anniew3

I’ve lived in the Midwest region for the three decades. For the last 15ish years I’ve been in Geraldton.
Like all places it has it ups and far more downs.


Drugs. Huuuuge drug problems. I unfortunately bought a house in Utakarra. The realestate agency cared more about the profits than the fact that the house should be condemned. Almost every morning we wake to some kind of glass smashed across the roads.


White people aren’t wanted here. Do not be surprised to hear loudly “this is why I hate white people”, and most of the white people you find well and truly deserve it.

The hospital is ill equipped for the size of the region. Expect a 6 hour wait for medical treatment in the ER. I’ve been there when a poor woman was miscarrying in front of everyone but there was no bed for her. I’ve been there with a woman trying to cut her wrists as there was no bed to her either.


There are long waits for mental health help. Same with NDIS. Not enough disability access and forget about driving here. It’s a joke. Car parks are too small. Do expect to be coming home with new scratches and dents.


Shopping is limited. Our Striling Centre has 8 empty premises. The Mall is half empty as rent is astronomical.

Theft from cars is super common. I’ve started leaving my car unlocked and glovebox down with nothing in it because I’d rather not have my locks broken.


Bike theft. Even if you can prove another kid has taken your child’s bike, good luck getting it back.


The beaches are nice. They’re even pretty. But don’t expect everyone to follow the rules. People like to walk dogs off lead, it’s kind of an inbuilt right here. Even dangerous dogs... and owners will laugh. Cats must be kept inside too as people also laugh over pets being mauled.


Also, when you come to town, it is definitely a town where who you know means more than what you know. Most people are related. Hook up culture isn’t a young people’s game. Half the time kids are raised not actually by the biological father.


We also have a high dust count. This isn’t the place if you’re allergic to dust, grass, mould, or pollen.


As for cafes... we have more than we need. You can find most things you need... oh! There’s no fresh supermarket bread on the weekends.