Tackleworld brings fishing clinic for school holidays

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Page_1 (2) Children from Geraldton and surrounding areas will have fun and learn new skills at a new fishing program during the April school holidays.

Recfishwest has been facilitating the community fishing clinic program for several years now and this Recfishwest SunSmart Fishing clinic is proudly sponsored by Healthway, promoting the SunSmart message.

Tackleworld Country & Recfishwest have come together for three days of fishing clinics from April 15 -17 at the New Marina, Service Jetty from 9am to 11am daily.

Tackleworld Country owner Wendy Norris said the free fishing clinics educate children about sustainable fishing practices including casting techniques, selection of bait and general rigging, recognition of fish species, catch and release and aquatic conversation.

“We are pleased to be making this available to local children in Geraldton and those from surrounding areas during the holiday period, working with Recfishwest has made this possible,” Wendy Norris said.

Recfishwest chief executive officer Dr Andrew Rowland said, “the Recfishwest SunSmart Fishing Clinics are extremely popular in many regions around WA, everyone gets something positive out of learning how to appreciate our aquatic resources and becoming a better fisher.”

Participants are taught about personal safety and the importance of being SunSmart as well as caring for their catch and current rules and regulations.

Dr Rowland said the fishing clinics encouraged young people to be active and make new friends while engaging in an enjoyable activity, plus there are prizes and giveaways throughout the day.

“Fishing is a fun activity that helps to provide positive life skills such as creative decision making, problem solving, goal setting and patience," he said.

Places are limited and registrations can be made through Craig and Lloyd at Tackleworld Country at 20 Anzac Terrace

For more information call  Tackleworld Country on  99216 822 or Recfishwest visit www.recfishwest.org.au  or phone 9246 3366.

Six Midwest schools will close tomorrow due to strike

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Tomorrow six Midwest schools will not open due to a state school union pre-election strike. Local teachers are striking against budget cuts which have seen a decline in staffing levels, specialist programs and other vital elements to curriculum programs.

Bluff Point Primary School, Holland Street School, John Willcock College, Mt Tarcoola Primary School, Mullewa District High School and Waggrakine Primary School have all confirmed that school will not go ahead tomorrow.

These six Midwest schools are part of 100 schools around the state who are also striking.

Notification went out to parents last week but some schools say they are still sending notes home today as a reminder.

A Bluff Point parent who has two children at the school said she supported the teachers decision to strike.

“I am all for the teachers doing what they need to do to stop getting these budget cuts,” she said.

“At the end of the day, if these cuts affect the education of our kids then it will filter through later in their schooling and also when they get into the workforce.

“I have no problem with the school being shut for one day. I don’t like to see our schools getting budget cuts, do we see any of these politicians taking a pay cut?”

A statement made but the Department of Education said the Department does not endorse any form of strike or industrial action.

“This will be the second time in the last six months that the unions have disrupted student learning deliberately,” the Department said.

“This action is unlawful and unwarranted, causing disruption to children’s education and to many families.

Several teachers and community members will rally outside Dome tomorrow from 11am to show their frustration over the budget cuts.

School is set to resume normally on Wednesday for all schools involved.

Mid West Cat Shelter Cat of the Week

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image1 This week’s cat of the week is Alaska.

Alaska is a pure white, slightly fluffy young Fellow. He is roughly 6 months old and affectionate and well socialized. He uses a litter tray, loves a comfy bed and would love a home and family of his own. Alaska has been micro chipped, sterilized, immunized, flea treated and wormed and is currently in a foster family with other foster cats, a dog, and children.

If you would like to adopt Alaska or any of the other cats or kittens, visit Mid West Cat Shelter's Facebook page www.facebook.com/midwestcatshelter or website www.midwestcatshelter.com or phone 0487 193 244 to speak to a co-ordinator.

Man hits security guard with car outside Vibe nightclub

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photo Western Australia Police have reported an incident over the weekend involving a man hitting a security guard and a pole at the Vibe Nightclub in the early hours of Saturday morning.

"About 2:15am on Saturday 29 March 2014, Police received information that a man driving a car had struck a security officer and a pole outside the Vibe Nightclub in Geraldton, and that the vehicle and driver had left the scene.

Fortunately the security officer only received minor injuries and the damage to the building was minor in nature.

Police attended and conducted a search of the area. A Dog Squad unit located the vehicle that was believed to be involved abandoned near St Georges Beach, and Police Dog BEAR was deployed to search the area. Police Dog BEAR tracked a scent into some dunes, where a 28 year old man was found hiding in the dunes.

The man was taken into custody. He failed a breath test and inquiries into the incident are continuing."

Lots of laughs set for Comedy Emporium Youth Comedy Jam

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IMG_2471 The Comedy Emporium’s youngest members will be kicking off National Youth Week with a special free “Youth Comedy Jam” at City Hive.

The night will feature local acts all under the age of 18 as well as a large amount of Comedy Improvisation on Friday, April 4th at 8:30pm.

Veterans of The Comedy Emporium team recently back from performing at the Melbourne Comedy Festival Class Clown Competition for high school students, Ellen Clancy Millet and James Butson will lead the show consisting of new up and coming comedy talent Jackson Canny, Joseph Tanti and impro musician Louis Canny.

“The shows are normally 18 plus, so its going to be a great opportunity for friends and family of our very talented youth members to come and get involved in our program,” said Comedy Emporium’s coordinator Emma Howell.

“A large portion of the show will be improv comedy. This is in the spirit of things like Whose Line Is It Anyway and Thank God You're Here - but with our own Comedy Emporium twists."

If the comedy will not convince you to come down maybe the free pizza will. Thanks to support from the City of Greater Geraldton, the Youth Comedy Jam is a free event.

“Our workshops for progressing comedians have attracted a large amount of young talent, something we never considered when creating the program," Emma said.

"We have been pleasantly surprised to see how well our under 18 comedians have gone in comparison to the adults. They have so much confidence!”

For more information head to www.thecomedyemporium.com or call 0458 306 111.

Doors open 8pm, Jam starts at 8:30. FREE EVENT Family members welcome.  No BYO alcohol.

Midwest Fishing Report by Tackleworld Country

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LOCAL ROCKWALLS Seal rock has fished well of late with nice size herring up to 30cm and Skippy throughout the day, using burley will improve your chances, tailor to 40cm after dark, if you are prepared to put in the time, there should be some good mulloway getting around there as well. The back of the live cray factory has had good numbers of chopper tailor and small whiting and herring, mulloway are still on the run at the moment with the top of the tide being the most productive

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NEW MARINA & FISHERMEN'S HARBOUR

The entrance of the new marina has had some small snapper to 30cm which are fun on light gear, there are a lot of herring off the rocks look for moving water. Tailor to 40cm have also been productive in the new marina. Bream can be found at barnacle, and around bargwaans and the live crays.

OFFSHORE

North of town there has been good numbers of yellow fin tuna to 10kg and Spanish mackerel to 15kg caught on jigs, shout lightin doing the damage,  Samson fish to 20kg caught on Samaki Asalt silver glow 100gm, there are plenty of red throat caught on squidgy white lighting wrigglers as well.

Guys fishing the Islands are doing well bagging out on Dhuies, coral trout and snapper, mackerel can be found everywhere, a few marlin where raised over the edge over the weekend.

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BEACHES

Big Tailor have excited anglers with fish around the 60-80cm mark taking lures and bait on regular basis with explosives point Moore and Drummonds being the best locations, look for the white wash when hunting big tailor, Mulloway are on the move as well, with fish recorded from the S-Bend right through to Coronations, fresh baits are the secret to catching theses beasts.

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RIVERS

Greenough River is still fishing well but is desperate for some rain Jacks have been landed but have a lot of red spot and are very skinny, there are bigger healthier fish which are casing angler’s grief, and big bream to 30-40cm.

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CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO ON HOW TO RIG A SOFT PLASTICS

[tentblogger-youtube OBTucXr1FAA]

FISHING REPORT WRITTEN BY

TACKLEWORLD COUNTRY GERALDTON

20 ANZAC TERRACE GERALDTON WA

08 99216822

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Operation Nighthawk shows results

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On January 28 2014, Geraldton Police began ‘Operation Nighthawk’ and nearly three months after the commencement of the successful operation, the statistics speak for themselves.

Geraldton sub-district reported a sharp rise in burglary offences in January 2014 and Operation Nighthawk was immediately implemented to target specific Persons of Interest (POIS) and Priority and Prolific Offenders (PPOS).

So far the operation has achieved significant results with positive Police action addressing burglary and related offences, within the Geraldton sub-district.

A total of 33 individuals have been apprehended and charged with 169 volume crime offences.

The offence breakdown for those persons charged is:

  • 37 counts of Aggravated Burglary and Commit offence.
  • 7 counts of Burglary and Commit offence.
  • 36 counts of Steal Motor Vehicle.
  • 50 counts of Stealing.
  • 39 counts of other offences including Possess Prohibited Drug with Intent to Sell/ Supply, Receiving, Criminal Damage and numerous Trespassing.

Of the 33 individuals charged, 14 are current PPOS, and account for nearly 60% of offences committed.

As a direct result of Operation Nighthawk, 4 PPOS are currently remanded in custody, either as sentenced prisoners or awaiting court proceedings. This is indicative of intelligence led policing leading the monitoring and targeting of known offenders, resulting in significant arrests.

Supervisor of the Geraldton Police Volume Crime Team Sergeant Jayd Morawski, said the Police had been working overtime to see these results.

“The guys in the station are working as hard as they possibly can,” he said.

“They have been literally chasing offenders to see these outcomes come to fruition.

“We’ve responded to what the community have said and we are doing to utmost to get offenders off the street.”

Sergeant Morawski urged people to be vigilant when it comes to locking up their homes and vehicles so they don’t become a victim.

“Geraldton isn’t the Geraldton of the 80’s, the world has changed,” he said.

“The biggest thing people can do is lock up and be vigilant. Lock up your cars and homes.

“Crooks know how to look for apathy and it’s a free kick for them.”

Operation Nighthawk will continue to be an ongoing action.

Geraldton sporting clubs and athletes get boost

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A total of 16 local sporting clubs are the recipients of a one-off $500 subsidy in the first round of the Community Sporting Club Equipment Subsidy Scheme. The new $2million Supporting Community Sport initiative gives regional sporting clubs a $500 subsidy to be spent on increasing or upgrading shared sporting equipment which is accessible to all club members.

The initiative is being delivered by the Department of Sport and Recreation, funded by the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program.

Geraldton-based recipients of the $500 equipment subsidy are:

  • Casuals Swans Hockey Club
  • Chapman Valley Football Club
  • Geraldton Amateur Swimming Club
  • Geraldton and District Badminton Association
  • Geraldton Croquet Club
  • Geraldton Tennis Club
  • Greenough Archery Club
  • Hawks Basketball Club
  • Martians Softball Club
  • Midwest Practical Pistol
  • Olympians Basketball Club
  • Railways Basketball Club
  • Rovers Cardinals Hockey Club
  • Towns Football Club
  • Trades Basketball Club
  • Yacht Club Hockey Club

”More people are taking part in local sport and recreation clubs in the regions, so the funds help ensure equipment can be provided to keep pace with the growing demand,” Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney said.

“And it’s also important for equipment to be kept up-to-date, in good condition and safe for play.”

In other sporting news, 10 local athletes will reap the benefits of the State Government funded Athlete Travel Subsidy Scheme that supports talented regional athletes who are keen to pursue regional, state and national representation.

The Athlete Travel Subsidy Scheme is also part of the $2million Supporting Community Sport initiative with the first round recipients announced this week.

Mr Blayney said regional athletes and sporting clubs are reaping the benefits of the two new State Government funded schemes helping athletes pursue their sporting dreams and boosting the equipment stocks of local clubs.

He said the 10 local athletes had received financial assistance to travel to sporting events.

“This is a fantastic initiative which is helping sports at a grassroots level. It’s making it financially possible for kids to travel to sporting events that they might not have been able to, and giving local sporting clubs the opportunity to upgrade their equipment,” Mr Blayney said.

“This means more support for people participating in sport and recreation in the Geraldton region, which, as we know, has an array of benefits.”

The athletes and the sport they will represent are:

  • Chloe Little (Vasic) – Yachting Western Australia’s Laser State Titles;
  • Soren Pidgeon - Yachting Western Australia’s Pelican State Titles;
  • Elizabeth Middleton – Hockey WA’s U15 Girls State Squad Training (outdoor);
  • Kacie Crabb - Polocrosse Association of WA National Championships State Selection Carnivals;
  • Tennille Crabb – Polocrosse Association of WA National Championships State Selection Carnivals;
  • Angus Dufour – WA Squash State Training Camp and Tournament;
  • Brianna Short – WA Swimming Association State Swimming Championships;
  • Jonty Calder - Westcycle Incorporated 2014 Australian MTB National Championships;
  • Brayden King – Hockey WA National Championships;
  • Dylan Myers – WA Basketball Federation U/18 Australian Junior Championships.

Police training at Port

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10168122_10202837409671667_829239032_n A convoy of police are stationed at the Geraldton Port today as part of a training exercise.

Everything Geraldton have had several questions asking why the large group of police are based there but police have confirmed it's nothing alarming.

"It’s just standard ongoing training we do. The venue just happens to be the Port," a Geraldton Police spokesperson said.

Geraldton Dog Rescue Dog of the Week

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KELSEY 6470 4 This week's Geraldton Dog Rescue Dog of the Week is Kelsey.

Kelsey is a female mixed breed puppy with possibly some kelpie or border collie in the mix. She is approximately 4 months old. She is a lively little pup, the perfect age to begin obedience training. She would be enjoy agility and would suit an active family. Kelsey has been vet checked, C3 vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and flea treated. She will be sterilized as soon as possible and costs $350. To meet this little charmer, call GDR on 0400 219 719.

Geraldton Dog Rescue is a not for profit organization run solely by volunteers. All GDR dogs cost $350 and have been bathed and flea treated, vet checked, vaccinated, wormed, micro-chipped and de-sexed.

If you would like to view a dog or become a volunteer please call 0400 219 719. Geraldton Dog Rescue can also be contacted via their website www.geraldtondogrescue.com.au or you can find them on Facebook.

Original Railway building to get much needed restoration

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old railway station today 260314

One of Geraldton’s neglected, but much loved iconic structures is finally about to be given the restoration it deserves.

The significant Heritage listed building, Geraldton’s original first Railway Station on Marine Tce, is another step closer to being refurbished in preparation to house the Geraldton Visitor Centre - which is operated by the City of Greater Geraldton.

At the Ordinary Meeting of Council in Mullewa on Tuesday, (March 25) City of Greater Geraldton Councillors voted in favour to award the refurbishment and upgrade contract to Geraldton Building Services & Cabinets Pty Ltd.

Hocking Heritage Studio in conjunction with the State Heritage Office undertook the detail design.

City Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said the restoration will go a long way to revitalising the West End precinct.

“It will bring more life and tourists into the area and complement the Geraldton Foreshore and The Esplanade,” he said.

“Being able to advance this restoration has been made possible with a $1 million injection from Royalties for Regions, through the Mid West Investment Plan to house the Geraldton Visitor Centre.

“The cost of the restoration is in the region of $2.13 million. The City will provide $1.03 million with an additional $100,000 coming from the Federal Government’s Regional Development Australia Fund as part of the overall allocation for the West End Recreation and Entertainment Precinct Revitalisation Project,” said Mr Carpenter.

“The State Government owns the building and it is managed through the WA Department of Planning and Infrastructure and is leased to the City of Greater Geraldton.

“There have been two proponents interested in leasing the building in the past, but both have pulled out, so it is good to see it will finally get the treatment it deserves and as a bonus the City gets to use it.”

The work is anticipated to be completed by the end of this year.

MacTiernan attacks Turnbull over Geraldton NBN

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[tentblogger-youtube ZnmfRUkvMCU] Member for Perth and Parliamentary Secretary for Western Australia Alannah MacTiernan has spoken out in Parliament this week about the Federal Government’s rollout of the National Broadband Network in Geraldton.

Alannah said the City of Greater Geraldton has been annexed into what she calls “Turnbullistan” – an attack at Communications Minster Malcolm Turnbull.

“Diversions of Turnbullistan continue to the detriment of Western Australia. Recently, Turnbullistan Senator Dean Smith claimed credit for the 5,000 premises passed by the NBN in the beautiful coastal city of Geraldton between September 2013 and January 2014,” she said in Parliament.

“Thousands of households in Geraldton will now not be able to take part in the digital future that the City of Geraldton has worked so hard to carve out.

“Geraldton is only one of two cities in Australia that has qualified for IBM’s Smarter Cities Challenge and the City has done an extraordinary job.

“The needs of the world has changed, unfortunately that seems to have escaped the Emperor of Turnbullistan.”

Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price has hit back at Alannah, claiming it was an attack on the Abbott Goverments’s rollout of the NBN.

“The Member for metropolitan Perth has no interest in helping the people of Geraldton or the rest of regional Western Australia; she just wants to use them as a political football,” Melissa said.

“What a lot of people do not realise, is that under Labor, work in Geraldton had come to a grinding halt – Syntheo had walked away from the project months before the Federal Election in 2013.

“As Geraldton residents would know from the many times I have updated them on the NBN - our Government is working to resolve the many issues caused by Labor’s failed attempt to rollout this service, while ensuring it continues in a timely and cost-effective manner. In fact, our rollout will save Australian taxpayers $29 billion.

“In Geraldton specifically, we have continued to progress with design work while we look to negotiate new contracts to build the network. We are hopeful these will be signed in coming months.”

Everything Geraldton spoke to Alannah today and said Melissa didn’t have a full understanding of her role in Parliament.

“I am shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Western Australia, so I have a role in representing all communities in WA,” she said.

“I was surprised by the snippy comments of the Member for Durack - I would have thought she would be aware of my role.”

Alannah expressed her long-standing history with Geraldton and said that “newcomer” Melissa probably wasn’t aware of Alannah’s close affiliation with the Mid West region.

“I’ve had a long involvement and interest in Geraldton. I worked there in the late 70s. More significantly as Minister for Planning and Infrastructure between 2001 and 2008, I delivered key projects for Geraldton which unleashed much of the potential of the region including the deepening of the port, the realignment of the rail link off the foreshore, the Southern Transport Corridor, both Stages 1 and 2, and the Town Beach Upgrade.”

Alannah said the information that Minister Turnbull is suppressing is that new techniques are now seeing fibre to the premises becoming much cheaper and quicker.

“My aim is to put the pressure on the Minister to deliver this 21st Century solution to the people of Geraldton,” she said.

“The Minister and the Member for Durack clearly are not facing up to the reality that our copper network is nothing like that of the United States. On Telstra’s own admission, the network is on its last legs and in most areas will not be capable of delivery even with the modest speeds being promised by Mr Turnbull.

“The Minister should acknowledge that he had nothing to do with the successful rollout of NBN to 5,700 premises in Geraldton in the six months up to January 2014 – this was all pursuant to contracts led under Labor and proof that as the rollout to the premises really has gotten underway, it has become cheaper and quicker.”

Narrow miss for Rangeway residents as car damages five homes

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image resize It’s a miracle that no one was seriously injured in a car crash early this morning which involved a high powered Commodore V8 crashing through the front vicinities of five consecutive homes on Rifle Range Road.

The vehicle has caused extensive damage to homes in Rangeway early this morning after crashing its way through front patios, lawns and gardens, a power pole, cars, a water meter and carports across five houses.

The car is reportedly a red Commodore and the occupants were quick to flee the scene after the incident.

Police believe that alcohol was involved.

Everything Geraldton spoke to Rangeway resident Murray whose home was majorly affected by the crash.

The vehicle crashed into the front verandah of his home then into a parked car in Murray’s driveway which spun the car around which was almost a blessing in disguise as it changed the path of the speeding vehicle.

The vehicle was only a short distance away from crashing straight into Murray's bedroom as he slept.

Murray’s property had extensive damage to his front verandah a fence and also his car.

“I thought it was an earthquake when I first woke up to the extremely loud noises,” Murray said.

"They must have been driving at least 100km/h.

“I ran outside to see two people running away but I know there were more.

“It really is a miracle that no one got hurt.”

Police, SES and the ambulance were at the scene this morning.

A power line was also knocked over in Abelia Street Rangway around the same time but it is unknown if the two incidents were connected.

Local police are urging anyone who has information about the incident to contact the station.

Geraldton-based emergency service careers honoured

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Five Geraldton and Midwest fire and emergency services workers have been honoured for their outstanding loyalty and dedication. The five local men were recognised for their hard work at a medal ceremony yesterday alongside 150 officers State-wide who have spent much of their lives protecting the people of Western Australia.

Geraldton firefighter Jason Merritt and Midwest Gascoyne Regional Office (MGRO) area officer John Wheelock received 15 year Emergency Services Diligent Service (ESDM) medals, MGRO area officer Ian Comben was awarded a National Medal, Geraldton firefighter Nathan Boothman received a 15-year EDSM and a National Medal and Geraldton firefighter Louis Parker was awarded a 20-year EDSM.

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has paid tribute to the dedication of long serving career firefighters and emergency services personnel in the community.

“It is an honour to recognise these long-serving firefighters and operations personnel who are dedicated to protecting life and property,” Mr Blayney said.

“The awarding of these medals and plaques is a chance to thank those who do not seek recognition and who consider the exceptional work they do as just part of the job.”

The National Medal and the Emergency Services Diligent Service Medals were presented at a ceremony held at the Government House Ballroom.

Expanded Club Development Officer Scheme benefits COGG sport and recreation clubs

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Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney said he was pleased to announce the City of Greater Geraldton is one of the successful recipients to receive funding to expand their Club Development Officer Scheme for a further two years to 2015/16.

The City’s CDO Ryan Thompson plays a vital role in helping clubs in the COGG region.

Mr Thompson plays an integral role in supporting local sport and recreation clubs and helps guide them on a pathway to become sustainable organisations.

He is the point of liaison for sporting clubs at the COGG, will help sporting clubs with the preparation of grants, oversee general governance, the KidSport program and if necessary steer them through mediation.

His aim is to help “deliver diverse opportunities for people to participate in physical activity in the local COGG community, in a safe and welcoming environment”.

Mr Blayney said the State Government will invest $2.6million over the next two years to expand the successful CDO scheme, benefitting more than 3,320 sporting and recreation clubs across the State.

The scheme is a partnership between the Department of Sport and Recreation and local governments which involves CDOs working with volunteers to build the capacity of clubs across the State.

“The CDO scheme has been very successful in supporting community sport and recreation by helping volunteers improve the management of their respective clubs,” Mr Blayney said.

“Thousands of clubs across the State play a critical role in building a sense of community and improving the overall health and wellbeing of Western Australians.”

Under the two-year funding arrangement, the number of CDOs will increase from 31 to 38 and the number of local government areas serviced will rise from 43 to 55. The scheme will now reach more than 3,320 clubs across the State.

The role of CDOs like Ryan Thompson includes:

  • Helping clubs improve their governance and management practices;
  • Assisting with club development through information and updates;
  • Developing partnerships with State Sporting Associations;
  • Undertaking annual club needs assessments; and
  • Providing training, education, information workshops and programs and opportunities.

Beach goers urged to take caution at Back Beach

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Reports have come through to Everything Geraldton of a male making sexual advances to females on Back Beach today. Local Police have also received these reports and encourage victims to report these matters to Police as soon as possible with as much detail as possible in relation to the time of day, specific location (what section of beach – closest accessway etc), and description of the person of interest (including approximate age, hair style/colour/length, clothing, any distinguishing features).

"My friend and I were just walking along back beach when a young indigenous guy came down and started following us, he was whistling and making sexual gestures towards us. Just want to make people aware as it was very uncomfortable and a bit intimidating." Kody posted on Everything Geraldton's Facebook.

Nathan also reported a similar incident after his partner was walking along Back Beach alone when the male followed her back to her car and tried to stop her from leaving before making sexual advances.

The male is described as dark skinned, 170cm tall and of medium build.

Contact local Police or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 to report any matters.