Hard stance on hoon drivers in Geraldton and surrounding regions

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Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney announced today that five hoon vehicles were taken off our roads in March from local suburbs under the Liberal-National State Government’s anti-hoon laws. “The problem of hoon drivers is still an issue that is raised with me and people want to get them off our roads,” Mr Blayney said.

“This month’s figures show the problem has decreased by a single reckless driver when compared with February’s data, which shows there are still hoons on our roads that are putting the public at risk.

“Our local traffic police are aware of the problem and remain committed to increasing driver safety on roads throughout Geraldton and the Mid West Gascoyne region.”

Mid West Gascoyne Traffic Police senior constable Keith Burrows urged residents who witness reckless driving to contact their office and report hoon activity.

“Any information is good information. It enables us to build up a picture of where and when hoon activity is occurring which allows us to deploy our resources accordingly,” Snr Const Burrows said.

WA’s mandatory sentencing laws strengthened

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Offenders who assault public officers will be forced to serve their full minimum jail sentence before being eligible for parole under new measures which have come into effect this month. Western Australia’s tough mandatory sentencing laws have been tightened to ensure any adult convicted of either assaulting a public officer, or dangerous driving causing death or serious injury while evading police, spend their mandatory minimum term in custody.

Attorney General Michael Mischin said while the Criminal Code Amendment Bill 2009, which imposed mandatory terms of imprisonment, did not seek to alter the existing law surrounding parole, it had become clear that amendments were necessary.

“A case last year where an offender convicted of assaulting a police officer was granted parole after four-and-a-half months in jail highlighted the need for changes,” Mr Mischin said.

“When the original legislation was introduced, the State Government announced that offenders would face mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment.

“The amendments protect the integrity of the legislation and ensure the laws function as intended.”

Offenders face a minimum jail term of 12 months for doing grievous bodily harm to police and other public officers; nine months for doing them bodily harm (in circumstances of aggravation); and six months for assault causing bodily harm.

There is a mandatory minimum 12-month jail term for a driver who attempts to escape a police pursuit and engages in dangerous driving which causes death or serious injury.

 

Celebrations for The Comedy Emporium’s First Birthday Show

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IMG_3286 Get set for a big night of laughter as The Comedy Emporium celebrates its 1st Birthday!

On Saturday the 3rd of May, The Comedy Emporium will celebrate this milestone as it hosts headline act and Australian Television Comedian Claire Hooper to celebrate it first Birthday Show.

This big performance will be held in the Bunker at the Queens Park Theatre which is where Geraldton's most popular (and only Comedy Club) opened 12 months ago. With 100 of the 200 tickets left, its a guarantee that the show will sell out.

“The show is limited seating as it will be in the Bunker. We like to call it the Bunker because it kind of looks like the place that Hitler got shot,” explains Julian Canny The Comedy Emporium Director.

“You will have seen Claire on Good News Week as a Team Captain, on Rove Live, The Sideshow, Stand Up!Australia and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Great Debate.

“And to round off this big name act, we will be turning the whole show into a Birthday Party! Complete with lolly bags and cake.”

In the 12 months since The Comedy Emporium started, the shows have seen some spectacular results. The locally based arts scene that has developed around the organisation has been responsible for the injection of over $8000 worth of paid opportunities for local performers.  Not to mention bringing in over 30 International and interstate comedians to work alongside the local comedy writing team.

Some of the achievements by the group have been representing the region in a sold out performance hosted by The Comedy Emporium at this years Perth Fringe Festival. Two of the youngest Geraldton Comedians James Butson and Ellen Clancy Millet represented Geraldton High Schools at the Melbourne International Comedy Festivals Class Clown Competition in Perth.  The Highlight for the group was when Geraldton boy Lachlan Adam made it to the Semi Finals of the Triple J Raw Comedy Competition in only six months of performing.

“In 12 months we have produced beyond  40 hours worth of local comedy to a total audience over 1000 people... Thats a lot of jokes about the Centro Stirlings Carpark,” Julian said.

As well as Claire Hooper, the audience will be entertained by a number of local and imported comedians. Live music by Geraldton artist will also be supplied before and after the show.

For more information head to www.thecomedyemporium.com or www.queensparktheatre.com.au

Doors open 6:30pm, live music from 7:15pm and Comedy at 8pm.

Tickets on sale now for $28 each presale.   Tickets at the door for $30 if sales permit – so make sure you pre book through the Queens Park Theatre. Group discounts apply and for enquiries please ring 0458 306 111. No BYO alcohol. Bar available.

Rallying behind Seth

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10173781_1466267526940767_321370337628161988_n The Geraldton community are already showing their support for 3 and a half year old Seth Byron who was diagnosed with high-risk Leukaemia over the Easter break.

The tragic news has seen the local community rally behind Seth, his mum, dad and little sister, to help them raise funds and awareness as Seth begins his treatment.

Seth will require treatment in Perth and both of Seth’s parents will be unable to work.

A Facebook page opened just yesterday named ‘Our friend Seth’, has already seen over 1,500 likes with dozens of messages of support and people willing to help Seth and his family.

With travel and medical expenses, the group will be opening a bank account where people can donate funds and a range of local fundraisers are set to go ahead to help ease the financial strain on the family.

The Facebook page is urging people to help the local family asking, “Lets join together and show our love and support for this brave young family."

To help Seth through his battle visit the Facebook page.

Mid West Cat Shelter Cat of the Week

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holly This week’s cat of the week is Holly.

Holly is a lovely female tabby who is full of affections.  She loves to hang out and laze around.  Holly has been micro chipped, sterilized, immunized, flea treated and wormed and is ready for her new home.

If you would like to adopt Holly 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.

ATC Midwest announced as finalist for industry safety award

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PHOTO - ATC Media Release 08.04.14 ATC Midwest have been recognised for their efforts in safety after the local recruitment business has been elected as a finalist in the Recruitment & Consulting Services Association (RCSA) Award for Workplace Safety.

With an unmatchable commitment to safety, ATC Midwest’s general manager Dave Clare, said ATC is elated at having been selected as a finalist.

“Safety is our number one core value at ATC, so we’re very pleased to be recognised for our unwavering work in this area,” he said.

“Our success in making the finalists is absolutely attributed to the efforts of our dedicated team who all live and breathe our core value of safety.”

The RCSA Award for Workplace Safety is all about innovation and initiative in safety, and recognising those recruitment agencies who are industry leaders in workplace safety.

Mr Clare said the whole business was very proud at the announcement of becoming a finalist in the safety category and look forward to celebrating this achievement at the awards ceremony at a Gala ball in Melbourne next month.

“Our aim is to always make a difference in reducing work-related injuries and harm, so we’re very honoured to be recognised for our excellence and innovation in workplace safety,” said Mr Clare.

“Regardless of the outcome on the night, we’re very proud of our business and our team, and we look forward to sharing the evening with some inspiring leaders in the recruitment industry.”

Futuristic road camera to target distracted drivers

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Last week Channel Ten's The Project the panel discussed the introduction of new, highly advanced speed cameras, which will be able to photograph motorists from up to 700 meters away.

The first of these cameras was introduced to roads in Victoria this weekend, just in time for double demerits.

The idea is to nab those people who 'put their phone down and put their seatbelt on when they see a police car', according to Assistant Commissioner Robert Hill, quoted in The Age.

Motorists who break the law will be photographed long before they see the camera.

It isn't just mobile phones and seat belts that will be targeted however. Drivers who are distracted by eating, drinking, or even applying makeup will be caught on film.

The Project even showed footage of one woman plucking her moustache at a set of traffic lights, which sparked a lively debate between the guys and gals on the panel.

For more information check out the story in The Age.

Buccs take home 18-point win in home game against Giants

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buccsvgiants It was a shaky start for the Geraldton Buccaneers but they managed a convincing 18-point over the Goldfields Giants.

Buccs trailed by just 4 points at the first break of their home game against the Giants.

It only took Buccs seconds for their first score of the game with an easy one from Odartey Blankson but the Goldfields Giants were quick to reciprocate.

Bennie Lewis scored the next two goals for the Buccs with some speccy moves and pressure was high in the Buccs’ defensive end.

Some inaccuracy from the Buccs and strong plays in the Giants’ offensive end put the Buccs and the Giants 8-all with 7 minutes left in the first quarter.

Giants’ Lordan Franich was pivotal for his side and was accurate under the basket.

Giants continued their good form but Buccs didn’t let them get too far ahead as Giants led 28-24 at the first break.

Intensity was high as both sides entered the second quarter and it wasn't long before scores were level.

Blankson was accurate and Buccs' Shamus Ballantyne proved his worth bringing the ball down court swiftly.

Some good range shooting by Buccs' Bennie Lewis put them 5 points ahead with just under 5 minutes left in the half.

Giants' Duran Blue made it hard for Buccs to get too far ahead and it was tight competition for the rest of the half.

Buccs led 51-46 at half time.

After just 5 minutes into the third quarter, scores were back to even, 51-all.

Lewis pulled out all stops and the Buccs reeled in a 10-point lead, with just over 8 minutes left in the third quarter.

The home crowd showed their support for their side as their lead extended.

Buccs were strong in their rebounding but Giants were hot on their tails.

With just one quarter left in the match Buccs led 72-62.

Buccs were keen to keep their lead and Lewis together with Blankson put on a show for the crowd.

Giants looked as though they were running out of steam and Buccs maintained their intensity.

Buccs' Carter Cook made leeway on the margin and the Buccs went from strength-to-strength.

A tussle between the two sides with just under two minutes in the match didn't deter the Buccs and they walked away with  a 102-84 win.

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Local nominees recognised in National Heritage Week

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National Heritage Week kicked off in Geraldton with nine local nominees delighted to be recognised at the  presentation night earlier this month.

Now in its second year, the two award categories were Award for Excellence in Heritage Building Design and Conservation, and Award for Outstanding Heritage Achievement.

Winner of the first category, Excellence in Heritage Building Design and Conservation was won by Swansea House owner, Peter Creek.

Two-storey Swansea House, located on Marine Terrace and now home to Pollinators, Jaffle Shack and Fleur High Tea was almost past saving when Mr Creek was convinced to tackle the restoration earning him the award.

Dayle and Fay Kenny, owners of Heritage listed Fitzgerald Flats on the corner of Fitzgerald Street and Lester Avenue, received a High Commendation for the work they have done in restoring the art deco flats building to its former glory.

Special Recognition was bestowed on Dale Hammond for her work in restoring a house at 14 Francis Street, also Alex and Judy Holds for the restoration of Mt Pleasant Homestead on Company Road in Greenough, and owners Darryl and Joan Grey for the restoration of a home on Chapman Road, Geraldton.

The Batavia Coast Maritime Heritage Association nominated Howard Gray for category two, Award for Outstanding Heritage Achievement and he was declared the winner by the judging panel.

Barry Stinson, nominated by the Geraldton Historical Society, was Highly Commended and the Geraldton Historical Society itself received Special Recognition, nominated by Alice Thornton. Special recognition was also given to Pat Mills, nominated by Bishop Justin Bianchini.

City Manager Libraries and Heritage, Susan Smith, said from the nine entries received it was a tough job for the judges to categorise them.

“They were all of such a high calibre and it is wonderful to see the community so passionate about our heritage,” she said.

“We hope these awards will encourage more people to think about restoration of some of our magnificent local buildings and also to nominate individuals in the Community who work tirelessly to preserve, research and promote the wonderful history of the Greater Geraldton region.

The evening was made all the sweeter backed up with the City’s own win in the 2014 WA Heritage Council Awards for Outstanding heritage practices by a local government the week before.