulching mowing and the installation of firebreaks undertaken by local contractors, were 100 percent funded by the State Government Mitigation Activity Fund.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim said reducing the risk of bushfires is the responsibility of all property managers and owner/occupiers.

“Over the past seven weeks we have been providing the community with information on how to prepare their properties for the coming bushfire season in the lead up to the 4 October firebreak deadline,” he said.

“The City has been busy preparing and the recent completion of the bushfire mitigation works at these City owned or managed sites will certainly go a long way to help keep our community safe in hot and dry summer months ahead.

“I’d like to thank the State Government for funding these critical works and our local contractors for getting this big job done.”

On 5 October 2022 firebreak inspections began.  Property owners who have not put bushfire prevention measures in place are requested to act immediately as infringements may be issued for non-compliance with the requirements.

The 2022-2023 First and Final Firebreak Notice, which provides the fire prevention measures that need to be completed based on property size, was issued with rates notices and is also available on the City’s website here

History making camel trek to finish in Geraldton

John Elliot with his camels and Bruski the dog.

Stow Gardens on the Geraldton Foreshore will mark the final stop on adventurer and philanthropist John Elliot’s odyssey across the heart of Australia to raise awareness about skin cancer.

Before Mr Elliot’s departure in 2019, he undertook a routine skin check that revealed a melanoma on his back, which had it gone undetected may have proven fatal.

The discovery of the melanoma prompted Elliot to dedicate his journey to encouraging others to get checked.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn is looking forward to welcoming Mr Elliot and his caravan to town.

“John’s journey across Australia is truly inspirational and we can’t wait to welcome him to Geraldton,” he said.

“With our consistently sunny weather and outdoor lifestyle, there is an increased requirement to get checked for skin cancer.

“I urge everyone to come and meet John, Bruski and his camels, listen to some fascinating stories and get themselves checked out.”

When Mr Elliot, his camels and trusty dog Bruski traipse into town on Saturday 15 October, Mr Elliot will also become the first person in history to have camel trekked across every state and territory in Australia as part of a journey spanning over 12,000km.

To mark Mr Elliot’s arrival, Skin Cancer Champions and City Health Geraldton will be carrying out free educational skin cancer checks for the community in Stow Gardens from 9am. Later that evening, there will be a ticketed fundraising dinner at the Geraldton Multipurpose Centre.

For more information and tickets head to: www.thecamelman.raisely.com

New playground signs foster inclusivity

(L-R) City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn with Rocky Bay Speech Pathologist Jessica Morrison, Rocky Bay Clinical Operations Manager Jasmeet Flora-Drage, City of Greater Geraldton A/Coordinator Community Development Pavlina Heiderova and City of Greater Geraldton A/Manager Community & Cultural Development Peter Treharne with one of the new Communication Boards.

Signs to help individuals communicate have been installed at various playgrounds in Geraldton, helping to create an inclusive environment for all.

The Communication Boards are a collaboration between the City of Greater Geraldton and Rocky Bay to increase social skills and aid language development, especially with those who have difficulty speaking.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said they are welcome additions.

“These vibrant signs display symbols to help youngsters express themselves non-verbally, which will allow everyone to have a fun and safe time in our playgrounds,” he said.

“Our thanks to Rocky Bay for initiating the idea and helping us promote a more inclusive and connected community.

“I look forward to Communication Boards being added to other spaces in the City of Greater Geraldton in the future.”

Rocky Bay Clinical Operations Manager Jasmeet Flora-Drage said communication is everyone’s right.

“The boards can support someone with their understanding, expression, making new friends and connections as well as building awareness for people who have troubles communicating,” she said. 

“I am proud to be a part of an organisation that can support us with providing accessible communication to the community.

“I hope the communication boards are a step forward to a more inclusive community in the Midwest.”

The Communication Boards have been installed at both the Beresford and Geraldton Foreshore playgrounds, with the vision for more to be added around Greater Geraldton in the future.

The City’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan seeks to develop and improve access to services, facilities, programs and events, and the addition of these signs is a step closer in achieving that.

The strategic document can be viewed here.

Temporary closure Bugara Park playground

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise maintenance works on the Bugara Park playground equipment will begin the week of Monday 10 October 2022 for a period of approximately three weeks.

To ensure community safety during the works, the playground located between Nixon and Bugara Streets in Spalding 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.

City thanks Clean Up crew

(L-R) Marg Dawson, Mick Steffan, Roy Jones, Laureen Ayres, Lisa Bickley, City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn, Ann Burrow, Tina Lawson and Bob Taylor.

Gero Clean Up Crew can usually be found removing litter and weeds all over Greater Geraldton on a weekend however, this month will signal a change as they officially hang up their gloves.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn commended the group on a job well done.

“This wonderful group of people choose to give up their time to make Geraldton an even better place to live,” he said.

“The results of their dedication are clearly visible and their actions are truly inspirational.

“I would personally like to thank everyone who has been involved and congratulate them on what they have achieved for our community and environment.”

Gero Clean Up Crew spokesperson Lisa Bickley said the group was proud of their accomplishments.

“Our aim has always been to raise awareness of the power that individuals have, to make a positive difference,” she said.

“Encouraging people to remove litter from the land, was our way of doing that. We also wanted to highlight what can be achieved, when passionate people work together.”

“I sincerely thank every person who has joined in our efforts. Being part of the Crew, has changed lives on many levels.”

“Thousands of orange bags later, it is time to hand this task over to all community. Making a conscious effort to dispose of litter and goods correctly, makes all the difference. We hope this role modelling is now continued by all Geraldton residents.”

The Gero Clean Up Crew are rounding up their activities on Sunday 9 October at Midalia Beach, with a breakfast for all past crew members.

For more information please email gerocleanupcrew@gmail.com.

Truck drivers urged to slow down on gravel roads

Following a strong growing season with plenty of rain reaching agricultural areas, the City of Greater Geraldton is urging truck drivers to slow down to help preserve the condition of unsealed rural roads in the Midwest this harvest season.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim said trucks slowing down on gravel roads makes a huge difference to future road conditions and driver safety.

“The condition of our rural roads affects all drivers using these roads, especially those running businesses,” he said.

“Problems with corrugation, or washboard effect, caused by acceleration and deceleration puts intersections and corners at greatest risk to drivers.

“It’s a small ask for truck drivers to slow down to 70km/h which will help keep our unsealed roads in good condition longer.

“It will also reduce the wear and tear on vehicles and increase the overall safety for all road users.”

This financial year the City has allocated more than $1.8 million towards renewing over 58kms of unsealed rural roads, including three intersections in the Mullewa region, and 50kms of road swales and shoulders.

To report unsafe road conditions, contact the City on 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au

Prescribed burns in Webberton

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise prescribed burns will be undertaken in Webberton on Saturday 8 October 2022 commencing at approximately 9.00 am.

Prescribed burns are undertaken to mitigate the severity of bushfires and to help protect lives and property by reducing the build-up of flammable fuel loads.

These burns will be located adjacent to Guirdara Street, Webberton.

Should unfavourable weather conditions develop on the day, the prescribed burns may be delayed or rescheduled for another day.

The Moonyoonooka Bush Fire Brigade will be on site to control the burn rate and extinguish the fire by the end of the day.

Smoke from the prescribed burns may affect the surrounding areas. If you have a respiratory condition or are affected by smoke you should contact your local doctor or call Health Direct on 1800 022 222.

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 this may cause.

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

Firebreak deadline fast approaching

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that with the weather warming up and paddocks and gardens drying out quickly, now is the time to complete all preparations for the upcoming bushfire season by the Tuesday 4 October 2022 deadline.

The 2022-2023 First and Final Firebreak Notice, which provides the fire prevention measures that need to be completed based on property size, was issued with rates notices. This information has also been provided in the local newspapers, on social media and is available on the City’s website www.cgg.wa.gov.au

There are now only five days left to complete these works that will help keep the community safe. All property owners are requested to act immediately to undertake the required fire prevention measures as infringements may be issued from Wednesday 5 October 2022 for non-compliance with the requirements.

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

Aboriginal cultural festival to raise mental health awareness

Members of the community will come together next month for Iwarra Wilungga - an Aboriginal cultural festival that will assemble performers and businesses in a celebration of culture.

This inaugural event aims to not only shine a light on Aboriginal culture, but also raise awareness around mental health and some of the support services available locally.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn has thrown his support behind the event.

“Iwarra Wilungga translated from Wilunyu language is “Spring by the Sea”, and will be the first event of its kind in the Midwest combining talented local Aboriginal entertainers with workshops and educational experiences as well as showcasing fantastic Aboriginal businesses,” he said. 

“This symbolic festival will enable people to learn more about the range of help that can be accessed by those facing mental health challenges as well as strengthening bonds within our community.

“We would like to thank the WA Primary Health Alliance for the funding that has made this event possible and I encourage everyone to come along and join in the fun.”

WA Primary Health Alliance has provided the City with $150,000 through the Australian Government Primary Health Networks program to support a range of community service providers and deliver initiatives that contribute to improving overall community wellbeing and combating depression and suicide.

Iwarra Wilungga will take place on Saturday 29 October at Stow Gardens on the Geraldton Foreshore between 4pm and 8:30pm.

More information about the programme will be available in the coming weeks.

Any groups or businesses interested in being involved in Iwarra Wilungga are encouraged to email denieller@cgg.wa.gov.au or call 9956 6600.

Hybrid vehicle join journey to zero carbon emissions

New hybrid vehicle addition to the City’s passenger fleet.

journey towards net zero carbon emissions for City of Greater Geraldton operations by 2030 has gone into high gear with a program to replace petrol powered fleet vehicles with hybrids now underway.

The first hybrid to join the City’s passenger fleet is a Toyota Corolla that recharges the battery while you drive so it doesn’t need to be plugged in.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said hybrid vehicles are the way forward for the City’s fleet.

“Hybrid vehicles are a great way for the City to transition away from petrol power passenger cars without having to wait for the infrastructure to charge battery only electric vehicles to be built,” he said.

“On short trips around the City, the electric motor in the hybrid does all the work which will dramatically reduce our CO2 emissions with the added benefit of reducing the operating costs of the vehicle too.

“Given the distances staff need to travel within our City region one of our biggest concerns with battery only electric vehicles is that there wouldn’t be enough battery charge to make these round trips.

“However, the hybrid’s combination of petrol and battery operation strikes the balance we need.”

To ensure the City meets its target of net zero carbon emissions by 2030, all petrol powered passenger vehicles will be replaced with hybrids when they are due for renewal.

For nearly a decade the City has been reducing its carbon footprint by replacing street and sporting grounds lighting with LEDS, installing geothermal systems and solar panels at its facilities and more recently, has been trialling the kerbside collection of Food Organic Garden Organic (FOGO) waste.

For more information on The Achieving Net Zero Corporate Climate Change Mitigation Plan visit the City’s website here

Grab a bloomin’ good Spring School Holiday Program

The sun is shining, the birds are singing and the City of Greater Geraldton’s School Holiday Program is here just in time for spring!

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn is pleased to introduce the newest edition of the program.

“Spring is a perfect time to be outdoors in Geraldton, and the School Holiday Program is great way to get the kids off the couch and out of the house,” he said.

“There is an excellent array of activities that cater for all ages and interests, from sports, crafts, writing workshops and so much more.

“Grab a printout for a list of City hosted events or head to our website to see the full range of activities on offer.”

Free City hosted events include the ever popular soccer clinics as well as wheelchair basketball, Dungeons & Dragons sessions and low tox potion parties.

Geraldton Regional Library will be alight with a kaleidoscope of activities as part of the Big Sky Readers and Writers Festival, including twilight story time, writing workshops, author Q&A’s and plenty more.

Geraldton Regional Art Gallery is offering kids the chance to be part of shaping the future of Town Hall by collaging historic photos and drawing new meanings.

Mullewa is also getting in on the fun, with the Mullewa Youth Centre set to host an Olympian obstacle course, stupendous science experiments, karaoke and basketball competitions and everyone’s favourite, Taco Tuesday.

In addition to the City ran events on the physical program, there is also a variety of additional events hosted by external providers that can be found on the City’s events calendar.

For a copy of the program, or more information on how to register, head to the City’s website at www.cgg.wa.gov.au/schoolholidayprogram

General retail trading hours for National Day of Mourning

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the State Government will apply normal public holiday trading hours for the one-off National Public Holiday to honour Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday 22 September 2022.

General retail shops in the Greater Geraldton region will be able to trade as per normal public holiday hours of 11am to 5pm on the National Day of Mourning.

Normal retail trading hours of 8am to 9pm will recommence on Friday 23 September.

This notice only applies to general retailers such as Coles and Woolworths and does not affect smaller and speciality retailers, who have been approved to operate with unrestricted trading hours.

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

New Aussies welcomed this Australian Citizenship Day

Geraldton welcomed another fresh crop of new citizens at an Australian citizenship ceremony today as part of the Australian Citizenship Day celebrations.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said today’s ceremony will be one of hundreds of ceremonies taking place across Australia that will see thousands of people officially become new citizens on or around Australian Citizenship Day.

“Australian Citizenship Day is an opportunity for all Australians in their community, whether by birth or by choice, to reflect on and celebrate what’s great about being Australian,” he said.

“Australian Citizenship Day provides an occasion for all of us to contemplate the contributions of citizens to our local communities.

“I encourage everyone in Greater Geraldton to reflect on and affirm their Australian citizenship today as we warmly welcome our newest citizens.”

This intake of conferees will bring the total to 111 people who have become Australian citizens so far in 2022.

City staff have worked tirelessly to clear the backlog of those waiting to make their commitment to Australia after COVID-19 caused significant interruptions to scheduled ceremonies.

This ceremony will be the first since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

The portrait will be respectfully updated once the period of mourning has passed and official photos of His Majesty King Charles III have been released.

For more information about Australian Citizenship Day and Australian citizenship visit www.citizenship.gov.au.

Temporary closure Eighth Street West playing field

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the Eighth Street West Playing Field lights are being commissioned on Wednesday 14 September 2022.

Works will take place from 5pm to 5am. During this time the playing field will be closed to the public.

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.