President’s Message
Christmas
As 2014 draws to a close, on behalf of Council may I wish everyone a merry Christmas and a safe and healthy New Year. As the State road death toll increases, it is timely to heed the warning messages at this time of year; don’t drink and drive, don’t drive tired, wear seatbelts, restrain your children correctly and pay attention to driving your vehicle. The white crosses along the roadside are stark reminders of what can go wrong in an instant. The Wheatbelt has a disproportionate share of deaths so watch out for yourselves and others.
Fire hazards
We have had a mild start to summer but the real heat is on its way. We have had a few fires already this season and our volunteer fire fighters are looking for a quiet December/January. Please ensure that all precautions are taken to minimise fire risks and dial 000 in the event of a fire emergency.
Shop Local
Our local retailers rely on a good December trade to offset a less than idyllic January quiet period, as many people are away on holidays, so please support your local businesses so that they can support you in 2015.
2015
With the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli in 2015, the Shire has commissioned a bronze statue of Northam’s Hugo Throssell VC which is expected to be unveiled in early April. The statue will be located in the Avon Mall, opposite the Northam Boulevard entrance area. The mall will have “Hugo Throssell VC Walk” signage erected as we really try once and for all to commemorate the heroic feats this son of WA State Premier and Northam Mayor George Throssell achieved in Turkey in 1915.
Christmas & New Year - Office & Service Closures
Library News
Northam Library
Finding it hard to get into the Christmas spirit, then come join us in the Children’s Library, Thursday’s from 6.00pm for Christmas carols with the wonderful choir from Sing Australia and listen along with the children and parents to Christmas stories old and new; And while you are here, post your letter to Santa or check his board to see if your reply has arrived.
This January adventure is a foot in the Northam and Wundowie Libraries where clues need to be deciphered and mystery’s solved. Calling all children 6 – 12 years come join us for a summer book club of adventure and fun each week (details of time and day can be found on the Library web page at www.northam.wa.gov.au/libraries.aspx)
Our adventure will culminate in a gigantic end of summer party at the Northam Town Hall on the 30th of January. There will be games and prizes, a DJ and a funtastic Scholastic book fair, with each child receiving certificates for all the children who helped us solve the mystery as well as the chance to be the winner of our gigantic mystery raffle.
The libraries also have a packed program for children these school holidays, starting on the 6th of January with most of them free. With something for everyone from art to Warhammer, the clubs will run from Tuesday through to Thursday. Registration is essential as we have a limited number of places. More information can be found on the library web page.
Library Closure Dates December 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th
January 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 31st
Rubbish & Recycling Collection - Christmas Week 2014
Rubbish and recycling services scheduled to be collected on Thursday 25th December will be collected on Friday 26th December 2014. All services will be as normal for the New Year Week.
For more details, visit www.avonwaste.com.au/shire-of-northam
Asbestos Awareness
NOvember was national Asbestos Awareness Month. In the lead-up to Asbestos Awareness Day, all Australians especially homeowners, renovators tradies and handymen need to Get to kNOw Asbestos NOvember by visiting www.asbestosawareness.com.au and take the 20 Point Asbestos Safety Check to learn how to protect themselves and families from exposure to dangerous asbestos fibres.
Mesothelioma is a cancer that mostly affects the lining of the lungs and develops between 20-50 years after inhaling asbestos fibres. There is no cure and the average survival time after diagnosis is 10-12 months. Inhaling asbestos fibres may also cause other diseases such as lung cancer, asbestosis and benign pleural disease.
Asbestos could be anywhere! Under floor coverings such as carpets, linoleum and vinyl tiles, behind wall and floor tiles, in cement floors, internal and external walls, ceilings and ceiling space (insulation), eaves, garages, roofs, around hot water pipes, fences, extensions to homes, garages, outdoor toilets, backyard and farm sheds, chook sheds and even dog kennels.
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