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The Shire of Gingin is pleased to announce to the community that it has successfully negotiated the services of Dr Oladapo (Dr Dapo) Alegbe to take on the Gingin Medical Practice.
Cr Kim Rule, the Chairman of the Medical Centre Committee, feels this is a terrific result. “Dr Dapo brings a great deal of experience to the practice,” he remarked. “The Committee and I hope that the community will be very welcoming of Dr Dapo who brings over 20 years of general practice proficiency to Gingin.
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Additionally, Dr Dapo will be providing extended hours to the practice and it will remain open to everyone. I’d like to thank the community on behalf of the Committee and the Shire for their patience over the past few months. I’d also like to encourage community members to come in and make themselves known to Dr Dapo who is really looking forward to meeting the community.”
Dr Dapo has had vast exposure to country service delivery over the past 15 years and he also has extensive experience in chronic disease management, mental health care, child health, women’s health, men’s health, geriatric skin care, skin cancer management, simple surgeries, emergency and acute care management, etc.
Dr Dapo hails from Nigeria and has been working in Australia predominantly in Queensland and Western Australia since 2010. Just recently Dr Dapo has been based in Northam as a contractor and at the Northam Hospital. Dr Dapo is also a WA GP Education & Training (WAGPET) supervisor and he has recently been supervising three registrars and other medical doctors on an independent assessment pathway. Further to this, Dr Dapo is also an examiner for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
Dr Dapo is a very experienced and professional General Practitioner who brings his wealth of knowledge and country experience to Gingin. The Gingin Medical Centre is very fortunate to have secured his services for the next five years. Council and staff look forward to working with him in future and hope that the community will enjoy and greatly benefit from Dr Dapo’s service.
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At 10.30am this morning in Guilderton at the foreshore the Shire of Gingin conducted an official launch for the Beach Emergency Number (BEN) signage system.
Approximately 35 key stakeholders were in attendance including community groups who were consulted and funding partners.
The BEN system is named in honour of fatal shark bite victim Ben Gerring, who lost his life after a shark bite incident in 2016. At the time, there were concerns about emergency services locating the closest beach access point. The BEN signs were consequently created to be a coding system that aims to improve emergency response times by installing signs with unique codes at public beach access points. These signs provide specific location information which is vital when emergency services are deployed in the event of a shark sighting, an attack or another beach emergency.
Recognising the benefit of this, in December 2017 the WA State Government launched a grants program to provide funding to install BEN signs along the West Australian coastline from Geraldton to the South Australian border.
The grants program has been developed and coordinated by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), which has also provided support to local governments in the development of their grant applications.
The locations chosen for each of these signs throughout the Shire of Gingin were determined by the Shire in consultation with the DPIRD, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) and with relevant community stakeholders and organisations – of which there were many.
The launch location of Guilderton was chosen because it was here in the Moore River that 2 drownings have occurred during the past 2 summer seasons. Sadly this beautiful location is one of the Shire’s most deadly so it was felt that it would be fitting to install the first of the Shire’s 66 BEN signs at this site. The remaining signs will gradually be installed over the next week or so from Wilbinga in the south of the Shire to Lancelin in the north and also at some inland locations. A copy of these locations may be requested from the Shire or will be viewable on the Shire’s website shortly and the SharkSmart App (free to download - www.sharksmart.com.au/staying-safe/beach-emergency-numbers) in a few weeks’ time.
It cannot be underestimated the number of precious seconds that can be gained from the utilisation of the BEN signs in an emergency. Every second counts so when you visit the beach, please take note of your nearest green and red BEN sign and the number on it which should be quoted in the event of a triple 0 call.
Bob James from St John Ambulance, Lancelin was invited forward by the Shire President, Wayne Fewster, to unveil the first of the BEN signs. He was instrumental in assisting the Shire, the DPIRD and the DBCA with this scheme and its installation. Bob identified many locations on behalf of the St John’s First Aid services where ambulance pickups occur most frequently within the Shire and he was also involved with consolidating and providing information on the best tracks to take to access the BEN locations and the type of vehicles required. Additionally he provided contact numbers to gain land access and he suggested other local services who could assist with the BEN sign locations.
The Shire would like to acknowledge and thank Bob and the key funding parties and organisations involved with the implementation of this system including the DPIRD, the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, Landgate, WA Police, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, St John Ambulance, DBCA, Shire staff (in particular Helen Sutherland & Renier De Beer) and the many community groups and organisations who donated their time and knowledge to help determine the locations for each of the 66 signs.
ENQUIRIES
Please contact the Shire on (08) 9575 5100 / mail@gingin.wa.gov.au or visit our website for further information which will be made available next week.
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Council Votes on New Direction
for Edward Island Point
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At last week’s Council Meeting, 2 x items were presented to Council to make a decision in relation to whether or not to keep the Edward Island Point Track open and allow vehicle access to the Point itself.
Addressing coastal erosion in Lancelin is arguably the largest issue facing Lancelin with significant erosion damage sustained to the Track during storm surge events this year and in previous seasons. A great deal of research has been undertaken in recent years by the Shire and Council in conjunction with ongoing community consultation with relevant parties in order to build strategies to address this issue. The resolution that was presented to Council was formulated at Council committee level with engagement undertaken with key stakeholders.
However, after taking into consideration the submissions received from the community, an alternative motion was put to Council that will allow seasonal access for 4 x 4 vehicles to the beach from the start of the existing Edward Island Point Track just south of the gates at the end of Grace Darling Park. The track will be open as conditions permit, meaning in the event of bad weather or changes in environmental factors (such as further erosion or excessive build-up of seaweed, etc.), the track will be closed temporarily. As part of its decision, Council authorised the CEO and the Executive Manager Operations to close the track as required but otherwise it will generally remain open to the public from September through to late April as conditions permit.
A section of the track will also be realigned to take a new route with the remainder of the track closed for the purpose of re-creating dunes, re-establishing vegetation and increasing the natural protection for both the Lancelin Caravan Park and Lancelin town site. The Shire’s Rangers will patrol this area and will prosecute parking on or near dunal vegetation so that the re-establishment of vegetation is protected. Past efforts by Council and community groups to environmentally shore up certain areas have been damaged by 4 x 4 drivers in the area so the Shire will ensure that these rehabilitation efforts are not jeopardised.
Council recognises that this decision will not please all of the Lancelin community as it did receive a strong number of submissions in support of the closure of the track. Ultimately however, Council is committed to ensuring the environmental protection of Lancelin (and all its coastal communities) but it is also committed to a healthy tourism industry.
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LAST DAY TOMORROW TO SUBMIT
AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD NOMINATIONS!
Visit www.citizenshipawards.com.au/nominate/ to nominate.
 COMMUNITY CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
A person you believe has delivered outstanding service to his or her community
COMMUNITY CITIZEN OF THE YEAR (YOUTH)
Under 25 as of 26 January 2020 - a young person you believe has
delivered outstanding service to his or her community
COMMUNITY CITIZEN OF THE YEAR (SENIOR)
Over 65 as of 26 January 2020 - an older person you believe has
delivered outstanding service to his or her community
ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP (group or event)
A group doing outstanding work or for an event staged in the
community during the past year
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Next Council Meeting
The next Ordinary Council Meeting is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, 17 November 2020 at 3:00pm. This meeting will be open to the public but attendance will be limited due to the continuation of the 2m² rule even though COVID-19 restrictions are changing for WA (hard border) as of 14 November. Questions for consideration during Public Question Time should be submitted prior to the meeting using the e-form available from the Shire’s website – www.gingin.wa.gov.au/council-meetings.
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The following road works are in progress for the next month:
- Ongoing construction of the Orange Springs Road $5.2 million upgrade
- Maintenance grading in the North East of the Shire
- Road patching as required
- Drainage works as required
- Undertaking slashing and fire breaks on Shire blocks and road verges
Further enquires about these works may be directed to the Shire's Operations team on (08) 9575 5100, option 7.
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2021 marks 150 years since the town site of Gingin was gazetted in 1871 is one of WA’s oldest towns. Its history is rich with stories of pioneers, stockmen and women, Aboriginal culture and many more memories of times gone by.
In honour of Gingin’s Sesquicentenary (150th), Council is arranging for a celebration to be held on Saturday, 9 October 2021 in Gingin. This anniversary event offers a unique and time sensitive opportunity to display and celebrate the founding history of Gingin and the Shire’s other communities by extension.
 GETTING INVOLVED
A Project Team is in the process of being established with key community representatives to be invited by Council. The Shire will be relying heavily on community involvement so whilst you may not be on the Project Team, we do encourage you to send an expression of interest to the Shire if you (or your organisation) would like to be involved. Council and the Project Team will also be seeking suggestions for activities to form part of the celebrations so if you have any ideas or want to volunteer to be involved then please click here to register your interest.
Community members from our other communities in our Shire are also invited to be involved as this event will not only showcase the history and attributes of Gingin but also our other communities who are closely linked with Gingin. So whether you’re from Lancelin, Guilderton, Seabird, Ledge Point or any of our other communities, please get involved. There are still a few years yet before the Shire’s other four gazetted town sites will reach their centenary (Guilderton – 2051, Lancelin – 2050, Ledge Point – 2055 and Seabird - 2068) but when their time comes we hope to celebrate these significant milestones too.
 GINGIN OUTDOOR ACTIVITY SPACE LAUNCH
One of the key events which will form part of the Sesquicentenary will be the proposed launch of the Gingin Outdoor Activity Space. This community driven initiative has been many months in the making with tenders for the construction of the Gingin Outdoor Activity Space officially invited as of Wednesday, 21 October. The Working Group for this initiative is to be congratulated for their efforts thus far as they have driven the progress of this project and Council looks forward to the community being able to enjoy this space when the proposed launch takes place at the Sesquicentenary next year.
 ENQUIRIES
Please contact the Shire’s Events Management Team on (08) 9575 5162 / events@gingin.wa.gov.au. |
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CALLING ALL FOOD AND BEVERAGE PRODUCERS
IN THE SHIRES OF GINGIN, CHITTERING
AND DANDARAGAN!
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) in partnership with the Wheatbelt Development Commission (WDC) and the Northern Growth Alliance (a collaboration between the Shire of Gingin, Shire of Chittering and Shire of Dandaragan), are producing a Central Coast Wheatbelt Food & Beverage Capability Guide to be released in late 2020.
The Guide is aimed at all Wheatbelt food and beverage producers and manufacturers in the Northern Growth Alliance (NGA) area who sell their products direct to consumers or via a retailer wholesaler.
It’s a virtually unknown fact that according the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the NGA region produces more of Western Australia’s fruit and vegetables than any other region by a significant margin including Peel, Kununurra, Harvey and the Gascoyne. Additionally, it also produces a significant amount of beef, lamb, seafood, other meats and honey in addition to many value-add products such as wine, cheese, preserves, jams and more.
FREE for all businesses to participate in, this Guide will be produced in an accessible and interactive, easy to share digital format which will ultimately link products with potential buyers.
Showcasing local food and beverage products by increasing awareness and raising the profile of our regions finest offerings - it’s a perfect opportunity for all producers to connect their product range directly with consumers and wholesalers both within and outside of the region.
The Central Coast Wheatbelt Guide is the fourth in a series of regional food and beverage guides with successful guides having already been developed for the Mid-West and the other two for the Great Southern and Kimberley close to completion. There will be more regional guides to follow with the view of creating a state-wide capture of food and beverage producers in WA.
DPIRD, WDC and the NGA plan to gather information from as many local producers as possible over the next couple of months (the deadline to submit is 30 November 2020) from those who might be interested in showcasing their products.
There is NO COST to be involved and producers can be included by completing a short online form (available by clicking here) which also allows for the uploading of photos and a copy of your logo.
Help us connect you to your ideal customers!
If you have questions please contact the Project Coordinator, Miranda Wallace, at the Shire of Gingin via cmo@gingin.wa.gov.au or call (08) 9575 5150.
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North Link Extension between Gingin & Chittering
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The State Government is proposing to extend the new North Link (Tonkin Highway) even further north to create the Great Northern Highway Bindoon Bypass (GNHBB). The Bypass will pass along the boundary line between the Shire of Gingin and the Shire of Chittering to connect to the upgraded New Norcia bypass. It will be 66km in total length including construction of 61.6km of new highway and 4.4km of improvements to the existing highway.
Map of Bindoon Bypass
The proposed Bindoon Bypass will reduce vehicle kilometres travelled by enabling triple road trains to travel along the entire length of the corridor (which they currently can’t do), thereby avoiding the need to stop and decouple at Wubin.
There is strategic merit for the project given the importance of the Great Northern Highway as a freight link between Perth’s metropolitan area and Australia’s north-west.
The majority of the project’s benefits are vehicle operating cost savings. There will also be travel-time savings, reduced environmental emissions and safety benefits through the removal of trucks from Bindoon’s town centre.
At this point in time it is proposed that the road construction works will commence in 1 – 2 years.
Further information about the proposed bypass is available from:
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Military Training - Lancelin Defence Training Area
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The Department of Defence has advised the Shire of Gingin of the following activities that will be occurring at the Lancelin Defence Training Area over the next few months.
- 26 - 30 Oct – Defence activities - no live firing
- 9-12 Nov – Defence activities - no live firing
- 21 - 26 Nov – Live fire activities. Beach will be closed during the weekend
- 23 - 27 Nov – Live fire activities, some large explosions. The beach may be closed for some period during these dates.
- 30 Nov - 04 Dec – Live fire activities
- 7 - 11 Dec – Live fire activities
The Lancelin Defence Training Area is a coastal dune area used as a naval gunnery range, air bombing range and for navy clearance diver explosives training, army engineers and other training. It has also been used for SAS and counter-terrorism training. The range covers 13,000 hectares.
This information is being shared in the interest of advising the community to expect this activity in the area during the next few months.
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Are your Fire Breaks ready for Inspection?
From 1 November inspections of your fire breaks and your property for hazard compliance will commence. As a measure to control and/or prevent the spread of bush fires within the Shire of Gingin, all owners and occupiers of land within the Shire's district are required to clear fire breaks and maintain those fire breaks from November to May annually. Your Fire Break Orders (issued by post earlier this year) contain instructions for what your requirements are. If you have misplaced your copy however, then copies are available online from the Shire's website. Visit www.gingin.wa.gov.au/services/emergency-services/firebreak-orders.aspx.
🚜 FIRE BREAK CONTRACTORS
Your orders also contain a list of Fire Break Contractors and their contact details if you need assistance with undertaking your fire breaks.
🍂 ADDITIONAL WORKS
Once inspections commence you may receive a works notice to undertake additional work. This happens from time to time when your fuel load is calculated to be too high by the inspecting officer. You are encouraged in the first instance to contact the officer who issued the notice to discuss the required works if you have any queries. More information about fuel loads is available by clicking here for a fact sheet from the Shire's website.
Together we can help reduce the bush fire risk for this bushfire season to ensure the safety of our community, firefighters and yourself. |
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COVID-19 Restrictions - Hard Border Update
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As of today the State Government has announced WA will tentatively open its hard border as of 14 November. The 2m² rule unfortunately does remain in place so community members may be asked to use sanitiser when you visit our facilities and to register to attend Council Meetings. A full list of affected services can be found on the Shire’s website.
The hire of the community bus still remains unavailable for the time being until further restrictions are relaxed.
Please Remember: social distancing measures still remain in place if you visit our facilities. Please maintain 1.5m between yourself and the nearest person. We encourage you to make use of the available hand sanitiser but most importantly, if you are unwell please stay home.
Further information about the hard border opening is available from the State Government's website.
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The Green Waste Kerbside Collection has concluded and now mulch generated from the green waste is available for collection FREE of charge to all Shire of Gingin residents.
The following is a list of locations where the mulch may be collected from. Please take only what you need.
- Gingin – Recreation Centre
- Guilderton – Old Cricket Pitch
- Lancelin – Shire Depot (open yard on crn Masters & Mullins)
- Ledge Point – Fire Shed
- Ocean Farms – Community Hall
- Redfield Park – Fire Shed
- Seabird – Tennis Courts
- Seaview Park – Community Hall
- Sovereign Hill – At the Entrance of the Estate
- Woodridge – Fire Shed
Further enquires may be directed to Danica Todd at the Shire Depot on (08) 9575 5100, option 7. |
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New Summer Suite Lineup for 2021! 
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The Shire is excited to announce a brand new line up of events for the Shire’s Summer Suite of Events 2021.
It’s been a long year with few social engagements thanks to COVID-19 with the Gingin Triathlon as one of the first casualties. However, 2021 is a brand new year and the Shire has a great line up sure to entertain many.
Things will kick off on 9 January with an old favourite –  MUSIC IN THE PARK in Gabbadah. Second on the list is the  AUSTRALIA DAY PICNIC BREAKFAST at Neergabby on 26 January which joins the Shire’s Summer Suite of Events this year. Previously this event was held separately. The third event will be the much anticipated return of the    GINGIN TRIATHLON and coming in April will be a brand new event – an  ARTS FESTIVAL to be held in Lancelin.
Going forwards the Shire will run 1 x triathlon per year in either Gingin or Lancelin. In 2022 the triathlon will therefore take place in Lancelin. In the year that either town is not hosting the event, an alternate event will take place instead which is consequently why Lancelin will host an Arts Festival in 2021.
The Party in the Park event (Lancelin) and the Music & Melody in the Park event (Ledge Point) have been retired from the Summer Suite of Events with the Shire keen to refresh the program.
All of the events for 2021 are  FREE to attend except for the Gingin Triathlon which has a participation fee. The Shire’s Summer Suite of Events is brought to you by the Shire of Gingin in partnership with Bendigo Bank -
Gingin Community Bank Branch & Lancelin Branch.
ENQUIRIES
Contact the Shire’s Events Team – (08) 9575 5162 / events@gingin.wa.gov.au.
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The Shire's Gingin and Lancelin Libraries have long been a large part of the communities of the Shire and recently they’ve officially joined the online social circle of Facebook. Give them a ‘Like’ and ‘Follow’ to stay up to date with them!
In today’s modern world they are more than just books – they provide a whole range of services such as:
 Adult and children’s events
Rhyme & Story Time sessions
Books, DVDs and audio books for loan
Online access to eBooks, eMagazines, video streaming and audio books
Pop in and say ‘hi’ to Yasmin in Gingin or Shana & Lyn in Lancelin. They can’t wait to meet you! |
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New Rhyme & Story Time Days and Times!
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RFT 02/2020
CONSTRUCTION OF GINGIN OUTDOOR ACTIVITY SPACE
Tenders closing at 4.00pm on 13 November 2020 are invited for the Construction of the Gingin Outdoor Activity Space.
Tender Documents
Apply to Lee-Anne Burt - (08) 9575 5130 / lburt@gingin.wa.gov.au.
General Enquiries
Contact Allister Butcher (Executive Manager Operations) - (08) 9575 5100 / mail@gingin.wa.gov.au.
All tenders must be clearly marked PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL – RFT 03/2020 CONSTRUCTION OF GINGIN LEVEL 3 INCIDENT CONTROL CENTRE & CO-LOCATION FACILITY and either placed in the tender box at the Shire’s Administration Centre, 7 Brockman St, Gingin or posted to the CEO, Shire of Gingin, PO Box 510, Gingin WA 6503 by the due date and time. Emailed or faxed tenders will not be accepted.
*The lowest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted and canvassing of Councillors will disqualify the tenderer.
Aaron Cook
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
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RFT 03/2020 - CONSTRUCTION OF GINGIN LEVEL 3 INCIDENT
CONTROL CENTRE & CO-LOCATION FACILITY
Tenders closing at 4.00pm on 27 November 2020 are invited for a Level 3 Incident Control Centre and Co-Location Facility in Gingin.
Tender Documents
Apply to Lee-Anne Burt - (08) 9575 5130 / lburt@gingin.wa.gov.au.
General Enquiries
Contact Phil Barrett (Community Emergency Services Manager) - (08) 9575 5100 / mail@gingin.wa.gov.au.
All tenders must be clearly marked PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL – RFT 03/2020 CONSTRUCTION OF GINGIN LEVEL 3 INCIDENT CONTROL CENTRE & CO-LOCATION FACILITY and either placed in the tender box at the Shire’s Administration Centre, 7 Brockman St, Gingin or posted to the CEO, Shire of Gingin, PO Box 510, Gingin WA 6503 by the due date and time. Emailed or faxed tenders will not be accepted.
*The lowest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted and canvassing of Councillors will disqualify the tenderer.
Aaron Cook
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
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Got Questions? We've got Answers!
Local government is more than just roads, rates and rubbish – in today’s modern world we handle a wide range of services and issues right across the Shire of Gingin.
We’ll continue working hard to keep you informed and up-to-date with the latest happenings throughout the Shire however sometimes you may have a question on a topic we haven’t talked about in a while or perhaps you want to report an issue you’ve noticed. In this case we more than welcome your questions, feedback and reports!
Contact the Shire on (08) 9575 5100 / mail@gingin.wa.gov.au or drop us a line on our Facebook page. |
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Let's work together to stop the spread of COVID-19
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Please practice good hand hygiene and social distancing
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WA COVID-19 HOTLINE 132 68 43
AUSTRALIAN COVID-19 HOTLINE 1800 020 080
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COVID-19 Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is general guidance and should not replace professional advice concerning individual circumstances. The pandemic continues to evolve and the accuracy of the information contained in this newsletter cannot be guaranteed should the situation have changed following the date of issue for this newsletter.
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