City online consultation tool helps residents have their say

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Riding on the coat tails of three national awards for social engagement, the City of Greater Geraldton is now using an additional tool to better connect with Geraldton residents to gain input into decision making on a range of topics.
 
Your City Your Say is a new online engagement forum where citizens can easily engage, communicate and collaborate with the City and Council and other residents on the City’s future.
 
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said the goal of the forum is to involve as many members of the community as possible in Council decision making processes.
 
“All you need to do is go to the City’s webpage and on the homepage you will find links to Your City Your Say. All that is required is for people to sign up, and then they can submit their thoughts, ideas and feedback on different topics in which the City seeks their input,” he said.
 
“It’s a great way for people to have their say on things that matter to them without having to leave their work place or the comfort of their own home.
 
“Once participants on the site submit their thoughts and ideas they will receive feedback from the City on their ideas. Their submission will then join other submissions to inform Council decision making,” said Mayor Carpenter.
 
The City has teamed up with online social media broadcaster, Everything Geraldton, to make sure everyone who is online sees the opportunity.
 
Implementing the online forum Your City Your Say is also in response to recent Community Panel recommendations.
 
Mayor Carpenter said the City’s recent work with Community Panels recommended that the City should make better use of social media.
 
“The launch of Your City Your Say was the direct response to that recommendation. The forum has just gone live and we encourage as many people possible to engage with it,” he said.
 
“You can access Your City Your Say from the City’s website where the forum’s featured topic or question can be seen on the homepage.
 
“Currently there’s a question about the Mullewa Muster and also a question about how best the City can communicate with you, what’s your preferred method,” said Mayor Carpenter.

“It’s now easier than ever before to be involved, support new ideas, provide the City with feedback, vote for what’s important to you and inform Council decision making.”

City urges home renovators and DIYers to be Asbestos Aware

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In a stark message to all home renovators, tradies, handymen and DIYers, the City of Greater Geraldton is helping drive a campaign to make people more aware of asbestos as part of Get to Know about Asbestos this November.

Many Australians wrongly believe that only fibro homes contain asbestos. With asbestos products still commonly found in and around brick, weatherboard, clad and fibro homes built or renovated before 1987, it’s vital that homeowners, renovators, tradesmen and handymen are aware of asbestos.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said home renovators and tradies need to be asbestos aware, and learn where asbestos might be found in homes and on properties and how to manage it safely because it’s not worth the risk to themselves or to their families.

“In Geraldton the predominant issue is asbestos sheet fencing and rooves and eaves. With the winds, fences often get damaged and sheets need removing, so it’s important that the entire sheet is taken out, not pieces left in the ground,” he said.

“Earthmoving contractors also need to be on the lookout as sometimes blocks being cleared can have asbestos buried or littered and get caught up and spread around the property leading to a major contamination issue which is expensive to remediate.”

He encourages people to visit www.asbestosawareness.com.au to find out more information.

Chair of the Asbestos Education Committee, Peter Dunphy, said asbestos could be anywhere.

“Under floor coverings such as carpets, linoleum and vinyl tiles, behind wall and floor tiles, in cement floors, internal and external walls, ceilings and ceiling space (insulation), eaves, garages, roofs, around hot water pipes, fences, extensions to homes, garages, outdoor toilets, backyard and farm sheds, chook sheds and even dog kennels”, he said.

“No one can tell if a product contains asbestos just by looking at it. Only scientific testing by an accredited National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) can confirm if asbestos is present. If people aren’t sure if a product contains asbestos they should treat it as if it is asbestos and take all the necessary precautions to protect themselves and families.

“However, to be sure if asbestos is in homes, owners can have properties inspected by a licenced removalist or a licensed asbestos assessor to confirm if asbestos products are present,” said Mr Dunphy.

“If in good condition and left undisturbed, asbestos generally doesn’t pose a health risk. Although, with the aging of homes the popularity of DIY, renovating, knock-down-rebuild and with the redevelopment of old fibro home sites, it’s important that anyone working in or around homes or buildings constructed or renovated before 1987 know the dangers of asbestos and how to manage it safely.

“When homes contain asbestos DIY is not recommended and renovating properties without knowing where asbestos might be located has been likened to playing ‘Renovation Roulette’.

“Don’t play Renovation Roulette! Don’t cut it, don’t drill it, don’t drop it, don’t sand it, don’t saw it, don’t scrape it, don’t scrub it, don’t dismantle it, Don’t tip it, don’t water blast it, don’t demolish it, and whatever you do, don’t dump it!

North West Coastal Highway to be widened and upgraded under $218 million project

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Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has welcomed construction upgrades totalling $218 million on the North West Coastal Highway beginning this month.

The upgrades will support local jobs and increase the economic performance of the highway which is the main link between Geraldton, Carnarvon, Karratha and Port Hedland.

“The North West Coastal Highway is a vital link to the north of our State and the widening of the road surface will play a key role in helping drivers complete long distance hauls safely,” Mr Blayney said.

“The Stage 1 works will involve widening 9 kilometres of highway, and resurfacing and widening another 28 kilometres between Minilya and Mia-Mia.

“Stage 1 works will also see the existing 6.2 metre wide seal increased to nine metres, including a one metre wide sealed shoulder.

“The project will also improve the efficiency and safety of freight transport in north Western Australia, as well as providing improved access for regional communities.

“Upgrading this major freight route is also essential to supporting economic growth and driving further investment in the State’s mining, oil and gas industry.”

Road builder Maca Civil Pty Ltd has been awarded a $25.3 million contract to undertake major construction works on Stage 1 between Minilya and Mia-Mia.

This section of highway carries 500 vehicles every day with more than 37 per cent being heavy vehicles – a number which is expected to grow in the years ahead.

Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price said the North West Coastal Highway upgrade also includes the construction of two bridges over low-level floodway crossings at Cave Creek and Goodeman Creek between Barradale and Nanutarra.

“Bridging works in Stage 2 will improve the reliability of the highway during the wet season and reduce the likelihood of closures, which affect the movement of food and freight in the Gascoyne, which grows horticultural produce for Perth and the Pilbara,” Ms Price said.

“This project will address the problems associated with predicted traffic growth, including heavy vehicles, and safety concerns, due to the age of the road and its narrow seal width.”

New mining developments in the Northern Gascoyne and Western Pilbara, has had a significant effect on traffic growth, and this is forecast to continue growing by six per cent per annum.

Works on Stage 1 of the North West Coastal Highway upgrade are scheduled for completion prior to October 2015with reasonable weather conditions. 

The Australian Government has committed up to $174 million to the project with the Western Australian Government funding the remaining $44 million.

Blayney urges residents to attend meeting on future of Geraldton secondary schooling

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Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has urged all parents and community members with an interest in the future of public education in Geraldton to attend a community meeting next week.

Mr Blayney said the meeting will focus on the major issues facing secondary education today and to hear the community’s views on what they believe makes a good secondary school.

Mr Blayney said Education Minister Peter Collier will be in Geraldton to host the meeting which will be held from 6pm-7.30pm, next Thursday (Nov 13) at the Geraldton Surf Lifesaving Club.

Mr Collier will share the results of a recent online survey about local public secondary schooling which had more than 300 respondents.

“I want to have a close look at education in Geraldton - a major regional centre of our State,” Mr Collier said.

“This process is about looking at the way we deliver secondary education and whether it is most effective, or if we can do better for students in this area.”

The Minister said all students needed the opportunity to study a broad range of subjects, and have access to pastoral care programs and support services that parents would expect of a good secondary school.

 

Fact File

  • The meeting will be held from 6pm-7.30pm, November 13 at Geraldton Surf Lifesaving Club, 260 Willcock Drive, Geraldton;
  • Survey findings will be published online following the meeting at http://www.education.wa.edu.au .

Maritime Institute to Give Public Access All Areas

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The Batavia Coast Maritime Institute (BCMI) will be opening its doors to the public for the first time on Saturday 15 November. All training and research areas will be on display with free entry for visitors between 10am and 4pm.

The focus of the event will be on giving the community including school leavers, parents and jobseekers information about training pathways and career options, in addition to meeting the team of internationally industry experienced staff.

The iconic building located at Separation Point in Geraldton, is a state of the art training, research and development facility which opened in 2006 after ten years of planning and development. Since then it has positioned itself as a world class best practice aquaculture, marine research and training facility.

BCMI conducts research and carries out environmental projects of national relevance with training links to all of these projects for students. Visitors will be able to see the research work carried out on one of the more important projects which has gained national recognition lately, the control of Tilapia - a noxious fish invasive species in the rivers of the mid-west.

Training is offered in qualifications for aquaculture, aquaponics, conservation and land management, maritime industry, environmental science, laboratory sciences and sustainability with ongoing research projects at the Abrolhos Islands.

The highlight of the event will be guided tours through the aquaculture hatchery looking for Nemo and other ornamental fish which are bred by staff and students as part of their training course for commercial sale around Australia.

Visitors will also be able to take part in the “big fish feeding frenzy” with 20 kilogram Cobia grown up to one meter in length and Yellow-Tail Kingfish as well as other species of commercial interest in the undercover grow-out facility not normally on display to visitors.

Other interactive activities include using the maritime simulator to steer a tanker into the port of Geraldton or testing your own water or soil samples from your pool, bore, dam or farm paddock in the only NATA accredited environmental testing laboratory north of Perth.

Firefighting, aquaponics and hydroponics demonstrations will run throughout the day and visitors can also wander freely through the horticulture and CALM greenhouses to consult with the BCMI team about tips to grow the best fruit and vegetable in the region.

The public will be able to enjoy the maritime theme of the event with free fish burgers and relax in the landscaped gardens while a variety of activities unfold around them including a family play area, ice-creams, coffee and special guests at the official welcoming ceremony to be held at noon.

The Batavia Coast Maritime Institute has team members with international experience and backgrounds in a variety of environmental, aquaculture, maritime and sustainability industry areas.

Pause to remember

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Melissa Price, Member for Durack, today encouraged the community to pause for one minute’s silence at 11am, to wear a red poppy or to attend their local Remembrance Day service and pay tribute to the men and women who have served, and those who continue to serve our nation in times of war, conflict and on peacekeeping operations.

“Most Australians have a personal story about a family member or friend, who has served in the Australian Defence Force.  Whether it be a mother who bid farewell to her son bound for Afghanistan, or the children who hear tales of their great grandfather’s service during the First or Second World War, all of us have been touched by those who have served their nation at their nation’s request,” Ms Price said.

“This Remembrance Day, Tuesday 11 November, we remember all of them, Australians who gave so much for their country.”

An Anzac Centenary Program has been developed, and aims to encourage all Australians to reflect upon, and learn more about Australia’s wartime history, the costs and the impact of war on those who participated, on our communities and on the entire nation.

Further information about the Anzac Centenary Program, including planned international and domestic events, can be found at:http://www.anzaccentenary.gov.au/

Each year, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs produces a Remembrance Day commemorative poster that you can freely download and display.  This year the poster focuses on the departure of the first convoy from Albany, carrying Australian and New Zealand soldiers to the war in 1914.

“It is here in local communities that the legacy is carried on, ensuring we never forget those who have served, particularly the more than 102,000 Australians who have lost their lives wearing our country’s uniform” Ms Price said.

For more information on Remembrance Day, to access the service resources, or to download the commemorative poster, visit www.dva.gov.au/remembranceday.htm

Geraldton's big dig

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GERALDTON’S BIG DIG

In 2015, major multi-million dollar conservation work is expected to commence on Geraldton’s most iconic building, St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral.

It is also planned to build a Monsignor Hawes Heritage Centre, Café and Plaza in the grounds in front of the Cathedral.

This area contains an early 20th century Geraldton rubbish dump which as part of the conservation and development work is to be archaeologically excavated under the supervision of Fr Robert Cross (Catholic priest & Archaeologist) from 24 – 28 November, from 8am to 5pm daily.

It is anticipated that artefacts recovered from the dig will provide valuable historical information about early Geraldton and the early phases of the Cathedral’s construction.

A feature of this archaeological dig is that it will be a Public Archaeology Event, that is, the public will be welcome to come to the dig and help with the sieving, collection, cleaning and sorting of artefacts.

Ocean & Earth Training Specialists is one of the major contributors to this project, supplying various machinery and labour to the value of approximately $40,000.

Other contributors to this archaeological project in kind or financially are: Security Co, Cross Archaeology and Ecclesiastical Heritage, Monsignor Hawes Heritage Inc, St Vincent de Paul, Nagle College and several individuals.

An application has also been submitted for the latest round of the City of Greater Geraldton’s Community Grants Programme.

Fr Robert Cross deeply appreciates the commitment of all the above to this project but is still looking for contributions (money or in-kind) to help meet the costs of the dig, estimated to be in excess of $60,000.

All contributions will be acknowledged on the website and in any publicity material.

Please visit the website that has been set up to publicise and inform about this unique Geraldton event: https://sites.google.com/site/archaeologyofsfx.

If you would like to can help with any of these or would like to make a donation of money, please contact Fr Cross on 99213221 or email him at heritage@diocese-geraldton.org

(Note: Fr Robert Cross will be out of his office from 10 -14 November but messages, donations or offers of assistance can be left with Genny at the Diocesan Office Ph: 99213221).

Public meeting on the future of Geraldton Secondary Schooling

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Public meeting on future of Geraldton secondary schooling

Thursday, 6 November 2014 

  • Community meeting to be held Thursday, November 13
  • Education Minister to share results of community survey 

Parents and community members with an interest in the future of public education in Geraldton are invited to attend a community meeting next week.

Education Minister Peter Collier will visit Geraldton to host the meeting and share the results of a recent online survey about local public secondary schooling.

More than 300 people responded to the survey, and Mr Collier said it was important to hear the views of the local community about what made a good secondary school.

“I want to have a close look at education in Geraldton - a major regional centre of our State,” he said. 

“This process is about looking at the way we deliver secondary education and whether it is most effective, or if we can do better for students in this area.”

The Minister said all students needed the opportunity to study a broad range of subjects, and have access to pastoral care programs and support services that parents would expect of a good secondary school.

Fact File

  • The meeting will be held from 6pm-7.30pm, November 13 at Geraldton Surf Lifesaving Club, 260 Willcock Drive, Geraldton
  • Survey findings will be published online following the meeting at http://www.education.wa.edu.au 

Minister’s office - 6552 6300

Weed Management Commenced to Protect Dune Systems in Jurien Bay

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Pink dye marks where Pyp Grass has been sprayed with herbicide.

Over the coming weeks some vegetation areas around the town of Jurien Bay will be dyed pink. The pink dye indicates where spraying of Pyp Grass (Ehrharta villosa) has commenced to eradicate this invasive weed from the Jurien Bay township.

Pyp Grass is an aggressive invasive weed that is known to smother and replace important native vegetation species that naturally occur within dune systems.

Dr Mic Payne, NACC’s Coastal and Marine Program Coordinator explained that dunes infested with Pyp Grass are more susceptible to erosion caused by wind, waves and unmanaged visitor access.

“Jurien Bay’s beaches, coastal infrastructure and tourism all rely on healthy dunes protected by native vegetation,” said Dr Payne.

Contractors spraying Pyp Grass at the infestation site at Shingle Avenue.

The current Pyp Grass eradication work is part of the Jurien Bay Pyp Grass Management Plan, development of which involved members of the local Jurien Bay Herbarium Group. Group members assisted in surveying vegetation present in Pyp Grass infested areas and monitoring the success of treatment for future management actions.

NACC encourages the community to assist in managing Pyp Grass by keeping an eye out for further infestations.

To get a copy of the Jurien Bay Pyp Grass Management Plan or to get involved in the project please contact Dr Mic Payne on 9938 0123 or Michael.Payne@nacc.com.au

This project is supported by NACC, through funding from the Australian Government.

Seniors Week to commence with stage production at Queens Park Theatre

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Seniors Week 2014 will kick off next Sunday November 9 with the live stage production of Cis and Barbiche at the Queens Park Theatre.

Commencing at 2pm with an afternoon tea, and then followed by the live stage production, Cis and Barbiche is a lively, romantic story of two lovers in wartime Europe recounted by their letters and diaries from over 70 years ago.

‘Cis’, as he was affectionately known by his family and friends, was a gunner on Halifax Bombers and part of a squadron allied to RAF in WWII, whilst ‘Barbiche’ remained in Liverpool awaiting the return of her young airman lover.

Following their exciting and passionate journey through a dialogue created from the actual letters preserved from the war.

The production is proudly being toured by Agelink Theatre Incorporated and is currently celebrating 21 years of producing professional theatre based on history, including touring ‘Cis & Barbiche’ to the prestigious York Theatre Royal UK for the Grand Depart of the Tour de France in York earlier this year in July.

Tickets for Cis & Barbiche are only $12 for Seniors which includes afternoon tea at the show, available at www.queensparktheatre.com.au or directly through the box office on (08) 9956 6665 between 1pm and 5pm weekdays.

Development Industry to be hit by a new Tax

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The State Government Cabinet is holding a meeting this week to consider a new tax on developers and Councils that donate or contribute electricity infrastructure to Western Power.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO, Ken Diehm, said only just learning about this plan was disappointing as it has been done without seeking additional public comment.

“It was originally proposed in April this year but a decision was deferred due to the public outcry,” said Mr Diehm.

“It was my understanding the State would seek public comment before considering this matter, clearly this is not going to happen now and it has been quietly snuck back into the Cabinet door”.

Under the plan, a tax of 13.9 per cent will apply to any work completed by a third party and then gifted to Western Power, or for any modifications to the existing network and network connections, including subdivisions, street lighting, pole to pillar, built strata, network extensions, substations and transmission lines.

Mr Diehm said the tax will hit the development Industry and Councils across WA and is likely to reap the State around $24M annually.

Mr. Diehm said that the new tax will:

  • Push Local government’s rates up as Councils will need to recover the tax from the community through their rates and charges. 
  • Increase the cost of development, which will result in some developments being shelved or deferred.
  • Push land prices up because of higher development costs.

“This is a really disappointing outcome and a body blow to the development industry during a time when everyone is doing it tough,” said Mr Diehm.

“I would urge the government to reconsider this matter.”

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards

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Calling young leaders 18 – 25 in the Midwest community

The Rotary Club of Geraldton is calling for young people aged between 18 – 25 to apply for the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards.

The program will run from Saturday 31st January – Friday 6th February 2015 and is an intensive training program aimed at potential young leaders in our community.  Applicants attend a 7 day camp just out of Perth and the rewards are ongoing.  A number of Midwest leaders have attended this program over the years and have reaped the rewards. 

Objectives are to; 

  • Develop their personal  effectiveness and self confidence
  • Develop leadership skills as well as the capacity to contribute effectively as team members
  • Gain a wider understanding of the challenges that present themselves in a changing society.

A variety of fun and interactive developmental activities are provided during the 7 day camp including goal setting, teamwork exercises, hike and bush camp, leadership skills, abseiling, high ropes, conflict resolution, public speaking, magazine/CD preparation, time management, problem solving, overcoming obstacles, bush navigation, effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Employers interested in sending their staff members are encouraged to apply.

For more information please contact :
Rotary Club of Geraldton Rotarian– Dianne Gilleland M: 0419 854 413
RYLA  contact:  Barry Ryall – M: 0418 177 191

Sand Bypassing works in northern beaches

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As part of the Northern Beaches Stabilisation Programme the Mid West Ports Authority today started undertaking sand bypassing which will continue through to Friday November 7.
 
Approximately 6,250m3 of sand will be transported from Pages Beach to placement sites along the Beresford Foreshore during this time.
 
The purpose of sand bypassing is to feed sediment into the longshore current operating in a northerly direction along the Geraldton coastline.
 
Through a coastal process known as littoral transport, the sand by-passing provides sediment to Geraldton’s northern beaches through the action of the breaking waves and the longshore current.
 
This approach provides a cost-effective way of providing sediment to Geraldton’s northern beaches.
 
Traffic management will be in place to minimise the disruption to traffic in the area. Where appropriate a water cart will be used to suppress dust and sand movement off the placement sites.
 
To protect the shared pathway from damage by the sand bypassing transport trucks the Port Authority will place sand over the pathway for the duration of the works.
 
The sand will be removed on completion of the works. Working hours will be between the hours of 7.00am to 5.00pm for duration of the works.
 
For further information on these works and the Northern Beaches Stabilisation Programme, contact Project Coordinator, Michael Dufour, on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

 

Bushfire season is here: do you have an independent water supply?

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Bushfire season is here: do you have an independent water supply?

  • Public water supplies cannot be guaranteed during a bushfire 
  • Residents who choose to stay and defend their homes need to have an independent water supply

Water Corporation customers living in or near bushland have been reminded not to assume they will have a water supply if they choose to stay and defend their homes during a bushfire. 

Bushfire season in the southwest corner of Western Australia starts in November and continues through to April, so now is the time to assess your water supply needs.

Water Corporation Mid West Regional Manager Steve Greeve said it was important to understand that water supplies could not be guaranteed during a bushfire.

“We will always do all that we can to maintain supply but fire damaged infrastructure or a cut to power can result in a total loss of water,” he said.

“If scheme water is available during a bushfire it is a bonus for property protection efforts, but it is not something that can be relied upon.” 

“If you choose to stay and actively defend your home you need to fully assess and plan your water supply needs, independent of public water supplies.”

The Water Corporation has made its own preparations for bushfire season by readying equipment and systems to cope with extreme conditions. Despite these efforts, it is likely that during a bushfire there will be a reduction in water pressure, and public water supply tanks may run empty.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) and local councils have information available to assist with bushfire preparations and residents are encouraged to contact them should they require assistance or advice.

Information is also available online on the DFES website www.dfes.wa.gov.au

Navy cadets join Albany celebrations

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Three navy cadets are busy packing their uniforms in preparation for the ANZAC centenary celebrations in Albany. Executive Officer of TS Morrow navy cadets, Sub Lieutenant Kevin Freeman said, ”These cadets really put a lot of effort into community events in Geraldton and also places like Three Springs and Mingenew. It’s great when the opportunity arises for them to be rewarded for their dedication. This celebration of the 100th anniversary of the departure of the first ANZAC convoy has attracted a lot of attention because it is such an important part of our history and the cadets will be right in the thick of it. “

Cadet Able Seaman Keelan Purcell said, “Cadets get amazing opportunities other people don’t and I’m really excited to be chosen to take part in this ANZAC celebration. I am especially looking forward to being in the centennial troop march, going on board the ships and seeing the re-enactment of the fleet departure.”

Albany was the final Australian departure point of the first convoy of troop ships from Australia and New Zealand heading for World War 1 nearly 100 years ago. After several months training in Egypt and the Middle East, these troops landed at dawn on the beaches of Gallipoli. As part of the centenary celebrations seven ships from Australia, New Zealand and Japan will do a re-enactment of the departure of that first convoy from King George Sound on 1 November 2015.

Sub Lieutenant Freeman said, “Being a cadet with the Australian Navy Cadets not only opens up opportunities other people don’t get but also allows you to make new friends and be part of a team that values you. We also aim to provide challenges that develop your potential as a leader. If you are 13 or older you can join navy cadets by visiting the unit on the Foreshore near the yellow submarine on a Wednesday night.

GERALDTON RESIDENTS ANSWER THE BEACH CLEAN UP CALL

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Participants gathered to hear instructions before heading out to collect rubbish.

Proving that Geraldton residents love their beaches, more than 100 people showed up to take part in Geraldton’s Massive Beach Clean Up last Sunday. The Geraldton-wide beach clean-up complemented the 10th anniversary of the West Australian Beach Clean Up conducted by the Tangaroa Blue Foundation.

Tangaroa Blue Foundation continue to collect and collate data on the rubbish washing up on our beaches every day. The information collected helps identify the sources of environmental contamination, assisting development of innovations to reduce future impacts.

Sorting in action!

Although Geraldton Coast Care Groups are no stranger to annual beach clean-ups, having conducted smaller scale clean ups for over a decade, it was decided Geraldton was ready for a larger city-wide event.

On Sunday, many Geraldton locals joined forces to be a part of Geraldton’s Massive Beach Clean Up, organised by the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council (NACC) and the City of Greater Geraldton (CGG). Locals gathered on the foreshore to register before heading out to their favourite beaches between Drummonds Cove and Cape Burney, with collection bags in hand.

Participants then returned to the foreshore to enjoy a BBQ lunch and live music from local artist Daron Keogh whilst they sorted through their bags and recorded their findings.

Some unusual items returned to the sorting stations, including a discarded microwave, pieces of bed head and a car jack.

Dr Mic Payne, Coastal and Marine Program Coordinator at NACC said, “it was a fantastic turn out with over 93 people registering on the day, and 260kg of rubbish collected over 14 kilometres of coastline.”

“All of which would not have been possible without huge contributions from the rest of the project partners: Drummond Cove Progress Association, Point Moore Coastcare, Sunset Beach Coastcare, the Department of Fisheries and the Batavia Coast Maritime Institute. In addition, Apex Australia, Culinary HQ, Lattitude 28 and the Water Corporation all donated prizes or equipment for the event,” said Dr Payne.

As a result of the amazing response from the public, NACC and the CGG hopes to continue this event in the future with plans to make it bigger and better next year.

Record Numbers for Sunshine Festival

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Record numbers of festival goers filled Geraldton with a carnival of colour, laughter and sound during this year’s Geraldton Greenough Sunshine Festival.

This year’s festival, which finished on October 12, has been labelled an enormous success with all events experiencing record participation and support.

Festival committee chairperson Julian Canny said the MMG Float Parade was a fabulous sight to see and received great involvement from businesses, community groups and individuals this year with 50 entries parading the streets of Geraldton creating fun, laughter and atmosphere.

Julian said over 3000 people enjoyed the fun and games of the Stirling Central Family Opening Day, while the Toll Truck Pull attracted more than 900 spectators. Geraldton Bullbars SciTech Science Roadshow entertained 775 people over two days, while the Colour Decor Pavement Art, Chapman Animal Hospital Pet Parade, Let’s Party Little Miss &Master Sunshine Pageant and the PCYC Teddy Bears Picnic all exceed past entry numbers.

“The festival was so well received this year,” Julian said.

“It was amazing to see the way the community embraced this treasured and long-lived festival once again.

“We were just ecstatic to see the level of support and the way people of all ages and backgrounds came together as one to celebrate our wonderful community.

“The committee would like to thank the community for its support - all the planning in the world would have been for nothing if the community did not embrace the 56th Sunshine Festival like it did. We still have a long way to go – though it is great to see that the festival still holds a place as one of the region’s favourite community events.

Mr Canny paid tribute to the many people and organisations who worked hard to make the event so special.

“Media support was critical and we could not have connected with everyone without their continued support with radio interviews, stories and community announcements,” Julian said.

“And community events cannot take place without the generous ongoing support and backing from funders including the City of Greater Geraldton and Lotterywest, and also our fabulous sponsors that live and work within our community.

The committee are seeking new energetic people with fresh ideas to lead the charge for 2015, would you like to join us?" 

Crisis Accommodation for Geraldton

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The City of Greater Geraldton recognises the need for crisis accommodation in Geraldton and calls on all government agencies to come together to address the growing requirements in the Mid West.

The call comes on the back of Bundiyarra stating that the future of the Boomerang Hostel, a 17 bed hostel on Gregory St, is uncertain.

Mayor Ian Carpenter said, “There is very high demand for crisis accommodation in Geraldton, especially for people travelling to Geraldton to access regional services, such as medical care.”

“We are concerned about the possible closure of Boomerang Hostel and call on the State to work with key stakeholders to get an outcome.

“We will work with all the agencies to assist and advocate where we can to make sure that crisis accommodation in Mid West is available.

A new hostel is listed as a flagship project in the MWDC's Midwest Investment Plan. The City calls on the State and other agencies to support the need for crisis accommodation by implementing their plan sooner rather than later.

Seniors Week – recognising our seniors

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Seniors Week is just around the corner with a variety of events to recognise the contribution of seniors in our community.
 
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said the 2014 Bendigo Bank Seniors Week is an annual event to thank our seniors for inspiring the quality way of life for elderly in the Mid West.
 
“The City promotes positive and active ageing with a range of programs available for Over 50s at the QEII Seniors & Community Centre.”
 
Kicking off on Sunday November 9, Seniors Week is anticipated to be one of a kind with including the following events:
 
Sunday November 9:

  • Seniors Week Opening Event – screening of the classic film Cis and Barbiche at the QPT at 2pm. Tickets: seniors/concession $12, early bird $17, adults $20. (Includes afternoon tea).

 
Monday November 10:

  • City of Greater Geraldton Mayor’s Mystery Bus Tour – 9am at the Queen Elizabeth II Seniors and Community Centre, followed by morning tea. Free event.

 
Tuesday November 11:

  • Grandparent’s Story Time at the Geraldton Regional Library – 9.30am to 10.30am, followed by morning tea. Free event.
  • Seniors Quiz Afternoon – 1pm at the QEII Centre, afternoon tea provided. Six people per table, cost $3.
  • Afternoon tea and musical entertainment – 1.30pm to 3.30pm at Opal Geraldton (former Geraldton Nursing Home). Free event.

 
To see more of the events happening during this week, visit the City’s website on www.cgg.wa.gov.au/events/seniors-week-2014. 
 
For more information about Seniors Week or to get your copy of the program, contact QEII Seniors and Community Centre Coordinator, Rosetta Finlay, on 9921 2684 or 0407 993 413.
 
Programs can also be found on the City’s website.

Superhero Mascot to raise Indigenous immunisation rates in Midwest and Goldfields

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A superhero will travel through remote Indigenous communities in the Midwest and Goldfields to raise child immunisation levels above the national standard, thanks to a $20,000 GSK Immunisation Grant.

The new mascot has been deployed by Goldfields-Midwest Medicare Local, armed with education materials and health professional assistants as part of the “Immunisations are for everybody” program, explains Program Officer, Kathleen Slootmans.

“Only 77.1 per cent of 12-15 month old Indigenous infants in the Midwest community, and 87.1 per cent in the Coolgardie region are fully immunised. Our aim is to increase this to 90 per cent within 12 months,” says Kathleen.

“Our new superhero mascot will be more relatable for children than the usual immunisation promotional materials. He’s a happy, colourful and muscular looking boy wielding an immunisation rocket that makes needles a bit less scary.”

The immunisation mascot will be officially launched on Tuesday 21 October as part of the Geraldton Regional Community Education Centre’s Children’s Week event, and his community-chosen name will be revealed.

“We’ll also be handing out our colour-in storybook which is targeted towards Indigenous children and their families. The story is based on a conversation between two children, their mum and grandmother on the importance of immunisation.” 

The immunisation roadshow will begin on 26 November covering Carnarvon, Kalbarri and Shark Bay before heading to the Goldfields and Kalgoorlie region early next year. 

“We’re running the roadshow in partnership with other local health agencies such as WA Country Health Service and Bega Garnbirringu Health Service, which already utilise a mobile clinic in remote and rural areas to deliver health services.” 

“We’ll also link-in with schools, day care centres, private practices, community health centres, the Carnarvon Hospital, Carnarvon Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation and True Culture, True Care to plan out the best approach locally. Resources are often stretched so this grant is a good opportunity for us to link-up and reach as many children as possible across both regions.”

“Where we can’t provide immunisations on the day, we’ll at least be able to assist with consent forms and arranging future immunisation sessions.”

The GSK Immunisation Grants is one of Australia’s longest standing programs encouraging innovation and sharing best practice for immunisation providers.

Dr Mark Amies, GSK Vaccines Medical Director, said the grants are about enabling local solutions to local problems.

“We’ve seen some fantastic initiatives over the last nine years of the program and we’re proud to be able to support public health care,” said Dr Amies.

For more information about the winners visit www.immunisationgrants.gsk.com.au.