Geraldton’s most influential: 21 people in the Mid West who are changing the face of Geraldton

Who are Geraldton’s most influential people in 2019? While some occupy positions that are well-paid, glamorous or otherwise important, our reporters chose these names from a large list as those we thought were having the most influence this year. It was a challenging process that took two rounds of voting in the Geraldton newsroom to pick the top 22, with one name falling off in a last-minute line-ball decision. Here is our 2019 list, in alphabetical order. Heather Allen CWA State President The WA Government’s move to close the Schools of the Air, Camp Schools, and Moora Agricultural College awakened a sleeping giant last year when hundreds of CWA members converged on Parliament House to protest. Geraldton resident and CWA State President Heather Allen led the only mass rally in the organisation’s 95-year history. Mrs Allen has worked to modernise the organisation’s practices to accommodate digital-savvy new members while still including the 2000-plus existing members who are more comfortable with snail mail and paper. She has led the WA delegation to two Associated Country Women of the World conferences. Mrs Allen’s CWA career began when she joined Yuna Branch in 1977, she was inaugural President of Champion Bay Branch in 2014 and became State President in 2016. Although not a party political organisation, Mrs Allen has shown that the CWA can be a formidable political force. Glenn Barndon Broadcaster Glenn Barndon is anything but a self-promoter. Quiet and reserved, he is a ‘backroom boy’ with front of office skills. And knowledge. The humble Mr Barndon would probably suggest he’s got a face for radio — but what he has got, are the words for the microphone, which spread far and wide across the Midwest into countless homes and offices. They flow because he knows his game whether it’s sporting or social, serious or not-so-serious. A morning presenter with ABC Midwest, Mr Barndon talks news – the hard and the not-so-hard – on a daily basis. However, top of his agenda is what somebody or something means to the listeners locally. He has one main title: Mr Football, because of decades of selfless devotion to the Great Northern Football League, which has earned him life membership. A four-year president of the GNFL, Mr Barndon has a wonderful recollection of players and personalities which goes back many decades and have helped his radio calls. He is closely aligned with Chapman Valley – the football club and the area – from where his family has a long connection, pre-dating the GNFL. Not only does he have a love of the land, but knows the people and the places. Roger Beer WA Police Mid West Gascoyne District Superintendent He hasn’t been here very long, but he’s in charge of the region’s police officers, so we’ve popped him on the list. With about 34-years of policing under his belt, Superintendent Roger Beer took command of the region’s police force last December after an exit from previous top cop Mike Bell. Supt Beer was formerly head of the Tactical Response Group, spent 20 years as a detective and did police work in a number of fields, including drugs and organised crime, intelligence and State operations. So far this year, he has led the charge in dozens of drug busts and continued to shift police officers into more crime prevention roles, by fostering stronger relationships with community stakeholders, getting police to play and supervise youth activities and engage with people for other reasons besides crime solving. He’s also known to drink Emu Export and play a bit of local footy. Julian Canny Euphorium Creative ringleader and arts producer Julian Canny often says he looks like a manager of a BBQ Galore store. Thankfully the Geraldton-born funnyman didn’t venture into the retail world when he returned to his home town in 2012. Instead Mr Canny kickstarted The Comedy Emporium, now known as Euphorium Creative, an arts production company focused on supporting regional artists. And in 2016 Mr Canny teamed up with Jodi Reilly of PR consultancy Reilly & Co to establish Funtavia, a Fringe World Festival Hub that takes over Geraldton’s West End annually in February. Mr Canny’s dedication to the arts has helped shape the local arts scene, creating a unique space for regional performing artists to flourish and grow. Although he does not have much spare time these days to work on his own comedy career, Mr Canny says it’s a sacrifice he’s willing to make. Charlie Comeagain Geraldton police officer It seems like everybody knows Senior Constable Charlie Comeagain. He’s a Youth Crime Intervention Officer, runs activities for children to discourage crime, and works to strengthen families of juvenile offenders. Away from Geraldton Police Station, where he’s considered a “legend”, he’s a stalwart of local footy. He was named the Great Northern Football League’s first Aboriginal life member, had 100 best player listings and 15 best player listings in grand finals. And away from work and football, he’s a legend of his family. “He was my role model growing up, I always wanted to be like him,” Australia Day Youth Award recipient Cynthia Comeagain said of her grandfather earlier this year. “But he pushes me to be even better.” Despite earning her award for work with youth and community outreach service MEEDAC, Ms Comeagain gave her accolade to Charlie. According to her, she couldn’t have picked someone more deserving. Colin Cox Restaurateur and GNFL president Food and football, football and food. The two go together pretty well and when they are the subject matters in Geraldton, one name springs to the mind. Colin Cox. Mr Cox has the look of a full-time surfie, often sporting a long and woolly fleece. But there’s nothing laidback about his business. He has been the long-time owner and manager of Skeeta’s Restaurant — a venue that became so popular that it had to switch locations. Now it’s bigger, and better, Skeeta’s has become a popular meeting spot for endless diners and winers – or even for those just after a chat and a cuppa. Out of the kitchen, he has been dubbed as a “more than capable administrator” in challenging times of the Great Northern Football League. In 2010, he became the president of the GNFL and there is no end in sight. He now holds the mantle of being the second longest serving leader of the league in its six decade history. Mr Cox was also a senior football umpire for 16 seasons and officiated in 233 league games, two of them grand finals. Father Robert Cross Diocese of Geraldton Director of Heritage Long before Father Robert Cross was waging war on corellas he was uncovering the final resting places of “lost” bishops. Father Cross, an archaeologist, is not afraid to get his hands dirty, helping to exhume eight notable Perth bishops and archbishops from graves as far away as France. In 2017 an excavation during renovations at St Francis Xavier Cathedral revealed the long-forgotten burial site of WA’s first Bishop William Bernard Kelly. Specialising in cultural heritage, Father Cross has invited a whole new audience to experience the mark left behind in the Mid West by architect-priest Monsignor Hawes. Father Cross has organised and led two Caminos from Northampton to Geraldton, taking pilgrims to some of Monsignor Hawes’ most remarkable buildings. He has also opened the doors of St Francis Xavier Cathedral to a number of unique cultural events, such as the World War I memorial concert held late last year. Chris Dobson Midwest Charity Begins at Home president It’s one of Geraldton’s most beloved charities and she’s in charge of it. Midwest Charity Begins at Home president Chris Dobson has convinced residents to empty their pockets to the tune of $2.2 million in the past decade. The money has gone straight to people with serious illnesses in the Mid West and has helped prop-up struggling families. With a team of go-getters behind her, Chris has helped 239 Mid West residents get back on their feet so far, largely by raising funds through the charity’s premier event – the Gala Ball. Throughout the event’s history the charity has never raised less than $180,000 and in boom times even breached the $280,000 mark. Under leadership from Chris Midwest Charity Begins at Home has been thriving, providing emergency relief to locals in need and getting people excited about generosity – even when the economy has been closing wallets. Graham Fabian Senior Pastor, Sun City Christian Centre Mention the words “Pentecostal Church” and many people think of a church service with ecstatic preaching, singing and clapping in time, and “speaking in tongues”. While Sun City Christian Centre functions as an independent Pentecostal church, it also provides important welfare services including crisis accommodation, youth work, food supplies for the needy and various other community programs. At the helm is senior pastor Graham Fabian, who moved to Geraldton with his wife Cathie in 2004. Geraldton mayor Shane Van Styn said the City was “incredibly grateful” for Mr Fabian’s contribution. “Our community is much stronger for having him,” he said. “The growth and success of Sun City Christian Centre has been extraordinary and we are very fortunate to have them in our community doing the fine work they do. “Their activities for youth are incredible, their playgrounds, the mini golf, the big jumping mattress, and we look forward to their continued growth.” Mr Van Styn said the City had been proud to award the church various community grants over the years. Dr Howard Gray Historian, author, Batavia Coast Heritage Association chairman Historian Dr Howard Gray has been a key figure in investigating, preserving and celebrating Geraldton and the Houtman Abrolhos Islands’ centuries-old Dutch heritage. Dr Gray first visited the islands in 1980 and, through countless hours spent leading research expeditions and poring over archives, has become a leading authority on the archipelago. He is also an expert on the harrowing Batavia shipwreck and mutiny of 1629. A founding member and current chairman of the Batavia Coast Heritage Association, Dr Gray is the driving force behind the upcoming Balayi festival, which will mark the 400th anniversary of Frederik De Houtman’s discovery of the Houtman Abrolhos Islands. Last year, Dr Gray told The Geraldton Guardian despite the significance of the discovery it remained little-known. “It’s an important milestone in our history and important to bring it to people’s attention,” he said. “It’s all part of our identity and sense of place.” Dr Gray has written several books, including a fictional account of the Batavia shipwreck and award-winning histories of the Western Rock Lobster fishing industry. His dedication earned him the 2014 City of Greater Geraldton Outstanding Heritage Achievement Award, and the 2015 Heritage Council of WA award for Individual Voluntary Contribution to Heritage in WA. Jennifer Gregory-Kniveton Bundiyarra Irra Wangga Language Centre manager and Bundiyarra director Jennifer Gregory-Kniveton is a go-getter. In the 1990s she lobbied for custody of a former gravel pit and rubbish tip that included a recognised song line and a registered Aboriginal site that the Elders wanted to keep in the community. She helped motivate her people to establish it as Bundiyarra, the “good place”. Geraldton Aboriginal identity Gordon Gray said together with her immediate family, Ms Gregory was always available to help organisations and individuals in times of need. One of those family members said Ms Gregory was always ready to step into the breach when something happened. “She is always saying ‘this is our land that our Elders fought for and we can’t just let it go’,” she said. As the organisation’s longstanding treasurer Ms Gregory kept careful control of its finances, making sure grants were acquired, bills were paid and reports submitted on time. Bundiyarra employs 18 staff to provide programs and resources to improve Aboriginal people’s social, cultural, economic and community engagement for Midwest, Murchison and Gascoyne. Services include administrative support for Aboriginal businesses; a meeting place; language programs; classes; environmental health; cultural awareness training; landscaping; community garden; and language information service. Rochelle Macdonald Mid West Ports Chief Executive Officer September will mark one year since Dr Rochelle Macdonald was appointed as chief executive of the Mid West Ports Authority, making her the fourth female port chief executive in Australia. But in a short space of time Dr Macdonald has made waves in Geraldton by reopening the port to the community. A maintenance shed has been the backdrop to a number of events since her appointment, from the incredibly popular community open day to a women-only breakfast held on Valentine’s Day. Dr Macdonald has also used her position to speak up against family and domestic violence by sharing her own experience with an abusive partner. The second female chief executive of a port in WA, Dr Macdonald is a strong advocate for gender equality. “Women can do any job in the port, and there’s no reason we can’t have more,” she said at an event in February. Wendy Mann Geraldton Air Charter owner and operator Wendy Mann is a titan of the Mid West tourism sector. Such is her clout that one mover and shaker recently described her as having almost single-handedly raised Geraldton’s profile to the international stage. Ms Mann has undeniably fuelled the explosion in numbers of Chinese tourists who have flocked to Port Gregory’s iconic Pink Lake via Geraldton in recent years. As the business’s chief pilot she has flown countless travellers over the picturesque site and paved the way for others to operate ground tours. Speaking to The Geraldton Guardian in April, Ms Mann said Chinese visitors to the city had tripled since 2014, to the point where she felt it necessary to hire Mandarin-speaking staff and pilots. “Seeing the Pink Lake has become a status symbol,” she said. Indeed, interest in the region has become so great that Singaporean developer PIP Holdings has even floated the idea of building a mega China-town in Geraldton – possibly within the next five years. With the Abrolhos Islands and a plethora of other attractions a stone’s throw away – and with people like Ms Mann leading the charge – Geraldton surely cannot remain overshadowed for long. Jason McCarthy Seven West Media regional manager He is the media mogul of the Mid West. As Seven West Media’s regional manager, Jason McCarthy is at the helm of the biggest news and entertainment outlet in the region, overseeing The Geraldton Guardian, The Midwest Times, Red FM and Spirit Radio. Mr McCarthy plays a key role in fostering connections between the media and advertisers, providing a vital platform for local businesses to expand their horizons. He is a well-known figure among business and social circles. Like anyone who has climbed the rungs of their given profession, Mr McCarthy started from humble beginnings, entering the broadcasting industry as a sales representative back in 1995. Born in Kalgoorlie but a Geraldtonian through and through, he has never left his beloved hometown and can regularly be seen cheering on The Buccs at Activewest Stadium on a Saturday night. Karl Pirrottina Football coach and football academy director His name is extremely hard to pronounce – though it is a common surname in Geraldton. Pirrottina. There’s more than a handful around, and Karl Pirrottina is one of the more prominent. He loves sport – and is pretty good at it. A water polo player and basketball referee, his main game is football – on and off the field. Pirrottina was regarded as “a fine footballer, noted for strength and mobility”. He wore the Brigades jumper and also had four seasons at East Fremantle in the WAFL. Presently, he is in his second year as coach of Railways, who he has taken to second on the ladder. But it is off the field where Pirrottina is doing his best work. He is the director of the Geraldton division of the Clontarf Football Academy. Clontarf are recognised Australia-wide for their development – playing-wise but also personally – of young men who without the organisation may not get the chance to blossom. Pirrottina and his team put much time and effort into turning boys into men. John Rigter Businessman/entrepreneur In 1969, when John Rigter opened the Highway Provision Store on the corner of Durlacher and Elizabeth Streets, he and wife Beryl were the only employees. Fifty years on, Mr Rigter is something of a small business baron in Geraldton, his company now encompassing three supermarkets, three bottle shops, two taverns, and about 330 employees. The Dutch-born immigrant is also renowned for his philanthropy, having donated large figures to charity and sponsoring many Geraldton sporting teams over the years. Mr and Mrs Rigter adopted five children, including son Kyme, who was born in South Korea and moved to Geraldton in 1982, aged one. The 38-year-old now plays a major role in the family business. “It’s always been very important to dad to support the community, and he has this additional passion for local businesses,” Kyme said. This passion saw Mr Rigter emerge as a staunch opponent of extended trading hours, a policy he maintains is harmful to Geraldton’s small retailers. Now aged 76, he is no longer “officially active” in his family’s business, having taken on an advisory role. Yet he can still be spotted around town most days, collecting stray shopping trolleys. “I don’t think you’ll ever stop him doing that,” Kyme said. Matt Rutter Geraldton Fishermen’s Cooperative chief executive Matt Rutter is the only name on this list that doesn’t actually live in Geraldton. From his Perth base Mr Rutter has led the cray fishing industry in its efforts to establish a legitimate export market in China, and resist unwelcome WA Government reforms to the industry. According to his staff, Mr Rutter is an effective leader because he allows others to lead as well. “He talks people along on the journey and he tends to influence behaviour and attitudes to get them going in the same directions,” one staff member said. “A lot of people refer to him as the ‘voice of reason’.” While dealing with the recent push to create extra cray pot quotas and keep them in Government hands, Mr Rutter united his organisation with others including Fishing Families WA and the Western Rock Lobster council. He also led much of the marketing effort into China, setting up GFC China so live lobster could be exported directly to that market. Although the WA Government dropped its push to own its own quotas, Mr Rutter continues to push for the new domestic consumption quota, fishermen’s access rights and a lobster festival. Victor Tanti Sports statistician, City Councillor and public servant When he stood for election to the City of Greater Geraldton six years ago, Victor Tanti wrote he “was involved in football and cricket”. That’s an understatement. If it wasn’t for Mr Tanti, who was born in the eastern states of European descent, there would be no records of football and cricket in Geraldton. And we mean NO RECORDS. Asked recently what his playing record was, a former star footballer replied: “No idea, ring Vic Tanti, he will know.” Such a reply is common in sporting circles. Vic Tanti is a walking-talking advertisement for statistics and figures of the major winter and summer sports in the Midwest. But he is much more than that. He has done “a lot of jobs” since arriving in Geraldton 35 years ago. They include being a laboratory assistant, factory worker, journalist, tutor, radio announcer, taxi driver and work in the hospitality industry. You can see from such roles that Vic Tanti gets down and dirty, and has a go at many challenges. Where he isn’t reeling of stats he’s making a difference to the lives of ordinary people is as a councillor on the COGG. Vic Tanti is not a ‘yes’ man or a man who can be swayed by influencers. He is his own person and makes decisions – and gives suggestions – which will, and do, benefit the ordinary man and woman. He is all for the ratepayers. Presently, he is pushing for the Abrolhos islands to be more accessible for the masses. He also works hard to improve the physical and mental welfare of prisoners at Greenough Regional Prison, where he is employed as a vocations support officer. Ian Taylor Chairman of Midwest GP Network He was named the State’s best rural GP back in March and it’s not the only accolade he’s received. He also recently scooped the overall Chairman’s Award and GP Proceduralist of the Year. Dr Taylor has been routinely considered one of Geraldton’s “top docs” having significantly shaped the Panaceum Group and lead the charge on the Geraldton Hospital Medical Advisory Committee. Newly retired from obstetrics, Dr Taylor has delivered more than 1000 babies, some of which have grown up to work alongside him in the Geraldton healthcare scene. He still has a firm hand in anaesthesia, aged care and palliative care, with no plans to retire any time soon. Outside of work he is a proud Rotarian of more than 20 years and a tortured Fremantle Dockers fan. We’re not sure if he’s ever influenced anyone to convert to the purple-and-white, but he’s certainly been a mover and shaker in local medicine. Shane Van Styn City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Love him or hate him, there’s no denying Mayor Shane Van Styn has had a big impact on Geraldton. A former ruckman for Rovers Football Club, Mr Van Styn first joined the City of Greater Geraldton council in 2011 as a representative for the Tarcoola Ward. Four years later Mr Van Styn, an accountant, ran for mayor promising he would help “keep rate rises low”, fix the City’s ageing roads and footpaths, and be a strong advocate for Geraldton. Not only is the City’s budget back in surplus – albeit by a modest amount – but a number of legacy projects have been ticked off the list, including the Beresford Foreshore redevelopment, an extension to the airport runway and the construction of a World War I memorial. The former nightclub owner is constantly on the lookout for new ways to put Geraldton and the Mid West region on the map, and he’s not afraid to ruffle a few feathers in the process. Earlier this year Mr Van Styn slammed Prime Minister Scott Morrison over a controversial new dress code for citizenship ceremonies which he described as “un-Australian”. While many rolled their eyes at Mr Van Styn’s battle, people around the world were suddenly talking about the small rural city in Western Australia called Geraldton. Angie West Pollinators Space Lead Angie West is a catalyst for change and innovation in the Geraldton community. Geraldton mayor Shane Van Styn said he was excited about the eco tourism incubator Pollinators had set up under her leadership from the organisation’s “City Hive” base. He also said the “parklet” trail she initiated with the City and developers using City land created the impetus to develop Rock’s arcade. While Business Enterprise Centres are dotted about Australia to help start-up businesses survive and thrive, Pollinators has become more than a BEC under Ms West’s leadership. Staff member Emma Jackson said Ms West had a knack for bringing people and ideas together. “It is infectious working with Angie, she has always got her finger on the pulse,” she said. “She makes you feel part of what Pollinators is trying to achieve and she brings that warmth and creativity to everything she supports and is a part of.” Ms Jackson said Ms West was always looking for innovative and creative things to share with members and within the Hive itself. “We are working to make the space new and fresh and inspiring to create an interesting space for our members to come and work,” she said.