Hitchhiker charged after stealing a credit card

A 34 year old female from Bluff Point has been charged after stealing a credit card and then proceeding to use the card around Geraldton. It is alleged that on Friday night the 11th of July the female and two others were at an intersection in Wandina when a motorist driving passed picked the three up and drove them into the town centre. It was in this time that they stole the victim's wallet from the centre of the car.

According to the Police the female then removed a credit card and a small amount of cash from the wallet. Since taking the card the female purchased various items from businesses in Geraldton to the value of over $1000. The female also made unsuccessful purchases of items to the value of over $2500.

Yesterday around 4:00pm the female was arrested and taken to the Geraldton Police Station where she was charged with;

1 x stealing 8 x fraud 4 x attempted fraud

The female will face Geraldton Magistrates court on 21 August 2014.

Foul stench from sewer making life miserable for Utakarra residents

ABC news have posted a story to their website about the foul stench that is coming from a sewer in Utakarra. Residents of the suburb gathered yesterday to speak about the issue and the ABC was there with them. To read more and to view the article click here.   

City undertakes further geotechnical survey at Beresford Foreshore

As part of the City of Greater Geraldton’s Beresford Foreshore Protection and Enhancement Project, geotechnical investigations will continue on the Beresford Foreshore starting this week for up to two weeks.

A local engineering company will excavate several test pits at three locations on the beach with a backhoe between the breakwater and Trigg St at times coinciding with the low tide.

The test pits will allow for the beach sediment to be assessed for properties including: sand colour and size, gravel inclusion, water level depth and the depth to rock/reef.

The backhoe will require access over the foreshore reserve and any access tracks created for the testing will be reinstated on completion of the works.

In addition, investigative work will be carried out at Pages Beach with regards to sourcing sand for capital beach replenishment of Midalia’s Beach on the Beresford Foreshore.

For further information or information on the Beresford Foreshore Coastal Protection and Enhancement Project contact Michael Dufour on 9956 6600 or council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Stop. Think. Respect.

beyondblue have launched an Australian-first campaign that shows the devastating psychological effect that subtle racism has on Indigenous Australians.

Invisible Discriminator was released this month as new research shows Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people still face widespread racism from other Australians.

A survey of 1,000 non-Indigenous Australians showed nearly half (42%) believe Indigenous Australians are given unfair advantages by government, more than a third (37%) believe Indigenous Australians are sometimes a bit lazy and almost one third (31%) believe Indigenous Australians should behave more like ‘other Australians’.

The survey also found many Australians think it’s acceptable to discriminate, with one in five admitting they would move away if an Indigenous Australian sat nearby and one in 10 saying they would tell a joke in the pub about an Indigenous Australian. Many more people say that, while they wouldn’t do these things, they do not see them as discriminatory.

beyondblue CEO Georgie Harman said many people harbour unconscious bias, and the Invisible Discriminator character in the ads represents the voice inside the heads of some non-Indigenous Australians.

“Unfortunately, many people don’t realise when they are discriminating against Indigenous people and therefore, don’t understand the profound effect it has on how they feel about themselves. This can be very damaging to their mental health,” she said.

“This campaign challenges everyone to put themselves in someone else’s shoes and ask how they would feel if they were treated with suspicion, laughed at and avoided.

“The best way to reduce harm caused by subtle racism is to stop it, and if you see it happening, call it."

13 year old boy charged with burglary

A 13 year old boy has been charged after he allegedly attempted to commit a burglary at a home in Mt Tarcoola. According to Police at approximately 1:45am yesterday morning two juveniles attempted a burglary. The youths entered a garden shed on the property and were surprised when they were approached by the home owner. The home owner was then threatened by the pair with a hammer before the youths fled the area.

Police conducted inquires later that morning where one of the perpetrators was arrested and charged.

Investigations will continue into the incident and the boy who was charged will face Geraldton Children's Court.

Geraldton Dog Rescue Dog of the Week

Pecan is this week’s Dog Of The Week. Pecan is a male, 1 year old mixed breed who could have some staffy in him.

He is good with other dogs and OK with confident dog social cats. He is a very loyal boy who like to be with his people, he is great on a lead and very easy to walk.

He sits and is very gentle and calm with food. Pecan loves playing with a ball and is currently being housetrained. He is great when left in the back yard, happy to snooze on his bed and not chew or dig. Pecan would make a great addition to any family.

Geraldton Dog Rescue is a not for profit organisation 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 0400219719. Geraldton Dog Rescue can also be contacted via their website www.geraldtondogrescue.com.au or you can find them on Facebook.

Sleeping Beauty - Trailer

Trailer for "Sleeping Beauty" [tentblogger-youtube _tvCF3hZCOo]

Police make 120 arrests in Operation Telepathic

A noticeable increase in police presence in Geraldton over the last few weeks was linked to Operation Telepathic.

The operation focused on a surge in resources in key locations, whilst targeting individual offenders who are known to be criminally active.

Specialist staff from the Police Mounted Section, State Traffic and Perth K9 were involved in the operation to date, and the Police say they have received positive feedback from the Geraldton community.

Within the five week period of the operation so far, over 120 arrests were made for offences including burglary, stealing and anti-social behaviour.

Ongoing actions will include a youth focus with heightened engagement, with partner agencies to address the causes of youth offending.

The public can expect a continuing increase in foot patrols by police around the CBD and shopping centres to promote greater accessibility to the police for the public.

City raises over $8,500 for Foodbank

What a night it was, culminating in fireworks, a standing ovation and more than $8,500 in the Foodbank coffers.

The City of Greater Geraldton Charity Variety Concert, With a Little Help from our Friends, put on by City staff who volunteered their time and talent on Saturday night, along with friends Aaron Wilcox Mia Royce, Julian Canny and James Davies was a roaring success.

More than 330 tickets were sold with all proceeds to Foodbank Geraldton and the audience was blown away by the talent before them.

One patron leaving the theatre commented that he “attends something at QPT once a month and this was the best show” he had ever attended. High praise indeed!

Entertainment was top notch with staff singing and playing a range of instruments very proficiently. The ages ranged from 17-year-old Phoebe Royce – who sang a couple of solos – to her ‘Uncle Bob’ Davis who did a duet with niece and ‘concert friend’ Mia Royce, and all ages in between.

Beck Tuesley sang a couple of numbers penned by her own fair hand that went down a treat, as did Mia Royce, and ‘Bob Worker from the Depot’, aka Mark Canny, had the audience in stitches with his comedic take as a council worker.

Sheri Moulds and Jeff Graham (sometimes known as Yogi Bear) kept things ticking over between acts with clever banter. Annette Walsh was a wonderful accompaniment on violin, while Dave Gibson busted some moves as he sang That Old Time Rock and Roll and Konrad Seidl schmoozed the ladies in the front rows with red roses, crooning the Sinatra classic The Way You Look Tonight.

There are so many others deserving of mention but if you’re lucky you may just see them next year...

The concert was the mastermind of City Director of Corporate and Commercial Services, Bob Davis – only a rare-occasional keyboarder and hobby guitar player – who discovered the City’s hidden musical talent at a hurriedly pulled together Christmas party jam last year.

The players enjoyed that jam so much, and it was so well received by the staff audience that Bob got to thinking about putting on something more adventurous, for charity, and the idea was off and running.

He was delighted with the concert result and said it was a great staff initiative.

“All their effort was volunteered free, in their own time, at no cost to ratepayers,” he said.

“This was our City staff and their friends, as members of the community, doing something worthwhile for our community, and the wonderful people of Geraldton turned out and supported us.

“Mia, Aaron, James and Julian added much to the show, and we’re very grateful for their contribution. It was challenging to create three hours of musical and variety entertainment, but it was fun, and everyone is keen to do it again next year,” Bob said.

“So – yes, there will be another musical variety concert for charity, to be performed by City staff and Friends, next year.”

City CEO, Ken Diehm, was delighted to support the staff initiative and admired their bravery for choosing to put their talents on display.

“I was overwhelmed by both the talent and enthusiasm of my staff in putting on the variety concert,” he said.

“This was a great opportunity for staff to actively demonstrate to the community that they are not just Council workers but are active members of the community where they live work and play.”

Chimere Pearls donated a one-off pearl pendant that fetched $1500 at auction, and City CEO Ken Diehm auctioned off three hours of his time donated for “any legal activities within reason,” he said, collecting another $350.

Win! $100 Jurien Bay Short Stay Accommodation voucher

Thinking of a getaway? Jurien Bay might just be your next stop!

Jurien Bay Short Stay Accomodation are giving away a $100 voucher and all you have to do is click here and follow the three steps.

Entries close Sunday, 10th August and the winner will be announced via the Jurien Bay Short Stay Accommodation Facebook page on Monday, 11th August.

Arrest made after Tarcoola break ins

A 19-year old male has been charged with aggravated burglary and stealing after he was found to have large amounts of stolen property and cash in his possession from numerous vehicles and a house in the Mount Tarcoola and Tarcoola Beach area.

Following information from the public, police conducted saturation patrols within the Mount Tarcoola area at around 2am this morning when the arrest occurred.

The male led police officers to several bush locations where other property items had been hidden. These items have been recovered and the public are requested to contact police if they believe they have had any property items stolen overnight.

A second offender is to be located today.

These Final Hours - Trailer

Trailer for "These Final Hours" [tentblogger-youtube QaoF6byFQFU]

Lucy - Trailer

Trailer for "Lucy" [tentblogger-youtube ZOVB1RST-R8]

You are getting sleepy… Now you are a Chicken!

Australia’s Leading Hypnotist Mark Anthony will be showing his very own Comedy Hypnosis show on Friday 8th August at the Wintersun Hotel!

For a crazy night out with friends at this “not to be missed” night of laughs and shenanigans. The audience will star in the show, as Mark uses the power of hypnotism to influence them into hilarious situations. Naughty, mind-blowing and spectacularly funny, this show is a must see for comedy lovers and hypnotism sceptics alike!

“If you're a hypnotism sceptic or just a group of friends looking for a different night out this show is not to be missed. Expect aching ribs, chicken dancing and a cheeky English accent,”  says The Comedy Emporium’s Coordinator Emma Howell.

“This is our first time in the Kuta Room (at the Wintersun) so we wanted to bring something fresh to town.

“As usual with our shows, the tickets are strictly limited.

“Do you really want to miss that one night that your mate clucked like a chicken?”

To see Mark in action, check out this show of his on YouTube.

For more information and tickets head towww.thecomedyemporium.com or at the Wintersun Hotel.

Doors open 7.00pm, hypnotism from 8pm

Tickets on sale now for $29 each presale.   Tickets at the door for $35 if not sold out (The last 4 shows have sold out) – so make sure you pre book online or at the Wintersun. Group discounts apply and for enquiries please ring 0458 306 111. No BYO alcohol. Bar available.

Midwest fishing report by Tackleworld Country

LOCAL ROCKWALLS

There have been big Sambo's and mulloway hanging around the harbour rock walls, and nice size Skippy as well There should be plenty of squid in these areas, Tailor can be found at the back of the reefs, look for the white water as the big greenbacks push tight into the reef waiting for baitfish to get washed off the reef.

NEW MARINER & HARBOUR

Yellow fin whiting and school whiting are getting caught along the foreshore along with herring and small flathead, Seal Rock is still holding Skippy, pinkies, small mulloway and squid.

BEACHES

The beaches have been quiet due to big swells and rough weather with no improvement in the coming week,

OFFSHORE

Offshore fishing has been firing on all cylinders and you dont have to travel far to get a feed, with Dhufish, pinkies and baldies to the south from 10-30m, the shipping moorings holding Dhuie's , coral trout, sambos and amber Jack.

Mackerel have been taken north of Coronations, coral tout and baldies can be found in these areas as well.

There is no shortage of red throat emperor on the inside of pensioners and out wide. Report of big yellow fin tuna 16mile S/W of town

THIS WEEK'S VIDEO

[tentblogger-youtube K6tcIhiFpTU]

FISH REPORT WRITTEN BY TACKLEWORLD COUNTRY  GERALDTON 20 ANZAC TERRACE GERALDTON WA 08 99216822

Man flees police at 150km/h with children in car

Police were led on a pursuit yesterday when they tried to stop a 25-year-old male driving in a Holden Commodore Sedan. The vehicle was travelling along Cathedral Avenue when the police attempted to pull him over at the intersection on Cathedral Avenue and Hermitage Street.

The male was driving with two other adults in the car as well as one small child and one infant.

The driver refused to stop and accelerated heavily away from Police turning left onto Hermitage Street.

Police pursued the vehicle through the suburbs of Rangeway and Utakarra and reached speeds which were estimated to be in excess of 150km/h. The vehicle eventually stopped in Wonthella.

The male was conveyed to Geraldton Police Station where he was charged with: 1 x Reckless Driving 1 x Fail to Stop 1 x No Authority to Drive

The 25 year old male driver from Geraldton faced Geraldton Magistrates Court today.

Students from Strathalbyn helping the community of Carnarvon

Students from Strathalbyn Christian College Geraldton are helping children and the community of Carnarvon this week.

A group of 28 Year 10 students and 10 adults arrived in Carnarvon on Saturday 19 July and will stay until Saturday 26 July. The students will provide daily literacy support for students at Carnarvon Christian School They have been developing these same skills on a weekly basis mentoring primary classes at Strathalbyn Christian College.

Strathalbyn Christian College Principal, Mr Paul Arundell said the annual Year 10 ‘mission trip’ is an important part of the students’ learning because it helped them to focus on other people rather than themselves.

“The College has a strong commitment to diverting students from developing a sense of entitlement. Instead, we encourage them to use the talents and resources they have to bless and help others,” Mr Arundell said.

Since arriving in Carnarvon, the team has participated through music and drama at worship services at the Church of Christ and Anglican churches. Teacher and camp coordinator, Mr Lindsay Graieg said students will take part in a range of activities including drama, music, science and sport that has been carefully planned and practiced over the past two school terms.

“The big idea is that this group of staff and students are going to bless and be enriched by serving a local school community,” Mr Graieg said.

“The students will not only share learning skills, but they will model the values and attitudes that reflect a Biblical life and Worldview.”

“We know the students will gain valuable insights into the community and lives of its members. We know that we will all be enriched as much as we do things to enrich others,” Mr Graieg said.

A family concert has been planned at Carnarvon Christian School and the Geraldton students will perform music and dramas at Carnarvon Community College. Community service work has been planned at The Blowholes and in the wider community through the Carnarvon Shire and the Country Health services.

During the week, students will also visit the Carnarvon Research Station, Chinaman’s Pool and the Historical Precinct and play a football and touch rugby with the Carnarvon Clontarf Academy.

Carnarvon Christian School has been a part of the Carnarvon community since 1995 and has expanded quickly to 139 students. The school has the same values and similar goals as Strathalbyn Christian College and it is hoped that their relationship will be strengthened through mutual respect and encouragement.

For photo opportunities in Carnarvon this week, please contact Mr Lindsay Graieg on 0478 624 470.

Chapman River walk this Sunday

Join the Chapman River Friends (CRF) for a walk in the Chapman River Regional Park this Sunday afternoon.

There are new flowers appearing every week, and numerous animal tracks and traces to identify. You can also check out the restoration work.

When - Sunday 27th July

Time - 3pm

Where - Meet at Spalding Park - access is from Chapman Road just south of the bridge.

Wear - strong shoes, hat and a jacket if it is cold.

Bring - a water bottle.

CRF will also have wildflower brochures available for purchase for $5

If you would like any more information on the walk please contact Jenna - 0417960737

Increased Police presence noticed and appreciated by community

Everything Geraldton has been getting numerous comments about the noticeable increased Police presence around town lately. People are curious and very positive about what they perceive to be a more visible Police force. Some community members took to Facebook, including the Geraldton Neighbourhood Watch group, to commend the Police for the extra visibility and effort.

Police have also publicly invited members of the community to stop and say hi to Police they see walking the beat in the CBD, and get to know their local force.

New Stock at DaVincis!

DaVincis' new container has arrived with many more unique pieces of furniture!

If you have been looking around for a certain 'something' to have the WOW-factor in your home, we might just have it!

We have dining tables, garden settings, TV units, day beds and much more!  Come on in and have a wander!