Tuesday, 25 October 2016
 
Page Content

• Signs of Safety Gathering attracts international experts to Perth
• WA leading the nation in its Signs of Safety approach to child protection practice

Western Australia will host child protection experts from around the world this week to share ways on how to improve life outcomes for vulnerable children and families.

Child Protection Minister Andrea Mitchell said the Signs of Safety Gathering provided the opportunity for child protection workers to learn, grow and celebrate their experiences.

"This year marks the eighth year since the State Government began implementing Signs of Safety, which provides the tools child protection practitioners need to help vulnerable families address their child abuse and neglect issues," Ms Mitchell said.

"To continue to achieve the best possible life outcome for these families, we must constantly review the way in which we are using these tools so that our work is purposeful and meaningful for children and families."

The Signs of Safety Gathering is held every second year and this is the fourth year Western Australia has played host to the conference.

This year's Gathering theme, 'Reflect, Reboot, Renew', will include interstate and international presentations from Tasmania, New Zealand, The Netherlands and Canada.

The event provides the ideal platform to collectively learn and grow from each other's experience at a national and international level. 

Fact File

• The Signs of Safety framework was originally developed in Western Australia and is now used in more than 100 jurisdictions and 17 countries around the world

Tuesday, 25 October 2016
 
Page Content

• Liberal National Government gives green light to Spoilbank Marina
• New marina will deliver up to 150 boat pens, boat ramp and recreational facilities
• Supported by Royalties for Regions program 

The Liberal National Government today announced its full commitment to the long-awaited $152 million Spoilbank Marina in Port Hedland.

Premier Colin Barnett said the State Government would contribute $112 million to the project, comprising $72 million from Royalties for Regions and $40 million from consolidated funds. A further $40 million will be contributed by the Town of Port Hedland.

"The project will create a high-quality community waterfront asset with the potential to change the face of Port Hedland," Mr Barnett said.

"The plan provides for a marina with capacity for between 100-150 boat pens with 50 boat pens in the first stage, a two-lane boat ramp, plenty of vehicle and trailer parking and opportunities for boat repair and service facilities.

"The marina precinct will eventually include a number of public outdoor spaces with three sites for food and beverage operators, large landscaped areas, a caravan park site, and also a cultural and community centre.

"The project will deliver required recreational facilities, unlock tourism potential as a visitor destination, create business and about 300 construction jobs as well as ongoing jobs when the marina is up and running."

The new marina will provide a safer and dedicated launching facility for local boaties, who for the first time, will be able to launch via a separate channel to the large commercial vessels servicing Western Australia's largest bulk export port facility.

Regional Development and Lands Minister Terry Redman said the revised marina plan would balance the needs of the local recreational boating community with the needs of industry.

"The Spoilbank was originally a place to deposit sediment from dredging and the marina will transform an under-utilised Port Hedland landmark into a vibrant community, recreational and tourism asset," Mr Redman said.

"The vision for this project has evolved from its initial concept in 2012 and will now include land to accommodate a cultural and community centre, as well as the potential to explore commercial operations such as the leasing of marina land for vessel maintenance.

"Boating, fishing and diving play a big part in Hedland life and the Spoilbank facilities will provide a safer launching facility for local boaties while incorporating an asset such as the proposed cultural and community centre, which can be used by the whole community."

Mr Redman praised the Town of Port Hedland for helping the long-awaited project come to fruition.

Fact File

• LandCorp will project manage the delivery of the Spoilbank Marina on behalf of the Town of Port Hedland
• The State Government's $112 million contribution is made up of $72 million from Royalties for Regions and $40 million from consolidated funds.  A further $40 million will be contributed from the Town of Port Hedland
• The Port Hedland Spoilbank Marina is expected to be completed by late 2020
• For more information and artists impression of the project, visit http://www.landcorp.com.au/spoilbankmarina 

Tuesday, 25 October 2016
 
Page Content

• Stage 1 of Collie Health Service redevelopment complete
• Hospital entry and administration area open to public
• Made possible by Liberal National Government's Royalties for Regions program

The first phase of construction of the new Collie Health Service is complete thanks to a $7.8 million Liberal National Government investment, made possible by Royalties for Regions.

Health Minister John Day said the upgrade included a new administration area, and refurbishments to the hospital entry and reception area, medical records room and outpatients loan equipment facilities.

"I'm pleased to announce that the first phase of the redevelopment is complete and the community is now able to access the main entry and reception area," he said.

"The second phase includes staged emergency department refurbishment, with a new reception and triage area, waiting room and three acute treatment bays.

"The third and final phase of works will encompass two resuscitation bays, a treatment room, a clean utility/medication room, staff base, write-up room and ambulance bay."

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the Royalties for Regions investment in the Southern Inland Health Initiative (SIHI) was improving primary health care services through the extensive redevelopment of district hospitals.

"Projects like this help people in rural and remote WA access vital services that those living in Perth and larger centres take for granted," Mr Redman said.

"It is expected the $7.8 million revamp will support about 90 jobs during the life of the project."

Work on the first stage began in February 2016, with the full redevelopment expected to be completed in April 2017.  BGC Construction is carrying out the work. 

Fact File

• The $500 million Southern Inland Health Initiative, funded by the Royalties for Regions program and delivered by the WA Country Health Service, is the State's single biggest investment in regional health care
• The Southern Inland Health Initiative is improving access to medical and emergency coverage, providing improved facilities and new models of health care delivery
• For more information, visit http://www.health.wa.gov.au/southerninland

Tuesday, 25 October 2016
 
Page Content

• Program of works to ensure long-term safe use of bridge
• $3 million contract awarded for underwater pile repairs 

The Liberal National Government will undertake a $3 million maintenance upgrade on the Fremantle Traffic Bridge to ensure the safety and longevity of the structure.

Transport Minister Bill Marmion said a contract for underwater pile repairs had been awarded, with most of the work taking place underwater using a team of specialist divers working off a barge.

"Works have already commenced to ensure the long-term and safe use of the bridge, by repairing more than 100 piles," Mr Marmion said.

"Main Roads WA has recently completed a series of pier protection works on the bridge's fender system, and is now focused on strengthening the bridge piles in the Swan River.

"Our key concern is ensuring the safety of motorists and the continued flow of traffic across this important bridge."

Fremantle Traffic Bridge provides a direct transport route from North Fremantle to the Fremantle central business district.  The bridge is used by about 28,000 vehicles and several hundred cyclists each day.

The project is due for completion in May 2017.

Fact File

• Fremantle Traffic Bridge was constructed in 1938 and is one of two important road traffic links across the Swan River in Fremantle
• Any navigation channel closures required for the works will be advertised as a temporary notice to mariners by the Department of Transport
• Advanteering Civil Engineers have been awarded the contract for the piling works 

Monday, 24 October 2016
 
Page Content

• Free public exhibition showcases diverse stories of WA students
• Exhibition supported with $20,000 from the Liberal National Government 

A photographic project empowering West Australian Muslim students to share their diverse stories with the wider community will be showcased as part of My Story, My Home - a free public exhibition aimed at raising cultural awareness, and building understanding and acceptance.

My Story, My Home is being supported by the Liberal National Government with a $20,000 sponsorship via the Office of Multicultural Interests' (OMI) Community Grants Program.

Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Mike Nahan said the exhibition aimed to combat stereotypes and show the diversity and the common connections within, between and across the community.

"The stories showcased through this project are stories of strength, friendship, compassion and understanding," Dr Nahan said.

"This exhibition highlights many of the values that have made Western Australia one of the world's most successful multicultural communities."

Featuring visual stories by 25 students, the exhibition was developed by the City of Belmont in partnership with World Press Photo Perth and the Australian Islamic College in Kewdale.

In preparation for the exhibition, the students worked with internationally awarded photojournalist Tim Matsui for two weeks, learning how to compose and share their visual stories online and in an exhibition.

My Story, My Home launches at the Ruth Faulkner Public Library in Cloverdale today (October 24) to commemorate United Nations Day, and is open until November 4, 2016.

Fact File

• About 40,000 Muslims live in Western Australia
• WA's Muslim community is very diverse. In addition to those born in Australia, many have migrated from Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and North and South America
• Information about OMI's Community Grants Program is available at http://www.omi.wa.gov.au 

Sunday, 23 October 2016
 
Page Content

• $2.8 million Emergency WA website launched
• Community urged to play their part in preparing for bushfires 

Emergency Services Minister Joe Francis today launched the new Emergency WA website, which will deliver faster, clearer and more consistent information during bushfires and other emergencies.

Mr Francis said the $2.8 million website reflected the Liberal National Government's commitment to providing the community with accurate and timely information during emergencies.

"The multi-hazard Emergency WA website will give people better access to emergency information and critical community warnings, including map-based warning areas," he said.

"The site will also deliver a live feed of emergency incidents reported to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, meaning people will find out about a fire as soon as it is reported to triple zero."

The Minister said the Emergency WA website was a cornerstone of the 'Are You Ready?' bushfire campaign, which emphasised that preparing for bushfires was a shared responsibility, and everyone needed to play their part.

"This year's campaign features Peel region resident Steve Angel who lost his home in a bushfire in 2007, then re-built to a standard that ensured he was bushfire ready," he said.

When another fire swept through his area last summer, Mr Angel's new home escaped unscathed.

"Steve's story highlights the critical importance of people ensuring that their family and their property are prepared for out of control bushfires that can strike at any time," Mr Francis said.

'Are You Ready?' is a joint effort across Government, with Western Power a major supporter as part of its strong commitment to bushfire preparedness and community safety.

Fact File

• For the latest community warnings and information about how to prepare for bushfires, visit http://www.emergency.wa.gov.au
• The Emergency WA website replaces the alert and warnings pages on the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and Department of Parks and Wildlife websites, and is integrated with information from the Bureau of Meteorology and Geoscience Australia
• Last bushfire season, firefighters responded to more than 3,400 bushfires

Friday, 21 October 2016

• ​Warning against risky 'get rich quick' schemes
• Losses suffered by WA investors stung by binary options scams

West Australians looking to make some fast cash are suffering large losses after being scammed by fake companies and websites spruiking investment opportunities.

Commerce Minister Michael Mischin said local investors were being lured into binary options trading, which was regarded as a speculative, high-risk investment and involved predicting the movements of commodity, asset or index prices over a short period of time.

"While this form of trading is a legitimate financial product offered by licensed firms, scammers are now entering this area and successfully taking money from investors," Mr Mischin said.

"Potential investors respond to ads and are contacted over the phone, where they are lured by the promise of making huge profits. The websites look very professional and accounts are set up in the investor's name showing healthy gains, which prompts further investments.

"Inventors only realise that they've been scammed when they are unable to withdraw their funds and the people they are dealing with become difficult to contact.  The 'account' is then closed and their money is gone.

"So far this year, 21 WA investors have reported to WA ScamNet of losing a total of more than $240,000 to binary options scams.  Nationally, Australians have lost a total of $3 million in 2016 according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission."

The Minister issued a particular warning about various websites operated by a bogus business called 'The Aussie Method', after one investor recently lost $10,500.

The websites include Aussiemethodsystem.com; Aussiemethod.co; Aussie-method.trading-software.co; Ausmethod.com; Ausmillionare.com; Ausmillionaires.com; Ausmethodmillionaire.com; Ausmethodsystem.com; Ausmethod.net and Aussiemethodapp.com

Mr Mischin said Facebook pages associated with 'The Aussie Method' had been closed and attempts were being made by Consumer Protection to have the websites closed down as well.

"Be wary of any investment which offers a high return with little risk and get independent financial advice before committing," he said.

"Only use operators with an Australian Financial Services licence or are authorised by an AFS licensee and also check on the Australian Securities and Investments Commission website to make sure the business is not on their blacklist."

Fact File

• WA investors who have given money to 'The Aussie Method' should contact Consumer Protection at consumer@commerce.wa.gov.au or by calling 1300 30 40 54​
• More information on scams is available at http://www.scamnet.wa.gov.au

Friday, 21 October 2016

• ​Bonjour Perth French Festival supported by the Liberal National Government with $5,000

Perth's second Bonjour Perth French Festival will be held at Ozone Reserve, East Perth on Saturday October 22, showcasing the best of French food, culture and entertainment.

Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Mike Nahan said the festival was an opportunity to indulge in some of the best of French cuisine as well as experiencing French music, art, games and sports.

"Western Australia is exceptionally fortunate in the range of different festivals we get to enjoy," Dr Nahan said.

"Because of our vibrant culturally diverse community, we experience cultural celebrations from all over the world.

"The Liberal National Government is proud to support this highly enjoyable family event with funding of $5,000 through the Office of Multicultural Interests' Community Grants Program.

"I encourage everyone to get out and enjoy Perth's equivalent of Paris in the springtime."

More than 12,000 people visited last year's inaugural festival, which is expected to become a fixture on WA's calendar of community events.

The Bonjour Perth festival is also an opportunity to connect with everything French in Perth, from language schools, cars, artisan food producers, clubs and cultural activities.

Fact File

• The Bonjour Perth French Festival takes place at Ozone Reserve, next to Langley Park, on Saturday October 22, from 10am to 9pm
• Gate collections from the 2015 event raised $11,452 for Path of Hope
• About 12,000 people in WA indicated they had French ancestry in 2011
• The majority of French speaking people in WA were born in Mauritius, France, Canada, West Africa or Australia
• More information about the OMI Community Grants Program is available at http://www.omi.wa.gov.au
• For more information about the festival, visit http://www.bonjourperth.com.au

SOIL CARBON SOLUTIONS – SOIL HEALTH SEMINAR – 18 OCTOBER 2016, 2:00pm - 4:45pm  - MANJIMUP GATEWAY HOTEL
​
C-Wise invite you to join their seminar and hear keynote speakers and case studies on how to link soil carbon and profitability. Deb Archdeacon, an independent agronomist, will explain the fundamental role of compost with case studies on avocados, potatoes, carrots and lettuce, demonstrating improvements on crop establishment, yield and quality. Gary Watson will also discuss setting up a composting facility in Manjimup.
See attached Manjimup Soil Health Seminar PDF for more information.
​CONTACT: Orna Tippett from C-Wise orna.tippett@c-wise.com.au or Kathy Dawson from Warren Catchments Council Kathy.dawson@water.wa.gov.au to register.

UNEARTHED PEMBERTON – EVENT REGISTRATION – 7 NOVEMBER 2016
​
Unearthed Pemberton will be held from the 21 – 30 April 2017 across Pemberton and the surrounding region to promote additional visitation and increase awareness of all there is to see and do in the region. Focusing on food, arts, heritage and adventure, the festival promotes visitors to explore “beyond the gate” for a unique experience.
​To register an event for the 2017 Unearthed Pemberton, complete and return the attached form.
​CONTACT: info@unearthedpemberton.com.au 

OPERATE QUAD BIKES: MANJIMUP TAFE CAMPUS – 1 FULL DAY 8:30am – 4:00pm
​
This course meets the WorkSafe course requirements as recommended for quad bike operators in agriculture and associated industries. The course is delivered onsite only using your organisations quad bike and property which will provide a personalised training. Training includes learning the process of maintaining and operating quad bikes (four wheeled), and learning the standard required to:

• Perform routine pre-operational checks and maintenance;
• Match, attach and operate equipment as described in the manufacturer's operator’s manual;
• Recognise and control hazards and risks;
• Safely operate quad bikes in a range of weather and terrain conditions;
• Monitor and maintain vehicle records.

See Operate Quad Bikes attachment for more information.
​CONTACT: Manjimup TAFE Administration on (08) 9771 7600 or manjimup@srtafe.wa.edu.au

WEBINAR: MANAGING PESTICIDE RESISTANCE IN VEGETABLE CROPS: 20 OCTOBER 2016, 12:30pm - 1:30pm
​
Pesticide resistance is an ongoing concern for the vegetable industry. Join Dr Paul Horne to find out more about how resistance arises, developing a resistance management strategy, and understanding all the control options available - biological, cultural and chemical. Participants will receive one month free access to their Integrated Pest Management advice hotline!
​CONTACT: Gordon Rogers (02) 9527 0826 gordon@ahr.com.au

FACEBOOK MARKETING WORKSHOP: INSIGHTS FOR SMALL BUSINESS – 20 OCTOBER 2016, 1:00pm – 4:00pm – BUSSELTON
​
Social media is such an influential tool in the small business world. This intermediate workshop covers the following topics:

• What is reputation management?
• Major consumer review sites  
• Negative and positive reviews - how to identify and respond
• Content strategy - create vs curate
• Relevant digital platforms you should use to monitor your online presence
• Working with Influencers
• Effectively communicating your online brand through influencers
• How to identify key influencers for your target market 

CONTACT: Tourism Council WA on 08 9416 0700.

ORCHIDUP & FARM OPEN DAY – SATURDAY 22 & SUNDAY 23 OCTOBER 2016 – 10:00am – 4:00pm - WALPOLE

David and Liz Edmonds invite you to come and celebrate spring in the wilderness and explore the wonderful world of orchids and rural life. The day will include orchids in flower and plants for sale, a 2km farm walk, a local artisan Pop Up Shop and light refreshments.
​See attached Orchidup Open Day flyer for more information.
​CONTACT: 9840 1105 or jacksplace@westnet.com.au

WA YOUNG ACHIEVER AWARDS – WAFARMERS AND RURAL BANK AGRICULTURE AWARD – NOMINATIONS CLOSE FRIDAY 13 JANUARY 2017.

WAFarmers and Rural Bank are calling for nominations from agricultural advocates who are making a difference in their community, for the 2016/2017 Western Australian Young Achiever Awards. The second annual event, which will be held in May next year, sees the establishment of an Agriculture Award, which is open to individuals involved in any sector of Western Australian agriculture.
To submit a nomination, visit http://www.awardsaustralia.com/young-achiever-awards/wa/  and select ‘Nominate Now’.
Nominations close Friday 13 January 2017. 
​CONTACT: 08 9201 1155 or wayaa@awardsaustralia.com. 

LOCAL HISTORY BOOK SEEKING LOCAL BUSINESS STORIES

Jane Muir and Ian Wilson are in the process of compiling a local history book on Manjimup. They are aiming to release an informative publication on all businesses that have operated in Manjimup between 1910 and 2016. Jane and Ian are asking all current and previous business owners to submit approximately 500 words on the background information of how their business came about and how long it was operational.
​For more information on what information they are looking for see attached Local History Book PDF.
CONTACT: Jane Muir on muirjem@gmail.com

NEW LAWS TO PROTECT SMALL BUSINESSES

Businesses will soon be protected from unfair contract terms due to a new law that comes into place from 12 November. If you’re a small business or farmer with less than  20 employees you will be able to  void any unfair contract conditions. A contract is deemed unfair if a party to the contract can: avoid or limit their obligations under the contract; terminate the contract; vary terms; and/or be penalised for breaching or terminating the contract.
Visit the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission by clicking the button below to find out more.
​CONTACT: Small Business Helpline 1300 302 021.