Time capsule buried in transformed park

The time capsule was buried in GRAG Park yesterday afternoon and will be collected in 2057.

Surgical masks, messages on toilet paper and photographs are just some of the items inside a time capsule that was buried in Geraldton Regional Art Gallery (GRAG) Park yesterday afternoon.

The historic moment also signalled the official opening of the area, which has been transformed over the last few months to now be a vibrant and welcoming part of the city centre. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said it was a special moment.

“We have experienced significant challenges from COVID-19 and Cyclone Seroja along with change from the recent passing of Her Majesty the Queen, and we acknowledge those events with various photos and memorabilia in this time capsule,” he said.

“Not only do we intern the time capsule today, we celebrate the newly transformed GRAG Park that is officially open for everyone to enjoy.  

“A big thank you to all involved including GBSC, UDLA and Parscape. This beautified area is now connected to our premier Geraldton Foreshore through Rocks Laneway, which builds upon our City Centre Revitalisation Plan.”

The contents of the time capsule include memories of Cyclone Seroja, Her Majesty the Queen, HMAS Sydney II 80th anniversary, HMAS Stalwart’s arrival to Geraldton, COVID-19, sporting events, recent newspapers, major Council items, photographs and hand prints from some local youngsters.

These items will be retrieved from GRAG Park on 12 July 2057.

In 2020, the previous time capsule was opened and presented a blast from the past for many.

Items retrieved included the then Mayor Mr Cooper’s speech from the internment and a letter to Geraldton citizens, Council minutes, building plans for Marine Terrace Central, a Geraldton Guardian and a selection of photos including the Marina and Chapman Road upgrades.

Firebreak deadline fast approaching

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that with the weather warming up and paddocks and gardens drying out quickly, now is the time to complete all preparations for the upcoming bushfire season by the Tuesday 4 October 2022 deadline.

The 2022-2023 First and Final Firebreak Notice, which provides the fire prevention measures that need to be completed based on property size, was issued with rates notices. This information has also been provided in the local newspapers, on social media and is available on the City’s website www.cgg.wa.gov.au

There are now only five days left to complete these works that will help keep the community safe. All property owners are requested to act immediately to undertake the required fire prevention measures as infringements may be issued from Wednesday 5 October 2022 for non-compliance with the requirements.

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

Aboriginal cultural festival to raise mental health awareness

Members of the community will come together next month for Iwarra Wilungga - an Aboriginal cultural festival that will assemble performers and businesses in a celebration of culture.

This inaugural event aims to not only shine a light on Aboriginal culture, but also raise awareness around mental health and some of the support services available locally.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn has thrown his support behind the event.

“Iwarra Wilungga translated from Wilunyu language is “Spring by the Sea”, and will be the first event of its kind in the Midwest combining talented local Aboriginal entertainers with workshops and educational experiences as well as showcasing fantastic Aboriginal businesses,” he said. 

“This symbolic festival will enable people to learn more about the range of help that can be accessed by those facing mental health challenges as well as strengthening bonds within our community.

“We would like to thank the WA Primary Health Alliance for the funding that has made this event possible and I encourage everyone to come along and join in the fun.”

WA Primary Health Alliance has provided the City with $150,000 through the Australian Government Primary Health Networks program to support a range of community service providers and deliver initiatives that contribute to improving overall community wellbeing and combating depression and suicide.

Iwarra Wilungga will take place on Saturday 29 October at Stow Gardens on the Geraldton Foreshore between 4pm and 8:30pm.

More information about the programme will be available in the coming weeks.

Any groups or businesses interested in being involved in Iwarra Wilungga are encouraged to email denieller@cgg.wa.gov.au or call 9956 6600.

Hybrid vehicle join journey to zero carbon emissions

New hybrid vehicle addition to the City’s passenger fleet.

journey towards net zero carbon emissions for City of Greater Geraldton operations by 2030 has gone into high gear with a program to replace petrol powered fleet vehicles with hybrids now underway.

The first hybrid to join the City’s passenger fleet is a Toyota Corolla that recharges the battery while you drive so it doesn’t need to be plugged in.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said hybrid vehicles are the way forward for the City’s fleet.

“Hybrid vehicles are a great way for the City to transition away from petrol power passenger cars without having to wait for the infrastructure to charge battery only electric vehicles to be built,” he said.

“On short trips around the City, the electric motor in the hybrid does all the work which will dramatically reduce our CO2 emissions with the added benefit of reducing the operating costs of the vehicle too.

“Given the distances staff need to travel within our City region one of our biggest concerns with battery only electric vehicles is that there wouldn’t be enough battery charge to make these round trips.

“However, the hybrid’s combination of petrol and battery operation strikes the balance we need.”

To ensure the City meets its target of net zero carbon emissions by 2030, all petrol powered passenger vehicles will be replaced with hybrids when they are due for renewal.

For nearly a decade the City has been reducing its carbon footprint by replacing street and sporting grounds lighting with LEDS, installing geothermal systems and solar panels at its facilities and more recently, has been trialling the kerbside collection of Food Organic Garden Organic (FOGO) waste.

For more information on The Achieving Net Zero Corporate Climate Change Mitigation Plan visit the City’s website here

Midwest Bird Photography Competition closes soon

Midwest Bird Photography Competition closes soon.

Submit your entry now!

Aquatic facilities summer hours of operation

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise of the summer hours of operation for City aquatic facilities.

Foreshore Waterpark

Reopens Friday 23 September 2022.

Summer hours of operation will be 8am - 6pm seven days a week.

Aquarena

Summer hours come into effect on Saturday 24 September 2022.    

Monday – Friday         6am - 8pm

Saturday                     8am - 6pm

Sunday                        9am - 6pm

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

Grab a bloomin’ good Spring School Holiday Program

The sun is shining, the birds are singing and the City of Greater Geraldton’s School Holiday Program is here just in time for spring!

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn is pleased to introduce the newest edition of the program.

“Spring is a perfect time to be outdoors in Geraldton, and the School Holiday Program is great way to get the kids off the couch and out of the house,” he said.

“There is an excellent array of activities that cater for all ages and interests, from sports, crafts, writing workshops and so much more.

“Grab a printout for a list of City hosted events or head to our website to see the full range of activities on offer.”

Free City hosted events include the ever popular soccer clinics as well as wheelchair basketball, Dungeons & Dragons sessions and low tox potion parties.

Geraldton Regional Library will be alight with a kaleidoscope of activities as part of the Big Sky Readers and Writers Festival, including twilight story time, writing workshops, author Q&A’s and plenty more.

Geraldton Regional Art Gallery is offering kids the chance to be part of shaping the future of Town Hall by collaging historic photos and drawing new meanings.

Mullewa is also getting in on the fun, with the Mullewa Youth Centre set to host an Olympian obstacle course, stupendous science experiments, karaoke and basketball competitions and everyone’s favourite, Taco Tuesday.

In addition to the City ran events on the physical program, there is also a variety of additional events hosted by external providers that can be found on the City’s events calendar.

For a copy of the program, or more information on how to register, head to the City’s website at www.cgg.wa.gov.au/schoolholidayprogram

Temporary closure of Youth Precinct skywalk slide

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the Skywalk slide in the Foreshore Youth Precinct will be closed for repairs with works starting Tuesday 20 September 2022 for a period of approximately six weeks.

The Skywalk will remain open 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.

General retail trading hours for National Day of Mourning

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the State Government will apply normal public holiday trading hours for the one-off National Public Holiday to honour Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday 22 September 2022.

General retail shops in the Greater Geraldton region will be able to trade as per normal public holiday hours of 11am to 5pm on the National Day of Mourning.

Normal retail trading hours of 8am to 9pm will recommence on Friday 23 September.

This notice only applies to general retailers such as Coles and Woolworths and does not affect smaller and speciality retailers, who have been approved to operate with unrestricted trading hours.

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

Temporary closure of Post Office carpark

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise access to Post Office carpark (Carpark 4) will be restricted on Sunday 18 September due to works taking place at Geraldton Regional Art Gallery.

Works will take place from 7am to 10am. During this time parts of the carpark will be closed to the public and traffic management will be in place.

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.

New Aussies welcomed this Australian Citizenship Day

Geraldton welcomed another fresh crop of new citizens at an Australian citizenship ceremony today as part of the Australian Citizenship Day celebrations.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said today’s ceremony will be one of hundreds of ceremonies taking place across Australia that will see thousands of people officially become new citizens on or around Australian Citizenship Day.

“Australian Citizenship Day is an opportunity for all Australians in their community, whether by birth or by choice, to reflect on and celebrate what’s great about being Australian,” he said.

“Australian Citizenship Day provides an occasion for all of us to contemplate the contributions of citizens to our local communities.

“I encourage everyone in Greater Geraldton to reflect on and affirm their Australian citizenship today as we warmly welcome our newest citizens.”

This intake of conferees will bring the total to 111 people who have become Australian citizens so far in 2022.

City staff have worked tirelessly to clear the backlog of those waiting to make their commitment to Australia after COVID-19 caused significant interruptions to scheduled ceremonies.

This ceremony will be the first since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

The portrait will be respectfully updated once the period of mourning has passed and official photos of His Majesty King Charles III have been released.

For more information about Australian Citizenship Day and Australian citizenship visit www.citizenship.gov.au.

Experience a kaleidoscope of literature at this year’s Big Sky

(L-R) Councillor Thomas with Big Sky Short Story Prize 2021 winner Erin Middleton.

Magic will be in the air at this year’s Big Sky Readers and Writers Festival which features yet another stellar line-up of local, state and interstate authors, storytellers, poets and creatives.

Embracing the theme “Kaleidoscope”, the ever-popular literary event hosted by the Geraldton Regional Library presents an impressive four-day program featuring the Festival Opening Night, Book and Author talks, Writing Workshops, Open Mic Poetry and lots of activities for young people. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the range of events this year would ensure an impressive turnout.

“Big Sky is one of our most popular events and it continues to grow each year,” he said.

“Having such a diverse program of literary delights means the event offers something for everyone. 

“I congratulate the Library, and thank everyone who has come aboard to make this event such an ongoing success.”

As part of the Festival, the Library opened the Big Sky Short Story Prize in April and it is with great pleasure the shortlisted entrants are announced as follows:

-          Rob Christoffersen

-          Sarah Jane Greenlees

-          Hazel Pruyn

-          Tracey Snowball

-          Diana Wilde

-          Grant Woodhams

The winner, runner-up and highly commended entries will be announced at the Festival Opening Night on Thursday 29 September which starts at 6pm at the Geraldton Regional Library.

Big Sky Readers and Writers Festival runs from Thursday 29 September – Sunday 2 October at various locations including Mullewa and Northampton.

The full programme is available via the Library’s website or by contacting the Library on library@cgg.wa.gov.au or 9956 6659.

Funding for this event has been provided by Lara Dalton MLA, Sandra Carr MLC, Darren West MLC, WA Primary Health Alliance, and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, along with support from the Geraldton Universities Centre, local businesses and community groups.

We thank them for their support.

Celebrating a monument and a milestone

Peter Aarts and Doreen Dawson dance at the Geraldton Town Hall circa 1958, image courtesy of Gilda Studio and Niel Bertelsen.

Geraldton Regional Art Gallery will soon be rolling back the years with two reflective exhibitions set to open at the end of this month.

The Town Hall 1907-1984 draws from the City of Greater Geraldton’s Civic Archive Collection, Local History Collection and Art Collection as well as a combination of generous contributors to portray the importance of a building at the heart of the Greater Geraldton community- the Old Town Hall.

The Banksia Ball 50th Anniversary shares a collection of photographs from the Abdullah family that celebrates the first time local and state governments, local businesses and an Aboriginal organisation worked together to successfully orchestrate a community event at the Town Hall. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn is looking forward to stepping back into this period of Geraldton’s past.

“Both The Town Hall 1907-1984 and The Banksia Ball 50th Anniversary exhibitions display important elements of Geraldton’s history that deserve to be celebrated,” he said.

“The Old Town Hall was nearly lost and it was only through the efforts of a small group of passionate locals that this beautiful building was preserved for generations of future Geraldtonians.

“Meanwhile the Banksia Ball represents a significant milestone on the journey toward reconciliation within our community.

“I encourage everyone to head down to the Gallery and experience this snapshot of times gone by.”

The Town Hall 1907 – 1984 and The Banksia Ball 50th Anniversary will open at 6pm Friday 30 September. Tickets to the opening night event are limited, so patrons are requested to register their attendance via Eventbrite. Both exhibitions will remain on display until Sunday 20 November 2022.

The Town Hall 1907-1984 and the Banksia Ball 50th Anniversary have been made possible through the generous contributions of the Abdullah Family, Niel Bertelsen, Rita Stinson, Geraldton Historical Society, Geraldton City RSL Sub Branch, Bundiyarra Aboriginal Community Aboriginal Corporation, Geraldton Guardian, West Australian Newspapers Ltd, Nola Gregory, Geraldton City Band and the State Library of Western Australia.

Temporary closure Eighth Street West playing field

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the Eighth Street West Playing Field lights are being commissioned on Wednesday 14 September 2022.

Works will take place from 5pm to 5am. During this time the playing field will be closed to the public.

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.

Geraldton Regional Art Gallery and Visitor Centre closed

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise that the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery and Visitor Centre will be closed the morning of Monday 12 September to allow for maintenance works.

The Geraldton Visitor Centre will reopen at 12pm that same day, while the Gallery remains closed until Friday 30 September to allow for new exhibitions to be installed.

Visitor information is available to access at www.visitgeraldton.com.au and in-person assistance will be provided at the Geraldton Regional Library or by phoning 9956 6659. 

The City apologises for any inconvenience this closure may cause.

Members of the public are requested to 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.

Passport 2 Employment gets stamp of approval

Passport 2 Employment Class of 2022 students on their first day.

Tuesday just got a whole lot better for some students, with the next round of the Passport 2 Employment program set to take flight from this week.

The program sees select Year 11 and 12 students from local schools participating in the nine-week program designed to prepare them for entering the workforce.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn was happy to see the program back on the radar.

“Passport 2 Employment is a brilliant way to equip students for their journey into employment,” he said.

“The program offers students exposure to new and exciting fields, while also teaching practical skills such as resume writing and interview preparation.

“It’s a well-rounded curriculum hosted by professionals and I’m excited to see where it takes this crop of kids.”

The program is offered to students who have been identified as benefitting from extra education and support as they prepare to graduate from high school.

Sessions include onsite visits to various locations throughout the City, as well as activities designed to improve confidence and wellbeing.

The program is a collaborative effort involving Forrest Personnel, Central Regional TAFE, Mid West Ports Authority and the City of Greater Geraldton.

Carpark 6 electrical upgrades

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise upgrades to the electrical infrastructure in Carpark 6 located on Cathedral Avenue will begin the week of Monday 12 September 2022 and take approximately two weeks to complete.

During the works a number of car parking spaces will be unavailable.

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.

Nominate a Local Legend for a Community Citizen of the Year Award!

Community Citizen of the Year Award nominees for 2022 on stage during Australia Day celebrations in Geraldton.

Residents in Geraldton and Mullewa will have the opportunity to celebrate the work of their peers, with nominations now open for the 2023 Community Citizen of the Year Awards.

Awarded on Australia Day, the Auspire – Australia Day Council WA, Community Citizen of the Year Award is an opportunity to acknowledge those making an outstanding contribution to our community.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn encouraged everyone to make a nomination.

“We have seen through the immense popularity of the Local Legends social media campaign that Greater Geraldton is full of wonderful people doing good work,” he said.

“The Community Citizen of the Year Awards is a fantastic way to really shine the spotlight on these people.”

Categories include Community Citizen of the Year, Young Community Citizen of the Year (under 25), Senior Community Citizen of the Year (over 65) and Active Citizenship (group or event).

“The nomination process now is easier than ever, with the City joining other local governments across the state in taking nominations though the official Auspire website,” Mayor Van Styn added.

“Head to the official website at https://www.citizenshipawards.com.au/nominate/ and put forward a local legend today!”

The Awards will take place at the Australia Day events in Geraldton and Mullewa on Thursday 26 January 2023.

Nominations close on Monday 31 October 2022.

New footpath construction Bellimos Park

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be installing a new footpath in Bellimos Park connecting Jackson Loop to Bellimos Drive starting the week of Monday 12 September 2022.

The works will take approximately four weeks to complete.

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.

City and Chamber calls for flight stability

Flights to and from Geraldton are expected to decrease further this month, prompting the City of Greater Geraldton and Mid West Chamber of Commerce and Industry to call for action so that local industries aren’t further impacted.

Qantas regional flights were disrupted in June and promised to return to normal mid-July.

Several weeks on, flights have been reduced further and departure times have now been delayed to later in the day.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said it was having an impact on both the business and tourism industries.

“It’s disappointing that we are looking at more reductions this month along with many flights being moved to the middle of the day, which impedes travel plans,” he said.

“Most travellers accessing the flight connecting Geraldton to Perth represent our business community. This in turn impacts our region, and we are calling for action and stability from Qantas.

“Because of these changes, it is becoming harder for healthcare specialists who historically treated Midwest patients for the day to do so now. This is just one example that’s becoming a growing concern.”

Mid West Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Officer Joanne Fabling said the flight alterations are causing significant challenge for local and visiting businesses.

“Qantas reduced their flights to alleviate pressure on the intrastate and interstate routes to bring certainty back into their timetable whilst training new staff. We accepted this as it was put to us as it was only for a short period,” she said.

“Three months on, we are being further reduced to a middle of the day flight once a day. A schedule that does not reflect any thought into the business, health or tourism sector in either direction.

“We understand that COVID-19 has had an impact on aviation and there is going to take some time for recovery, however Geraldton is the largest regional city north of Perth. It deserves more consultation on changes to schedules prior to implementation.”

In June, Qantas cancelled a number of flights to better prevent last minute cancellations as well as changes. This month, flights are expected to reduce further.

As a result of these ongoing changes, an increased number of travellers are now resorting to driving to and from Perth. 

The City of Greater Geraldton and Mid West Chamber of Commerce and Industry understands this news will disappoint the community further and are advocating for increased flight stability and frequency.