Geraldton Regional Art Gallery goes bush

Two creative, new exhibitions launching this week will see works displayed not only in the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery (GRAG) but also on-site at the Wonthella Bushland Reserve.

Set to open on Friday 8 July from 6pm, The Alternative Archive and Open Borders have been generated by WA artists through the Creative Grid network.

Open Borders explores the nature of borders, as they impact the social, political and economic fabric of our communities. Nine local artists and groups have also made artwork set in the Wonthella Bushland Reserve, which relate to their gallery works.

The Alternative Archive is a major touring exhibition, including the 2021 artworks by a number of Midwest artists examining lost stories, and perhaps what history doesn’t tell.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn is looking forward to the opening night.

“GRAG is once again leading the way by enabling artists to express themselves in new and creative ways,” he said.

“I am looking forward to visiting the installations in Wonthella and seeing how those works link back to what is being displayed in GRAG.

“I encourage everyone to come and check out The Alternative Archive and Open Borders when the exhibitions open.”

Open Borders and The Alternative Archive will open at 6pm Friday 8 July for the opening night event and continue until Sunday 4 September.

The Wonthella Bushland installation of Open Borders will commence with a performance at 10am Saturday 9 July and only be available for viewing until 4pm Sunday 10 July.

Tickets to the opening night event are limited, so patrons are requested to register their attendance via Eventbrite.

The Alternative Archive has been made possible through the Regional Exhibition Touring Boost managed by the Department of Local Government Sport and Cultural Industries, supported by Royalties for Regions, and delivered by Art on the Move.

Radio Mama partnership to continue

(L-R) Radio MAMA Manager Barry Anderson and City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn.

Radio Mama received a boost recently thanks to the renewal of an Everlasting Partnership between the City and the broadcaster.

The partnership is the continuation of an agreement that will see the community radio station receive $5,000 a year for the next three years.

The agreement also supports SHL Radio, a weekly segment focussing on local sport, health and lifestyle. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn was glad to throw support behind the station.

“Radio Mama has gone from strength to strength over the years connecting the Midwest through their coverage of sports, events and topics that are important to us locals,” he said.

“The City is proud to continue to support the station and the service they provide to our community via the airwaves.

“I encourage everyone to tune in to Radio Mama and SHL Radio for a regular dose of local football, lifestyle and events.”

Radio Mama Manager Barry Anderson expressed his gratitude to the City.

“Radio MAMA has a loyal team of presenters and volunteers who all enjoy working with and promoting a wide range of local competitions,” he said.

“This support from the City enables our team to work with and cover a number of community activities and events as well as enabling the production of our sporting coverage of GNFL Football.”

Tune into 100.5FM to hear Radio Mama or stream the station via the Radio Mama website or the SHL app which is available to download for free.

SHL Radio is broadcast every Sunday from 10am and you can also get updates through SHL’s Facebook page.

Landscaping works in Maitland Park

As part of the creation of a Botanic Garden in Maitland Park, the Friends of Geraldton Gardens (FroGGs) will begin Phase 2 of their project on Monday 4 July 2022.

Works, that will take place near the corner of Cathedral Avenue and Maitland Street, will take approximately three weeks to complete.

To ensure community safety, the area being landscaped will be fenced.

Members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from FroGGS members and their authorised contractors.

Temporary closure of HMAS Sydney II Memorial female toilets

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that the female toilets in the ablution block at the HMAS Sydney II Memorial are temporarily closed due to vandalism.

Repair works are currently in place to address the damage.

The male and unisex toilets remain open at this time.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Parking restrictions for HMAS Stalwart III Ship’s Open Day event

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that some parking bays will be restricted for the HMAS Stalwart III Ships Open Day event on Sunday 26 June from 9am to 3pm.

The parking lot adjacent to the Original Railway Station as well as a portion of the Francis Street carpark will be impacted to allow for the setup and completion of the event.

Boats and RVs will still be able to park in the designated RV and boat trailer bays located behind the Mid West Ports Authority offices.

Please take care as buses will be operating in this area during the event.

Penalties apply for light vehicles parking in this zone without appropriate permits. 

The City apologises for any inconvenience and will endeavour to keep disruptions to a minimum.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Community invited to green the Foreshore

The return of winter rains means it’s time to break out the gardening gloves and come along to the annual Million Trees Community Planting Day on Saturday 2 July 2021 on the Beresford Foreshore.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the annual event gives members of the community the opportunity to be part of something really big.

“For nearly a decade, the City has been holding annual planting events for the community to take part in,” he said.

“This year we are aiming to plant 800 seedlings on the Beresford Foreshore, all of which will be counted towards the Million Trees Project.

“Thanks to the efforts of everyone involved in planting seedlings over the past ten years, the look and feel of our City has certainly improved.”

No gardening experience was required for one of the youngest community members to plant a seedling at the Million Trees Community Planting Day in 2021.

If you too would like to be part of the community’s top priority to green the City grab a mate, your partner and your kids and meet us at the Chapman Road carpark across from Mitchell and Brown between 9am to 11am on Saturday 2 July 2022.

No gardening experience required and refreshments will be provided. Please wear suitable clothes and footwear. Bring your own gloves and a water bottle.

Since the Million Trees project began in 2012 nearly 510,000, seedlings, trees and shrubs have been planted. More information on the Project here

Geraldton claims silver in Top Tourism Town Awards

Geraldton has claimed silver in the 2022 GWN7 Top Tourism Town Awards.

Geraldton has claimed silver in the 2022 GWN7 Top Tourism Town Awards, which was held in Perth just last night, cementing itself as a popular holiday destination on the rise.

Gold was claimed by Mandurah with Esperance securing bronze.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn congratulated everyone involved.

“We have some amazing holiday destinations in Western Australia so the competition is always very tight,” he said.

“Our congratulations to Mandurah for taking out the top gong.

“I would also like to thank everyone who voted for Geraldton – it allowed us to claim silver. I challenge everyone to increase their voting efforts next year so we can secure gold!”

Greater Geraldton’s award-winning submission was targeted at families and showcased all the thrilling activities on offer.

The GWN7 Top Tourism Town Awards recognise destinations that have a strong commitment to tourism and increasing visitation in their region.

Winners from each state will progress to the national awards held later this year.

More information about the 2022 GWN7 Top Tourism Town Awards is available by clicking here.

Cape Burney BBQ renewal

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the barbeque in Mersey Park, located on Mersey Street, in Cape Burney is being renewed with works beginning on Thursday 23 June 2022.

The replacement of the gas barbeque with an electric one will take approximately two weeks to complete. The barbeque will be out of service during this time.

Members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Road closures for HMAS Stalwart III Freedom of Entry March

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that the following roads will be closed as the City welcomes the ship’s company from HMAS Stalwart III during their Freedom of Entry March on Saturday 25 June.

• Chapman Road from Durlacher Street to Snowden Street

• Foreshore Drive from Cathedral Avenue to Forrest Street

• Forrest Street from Foreshore Drive to Anzac Terrace

• Durlacher Street from Foreshore Drive to Marine Terrace

• Marine Terrace from Durlacher Street to Chapman Road

Road closures will be in place from 2pm to 4pm.

The City apologises for any inconvenience during this time and will endeavour to keep disruptions to a minimum.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

New lights give Queens Park Theatre a ‘glow up’

Mayor Shane Van Styn (L), Cr. Parker, Cr. Tanti, Cr. Reymond, Cr. Keemink, Cr. Clune, Cr. Hall and Cr. Librizzi take a moment to inspect the upgrade.

People passing by the Queens Park Theatre (QPT) at night may have noticed the building has had a glow up, with the installation of new lighting fixtures now complete.

The works, which were conducted as part of the City of Greater Geraldton’s capital renewals program, saw the outdated exterior lights replaced with state-of-the-art technology.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the upgrade brings the QPT in line with other national landmarks.

“Here at the City we routinely receive requests from the public to turn the QPT different colours as a show of support for certain causes,” he said.

“We were very limited in what we could do with the previous lighting structure, which had reached end of life and was starting to experience technical difficulties.

“The new system boasts 60-degree lens filters and the ability to assign every fixture a different colour to create custom lighting designs that support awareness or themed occasions.”

The 30 new lighting fixtures are a performance exterior linear Graze luminaire and are controlled by a modern interface that simplifies the customisation process.

QPT staff are working with Council to put in place an application process for community causes to ensure they align with the City’s values.

The new lighting system was installed by TLS Productions.

Rural roads reopen following heavy rainfalls

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise all unsealed rural roads have reopened to traffic.

Drivers are requested to proceed with caution, drive to the conditions and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Fitzgerald Street drainage works

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise drainage works on Fitzgerald Street, between the Durack Institute of Technology and Augustus Street, are scheduled to begin on Tuesday 21 June 2022 and take approximately six days to complete.

To ensure community safety partial road closures with detours will be in place for the duration of the works.

Members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Sports funding applications decoded

Applying for grant funding will be made easier through a free information night hosted by the City of Greater Geraldton and the Department of Local Government, Sport & Cultural Industries later this month.

The Grant Information Night on Wednesday 29 June will take a deep dive into what funding is available, eligibility, timeframes, and how to present an application to maximise success for local sporting clubs.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn urges the community to attend.

“Sport is such an integral part of our way of life in Geraldton, therefore it is essential that we help sporting organisations in the Midwest attain the funding they need to keep our community active both physically and socially,” he said.

“I encourage everyone who is part of a sporting club to come down to the Grant Information Night and learn how to apply for the funding to help support their organisations.”

The Grant Information Night will feature Youth Affairs Council WA Grant Officer Matthew Tomich who will virtually present the process of grant writing as well as the factors to consider when submitting a funding application.

The presentation will be held at the Geraldton Multipurpose Centre between 5.30pm and 7pm Wednesday 29 June.

RSVP is essential and free tickets are available by clicking here.

Kempton Street footpath maintenance

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise maintenance works on the off road shared path on Kempton Street, between St Georges Beach and Hosken Street, will start today and take approximately two days to complete.

Pedestrian management will be in place during the works.

Members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Temporary closure of Yarraman Park playground

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise maintenance works on the Yarraman Park playground equipment will be begin Thursday 16 June 2022 for a period of approximately three weeks.

To ensure community safety during the works, the playground located on Yarraman Road in Waggrakine will be closed.

Members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Why do people see an Osteopath?

Did you know that Osteopaths treat:

• Lower Back Pain and Sciatica

• Neck Pain

• Shoulder Pain and Frozen Shoulder

• Jaw Pain( TMJ)

• Headaches and Migraines

• Plantar Fasciitis

• Knee pain

• Osteoarthritis

• Piriformis Syndrome

• Postural pain

If you didn’t know already, Geraldton has an Osteopath - Dr Mathew Kirk - Rewind Osteopathic and Massage Clinic

Mathew loves helping people function at their best and be pain free.

To book an appointment with Dr Kirk please call reception on 0422 221 371 or jump onto www.rewindosteo.com.au and hit “ Book Online”

They are now open on Saturday from 10am - 1pm!

Rewind Osteopathic and Massage Clinic has HICAPS so you can claim on - the - spot rebates with all private health funds. They also accept Chronic Disease Management care plans from your GP also, check with your GP for eligibility.

Rewind Osteopathic and Massage Clinic
4 Snowdon St,
Geraldton

Clinic Hours:

Mon, Tue - 8am - 6.30pm
Thur - Fri 8am - 6pm
Sat - 10am - 1pm

HMAS Stalwart III to open to Geraldton community

The HMAS Stalwart III will arrive in Geraldton later this month and a variety of events will be hosted in celebration.

Members of the public will have an opportunity to look inside the Royal Australian Navy’s newest ship HMAS Stalwart III when it arrives in Geraldton later this month.

It is the first time the ship will visit its Ceremonial Homeport and a number of free events are happening over the weekend to celebrate including a Public Personal Training Session, Freedom of Entry March and Ship Open Day.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn is looking forward to the occasion.

“This is going to be an exciting and historical moment for our community as we welcome the HMAS Stalwart III to our seaside city, which also happens to be the ship’s Ceremonial Homeport,” he said.

“We solidified a partnership with the Navy towards the end of last year and granted Freedom of Entry to Greater Geraldton.

“This is welcome news for our community and I know everyone will be very eager to participate in the events – especially the Ship Open Day!”

HMAS Stalwart III Commanding Officer Steve McCracken said the ship’s company was excited to visit Geraldton.

“There is an enduring link between the Navy and the City of Greater Geraldton, and we hope this visit goes some way to reinforcing that connection,” he said.

“We are very much looking forward to meeting as many Midwest locals as possible, and showing the community what their Navy is all about.”

Mid West Port Authority Chief Executive Officer Damian Tully looks forward to the maiden visit.

“Mid West Ports is very excited to welcome HMAS Stalwart III on its maiden visit to Geraldton. It is an honour to host her and her crew and we warmly welcome their arrival,” he said.

The HMAS Stalwart III will make its way into Geraldton on Friday 24 June at approximately 12pm. Members of the community will be able to watch its arrival into the Mid West Port Authority along the Geraldton Foreshore.

On Saturday 25 June, the ship’s crew will host a Public Personal Training Session at Stow Gardens on the Geraldton Foreshore at 8am. This will allow the public to see how the Navy stays fit ashore and at sea. Members of the community are encouraged to be part of the exercise and secure their place by clicking here.

At 2pm the same day, a Freedom of Entry March will be conducted through the Geraldton CBD with the march concluding at Edith Cowan Square. There, the Wilinyu Dancers will welcome the crew as well as the Royal Australian Navy Band with two cultural performances.

On Sunday 26 June from 10am to 2pm, the HMAS Stalwart III opens to the public with tours happening every 30 minutes. The tours will provide the public with insights as to how Navy officers live and work at sea by providing an exclusive look inside. Tickets can be acquired by clicking here.

The HMAS Stalwart III will depart Geraldton on Monday 27 June at approximately 9am but will return in the future, so the crew can engage with the community through more events and programs.

New Mullewa entrance mural to celebrate culture and cohesion

Callaghan Park will be the site of a vibrant new mural set to add to the cultural cache of Mullewa.

The new piece will be a collaborative effort from renowned local artists Charmaine Green, Helen Ansell, Pauline Bell, Debra Maher and Susan Merry.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn is excited about the new work.

“Mullewa already has some fantastic public art and this new painting will be a wonderful addition to the collection,” he said.

“This artwork celebrates the key components that make up the rich fabric of Mullewa’s heritage and I look forward to seeing the finished product.

“I urge everyone to come and check out the mural once it is installed.”

Artist Charmaine Green is also looking forward to seeing the work come to life.

“Our vision for the entrance mural is to represent the pathways of connectedness and cohesion of the Mullewa community whilst also depicting the elements for which Mullewa is famed,” she said.

“The name Mullewa comes from the traditional name for the Mullewa Spring so water is a connecting theme throughout the mural.

“As artists, we are delighted to be a step closer to finishing the work and we encourage everyone to come down and view it once it is complete.”

The new Mullewa entrance mural is due to be finished by the end of June, subject to weather.

For more information on attractions in Mullewa see here.

Temporary closure of Point Moore access tracks

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that due to increased coastal surge and swell associated with the current and forecast weather fronts in the coming days, the access tracks to Point Moore will be closed to ensure community safety. The closure will go into effect at 4pm today, Thursday 9 June 2022.

Weather conditions and the beach will be monitored over the coming days. The public updated on the re-opening of the gates.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these closures may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

The beat goes on for Regional Sounds

Moth Street Artists performing at Regional Sounds

Exciting times are ahead for the Original Railway Building resident’s Regional Sounds as their home in the Geraldton CBD was granted a 12-month extension by the City of Greater Geraldton last week. 

Regional Sounds is a music organisation dedicated to fostering creative growth and supporting pathways for musicians in the Midwest.

Since moving into the Original Railway Building just six months ago, they have been going from strength to strength.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn welcomed the news.

“Regional Sounds have a solid strategy to develop local artists, build community and help increase the vibrancy of our CBD. It’s because of this that we’ve endorsed an extension of their lease for another 12 months with the option for a further 12 months,” he said.

“By offering Regional Sounds a longer lease we are providing them with the stability and security they need in order to continue their mission.  

“They have done a wonderful job in activating the area, held some brilliant events, and are enabling our community to be the best it can be.”

Regional Sounds Executive Director Alexia Parenzee was elated by the decision.

“So far we have delivered 18 different events and workshops, which have brought the community together to enjoy local talent, supported the development of musicians within the local scene, and attracted people from around the state,” she said.

“Our organisation has been working with a range of community groups including Shine and Desert Blue Connect as well as the Health Department to facilitate music events and workshops that create positive outcomes for at-risk groups, support groups, and as a suicide prevention initiative.  We have also partnered with other organisations working within the creative arts in Geraldton to maximise our shared impact in the community development and arts sectors.

“We have a packed schedule planned for the rest of 2022 and into 2023 that we know will be a big hit with music lovers and the wider community.”

More information about Regional Sounds is available by clicking here.