Extending the hand of friendship

/

QEII inaugural friendship group

“You gotta have friends”, sang the indomitable Bette Midler in her 1973 hit of the same name, and more than 40 years on it rings true for a new Geraldton group.

The as yet unnamed ‘friendship group’ held its inaugural meeting at the Queen Elizabeth II Seniors and Community Centre earlier this month.

Set up as a group for seniors to meet new people and form new friendships, the first meeting attracted 12 participants who all had great ideas for future meetings and all hit it off with friendly banter.

Kicking off the first meeting, QEII Seniors and Community Centre Coordinator, Rosetta Finlay, said the idea is to have a casual monthly get together for coffee, lunch or other outings.

“Friendship is very important and a lot of people as they get that bit older can be at risk of becoming isolated and missing out on that vital part of life,” she said.

“By organising this initial coming together of the group, members could form individual friendships with like interests that could take them off in all sorts of directions and expand their ‘friendship circle’ even further.”

Suggestions for future outings included trips to Nukara Farm, Oakabella Homestead, the Airing of the Quilts at Northampton and even a fundraising evening at a local Indian restaurant.

One gentleman who volunteered the fact that he has a mini bus licence was very popular!

“We could explore options of venturing further afield,” said one lady delightedly.

Word of the meeting spread like wildfire through the QEII Centre with another three people attending other events there asking to join the friendship group.

The group next extends the hand of friendship and welcomes all. Please contact Rosetta Finlay on 9921 2684 for more information and the date of the next meeting.

Rider apprehended after failing to stop for Police

/

An 18-year-old Karloo man has been charged with a number of offences after he failed to stop for Police whilst riding an off-road motorcycle.

At about 2.15am on Sunday April 27th, Police were conducting patrols of the Wonthella area, when the motorcycle was observed travelling south on North West Coastal Highway.

Police attempted to stop the rider by activating the emergency lights and sirens. Police allege the rider looked back and gestured at police with his middle finger before speeding away.

The rider continued down North West Coastal Highway, passing through the lights at Eighth Street. Police followed the rider left onto Eastern Road. The rider approached the intersection of Eastern and Rifle Range Road where it is controlled by a roundabout and drove across the middle of the roundabout jumping the paved area and continued at speed to the end of Eastern Road.

The rider turned onto the cycle path adjacent to Utakarra Road and continued through bushland. Police monitored and the rider where possible until he was observed to return to the road. Police attempted to stop the vehicle again, however he again sped away.

The motorcycle continued east down Utakarra Road and turned left into Flores Road. The rider left the road, travelling into bushland again when he rode into a large puddle, stopping the bike.

Police were able to approach the male rider and apprehend him before he could start his bike again.

The motorcycle was seized under hoon legislation.

The male was conveyed to Geraldton Police Station where the following charges were preferred:

1 x Reckless Driving 2 x Fail to stop 1 x Contravene Learners permit 1 x Fail to wear helmet whilst on motor cycle 1 x Possess cannabis 1 x Possess drug paraphernalia

He will face Geraldton Magistrates Court on 22 May 2014.

Young Chase gets Bravery Award

/

DCole Chase

City of Greater Geraldton Animal Control Team Leader, Darren Cole, and City Ranger, Archie Brown, nominated three-year-old local boy Chase, for a Bravery Award through the WA Ranger Association after the youngster suffered the trauma of a dog attack.

Chase and his mum, Kelly, were visiting a Geraldton property when the dog bit him on the face.

The injuries he received resulted in an emergency flight to Princess Margaret Hospital in Perth for emergency treatment and surgery.

Chase will require ongoing treatment for a number of years as a result of injuries received in the attack.

Mr Cole said from time to time the WA Rangers Association present a Bravery Award to children who have experienced the trauma of a dog attack.

“The purpose of this program is to help kids who have been attacked and injured by a dog,” he said.

“These awards help victims get through the trauma of the attack and aim to assist in promoting a quick and full recovery.”

Chase was pretty chuffed with his award, presented to him at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Tuesday (April 22), by Deputy Mayor, Cr Neil McIlwaine, and proudly showed off his medallion to the public gallery.

Chase’s grandfather, Mal, praised the City’s Rangers for their ongoing support throughout Chase’s ordeal.

“I’d really like to thank all the rangers who helped Chase,” he said, “they have been really wonderful.”

Here's who you voted for in the recent Senate election

/

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) announced the count for the election of six Senators for Western Australia was completed today. The six successful candidates in order of their election are:

1. David Johnston - Liberal Party

2. Joe Bullock - Australian Labor Party

3. Scott Ludlam - The Greens (WA)

4. Michaelia Cash - Liberal Party

5. Zhenya Wang - Palmer United Party

6. Linda Reynolds - Liberal Party

The Australian Electoral Officer for Western Australia, Kathy Mitchell said the Senate count had included the data entry of ballot papers marked below-the-line into the AEC’s EasyCount computer system from which the distribution of preferences had been conducted to determine the six candidates elected.

“As with all aspects of the counting process, the automated distribution of preferences undertaken today was open to scrutineers appointed by the candidates,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Around 58,000 voters chose to vote below-the-line on the Senate ballot paper which represented approximately 4.5 per cent of formal votes cast.”

Detailed information regarding the distribution of preferences for the 2014 WA Senate election will be posted on the AEC’s virtual tally room at http://vtr.aec.gov.au/

Hockey – Five Star Hale defeat Peel Rebels in Melville Toyota League Fixture in Geraldton

/

Hale recorded their first win of the Melville Toyota League season with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Peel Rebels in Geraldton. Geoff Cock was the star man on Saturday, scoring four and assisting with the other in a five star performance. Hale had a lightening quick start to the game, scoring in the opening minute. A Penalty Stroke was awarded, which Geoff Cock duly converted into the top left hand corner to open his and Hale’s account.

Three minutes later, Cock would make it 2-0 after a sublime pass by Lachlan Ashton found the target man in the circle.

Both sides had to contend with the wet conditions, which saw 36.4mm of rain fall at the Mitchell & Brown Stadium in Geraldton. It was Hale though that best adapted to the conditions, taking an early two goal lead.

The downpour was too much in the twenty fourth minute of the game and the umpires paused proceedings momentarily. Hale had a couple of penalty corners soon after the restart, having to create some interesting variations with the puddles prohibiting ‘normal play’.

The second half started in much the same way as the first half, with Hale dominating the game. Peel Rebels found it difficult to gain momentum in their fleeting moments of possession.

Cock was pivotal up front for Hale, troubling Peel’s defence. The Goalscorer would turn provider for Hale’s third when the star man was fouled just outside the circle. Instead of going on to take a shot himself; he laid it off to Greg Reece, with the captain’s shot skipping under Mike Smith and into the back of the goal to extend the margin to three.

Damon Ross almost got himself on the scoreboard in the 49 minute. His shot from an acute angle slide past the goalkeeper, but Marshall Puzey was on hand to clear the ball off the goal-line.

Cock would bring up his hat-trick and Hale’s fourth not long after. Dwayne Rowsell played in Cock with a sublime ball which was finished off with class.

Peel had a couple of chances themselves in the latter stages of the game, earning a couple of penalty corners. Hale were able to quickly counter from a Peel corner which saw them win a short themselves. This time, a variation saw Geoff Cock slide across the turf. His deflection gave Mike Smith no chance in goals and with it, Hale’s fifth and final goal of the game.

Cock was inches away from having a fifth, when his tomahawk cannoned off the right hand post.

Peel had a penalty corner right at the end, but Aiden Elliot who was celebrating his 18th birthday got his body behind it to keep a clean sheet.

The win see’s Geoff Cock break his goal drought in impressive fashion, as well as secure Hale’s first points of the season. Peel meanwhile will have to wait at least another week to record a win.

Before the game; Hockey WA facilitated an umpiring and ‘coach the coaches’ session for the Geraldton locals by former Hockeyroo Hope Munro and Melissa Grey. Afterwards, the kids had the chance to quiz Munro about her experiences coming from the country area to participating in two Olympic Games for Australia. An autograph and photo session followed to cap off a wonderful day up in Geraldton.

Hockey WA would like to thank the Department of Sport and Recreation for their considerable support for which this event would not otherwise be possible. Thanks also to the Geraldton Hockey Association for their hospitality, as well as CBH for their continued support in Country hockey.

Final Score: Hale 5 (Geoff Cock 1’ PS, 4’, 50’, 63’ PC, Greg Reece 38’ PC) defeated Peel Rebels 0

Match day Squads Hale 1. Lachlan Ashton, 2. Justin Knapp (Captain), 4. Geoff Cock, 5. Morgon Dry, 7. Greg Reece, 10. Scott McCormack, 11. Chris Lawson, 13. Chris Moses, 18. Steve Cock, 20. Michael Ferguson, 21. Nat Curtin, 22. Damon Ross, 27. Aidan Elliot (GK), 28. Dwayne Rowsell, 31. Robbie Bear. Coach: Craig Emslie Manager: Catherine McFarlane

Peel Rebels 1. Nicholas Resta (Import), 2. Marshall Puzey, 3. Dylan Squibb, 4. Liam Smith, 5. Alex Wenn, 6. David Ogden, 7. Aaron Reichard, 8. Jordan Barrodeen, 9. George Farrant (Import), 10. Andrew Sutherland (Import), 11. Nathan Squibb, 12. Cale Varris (Captain), 13. Paul Morrissey, 14.Gavin Bathgate, 15. Mathew Rose (Import), 20. Mike Smith (GK). Coach: Mark Sandhu Manager: Mark Barrodeen

Umpires: Hope Munro and Dan Johnston Technical Official: Bree Coleman

Can you help this person get their stolen cherished photos back?

/

Katie reached out to the Everything Geraldton community to ask for some assistance in recovering some items that have been stolen.

We had 3 Guys walked into our house last night and attack us in Spalding area and they took some things.

The things stolen was 1. Black Samsung Galaxy S2 phone with a brown case (one you put cards in) 2. Brown Purse.

Purse has all cards any normal purse would have plus some photos of my 22 year old deceased brother; he is wearing a green shirt in one Photo.

The stuff belongs to my mum Tracy Pokrywka. If anyone finds these could you please message me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/kpierotti or call me on 0459 392 155.

We would love for the stolen things back, but we really would love the photos of my brother as he passed away and any photos of him we cherish to bits. Thanks for all your help.

Council receive Range and Level of Services Report from #changesCGGcommunity Panel

/

Range and Level of Services panel

Local government is as complex as running a small country. That was the conclusion drawn by one of the panel members during the historic Participatory Budgeting process undertaken by the City of Greater Geraldton over the last six months.

Members of the Panel which deliberated on the range and level of services provided by the City told Councillors Tuesday night (April 22) that they had seen first-hand the complexity of local government.

Panel members who met for seven weekend workshops to analyse and make recommendations on the City’s multi-million dollar service provision budget, presented their final recommendations to Council Tuesday night.

According to Rob Pilliner, one of the panellists, the process provided an insight into the complexity of local government.

He also said that he, like other panel members, was initially sceptical of the process of Participatory Budgeting.

“The nature and complexity of process daunted many of us and we initially struggled with the concept of ever reaching tangible and coherent recommendations with the range of personalities, background and priorities,” he said.

However he said that, in the end, all the panel members were from the Geraldton community and they collectively represented the needs and aspirations of the community.

The panel members were chosen at random from the Geraldton community. Deliberations around the range and level of services was the second Participatory Budgeting program. The first resulted in a series of recommendations adopted by Council in January that will feed into the Council’s Ten Year Capital Works Plan.

Accepting the report, City Deputy Mayor, Cr Neil McIlwaine, said the Participatory Budgeting process is part of a whole package of changes being implemented by the City to make decision making more open, transparent and inclusive. 

“Under the banner of a program called #changesCGGcommunity my Councillors and I, and the City staff are working very hard to open up decision making to the community, while ensuring the integrity of the decision making process,” he said.

“The two Participatory Budgeting programs which have run over the last six months are examples of how the Council is serious about this.

Cr McIlwaine said that Council had been very brave to initiate this type of decision making and that it was the first time it had been done to this extent in Australia. 

Top 5 Geraldton photos shared with us this week

/

10256719_764570570227376_8436041259315978066_o

Michelle McKoy took this stunning photo.

Beautiful colours of the morning, taken just before sunrise on Good Friday in Deepdale looking across the paddock towards the hills.

10256593_764297710254662_9181335713062093701_o

Jordan McGregor took this great shot of the HMAS Sydney Memorial whilst visiting Geraldton on a family holiday.

attachment

Dee shared this photo on the Everything Geraldton app. Perfect timing!

1002693_553535034767898_4698431249496906641_n

A photo of a photo. Courtney Noble sent in this photo of the Cathedral dating back quite a few years by the looks of cars.

10253859_10152072934531009_4754055817968691839_n

Michelle Dixon ended the Easter long weekend with this photo saying, "Thanks Geraldton for an amazing long weekend. Hope to see you soon."

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

Geraldton Dog Rescue Dog of the Week

/

PIA 6671 3 This week's Geraldton Dog Rescue Dog of the Week is Pia.

Pis is a large female, Mastiff X, about 1 year old.  She can walk on lead, sit on command and shake hands.  Very sooky and gentle. Social with other dogs even small ones and loves a game with a tennis ball. She has been vet checked, C3 vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and flea rinsed. She costs $350 which includes sterilisation. To arrange to meet this beautiful girl, call GDR on 0400 219 719.

Midwest Fishing Report by Tackleworld Geraldton

/

LOCAL ROCKWALLS All the rock walls around Geraldton harbour are fishing well with pink snapper Skippy and herring.

Big mulloway are entertaining fisherman willing to put the time in, tailor to 40cm are lurking around as well.

pic1

NEW MARINA & FISHERMEN'S HARBOUR

Squid are starting to show up around the New Marina and Fishermen’s Harbour and Fisherman’s Wharf look for clear water and low swells and Floating weed and Brocken weed beds.

BEACHES

Beach fishing was hard work over the Easter weekend with big swells and weed but though braving the swells got rewarded with big mulloway and tailor best locations where Drummonds to Buller and south gates to point Moore.

5

OFFSHORE

Big snapper in coral to 40m and coral trout, the waters of Horrocks have had rare catches off mahi mahi (dolphin fish) taking floating mulies. Mackerel and yellow fin tuna are still running along the 20 to 30m mark. The Abrolhos islands is fishing well for tuna, mackerel and Mahi-Mahi. Dhu fish are starting to move into shallower waters.

6

7

HOW TO TIE BRAID TO LEADER

 

FISHING REPORT WRITTEN BY

TACKLEWORLD COUNTRY GERALDTON

20 ANZAC TERRACE GERALDTON WA

08 99216822

1.-TWC_Logofinal1-1024x446

Power pole on fire cause for power outage

/

20140424-212358.jpg

Several community members have alerted us to the presence of a fire on a power pole in Mahomets, on the corner of Drenthe Place and Macaleer Drive. This appears to be the reason for the power outage in that area tonight.

Stolen necklace has huge sentimental value

/

10175964_10152007342226039_4879878969407416223_n This was shared with Everything Geraldton today.

"My dear friend Cassie Lovering is staying at Sunset Beach with her family and their cabin has been broken into overnight.

"They recently lost their child to brain cancer and inside a stolen purse was a necklace with little Harvey's fingerprint and a photo with his face painted as a lion, a treasured keepsake.

"The handbag is a maroon B.Sirius brand, brown wallet , also stolen Ipad mini, mobile phone and men's wallet. If anyone knows anything , we need the necklace back!"

Please keep an eye out for any of these items.

ANZAC Day flypast

/

RAAF Base PC-9s -Sunshine Festival Freedom of Entry 2013

In support of the ANZAC Day commemorations a flypast of three PC-9/A aircrafts will be conducted by members of No: 2 Flying Training School based at RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force) Base Pearce.

The aircrafts are expected to fly over Geraldton at 11.45am tomorrow morning during the Main Service.

PC-9/A’s are a two-seater single engine turboprop aircraft and are the major basic training aircraft for the Australian Defence Force.

RAAF flypasts are conducted within strict limitations. Safety, noise and the environment are vital considerations.

Here are the times for the fly pasts throughout the Mid West tomorrow:

08.01 am Dandaragan 10.30 am Jurien Bay 10.45 am Moora 11.00 am Dongara 11.25 am Northampton 11.45 am Geraldton

Seeking old salts

/

cadets March 2014 marked 50 years of Navy Cadets as one of Geraldton’s leading youth organisations. Commanding Officer of Training Ship Morrow, Lieutenant Anthony Desmond, said, “We will kick off our celebrations of the 50th anniversary on Saturday 5th  July with a cocktail party reunion."

"It would be great to see a large turn up of past cadets and instructors. We’d also love to hear from anyone that has any photos or memorabilia of the unit.”

In March 1964 the first parade of what was to become T.S. Morrow was held and 26 prospective cadets and six instructors were present. This was enough interest to start a new Australian Sea Cadet Corp unit. Peter ‘Spike’ Jones was a recruit at that first parade and still serves in navy cadets although he now holds the rank of Commander.

Spike reminisced, “ It wasn’t until Feb 1965 we became officially known as Training Ship (T.S.) Morrow. I joined the navy straight from cadets and when I returned to Geraldton I was asked to help out as an instructor. It’s great being able to put something back into such a valuable opportunity for the teenagers of Geraldton.”

You can register your interest in attending the reunion by email to tsmorrow50@gmail.com or call 08 9964 2663.

In 1973 the Australian Sea Cadet Corps became the Naval Reserve Cadets and then in 2000 the Australian Navy Cadets (ANC). The Australian Navy Cadets is a leading provider of youth development experiences, sponsored by the Royal Australian Navy and aims to build teamwork and leadership skills in young people through exciting and rewarding adventure and maritime activities and quality learning opportunities.

Being a cadet with the ANC allows you to make new friends and be part of a team that values you. The ANC also allows you to experience challenges that develop your potential as a leader. If you are 13 or older you can join navy cadets by visiting the unit on the Foreshore near the yellow submarine on a Wednesday night.

Should there be a designated place for drivers to hoon?

/

After Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney announced that 5 vehicles had been taken off the road in March as part of the Government's anti-hoon laws, it sparked conversation with people on Everything Geraldton. One Everything Geraldton user commented on Facebook, "Geraldton needs a safe place for people to drag/drift and race their cars and motorcycles. This would solve half the problems."

Others had the same idea.

Should hoons be given a designated place to hoon?

Up Next