Mid West music to revive old Geraldton railway station

Geraldton’s original railway station will be given a new lease on life when a musicians’ collective moves in to try out the venue for outdoor concerts and artists’ workshops.

The City of Greater Geraldton Council on Tuesday approved new local group Regional Sounds Incorporated to use the former Geraldton Visitor Centre at the old railway building on Marine Terrace and the adjacent decking space to pilot music programs, including performances and development sessions.

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In its submission to the council, RSI described itself as dedicated to fostering the growth, and supporting pathways for the development of, regionally based musicians through skills-focused programs.

Well-known local artists and industry personalities associated with the organisation include founder Alexia Parenzee, Sarah O’Malley, James Thompson, Darcy Hay, Ashton Ryan, Rhyce Elliott, Tyson Overstone, Aaron Maunder and Phil Mullins.

Ms Parenzee the organisation was in its early days of its development, its members were looking forward to having a public launch soon. “We are very excited by this development stage and we are already attracting considerable interest from within the local music community, and wider public who are supportive of this type of initiative,” she said.

The building is owned by the State Government but managed by the City, with the two in a battle over its zoning, which only allows it to be rented to community groups and not to commercial operations.

Cr Jennifer Critch moved the item, saying it would be great to see an empty building in the central business district being used.

“(It’s) a great way to showcase our artists,” she said.

“I can’t wait to see the results and well done to the Regional Sounds for this exciting initiative.”

This is actually a really good outcome in terms of a short-term lease on that property. We know there’s some complications around it so it will be good to see that activated for a little while.

“This is actually a really good outcome in terms of a short-term lease on that property,” she said.

“We know there’s some complications around it so it will be good to see that activated for a little while.

“I actually attended the (West Australian Music Sounds of the Mid West) concert on Friday night and it was fantastic, a wonderful display of Mid West talent, so anything that can support and enable that sector is fantastic.”

RSI is set to enter into a three-month licence agreement, with an option to renew for two months, after a public consultation period advertising the decision.

The licensee fee is set at $1, excluding occupation costs such as utilities and costs associated with the licence.