Scrap metal yard to get facelift

Cogman Scrap Metal has changed hands.

Ashley Patterson has sold the Webberton business to Perth-based AAA Metal Recycling, his longstanding customer that exports scrap metals in containers.

Mr Patterson said he would continue working in the business, which would now trade as Mid West Metal Recycling.

“We are cleaning the yard up and giving it a facelift,” he said.

“There will be all-new gear, totally new equipment for the yard, new trucks and everything.”

Mr Patterson said Mid West Metal Recycling would also establish a larger yard on Rudds Gully Road for steel, and the former Cogman operation would be dedicated to non-ferrous metals under his part-time management.

He said he bought the business almost 15 years ago.

Pollinators City Hive has received a Federal “incubator support” grant to gain access to top-quality research, managerial and technical talent by seconding experts.

Space lead Angie West said the money would be used to conduct a joint program with other business incubators in the Wheatbelt, South West and Great Southern.

“This will support innovation practitioners who will then provide on-ground specialised support to start-ups and entrepreneurs in their regions,” she said.

Ms West said the program would begin in May with workshops, one-on-one coaching sessions and other activities led by experienced innovation facilitator Nate Sturcke.

The Community Group of Greenough held a brainstorming session recently to come up with new fundraising ideas for the Greenough Pioneer Museum and Gardens.

The museum needs to find $20,000 to replace the annual grant it used to receive from the City of Greater Geraldton for operational funding.

The museum is a link to the Greenough district’s earliest history as it occupies the pioneering Maley family’s homestead.

The building’s corner location on the Brand Highway puts it in a good position to attract passing tourist trade.

Regional Development Australia co-ordinator Barbara Thompson led the workshop, which was attended by community members and Maley family members, who travelled up from Perth.

A new chief executive has been appointed to St John of God Geraldton Hospital.

Scott Daczko has previously been director of nursing, midwifery and community services at a Sydney hospital and he has more than 20 years experience as a nurse in public and private hospitals.

He had acted as St John of Geraldton Hospital chief executive since January and was formally appointed this month.

The hospital is a 60-bed facility providing general surgery, orthopaedic surgery, maternity care and chemotherapy.

NAB has announced it will keep all its branches in rural and regional Australia until at least January, 2021.

NAB’s 31 non-metropolitan branches in WA include Kalbarri, Geraldton and Three Springs.