Geraldton residents urged to prepare

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DFES warns residents and travellers of widespread cyclone risk

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services is urging communities as far south as Perth and the South West to prepare their homes and families for dangerous weather, as Severe Tropical Cyclone Olwyn moves down the Western Australian coast.

The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting that category 3 Olwyn will gradually weaken as it tracks south along the coast, through Carnarvon and Geraldton, but could still pose a danger when it reaches Perth during Saturday.

DFES Assistant Commissioner Darren Klemm said people need to prepare their homes and families, and keep up to date.

"We urge people, especially those in Geraldton, to get ready now by preparing their homes, ensuring they have emergency supplies and be sensible by taking shelter as the cyclone passes,” Assistant Commissioner Klemm said.

"People in Geraldton should be aware that shops could close early this evening, so you should stock up on essential provisions this afternoon.

"If a Yellow Alert is issued for Geraldton, people will need to stay indoors and businesses will close.”

"Those in the Perth metropolitan area should clean their gutters and ensure any loose items are secured.

"Anyone planning a weekend camping or road trip should reconsider, and anyone already camping should relocate to a safe area.

"People from Coral Bay to Wooramel, including Carnarvon, are under a Red Alert and need to remain inside until the All Clear is given.

"We encourage people to keep up to date by checking the DFES and Bureau of Meteorology websites, calling the Emergency Phone Line (13 DFES) or listening to local emergency broadcasts.”

Bureau of Meteorology WA Regional Director Mike Bergin said Olwyn was expected to move southwards through the South West Land Division on Saturday.

"There is the possibility of heavy rainfall, damaging squally winds and abnormally high tides along the west coast,” Mr Bergin said.

"This will include the Perth metro area.”

"There is particular concern for Geraldton, which has not seen a cyclone since Cyclone Hazel in 1979.”

DFES personnel and emergency services volunteers are monitoring developments and undertaking necessary preparations.

Incident management teams have been established to advise the community and help people that may be impacted by the cyclone.

For more information, visit the DFES website at www.dfes.wa.gov.au/.

Publications including Cyclone Smart and Prepare for a Storm are also available for download.

WHAT TO DO:

  • Get ready for dangerous weather by preparing your home inside and out. 
  • Secure or remove loose material from around your home. 
  • Ensure your emergency kit is complete and includes a torch, battery-operated radio, food, mobile phone and essential medications.
  • Fill up your fuel tank well before the storm is due to arrive.
  • Check your family knows what to do.
  • Avoid all non-essential travel. 
  • If youare planning travel over the weekend you should reconsider your plans.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS:

  • For SES assistance call 132 500 
  • In a life threatening situation call 000 
  • For the latest weather information call 1300 659 210 or visit www.bom.wa.gov.au
  • For information about road conditions and closures contact local Police or Main Roads WA on 138 138 
  • To report downed powerlines call Horizon Power on 13 23 51.

Traffic Management Alert

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Tru-Line Traffic Division will be looking after traffic management for the City of Greater Geraldton area including Mullewa. 

As such Tru-Line will be setting up from 9pm tonight a comminucations area located in the carpark of the old hospital on the corner of Bayly and Chapman Rd. Should you require assistance please drop in. 

For emergencies only contact Stewart Stellmaker - Traffic Manager on 0409 119 265. Tru-Line would like to advise all members of the public to please drive carefully as we will have personnell out on the roads. 

Please be patient and we will assist where possible. Thank - you

Prepare now for severe weather

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The following alert has been issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).

Time of issue: 4.30pm
Date of issue: 12 March 2015    

 

Prepare now for severe weather for Kalbarri to Mandurah 

 

If you live between Kalbarri to Paynes Find to Southern Cross to Mandurah you need to prepare your home and family now for severe weather coming on Saturday.   

This includes people in Perth metropolitan area, Mandurah, York, Dalwallinu, Jurien Bay, Geraldton, Northampton, Kalbarri and surrounding areas.  

This is very unusual weather that could cause significant damage to homes and make travel very dangerous.  

 

WHAT TO DO: 
DFES has these tips to help you and your family prepare before the bad weather starts:   

  • Trim branches around your home to prevent them falling on your roof or car.  

  • Clear gutters and downpipes so they do not overflow after heavy rain.  

  • Store or weigh down loose objects around your home or work like outdoor furniture that could be picked up and thrown by strong winds, causing damage or injury.  

  • Prepare an emergency kit with a battery operated radio, torch, spare batteries and first aid kit.  

  • Organise an emergency plan, including a relocation plan for your family and pets in case your home becomes flooded.  

STORM/THUNDERSTORM/WEATHER DETAILS: 
As at 3.59pm on Thursday 12 March 2015 the Bureau of Meteorology advises Tropical Cyclone Olwyn is expected to weaken in northern parts of the Southwest Land Division during Saturday morning and the remnants of the system will move in a south south-east direction thorough central and western parts of the Southwest Land Division during the day.

Heavy rainfall and damaging winds will be in parts of the warning area north of Jurien Bay to Paynes Find during the early morning before moving into the remainder of the warning area north of Mandurah to Southern Cross by the middle of the day.

On Saturday the ex-tropical cyclone will produce heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding. Widespread damaging winds to 100 kilometres per hour that could result in damage to homes and property. 

During Saturday afternoon and evening the system will move further south affecting remaining parts of the Southwest Land Division west of Southern Cross to Hopetoun.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS:

 

  • If your home has been badly damaged by a storm call the State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500  

  • In a life threatening situation call 000  

  • For the latest weather information visit www.bom.gov.auor call 1300 659 213.  

After a storm SES volunteers make temporary repairs to homes that have been badly damaged, such as roofs that have been ripped off or large fallen trees on homes and cars. Please contact your insurance company to organise permanent repairs.  

 

KEEP UP TO DATE:
Visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa or listen to news bulletins.

Buy a Block of Land and get a $2,500 Voucher From Mitchell & Brown

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Buy a Block of Land and get a $2,500 Voucher From Mitchell & Brown

Attention all prospective land buyers.

Geraldton Heights Estate and Mitchell & Brown are running a once-only offer that is almost too good to be true.

Anyone who buys a block of land through Geraldton Heights Estate before May 31st 2015 will receive a $2,500 voucher from Mitchell & Brown to furnish their new home with quality electrical goods of their choice.

This promotion will never be run again, so this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss out on.

Geraldton Heights Estate currently has several lifestyle blocks available starting from a generous 2,000m2.

Enjoy a rural lifestyle with plenty of space to relax amongst nature and benefit from the convenience of having stunning local beaches and all the modern amenities that the thriving City of Geraldton has to offer only a short drive away.

To find out more about this fantastic offer, phone Paul on 0413 686 100 or email geraldton@4land.com.au

Murder charges: Reputable Geraldton businessman Mark Pendlebury charged with murder in Phuket

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Pic: Kritsada Mueanhawong

Former Geraldton resident and well regarded business person Mark Hamilton Pendlebury has been charged with murder in Phuket following an altercation outside a nightclub early Wednesday Morning 11/3/15. 

According to Phuketwan Mark Pendlebury was on his way home from a Rotary club meeting. He was with champion Danish surfer, Frederik Aakerlund, 48. 

From local tourism news site Phuketwan:

"Mr Aakerlund, who lost both legs in a military action in 2007, now does his best to inspire disabled children and competes against able-bodied surfers. Two months ago in Patong, he was attacked by thugs in daylight. He has just left hospital."

Mr Pendlebury had planned a boat trip for the handicapped Danish man following his brutal attacked to assist in the man's recovery. 

Regarding the incident, Mr Pendlebury is quoted as saying:

''An Indian and an Australian had been fighting inside and were being thrown out,'' Mr Pendlebury, 59, said from his cell at Kathu Police Station, where officers oversee Patong, the popular nightlife hub on Phuket's west coast. "I pulled out my camera to record what was happening and a security guard tried to stop me doing that. Before I knew it, I was being badly beaten up. I pulled out my knife and waved it back and forth to defend myself. A couple of Indians jumped in and with their help I was able to escape a little distance down the street. If the Indian tourists hadn't rescued me, I reckon I would be dead.'' 

Mr Pendlebury and the security guard were both taken to hospital. A short time later the security guard was pronounced dead. 

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, local business people on the Island are in shock. 

The Phuket Gazette has quoted Col Sutthichai from the local police force as saying: “He confessed to us that he was the one who stabbed Mr Sanya.”

Everything Geraldton spoke with a former employee of Mr Pendlebury. "He had a great reputation in the community," she said. Noting his work as Director of the Geraldton Regional Community Education Centre Association, the former employee mentioned he was well known for all the work he did in Geraldton with many different community organisations. "He had pretty much retired, bought a boat, and became Captain Mark," referring to Mr Pendlebury's work in Phuket running a sailing tour business.

Mr Pendlebury's business Phuket Sail Tours rates very high on Trip advisor (click here) with reviews claiming Mark is quite a character, focused on safety, and having a good time. 

Mr Pendlebury is a former board member of the Mid West Development Commission, and was involved with Rotary. He has also served as President of the Rotary Club of Phuket in Thailand. 

Mark Pendlebury is the father of Sea Shepherd member and environmental activist Glen Pendlebury, who in 2012 boarded a Japanese ship and had to be retrieved by the customs ship Ocean Protector.

Kritsada Mueanhawong from the Phuket Gazette said Mr Pendlebury was being held at Patong Police Station for 48 hours before being brought to the court. 

News.com.au reports that Australian consular officials from the embassy in Bangkok are providing assistance to Mark Pendlebury.

Video footage

Security footage of the incident has emerged, which, despite being quite grainy, appears to support Mr Pendlebury's version of events. 

According to PhuketWan (link)

The video shows:

  • Among others passing by, Mr Pendlebury appears on the opposite side of Rat-U-Tit 200 Pi Road, pausing and looking on as a melee develops outside Taipan.
  • Mr Pendlebury appears to lift a camera or mobile telephone and begin filming or taking photos from the far side of the road.
  • The Australian waits for several tuk-tuks to pass then crosses the road to go closer to the swirling mass of people that appears to be growing outside Taipan.
  • A figure emerges from the melee and seems to confront Mr Pendlebury, who is several steps away from the action.
  • Still on the road surface, Mr Pendlebury backs away and retreats along the line of waiting tuk-tuks, followed by about six figures. 
  • At least one vehicle is double-parked in the road the whole time, with emergency lights flashing. 

Allegations that Mr Pendlebury was drunk at the time of the incident have been rejected by people who were with him earlier in the night at a Patong Rotary meeting according to PhuketWan. 

Phuketwan is calling for those who witnessed the incident and may have footage or images to come forward, and stating that lawyers aim to apply for bail today for Mr Pendlebury. 

3 reasons to have your wheelie bins cleaned

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Having a dirty wheelie bin can be more problematic than just the smell which comes out of it. Often, we put off cleaning our bins because we don’t have the resources, time or will-power to perform the task ourselves, so the problem just gets worse. 

Peter Manners from Wheelie Really Clean Bins specialises in residential and commercial bin cleaning and can make your bin look and smell fantastic. Peter has shared with us the importance of getting your wheelie bins cleaned and some simple tips to KEEP them clean. 

1. Wasps LOVE dirty bins.

And there’s nothing worse (or terrifying) than walking past a swarm of wasps that want nothing more than to get inside your dirty bin. This might come as a bit of a shock because wasps are attracted to sweet scents, such as nectar, perfume and fruit. But during AND after summer, when the weather is still hot, these pests are looking at reproducing and aren’t looking for nectar. They’re looking for protein. So chicken carcasses, offcuts, spoiled meat and even empty cans of dog food are exactly what these pests are looking for. And if the environment is ideal, they’ll settle in and make a home right outside of yours. So keeping your bin clean is a great way to keep those unwanted pests away.

 

2. A dirty bin, combined with the warm weather of Geraldton, is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and germs.

This doesn’t just emit an unpleasant odour, but growing bacteria can also damage and even crack the plastic of your bin, depending on the extent of the bacteria growth. Keeping on top of this is a great way to maintain the condition of your bin, without forking out the cost of a new one that could have easily been avoided. 

 

3. A simple rinse of water for a dirty wheelie bin just doesn’t do the trick, so often, we turn to household chemicals, which can sometimes do more harm than good.

Using particular chemicals may seem like a quick fix, but depending on what you use and the state of your bin, this can actually make the smell linger for months. Wheelie Really Clean Bins have been cleaning bins for years and know exactly what they’re doing and know what chemicals to use for the job. Get the job done right and avoid all of the mess in between. 

 

Wheelie Really Clean Bins use 100% biodegradable detergents and their water is then filtered and recycled once the job is done, providing you with a fast, effective and safe solution for your dirty bin. 

 

Some simple tips to keep your bins clean: 

1.  Inserting a plastic bin liner into your empty bin is a great way to keep it dry because it avoids bacteria from growing. Plastic bin liners are designed to be durable and strong, whereas the traditional household bin bags often aren’t water proof and tear easily. This leads to breaking bags that will allow dirty liquids to set at the bottom of your bin, causing an off-putting odour.  

2.  Try not to leave the lid of your bin open. This may cause pests to get into your rubbish and break open bags of old food that can then stick to the walls of your bin and form bacteria. 

3.  While it’s not encouraged to clean your bins with household chemicals, a simple rinse every week or so with vinegar mixed with water is perfectly fine. This reduces the possibility of bacteria forming in the first place, therefore the use of harmful chemicals are no longer required. 

For more information, contact Wheelie Really Clean Bins on 0447 082 267.

They’re open Monday – Friday from 7:30am – 5:00pm and are closed weekends.

Trying to save someone's life is a massive hassle

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I don't understand why our government makes trying to help people harder than being selfish. 

From time to time the thought about what happens to my organs if I am killed passes through my mind. For the last 33 years I haven't done anything with those thoughts other than decide in my brain that of course I don't need my heart or anything else if I'm dead, anyone else is welcome to have them. 

I then proceed with whatever task I am doing until the next time three years later when the thought passes through my mind or I watch a sad Will Smith movie where he suicides and donates his body. 

But recently I decided to do something. I figured it can't be that hard. My licence was being renewed so I guess all I needed to do was tick the box that said donate and that would be it. 

But I couldn't find anywhere to tick. "That's weird," I thought. I was sure you got a "donor" stamp on your licence or something. 

A bit of googling revealed to me that I had to register with some mob called the Australian Organ Donor Register. No ticking drivers licence boxes since 2004. "Alright, I guess I'll navigate through this government website then."

I discovered that I had to choose whether I wanted to donate specific parts of my body or all of it. I stared at the screen wondering what scenario existed where someone was willing to donate their heart valves but not their heart. What bureaucrat or religion caused this menu to need to exist?

I filled in my details, ticked all the boxes, and clicked "Register". The online form was complete. If I died this week I wouldn't be stressed about my organs going to waste. That was a relief. 

I let my wife know I had nobly registered my intent. She was trying to cook dinner, bathe the younger children, get the grocery shopping done and discuss homework with the older kid... it didn't seem appropriate requesting she go and do the same thing right this moment. 

I went along my merry way for the following couple of weeks safe in the knowledge that I was a slightly better person than I had been the month before. Until I got a letter in the mail asking me to confirm my online request and sign a form and mail it back to them. 

Seriously?! My bank has less security measures than this. Here I am trying to HELP people and they want me to jump through more hoops. I filled in the form again, signed it, enveloped it, and went for a walk to the servo where I posted the letter. 

"Good God," I thought. "Are there hackers logging in to government websites after stealing people's medicare numbers falsely registering people to donate their organs? Are these people then murdering those donators so they can have the organs for themselves?" If there are people up to such nefarious schemes, a letter in the post with a signature is a sure fire way of thwarting their dastardly plans... not. 

With the letter posted, I started to question how many people would really go to this much hassle to register.

I'm not saying the hassle is not worth it. Let's be clear. I'd do a lot more than fill in a letter if it meant extending someone's life. 

I just know how hard it is to get people to vote, click on a link, or respond to a text message. I simply doubt many people would actually do this. 

I blame the daily bombardment of advertising for the collective disengagement our brains have all undergone. It's not that we don't care, we just HAVE to disengage to survive the onslaught of signage and media demanding our attention and action. 

But at least one person, myself, had filled in the letter and mailed it back. I thought that maybe if I am murdered this week my family will be comforted by the fact that my heart could extend the life of a child, or my eyeballs could go to someone who wants to be able to watch House of Cards (what a great show). 

And then a few more weeks went by and I received ANOTHER letter with a printed signature I could not read and no name typed to tell me what the illegible signature said from the Australian Government / Department of Human Services / Medicare / Preventative Health Programs / Australian Organ Donor Register (I think they have a branding problem as well).

In the letter I was given specific instructions to discuss my decision with my family. And there was a card the size of a credit card with my name and some weird number on it. 

I stared at the card... 

Was I supposed to carry this card with me at all times?

If they drag my body from a car wreck, will they be searching my wallet for my donor card? 

I hate carrying a wallet. I usually leave it at home. I have too many cards already that I don't carry around with me. 

And why are they telling me I have to tell my family? 

The letter contained the following sentence:

In Australia, family consent is always sought before a donation can proceed even if you are registered on the Donor Register. 

I stared at the sentence in disbelief. (Lots of staring has happened in this journey.)

Why on earth did I bother to fill in all these forms? 

What if my family change their minds?

What if they're so overcome with grief because they love me so much that they can't bear the thought of parting with any piece of my body and my wish to have my skin tissue given away is denied?

What if my family all die at the same time as me?

Do I need to contact my cousins and let them know my wishes?  

I'm sure I could spend more time on the internet and find the answers to these questions. Or I could ring the toll free number on this plastic card and someone who's tax payer funded job it is to manage this complicated list will let me know how it all works. 

But I've wasted enough time endorsing this ridiculous system by using it. 

The system needs to change 

There should be no "opt in" system in Australia. I personally have never spoken someone who has told me they would not want their organs to go to someone else if they died. 

If there are people out there who for whatever reason need to be buried with their kidneys while some child in Perth stays on dialysis, then let THEM go to the hassle of filling out the forms to opt out. 

Here's a something to consider:

Spain has an "opt out" system rather than an opt in system like Australia.
In Spain there are 35.1 million donations per million people each year. 
In Australia there are 13.8 donations for every million people, an absolutely woeful statistic, especially considering there are over 1600 people awaiting donations at this moment. 

And here's some interesting research published at Medical News Today:

Researchers from the University of Nottingham, University of Stirling and Northumbria University in the UK analyzed the organ donation systems of 48 countries for a period of 13 years - 23 using an opt-in system and 25 using an opt-out system.
The study authors measured overall donor numbers, numbers of transplant per organ and the total number of kidneys and livers transplanted from both deceased and living donors.
They found that countries using opt-out systems of organ donation had higher total numbers of kidneys donated - the organ that the majority of people on organ transplant lists are waiting for. Opt-out systems also had the greater overall number of organ transplants.

Click here to read more. 

 

 

If you're an Australian who has a genuine reason for not wanting your organs to go to someone else upon your death, then I feel you should have the freedom to choose that. There are questions over the differences between "death", "brain death" and "cardiac death" and myths surrounding how you'll be treated once you are dead sadly still exist. 

But rather than allow people to continue to die who would have otherwise lived had they received an organ in time, perhaps we could shift the burden of action to those who want to opt out, rather than those who want to opt in. 

Lead found on nearly 20% of Northampton properties→

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Sarah Tallier reporting for the ABC: 

 Evidence of lead contamination has been found at nearly 20 per cent of properties tested in the West Australian town of Northampton.

 Click here to read full article. 

 

The Apple Watch - and some other new surprises from Apple

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Ever since Apple announced last year they were working on a watch, the tech world has been collectively scratching its head wondering if there was actually a need or use for such a device. 

The commentary has been similar to that which preceded the iPhone and iPad releases... namely: Do we need or want this?; Will it be too expensive?;  What can it do that my existing devices can't?

At the original announcement Apple had told the world that the Watch would start at $349 US. But speculation as to what the ceiling would be for the most expensive version ranged from crack smoking analysts at Citigroup guessing $950 (how does one get a job as an analyst anyway?) to followers of Apple and expensive watch aficionados suggesting $10,000 to $20,000 for the 18-Carat gold version. 

Finally last night, Watch was unveiled and everyone's questions were answered. 

In brief, here's a rundown (in Australian dollars.)

There's 3 versions. 

Watch Sport 
Watch
Watch Edition

They all come in two sizes, a 38mm and a 42mm. 

Watch Sport 38mm: $499 

Watch Sport 42mm: $579

Click here for more info.

Watch 38mm: ranges from $799 to $1549 depending on the band chosen

Watch 42mm: ranges from $879 to $1629 depending on the band chosen

Click here for more info. 

Watch Edition starts at $14,000 and goes up to $24,000

It's available in 18-Carat Rose Gold and Yellow Gold, with several models and bands to choose from. It will only be available in limited numbers and in select retailers. 

Click here for more info. 

Ok, so why on earth would I need one?

You don't.

Just like you don't really need that iPhone or iPad or any other luxury or technology item you own. But sometimes these items make life a little easier or nicer, and we happily part with some of our disposable income for these things. 

And jewellery has never served much of a functional purpose, but gold watches, rings and other ornaments have been a massive industry long before Steve Jobs ever walked the planet. A large number of Watch sales will be form rather than function. Apple knows this, and they're not pretending to simply be building a functional wrist computer. They want it to be a personal expression of your style, which is why so many models and price points are on offer. 

But if you do choose to get one and use it, here's some of the things it purports to do:

  • Customisable watch displays
  • Easy messaging to other Watch owners (you can send vibrations, doodles and even your heart beat) 
  • Lot's of fitness features (easy to track how much movement you've been doing)
  • Notifications on your wrist 
  • Make and receive phone calls and texts on your wrist
  • Use Siri
  • Check your calendar

Third party developers have the ability to write apps for the Watch, so there'll be a plethora of apps you can install on your iPhone and use with the Watch. 

Still skeptical...

I'm not personally advocating anyone purchase or use an Watch yet. I haven't worn one. I can imagine it being a very useful journalism tool, and a useful way for Everything Geraldton users to receive notifications without having to unlock their phone, I am reserving judgement until I have played with one for a decent length of time. 

Every other smart watch that has entered the market has had overall negative reviews, and left people disillusioned with the concept of a wrist computer. 

But so did smartphones before 2007. And so did tablets before 2010. The iPhone and iPad changed what people realised those devices could be. Maybe they'll do it again. Maybe it will be a flop. 

I was extremely skeptical about the benefits of a smartphone strapped to my wrist until I read this earlier in the week from TechCrunch (link):

People that have worn the Watch say that they take their phones out of their pockets far, far less than they used to. A simple tap to reply or glance on the wrist or dictation is a massively different interaction model than pulling out an iPhone, unlocking it and being pulled into its merciless vortex of attention suck.
One user told me that they nearly “stopped” using their phone during the day; they used to have it out and now they don’t, period. That’s insane when you think about how much the blue glow of smartphone screens has dominated our social interactions over the past decade.

I need to keep an eye on my emails and messages. If an Apple Watch means I don't have to pull out my phone, unlock it and get pulled into the "merciless vortex of attention suck" then I'll gladly hand over my cash. Maybe not 24 grand though. 

When can I get one?

Australia is among the first group of countries the device will be available in. You'll be able to pre-order on April 10, and they'll start shipping on April 24 2015. 

So what else did Apple announce?

Given how big the watch announcement was for the company, it didn't seem appropriate to announce any other major products. 

But two things were announced, and while they will be drowned out by the Watch news, they will be very important to the future of Apple. 

One was called ResearchKit. It's a collection of apps that allow you to submit data to help with medical research and also for your personal doctors to track your health or progress. And it's also a framework that allows other developers in the medical space to create apps that collect important data for medical research. 

Apple never sees your data, and you decide what you will send. The big break through is that you have your phone with you all the time; so more data, and more accurate data, can be collected by more people to help researchers better understand health outcomes. 

You can try some of the apps out today:

https://t.co/O6u9CoFIeB

https://t.co/8wfFxEjjTK

https://t.co/y8Qg3NpbSa

https://t.co/OtrnzE7EDA

The other product Apple announced was a new MacBook. 

If you thought the current MacBook Airs were thin, have a look at this thing.

It's thinner than even the class leading 11" MacBook Air before, has no fan, features only 1 port, a USB-C, and has 9 hours of use battery life along with brilliant "Green" credentials. It comes with the much desired retina screen (basically means very high resolution.)

It starts at $1299, weighs less than a kilo, and if you're in the market for a new high end notebook, it looks like it's going to be the new benchmark.

(oh, and it comes in three colours including Gold.)

We haven't got an availability date yet. 

Click here for more info.

Check your bank statement if you bought anything from Target recently

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Everything Geraldton has received multiple reports of Target customers being double charged due to EFTPOS malfunctions on the weekend.  

If you purchased anything over the weekend at Target it is advisable to check your bank balance and head into the store to resolve the matter. 

We've attempted to reach Target Geraldton but it appears their phone is down. We will advise if we receive any further info from Target's head office. 

Regarding a serious assault that occurred Friday evening

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Serious Assault

Police say they are investigating a serious assault which is alleged to have occurred between 7:00pm 8:00pm on Friday 6 March 2015.

An altercation occurred at a party being held on Chapman Road, according to information provided by Geraldton Police.

As a result of the altercation a 19 year old female was approached by two males at the intersection of Chapman Road and Hosken Street, Bluff Point, where a further altercation is alleged to have taken place.

Police further alleged that the female was struck over the head a number of times with a pole or similar style weapon, resulting in serious head & neck injuries.

Several witnesses have been identified, however at this stage have not provided police with any information.

The incident in question has been discussed widely on social media, and police issued the following statement regarding the matter:

"Police wish to remind the community that prejudicial and assumptive commentary on social media may potentially hinder the success of the police investigation."

Police are seeking anyone with information to please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Geraldton Police Local Policing Team on 9923 4555. 

Major Telstra outages around town

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If your phone and internet has died recently, you're not alone. Several Everything Geraldton readers have reached out to us saying they have been without phone and internet since at least Friday. 

We asked the community on Facebook if they were without Telstra services. Click here to read the many responses. 

Retailers from Northgate shopping centre say they were without phone and EFTPOS on Saturday, frustrating many shoppers. 

Some residents have said they were informed by Telstra the issues would be fixed by the 13th of this month. 

We have reached out to Telstra for comment and will update this if they respond. 

Update:  

Telstra Area General Manager Tony Carmichael responded:

The damage to the main cable was caused by a third party and repairs were in progress when the severe storms struck on March 1.  

Telstra landline and ADSL services in and around Geraldton were affected when the damaged cables that were being repaired were impacted by water damage caused by flooding.

We have technicians on-site repairing the cables and services are being restored gradually. Of the 1122 services impacted, many are already back online and we are doing everything we can to restore the remaining services as quickly as possible.

We apologise to our customers for any inconvenience during this period.

Aboriginal Corporation placed under administration after audit reveals staff loans

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Sarah Taillier reporting for the ABC on the Geraldton-based Murchison Region Aboriginal Corporation:

An Aboriginal housing corporation in Western Australia has been placed under special administration after an audit revealed senior staff were borrowing large sums of money.

Click here to read more.

Police respond quickly to these kids on school roof

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Kris sent this in a moment ago after seeing some youths on the roof of Wandina Primary School: 

​"See how long it takes for the cops to turn up and catch these ... on the roof of Wandina school. Rang them ten minutes ago"

Geraldton Police responded quickly:  

"12 minutes and the police have them."

Burglar fractures both wrists while trying to rob home

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A 16 year old male from Yalgoo has fractured both his wrists while attempting to rob a home in Geraldton, Police say. 

The incident occurred on Thursday 26/2/15 at a home in Elizabeth Street. 

Around 4:20 am of that morning, the young male spotted a handbag through the window sitting on the kitchen table. Police say he climbed up to a window 3 metres above the ground, and forced a partially open window to enter the home. 

While he was inside, he was disturbed by the owner's dog. 

The would be thief fled from the dog leaping out the window he had just entered.

The youth put his hands out to brace his fall and sustained fractures to both wrists.

On Tuesday 3 March 2015, the male was arrested and charged with burglary.