GateWAy Blog

Record numbers to become Aussies on Australia Day

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 06:26:14 +0000

The City of Albany will officially welcome a record number of new citizens to Australia at a special ceremony to be held at the Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre on Australia Day. Dennis Wellington, City of Albany Mayor, said the ceremony was a chance for the Albany community to recognise the benefits of welcoming new residents to Albany. “I look forward to welcoming this group of new Australians to our City. “There are already an additional 68 citizenship ceremonies being planned for coming months,” said Mayor Wellington. The citizenship ceremony, which will form part of the City of Albany, Lotterywest and Albany Advertiser 2012 Australia Family Fun Day and Fireworks, will take place from 4.30pm on the event’s main stage. At the event, Woolworths Australia Day Ambassador/speaker Larry Kickett will address the Albany community and Mayor Wellington will then induct and welcome Albany’s new citizens. The winners will also be announced for the Premier’s Active Citizenship Australia Day Awards. To celebrate the event, the City of Albany will open Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre from 3-8pm where visitors can use the aquatic centre and some basketball courts free of charge. Indoor rock climbing activities will be offered free from 4-7pm. There will be plenty of markets, free kids’ workshops, food stalls, attractions, competitions and entertainment for the kids, plus a fireworks extravaganza from 8pm. For more information on the event, contact Events Support Officer Jo Taylor on (08) 9841 9339 or email events@albany.wa.gov .au.

City secures trading opportunity on Australia Day

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 06:23:15 +0000

The City of Albany has secured an opportunity for Albany businesses to trade for longer on Australia Day. Businesses will now be able to trade from 9am through to 6pm after the Minister for Commerce Simon O’Brien approved an application made by the City of Albany. The City backed a National Retail Association and Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry request brought to the Council’s December meeting. “This is an opportunity for Albany’s retail community to take advantage of the greater number of visitors on public holidays,” said City of Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington. “It is an opportunity for all retailers covered by the Retail Trading Hours Act, however it is not compulsory.” For more information contact City of Albany Tourism Development Manager Matt Bird on (08) 9841 9202 or email matthewb@albany.wa.gov.au.

Don’t forget to vote in postal ballot

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 06:20:41 +0000

Dennis Wellington, City of Albany Mayor, urges all eligible ratepayers and residents to lodge their postal ballot in the extraordinary election for the Fredrickstown Ward by Friday, 24 February. “All eligible community members should take the opportunity to ensure they are adequately represented on Council,” said Mayor Wellington. Nominations close for the final seat on the City of Albany Council on 18 January and eligible voters should begin to receive their postal ballot forms in the week of 6 February. WA Electoral Office Returning Officer Stella Tippett said voters could take advantage of the postal ballot’s convenience or lodge their postal vote at the City of Albany on 24 February. “Voters coming into the City need to bring their postal ballot form as this is the registered method of voting. “With a postal ballot form, voting is quick and easy,” said Ms Tippett. Election results will be advertised on 29 February. For more information on City of Albany Council elections, or how to nominate, go to www.albany.wa.gov.au and follow the links on the home page, or contact WA Electoral Commission Returning Officer Stella Tippett on 0467 803 272. The WA Electoral Commission can also give more information by phone on 13 63 06, or visit www.waec.wa.gov.au.

Aussie's unite for family fun

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 06:16:31 +0000

Albany is set to celebrate what’s great about being Australian, with a fun filled day at the Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre (ALAC) grounds. The City of Albany, Lotterywest, Albany Advertiser and Albany Home Timber and Hardware are presenting a FREE family fun day, starting from 4pm and incorporating a festival atmosphere of food, fun and free entertainment for all ages. ALAC will be open to the public adding to the wider range of activities on offer to suit everyone in the family from 4pm on Australia Day. After a highly popular appearance at the 2011 Perth Royal Show, Junk Funktion, a high energy junk funk band, will open the event with the exceptional sounds of recycled drums, pots, pans and pieces of pipes. The 6-piece band provides a fabulous funky style, lyrics and movement. Joining Junk Funktion is the incredible acrobatic Southern Edge Arts troope with dance, juggling and circus performances. At the culmination of the event, local musical success Minute 36 will blend the sounds of double bass, cello, arch-top guitar and a two-piece drum kit. One of the highlights of their upbeat style is the witty lyrics. The band has received Western Australia's prestigious WAM Song of the Year award in 2009 and were nominated for two tracks in 2010 and also performed at the WAM Ceremony. They placed highly in Ampfest and the Next Big Thing band competition, have performed all over WA and at some of the major festivals (Southbound, One Movement, Northbridge, the Fuse and more. Since the release of their debut album ‘An Argument Between The Taste And The Feeling,’ Minute 36 have toured to Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. They also received airplay on Triple J and were accepted to perform at Canadian Music Week in Toronto early next year. The band will release a new single in 2012 and have a second album in the works. City of Albany Events Coordinator Melissa Marwick said the event was a fantastic way to show off local talent while celebrating what is great about being an Aussie. “The fun day will have a fantastic family-friendly atmosphere. Children come and sit on the picnic blankets and enjoy the entertainment. There is really something for everyone,” Ms Marwick said. The annual Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony and Awards will be held as part of the event with an Australia Day Ambassador and outstanding WA football legend, Larry Kickett as the guest speaker kindly supported by Woolworths. The Aussie Pride Fashion Parade and dress up competition will continue as a tradition of the event. There will be plenty more fun to be had off the stage, with free rides and amusements, gold coin entry to the pools and water playground, markets, food stalls and much more. The event will come to an explosive close at 8pm when the skies above the centre light up with the Fireworks Spectacular.

Massive Prizes for Aussie Spirit

The young, and the young at heart, are invited to take part in the Aussie Pride Fashion parade, with some fantastic prizes up for grabs.

Participants are required to dress up as their favourite Aussie icon, or to dress up an esky with the prize pool totalling over $800. It’s no surprise the parade is always hotly contested with creative entries, with previous winners including beer bottles, iconic cars, and even Dame Edna.

To enter, or for more information, contact Melissa Marwick at the City of Albany on 9841 9342.

Confused by technology? ABC Open can help

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 06:01:44 +0000

Let's face it, it's hard to keep up with all the technology that's out there, let alone make sense of it. This summer ABC Open is taking the mystery out technology and holding a series of FREE workshops where you can have your questions answered. We're calling it the ABC Open Summer School. Suzannah Lyons, ABC Open Producer for South Coast WA, will be running workshops in Albany, Denmark, Walpole, Katanning, Frankland River and Tambellup during January and February 2012. These are the workshop topics being offered: • Technology explained invites you to bring along any technology questions you have and we'll try and answer them. We’ll also help you navigate your way through all the new services the ABC has to offer. • How to make the most of your holiday snaps will cover downloading images from your camera or phone, resizing your photos, making albums and sharing your images. We'll also help you find your way around Flickr, discuss geo-tagging your photos and cover the basics of image copyright. • Social media will take you through Twitter and Facebook step by step. We'll also discuss issues like privacy that you need to be aware of when using these platforms, and just what exactly is social media etiquette. • Making your smartphone smarter will have your phone doing things you didn't even know it was capable of. We'll make sense of apps, get your phone recording and sharing audio, test out its photography capabilities and even get started shooting videos on it. Details of all the Albany ABC Open Summer School workshops are available on the Albany GateWAy Events Calendar. For more information or to book your place contact Suzannah Lyons, ABC Open Producer for South Coast WA, on 9842 4040 or abcopen.southcoast.wa@abc.net.au.

CHOOSING YOUR WHITE GOODS (No one gets white these days)

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 03:00:15 +0000

Here's the first of a brand new blog on Building a Home written by Ros McKinven from McKinven Homes. That is your cooker-oven-rangehood-dishwasher (I knew.. you knew!) 1. Do you love cooking? 2. Do you love cleaning? If you say yes to both then you MUST have that top of the woza cooker! Now, there are SO many beautiful BIG cookers on the market these days and many are affordable. Stainless Steel is the trend, so, be trendy. BUT, look for quality stainless steel, a nice glossy finish will be the best to live with and remember your cooker is the showpiece of your kitchen ‘hub’. Many stainless steel products will show finger marks and once the novelty of your new kitchen wears off that’s not a good look. You’ll need to buff your stainless steel up once a week with the recommended polish. Food for thought! Ovens 1. As much glass on the front/door as possible. (To eliminate finger marks) 2. Make sure you don’t have to be Einstein to use it. 3. Size - 600 wide is great for small families but if you entertain a lot or have lots of family gatherings where you cook all day for your gorgeous family – well, look at the 750 / 900 wide ovens. For a little extra $$ you can cook 4 or five dishes or trays of biscuits or cupcakes at once. Cooktops - Gas 1. The cast iron trivets are fantastic and look SO trendy, they really are great to live with. Mostly they come with a WOK which is useful for large fry pans, large pots of pasta etc as well as cooking in your WOK of course. 2. Again nice quality stainless finish, much less likely to burn onto the surface in the event of …. spilt milk! Cooktops – Electric 1. The ‘convection’ cook-tops are another very trendy product at the moment and I have to admit that I have ordered one for OUR own new home. Just the thought of one wipe and its clean! Not to mention ‘energy-efficient’ and fast. (Oh! in the case of a ‘black-out’ which is common in our neck of the woods, there is the BBQ to finish the meal off) 2. If you go for convection though – remember your cookware has to be magnetic, which may be an extra cost for you. (check the details with your retailer) 3. You can achieve the same control as gas – so go for it you ‘gourmet cooks’ It’s only on when it’s on! 4. Much less likely the kids will burn themselves on this one 5. I don’t know how they go with stir fry’s…. but I do have an electric wok. Cookers – Freestanding ‘built in’ Gas or Electric 1. Those BIG 900 cookers sure do look impressive don’t they? 2. My daughters/in laws have one of these and love them. 3. Also available is dual fuel – gas or ceramic on top with electric oven. 4. The thing with a cooker is when the oven is on the top is warm which is great for warming the plates. Like in the old days when our Mums had a wood stove! 5. If you have a big kitchen then you should go for it. I have to admit I prefer a separate cook-top in my kitchen – it’s nicely built in and saves space. But, in saying that with all the backyard vege gardens happening these days you girls are spending much more time in your kitchen cooking and preserving good healthy food, so, if you have the room and the budget get the best for you. For more information click here

Holiday Workshops at Southern Edge Arts

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 07:12:54 +0000

Hip Hopshop DATES: 16th, 17th & 18th of January 2012 Ages 7 – 12 $75 10am – 12pm Ages 13?25 $90 1pm – 4pm Steampunk It Up DATES: 23rd – 27th January 2012 TIME: 10am –4pm SUITABLE FOR: aged 9 yrs and above PRICE: $100 TUTORS: Sandy O’Doherty & Jane Davies Southern Edge Arts (SEA) is offering two different workshops to keep everyone busy these January school holidays. Hip Hopshop is 3 days of hip hop mayhem reined in by Jeremy ‘Moondog J ‘ Jongsma. Steampunk it up is for all those creatives out there who want to get their hands on cogs, springs, gears and goggles and make stuff! Hip Hopshop As requested, Moondog J is offering his Hip Hopshop this holidays. He is a multitalented musician and dancer who has worked with Morganics and Optamus (member of Downsyde). Symantha Parr – SEA’s dance tutor says: “ Jeremy really engages with the dance crew and is an encouraging teacher and amazing performer. His classes are fun and mixed up to include music, video, dancin and rhymes. “ After watching the student’s Freestylin hip hop act at SEA’s recent showcase, Simon Clarke, SEA’s Artistic Director reckons, “Hip hop never fails to energise a crowd and is a universal form of dance expression that is athletic and energetic and downright cool!” If you ever wanted to learn hip hop and break dancing then this is your opportunity. This is a great workshop to come and learn the basics or advance your skills. Get your top rock down pat, prepare for windmills, flips and other power moves and moonwalk better than Michael Jackson. B Boyz and B Girlz are invited to bring your attitude and your sneakers to these cool workshops. STEAMPUNK IT UP Hear ye hear ye, kids required to get creative & steampunk it up! We’re looking for inventive kids to make, create and test drive props, accessories and games, creating an authentic and otherworldly Victorian era sideshow alley in Steampunk style. We will also be finishing off our fantastical ‘Kracken’ that will be captured and paraded into the boatshed as part of Carnivale D’Mar, Southern Edge Arts’ first production for 2012. There will be plenty of old fashioned games to make & play. Mums and dads (or Grandparents) might remember bobs and coits. Could you knock over a tower of tins in one throw? You can test your strength, and what about a magnetic fishing barrel? You’ll never know what you might hook on the end of your line. Simon Clarke, SEA’s Artistic Director has been involved in some of the previous Steampunk workshops. “Its exciting to see the richness of imagination that Steampunk has inspired in the young participants so far.” Characters that have emerged from young minds include: Lady Skullem the Kracken bounty hunter, Princess Rosie’s Emporium – purveyor of Fine Kracken blood, Gaudy Gems, & Taxidermy. Missyology the Fortune Teller, Mind Reader and Supplier of Fine Snake Oils. One young workshop participant reports that it was, “quite possibly the best day he’s ever had”. Crafty kids will love the decorating and construction activities in a relaxed free form workshop. Bring your old clothes, lunch, water bottle and snack and your IMAGINATION! For more information and to secure your place for these workshops please contact SEA: 77 Sanford Rd phone: 98416002 email: seamail@southernedge.org.au

Christmas Market

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 06:33:53 +0000

Albany Boatshed Fisherman & Farmer Market Tuesday 22nd December 2011 5.00pm to 8.00pm

Stock your pantry with local fresh & gourmet foods and premium wines.
Browse talented local artisan stalls for a Christmas gift for someone special.
Grab a bite to eat and enjoy the live music.
Enter the free Christmas raffle to win over $200 worth of Boatshed Market vouchers.
Enjoy relaxed Christmas shopping.
Buy local and support you local producers.

Located at the Boatshed on Princess Royal Drive Come and join in the fun! http://www.albanygateway.com.au/details/albany-boatshed-sunday-market.html

Retail tips for Christmas 2011

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 06:27:19 +0000

With the retail industry experiencing tough times, many small retailers will be looking for clever marketing ideas to attract sales this Christmas. According to the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) it is not all bad news for small business with indicators showing consumers have money to spend and are looking to buy good quality, useful products. SBDC Acting Managing Director, Jacky Finlayson, says employment levels are high and despite householders dealing with increased living costs, consumers still have discretionary dollars to spend at this time of the year. The SBDC suggests smaller retailers try these low cost add-ons to attract more customers this year:

Add value to your product by providing gift-wrapping.
Make it easier for shoppers by grouping items into price ranges such as “Gifts under $10” or into categories eg “gifts for the gardener”, “gifts for the handyman”.
Train your staff to be able to demonstrate or recommend products to interested buyers.
Update your website to carry information and pricing on all major products.
Provide special services such as product viewings for loyal and regular customers.
Avoid unpleasant scenes by providing clear instructions on returns and refunds.
Contact customers from last Christmas, or use social media to invite new customers to see your new product range.
Instead of discounting, give customers a gift voucher to encourage them to return to your shop in the new year.

Vicki Brown Small Business Centre Great Southern (SBCGS) Manager also wants to remind people to shop locally as often as they can. “We should always give the local retailers the opportunity to quote, you may just be surprised at how competitive your local store is” said Vicki Brown. “It is certainly our wish that the small businesses in Albany, Broomehill-Tambellup, Cranbrook, Denmark, Gnowangerup, Jerramungup, Katanning, Kent, Kojonup, Plantagenet, Woodanilling have a great holiday period from Christmas Shoppers to people holidaying over the summer” said SBCGS Chairperson Dave Rowley. The SBCGS will be closing for most of the holiday period and reopening in the New Year but business can call the Small Business Development Corporation throughout the Christmas break, with the exception of public holidays, on 131 249 or visit sbcgs.com.au and follow our links to a number of small business websites.

Borden builds sporting health

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 03:41:12 +0000

MEDIA RELEASE from Great Southern Development Commission Weekend sport makes a strong contribution to sustaining regional towns, and Borden is ensuring that it is well placed to meet residents’ recreational needs. Supported by $140,000 of Royalties for Regions funding through the Great Southern Development Commission (GSDC), the Borden Pavilion Committee is developing a $967,000 sporting precinct to encourage community building through recreation. Gnowangerup Shire President Kerry Stone said the project would consolidate the town’s previous well-planned facilities with an updated precinct providing for six sporting codes, covering a majority of Borden’s sport and recreational needs. “Football, tennis, cricket, netball, hockey, bowls and basketball are all currently catered for around the purpose-built Borden Pavilion,” Mrs Stone said. “However, some of the surfaces have deteriorated, there is no cricket practice wicket and the bowling club has an outdated clubroom and labour-intensive heavy grass surface. “Almost the whole community takes part in one sport or another on a Saturday, either playing, officiating, volunteering or watching, and the precinct development ensures the pavilion will continue to be at the centre of that social activity.” Facilities will include a synthetic bowling green, dual-purpose netball and tennis courts, cricket practice wickets and a multi-use viewing shelter. Mrs Stone said the town’s cricketers were particularly keen to gain access to permanent practice nets, since they now must raise and dismantle temporary nets for each practice session. GSDC Chief Executive Bruce Manning said the project would help to consolidate the community of Borden. “Regional towns have great community spirit and put a great deal of effort into their local projects,” Mr Manning said. “Borden is making a significant contribution to this project by fundraising and practical work. “When it is finished, the sporting precinct will help the town to maintain and build that strong sense of community,” Mr Manning said. The Borden sporting precinct project is also supported by the Department of Sport and Recreation and the Shire of Gnowangerup. The project is due for completion in early 2013.