Unfortunate event as Triathlete sustains head injuries from drone

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tri accident A competitor in today’s Endure Batavia Triathlon has been taken to hospital after an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) otherwise known as a drone, fell from the sky hitting her on the head.

The competitor, Raija Ogden was heading into her second lap of the run leg of the race on the Foreshore when the incident occurred.

The remote-controlled copter struck her head and she fell to the ground.

Raija is the wife of defending champ Courtney Ogden who came in second place in today’s race shortly after the incident occurred.

The UAV operated and owned by local videographers New Era Photography and Film were covering the event with live footage and owner Warren Abrams said the circumstances looked to be suspicious.

“We will be conducting a full investigation of what happened but it looks as though someone has hacked into our system,” he said.

The Geraldton Triathlon Club released a statement expressing their sincere apologies about the accident.

“In relation to the incident that occurred today at the Endure Batavia Triathlon involving an aerial camera and competitor Raija Ogden, the Geraldton Triathlon Club wish to state their sincere apologies to Mrs Ogden,” the statement said.

“Mrs Ogden has been treated by paramedics on location and the club have been advised she is in a stable condition following the incident, with minor injuries sustained to her head.

“Geraldton Triathlon Club President Simon Teakle, said the club are very disappointed that this has occurred.

“We are currently in discussions with the videographers to assess how the incident occurred and the circumstances surrounding the accident,” he said.

“This incident should never have occurred and a full investigation will be conducted in conjunction with the videographers involved.”

Update - Follow up story - UAV operator “not certified” according to ACUO

Buccs take swift lead in first quarter against Slammers

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Buccs have got off to a flying start in their second home game of the season against the Southwest Slammers taking a 37-18 lead at the first break. Buccs had their work cut out for them heading into the fourth round of the season with the Slammers in 5th spot and the Buccs not far behind in 7th spot.

The game starter and both teams had opportunities to score but it was Buccs’ Bennie Lewis who sunk a speccy three-pointer for the first score of the game but the Slammers were quick to reciprocate.

The smallest man on the court, Luke Wrensted then pulled out another three pointer but the Slammers were right on their tails.

Buccs imports Carter Cook and Odarty Blankson were standouts as was new-comer Bennie Lewis and captain Mat Wundenberg was a strong force in the Buccs’ defense.

Slammers’ Todd Hendley didnt waste his opportunities under the bucket both in offence and defense.

Buccs scoring percentage was impressive as they ended the first quarter with a sturdy 19-point lead.

Slammers put up the first four points in the second quarter and their intensity looked a lot higher in the second term.

But it didn’t defer the Buccs’ confidence and they continued to make leeway on the scoreboard.

Slammers’ Patrick Phillips showed some smooth moves in the keyway but Buccs’ defense was just as good.

Bennie Lewis put on a show for the crowd and his 3-point range was impressive.

In just seven minutes into the second quarter, The Buccs had extended their lead to 25-points.

The composure of  Buccs’ Luke Wrensted and Aaron Ralph was pivotal as they enjoyed a 73-52 lead at half time.

 

Shooting percentage was low for both sides in the first stages of the third quarter but Buccs’ momentum didn’t seem like it was going anywhere.

Slammers made some crucial mistakes and they seemed a bit shaken as the Buccs continued their good form.

Slammers upped the anti mid-way through the third term and Todd Hendley worked tirelessly to put his side on the scoreboard.

Buccs’ Clayton Dann proved his reliability in court and with three minutes left in the third quarter Buccs were up 94-66.

Buccs led 99-67 heading into the last quarter.

The game was almost set in stone as the Buccs entered the court for the last quarter with a 32-point lead.

Youngsters Charles Thurkle and Jack Stone got their chance on the court and all the Buccs had to do was hold their lead.

Slammers didn’t drop their heads and continued to lessen the margin on the scoreboard.

With 4 minutes left in the game Slammers only trailed by 17 points.

It looked as thought Slammers were going to make a tight comeback but the Buccs made sure the score line didn’t blow out.

With two minutes left in the game the crowd voiced their support as it was set in concrete that the Buccs would take home a win.

The last minutes of the game played out as the Buccs continued to seize their opportunities.

As the final siren sounded the crowd was on their feet as the Buccs took home a convincing 120-100 win.

Don't forget to vote!

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vote Don’t forget that tomorrow, Saturday, April 5 it is compulsory for all Australian citizens 18 years and over enrolled in Western Australia to vote in the election, even if they are visiting or working interstate.

Voting is open from 8am to 6pm and here are the following places that you can go to place your vote:

-Beachlands Primary School, Whitfield Street -Bluff Point Primary School, Mitchell Street -Cape Burney Volunteer Fire Brigade, Hull Street -John Batten Community Hall, Whitehill Road -Geraldton Primary School, Augustust Street -Geraldton Regional Hospital, Shenton Street -Geraldton, Lester Avenue -St John of God Hospital, Hermitage Street -Mount Tarcoola Primary School, Forden Street -Rangeway Primary School, Cassia Street -Spalding Family Centre, Mitchell Street -Waggrakine Primary School, Hall Road

For a full list of places to vote throughout the Midwest and WA click here.

Geraldton wins WA State Heritage Award

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The City of Greater Geraldton has another award under its belt with the announcement last night, of first place in one of this year’s prestigious Western Australian State Heritage Awards.

The City was declared the winner of the 2014 Outstanding heritage practices by a local government category, beating seven other finalists to the top spot in this category.

Heritage Minister, Hon Albert Jacob MLA, made the announcement at a gala function at His Majesty’s Theatre in Perth last night and City Deputy Mayor, Cr Neil McIlwaine and Manager Libraries and Heritage, Susan Smith were on hand to accept the award.

Mrs Smith said this is a great honour and reward for the hard work put in by Heritage Services and Library staff.

“It is very satisfying to be recognised for our efforts. The Library has only been responsible for Heritage matters for two years, during which there have been many challenges as well as surprises,” she said.

“I would like to make special mention of Trudi Cornish, Coordinator Heritage Services, who has made a huge contribution to Heritage matters.

“In accepting this award the City proudly acknowledges the strong partnership that has been developed with local historical groups and individuals who are passionate about local heritage,” said Mrs Smith.

“The City’s entry highlighted the importance of taking a holistic approach to understanding and managing its valuable heritage resources, with all four City directorates playing a role in Heritage matters.”

Cr McIlwaine said this significant Heritage award is a truly fantastic recognition of the City’s commitment to all facets of heritage within the community.

“Our council has been proactive in its approach to heritage and in its implementation of many varied strategies to recognise, preserve and enhance the rich history of not only our City but the wider Mid West region,” he said.

“In particular can I thank the wonderful Library team for their fantastic focus on our heritage.

“Programs such as Oral History mornings, the Mid West Heritage Book series, the I Remember When program, all contribute to the sharing and preservation of our history for enjoyment now and into the future,” said Cr McIlwaine.

The State Heritage Awards cover criteria including conservation, understanding how to incorporate heritage in our daily lives, adapting heritage assets to modern use, using heritage to value add to places, experiences and relevance to contemporary living.

Celebrating the awards 22nd year, Minister Jacobs said the winners demonstrated the wide spectrum of heritage success stories across the State.

Midwest Fishing Report by Tackleworld Country

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LOCAL ROCKWALLS Tailor to 45cm reported from behind the fishermans wharf and new marina rock walls.

Also Mulloway have been running thick behind fishermans wharf rock walls with anglers telling us of 6 -10 Mulloway being caught every night this week.

Untitled

NEW MARINA & FISHERMEN'S WHARF

Reports of Cod to 45 cm being caught again from inside both the local harbours and along the walls.

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

Guys fishing off the new marina have told us of a few Sampson Fish lurking close to the jettys.  Constant burly seems to be the key to finding the Sambos.

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

Guys fishing off the new marina have told us of a few Sampson Fish lurking close to the jettys.  Constant burly seems to be the key to finding the Sambos.

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BEACHES

GREENOUGH FIRST AND SECOND POINTS -

Tailor to 60cm are being caught on ganged mulie baits from the first and second points most mornings.

There have also been reports of School Mackerel seen chasing bait thru this area. Duo Tide Minnows have been the lure of choice for the School Macks.

Dinner plate sized Dart have again been caught on squid and prawn baits fished light right in the wash zones.

DRUMMONDS -

The end car parks have held good numbers of Tailor.

Local female angler Meg also sent us this pic of a 10kg Mulloway to 10kg caught from Drummonds.

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RIVERS

GREENOUGH -

Bream to 30cm have been caught on prawn baits up from in front of the surf club.

Mangrove Jacks are still around, good mate Sean nailed one around 43cm from a rock bar further up river.

We also saw photos of another 40cm Jack caught on Duo lure.

Devlin's pool has produced Bream to 35cm, again guys fishing after dark have told us that the river is dead as soon as night falls

*** 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.

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OFFSHORE

PENSIONERS -

Spanish Mackerel and mixed Tuna species are still patrolling the back edge in 12 -20m.

Reports of small Dhu Fish and Coral Trout being caught on fresh Squid baits along the weed banks.

AFRICAN REEF -

Dhu fish and Baldchin Grouper have been found inside little African, fresh cray pot octopus has been the bait of choice for here.

There were also reports of Tuna to 8kg seen free jumping out behind the breaks south of African.

ISLANDS -

Sothern Group is producing Dhu Fish, Trout, Mackerel, Yellow Fin Tuna and Pink Snapper.

5

Product Plug

Tonic Releases Blue Mirror Limited Edition

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With all Tonic lenses we use a new lay up anti reflective coating on the back surface of the lens to reduce bounce back glare .

In store now $199 

FISH REPORT WRITTEN BY

20 ANZAC TERRACE GERALDTON WA

08 99216822

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Colin Barnett officially opens Esplanade

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WA Premier Colin Barnett stood on the site of Geraldton’s newest attraction today, The Esplanade, and declared it officially open.

He believes the Esplanade otherwise known as the ‘lookout’ has solved the problem of “Geraldton facing the wrong way”.

“It’s taken 20 years, a lot of money but it has finally been achieved what people have complained about for decades - that Geraldton faces the wrong way,” he said.

“And it has finally turned itself around instead of having it’s back to the beach it has it’s front to the beach and thats a great civic improvement for the people of Geraldton and the people who visit here.

“This is going to be a significant attraction for the City.”

The Geraldton Esplanade project was funded by $2.24million in State Government funding through Royalties for Regions, $1.9million in Geraldton Port Authority funding, $400,000 from Regional Development Australia funding and a $400,000 contribution from the City of Greater Geraldton.

The area was named The Esplanade in reference to the historic Esplanade Jetty that was once located in the area, constructed in 1858 to service sailing ships but demolished in 1944.

"I've been in politics a fair while now, some of my colleagues say far too long, but over those 20 years one way or another I have observed or have been part of the decision making for various bits and pieces," Mr Barnett said.

"And I guess as you look back over to the east to see the Marina, the Museum, relocation of the rail through the Southern Transport Corridor and the Foreshore which is the crowning glory, and now this project which will be known as the Esplanade."

The redevelopment was was part of the City’s West End Revitalisation Project which was managed by the City of Greater Geraldton using local contractors.

Buccs return to Activewest Stadium this weekend

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The Sun City Plumbing Geraldton Buccaneers will return to Activewest Stadium tomorrow night in the hope for a win in their second home game of the season.

They will take on the Southwest Slammers in round four of the season, heading in with a full side.

The side is coming off two wins last weekend after they beat the East Perth Eagles by 20 points and then took a 113-97 win over the Perry Lakes Hawks.

The Buccs currently sit in 7th spot on the SBL ladder with this weekend's rivals above them in 5th spot.

Buccs' coach Mark Heron said he feels confident heading into tomorrow night's match.

"We had two good wins last weekend and we are feeling good," he said.

"We've had a really good week at training and the boys look to be in great form so I'm expecting a good game tomorrow."

To help the Buccs get over the line this weekend, come and support them at the Activewest stadium tomorrow night with tip off at 7:30pm.

Sail Inn set to re-open after renovations

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photo-9 Local business Sail Inn Snack Bar will open its doors tomorrow after 8-weeks of refurbishment.

Funded by the City of Greater Geraldton, the new-look local icon and has undergone a whole new fit-out including a new roof, new kitchen and revamped outdoor area.

Business owner Paul said he is excited to re-open again and he thinks the public will be too.

"People really love coming here and getting good quality burgers and fish and chips," he said.

Paul has co-owned the business for four years and was unsure when the business first opened but says his customers have been going to the Sail Inn for over 50 years.

The shop will open it's doors at 8am tomorrow morning.

Geraldton’s Digital Divide

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photo-8 Member for Perth and Parliamentary Secretary for Western Australia, Alannah MacTiernan, was in Geraldton yesterday to speak out about what she calls “Geraldton’s Digital Divide” over the National Broadband Network.

With several areas of Geraldton still yet to get the high-speed internet access, Alannah says pressure should be put on Malcolm Turnbull and the Liberal Government for the issue to be rectified.

She says the copper wire in Geraldton isn’t up to scratch to offer 21st century technology.

“We all know the copper wire network just simply is not up to the standard of delivering 21st century speeds and we want to make sure that the very good work that has been done by the City of Greater Geraldton and the community is not undermined by this cutting back of NBN for Geraldton,” she said.

“We need all of those areas that were identified on the map to get NBN to actually get this high speed connection.”

Alannah spoke to Everything Geraldton yesterday and praised the work of the City in creating a a sophisticated digital city.

City CEO Ken Diehm said it has been the City’s aim to be positioned well in the digital economy.

“The City of Greater Geraldton has strategically positioned itself to take advantage of the digital economy based upon the promises and commitments given by the Federal Government to roll out the NBN fibre to premises,” he said.

“We have invested heavily in a technology park and educating both businesses and residents on the opportunities that the NBN provides. The Government’s revised position has the potential to seriously impact our digital strategy.”

Ken said it would be detrimental to Geraldton if the NBN rollout is not completed.

“Significant progress has already been achieved in the roll out of the NBN in Geraldton with the fibre passing approximately 6,000 residences,” he said.

“The provision of fibre to the premises is certainly achievable and it would be a significant blow if it does not continue.

“The City of Greater Geraldton will continue to fight for all our residents to have direct access to the NBN fibre network.”

Alannah’s visit comes just a week after she attacked Communications Minster Malcolm Turnbull in Parliament over Geraldton’s NBN.

“I am putting pressure on Malcolm Turnbull and exposing this issue and some of the myths that go with it,” she said.

“Going into areas in Geraldton and pulling back the fibre optic is simply going back to second rate technology which we believe is not going to work because of the state of the copper wire here.

“Geraldton has got its act together and focused on the NBN so let’s not create the digital divide.

“This reliance on the copper wire is just silly, let’s finish the job off, lets get the fibre optic into the designated areas which were originally designed to get it.”

When Ken was asked what he would say to Malcom Turnbull he replied with, “Honour the commitments from the Federal Government and continue the NBN fibre roll out in Geraldton.”