Male charged after stabbing victim

Police have charged a 38-year-old male from Wonthella after stabbing a female a number of times in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

At about 3am on Tuesday, 15 April, a 38 year old female victim was at residence in Augustus Street, when a male offender who was known to the victim, went to the address.

Police will allege, the offender gained entry to the house without consent before stabbing the victim a number of times causing significant injuries.

The male was arrested and was subsequently charged with;

1 x Aggravated Burglary 1 x Attempt to Unlawfully Kill

The offender faced Geraldton Magistrates Court on 15 April 2014 and was remanded in custody to reappear by video link on Tuesday 22 April 2014.

The victim is in a current stable condition, requiring further medical treatment for her injuries.

Police arrest 3 juveniles

Police were conducting patrols in Quarry Street in the early hours of Monday morning as a result of reports received regarding vehicles being broken into in the area.

Police apprehended 3 juvenile males who were in possession of a glass breaking tool.

The juveniles were consequently charged with trespassing and one youth was charged with possession of tools for unlawful entry.

Further inquiries were conducted by officers from Geraldton Volume Crime in relation to these youths and several other burglaries.

Police arrested the same 3 juvenile males, conveying them to Geraldton Police Station to conduct inquiries in relation to the burglaries over the weekend.

As a result, the further following charges were preferred.

A 13 year old male from Utakarra was charged with the following:

• 1 x Aggravated Burglary and commit place
• 1 x Aggravated Burglary W/I place
• 5 x Criminal Damage
• 1 x Stealing

Another 13 year old male from Utakarra was charged with:

• 1 x Aggravated Burglary and commit place
• 1 x Aggravated Burglary W/I place
• 1 x Criminal Damage
• 3 x Stealing

A 14 year old male from Utakarra was charged with:

• 1 x Aggravated Burglary W/I place
• 1 x Aggravated Burglary W/I Dwelling
• 3 x Stealing
• 1 x Attempted steal motor vehicle
• 1 x Receiving
• 1 x Trespassing

They will appear at Geraldton Children’s Court at date to be determined.

Stolen copper recovered in traffic stop

Police have uncovered a large amount of stolen cabling, copper and aluminium during a routine traffic stop.

At 11:30am yesterday, police conducted a routine traffic stop on a Hyundai Excel being driven on Maitland Street.

During the stop, police observed a large quantity of cabling, copper and aluminium.

The property was seized and the male passenger, a 47 year old male from Beachlands was conveyed back to Geraldton Police Station for further inquiries.

Police will allege the goods had been stolen from a property on Durlacher Street, Geraldton.

The male was charged with trespassing and stealing and will appear at Geraldton Magistrates Court on 8 May 2014. 

Two more acts of kindness

We recently received a couple of reports of mobile phones being found and returned to their owners. Well done to the kind strangers.

Judith posted: I dropped my mobile phone today at Wonthella IGA. I was extremely grateful to the person who picked it up and passed it on to the security guard. I certainly appreciate the honesty and time taken by the finder to ensure the phone was returned to its owner.

Anna posted: lost my mob on the bus this morning,thanks to the person for handing it in.

Speed camera Horwood Rd near cemetery.

Speed camera Horwood Rd near cemetery.

Barnett believes the Chinese will fund Oakajee, not Padbury Mining

After being surprised at Padbury Mining's claim of being able to fund and build Oakajee port, Colin Barnett is reportedly claiming the Chinese would be more than likely able to fund the project.

The West Australian is reporting that following talks with Chinese officials, our state premier is of the opinion that not only would the Chinese like to fund the construction of Oakajee, but they would actually prefer to get their hands on the type of iron ore available from the Midwest over that of the Pilbara, as our ore is used in more "sophisticated and higher-value steelmaking, which consumes less energy and causes less pollution".

Read the full West article here.

If Padbury Mining actually actually come out and say who is funding their bid to build the port, it will be interesting to see who ends up with the rights to build it.

Last time Chinese money was behind the building of the Port via Yilgarn Construction, the labor government handed the rights over to a Japanese backed group to build it, causing the Chinese to shut their local mine down and skuttle the entire project.

If they get burned again, they won't be pleased.

It's quite likely that Padbury Mining's announcement was deliberately timed to coincide with Mr Barnett's Chinese visit, and put the state government on the back foot. Mr Barnett's office has made it clear that despite any announcement of funding secured by Padbury, they hadn't secured the rights to build the project.

Padbury still silent over who the mystery investor is

After promising to have an answer on who was fronting the $6billion to build the Oakajee port and rail project by this morning, Padbury Mining have now announced they need more time. It's unclear why it takes a week to hand over a name to the ASX, but we are now informed that Padbury Mining expect to make an announcement by the start of trading this Thursday.

Padbury Mining shares have been suspended until this time, after surging dramatically following their announcement last week of the securing of the funds.

Geraldton locals were mixed between skeptical and cautiously optimistic following last week's announcement by Padbury Mining. As expected, many brushed the announcement off in an "I'll believe it when I see it" approach.

Others felt Padbury Mining, who seemingly appeared out of nowhere with the announcement, aren't equipped to deliver such a large project.

Speculation over why the investor/s wish so strongly to remain anonymous will now only intensify, adding fuel to those who are skeptical about the true motives held for wanting the port to be built in the first place.

European Easter at Sweet Kharma!

Look for the alternative Easter gift this year here at Sweet Kharma - Shop 6 in the Stirling Centre next to Strand Bags. Come in and spend $20 or more and go in the draw to win an Easter Hamper valued at over $100 worth of delicious gourmet chocolates! We are a gourmet Chocolate Shop and stock a beautiful range of both European and High Quality Australian Chocolate Easter gifts. We currently have a stunning range of plush toys for the little ones that are all 40% off!

All of our lollies and chocolates are English imported giving you that mouthwatering taste that you just can't get here in Australia. So if you're looking for the perfect gift for your loved ones this Easter, then come in and browse our diverse range of Easter gifts and give their taste buds a real treat!

Mid West Cat Shelter Cat of the Week

This week’s cat of the week is Mishka.

Mishka is a quiet female tortoiseshell (torti) who prefers to have you all to herself. She loves to lay on the couch with you and watch TV. Mishka has been micro chipped, sterilized, immunized, flea treated and wormed and is currently in a foster family with cats and children.

If you would like to adopt Mishka, 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 coordinator.

City seeks to bring vivacity to the heart of Greater Geraldton

As part of the City of Greater Geraldton’s City Centre Vibrancy Strategy, the City is calling for expressions of interest from artists, entrepreneurs, not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) and city centre landowners to come together in a bid to add some vibrancy to the city centre.

Artists and NFPs are invited to develop displays and installations for unoccupied buildings and spaces and to paint murals on exterior walls and planter boxes, and NFPs and entrepreneurs are sought for pop-up or temporary entertainment, food and retail initiatives in the city centre and foreshore.

Expressions of interest are invited from landowners whose buildings are unoccupied to assist with space for these initiatives.

The City is willing to facilitate a process with city centre landowners to identify opportunities for suitable applicants or groups to utilise available spaces, as well as consider issuing licences and trade agreements for qualifying foreshore initiatives. Funding may be provided to artists and incorporated NFPs interested in undertaking City vibrancy initiatives.

Expressions of interest will be assessed three times a year starting on May 15, September 15 and January 15.

Detailed information is available on the City of Greater Geraldton website or contact Pieter Vorster, City Vibrancy Coordinator on 9965 6750 or pieterv@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Female assaulted by two youths

A 40-year-old female has been assaulted after she opened her door to a small child before two older youths appeared and attacked her before running off.

The victim was reportedly attacked in Gertrude Street at around 4:45am on Saturday morning.

The two older youths approached and pushed her against the wall where she sustained a graze and bruising to her face.

She didn’t get a description of the offenders, except to say they were wearing hoodies.

Geraldton Police encourage residents to be cautious of unknown visitors and report any incidents straight away, so a co-ordinated response can be immediately commenced.

Community Question: What is a reasonable price for primary school aged kid's haircuts in Geraldton?

Community Question:What is a reasonable price for primary school aged kid's haircuts in Geraldton? -Renae

Police recover more stolen property - is it yours?

As part of continuing inquiries into Operation Night Hawk, police attended an address in Hammond Place, Spalding last week.

As a result of inquiries, a search of the premise revealed a large quantity of power tools and a bicycle.

No charges have been laid and inquiries are continuing by Geraldton Volume Crime Team.

CAN YOU IDENTIFY ANY PROPERTY?

Police have been working hard to identify the owners of stolen items recovered through Operation Night Hawk.

Whilst local police have been able to return some of the items, a quantity of it still remains unclaimed.

If you identify any of the stolen items as belonging to you, please attend Geraldton Police Station on Wednesday 16 April 2014 to view & claim.

**Please bring proof of ownership**

Digital Portraits to capture the heart of Geraldton

The Geraldton community are invited to participate in an exciting new digital arts project, taking place throughout April 2014.

The project – part of the larger FIVE Geraldton initiative – will see nationally recognised digital artist Craig Walsh work with the local community to capture a series of filmed portraits, from 12 April to 4 May 2014.

The portraits are a means for Geraldton residents to share individual stories that will, collectively, be woven into a significant digital artwork for, and about, the town. The project is open to everyone in the community and there is no cost to participate.

Craig will set up camera and sound equipment at the Wedge building (part of the WA Museum – Geraldton). In a very informal and friendly setting, people can drop in to share a story, an experience or an idea around the project's broad theme of 'belonging'. Stories can be about work, family, the land, or anything else of interest to residents of Geraldton. They can be longer stories, or a simple sentence or two. You can participate alone, or with a family member or friend. The idea is to share your experience, and be part of an extraordinary project for the town.

Craig will also film other FIVE arts projects taking place at the ACDC Gallery and other locations around town, as well as key landmarks around Geraldton. This footage will be woven into the final digital work.

A public screening on 8 May will bring all portraits to life. Craig is known for his large-scale and engaging projections of his digital works onto rocks, trees and buildings. This will be the case for Geraldton, when the collective digital work – featuring all portraits – will be publically screened.

The Geraldton digital work will, eventually, be part of other FIVE digital projects from across the State, that will collectively tell a story about ways of 'belonging' and of the importance of community in regional Western Australia – including in towns that have a fly-in-fly-out workforce.

FIVE Geraldton is part of a statewide initiative taking place in five regional Western Australian communities: Paraburdoo, Geraldton, Busselton, Derby and Esperance. Named after the number of communities participating, FIVE is a partnership between DADAA and Rio Tinto, and aims to build social connection and community wellbeing.

WA Museum – Geraldton Regional Manager, Leigh O’Brien, said that the Museum was excited to be hosting the digital artwork project.

“We are delighted to be able to provide a venue for part of this unique community arts project,” said Ms O’Brien.

“We are particularly interested in the ways in which the project will document local stories in the context of significant social and historical icons of Geraldton.

“The WA Museum – Geraldton is a place for people to come together to explore and share their sense of identity and we see the FIVE project as contributing to this goal.”

For additional information on the project, visit www.five.org.au, email geraldton@five.org.au or call (08) 9430 6616.

Police seize drugs in car park

Geraldton police have seized drugs from two parked cars in Mahomets in the early hours of Saturday morning.

At approximately 3am on Saturday 12 April, police located the two vehicles parked in a car park on Willcock Drive, Mahomets Flats.

The vehicles were occupied and inquiries conducted by police resulted in a search of the vehicles.

It will be alleged, police searched a Toyota Prado resulting in the seizure of drug related items including scales, and clip seal bags. Three packages containing a small amount of amphetamine were located in addition to about 75 grams of cannabis.

Two males were conveyed to Geraldton Police Station where further inquiries were conducted.

A 29 year old male from Denmark was charged with the following: -1 x Possess prohibited drug with intent to sell/supply (Amphetamine) -1 x Possess prohibited drug (Cannabis) -1 x Possess paraphernalia used in connection with prohibited drug

He was released to bail, to appear at Geraldton Magistrates Court on 8 May 2014.

S-Bend rollover prompts more calls for road to be straightened

Around 7:30am Saturday morning a vehicle roll over occurred at the s-bend on the Brand Hwy in Greenough, south of Geraldton. We haven’t received any reports of serious injury, though Ambulance and Police were called to the scene. The cause of the accident has not been released by Police.

The accident comes three months after Troy Buswell, then the Minister for Transport, provided a document to state parliament outlining answers to questions regarding road safety and improvements. In the document, the project to straighten the substandard S-Bend and Bookarra curves was estimated to cost $20m and marked as high priority for the 2014/15 investment pipeline.

But a document from 2009 on the Main Roads website shows that way back then this road was known by Main Roads to be substandard, and needing to be "altered to improve intersection safety and amenity to tourist traffic”.

Community members who contacted Everything Geraldton to alert the community to the incident, also called the road to be straightened soon.

Let’s hope nothing worse happens before the road gets fixed.

UPDATE:

The occupants of the vehicle were trapped before being freed by Department of Fire & Emergency Services.

Two occupants, the male driver and 15 year old male passenger were taken to Geraldton Regional Hospital for a check-up suffering with minor lacerations.

Inquiries are continuing by Mid West Gascoyne Traffic Police.

Wallet and phone stolen in broad daylight

A wallet and phone have been stolen from a Bluff Point business this morning after someone walked straight into the premises, behind the counter and stole the items whilst employers were in a meeting.

The iPhone 4 and large Green leather clutch were stolen between 8am and 8:45am this morning.

The owner of the phone and wallet is urging people to keep an eye out in Bluff Point and surrounding areas for the clutch as it has sentimental value.

Geraldton Police say if anyone has information call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Top 5 Geraldton photos shared with us this week

This very old photograph from Geraldton Historical Society collection is the Strand Cafe in Marine Terrace, 1900. Shared by Rita Stinson on Lost Geraldton.

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Friday Sunrise shared by Michelle McKoy

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Cloudy Thursday, shared by Leigh Riley

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Shared by Adam Drage, Thursday Sunset via Instagram

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Shared by @rileyjeffery via Instagram (actually a couple of weeks ago) of the Abrolhos Islands

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Share your pics with us via the Everything Geraldton app, Facebook, Instagram or email petak@justeverything.com.au

Midwest Fishing Report by Tackleworld Geraldton

LOCAL ROCKWALLS

Tailor reported this week from behind the fishermen's wharf and new marina rock walls, early mornings and late arvos are the go.

Mulloway are again going off this week with multiple reports of mulloway being caught from Fishermans Wharf, most fish are between 10 -18kg.

Ganged mulies, blue mackerel and mullet strips have been the preferred baits.

SEAL ROCK -

Skippy to a kilo and Herring are in numbers around the main rocks and the channel marker closest to the rocks.

Try using burly to attract the fish to the area, Herring and Skippy respond extremely well to a constant burly trail.

60  - 80mm soft plastics have been dynamite on the skippy in this area.

NEW MARINER & FISHERMANS WHARF

Cod have again been consistent with lots being caught around the 40 - 50cm size. Using small live baits and big fresh baits has been the best way of targeting Cod.

We have also seen photos of a few Moses Perch / Black spot snapper caught around the jettys and inside rock walls at the fishermans wharf, small hard body lures and soft plastics work well thru here.

Sampson Fish of all sizes have again been reported cruising the rock walls, our good mate Rosne is pictured below with a healthy little Sambo that nailed his little Duo Ikakko micro jig.

BEACHES

GREENOUGH FIRST AND SECOND POINTS -

Tailor have been regular catches from both points for those fishing early mornings, 6am - 7.30am seems to be the best bite time this week.

Dart, Skippy, Herring and Whiting are hanging around the wash zones close to the beach, blood worm baits are catching alot of fish here.

S BEND -

 Good reports of Tailor to 55cm most mornings, we also heard of a couple WA Dhu fish caught with one being around 8kg - 85cm.

DRUMMONDS -

The end car parks have held good numbers of Tailor, Herring and Sand Whiting in the morning.

North of Bulla river we heard of Tailor to 3kg and mulloway to 13kg being caught late into the evening.

SUNSET BEACH -

Tailor on gang mulies from the deeper gutters in front of the caravan park.

Big Dart are also turning up close to the shore break.

RIVERS

GREENOUGH -

Bream to 33cm have been caught up towards the mouth and along the resort bank.

Mangrove Jacks are again being reported with a few more falling to Duo lures and mulie baits further up river.

Our fishing manger Lloyd went fishing at his secret location at Greenough River and landed a nice 41cm Jack. (pictured below)

Devlin's pool has produced Bream to 40cm.

* Anglers are reminded that the Greenough river is very unhealthy and most fish species are carrying red spot disease.

* 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 pensioners with over cast days turning up the best results.

Dhu Fish and Coral Trout reported from 15 - 25m out behind south gates reef.

AFRICAN REEF -

Dhu fish, Coral Trout and Baldchin Grouper have been found inside little African.

Pink Snapper to 75cm are being caught out from African in around 38 - 45m of water out on the coral.

ISLANDS -

Sothern Group is producing lots of big Pink Snapper to 10kg in 38 - 42m on the flat coral, there are also Amberjack in the mix with the snapper.

Hummock Island has held good numbers of Dhu Fish to 11kg, Coral Trout to 82cm, Mackerel and Yellow Fin Tuna to 18kg .

PRODUCT PLUG - Shimano Type J Jig Rods

Shimano Game Type J Jigging rods consist of a unique range of rod actions to suit different modes of light jigging to attract shallow water fishes with different feeding habits. Spinning S601S model is suitable for " One pitch Jerking " action coupled with high speed retrieve using light weight Butterfly style jigs. This slow taper rod together with the jig centre balance & rod rear balance results in a well balance rod. This rod can also be used for casting light weight jigs as well. Spinning S632R model is designed for light weight vertical and bevel jigging with its good centre & rear balance characteristics. Spinning S585 rod offers good handling performance with its short blank. One pitch Jerking action is easy & with its regular fast taper, lifting power of this rod is great the spinning S624 rod has a progressive blank design, giving good jig action when slow jigging.

This progressive action also reduces angler’s fatigue when fighting his fish as the bending action of this rod controls the fish well. Both Spinning S625 and Spinning S634 have a fast taper capable of slow or side jerking action. This rod action result in rhythmatic & speedy jig action as well. Spinning S643 rod is designed for light jigging use. With its light and balance blank construction, jigging with this rod is less taxing on the angler. The rods action provides strong lifting power with a progressive action to give the advantage to the angler. Jig action can be executed swiftly with this rod action.

Type J rods have been imported straight from the Japanese market and there are very limited numbers Australia wide. Weather you chase skippy in the shallows or big Dhuies and Sampson Fish offshore there is a rod to suit you, the range of Type J Game rods is perfect for all local jigging applications.

In store now at Tackleworld Geraldton, get in quick while stocks last.

All spin models available  - $419 - $429

TACKLEWORLD NEWS 

Our easter catalouge is out now with plenty of exciting bargains to be had, if you are in the market for any new fishing gear or even a gift for someone special now is the time with big savings to be had. If you havent recieved one you can download our catalouge from the Tackleworld Australia website.

FISHING REPORT WRITTEN BY

TACKLEWORLD COUNTRY GERALDTON

20 ANZAC TERRACE GERALDTON WA

08 99216822

Geraldton set to grow as Padbury announce "Oakajee Funding Secured"

Padbury Mining announced this morning that they have secured 100% of the funding needed to build the Oakajee deepwater port and rail. The Oakajee Port and Rail project is expected to cost approximately $6 billion to build.

The money is coming from Australian private equity investors, a big surprise as many expected the Chinese to foot the bill.

With the limited space around the Geraldton port, and the fact that it cannot accommodate larger ships, Iron Ore miners in the Mid West have been wanting a longer term solution for some time.

A dedicated rail network will be built to connect mines in the Mid West to the new port.

Perhaps most exciting beyond the building of the port and rail, is the potential development of the land surrounding the Port as an industrial estate.

Around 15 years ago the state government purchased large amounts of farming land in Oakajee with the intention of developing it into a value adding industrial estate, conveniently located next to the deepwater Oakajee port and away from the more densely populated Geraldton. The land has been sitting dormant since that time, with tenants who rent the homes scattered about the area forbidden from using the land to grow crops.

The story of the non-event that the Oakajee Port has been to date is a long and frustrating tale for those who have wanted to see it built. But today's announcement puts it firmly back on the top of the top of discussions for the business community of Geraldton and WA.

Timing

While anyone who bought an investment property in Geraldton in the last 10 years probably wanted to see this happen a lot sooner, the timing for building the project at a reasonable price might actually be great. Anecdotal reports indicate mines around WA are starting to slow or finish their building and expansion projects, meaning less staff are required for day to day operations.

This has caused an influx of unskilled labor to arrive back in Perth and other regional areas around WA, as people's positions on the mines are no longer required.

This means the cost of labour may not be as high as it otherwise would have been to build the Oakajee deepwater port and rail infrastructure, making the project somewhat more feasible.

As we mentioned in our earlier article, Padbury acquired some intellectual property from Yilgarn back in 2011, which now looks like a very good move.

What still has to happen?

• The next step toward the project becoming a reality is the definitive feasibility studies. Pre-feasibility studies are underway, but there's a few more calculations that need doing apparently.
• Finding the right engineering, procurement and construction companies. It's a complicated project and will require world class expertise to make it happen. The CEO of Padbury is in Korea at the moment shopping around for the right contractors.
• Getting the miners and investors in the project to agree on pricing. Basically each mine in the Midwest that wants to use the rail and port infrastructure is going to have to pay, but if it's cheaper just to go to Esperance, then that could hinder Oakajee. The team Padbury put together need to get all the local mines to come to an agreement on price.

 Click here to read the full annoucement from Padbury. 

 What will this mean for Geraldton?

While the amount of iron ore in the Midwest is not at the scale as our neighbours to the north, there's no doubt the extra funds flowing into the region will stimulate economic activity in Geraldton and the Midwest.

What do you think this will mean for Geraldton? What will the social impact be?