Rowers smash two World Records

Victorian policeman Tim Spiteri and his crew of fellow rowers have broken two world records for the fastest-ever crossing of the Indian Ocean in a rowing boat. They also achieved the longest rowing record having arrived in the Seychelles at 14:58 on August 7.

The rowers set out from Geraldton, on June 11 and have covered almost 6,800 kms to the Seychelles in just 57 days. The crew aboard the Rossiter’s Avalon, an Ocean Row Events vessel, completed the longest distance ever rowed by a team, as well as claiming the first ever oar-powered voyage from Geraldton to the Seychelles.

Tim’s motivation to embark on such an audacious voyage was to raise funds for multiple sclerosis, inspired by his mother Rhonda who has been living with MS for the last 30 years. Tim’s target is $250,000 and he has raised over $30,000.

“It’s been an incredible journey both physically and mentally and I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved despite the setbacks and adverse conditions," Tim said.

"The trials and challenges we faced on the Indian Ocean pale into insignificance compared with what people with multiple sclerosis go through."

Since Tim and his crew set off on this incredible ocean voyage they have battled some difficult challenges including changes to their original destination of Durban, South Africa due to extreme weather conditions. Subsequent plans were made for the voyage to conclude at Mombasa, Kenya, however, the crew were advised to divert their course to the Seychelles aboard mounting concerns of piracy attacks.

To compound these adversities, their boat was also hit by a 15 metre whale, however, thankfully no one was hurt and there was no damage to the Avalon. And a few weeks ago, one of their crew members, Shane Usher, was rescued by a cargo ship after receiving severe hot water burns. He is now safely back in Melbourne and his burns are healing well.

The boat’s automatic steering system also recently broke down, which meant Constable Spiteri and Captain Leven Brown, the two with the required expertise, were forced to steer manually for the rest of the journey. With one man down and two on steering, it left the four remaining crew members to rotate on the oars two at a time for two hours per shift and only 80 minutes rest in between.

Police officer suffers needle injury

A male police officer has suffered a needle stick injury to his leg during a struggle with a 23-year-old female.

At about 11.30pm on Sunday, 10 August, police responded to a call for assistance regarding a disturbance in Geraldton.

On arrival police arrested a female, during which a struggle ensued. During the struggle, the male police officer suffered the needle  injury from a needle located on the female person.

The officer was conveyed to Geraldton Regional Hospital where he underwent testing. He will consequently face a further three months of testing and undergoing treatment as a result of the injury.

The female was conveyed to Geraldton Police Station where she was charged with:

1 x Breach of Bail 1 x Street Drinking 1 x Disorderly Conduct

Mid West Cat Shelter Cat of the Week

This week's cats of the week are a bonded pair!

Finn and Sabby are two wonderful cats who were rescued together, and since then they have been inseparable. Sabby’s very shy but once she learns she can trust you, she’s a very sweet girl. Finn is also very shy boy. He needs a lot of love, but once he trusts you he’s very kind. They both have very shy personalities and need a home together with lots of love, plenty of cuddles and patience. Would suit a home with adults or the elderly who would enjoy some quiet, sweet company.

If you would like to adopt Finn and Sabby, or any of the other cats or kittens, phone 0487 193 244 to speak to a co-ordinator. 

Geraldton Dog Rescue Dog of the Week

Bambam is a small, 1 to 2 year old female terrier type. She is very loving and gentle but also active and playful and absolutely loves a car ride to the beach. She comes when called off lead and knows a few of the basics like sit.

She doesn’t bark or whine when left alone. She gets along very well with other dogs and would be a great companion to another dog. Bambam has a beautiful personality and would make a wonderful addition to any home.

Geraldton Dog Rescue is a not for profit organization 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.

A new Geraldton 410 Sprintcar team is born

After competing in Limited Sprintcars over several years, the local Bloxsidge family have decided to step up to the 410 Sprintcar class!

The decision to step up a class came from the desire to compete at the multimillion-dollar Perth Motorplex.

While Limited’s were an option, the family team felt the opportunity to race more often with more laps in the 410 class was worth it.

The driver this season will be Jason Bloxsidge, who is a 29-year-old business owner from Geraldton. Jason said he was very keen to run the car and see the power difference and all the hard work pay off.

While the team realises it will be an extremely tough initiation, racing against some of the worlds best, they will go in with realistic expectations of hoping to gain laps and experience.

Over the off season the team has been stocking up on spare parts in preparation and have purchased a pit mule to carry vital spare parts to keep the car on track.

Another addition to the team is new crew chief Greg Crotty, who will spanner the car after racing in Limited and 360 sprintcars across WA and the NT.

Other new crew-members include Paul Fieldler and Daniel Beamish, plus the ever-ready Bloxsidge family members. As most know advertising partners keep the car on track and the team would like to thank JB Training, Wayne’s Spray painting, Storm Motorsports Australia, Your Limo and Dowie Racing Fibreglass.

The family also gave a big thank-you to Troy Lawson, Shane at Storm Motorsports and also Ken at KRE for all their ongoing help in this new venture.

You can follow their journey on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bloxsidgeracing

ITP extends hours for tax time!

ITP Geraldton have extended their opening hours for tax time!

They will now be open until 8pm Monday-Thursday.

Head in and see the friendly team at 50 Sanford Street or phone (08)9964 1031.

Midwest Fishing Report by Tackleworld Geraldton

OFFSHORE The is no shortage of Dhu fish all over the coast with waters from the 10-30m marks north and south of town, and dont forget it is illegal to fish without a release weights.

LOCAL ROCKWALLS

Squid can be found along most of the rock walls, the best time is on dusk, look for clear water and fish when the swell is down. 

NEW MARINER & FISHERMEN'S HARBOUR

Tailor Herring and Skippy are still on the bite around the new lookout, with the odd Soapy after dark, for those with Dingy and kayaks Pink snapper can be found on the channel drop offs at dusk.

BEACHES

Tailor and small mulloway to 8kg have been caught from south of flat rocks right through to west bank.

North of town Drummonds car park is producing good mulloway and tailor to 50cm.

RIVERS

Chapman river is the place to be if your chasing bream, with the Greenough river fish well for small bream the odd bigger getting caught in the snags.

NEW BUTCHERY SECTION

Come in and check or new butchery section with sausage makers, knifes, scales, vacuum packs and everything to do with butchery.

FISH REPORT WRITTEN BY

TACKLEWORLD COUNTRY

20 ANZAC TERRACE GERALDTON WA

08 99216822

City cut trees in CBD

Noticed less greenery in the Geraldton CBD?

Several trees have been cut due to infrastructure damage.

Two trees at the West End of Cathedral Ave have been removed, two at the intersection of Cathedral Avenue and Marine Terrace, along with three trees removed from the Foreshore.

A statement from the City said, "the trees were damaging community infrastructure and they will be replaced with more suitable species."

One man's romp through a swamp

Swamp Juice will hit the Queens Park Theatre on August 19th and the shadow puppet comedy about one man's romp through a swamp has received rave reviews.

A review from the Edinburgh Spotlight said, "Gasps of wonder and amazement!"

With other reviews claiming it was, "One of the most spellbinding moments of puppet theatre I have ever encountered.”

Following on the award-winning Sticks Stones Broken Bones, Jeff Achtem presents imaginative shadow puppet stories made from bits of rubbish. His shadow adventures have no dialogue, and the visual look of 'live' cartoons.

In Swamp Juice, the puppeteer guides the audience through one man's encounters in a swamp; bickering snails, a neurotic snake and an opera singing mouse.

As the action builds to a climax in Swamp Juice, the shadows move off the stage and dance around the walls of the theatre. Then, the audience are given 3D glasses to experience the 3D shadow puppetry finale. It's a riviting and unforgettable illusion.

Swamp Juice will appeal to all ages above 7, and most certainly not just for kids.

For information about tickets head to the QPT website.

Enjoy a guided wildflower walk

Chapman River Friends (CRF) invite YOU to join one of their WALKS in the Park.

Dates are as follows:

Saturday 9th August @ 9am - meet at Spalding Park Tuesday 12th August @ 3pm - meet at the west end of Fairfax Road in Moresby Sunday 17th August @ 2pm - meet at Spalding Park

The walk are around 2 hours. Please wear closed walking shoes, hat. BYO water bottle.

CHILDREN WELCOME!

NEW Wildflowers Brochures ($5.00) are available from Visitor Centre, Museum, Aussie Shop and Read-a-Lot-Books, or at the walks.

For more information contact Jenna on 041796073 or visit the CRF Facebook Page. 

Footpath works to start on Chapman Road

The City of Greater Geraldton has advised that footpath renewal works will be carried out on the Chapman Road footpath between Cathedral Avenue and the ANZ bank driveway.

Works will commence on Monday August 11, 2014, and is expected to continue for eleven days. The pathway will be closed to pedestrians during this time.

Anticipated hours of work will be between 6am to 6pm. Motorists and pedestrians are advised to take caution and obey all warning signs and direction from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City say they regret any inconvenience and will endeavour to keep disruptions to a minimum.

Volunteers needed to get Midnight Basketball rolling

Calling all volunteers! Midnight Basketball’s 11th tournament kicks off tomorrow night (August 8) and there are still volunteering roles to be filled.

Why not come along and see how you can help. Each night requires 15 volunteers to assist on the night including workshop supervisors, scorers, scoreboard operators, bus drivers and supervisors, registration helpers, graders, catering helpers and so much more.

Midnight Basketball is a national, community-run program facilitated by the City of Greater Geraldton, which is held for eight weeks on Friday nights in a safe environment for 12-18 year olds.

Each tournament night includes a hot, nutritious dinner followed by a compulsory life skills workshop before the tournament basketball begins and a free bus ride home for all the players.

Yvonne Lovedee, City of Greater Geraldton’s Community Development Officer and Chair Midnight Basketball Geraldton, said each tournament night isn’t just fun for its players, but also for volunteers.

“Previously we’ve had volunteers state that the program is enjoyable and rewarding as they help provide youth the chance to engage with a diverse group of people who impart knowledge, kindness, friendship and access to future opportunities,” she said. “Without the support of our volunteers the program wouldn’t be possible, volunteers are the backbone to Midnight Basketball and provide a safe, happy and cooperative environment for the youth to engage in.”

For more information contact Midnight Basketball Media Manager, Samantha Walton, on samanthaw@cgg.wa.gov.au or to register visit the Midnight Basketball Geraldton website on www.midnightbasketball.org.au/Locations/GERALDTON.

Do you know the laws when it comes to child car restraints?

When it comes to driving with children as passengers, safety couldn't be more important.

Every year around 127 WA children aged up to 16 years old are killed or seriously injured, when the vehicle they are travelling in is involved in an accident. According to the Office of Road Safety, on average, 16% of those children would not have been in the appropriate child car restraint.

In many cases, deaths and injuries have been prevented by the correct purchase, installation and appropriate use of child car restraints.

Do you know the laws?

On October 1 2010, new laws came into effect that introduced rules for children in vehicles.

The laws reduce the risk of injury caused by the use of unsuitable restraints for a child’s size by specifying the type of restraint to be used at different ages and where children must be seated in a vehicle.

The laws require children from:

• Birth to under 6 months to be restrained in a rearward facing child restraint (e.g. infant capsule).
• 6 months to under 4 years to be restrained in either a rearward or forward facing child restraint with in-built harness.
• 4 years to under 7 years to be restrained in either a forward facing child restraint or booster seat restrained by a correctly adjusted and fastened seat belt or child safety harness.

Also, children under 4 years are not allowed to sit in the front seat of a vehicle with two or more rows of seats, and those from 4 years to under 7 years are only allowed to sit in the front seats if all rear seats are occupied by children less than 7 years of age.

Children 7 years and over can be restrained in an adult seat belt or booster seat.

If you are unsure how to install a child car restraint, click here and for more information on child restraint guidelines click here.

---

Source: http://www.ors.wa.gov.au/road-safety-topics/road-issues/seat-belts

Thief charged with stealing $11

A 21-year-old male from Beresford has been arrested and charged with stealing after he stole $11 from a fast food restaurant. He entered the restaurant and approached the un-attended counter, reached over and started pushing random, various buttons until the cash register opened.

Police will allege the male stole eleven, one dollar coins from the till before being challenged by an employee. The male left the store with the stolen money.

He will appear in Geraldton Magistrates Court in September.

Foodbank to get new purpose-built facility

There were tears of joy for Geraldton Foodbank Manager Pat Hodges when she found out that Foodbank Geraldton will be getting a purpose-built facility.

"This is the best thing since sliced bread, it really is," Pat said.

"I literally cried when I heard the news because this has been so long in the making."

Foodbank Geraldton Service the Mid West and Gascoyne and stretch as far as Carnarvon, Mt Magnet and Moora, covering over 250,000 square kilometres.

In just six years, Foodbank has increased 600% and they are outgrowing their current premises.

"We are really stretched for space here in our current premises," Pat said.

"We are having more and more people refereed to us for food so we are constantly busy with the amount of clientele we have."

Foodbank Geraldton has a group of 30-40 volunteers which pull the operation together to get food to those in need and Pat said everyone couldn't be more excited about the new facility.

The new facility will be funded by the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the project was made possible with more than $2.14million from the State Government’s Royalties for Regions Mid West Investment Plan (MWIP).

“The current facility has many operational challenges, with safety a pressing concern.  The new purpose-built facility will allow Foodbank Geraldton to handle and distribute an increased volume of meals to keep up with the growing demand for emergency food relief in the Mid-West and adjoining regions,” Mr Redman said.

“There is opportunity to offer greater support to more people in need, through the local network of community support agencies that are dependent on Foodbank Geraldton.

“The facility will also provide additional volunteering and traineeship prospects, building sustainability in the region.”

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney also welcomed the announcement.

“Foodbank in Geraldton does a wonderful job to service the whole community, and the region. I have been able to help Foodbank secure this land, so I’m very happy to see the go-ahead for this facility at last,” Mr Blayney said.

The facility will incorporate ample car parking and improved truck access, with space for forklift operation and client interaction.  There will also be dedicated storage spaces for fresh produce, frozen and chilled foods, which will reduce the excessive level of manual handling currently in place.

Foodbank Geraldton will tender for possible Mid-West contractors to construct the new facility, for which land has been provided on a peppercorn rent from the City of Greater Geraldton.

The new facility is set to open next year and will be located on the corner of Webberton Road and Crawford St.

Ex Serviceman among first to complete Veterans welfare counselling training

A Geraldton ex Serviceman is among the first group of WA military motorcycle riders to complete Veterans welfare counselling training.

The eight riders, three of them Veterans, are from the Military Brotherhood Military Motorcycle Club (MBMMC).

After completing the course, conducted by Legacy and funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs, they can now assist Veterans with basic welfare needs.

Greg “Doc” Smith, a Veteran of East Timor in 2001, said during a casual chat with the Geraldton RSL he discovered they didn't have a welfare officer.

"I am a new member, having transferred from Quinns Rocks, and mentioned I was doing the course and they grabbed me straight away," he said.

"My role will be to provide initial support for Veterans who need help with welfare issues. That mostly involves putting them in touch with the right service that can assist them, whether it's medical, financial or emotional."

Shane “Big Rig” Kempton, president of the national club's Perth North sub branch, was ecstatic with the outcome.

"We have only been up and running for nine months, so to have members who can be in the community to provide assistance to Veterans is a big step to ensuring their welfare," he said.

Even before the course, the club had assisted two Veterans who were in harm's way.

"We were approached by people on our Facebook page and we were able to refer the at-risk soldiers to qualified counsellors operating from Quinns Rocks RSL."

The club's new counsellors will be spread around WA, with another two in Kununurra and Lancelin.

"It's opportune three happen to live in the country," Shane said.

Goodness Awards recognise the best of Geraldton community

What connects IGA, Rangeway Primary, community gardens and a Smartphone app for monitoring beach conditions? They are all previous Goodness Award winners!

The Goodness Awards are an inspiring showcase of local organisations and individuals creating what is good in, with and for our community. Award winners will share in more than $10,000 worth of prizes that can help them do more ‘Goodness’.

And the Goodness Festival needs your voice. Let the world know what you admire about others "Goodness", their contribution and their achievements, and nominate them for a Goodness Award.

Full details and the online nomination form are online at http://goodness.org.au/awards/. Nominations close on Monday the 18^th August with the gala Awards night on 30^th August. In 2013 more than 50 nominations were received, and all nominees, winners and supporters celebrated in style at a Gala event.

Nominations for the Awards can be for 11 different categories of Awards:

• Leadership
• Innovation
• Health
• Science
• NRM
• Zero Carbon
• Zero Waste
• Social Enterprise
• Water
• Digital

Dan Clarke was the winner of the Education Award at the 2013 Goodness Awards and said, “I was stoked last year getting the award, there are people in this town who seem to think what we are doing is worthwhile and it’s not just me that thinks so it’s our town that is celebrating this.”

Dan Clarke will once again be taking part in this year’s Goodness Festival where he and other local teachers intend to run a stall on the Australian Sustainable Schools Initiative. Of the Goodness Festival Mr Clarke says, “What a crazy, beautiful thing to celebrate, I don’t want to celebrate anything more than goodness in our town.”

Further details of Dan’s award and the programs he runs are outlined online: http://goodness.org.au/dan-clarke-award-winner/

Absolute Cosmetics are visiting Geraldton on August 9th!

Absolute Cosmetics' Dr Murray and Nurse Steph are running a clinic on Saturday 9th of August in Geraldton. They will be available for:

*Wrinkle Relaxers *Wrinkle Fillers *Lip Enhancements *IPL and Vein Treatments

Plus consultations on a wide range of cosmetic surgeries including breast augmentation, face lifts and liposculpture.

"We aim to provide natural looking cosmetic enhancement with our range of procedures, treatments and skincare. It is your face and body, only trust the absolute experts."

Absolute Cosmetic Medicine is one of the first full time clinics in Australia with international recognition for excellence under the medical direction of Dr Murray, who is a past Cosmetic President.

Call their office now on 9389 9099 to book an appointment or find out more information on their website: www.absolutemakeover.com.au

Female charged after fraudulent use of pensioner fuel card

Last month Police received a complaint from a 58-year-old pensioner regarding the unlawful use of his Country Aged Pensioner Fuel Card.

Inquiries were conducted and police will allege the fuel card had been sent to the incorrect address and was consequently used by a female offender to purchase fuel on 5 different occasions to the total value of $368.63.

The 44-year-old female from Wandina was charged with 5 counts of Fraud and will face Geraldton Magistrates Court on September 4.

Police crack down on drug driving

Geraldton is now one of WA's regional locations where Police have the capability to test for drug driving, targeting THC (cannabis), Amphetamine and MDMA (ecstasy).

Since 2007, WA Police have been testing road users for drugs by way of a preliminary road side mouth swipe.

In the 3 years since 2011, there have been over 26,000 preliminary roadside drug wipes, which have resulted in over 1580 positive tests.

WA Police have purchased 20 analysers and associated equipment. Seven of which have now been placed regionally throughout Western Australia.

Those found with drugs in their oral fluid, can be charged with driving with a prescribed illicit drug in oral fluid, which attracts a $500 fine for the first offence and any second/subsequent offence attracts a penalty of $500-$1000 and may be disqualified for holding/obtaining a drivers licence for 6 months.

Drivers found to be impaired by drugs, will be prosecuted for for either a charge of Driving while Impaired by Drugs or Driving under the Influence of Drugs. Penalties for the first offence is a minimum of a $900 fine and ten month licence disqualification. Repeat offenders can lose their licence for life and be jailed.

"Road safety is everyone’s responsibility so don’t drive after taking drugs and don’t allow friends to drive if you suspect they may have taken drugs, just as you would stop them from drink driving," a statement from the Police said.