Unsealed rural road closures due to heavy rainfall

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that due to heavy rainfall ALL unsealed rural roads within the City of Greater Geraldton including the Mullewa district are closed to vehicles over three tonnes until further notice.

Local residents are advised to use 4 wheel drive vehicles wherever possible, exercise caution and drive to conditions as required to assist with minimising damage to the roads at this time.

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

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

The City apologises for any inconvenience these closures may cause.

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

Geraldton’s Heritage Collection welcomes historic One Pound Trader’s Note

City of Greater Geraldton’s Heritage Collection has welcomed a second One Pound Trader’s Note.

An important part of the region’s history has joined the City of Greater Geraldton’s Heritage Collection and it’s in the form of a One Pound Trader’s Note.

The Scott and Gale One Pound Trader’s Note donated by former Midwest resident Richard Shepheard, dates from the 1870s and is one of two historic and rare Pound Notes which were auctioned in Sydney in November 1997. 

The second Pound Note was purchased by the Geraldton City Council and dates from the 1860s.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn thanked Mr Shepheard for his donation.

“The City’s Heritage Collection already contained one of the notes and it’s now bolstered with a second, which we are very grateful for,” he said.

“You can just imagine the adventures both of these notes have been on since being printed in the mid-1800s. How times have changed.

“Preserving our history is a key part of what the Geraldton Regional Library does and I encourage everyone to check out both the Heritage and Local History Collections. They are full of gems that showcase the region’s transformation.”

The One Pound Trader’s Notes were essential to local trade in the early days of the colony, due to the shortage of coinage in circulation. They were printed between 1858 and 1874 by English Printers Blades, East and Blades. 

It’s alleged that only a few of the notes still exist. 

The design of the Note contains a black swan, which is believed to pay homage to both the Swan and Greenough Rivers.

(L-R) Richard Shepheard with Mayor Shane Van Styn, City Manager Libraries, Heritage and Gallery Trudi Cornish and Coordinator Heritage Services Lorin Cox with the One Pound Trader’s Notes.

Present to witness the historic handover were City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn, Manager Libraries, Heritage and Gallery Trudi Cornish, Coordinator Heritage Services Lorin Cox, Richard Shepheard, Jeff Smith, Jeanie Sojan, Roy Sojan and John Scroop.

To view the One Pound Trader’s Note, please visit the Geraldton Regional Library’s website by clicking here.

Temporary closure Drummond Cove skatepark

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise maintenance works will be undertaken on the Drummond Cove skatepark located on Whitehill Road with works scheduled to begin the week of Monday 25 July 2022.

Works will take approximately two weeks to complete. During this time the skatepark will be closed.

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

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

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

City calls for ablution block at Kojarena

(L-R) City of Greater Geraldton Councillors Tarleah Thomas, Jennifer Critch and Jerry Clune at the Kojarena Truck Stop on the Geraldton-Mt Magnet Road.

Upgrades to the Kojarena Truck Stop are on the City of Greater Geraldton’s radar, following the loss of the Giles Road ablution block earlier this year.

Located on the Geraldton-Mt Magnet Road, the pullover bay is frequented by a variety of travellers but has no facilities.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn believes it would make an ideal location for an ablution block.

“Truck drivers are required to have a driving break every five hours as part of fatigue management and the Kojarena Truck Stop is that break spot for many,” he said.

“With the loss of the Giles Road ablution block and no other facilities close by, it makes sense for this area to be upgraded to accommodate all drivers.

“We are calling on the State Government to improve the Kojarena Truck Stop – ideally, we would like to see the area sealed along with toilet and shower facilities added, so that people don’t have to relieve themselves in the bush.”

The Giles Road ablution block was destroyed by vandals earlier this year.

It was one of the only public facilities along the Geraldton to Mullewa stretch, which is 99kms, and will not be rebuilt as it is in the direct path of the proposed Dongara-Geraldton-Northampton Outer Bypass.

“Upgrading the Kojarena Truck Stop would be a positive step forwards, especially for female truck drivers who form an integral part of the industry. It would also help to repair the relationships that have been impacted by the Dongara-Geraldton-Northampton Outer Bypass news,” added Mayor Van Styn.

The City of Greater Geraldton encourages the State Government to consider this request.

Point Moore beach access gates open

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the gates at Point Moore beach access tracks will reopen at 12 noon today, 19 July 2022.

Beach conditions will continue to be monitored and further closures may come into effect should adverse conditions arise.

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

Entries for Big Sky Short Story Prize close soon

Geraldton Regional Library’s signature competition the Big Sky Short Story Prize closes this week and presents local literary talent with the chance to win big.

Entries for the competition close on Friday 15 July, and City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn is looking forward to seeing what local wordsmiths can produce.

“Each year the Big Sky Short Story Prize increases in popularity by continuing to offer a unique opportunity for Geraldton authors to showcase their work,” he said.

“This year, Midwest writers have been encouraged to explore their imaginations and showcase life’s intricate patterns in a short story which I am sure will produce some engaging narratives.

“We urge everyone with an unpublished short story to enter, and encourage the whole community to come along and enjoy the fantastic Festival program.”

The Big Sky Short Story Prize offers an enticing first prize of $500, VIP Festival access, and a chance for the winner to have their story published online via the Library catalogue.

It is part of the Big Sky Readers and Writers Festival, which is set to return to Geraldton on Thursday 29 September, and will run until Sunday 2 October 2022.

To learn more about the Festival and to enter a story visit see here.  

The Geraldton Regional Library would like to thank all event partners, including Sandra Carr MLC, Lara Dalton MLA, Darren West MLC, Geraldton Universities Centre, Writing WA, Museum of Geraldton, Friends of the Geraldton Library, Eastman Poletti Sherwood Architects, Read A Lot Books, Arbitare, and Cranecorp Australia.

Temporary closure of Geraldton Foreshore Youth Precinct male toilets

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that the male toilets at the ablution block adjacent to the Youth Precinct on the Geraldton Foreshore are closed until further notice due to vandalism.

Repair works are currently in place to address the damage.

The female and unisex toilets remain open at this time.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

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

Rocks Laneway closed for maintenance works

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that Rocks Laneway and Post Office Lane will be closed on Monday 18 July for approximately two weeks to allow for maintenance works.

The maintenance works include the area being repainted as well as repairs to the toilets and lighting.

Traffic management will be in place during this time, which will include detours for occasional road closures.

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

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

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

Animal Management Facility nearing capacity

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that the Animal Management Facility is nearing capacity and for a short period of one week will not be able to accept any surrendered dogs.

This is so that City Rangers and dog rehoming partners are able to properly care for the large number of dogs that have already been surrendered.

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

Byne Park ablutions closed until further notice

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that the ablutions at Byne Park, Bootenal are closed until further notice due to a water leak that requires repairing.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause and will advise when the ablutions reopen.

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

City’s community funding program is now open

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn and Dave Kroiter from Sun City Christian Centre.

Organisations in the Midwest searching for a financial boost can now apply for the City’s latest round of Community Grants.

Round 27 of the Community Grants Program is designed for not-for-profit groups, clubs, and organisations to implement projects, activities and programs that enhance and promote community wellbeing within Greater Geraldton. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said a Community Grant could provide much needed support.

“We are fortunate to have so many organisations that do such wonderful work in our community,” he said.

“Providing a helping hand to these groups is one of the most important services the City provides to foster wellbeing and enhance capacity.

“I encourage all community groups who feel they would benefit from financial assistance to apply for a Community Grant.”

For those seeking assistance with the application process, draft submissions must be lodged by Sunday 7 August so that feedback can be supplied.

The final deadline for submissions is no later than 5pm on Wednesday 24 August 2022.

For a full list of the eligibility requirements, please refer to the Community Funding Programs Guidelines and access the City’s online grant information site here. 

Footpath construction in Geraldton

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the footpath located on the north side of Waldeck Street between Durlacher Street and Patio Place will be renewed with works scheduled to commence the week of Monday 11 July 2022 for a period of approximately two weeks.

The anticipated hours of work will be from 7.00am to 6.00pm. Traffic management will be in place during this time which will include detours for occasional road closures.

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

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

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

Geraldton Regional Art Gallery goes bush

Two creative, new exhibitions launching this week will see works displayed not only in the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery (GRAG) but also on-site at the Wonthella Bushland Reserve.

Set to open on Friday 8 July from 6pm, The Alternative Archive and Open Borders have been generated by WA artists through the Creative Grid network.

Open Borders explores the nature of borders, as they impact the social, political and economic fabric of our communities. Nine local artists and groups have also made artwork set in the Wonthella Bushland Reserve, which relate to their gallery works.

The Alternative Archive is a major touring exhibition, including the 2021 artworks by a number of Midwest artists examining lost stories, and perhaps what history doesn’t tell.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn is looking forward to the opening night.

“GRAG is once again leading the way by enabling artists to express themselves in new and creative ways,” he said.

“I am looking forward to visiting the installations in Wonthella and seeing how those works link back to what is being displayed in GRAG.

“I encourage everyone to come and check out The Alternative Archive and Open Borders when the exhibitions open.”

Open Borders and The Alternative Archive will open at 6pm Friday 8 July for the opening night event and continue until Sunday 4 September.

The Wonthella Bushland installation of Open Borders will commence with a performance at 10am Saturday 9 July and only be available for viewing until 4pm Sunday 10 July.

Tickets to the opening night event are limited, so patrons are requested to register their attendance via Eventbrite.

The Alternative Archive has been made possible through the Regional Exhibition Touring Boost managed by the Department of Local Government Sport and Cultural Industries, supported by Royalties for Regions, and delivered by Art on the Move.

Radio Mama partnership to continue

(L-R) Radio MAMA Manager Barry Anderson and City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn.

Radio Mama received a boost recently thanks to the renewal of an Everlasting Partnership between the City and the broadcaster.

The partnership is the continuation of an agreement that will see the community radio station receive $5,000 a year for the next three years.

The agreement also supports SHL Radio, a weekly segment focussing on local sport, health and lifestyle. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn was glad to throw support behind the station.

“Radio Mama has gone from strength to strength over the years connecting the Midwest through their coverage of sports, events and topics that are important to us locals,” he said.

“The City is proud to continue to support the station and the service they provide to our community via the airwaves.

“I encourage everyone to tune in to Radio Mama and SHL Radio for a regular dose of local football, lifestyle and events.”

Radio Mama Manager Barry Anderson expressed his gratitude to the City.

“Radio MAMA has a loyal team of presenters and volunteers who all enjoy working with and promoting a wide range of local competitions,” he said.

“This support from the City enables our team to work with and cover a number of community activities and events as well as enabling the production of our sporting coverage of GNFL Football.”

Tune into 100.5FM to hear Radio Mama or stream the station via the Radio Mama website or the SHL app which is available to download for free.

SHL Radio is broadcast every Sunday from 10am and you can also get updates through SHL’s Facebook page.

Landscaping works in Maitland Park

As part of the creation of a Botanic Garden in Maitland Park, the Friends of Geraldton Gardens (FroGGs) will begin Phase 2 of their project on Monday 4 July 2022.

Works, that will take place near the corner of Cathedral Avenue and Maitland Street, will take approximately three weeks to complete.

To ensure community safety, the area being landscaped will be fenced.

Members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from FroGGS members and their authorised contractors.

Temporary closure of HMAS Sydney II Memorial female toilets

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that the female toilets in the ablution block at the HMAS Sydney II Memorial are temporarily closed due to vandalism.

Repair works are currently in place to address the damage.

The male and unisex toilets remain open at this time.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

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

Parking restrictions for HMAS Stalwart III Ship’s Open Day event

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that some parking bays will be restricted for the HMAS Stalwart III Ships Open Day event on Sunday 26 June from 9am to 3pm.

The parking lot adjacent to the Original Railway Station as well as a portion of the Francis Street carpark will be impacted to allow for the setup and completion of the event.

Boats and RVs will still be able to park in the designated RV and boat trailer bays located behind the Mid West Ports Authority offices.

Please take care as buses will be operating in this area during the event.

Penalties apply for light vehicles parking in this zone without appropriate permits. 

The City apologises for any inconvenience and will endeavour to keep disruptions to a minimum.

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

Community invited to green the Foreshore

The return of winter rains means it’s time to break out the gardening gloves and come along to the annual Million Trees Community Planting Day on Saturday 2 July 2021 on the Beresford Foreshore.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the annual event gives members of the community the opportunity to be part of something really big.

“For nearly a decade, the City has been holding annual planting events for the community to take part in,” he said.

“This year we are aiming to plant 800 seedlings on the Beresford Foreshore, all of which will be counted towards the Million Trees Project.

“Thanks to the efforts of everyone involved in planting seedlings over the past ten years, the look and feel of our City has certainly improved.”

No gardening experience was required for one of the youngest community members to plant a seedling at the Million Trees Community Planting Day in 2021.

If you too would like to be part of the community’s top priority to green the City grab a mate, your partner and your kids and meet us at the Chapman Road carpark across from Mitchell and Brown between 9am to 11am on Saturday 2 July 2022.

No gardening experience required and refreshments will be provided. Please wear suitable clothes and footwear. Bring your own gloves and a water bottle.

Since the Million Trees project began in 2012 nearly 510,000, seedlings, trees and shrubs have been planted. More information on the Project here

Geraldton claims silver in Top Tourism Town Awards

Geraldton has claimed silver in the 2022 GWN7 Top Tourism Town Awards.

Geraldton has claimed silver in the 2022 GWN7 Top Tourism Town Awards, which was held in Perth just last night, cementing itself as a popular holiday destination on the rise.

Gold was claimed by Mandurah with Esperance securing bronze.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn congratulated everyone involved.

“We have some amazing holiday destinations in Western Australia so the competition is always very tight,” he said.

“Our congratulations to Mandurah for taking out the top gong.

“I would also like to thank everyone who voted for Geraldton – it allowed us to claim silver. I challenge everyone to increase their voting efforts next year so we can secure gold!”

Greater Geraldton’s award-winning submission was targeted at families and showcased all the thrilling activities on offer.

The GWN7 Top Tourism Town Awards recognise destinations that have a strong commitment to tourism and increasing visitation in their region.

Winners from each state will progress to the national awards held later this year.

More information about the 2022 GWN7 Top Tourism Town Awards is available by clicking here.

Cape Burney BBQ renewal

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the barbeque in Mersey Park, located on Mersey Street, in Cape Burney is being renewed with works beginning on Thursday 23 June 2022.

The replacement of the gas barbeque with an electric one will take approximately two weeks to complete. The barbeque will be out of service during this time.

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

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

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