6 signs you know it's time to leave Geraldton and move to Perth

/

1. You get to work too quickly, and you really want to know what it's like to be stuck in traffic for an hour each way every single day. 

2. You find the Geraldton beaches aren't crowded enough, and you long to know what it's like to struggle to find somewhere to set up your towel on the beach. 

3. You wish you could pay $25 to park your car in town, but the most you're able to pay in Geraldton is $7.70 for a full day.

4. Buying a house near the beach is too affordable, and you wish you could go into millions of $ of debt to get such a great lifestyle. 

5. You hate how easy it is to go camping, fishing and exploring the great outdoors. If you lived in Perth you'd be way more justified in telling yourself it's too much effort to get away. 

Pic: Brendon Plug

6. You see your friends and family way too often, because in Geraldton they're always only 5 minutes away. You want to be lonely as you grow older, and in a big city it would be much easier to be forgotten about. 

Pic: @deb_0_rah

99 year old WW2 POW will be in Geraldton for screening of documentary

/

This really is a once in a lifetime event. 99 year old ex POW Harold Martin will be in Geraldton on March 23 for a screening of a documentary made about his return to Myanmar and Thailand to remember his past and pay tribute to his fallen comrades. Attendees will have the chance for a Q and A with the film director Samm Blake, and also to meet and talk with Harold Martin.   
Presented by Film Harvest Midwes and screening at Orana Cinemas Geraldto.
Tickets will go fast, so please get yours quickly. Fundraising is for Geraldton RSL to send students to Hellfire Pass this Anzac Day. 
Call Christina Ross on 0437 325 279 to get your tickets.

Check out the video below

Click here for more info on the event

Mother asking for help after son attacked by dog in Mt Tarcoola

/

A local mother has reached out to EG asking for help from the community after her son was bitten this morning by a dog. 

If you know anything or can assist, please email Everything Geraldton geraldton@justeverything.com.au and we will pass your info along. 

"IMPORTANT!!!! If anyone was in the Tarcoola area near the park and the shops around 7am this morning and saw a lady in her late 50's early 60's with brownish red short hair walking 2 dogs one white and one golden/ginger, I would LOVE TO KNOW. One of her dogs bit my 19 month old son on the face while he was getting on the slide at A CHILDREN'S PLAYGROUND!!!! She didn't even say sorry to my husband, she said "dogs will be in the naughty corner" and rushed off. My husband obviously caring for our son and running home with him to get to the hospital, didn't get a chance to get any information from the lady. So please if anyone knows/saw her could you please let me know. A dog biting any child is a serious problem, and I do not want this to happen to any other children!!!!"

10am- Update from the mum: "Thank you so much to everyone for the comments and Shares. We think we have found her. Just waiting on the Rangers to call me back to make a report now. Thanks again. And our little man is doing good. Just some butterfly stitches and some antibiotics, but it will leave 2 scars on his face. I just don't want this to happen to any other children, or any human for that matter."

1:00pm update: 

The owner of the dog from this morning's incident has expressed their regret over what happened:

"As the dog owner involved in the incident this morning I would like to express my deepest regret that such a thing happened. Although I did express my most fulsome apologies at the time I understand that this may not have been recalled. I have taken every measure I can at this point, to address the situation and will take all measures to ensure that this cannot happen again. The event was extremely unexpected, however I will not ever again put the dog or another person in any situation where there could be the slightest risk from the dog. The incident caused me great distress afterwards and I would have liked to speak with the mother and father. However I respect their feelings and again offer my most heartfelt regret to all concerned."

13 and 18 year old girls arrested following Saturday's high speed chase; adult male still wanted for questioning

/

Thanks Linda for sharing image via GNW. 

Much of Geraldton heard the high speed chase on Saturday evening throughout town. Police say they are still looking for an adult male regarding the incident, but they have arrested and charged a 13 year old female and an 18 year old female with stealing a motor vehicle. Full press release from Police follows. 

Stolen vehicle and pursuit ends in arrests.

At about 9.25pm on Saturday the 5th of March 2016, Police observed a stolen Nissan Patrol on Chapman Road in Bluff Point.

The police officers activated their emergency lights and sirens however the driver of the stolen vehicle refused to stop.

The stolen vehicle was pursued through multiple suburbs of Geraldton before the driver drove through bushland in Utakarra and Police aborted the pursuit.

The vehicle was located a short time later abandoned at the address it had been stolen from. The area was cordoned off by police and the Police dog was deployed, two female offenders were arrested nearby. An adult male is wanted for questioning in relation to the incident.

A 13 year old female from Utakarra and an 18 year female from Moonyoonooka were charged and released to bail.
Charge: 1 X Steal motor vehicle. 

Sent in: High speed chase around rangeway Karloo area 5 paddy wagons chasing a 4x4 driving with no head lights, just a heads up for people to watch out for the idiot

Posted by Everything Geraldton on Saturday, March 5, 2016

The Batavia Story needs to be told - Russell Crowe may be the man that will do it

/

Attendees at the CEDA Conference held in Geraldton last week were treated to an account of the gruesome true story of shipwreck, sex, slavery and mass murder that is the ‘Batavia’ by the man who wrote the book – columnist for the Sydney Morning Herald and Sun-Herald - Peter Fitzsimons.

Brought to Geraldton by the Mid West Development Commission as Keynote Speaker for the conference, Mr Fitzsimons highlighted that the Mid West could put itself on the global stage through the telling of Australia’s best story. He also alluded to the fact that he was in the process of negotiating the rights of his book on the ‘Batavia’ to become a film to non-other than Academy Award winning Australian actor Russell Crowe.

On the subject of opening up of the Abrolhos Islands for tourism, Mr Fitzsimons said that it was a great opportunity for the region and that it was important to ensure that its existing charm be maintained.

The eco and sustainable development of the Abrolhos Islands is one of six key tourism opportunities that was identified as having the potential to accelerate the Mid West economy in the Mid West Tourism Development Strategy. The strategy was a direct result of the Mid West Regional Blueprint. The first of the six opportunities identified in the strategy is already well underway with the construction of the Kalbarri Skywalks due for completion by June 2017.

Department of Regional Development Director General Ralph Addis, Mid West Development Commission Chair Murray Criddle, Peter Fitzsimons and Commission Chief Executive Officer Gavin Treasure.

Warning shared as thieves try to get in through roof tiles

/

An Everything Geraldton reader shared this image earlier this evening. If you can assist police or see anything suspicious call them on 99234555.  

 "Drummond Cove residents BEWARE !! My mum's house this afternoon when thieves tried to get in through the roof!!  She heard the banging and they probably didn't know she was home at the time.  Please be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to local police who are currently investigating."

- Gabrielle

Alert: Fire at Lucy's beach

/

Breaking: We've just had this sent in from a reader:

 "Fire McCarteny road Lucys Beach. Fire trucks are at the scene. Doesnt seem serious at this point in time but is still burning."

The fire trucks don't have direct asscess to water and are having to go "to and fro."

It seems the fire was a little too close for comfort as well.  

Students make a heartfelt video for friend

/

Students thinking of a friend:

Rhehal Burgess made and shared this video today for a school friend, Jordan Forrester-

"To show you how much we support and love you and your mother, Jordan Forrester, we decided to wear pink on our carnival day for you. I took my camera around to take photos to show that even though you weren't there, we were still all thinking about you. You are the most selfless and strongest person I know and you motivate all of us to keep going. Haley Hamlet made a beautiful speech on behalf of you and your mother which made nearly everyone cry. We did this to show you that, although you may feel alone, you aren't because we will always be by your side your mother was a beautiful flower and unfortunately, the best get picked but we know that she's looking over you, cheering you on just like the rest of us xxx WE LOVE YOU JORDAN xxx ‪#‎pinkforjordan‬"

Man with sword arrested; Witnesses wanted

/

Geraldton Police would like to hear from witnesses following an incident in Rangeway this morning. 

They say a man has been arrested after swinging a sword about (pictures).  

Geraldton Police can be reached on 99234555.  

Petition Boards locations, to keep Greenough killer locked up

/

Shared by Ian Blayney:

"Petition Boards for William Patrick Mitchell will be available at these locations, below, for the next 2 weeks before they will be collected and presented to Parliament by Ian Blayney.  Please don't hesitate to contact this office if you have any queries:"

 

Ian Blayney's office - 2/5 Chapman Rd

Katie's Geraldton – 118 Marine Tce

Go Health – 122 Marine Tce

Rocks Newsagency – Marine Tce

Freemason’s Hotel – Marine Tce

Geraldton Health Food  – 8/9 Chapman Rd

Wintersun Hotel – 441 Chapman Rd

Bluff Point Newsagency – 429 Chapman Rd

Bluff Point Deli – 437 Chapman Rd

Sunset Supa IGA

Wonthella Supa IGA

Durlacher Street Supa IGA

More info click here. 

Alert: Power pole damaged in Rundle Park at St Georges Beach

/

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise of a damaged power pole in Rundle Park located at St Georges Beach, Bluff Point. 

Western Power has attended the site. The electricity has been turned off to the park and reinstatement works have commenced. Works are expected to be completed by Tuesday 1 March 2016.

During this outage, the park toilets, BBQs and lighting will not be functioning.  Park users are advised to take caution after dark. 

The City apologises for the inconvenience caused.  The City would like to thank Western Power for their prompt action to make the area safe.

 

Sex offender charged with abduction and rape of 13 year old from 20 years ago

/

Bonnie Christian for the ABC:

Serial sex offender Patrick Alfred Merritt has been charged with the abduction and repeated rape of a 13-year-old girl in Geraldton more than 20 years ago.

Click here to read full article.



Medical Cannabis will finally be grown in Australia

/

It's finally legal to grow medicinally with new licences, but you still can't actually use it. 

Health Minister Sussan Ley said the Department of Health and the Therapeutic Goods Administration are considering downgrading it to a "controlled substance", making it similar to morphine.

Huff Po on the breaking news from the Australian Senate:

Australia has passed a medical marijuana bill to allow the cultivation of the drug, but the Greens say medical cannabis remains an illegal substance.
Health Minister Sussan Ley announced on Wednesday afternoon that amendments to the Narcotic Drugs Act -- passed through the House of Representatives on Tuesday -- had also successfully passed through the Senate.
The bill would allow access to medicinal cannabis products for people suffering from serious illness, by legislating the growing of cannabis for medical and scientific purposes. Products such as cannabis oil are used in the treatment of nausea during chemotherapy, chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and other neurological conditions.

Click here to read more. 

Geraldton Dr sentenced to 4 years for manslaughter- eligible for parole in June

/

Dr Chamari Liyanage was today sentenced to 4 years in prison over the killing of her husband Dr Dinendra Athukolara in 2014. 

Earlier today she was found not guilty on the charge of murder, but found guilty on the lesser charge of manslaughter. 

She will be eligible for parole in June of this year, having already served 18 months in prison. 

Alert - Fire Indian Ocean Dr

/

This is on Indian Ocean Drive. They're turning traffic around, so take Brand if you're heading to or from Perth. 4:23pm

Thanks Taryn for the heads up.

 

 - Update

Indian Ocean Dr both directions from Lancelin Rd to Meadows Rd - CLOSED - bushfire.

- Main Roads

Fire Update: Water Shortage in Mullewa

/

*Please note a WATER section has been added.

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

Time of issue: 5.00pm
Date of issue: 17 February 2016

Bushfire ADVICE for the northern part of Eradu South in the City of Greater Geraldton

ALERT LEVEL:
A bushfire ADVICE remains for people near Geraldton Mount Magnet Road in the northern part of Eradu South in the City of Geraldton.

  • There is no threat to lives or homes but there is a lot of smoke in the area.
  • Although there is no immediate danger you need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.
  • The fire is burning in bushland near Geraldton Mount Magnet Road, the closest intersection is Eradu Road South.
  • Smoke is impacting Geraldton Mount Magnet Road. 

BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:

  • The fire has broken containment lines on the western side of the fire. 
  • The fire is moving fast in a north easterly direction.
  • The bushfire is out of control and unpredictable. 

WHAT TO DO:

  • Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.
  • Watch for signs of a bushfire, especially smoke and flames.
  • Close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners but keep water running through the system if possible.
  • Read through your bushfire survival plan.
  • If you do not have a plan decide what you will do if the situation gets worse.

IF DRIVING:

  • Be extremely careful when driving through the area.
  • Turn your headlights on and drive slowly.
  • Watch for emergency services personnel and follow their directions.
  • If you cannot see clearly, pull over, keep your headlights and hazard lights on, and wait until the smoke clears.
  • If you have a respiratory condition and you have been affected by smoke you should contact your local doctor or call Health Direct on 1800 022 222.

ROAD CLOSURES:

Avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site.

The Geraldton Mount Magnet Road is closed between Moonyoonooka Yuna Road and Mingenew Mullewa Road.

Road information may also be available from Main Roads WA by calling 138 138 or visiting www.mainroads.wa.gov.au.

 

WATER

The fire has caused a power outage to Water Corporation’s borefield, which supplies drinking water to Mullewa.

Power has now been restored but the tanks that supply drinking water to the town are now low.

Mullewa residents are encouraged to be careful of their non-essential water use over the next 48 hours.

Please avoid using water outside the home on gardens, and try to conserve water indoors if possible.

WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:

  • 25 career and volunteer Fire and Rescue Service and Bush Fire Service firefighters are on the scene.
  • Firefighters are building and strengthening containment lines. 


EXTRA INFORMATION:

  • The incident was reported at 6.26pm 15 February 2016.
  • The fire has burnt approximately 800 hectares. 
  • The cause of the fire is unknown.
  • The City of Geraldton is managing the fire.

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.

The next update will be provided by 11am tomorrow, unless the situation changes.

END

Media Contact: DFES Media and Corporate Communications on 9225 5955.

Bushfire WARNING: Watch and Act - Eradu South in City of Geraldton

/

Bushfire WATCH AND ACT for for the northern part of Eradu South in the City of Geraldton

Tuesday 16 February 2016 - 4:48 PM

*Please note this alert has been upgraded. 

 

A bushfire WATCH AND ACT has been issued for people near Geraldton Mount Magnet Road in the northern part of Eradu South in the City of Geraldton.

 

•    The alert level for this fire has been upgraded  fire behaviour is unpredictable due to a wind change.

•    There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching the area and conditions are changing.

•    You need to leave or get ready to actively defend. 

•    The fire is burning in bushland near Geraldton Mount Magnet Road, the closest intersection is Eradu Road South.

 

BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR: 

•    The bushfire is moving in a south westerly direction.

•    it is out of control and unpredictable.

•    Burning embers are likely to be blown around your home. Spot fires are starting up ahead of the fire. 

 

WHAT TO DO:

•    If you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear.

•    There is ember attack ahead of the fire, so close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible. 

•    If you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make final preparations now. 

•    Do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. If you have access to a water tank and plan to defend your home, start patrolling with your hose and put out spot fires.

•    If you are not at home, do not try to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.

 

SAFER PLACE: 

•    Your safest option may be to visit family or friends who live away from the area.

 

ROAD CLOSURES:

Avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site

A number of roads have been closed including:

•    Geraldton Mount Magnet Road in both directions from Moonyoonooka Yuna Road to Mingenew Mullewa road.

Road information may also be available from Main Roads WA by calling 138 138 or visiting www.mainroads.wa.gov.au. 

 

WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:

•    30 career and volunteer Fire and Rescue Service and Bush Fire Service firefighters are on the scene.

•    Firefighters are actively fighting the fire and building containment lines

 

EXTRA INFORMATION:

 

•    The incident was reported at 6.26pm 15 February 2016.

•    The cause of the fire is unknown.

•    The City of Geraldton is managing the fire.

 

KEEP UP TO DATE:

Visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa, listen to ABC local radio, or news bulletins.

 

Updates will be provided every two hours unless the situation changes.

 

79 year old man on gopher robbed

/

Geraldton Police are seeking any witnesses to a stealing offence which occurred on Saturday 30th January 2016 at about 10.30am near the silo’s on Marine Terrace, Geraldton.

The 79 year old male victim who travels on a gopher was approached by an unknown male who grabbed the victim’s wallet from his breast pocket and ran off.

Police particularly wish to speak to a passer-by who stopped to assist or anyone that has any information. Please call Geraldton Police on 99234555.