Invasive species up for feral interrogation

Landholders, community groups and local invasive species management champions are encouraged to have a feral conversation at the Invasive Species Interrogation Forum on August 22.

Seed funding from National Science Week has enabled the City of Greater Geraldton to host the free forum in line with the 2014 Goodness Sustainability and Innovation Festival, and is an opportunity for landholders to be informed about the invasive species management programs happening in the region.

Keynote speaker, Dr Michelle Christy, from the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre will give an inspiring talk; and wins can be celebrated with Simon Merewether, State Operations Manager for Invasive Species from the Department of Agriculture and Food.

City of Greater Geraldton Environmental Sustainability Officer, Bronte Grant, said she is excited about the prospect of passionate landholders getting together to talk all things feral.

“The forum aims to bring land managers together to gather momentum for invasive species management for the goodness of our environment and economy, and is timely for the finalisation of the City’s Draft Invasive Species Plan,” she said.

“There is significant support from the Department of Agriculture and Food, the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council, Durack Institute of Technology, Department of Parks and Wildlife and Project Dieback to make this a successful event.”

Landholders, community groups and local invasive species management champions are encouraged to have a feral conversation at the Invasive Species Interrogation Forum on August 22.

Seed funding from National Science Week has enabled the City of Greater Geraldton to host the free forum in line with the 2014 Goodness Sustainability and Innovation Festival, and is an opportunity for landholders to be informed about the invasive species management programs happening in the region.

Keynote speaker, Dr Michelle Christy, from the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre will give an inspiring talk; and wins can be celebrated with Simon Merewether, State Operations Manager for Invasive Species from the Department of Agriculture and Food.

City of Greater Geraldton Environmental Sustainability Officer, Bronte Grant, said she is excited about the prospect of passionate landholders getting together to talk all things feral.

“The forum aims to bring land managers together to gather momentum for invasive species management for the goodness of our environment and economy, and is timely for the finalisation of the City’s Draft Invasive Species Plan,” she said.

“There is significant support from the Department of Agriculture and Food, the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council, Durack Institute of Technology, Department of Parks and Wildlife and Project Dieback to make this a successful event.”

Mayor declares “Dress as a Buccaneer Day”

Dress like a Bucc - A4 poster

After the Buccs epic one point win last weekend the City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, today declared next Friday (August 22) as “Dress as a Buccaneer Day” and wants to see the whole City get behind the Buccs with their big game in the semi-finals against Lakeside Lightning this weekend in Perth.

Mayor Carpenter said he wants to see shops decorate their windows, people dressings up as Buccaneers and the team’s colours of blue and yellow light up the town.

“We would like to see Geraldton come alive in a sea of yellow and blue to give the team the community support they need to keep winning,” he said.

“The whole of Geraldton has a great opportunity to help our basketball team go through to the next round.”

Buccaneers General Manager, Andrew Horstman, said the support from the community helped the Buccaneers get over the line last weekend.

“The support was just incredible, there was a sea of yellow and blue and a great energy to help our players secure the Quarter Finals,” he said.

City Chief Executive Officer, Ken Diehm, said big prizes are up for grabs thanks to generous support of the Buccaneers sponsors.

“We have a prize of $500 for best dressed BUCC and $750 for best dressed business,” he said.

“Send in your photos to the Buccaneers Facebook page where the Mayor and a panel of judges will select the winners and will be announced Friday August 29.

“Let’s see the whole of Geraldton get behind the Buccs on the road to victory,” said Mr Diehm.

For more information or to send a photo of your costume or shop front email to enquiries@geraldtonbuccaneers.com.au. Photos can also be submitted to the Geraldton Buccaneers Basketball Club Facebook page.

Midwest Fishing Report by Tackleworld Country

BEACHES

Well, what a week for fish, Tailor have been on the move right along our lovely coast with fish ranging from the 40-50cm and some thumpers amongst  them, best spots have been The S-bend, mid-reef and Greenough point, closer to town Separation point, Point Moore and Sunset beach. To the north Drummonds Cove car park has whiting tailor and Snook. Reports of Mulloway have come from this area. Coronations is still producing whiting over the 30cm range.

LOCAL ROCKWALLS

Tailor and Snook have been taking mulies from the disable platform at the new marina and the new lookout, with big Samson fish cruising these areas. Big Skippy are still around all the rock wall remember to burly up and use light as possible tackle.

OFFSHORE

Pensioners bank is fishing well at the moment with Dhu fish to 5kg, sized Baldies Pinkies to 7kg are schooling around the channel markers just after dark. Did u say Dhu fish, because if you did it is because there are Dhu fish everywhere, from Little African right though to Coronations along the 20m marks. Mid reef has had some thumper Dhuie to 15kg and big Cod NW of town.

RIVERS

With all the rain we had over the winter it has pushed the big bream from upstream down to the lower reaches of the Chapman river with good bream taking soft plastics, Greenough is slowly starting to warm up with fish to 25cm 30cm taken at Devlins pool area. Yellow fin whiting are still biting at the mouth of the river.

FISHING REPORT WRITTEN BY

TACKLEWORLD COUNTRY

20 ANZAC TERRACE GERALDTON WA

08 99216822

Computing for a connected future

Supercomputers play a significant and growing role in a variety of areas important to the nation. In the Mid West we are perfectly placed to take advantage of the amazing capabilities of a connected community with the wide scale roll out of National Broadband Network services and the ongoing work with the largest science experiment on the planet the Square Kilometre Array situated in the Murchison Shire and the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory Support Facility based in Geraldton.

Join experts in this field for an exciting evening of the marvels of the SKA, Cloud Computing and Communications as we develop a Smart Mid West.

WHEN: Monday 18th aug 6:15 pm – 8:30 pm at POSH events and functions 214 Marine Tce, Geraldton, WA.

AUDIENCE Business, government, education and community interested in the SKA, NBN and the future of computing, communications and mobility in the region and beyond. Includes refreshments and light supper.

TO BOOK A TICKET Visit Goodness Festival website event at www.goodness.org.au/event/computing-connected-future/ For more information contact Mark Canny 0428 617 205 markca@cgg.wa.gov.au 

Guest speakers include:

• Dr George Beckett - Deputy Director at IVEC and Head go the Supercomuting at the Pawsey Supercomputing Centre
• Kevin Vinsen - Research Associate Professor for the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research
• Peter Marklew - Sales and Technical Manager at the Geraldton Data Centre
• Peter Gurney - Lead Community Affairs Manager WA/NT/SA NBN Co
• Noel Ferguson - Principal Project Manager Communities & Technology Development Mid West Development Commission.

Soaring high and shining bright

  Supporting, educating and empowering young women are but some of the tools Shine provides their students with, to ensure the future is in their hands.

Since the program was established in 2010, Coordinator Mandy Jolley has seen over 140 young female student’s blossom, and go on to graduating from John Willcock College.

By developing confidence and wellbeing among participants, Shine has increased student attendance, had a positive effect on behaviour and award nominations among young females at the College.

Now in its fourth year, Shine welcomes the arrival of Iluka Resources and MMG Limited to their sponsor’s panel with a three year commitment from both companies, allowing the Shine program to develop at further locations.

Founder of the award-winning program, Mandy Jolley said she can see some major projects come to fruition.

“This is a huge milestone for the development of the non-for-profit Shine Foundation. It means we are able to reach out to more girls who need support and keep them in touch with education.

“Shine is about building resilience and positive goals, so the students can stay on track and continue to attend school. Through education, you can break the terrible cycle of neglect, sexual assault and abuse,” Mandy said.

To top off Shine’s ongoing success, founder Mandy Jolley was recently awarded the Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship Award.

“I have never been so surprised in my life,” Mandy said.

“There are a lot of people out there who do amazing things every day, and I’m still growing and learning.”

Iluka Resources and MMGLimited join John Willcock College, Market Creations, Regional Development Australia, Buswest, Laven Legan, WBHO Civil and Forty Winks on the Sponsorship Panel.

Brain cancer Box off

"I, Kate Box want brain cancer to Box off!"

In three months, local woman Kate Box will shave her lovely locks to raise money for a cure for brain cancer.

With a goal to reach $15,000 in donations, Kate has already reached nearly $4,000.

"My heart breaks to see so many families’ loved ones diagnosed with the 'C word'," she said.

"Over the past few years, I have watched the battles of two beautiful families - both fighting a form of Brain Cancer.

"I will be shaving ALL of my beautiful hair off in the name of Brain Cancer awareness, and FINDING A CURE for this horrific disease."

The Shave Day will be November 15th, and Kate is urging locals to sponsor her to put a stop to the 'C word' forever!

To donate to Kate's shave, click here. 

Project Wild Thing

Project Wild Thing is a film led movement to get more kids (and their folks!) outside and reconnecting with nature.

The film is an ambitious, feature-length documentary that takes a funny and revealing look at a complex issue, the increasingly disparate connection between children and nature.

Project Wild Thing is much more than a film, this is a growing movement of organisations and individuals who care deeply about the need for nature connected, free-range, roaming and outdoor playing kids in the 21st century.

The film will be shown on August, 26th at City Hive on 184 Marine Terrace from 6pm to 8pm.

Head to www.goodness.org.au for tickets.

West End Youth Space to come alive

Expressions of interest are currently being taken for local youngsters to be part of the Foreshore Ideas Group for the West End Youth Space.

The City is calling on all young people aged between 12-20 years who would like to help design the West End Youth Space, located on the Foreshore.

WHEN: Wednesday, August 27th 4pm - 6pm

To nominate to be part of the West End Youth Space Ideas Group, click here and log on to complete the EOI form or contact Kat Williams on 9965 6777 or e-mail kathleenw@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Participants go into the draw to WIN a $100 voucher for a shop of their choice.

Closing date is Friday, August 22nd.

Police threatened with knife

On Wednesday night police were responding to a call for assistance when a male was located walking along North West Coastal Highway, near the intersection of Place Road, Beresford.

He was observed carrying a small black handled knife, tucked up under his right forearm. On police approach, it will be alleged he lifted the knife up towards police, yelling obscenities and behaving in an aggressive manner.

Officers engaged with the male who eventually dropped the knife. He was arrested and conveyed to Geraldton Police Station where he was charged with:

1 x Carry/Possess Article with Intent to Cause Fear

Further inquiries are continuing by police, regarding another outstanding matter.

Stolen guns recovered

A 34-year-old male from Rangway has been charged after stealing guns and a motor vehicle.

At 6am on August 9th, the offender entered a residence in Woorree and stole 5 firearms and a Landrover Utility.

The stolen vehicle was recovered later that day in Karloo.

However it wasn't until the next morning that police approached a vehicle parked on Banksia Street, Rangeway from which a male person was observed running from the area. Police will allege, a search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of 4 of the stolen firearms.

Later that day, police attended an address in Cypress Street, Rangeway where the male was arrested without incident.

He was charged with:

2 x Burglary 2 x Stealing 1 x Steal Motor Vehicle 1 x Breach of Bail

Retired soldier creates amazing artwork

Old soldiers never die... They just take up art and produce amazing works. Since retiring many years ago, former British paratrooper David Burns has been turning out highly-detailed military works to commemorate the fallen.

His latest offering, to Geraldton RSL Club members who served in Vietnam, is in the pipeline.  David, 73, of Mount Tarcoola, hoped to have it ready by next Monday's Vietnam Veterans Day ceremony, but sometimes schedules just don't work as planned.

"I'd only just recently finished a work honouring the ANZACS in time for ANZAC Day, so to have another one ready in time for this month was just a bit rushed," David said.

The research alone took David more than a month and he estimates the finished product is another three months away. That's understandable, given the planning and detail that goes into each work.

Measuring a metre by a half metre, the works are a cross between art and heraldry, incorporating layered paint and embossing. It's immensely detailed work but is a labour of love for David, who spent more than 10 years in the British Army, serving served in Germany, Cyprus and Libya. An engineer by profession, David now devotes his time to his love of the Military through the Geraldton RSL.

"We only moved to Geraldton a year ago and the club has been really supportive of my work," David said.

Once the Vietnam tribute is finished, David will produce a tribute to the Mid West's aboriginal servicemen and women.

"It's really keeping me busy but I don't mind, as it's a great hobby and it's serving a valuable purpose, with everything going into the club's museum," David said.

The club is likely to have an official unveiling at next year's Vietnam Veterans' Day. Meantime, next Monday's (18 AUG) Dawn Service starts at 7am at the city's War Memorial, outside the club at 46 Chapman Road. Members of the public are invited to attend, with the address to be given by club president Ross Davies, a Vietnam Veteran.

BOQ Geraldton partners with Midwest Charity Begins at Home Inc.

BOQ Geraldton has added another dimension to its longstanding relationship with Midwest Charity Begins At Home Inc. by establishing a referral arrangement that will drive regular donations to the local charity. The branch has sponsored the charity’s annual gala event for the last five years but wanted to extend its support all year round.  Under the new arrangement, BOQ will make a donation for every loan referral over $200,000 which comes from Midwest Charity Begins At Home.

BOQ Geraldton Owner-Manager Jenny Addison said the cause was something that is close to her heart.

"I've been a part of the Geraldton community for 20 years and plan on being here for the next 20 so giving back to those in our local community is something I strive towards," Ms Addison said

"What the Midwest Charity Begins at Home does is fantastic and this extended partnership is a great way for us to give back throughout the year," she said.

Midwest Charity Begins at Home raises vital funds for cancer sufferers and those with serious illnesses within the community.

All funds raised goes towards providing financial support to those in the community suffering serious illnesses such as cancer.

President of Midwest Charity Begins at Home, Chris Dobson, said "It is fantastic to build on our long term relationship with Jenny and her team at BOQ Geraldton, and the loan referral program will allow so many more people to help our charity through BOQ Geraldton just by saying they would like to be a part of the program. We are thrilled with the agreement and would encourage anyone looking at taking out a loan to call in an see Jenny!".

17-year-old linked to several burglaries

A 17-year-old from Rangeway has been charged with three counts of aggravated burglary and two counts of stealing after he was caught last week.

During the evening of August 6th and 7th, the offender smashed a window at the Geraldton Golf Club and attempted to gain entry to the premises.

Officers attached to Operation Telepathic conducted investigations in relation to the matter and identified a person of interest who was arrested yesterday.

The investigation revealed that the same person of interest was also allegedly involved in separate burglaries at the Geraldton Tennis Club, Geraldton Street work Aboriginal Corporation and a separate theft from a motor vehicle.

The perpetrator was released on strict curfew bail and will appear in the Geraldton Children’s Court on the 9th of September.

Tackleworld Country now offering home butchering supplies

If you thought Tackleworld offered it all, well they've now added in home butchering supplies to their already wide range of and products for fishing and hunting.

The locally owned business now has all your home butchering needs covered, which goes hand-in-hand with their hunting department.

Recently purchased from Johnsons Home Butchering Supplies, you will now be able to access all your butchering needs 6 days a week and access great pricing and a large range.

Products include:

• Knives, pocket knives & multi tools
• Sharpeners
• Sausage Skins & Meal
• Sausage Fillers
• Vacuum Pack Machines & Bags
• Saws, Mincers & Smokers plus much much more

Tackleworld Country are also distributors for MBL (Master Butchers Limited) and are the only distributors north of Perth. This means customers will get the same prices as buying from MBL direct.

It was 8 years ago that Tackleworld Country's owners Wendy and Peter Norris took over ownership of what was then Barlo Firearms, Tackleworld & Camping.

The business started in Geraldton in 1976 and started out purely as a firearms dealer, before fishing and camping was added to their service offerings.

Now 8 years on, Wendy and Peter have built on the foundations of Barlos and continued to evolve with customer demand to become one of Geraldton’s most trusted local business.

"We call ourselves the bloke shop now," Wendy said.

With a myriad of service offerings including fishing, hunting, archery and snorkel gear - and that's just to name a few. Tackleworld have now branched out even more to offer the best of the best to their Geraldton and Mid West Clients.

Wendy thanked her clients for their ongoing support and looks forward to the new phase of the business as they move forward.

“What a fantastic journey it has been!” She said.

“Thank you to old and new customers for your support over the years.”

You can head in and see the friendly team at Tackleworld at 20 Anzac Terrace. They are open Mon - Fri 8.30 - 5.30pm and Sat 8.30 to 1pm.

Check out the new section at Tackleworld with all your Butchering needs!

Female smashes ATM in Marine Terrace

A 23-year-old female from Beachlands has been charged and had her bail refused after she smashed an Automatic Teller Machine in Marine Terrace early this morning.

At around 2:30am, the female walked to the Bankwest ATM and attempted to withdraw funds by allegedly inserting a foreign object into the card reader.

After this was unsuccessful, the female allegedly struck the machine with a number of objects causing extensive damage to the screen and key pad area.

She was apprehended by police and charged with criminal damage and will appear in court later today.

Pad na jou Hart - Trailer

Trailer for "Pad na jou Hart" [tentblogger-youtube n-mAClpgqjE]

The Hundred-Foot Journey - Trailer

Trailer for "The Hundred-Foot Journey" [tentblogger-youtube pRVZBLLM6Ns]

The Expendables 3 - Trailer

Trailer for "The Expendables 3" [tentblogger-youtube sTte6BQndTQ]

Missy Higgins announces Geraldton show

Beloved Aussie singer/songwriter Missy Higgins has just announced a one-off Australian tour called OZ and she will hit the Geraldton stage on October 15th.

The announcement of this special concert series follows hot on the heels of two other major Missy announcements. Firstly she revealed that she is due to give birth to her first child in early January (hence her strictly limited touring plans). Secondly she just unveiled a brand new album of eclectic Australian cover versions and a companion book of essays. Both the album and the book are called OZ.

OZ - the album, and OZ – the book, will be released on September 19.

Now comes news that OZ ... the tour ... will commence in Cairns the day after these book and album releases. Fittingly the strictly limited tour will then take the ARIA Award winning singer/songwriter right around Australia before finishing in her hometown of Melbourne on October 29.

The concerts will see Missy combining some OZ songs with her own classics such as “The Special Two”, “Scar”, Steer”, “Where I Stood”, “Unashamed Desire” and Everyone’s Waiting”.

Special guest on the tour will be acclaimed young singer/songwriter, Dustin Tebbutt whose evocative songs “The Breach” and “Bones” have made him one of triple j’s most played new Australian artists.

Also appearing on most dates will be Jherek Bischoff who co-produced OZ. Jherek has worked with leading innovators including David Byrne (Talking Heads) and Amanda Palmer.

Explaining the OZ project Missy said, “I wanted to put together a group of wonderful Australian songs just as a different sort of challenge. I wanted to avoid all the obvious ones though because “Great Aussie Songbook” collections have kinda been done to death. All that mattered was whether I felt I could make the songs my own so the tracklisting ended up as a real mixed bag of lollies.”

“Then I thought it might be fun to also try writing some essays to accompany the music in various ways and that lead to the book.”

“The essays and the music are meant to be enjoyed together like I’m nattering away while the album plays. But, of course, if people just want to just enjoy them separately then that’s fine too.”

Most local listeners will probably already be familiar with classic OZ songs like Paul Kelly’s “Before Too Long” or The Angels “No Secrets”. However, this will be many people’s first encounter with gifted composers like Sydney taxi driver Perry Keyes (“NYE”) or Melbourne art-rock combo The Drones (whose epic “Shark Fin Blues” is one of the album’s centerpieces). Then there’s works like the indigenous anthem “Blackfella/Whitefella” and Slim Dusty/Joy McKean's country classic “The Biggest Disappointment” which deserve to be heard outside the communities in which they’re already iconic.

Throw in critically acclaimed artists like The Go Betweens (“Was There Anything I Could Do?"), Don Walker (“The Way You Are Tonight”), Neil Murray (“Calm & Crystal Clear”) and Something For Kate (“You Only Hide”) plus the accompanying book and it’s clear that OZ is not ’just another covers album'.

Over the last decade Missy Higgins has become one of our most beloved singer/songwriters. Her three previous albums, The Sound of White, On a Clear Night and The Ol’ Razzle Dazzle, have sold more than a million copies. They’ve each gone to #1 on the Australian charts and each has also been recognised with ARIA Awards.

Missy Higgins will play to a Geraldton audience on Wednesday, October 15th at the Queens Park Theatre.

Male arrested on several drug charges

A 29-year-old male has been charged with a myriad of drug related offences after police caught him on Saturday, August 10.

At about 1.30pm police stopped a Silver Hyundai Accent due to the manner of driving on Marri Court, Rangeway.

On approach, police will allege, a male passenger exited the vehicle and ran from police. Police suspected the male had been involved in recent offences and chased the male through nearby properties on foot. The male was located in the rear yard of a house on Marri Court.

A search of the male located 18 clip seal bags containing a total of 1.99 grams of methyl-amphetamine on his person. The male was arrested and conveyed to the Geraldton Police Station police.

A further search of the male revealed two packages of cannabis, each containing less than one gram and a search of the vehicle resulted in a smoking implement belonging to the male.

The 29 year old male was charged with: 1 x Breach of Bail 1x possess prohibited drug (cannabis) 1 x possess prohibited drug with intent to sell/supply 1 x possess drug paraphernalia

The driver of the vehicle was spoken to by police and it will be alleged, he was not the holder of valid driver’s licence. A search of his person revealed a small amount of cannabis.

Under impoundment laws, the vehicle was seized for 28 days. The driver was charged with:

1 x Possess Cannabis 1 x No Drivers Licence

The 27 year old male from West End will face Geraldton Magistrates Court at a later date.