Speed camera on Eighth St near netball courts

Speed camera on Eighth St near netball courts

MISSING PERSON

Western Australia Police:

Missing Person - There is currently a search underway in the Mid West Gascoyne for missing 28 year old Polish woman, Justyna KOZIOL.

Justyna was last seen at the Tradewind Apartments in Shark Bay about midnight on Sunday; however it is believed she left the accommodation about 7.00am yesterday morning.

She is described as having a tanned complexion, approximately 160cm tall, of slim/athletic build with long blonde hair. It is unknown what she is currently wearing.

Police and family members hold welfare concerns for Justyna to her current state of mind. She also requires medication for a diagnosed illness.

Anyone who sights Justyna is asked to call police immediately on 131 444.

City free Wi-Fi now available

After months of development, Geraldton residents and visitors can now access free Wi-Fi across the City.

The service is now fully up and running with the completion of the City of Greater Geraldton’s pilot roll out completed at the end of 2013.

The Wi-Fi has eight points across the Geraldton CBD, allowing for free connectivity across the foreshore area, the Queens Park Theatre and the Queen Elizabeth II Seniors and Community Centre, with future plans to extend the service to the Geraldton Airport and other popular locations.

The cost of the 8 Wi-Fi nodes and the uncontested fibre capacity for the City Centre Wi-Fi will be in the order of $30,000 per year with annual costs varying depending on any unexpected maintenance costs.

It has taken the City months to get the Wi-Fi working to full capacity after some setbacks with the preliminary development.

“The ‘soft’ launch was for testing purposes, after preliminary development, and it quickly revealed lots more demand than had been anticipated, overwhelming the bandwidth capacity available,” a City spokesperson said.

“That made it difficult for some people to connect, and stay connected. As a result, a new controller was installed, and new uncontested fibre bandwidth capacity was arranged, to cope with the demand.

“Our white Corella visitors didn’t help either, attacking a few nodes, requiring repairs, and addition of some spikey protection to a couple of nodes to discourage the destructive attention of the birds.”

According to the City, now all nodes operating properly, feedback suggests that connection issues have been resolved, and the available bandwidth is fine.

The free Wi-Fi is part of the broader plan to revitalise and activate the CBD and Foreshore area – to get residents and tourists to spend some more time in town, spending and supporting CBD businesses and their employees – and the City sees this as very good value for money.

The City appointed local business Market Creations to implement the free public Wi-Fi based on the recommendations of the IBM Smarter Cities Challenge Report released in 2012, after six IBM executives spent three weeks in Geraldton analysing the City’s strategic planning and recommending the way forward.

The report made recommendations on two key challenges the City faced; identify smart digital services and opportunities that leverage the availability of broadband and; develop smart energy strategies that would enable the community’s vision of becoming a carbon-neutral region by 2029.

One of the recommendations was to accelerate the City’s ability to participate in a digital economy by building a free, public Wi-Fi network to deliver fast internet in the CBD.

“The free public Wi-Fi project is one of the first recommendations of the IBM Smarter Cities Challenge and we’re extremely pleased to be involved,” said Market Creations Managing Director, Darren Lee.

Since inception, the Wi-Fi has been monitored for usage and is being utilised across the access areas within the City, with the Apple iPhone being the most popular device used for connection.

The month of data from mid-December until mid-January shows in excess of 450 users connecting during peak periods, which fall between noon and slowly taper off from 4.00pm.

City Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said the free Wi-Fi forms an integral part of the City’s scope to become an IBM Smarter City.

“The new infrastructure offers social wellbeing to our residents and tourists,” he said.

Boating community praised for safe weekend on the water

Geraldton Volunteer Marine and Rescue Group have praised the local boating community after many took to the water to enjoy the stunning weather over the weekend.

The group were impressed with not one incident being called in over the weekend.

"Congratulations to the Geraldton boating community, despite being one of the busiest weekends on the water in ages we had no incidents, not even a tow in." The group said on Everything Geraldton's Facebook page.

Ian Beard from the Geraldton Volunteer Marine and Rescue Group said that the weather was a big draw card for local boating enthusiasts.

"It was the first lot of good weather we've had in months so we had a lot of people out on the water," he said.

"It was great to see there were no incidents, I think people are gradually getting the message that they need to take a bit more care when they are out on their boat."

Ian urges people to log onto the Geraldton Volunteer Marine and Rescue Group radio frequency (picture above) every time they go out on the water.

"Out main message is to try and get people to log onto the radio when they go out," he said.

"If they get into strife it makes the rescue and recovery process so much easier.

"Logging onto the radio frequency should be a big part of any boating routine."

State welcomes synthetic LSD crack down

Police Minister Liza Harvey has welcomed the decision by Federal Justice Minister Michael Keenan to significantly toughen laws for the importation of four types of synthetic LSD drugs. Mrs Harvey said listing these substances as serious drugs would ensure the penalties of between two years jail and life imprisonment would apply to those who were involved in the importation of these substances.

“I’m really pleased the Federal Government has listened to our concerns about these drugs and has acted accordingly,” she said.

“Parents and families across Western Australia want these drugs out of the community and our kids’ hands. Stopping these drugs at our borders means WA Police don’t have to stop them on our streets. 

“This is another sign that both the State and Federal governments take these matters very seriously.

 “I welcome the decision by the Federal Government to introduce tough new laws to help us combat this scourge, and I know this will be welcomed by the Western Australian community.” 

These substances are a potent form of hallucinogenic drugs, called NBOMes which seek to mimic the effects of LSD and pose a significant danger to the health and safety of Australians.

NBOMes are generally purchased on the internet and imported into Australia. They are commonly marketed as Smiles, N-Bomb and Pandora. These types of substances have emerged very quickly in Australia, particularly over the last two years.

The new regulations will come into effect in the coming weeks.

March Madness sale at Mitchell and Brown

Mitchell and Brown are having huge savings storewide starting tomorrow, Monday March 24, through to Saturday March 29.

As part of their March Madness sale, savings throughout the week will include:

-50% off homewares -20% off small appliances -20% off vacuums and microwaves -20% off whitegoods and cooking appliances -20% off TV, Stereos and cameras

Head in and see the team at Mitchell and Brown located at 180 Chapman Road.

Gallipoli replica rifle stolen

A 1915 303 Gallipoli replica rifle was stolen from a home in Rangeway between 10pm-10:30pm last night.

It has been passed down in a family for over 10 years and the owners are distraught.

If anyone has any information please contact police.

Huge crowd turn out for Buccs first home game

The Sun City Plumbing Geraldton Buccaneers have been welcomed with a huge crowd as they ran onto the court for their first home game of the season.

They lead 25-21 at quarter time with some speccy plays from new players Odartey Blankson and Bennie Lewis as well as second year player Carter Cook.

Their opponents the Joondalup Wolves were first on the scoreboard but the Buccs kept a small lead for the rest of the quarter.

Buccs continued their good form in the second quarter and led 49-44 at half time.

An unsportsmanlike foul by Buccs captain Mat Wundenberg didn't deter the side as their defensive pressure was pivotal in their second-quarter match play.

Wolves don't look like backing down and continue with strength bringing the ball down court.

Scoring range from Buccs new-comer Bennie Lewis is entertaining to watch as the side look confident heading into the second half.

The Buccs have their work cut out for them heading into the last quarter of the first home game as scores are level 65-all.

The Wolves ramped up their offensive plays but it was only in the last two minutes that scores were all level.

Buccs missed crucial opportunities to make leeway on the scoreboard and Wolves seized their opportunities under the basket.

Some costly mistakes will now see the Buccs put in a lot of hard work if they are to take home the win tonight.

Intensity was high heading into the last quarter but Buccs were quick on the scoreboard and held a 75-70 lead with just over nine minutes left in the match.

Blankson pulled out all stops and sunk crucial goals as well as being dominant in rebounding.

Wolves didn't stop their impressive offensive plays and took their opportunities under the basket.

With five minutes left in the game Buccs held a mere 82-80 lead but it was only second before scores were level.

Wolves took a three-point lead with just under four minutes left in the game. Buccs threw everything they had at their opponents but the Wolves made it count in their offensive end.

Carter Cook sunk a crucial goal with under three minutes in the game which put them just two points behind.

But some simple errors by the Buccs saw Walves extend their lead.

Aaron Ralph sunk a shot with just under two minutes left in the match to see the Buccs trail by just 1 point.

Buccs trailed by 5 points with 30 seconds to go when a timeout was called and it was all over for the Buccs.

Wolves ran away with a 99-91 win.

Buccs new import will take to the court tonight

Odartey Blankson will take to the court with the Geraldton Buccaneers tonight after arriving in Geraldton yesterday.

The 6ft 7 forward won't be in the starting five but says he will be subbed on during the game.

He had his first training with the side this morning and Odartey said he is hoping to just go with the flow.

"I'm really forward to getting my feet wet and seeing what the night brings," he said.

"I don't want to force anything. We already have a great side so I'm looking forward to getting out there."

Odartey has played all over the world and most recently in South Korea.

To see the Buccs take on the Wolves tonight, you can get tickets at the door at Activewest Stadium.

Tip off is at 7:30pm.

Police arrest 18-year-old after car crash in Waggrakine

Today Western Australian Police updated their Facebook page with a story about an 18-year-old Geraldton man being arrested after he crashed a Mitsubishi Lancer into the side of a house on Chapman Valley Road early this morning.

"Geraldton Police have arrested an 18-year-old Waggrakine man after a Mitsubishi Lancer he was driving crashed into the wall of a house on Chapman Valley Road, Waggrakine this morning.

A Dog Squad unit was on patrol a short time earlier when the dog handler observed an orange Mitsubishi Lancer with no number plates being driven in an erratic manner. The vehicle accelerated away before the officer could attempt to stop it. Patrols were conducted of the area in an effort to locate the vehicle.

A short time later the vehicle was observed in Beattie Road, when a passenger exited the vehicle. The dog handler chased the passenger ron foot, and the vehicle drove away. About 10 minutes later Police were called regarding a car that had crashed into a house on Chapman Valley Road. Officers attended and discovered it was the same Mitsubishi Lancer they had been looking for.

The driver of the vehicle received an eye injury in the crash and an ambulance was called to take him to Geraldton Hospital. It appears the vehicle mounted the kerb, struck two small trees and then crashed into the brick wall of the house.

The house was occupied at the time, and no one inside the house was injured.

The investigation into the crash will continue once the relevant medical treatment has been provided."

Car accident on NWCH

There has been a car accident on NWCH just south of Red Rooster earlier today.

Midwest Fishing Report by Tackleworld Country

LOCAL ROCKWALLS Reports of Tailor to 30cm and mulloway to 15kg being caught from behind the Fishermen's Wharf rock walls.

TW Gero crew have been flicking soft plastics along the harbour walls recently and have been finding lots of small hard fighting fish readily hitting the plastics.

Guys fishing the northern rock walls have told us of good catches of school sharks after dark.

NEW MARINA & FISHERMEN'S WHARF

We have heard more reports of Cod to 40 cm being caught from inside both the local harbours.

Small Tailor are plentiful along the ocean walls with small metal and hard body lures working well.

We also were told of a nice little Golden Trevally that was caught by a young lad fishing squid baits off the jetty in the new marina.

There was another Golden Trevally caught from the jetty by our good mate Craig a few weeks back. (pictured below)

Other anglers fishing mulies off the new marina jetty are telling stories of continually hooking up to solid fish and getting busted off.

BEACHES

GREENOUGH FIRST AND SECOND POINTS - 

Tailor to 50cm are being caught on ganged mulie baits from the first and second points most mornings.

Dinner plate sized Dart have also been making an appearance to those fishing small baits in close to the wash zones.

9 MILE TO FLATROCKS-

Good customer Nik recently spent a couple mornings chasing Tailor and a ball nailing 18 good sized Tailor in one hot little session.

DRUMMONDS- 

The end car parks have held good numbers of smaller Tailor with the odd soapy Mulloway thrown in the mix.

RIVERS

GREENOUGH - 

Bream to 38cm have been caught on prawn baits up near the mouth.

Mangrove Jacks are becoming a regular capture for anglers fishing around the rock bars and tight snags further up river.

We have seen photos of Jacks being caught that are well over 40cm the past couple weeks.

Devlin's pool has produced Bream to 30cm, fishing after dark has been extremely quiet with bites near on nonexistent after the sun goes down.

Anglers are still reminded that the Greenough River is a very unhealthy healthy system and most fish species are carrying red spot disease at this time. It is not advisable to eat any fish out of there until further notice.

OFFSHORE 

PENSIONERS - 

Spanish Mackerel and mixed Tuna species are still patrolling the back edge 12 -20m with good reports of fish falling to Yo Zuri Hydro magnum and Rapala deep diving lures.

Reports of small Dhu Fish and Coral Trout being caught on soft plastics from the deeper 15m plus drop offs.

AFRICAN REEF-

Dhu fish around 10kg caught from around big African. The old blue box Squid has been the go to bait this week.

Baldys in the 45- 50cm size range have been found in numbers out in the 20m ground west of African reef by anglers fishing Zman and Gulp crab soft plastics on 1 - 2 ounce jig heads.

ISLANDS - 

Sothern Group is producing Dhu Fish, Trout, Mackerel, Yellow Fin Tuna and Pink Snapper with a few surprise Red Emperor turning up.

Local young gun Jazali sent us a photo earlier this week of a solid dhu he nailed on soft plastic and on light 20lb gear caught near long Island. (pictured below)

G BANK - 

Coral Trout to 60cm are plentiful along the western edge, lots of reports of Spanish Mackerel and Long Tail Tuna being caught on the troll and by anglers casting stick baits and poppers at the shallow areas.

Lloyd our fishing manager spent 3 days last weekend at the southern group testing lures with Duo Lures Australia, stay tuned for a full report coming soon.

PRODUCT PLUG - 

Sea Ride Blue Blue -

Blue Blue fishing brand from Tokyo have designed a very unique jig that is designed for the casting and jigging game.

These jigs come pre-rigged with top quality micro flashing assists attached via a split ring to the head of the jig. Normally with most casting jigs the weight is located at the rear however with SeaRide the majority of the weight is located at the head aiding to create the erratic actions it displays. The finish is also top notch with a variety of colors to choose from.

Another brilliant feature about these lures is that they be cast out and fast retrieve back, which creates an erratic side-to-side action, which is irresistible to the apex predators. So therefore, this lure is two lures in one with the slow jigging as well as the fast burn retrieve.

Blue Blues Sea Ride are not just limited to casting but can also be used for vertical jigging with extremely effective results on species such as Skippy, Snapper, Cod, Dhu Fish, Sampson Fish, Mackerel, Tuna, Coral Trout etc, Sea Ride Blue Blues have proven very popular with offshore jig fisherman.

Sea Ride jigs are designed with the latest in slow jigging technology with its amazing slide action, these jigs glide erratically through the water column like a soft plastic. These jigs are perfect for inshore and deep sea fishing and are used best when there is little or no run. The Sea Ride have a very unique "dolphin action" like no other lure in the world. When you slightly twitch upwards and retrieve, this creates the unique "dolphin" swimming action which is irresistible to many fish.

If you are into jigging in any way, then these are a must have for your jigging wallet.

In store now in sizes 20gm, 60gm, 120gm, 180gm.

FISHING REPORT WRITTEN BY

TACKLEWORLD COUNTRY GERALDTON

20 ANZAC TERRACE GERALDTON WA

08 99216822

Mid West strengthens relationship with China

The City of Greater Geraldton has been given a boost in its quest of fostering a friendly relationship between Linfen City, Shanxi Province, China and Greater Geraldton.

An item is to go before Council on Tuesday, March 25 to seek Council's support of the formation of a strategic partnership between the two cities.

Chinese businessman Mr Wu Xiaonian, Chairman of Shanxi Jianbang Group, a major investor of Top Iron Pty Ltd and a big advocate of Geraldton, indicated on his most recent visit this month, that he would contribute 10 per cent of his personal profits to the Mid West from Top Iron's first iron ore shipment out of Geraldton, and to facilitate co-operation between Linfen City and the City of Greater Geraldton.

Top Iron signed an agreement with Geraldton Port Authority in September 2013 to establish itself as the next significant iron ore exporter from the port.

Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter said Linfen City expressed interest in fostering a friendly relationship between Geraldton and Linfen City in September 2012.

"Since that time the connection between Linfen and the Mid West through Mr Wu taking on an advocation and facilitating role has been very active and growing," he said.

"There are many benefits in forming Sister City relationships and some of these have already been demonstrated - one for example through Mr Wu's facilitation of a delegation tour for the Geraldton Port Authority to visit China's Lianyungang Port to assist in solving the swell problem at the Geraldton port."

Mr Carpenter said apart from the economic benefits such as international investment and job opportunities, students and teachers can take part in educational exchange programs and joint research can be undertaken between universities.

"Forming these relationships improves our international profile in all these areas and attracts more international visitors. It also allows for further diversified cultural and community interaction," he said.



Hoons vandalise Chris Mainwaring Park

Chris Mainwaring Park has been vandalised overnight with reports of hoons through the area.

Lana posted on Everything Geraldton's Facebook page about a grey Nissan Nivara hooning through the park at 2am this morning.

"To the idiots who were hooning in the Chris Mainwaring Park at 2am this morning, I hope you are proud of yourselves for defiling a memorial. I bet your grey Nissan Nivara has a few dents and bits missing this morning!" she said in her post.

There are several tyre marks on the park surface, the park sign has been knocked over and several wooden posts have been damaged.

There looks to be parts of the car left at the scene also.

The park located in Seacrest was named after Geraldton-born AFL star Chris Mainwaring who passed away in 2007.

Assistance for farming families

Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price has welcomed the passing of legislation that will see permanent assistance available for Durack farming families under the new Farm Household Allowance.

The allowance, paid at the same rate as NewStart Allowance, replaces Exceptional Circumstances arrangements from 1 July 2014. It will also replace the Interim Farm Household Allowance introduced to help farmers in the lead up to commencement of the legislated allowance.

“Until recently the asset test for this sort of payment has been an issue. In particular the value of on- farm assets has been a barrier to some farming families being eligible for income assistance,” Ms Price said.

“The new payment has a higher asset test, making it more realistic for farming families in hardship to access assistance.

“The allowance will be available to farmers and their partners who meet the criteria – the funding is uncapped; we’re not limiting how many farmers we help.”

The Farm Household Allowance will be available to recipients for up to three years. Recipients will be automatically issued with a Health Care Card, and have access to $3,000 for support or training.

This payment will come into effect on 1 July 2014. For those needing immediate assistance the Interim Farm Household Allowance is available.

For more information about assistance measures call 13 23 16 or visit the website Assistance Measures. 

Buccs get pumped for first home game

The Sun City Plumbing Geraldton Buccaneers are gearing up for their first home game of the season on Saturday and Buccs' recruit Bennie Lewis is encouraging Geraldton to come down and support the side.

“I want the whole city to be here, standing room only,” the Buccs recruit said.

The side will take on the Joondalup Wolves at Activewest Stadium tomorrow night which is set to be a payback game for the Buccs after the Wolves knocked them out of finals last season.

Newest import Odartey Blankson is set to arrive in Geraldton today and and debut with the Buccs tomorrow night.

Bennie, Odartey and second year import Carter Cook are all set to be huge assets for the team as they head into the second round of the SBL season.

Carter said that the Buccs have the best fans in the league.

“Geraldton crowds are the best crowds,” he said.

“Even when we play in Perth we bring more fans with us then the Perth sides do.”

Both Bennie and Carter spoke to Everything Geraldton yesterday and said the side is looking prime for a good season.

“With a few more training sessions and games under our belt I think we can go all the way this year,” Carter said.

“I think last year we hit our stride a little too early and we went a bit flat towards the end of the season.”

Bennie played for the Redbacks last year so he has been on the other end of the Geraldton crowds but says he is excited to be part of it this year.

“We want to entertain our fans. That’s the reason we play. If fans don’t come, we don’t have a team,” he said.

Tip off is at 7:30pm tomorrow night with tickets available at the door.

Check out Everything Geraldton during tomorrow night’s game for all the latest updates.

Speed camera on NWCH near Red Rooster

Speed camera on NWCH near Red Rooster

Speed camera on NWCH near Bunnings

Speed camera on NWCH near Bunnings

Go on a virtual tour with robots!

The National Museum of Australia, based in Canberra ATC, is letting their laser-guided robots Kasparov and Chesster loose!

No need to worry though, these robots are not Daleks and they won’t exterminate, but they move around just as effortlessly as Dr Who’s nemesis.

Kasparov and Chesster will be providing a free virtual interactive tour of the museum to remote visitors.

In partnership with the National Museum of Australia, CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) and the Department of Communications, the Geraldton Digital Hub is offering the community free virtual tours from computer terminals at its Marine Terrace headquarters.

City of Greater Geraldton Digital Hub Project Coordinator, David Boyes, said tours will be running during the school holidays on April 10 and 23 with sessions for children at 10.30 am and adults at 1.30pm.

“The tour is a fun holiday activity for families to enjoy and is also an opportunity for people to see the NBN high speed broadband in action,” he said.

“There is limited places for both adult and children sessions, so it’s important to book your spot!

“We also have a range of free training sessions taking place this month for those who would like to learn and engage more in computer technology.” Said Mr Boyes.

“Topics guide you through from turning the computer on to engaging in online video communication, editing photos, interacting with friends and family through email and Facebook, and getting through the basics of word processing.

“The Digital Hub also offer free one-on-one sessions, clients are able to choose what they would like to learn.”

Training sessions for this month:

March
Wednesday 19	Windows 8 – 1.30pm to 3pm
Thursday 20	Microsoft Word – 1.30pm to 3pm Microsoft Excel – 3pm to 4.30pm
Friday 21	Twitter – 9am to 10.30pm E-Readers – 3.30pm to 5pm
Monday 24	Computer Basics – .30am to 12pm eBay – 3.30pm to 5pm
Tuesday 25	Facebook – 9.30am to 11pm Skype – 11am to 12.30pm
Wednesday 26	Internet Basics – 1.30pm to 3pm Effective Internet Searching – 3pm to 4.30pm
Thursday 27	Upload & Share Photos – 1.30pm to 3pm Edit Photos – 3pm to 4.30pm
Friday 28	NBN Information Session – 3pm to 4pm

To register your place in the virtual tour, or for more information about training at the Digital Hub, contact David Boyes on (08) 9965 6749 or email davidv@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Closing the Gap

Today is Australia's National Close the Gap Day, a day designed to create awareness and spark conversation about health care that exists in our country between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Assistant Minister for Health Senator, Fiona Nash, says the government is responding to the call with around $800 million in grant funding to organisations for Indigenous specific primary health and allied health care, the majority of which are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs).

“ACCHOs deliver culturally appropriate and sustainable primary health care services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Many communities have different cultures and histories so different needs may need to be addressed by locally developed, specific strategies,” she said.

Further to this, a $1.3 billion dollar investment in 2013-14 has been pledged for health projects including child and maternal health and the management of chronic diseases with specific focus on reducing the factors that create risk for disease including smoking and diet.

Goldfields-Midwest Medicare Local (GMML) aims to work together with Aboriginal Community- Controlled Health Services, general practices and other primary health care agencies to bring about a much-needed focus on Aboriginal health.

These partnerships will go from strength to strength through Australia’s primary health care sector, as the community-based approach to frontline health services gains traction and shifts the balance of health services away from hospitals to keep people well and out of hospital.

GMML’s CEO, Brenda Ryan, explains, “GMML is making inroads with projects such as Reach For Your Goals and Aboriginal Care Coordinator services to improve community understanding and awareness of chronic disease and the lifestyle factors that contribute to it. Ultimately this will improve self- management and life expectancy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

GMML has been invited by WA Country Health Service Midwest to join their National Close the Gap Day celebration which is being held on Friday 21 March 2014 at the Rodanthe Room, Geraldton Hospital from 10:00am – 2:00pm.