Latest news with #Seroja
West Australian
26-05-2025
- General
- West Australian
Mid West trio presented with respective medals following Australia Day honours
Australia Day honours for a Mid West trio were officially presented at a ceremony earlier this month, recognising their significant contributions to the community. On Australia Day this year, Geraldton resident Peter Stratford OAM and Jurien Bay's Robin Randall OAM were awarded their respective Medals of the Order of Australia, with the medals officially handed over at Government House by WA Governor Chris Dawson. Mr Stratford, who has lived in Geraldton for the past 20 years, has held a number of roles within the community. In particular, his contribution to the Drummond Cove Progress Association and Fishability contributed heavily to his nomination. His volunteering record is extensive, having previously been a career firefighter in NSW. Mr Stratford previously told the Geraldton Guardian the honour was a nod to all volunteers who gave their time for noble causes. 'I think there are a lot of people around Geraldton, volunteers, different services, different organisations,' he said. 'So I'm accepting this on behalf of all the volunteers and services — police, fire brigade, ambulance, doctors, everything. 'There are a lot of worthy recipients around Geraldton who dedicate enormous amounts of time for no pay or anything. They just do it because they really, really like to help people.' Jurien Bay's Robin Randall was honoured posthumously, following his significant contribution in the Shire of Dandaragan. He was recognised most notably through his service to Marine Rescue Jurien Bay, where he volunteered for more than 30 years. His daughter Sandra said it was the epitome of her father's character. 'He saw there was a need for radio operators and when he threw himself into anything, he did so wholeheartedly,' she said. 'He took on pretty much every single role there was. He did his cert four so that he could do the official training. 'He loved it and lived it, he was down at the base almost every day during the summer.' Meanwhile, another Australia Day honour went to Geraldton-based paramedic Nic Chadbourne ASM. The 44-year-old was one of the first community paramedics, and was awarded the Ambulance Service Medal on Australia Day. Over 17 years, Mr Chadbourne has been invaluable when responding to emergencies and disasters over his paramedic career, including assisting in 2021 through cyclone Seroja.
West Australian
26-05-2025
- Politics
- West Australian
Mid West representatives sworn into Legislative Council as new Upper House begins
The Mid West's members of the Legislative Council have been sworn in to WA's Upper House, with two of them taking their seats for the first time. Nationals pair Julie Freeman and Rob Horstman, from Mullewa and Northampton respectively, were voted in after the party earned two seats in the Legislative Council. After initially waiting 39 days for their political fates to be confirmed, the pair were officially sworn in as MPs on Thursday. Their election to Parliament marks the first time either of them has been elected at the State level. Speaking to the Geraldton Guardian earlier this year, Ms Freeman said her living in Mullewa led to her path to politics, saying the area has been neglected for years. She said the condition of Geraldton-Mt Magnet Road was 'disgraceful', saying it was one of a number of forgotten projects. 'That would never be allowed to happen in an urban area, can you imagine a road being left in that condition in Geraldton? Never mind Perth,' she said. 'The hospital redevelopment in Mullewa which was all going ahead in 2017, we are still waiting in 2025. 'We are out of sight, out of mind, and completely forgotten.' Mr Horstman's drive came through volunteering during cyclone Seroja, where he said strong leadership was needed when the Government wasn't doing enough to assist. He said he was humbled to earn a spot in Parliament. 'I see my role as being one of fostering a government that truly represents all Western Australians, regardless of where they live,' he said. 'While I am deeply committed to advocating for the unique needs and interests of our rural and regional communities I am also conscious that I represent constituents all over Western Australia and I will certainly have this in mind when I take the floor of Parliament.' Meanwhile, earning a second term was Labor's Sandra Carr, who in 2021 was elected as a member for the Agricultural Region. After the Upper House changed to encompass the whole State rather than specific areas, Ms Carr was re-elected after being 14th on her party's ticket. She said last week she was keen on stepping up for Geraldton, after Labor lost its Lower House representative in Lara Dalton. 'I have predominantly kept a very light touch in Geraldton because that was (Ms Dalton's) domain, and that means that I will be working a lot harder in this region as well, which is a challenge that I am up for and really looking forward to stepping into,' she said.
Condé Nast Traveler
06-05-2025
- Condé Nast Traveler
Seroja — Restaurant Review
What were your first impressions when you arrived? Seroja's location, in a shiny, mixed-use development, is somewhat unexpected for a restaurant with such soul and sensitivity. But it's appropriate for a place dedicated to the flavors of the Malay Archipelago—this neighborhood used to be the seat of Malay royalty in the region. Inside, you'll pass a botanical arrangement inspired by lush tropical forests before entering a soothing space that's all curved edges and organic contours; a reflection of the shape of the islands in the archipelago. At its center is an open kitchen—the best seats in the house are the 13 that run along the counter here, where you can see all the action. What's the crowd like? Serious foodies out for a culinary adventure; folks celebrating a special occasion. What should we be drinking? The wine list, while compact, has won awards for its curation. But it's the non-alcoholic pairing menu—a series of in-house brews that includes things like fizzy oolong tea with lemon oil shrub and smoked seaweed broth—that really showcases the team's skill and creativity. Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss. There are fixed menus for lunch and dinner, each averaging about 10 courses. The food marries ingredients typical of the region, like traditional herbs, with rare local produce, such as rice from a remote Borneo tribe, creating explosive and unique flavor combinations that you're not likely to taste anywhere else. Come hungry and practice restraint (especially when the bread course, a wonderfully fragrant pull-apart loaf served with Johorean butter, is set in front of you). And how did the front-of-house folks treat you? Seroja's front-of-house team is led by general manager Long Tran, one of the most experienced people in the business, so as you might expect this is one smooth operation. What's the real-real on why we're coming here? Fine-dining has become almost uniform over the years, with the same ingredients that draw top dollar appearing on menus all over the world. Seroja's food has a distinct identity and sense of place, making this a culinary experience worth traveling to Singapore for.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
ATO warning over Centrelink payment as 82 per cent of Aussies get it wrong
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has warned businesses about reporting their income correctly if they received a natural disaster payment this year. Services Australia has dished out multiple forms of these payments due to flooding in different parts of the country. While the Centrelink cash boost has come from a government agency, the ATO has issued a reminder that it's still part of your assessable income. The tax office recently quizzed business owners about this and 82 per cent of them got it wrong. "The answer depends on the 'type' of support payment received," the ATO said. Accountant reveals 'easy' ATO tax hack giving Aussies 'big' $8,287 refunds Woolworths worker with three jobs shares bank balance as average Aussie savings revealed Banks reveal impact after Aussies try to drain ATMs in cashless protest Some support payments handed out by Services Australia don't need to be included on your tax return, and you don't have to pay any tax on them. However, the ATO has a very short list of what those payments are: Cyclone Seroja 11 April 2021 2021 storms and floods recovery grant 2019–2020 Bushfires Relief recovery payment 2019 North Queensland floods recovery grants 2019 Restocking, replanting or farm infrastructure grantsThat means the disaster payments from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, for example, which hit northern NSW and southeast Queensland in late February, need to be included on your tax return and could form part of your assessable income. The ATO said you can be entitled to claim a deduction on these payments, but only if you used the money to: purchase replacement trading stock or new assets repair your business premises and fit out pay for other business expenses Assistance payments from private funds, charitable groups or crowdfunding platforms to help you pay for your business expenses also need to be declared on your tax return. Services Australia spokesperson Hank Jongen told Yahoo Finance there was a lot of confusion when these natural disaster payments were issued after Cyclone Alfred. The federal government works with state and territory governments to provide support to people affected by a natural disaster event, and they can dish out payments under the umbrella of the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). Within the DRFA, those affected by Cyclone Alfred could have accessed the following: Emergency/Personal Hardship Assistance Grants (NSW & Queensland): $180 for individuals and up to $900 for families to cover essentials like food, clothing, and medicine. Essential Services Hardship Assistance (Queensland): $150 per person, up to $750 for families of five or more, to assist with immediate needs following the loss of essential services at home for more than five consecutive days. Essential Household Contents Grants (Queensland): Up to $1,765 for individuals and up to $5,300 for couples or families to replace destroyed essential household contents. Structural Assistance Grants (Queensland): Up to $80,000 for uninsured, income-tested owner-occupiers to help repair or replace a disaster-damaged dwelling and restore it to a safe and habitable condition. Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme (Queensland): There are two parts to this grant – uninsured, low-income, owner-occupiers may receive: But more broadly, these are the usual payments you can receive after a natural disaster: Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA): This can provide up to 13 weeks of income support for people living and working in affected areas who have lost some or all of their income due to the disaster. It's paid at either the JobSeeker or Youth Allowance rate, depending on your personal circumstances. The maximum Jobseeker amount per fortnight is $1,011.50, meaning the most you could receive over the 13 weeks would be around $6,574. The allowance is paid fortnightly from the date you started losing income as a direct result of the disaster. Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP): This is a one-off payment of $1,000 per adult and $400 per child for those who were significantly affected by the disaster and need assistance. For example, if your principal place of residence has been destroyed or sustained major damage as a direct result of the disaster. So, if you received any of these in the past few months, as well as the flooding assistance for those affected in Western Australia, you'll need to chuck these on your tax return.
West Australian
01-05-2025
- Politics
- West Australian
2025 Federal election: Durack candidates have their final say ahead of polls on Saturday
Ahead of the 2025 Federal election on Saturday, the Geraldton Guardian reached out to the nine candidates in the Durack electorate so they could deliver their final pitch to voters. Here's what they had to say on why they deserve your vote, in order of how they appear on the ballot. Melissa Price (Liberal) I've had the privilege of representing Durack since 2013. Over the past 12 years, I've worked hard to deliver the infrastructure and services our vast electorate deserves — better roads, mobile coverage, NBN upgrades, and support for local mining and council projects. I am proud of the Liberal Party's strong commitment to mental health, including new headspace centres across Durack, which are making a real difference for young people and families. One of my proudest achievements is helping establish the Pilbara Kimberley University Centre, which is transforming access to regional education and workforce development. My team and I have helped thousands of constituents resolve complex issues with Centrelink, the NDIS, veterans services and immigration. We live here, we understand the challenges, and we care deeply about the people we serve. This Saturday, I ask for your support to continue delivering for Durack with experience, energy and determination and a Liberal government ready to get Australia back on track. Kat Wright (Legalise Cannabis) Lisa Simpson once said: 'The whole damn system is wrong.' And let's be honest — she's right. In Durack and across regional Australia, people are doing it tough while the same old systems protect the few and leave the rest of us behind. Whether it's housing, jobs, farming, or climate — what we have isn't working. It's time for a reset. That's why I'm running for the Legalise Cannabis Party — not just to legalise hemp, but to use it to build something better. Hemp can power real, grassroots reform: affordable housing made from hempcrete, jobs in regional processing, regenerative farming that heals our land, and a circular economy where waste becomes opportunity. This isn't a pipedream — it's a practical, profitable and sustainable path forward that starts right here in Durack. Martin Luther King Jr warned us against political apathy when he said: 'If you fail to act now, history will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clammer of the bad people but the appalling silence of the good people.' I won't be silent. I will stand up because our system needs fixing. Together we can overGROW the government. Bailey Kempton (Nationals) During the aftermath of cyclone Seroja, I witnessed the neglect that regional people face even during crises. In Durack, we work hard, and we love where we live, but we get only a fraction back of what we contribute to the nation's economy. We're being let down by the Government, and we need a different approach. We deserve access to quality health care, education and to travel on well-maintained roads. It's clear that families are struggling with the cost of living and need real action that will help their back pocket now, not in 15 months. By halving fuel excise, we will provide immediate relief to those who need it most. I decided to run for politics after becoming tired of watching these issues persist without change. The current Government seems unconcerned about the opinions of Australians, especially those outside the city. This is confirmed through recent remarks by a senior Labor member about the Voice being inevitable, despite the referendum result. My campaign has been about stepping up, engaging with the community, hearing your concerns and offering a different choice. Durack needs someone with common sense who won't back down in the fight because where we live is worth fighting for. Mark Berry (One Nation) Durack stands at a crossroads. We can stick with the same failed policies that have made life harder, or we can choose a new path —one that puts everyday Australians first. For too long, both major parties have put ideology ahead of common sense. They've driven up the cost of living, neglected essential services and allowed our freedoms to erode. That must end. As your One Nation candidate, I won't make empty promises. I will fight to reduce the tax burden on working Australians and eliminate billions in government waste. I stand for real reform — not more bureaucracy. Freedom of speech must be protected. It's a cornerstone of our democracy, and I will work to enshrine it in our Constitution. The major parties won't defend this right — but I will. As a proud Australian Army veteran, I served this country to protect our values. I won't stand by while they're stripped away. This election is about reclaiming our voice, restoring our freedoms and building a fairer future for all Australians. With your support and trust, we can lead that change — together. Jason Hunter (Indigenous — Aboriginal Party of Australia) As a Nykina man, I'm running to finally put First Nations voices at the heart of Durack's future. For too long, our communities have been sidelined while politicians treat Indigenous issues as political wedges. My first priority is protecting the Martuwarra (Fitzroy River) and all our precious waterways from fracking and over-extraction, respecting 60,000 years of Indigenous water stewardship that major parties continue to ignore. The cost-of-living crisis demands more than temporary rebates. I'll fight to break the Coles/Woolworths duopoly through enforced ACCC reforms and invest in regional food security projects to actually lower prices at the checkout. Unlike the majors who protect mining profits, I'll make corporations pay their fair share to fund lasting solutions. On housing, I'll push to tax vacant properties, cap investor tax perks, and expand safe caravan park spaces for those struggling to find homes. For health care, we'll clean contaminated water supplies and replace punitive approaches with proper mental health support and preventative care focused on nutrition and healthy living. Durack deserves an economy beyond mining booms. I'll champion sustainable industries like hemp and renewables, fight to keep rural hospitals open, and create Indigenous-led housing and education programs with real job pathways. Healing country begins when traditional knowledge guides decision-making. After generations of empty promises, I'll bring that change to Canberra. Maarten Kornaat (Trumpet of Patriots) Putting Australians First. I will fight to ease the cost of living by introducing a 15 per cent iron ore mining levy, with proceeds used to reduce national debt and raise the tax-free income threshold. Education must be a right, not a burden — university will be free for Australian citizens, and all HECS debts will be forgiven. Government waste will be addressed through a full audit, with spending redirected to benefit Australian citizens and interests. I will fight to restore freedom by reducing government overreach, eliminating red tape, and empowering individuals and small businesses, especially in regional areas. Farmers must be free to farm, and doctors free to heal patients without interference. A royal commission into the government's COVID-19 response will be launched to identify failings, ensure accountability and learnings will be implemented to protect our rights. Australia's sovereignty comes first. I will review all international memberships, including with the WEF (World Economic Forum) and WHO, to ensure they align with national interests. All public-private partnerships will be audited to guarantee they serve the Australian people — not foreign or corporate agendas. I will be listening to and addressing the concerns of the people of Durack. Let's shape the future of Australia together! Karen Wheatland (Labor) I'm running because Durack deserves better — better health care, better jobs and a future our kids can actually afford. Real change doesn't happen from the sidelines. It happens when you're in the room, helping to make the decisions that matter. Voting Labor is the best way to get things done — on cost of living, climate, housing, health care — all the everyday big stuff. The Albanese Labor Government has a real plan to deliver cost-of-living relief, build more things right here, and make housing more accessible. Labor's already delivering — from Medicare Urgent Care Clinics to major road upgrades — and I want to keep Durack moving forward, not backwards under Peter Dutton. I've lived the life so many in Durack are living right now. I've worked the boats, raised my kids on my own, and fought hard to survive each day. I know what it's like to be stretched, doing your best, and still turning up. That's the kind of representative I'll be — someone who shows up, fights smart, and never forgets where they came from. Durack deserves someone who gets it. I do. And I'm ready to get to work. Brendan Sturcke (Greens) Durack is a remarkable electorate, my time as a farmhand and in the mining industry has created deep ties with the area and I'm excited to be able to offer people the opportunity to vote for real change. We know farmers and fishers are some of the most affected by the climate crisis and supermarket price gouging, which is why we're pushing for stronger climate action and strengthening protections like making the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct mandatory. As I've travelled across the electorate, the overwhelming feedback I've been receiving is people are feeling abandoned by the Government. We know local communities have the answers to the problems they're facing, we need to be listening and working with people on the ground to find meaningful solutions. Now isn't the time to be tinkering around the edges, the majority of people are struggling with housing, cost of living, and health and the Government must act. The Greens are the only party taking real action on the climate and cost-of-living crises. This election is a pivotal moment in history, not only for the planet but also the people of Durack. Nothing changes if you don't vote for it. Australian Christians candidate Eugenie Harris did not respond to the Geraldton Guardian's request for comment.
